Author: ppadmin

        Martin Luther claims both scripture and ‘clear reason’ as the foundation of Christian faith (LW 32:112-113). Hearing the Word is an attempt to foster healthy conversation as it comments on the meaning and authority of scripture for Christian life and discipleship.

        Scripture is the living word which seeks to bring together in conversation both past and present (perhaps future, too!); it is not only a historical record of personal beliefs, but a record of G-d’s intent that ‘circumscribes us’ (p 9). Scripture brings together the experience of the writer and of the reader; experience reflected on is both the content and intent.

        Luther’s concept of the orders embedded in creation (priest, civil body, church and marriage) called for legitimation of the sword (LW 48:261-262).  (This is an issue I don’t follow: his use of Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2 are not legitimation of the state but of the basis of civic order.  But this illustrates the need to clarify our concepts of hermeneutics.)

        Raised Lutheran, Borg has been a professor theology both at the university level and as an Episcopalian theologian. Convictions reflects on the convictions that have shaped him, encouraging us to become more deeply rooted in the spiritual conviction that leads both us and our world to transformation and renewal.

        Borg sketches the church’s story, shaped both by Paul’s radical social insights, as well as an acquiescent approach to the dominant culture (patriarchy, slavery). He mentions the great schism, that in 1054 separated east from west (Orthodox from Catholic), and the changes in the 1500’s (the Reformation). Today the differences are not between denominations but between world views:  conservative, conventional, uncertain, former, progressive (p 8-14), world views held by groups that cross denominational lines.

        Borg identifies three kinds of changes (conversions) he has gone through (pp 31-35): intellectual, political and religious, and sketches the changes for him of different aspects of Christian faith: Easter (p 127), atonement (p 131), justice and violence (p 147), war (p 194).  A final chapter details what it means to love G-d (paying attention to G-d, loving what G-d loves, centering in G-d, compassion, freedom and courage, gratitude (p 209-231).