Marcus Borg, American scholar, theologian, and author (b. 1942)

Marcus Joel Borg (1942–2015) was a profoundly influential American New Testament scholar and theologian, widely recognized for his significant contributions to progressive religious thought. He emerged as one of the most widely known and impactful voices within Liberal Christianity, a theological movement characterized by its emphasis on ethical living, social justice, and a critical, often metaphorical, understanding of biblical texts rather than strict literalism. Borg advocated for a Christianity that was intellectually credible and ethically compelling in the modern world.

As a pivotal figure in the academic pursuit of the historical Jesus, Borg was a prominent fellow of the Jesus Seminar. This controversial yet impactful group of scholars convened to systematically analyze and determine the historical authenticity of sayings and deeds attributed to Jesus in the Gospels, utilizing a rigorous, evidence-based approach. Borg's work frequently presented Jesus as a profound wisdom teacher, a social revolutionary challenging established norms, and a mystic deeply connected to the divine, rather than solely focusing on traditional Christological dogma. His application of the historical-critical method aimed to uncover the historical core of Jesus's life and message, making it relevant for contemporary spiritual and ethical challenges.

Throughout his distinguished academic career, Marcus Borg served as the Hundere Distinguished Professor of Religion and Culture at Oregon State University. This prestigious position, which he held until his retirement in 2007, allowed him to significantly influence numerous students and continue his prolific research and writing. His accessible literary style made complex biblical scholarship understandable to a broad public audience, fostering deeper engagement with Christian faith beyond traditional boundaries.

Marcus Borg passed away eight years after his retirement, on January 21, 2015, at the age of 72. His death occurred at his home in Powell Butte, Oregon, due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a severe, chronic, and progressive lung disease characterized by the scarring of lung tissue from an unknown cause, leading to irreversible loss of lung function. Borg's enduring legacy continues through his numerous widely-read books, which have profoundly shaped contemporary discussions on faith, scripture, and the historical Jesus, inspiring a more expansive and inclusive understanding of Christianity for countless individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marcus J. Borg

Who was Marcus J. Borg?
Marcus J. Borg was a leading American New Testament scholar and theologian, particularly known for his progressive Christian views and his significant role in the academic quest for the historical Jesus.
What is Liberal Christianity?
Liberal Christianity, often associated with Progressive Christianity, is a theological movement that champions human reason, critical inquiry, and ethical action. It typically interprets scripture through a historical-critical lens, emphasizing the Bible's inspirational quality and moral teachings over strict literal interpretations of every detail.
What was the Jesus Seminar?
The Jesus Seminar was a group of scholars, co-founded in 1985, who employed a distinctive voting system to assess the historical authenticity of the sayings and deeds attributed to Jesus in the Gospels. Marcus Borg was a prominent and active member of this influential, albeit sometimes controversial, academic collective.
What was Borg's primary contribution to biblical scholarship?
Marcus Borg was instrumental in making complex historical-critical biblical scholarship, especially concerning the historical Jesus, widely accessible to a mainstream audience. He reinterpreted conventional understandings of Jesus, presenting him as a transformative figure whose teachings hold profound relevance for contemporary social, ethical, and spiritual issues.
What is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)?
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive lung disease that causes irreversible scarring of the lungs without a known cause. This scarring leads to a gradual decline in lung function, making breathing increasingly difficult over time.