The Heart of Christianity

Rediscovering a Life of Faith

By: Marcus J. Borg

Narrated by: John Pruden

World-renowned Jesus scholar Marcus J. Borg shows how we can live passionately as Christians in today's world by practicing the vital elements of Christian faith.

For the millions of people who have turned away from many traditional beliefs about God, Jesus, and the Bible, but still long for a relevant, nourishing faith, Borg shows why the Christian life can remain a transforming relationship with God. Emphasizing the critical role of daily practice in living the Christian life, he explores how prayer, worship, Sabbath, pilgrimage, and more can be experienced as authentically life-giving practices.

Borg reclaims terms and ideas once thought to be the sole province of evangelicals and fundamentalists: he shows that terms such as "born again" have real meaning for all Christians; that the "Kingdom of God" is not a bulwark against secularism but is a means of transforming society into a world that values justice and love; and that the Christian life is essentially about opening one's heart to God and to others.

©2003 Marcus J. Borg (P)2011 HarperCollins Publishers

Interesting look at Christianity

This book really challenged my thinking on all things Christian whisk is always good.while I am not sure I agree with all his premises they made for very interesting discussions in my church book study group.

Helped bring me back to Christianity

I have never been one to take a lecture, sermon, teaching or other information on the subject of Christianity at face value if I am told to simply accept what is being presented and leave my own thought process and intelligence, the brain God gave me, at the door. That has been my problem with traditional Christian dogma. Thankfully this book presents a case for Christianity that encourages me to use historical and scholarly research, to think for myself about what makes the most sense. One of the most important books for my personal spiritual growth.

Excellent!

one of my favorite books from my favorite authors. I will miss this wonderful, brilliant man.

Excellent for reconstructers!

As a recovering fundamentalist I found this very very helpful. It's a picture of a much more beautiful Christianity.

Faith without sacrificing intelligence. Beautiful.

Where does The Heart of Christianity rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Its different from my usual listens... I tend towards fiction. It certainly had a greater effect on me than any other book I have listened to.

What other book might you compare The Heart of Christianity to and why?

Falling Upwards by Richard Rohr

What does John Pruden bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He has a clear, easy to listen to voice. He read at the perfect pace for this type of work.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The entire book was inspiring. It deals with the new, more inclusive paradigm that is emerging in many churches.

Any additional comments?

This book made me comfortable with the idea of organized religion again.

Tremendous; The book provides great insight

tremendous insight is provided into religion in understanding Christianity in relationship two other religions. The book is not easy reading edit times I became frustrated to keep all of the information linked as I think the author intended. I think this book will be a specially useful to those who struggle with placing their individual religious experience in relationship two other religions.

Borg at his most personal

This book, almost as much as "Convictions, " is personal Marcus Borg, beloved teacher and friend

Best book for thoughtful seekers

I personally loved it. As a seeker of the "more", I loved this book. Made me feel comfortable to call myself christian. As a scientist I can't recommend this book enough for people who want to rediscover their faith.

book worth rediscovering for both head and heart

This is another example of a book I had on my shelves for years but might never have read if Audible hadn't featured it in a sale. I listened to it in two sessions: It's very accessible, yet very rich, and still holds up 8 years after initial publication. It would be well worth a full credit.

Borg synthesizes other, more in-depth work (which made for more dense listening/reading) into a more pastoral format. "Heart" for him is what is most central and alive, the driving force deeper than intellect -- It gives Christianity transformative power. And it's so good to hear a Jesus Seminar scholar who still speaks so positively about mainline Christianity, one that satisfies both "head and heart." Borg makes a case for emerging Christianity (Did he coin the term in this book?), but he does not denigrate anyone who does not agree with all or any of his views - His is a very respectful, welcoming stance, so I think the listen could appeal even to traditionalists who just want to understand the "other" paradigm for being Christian today. The open hands on the book cover are a perfect illustration of the content.

The narration is better than most similar nonfiction-- Narrators seem to be challenged in finding the right note in books on spirituality, but this one is easy on the ears.

Seriously, what's Christianity?

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I'd recommend this book to anyone with serious thoughts, questions, or ponderings about Christianity

Any additional comments?

Borg successfully defines what true, stripped-down Christianity is within the context of its history. Borg describes a Christianity that those who embrace a diverse and challenging world can be proud of, but that doesn't water-down the type of transformation Christianity makes available to us.