Putting Away Childish Things: A Tale of Modern Faith [Marcus J. Borg] on leondumoulin.nl *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. “We all know that Marcus Borg is a.
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It doesn't make faith any less valuable to see it this way. Another discussion surrounded the shift in meanings of the English words "believe" and "faith. In the church, belief "in God" has often morphed into "belief that" a particular set of doctrines or statements are true. Likewise, there are 3 words that describe faith in Latin--fiducia, which is trust, fidelitas, which is fidelity loyalty , and finally assensus, which means something more like assent assenting to the truth of a claim or set of beliefs.
The book discusses how before Christianity met up with the Enlightenment, the primary meanings of faith were fidelitas and fiducia--faithfulness of God and trust in God. But the same way that "belief" has shifted, we often tend today to think that "faith" also refers to the "assensus" form of faith. Anyway, I found some of these arguments very interesting and persuasive, and coming as they were in novel form, packaged very accessibly. There are truths to be learned even when things aren't factual. Not a great novel, will never win a prize for plot, character development, or anything like that.
Well, the writing was done well. But the material bothered me. If you are a new believer in Christ and have given your life over to Him and need discipleship, this book will lead you in the wrong direction. I know that Christ should be the center of our lives and Kate is a professor teaching religion and saying that the Bible is just stories, representing ideas. There are two characters in the book that are born-again and I give the author a nod for including them in the book. But I am disturbe Well, the writing was done well. But I am disturbed at the idea of fitting God into the cracks of our lives when we need a little diversion.
He should be Lord of our lives and this will truly briung peace and joy Jun 16, Phil rated it liked it Shelves: It has to be said that, although I understand his premise and motive behind writing the book, there are elements to it that are absolutely grating! First, and most annoyingly, once a name brand has been established describing an object, it doesn't have to be referred by that name brand every time it's mentioned.
A "Guinness" beer--which is highly overrated by people who think that by choosing to like this beer automatically elevates them to some beer-phile status--should simply become "beer" afte It has to be said that, although I understand his premise and motive behind writing the book, there are elements to it that are absolutely grating!
A "Guinness" beer--which is highly overrated by people who think that by choosing to like this beer automatically elevates them to some beer-phile status--should simply become "beer" after we know it's a Guinness. One does not "order a Guinness" and then "take another sip of their Guinness" and then "take a long draw of Guinness. Call it a beer, damn it! Some continued railing on name brand dropping: Not an year Macallan or Johnny Blue? If he cares at all, he's stocking a Highland single malt.
Secondly, I realize that Borg wants to paint a picture of the "real faith" of some liberal university types. But, does he really have to make them stereotype caricatures? Martin and Kate are worrying about "how far that fish was shipped to get to their Midwestern town" and shopping at Whole Foods. Then, there's the black, gay female professor. This is the kind of character type that people make jokes about you know: Kate's best friend is gay shocker. She's always making stupid comments about "if he wasn't gay, she'd marry him.
To marry gay guys? The only redeeming quality that the main characters have are their vices like smoking pipes and drinking Scotch. I just didn't see the point, other than Borg thought it was a cool idea or it happened to him in real life so he shoe-horned it in. I half expected Kate Riley to get that position except it didn't fit with her Episcopal background.
That story line was jettisoned by the time the book ended. I guess Borg didn't feel the need to close that loop or his editor dozed off during those chapters. Do we really need one of the characters to ask if another knows what "Saltimbocca" means? It sounds so smarty-pants. Borg lacks an ear for realistic dialogue. They all speak with the same vernacular and wordiness. Especially, undergraduate college students who are struggling to articulate themselves anyway!
View all 3 comments. May 26, Dan Wilkinson rated it liked it. In this work of fiction Borg provides insights into the positions and difficulties of modern progressive Christianity. Although overly didactic at times, Borg nevertheless manages to provide an insightful examination of the intersection of faith and modernity, framing theological, philosophical and social issues in an accessible and engaging way. I'm not sure to what extent this story is a successful progressive Christian apologetic; it's doubtful that Borg's concise explanations of the liberal In this work of fiction Borg provides insights into the positions and difficulties of modern progressive Christianity.
I'm not sure to what extent this story is a successful progressive Christian apologetic; it's doubtful that Borg's concise explanations of the liberal Christian understanding of miracles, Jesus, the Bible, Adam and Eve and homosexuality will be persuasive to those with already fully-formed beliefs regarding these issues.
But by weaving such topics into a work of fiction, Borg humanizes the subject matter and makes us empathize with the difficulties of maintaning faith and reason. He prudently positions characters on different sides of the issues, and most importantly, depicts them struggling to find a way forward. To that end, the book includes a generous amount of references to resources for further information, as well as selections of poetry, hymns and prayers.
This book isn't a theological tour de force; rather, it's a contemplative exploration of the beauty of progressive Christianity. Feb 06, Michael rated it liked it Shelves: I grabbed this book because I like Marus Borg's nonfiction work, and the story sounded interesting. The author says up front, in the prologue, that the book will be didactic: With that in mind, much of what I read--the theology part--I had read before in Borg's other books. There were certainly some new insights and ideas, though. Like all of Professor Borg's books, I found myself nodding along in some places, and shaking my head in disagreement in others.
And, as when I read nonfiction books about liberal Protestantism, I found myself both jealous of the tradition's theological freedom while being bemused by how all over the place it is. A few brief observations: Borg skewers political correctness with an example of a group of very liberal theology teachers having a heart-felt and contentious discussion over whether to call dogs 'pets' or 'animal companions.
He acknowledged how well-intentioned such discussions are even as he recognized how pointless they can be. He did offer up a few comments on the idea of 'heteronormativity,' which I find None of the liberal Protestants in the book--not one--ever performed, or made reference to performing, an act of charity for those who are poor, or sick, or in some dire straight.
The characters were, for the most part, wealthy, well-educated Episcopalians who were very focused on their spiritual journeys; they were all Christians. If any one of them ever did some sort of good deed, it was unremarked upon by the author. I found that quite telling.
As interesting as I find the theology of the Christian Left, there is a bit of navel-gazing that goes on. Certainly not everyone Jim Wallis, Shayne Clairborne, Sara Miles , but many of the folks I've met and read about are materially comfortable and unbearably smug. Not all of course Borg, speaking through is main character, tells about how the earliest Christian communities did not so much 'believe' as 'belove.
And the Apostle's Creed, the Council of Nicea I wish I could ask Professor Borg about this part in person. Perhaps I'll email him. Overall, I enjoyed this book very much. I like Marcus Borg, and I will continue to read his books. I am unconvinced by some parts of his theological world view, even as I am totally convinced by others.
Apr 05, Joy rated it really liked it Shelves: Borg himself describes this book as a "didactic novel" and I think that word is very accurate. The plot revolves around Kate, a Liberal Christian and New Testament professor at a liberal arts college. She's written a popular book about the nativity narratives in the gospel, and has come under fire from colleagues and parents of students who find her either too un-evangelical in her thinking, or too religious.
Ah, the perennial dilemma of being a liberal Christians, where neither fundamentalists Borg himself describes this book as a "didactic novel" and I think that word is very accurate. Ah, the perennial dilemma of being a liberal Christians, where neither fundamentalists nor atheists want you! But she's received an potential offer from a seminary to teach for a year--the same seminary where an old lover still teaches. If she accepts that offer, however, will she lose her opportunity at tenure at her current job? There are several reasons a person might enjoy this novel: If you're looking for thrilling drama, or intense psychological character development, you will want to look elsewhere.
I enjoyed it because 2,3,4, and 6 above really interest me. Your mileage may vary. Feb 21, Jessica rated it did not like it.
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This book was SO bad I wish I could give it negative stars since it was a huge waste of my time reading it! I wasn't familiar with the author, but based on the title and a review I read I thought it would be an interesting look at "modern faith" - not so much. Apparently the author's view of "modern faith" is that you can call yourself a Christian and basically not believe the Bible.
The book follows Kate, a religion professor at a small liberal arts college. Kate's newest book focuses on the co This book was SO bad I wish I could give it negative stars since it was a huge waste of my time reading it! Kate's newest book focuses on the conflicting accounts of Jesus' birth in two books of the Bible. During a radio interview with a conservative Christian show she is blasted for her views.
She is then put in the middle of conservative Christians calling her "too liberal" and her university telling her that she is "too Christian" for their school. The author does state that he intends this book to be didactic, but it is VERY heavy-handed. The title also makes me mad because I feel like the author is making a jab with it. And to make it even worse the writing is so poor I can hardly believe this author was ever published fiction or non-fiction. Anyway, this was a such a terrible book I really wish I hadn't wasted my time with it! Dec 16, Churchlady rated it did not like it.
Oh, my gosh, was I disappointed! I was really expecting to be challenged and intrigued. Granted, Borg informs us from the beginning that this is a "teaching" novel. Novel, not so much. The character development was non-existent, there were no surprises. The characters came off as elitist intellectuals who had no interaction outside an academic environment.
They were boorish snobs who think that feeling a little guilty equals social justice. The book came off as preachy. I wanted a Oh, my gosh, was I disappointed! I wanted a novel - I edited a college course. Nov 08, Polly rated it liked it Shelves: Despite its didactic tone, Borg talks about lots of interesting ideas in a new way. He isn't a novelist; too often, his characters do or say something because it's important to him, not because they're separate people.
A novel isn't the place for 3-page excerpts from text books or several pages of a college lecture.
Putting Away Childish Things - Marcus J. Borg - E-book
At the same time, I enjoyed looking at how beliefs inform who we are, as well as the conversations between people all along the spectrum of religious thought. May 06, Kim Faires rated it did not like it. Didn't like it at all. The writing wasn't that good and the content was definitely not what I was expecting.
It was way more out of the box than I ever hope to become. Paperback swapped it already Jul 31, Mary Lou rated it liked it Shelves: This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Borg may just have been the right book at the right time, but I really liked it. The details about life in academia, America and Europe, church, food and drink made the story seem so authentic and familiar that it seemed almost true.
She wants to accept, but her department discourages her, agreeing to fill her job temporarily but requiring her to re-compete to get it back. Other complicating factors are that as she publicizes her second book, Two Stories, One Birth: In the very short time frame of spring semester, Riley must makes her decision and cope with petitions to deny her tenure by right wing groups.
He is Geoff Cooper, a gay colleague whose area is Asian religions with a specialty in Buddhism. Another is fifty year old Fredrika Adams, an Episcopalian priest for about 20 years.
Although her beloved brother is gay and she loves and accepts him, homosexuality is firmly viewed as a sin by The Way Bible group that Erin has joined. She agrees to let Erickson interview her on the basis that no one will find out who she is until after her death. Believing and faith originally meant being committed to, beloving, having a combination of trust and commitment to. Although one reviewer says Riley has a crisis of faith, I believe she just struggles to be intelligent with her decision.
Somebody told me that it occurs times in the Bible—one for each day of the year? Adams also quotes Frederick Buechner: Listen to what happens to you because it is through what happens to you that God speaks Poems are used several times in the story. An oddity of editing or an error occurs on page The next is that night at a meeting of The Way.
Borg puts in a lot of information, almost proselytizing, about Episcopalians. Most of us are pretty comfortable. Becoming reenchanted, I guess. What matters is what we do with whatever wealth and influence we have. Do we use it to preserve the way things are? Or do we use it to make the world a better place? Texts that may be worth reading include: The Responsible Self by H. What are their — issues? Title from Paul, 1st Corinthians How applicable to novel?
What childish ways in their thoughts and behaviors? How have they put an end to these? Mar 17, Robin rated it liked it. His heroine teaches religion at a small liberal arts college, is a regular pray-er and church goer and so combines progressive liberal Christianity with a real love of Jesus. She is courted by a divinity school and faces a decision about whether to leave what is secure and follow this challenge. Other primary characters include her students who begin from various places on the theological spectrum, colleagues at her current school, and a mentor who is now teaching at the divinity school.
Lecture notes, sermon outlines, and class handouts all give Borg a chance to draw on work he has done. May 27, Bryn Clark rated it it was ok. Two stars seems harsh, so let me explain: The characters were all caricatures, which is to be expected. May 23, Kathy rated it really liked it. Not the greatest novel I've ever read, but this book gave me some insights into Borg's world of academia, and specifically the world of religious study.
It made me realize that a scholar of religion is not necessarily a believer, which would probably come as a shock for many who are believers. I found the characters likable, the conversations stimulating, and I especially liked the development of the relationships among the students and between students and faculty. A good companion to Borg's no Not the greatest novel I've ever read, but this book gave me some insights into Borg's world of academia, and specifically the world of religious study.
A good companion to Borg's nonfiction writing. Jun 05, Karen rated it did not like it. Did not answer any of my questions about faith. Main character too loose. I could not relate. The main character's smoking drove me crazy. Always wanting a cigarette. I have no respect for a character that cannot quit the habit. Yet, she was "so faithful. Jul 15, Donna rated it it was ok.
Putting Away Childish Things
For new followers of Christ - confusion they do not need. Some slightly interesting theories about historical accuracy of Bible - nothing to see here. I liked Kate - but could not connect with any other characters. Characters not developed enough - could barely visualize them. Aug 29, Marni rated it really liked it. A wonderful weaving of Borg's thoughts in novel form.
I should probably write this "review" after my impressions have settled down and focused. I read this book because it is by Borg and we have been informally sharing it in Bible Study. I'm all over the place right now about how I feel about the book: The way the story unfolded kept me wanting to read. Yet the details in the book irritate me. Your first novel, and this is Borg's first, is autobiographical. And in Putting Away Child I should probably write this "review" after my impressions have settled down and focused.
I, especially, learned that he is too hip. He shops at Whole Foods, has great clothes, teaches at some smart school and has smart-thinking friends; he has the doubts and fears that we all have, but he has meticulous habits. He even smokes, something, every day, whether a pipe or cigarettes or both. The women in his life are fashionably successful and don't cook. The men are also successful and do cook for the women; not everyday life-giving sustenance, but expensive and fanciful dishes that can be seen on TV cooking shows.
Borg, whom I nearly worshipped and disagreed with frequently before this book, is now a bland, aging white guy who is so predictable that he is boring. And he doesn't really do anything except think and talk and doubt. Oh, and he drinks a lot of wine and knows what he is drinking.
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That brings me to my own conflict in my life: I couldn't do anything really except think, so I taught school. I loved the image of the academic life and this book reinforces that image. But now my life is full of activity, growth and making actual objects from photographs to cooking, preserving food, making bread and selling herbs. Everything I do contributes to my ability to live and doesn't only add to my quality of life.
My quality of life is now improved because of this: I feel honest fulfillment and not the abstract fulfillment of thought. This is working for me and won't work for many others. However, it points out to me the different directions that life can take and the different needs that people have. Want to make a point? Tell a good story. Following in the footsteps of Brian McLaren and others, Marcus Borg — popular scholar and author of Jesus Seminar fame — has written a novel. Putting Away Childish Things: Her secularist constituents including some of her colleagues view her as too religious, while her conservative students and their parents view her liberal beliefs with suspicion.
I feel strange critiquing thoughts expressed by fictional characters. Even so, the book does convey a message, and since Borg chooses to elucidate certain ideas and not others, I believe I can honor the genre and still provide a fair review and critique. Does the book succeed as a work of fiction? At one level, yes. Borg tells a good story. His narrative lets us peek into the politics that take place behind closed doors in the halls of academia. But at another level, the novel suffers from poor character development.
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The teaching is clear, but the story introduces us to one-dimensional characters with little depth or nuance. Perhaps it is unfair to critique Borg too strongly at this point, since this is his first attempt at fiction. Here are some of my thoughts on the content of Putting Away Childish Things:. Traditional Christians are viewed as anti-homosexual, while predictably the progressive characters affirm homosexual behavior as legitimate for Christians. It may seem that I am nitpicking here, but this point needs to be made: And the truth of a parable is its meaning.
Parables can be truthful, truth-filled, even while not being historically factual. And I apply this to the birth stories: Riley claims that the identification of truth with factuality is a cultural product of the Enlightenment. Two things are missing from this discussion. First, it must be proven not merely stated that linking truth and factuality is a product of the Enlightenment.
Second, Borg never discusses the authorial intent of the Gospels. Kate Riley hints that Luke may have been putting together his birth narrative in a way to bring out themes which will later play a big part of the story. But the supreme question is: Did Luke intend to convey truth in parabolic form? Or was Luke intending to provide us with an historical account of these events? But Borg never mentions it. One of the evangelical characters, a thoughtful young girl named Erin, is asked if Jesus really changed her.
When all is said and done, personal experience has the last word. Freed from the chains of historicity, we can revel in our personal knowledge of the divine. Erin is chained to her conversion experience as just an experience. What she has experienced is all she can know. Kate Riley believes our current separation of politics and religion is unbiblical. She points out how the Gospel stories counter Roman imperial theology. On this point, Riley and I assume Borg is correct although this reading can be overstated and over-applied.