For those of you who might be interested in hearing two vastly different versions of who Jesus was and is and what he was all about, or people who simply enjoy debates, this book might be of some interest. The cover advertises that "the leading liberal and conservative Jesus scholars present the heart of the historical Jesus debate," and it really doesn't let you down. The two authors alternate chapters outlining their own positions on all the major questions to do with who Jesus was and what that means for us.The liberal voice is Marcus J. Borg, whose book Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time I've also recently read. Borg is from the University of Oregon, and belongs to the Jesus Seminar, a somewhat notoriously skeptical group of scholars who use a somewhat infamous coloured bean system for deciding what gospel material is historical and what isn't. Borg is fairly skeptical about the historical factuality of Jesus in the gospels, but claims a vibrant Christian faith. His version of Christianity may surprise and frustrate you, though, as he takes on such subjects as the virgin birth, the meaning of Jesus' death, the resurrection, second coming, etc. As I've been describing to friends, he seems to me to be like the chorus in a classical play, with a refrain that goes something like this: "While I don't think this is historical factual, it is profoundly true in a more important sense. These gospels are history made into metaphor, and we shouldn't try to turn the metaphor into history." And on it goes.
While he is clearly not an unintelligent man, his view of Jesus as one way to God, the way appropriate for Christians, leaves us wondering what was so special about Jesus anyway. Near the book's end, he makes a telling statement: "I have not thought through what is the bare minimum that must be historical in order for the gospels to be true. I am not sure it would be useful to do so." (p. 235) But that is just the question the reader can't help asking: doesn't all this "metaphor" have to rest on something?
The conservative voice is N.T. Wright, a Bishop in the Church of England and very learned professor whom the back of the book describes as "the most prominent standard-bearer for the traditional stance and an outspoken critic of the Jesus Seminar," who also happens to be a friend of Marcus Borg's. (That is perhaps the best thing about this book: they respectfully worked together, accurately portraying the other's position as they defend their own. They are a model of collegiality and friendly discussion.)
Wright is hardly "traditional" but he is very orthodox. As I read his writings, I get the sense that I'm starting to see for the first time the true "big picture" of what God was doing in Jesus. He is also very pastoral and encouraging in his tone, particularly in his final chapter on the Christian life, where he suggests that following Jesus involves four essential parts: spirituality, theology, politics, and healing. His explanations of these are very inviting.
The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions can be a bit heavy reading at times for a book that is aimed at lay people, but it is worth the effort if you'd like to think about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Borg will make you aware of some of your own assumptions, and occasionally offer insights that are helpful. Wright, on the other hand, is an articulate defender of orthodox Christianity who manages to make everything sound fresh and new, and sends you back to the Bible with your eyes open, ears tuned in, and heart ready to be filled up anew.
