119 - Jesus: A New Vision

Jesus: A New Vision
By Marcus J. Borg
San Francisco, Harper & Row, 1987. 216 pp. $16.95.

Marcus Borg, who is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Oregon State University, has written an engaging book for a general audience, one which represents the reawakened interest in Jesus among scholars. That interest is here developed in a thoroughly historical way, but also in a manner that challenges the common understanding of Jesus as a teacher of eschatology. It is alleged that "Jesus' experience of a world of Spirit challenges the modern worldview"; Jesus' insight is that divine compassion is at the wellspring of human life in society. Borg's argument requires further support and elucidation precisely where it is most innovative. The concept of a "world of Spirit" within the thought of early Judaism is by no means selfevident, and general reference to "paranormal healings," "clairvoyance," and "levitation" in our own day scarcely spells it out. There is no point at which Borg here engages with the literature of early Judaism, in which a keen expectation of God's imminent intervention on behalf of his people is characteristic. Similarly,

120 - Jesus: A New Vision

Jesus' self-image as a social critic is more asserted than defended. Perhaps a more academic study from Borg's pen will someday elucidate his vision further. In the meantime, the present work will serve well to stimulate thought and discussion.

Bruce Chilton
Bard College
Annandale, N.Y.