Reading the Bible Again For the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously But Not Literally

I have struggled for a few years to get to grips with the many problems presented by the bible. The classic evangelical approach is that every word is to be taken as literal truth. I did a talk a few years ago about Joshua and the levels of violence were disturbing. I found myself admitting that I had very little to say. Then there are the inconsistencies in the gospels and the frankly unbelievable stories such as Adam and Eve, Jonah and Balaam's ass. The warning has always been that if you select only those parts of the bible that you like that you water down the whole. This excellent book by Marcus J Borg addresses those very concerns. He present s the bible in a new way - from the point of the view of those who wrote the various documents and those who would have received them. He places the bible within the world that it came into being, rather than as a guide book to be interpreted as if it was written last week. So, for example, the gospels might be history - a factual narrative, testimony - statements of the impact of Jesus or metaphor - stories to tell readers what Jesus was like. But Borg does not write this in a way that dilutes the bible. On the contrary he points out that each of these is valid. The underlying truth remains the same. He writes as an academic but in a way that does not hide his own passion and love for the scriptures. A great read and highly recommended for anyone seeking the truth behind the most popular book in history.

This is another insightful book from Marcus Borg. The introductory chapters on how people read the Bible are very interesting. The chapter on the Pentateuch will be familiar to anyone who has done and introductory course on the Old Testament with its fairly standard discussion of J & P, and the Chapters on the Gospels and on Paul repeats will be familiar to anyone who has read some of Borg's other work. Where this book stands out, however, is in the chapters on the Prophets and on Revelation. I would definitely recommend it for those chapters.

It suggests a more free way of having the Bible communicate to you the Divine message than has often been the case, or at least as much of it as the Bible includes. The Bible contains and alludes to ideas at many levels, some of which have been shrouded through translations and revisions, but some of the revelation of this "pearl of great price" was never given at the time of its writing. For both of these reasons the most informative way to read it (or any other text, for that matter) is with the help and interpretation of the "Still small voice" that is within each of us. Course, there seems to be a "Catch - 22" situation implied here, in that the Bible seems to be the manual for learning how to hear that voice. Incidentally, if anyone is objecting to my suggestion that the Bible is not a complete courier of the Divine message, this is clearly so because, by any reasonable measure, its most illuminated and transformative part is the Gospels and Jesus' teaching, ..... and it clearly reports that before his departure he states "I have yet many things to say unto you but ye cannot bear them now". There are also many other references to becoming still and listening for further guidance and clarity. So, what about the "Catch - 22" referenced above? Well, it turns out not to be a problem because the source of the "Voice for Truth" within us (that for which the shorthand label is the word "God") has many ways to communicate with us and it will find a way to get through to anyone who has reached a state of willingness to hear, .... the only thing that ever blocks it is our confidences in what we have decided is how things work, ..... what we have learnt through "eating from the tree of knowledge", .... very little of which has any absolute truth to it, as we are, from within the human condition, "seeing through a glass darkly", ..... or more informatively we are observing through a lens of misperception, .... this idea that, from the human egoic perspective, what we observe and believe to be reality is actually an illusion is a recurring theme in many schools of religious belief (and Plato's cave). And science does not address this issue because it simply assumes that what we are observing is real. Now, what about this book? ..... well, the choice and process of backing out of the beliefs we have incorporated (and the extreme limitations of life apparently as a body) can be likened to retracing a path over a series of stepping stones, .... as we retreat from the ignorance, frustration, limitation, mortality, repeated sickness, etc. of this completely unreal experience, ... which, incidentally, death is not the escape hatch from, .... unless one chooses it at that point, ..... as we do that (which each one does eventually) what is beneficial depends on where one is on the chain of stepping stones, ..... As regards this book, it could be of enormous value to one just releasing himself from the shackles of a literal reading of the Bible. It is well written and argued with abundant references. However, to one "further on", if I may use that phrase, it seems to me that it risks writing out the mystical content. The author discusses at some length the concept of "reading lenses", .. i.e. "interpretational lenses", ..... but it seems to me (as I am sure he would admit) that he brings his own credibility lens sharply into play, ..... almost offering authoritative direction on what is literal and what is symbolic, .... and, in particular the limits on the possibility of the miraculous, ..... which, if they really did occur as recorded (or close to it), rather undermines the purpose of at least some of Jesus' ministry, .... One of the greatest difficulties with the Bible is discerning what is literal and what is symbolic, .... for some this book may facilitate a softening of previous confining convictions, ..... and it does have some magnificent uplift to share on many of the Bible stories, .... but as one might expect, falls some way short of God's explanation of them, ..... However, it may of course, be an essential ingredient for some towards the opening of that door. Finally, I have alluded above to translation and revision risking dilution and corruption of the original writings or, more particularly, the actuality of the event that was being described, ..... i.e. the effect of the passage of time on these sacred works being lossy, ..... however, if the transcribers are themselves open to revelation, as I believe those commissioned by King James (and others at different times) may have been in some form, whether able to hear the "Voice for Truth" or not, then we also have the possibility of Divine accretion, ..... i.e. an "adding unto" the previous content, ..... so I do not agree with Borg's statement that the Biblical writings are always and only an account of the Hebrews' and Israelites' beliefs, meanings and understandings at that time.

This book is well written and very refreshing. It helps the reader take the bible apart (just realising that the bible is actually not one book but a collection of books and stories helps so much! ) and analyse it without stripping away the beauty and wisdom contained therein. It helps those of us who struggle with the common literalistic interpretation of the bible. Marcus Borg has written a wonderful and intelligent book - and I heartily recommend it to anyone.

This book has helped me put the Bible into perspective. As a Quaker my faith does not depend on literal adherence to it (rather I go along with the view traditionally described that we sit in God's presence). But with so much distortion of religious texts by fundamentalists it is excellent for our 'compass bearings' to be reviewed!

Really accessible book - lots of popular theory (biblical criticism and historical perspectives) but presented with a faith stance which shows how the Bible can be valuable and contain truth without being literally interpreted. Worth a read for anyone interested in this area.

This book illuminates different ways of reading the Bible and of understanding its meaning and authority. For me it helped resolve the discomfort in reading passages which are at variance with my understanding of God.

Typically Borg. An enlightened presentation and very thought provoking as ever.

Marcus J. Borg’s Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously but Not Literally is a transformative exploration of the Bible that challenges traditional interpretations while offering a deeply spiritual and intellectually engaging approach. Borg, a renowned theologian, invites readers to move beyond a literalist reading of scripture and instead embrace a historical-metaphorical perspective. This method allows for a richer understanding of the Bible’s context, meaning, and relevance for contemporary life. Borg divides his book into two sections: the first explains his approach to scripture, addressing the historical and cultural contexts in which the texts were written. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the Bible as a product of its time while affirming its enduring spiritual significance. The second section delves into specific portions of the Bible, including the Pentateuch, the Prophets, the Gospels, and Paul’s letters. Borg unpacks these texts with clarity, weaving together historical insights and modern theological reflections. One of the book’s strengths is Borg’s ability to address difficult topics, such as the Bible’s depictions of violence and its contradictions, without undermining its spiritual value. His tone is respectful yet bold, making the book accessible to skeptics, seekers, and devout believers alike. Borg’s emphasis on the Bible’s metaphorical truths, such as its call for justice, compassion, and transformation, resonates deeply. Critics may find Borg’s approach too liberal or dismissive of traditional orthodoxy, but his work is not intended to replace faith—it’s an invitation to deepen it. Reading the Bible Again for the First Time is a thought-provoking guide for anyone seeking to engage with scripture in a way that honors both intellect and spirit. It challenges readers to approach the Bible with fresh eyes, offering a path to renewed faith and understanding.

A must for anyone who has ever had questions about the bible and would like to take advantage of years of study and thought on the subject. This book is fairly easy to read but is none the less scholarly and packed with information and insight. My only regret was to find out that Marcus Borg had passed away and that I would be unable to tell him how much his work had impressed me.

I purchased this book for a Lenten group book study. Marcus Borg provides historical information and perspectives that I personally find interesting and in line with my views. I suspect the content would be difficult (or require an openness to consider other points of view) for people who currently see the Bible as "divine from God".

Biblical scholarship is finally available for people in the pews. If you are a person who has loved the Bible but has (even once) found yourself asking, "what does that mean?" then this book will be a godsend. Marcus Borg, one of the most noted biblical scholars of our time, provides a very readable explanation of the content that so many of us have heard for years and years and yet have only been able to recognize as being "from" scripture. Borg does a masterful job in laying out the premise for a much deeper understanding of our sacred heritage, beginning with his own fascination with the material as a young child, throughout his conservative seminary training into his role as a preeminent scholar who is determined to bring the beauty of our sacred tradition into the hands of the people for whom it was meant. His style is gracious and he is cognizant that seeing scriptural passages broken down and dissected (and assigned meaning that heretofore has been spoken of only in academic circles) can be a stressful endeavor for the common Christian with little or no training in biblical interpretation. Yet his analysis, while always respectful, is incisive and liberating. His insights bring to light the intentions of the biblical authors in such a way as to make them appear brand new. Reading this book will make you realize how much beauty has remained hidden in scripture because few people have been willing to share these valuable and life affirming insights with Christians outside the seminaries. Understanding the scriptures literally is clearly ONE way to read them, but perhaps the least effective. There is far more depth present than what a literal interpretation renders. Borg sheds light on that beauty within and in an extremely readable way provides us with some of the remarkable power contained in this sacred book. Although he has been dubbed a "liberal scholar" and carelessly dismissed by conservatives because of his association with the Jesus Seminar, he remains steadfast in his faith. He is committed to sharing his love of God and his understanding of Jesus as Messiah and Lord with others who love the Bible as he does. Reading this book will allow you to see scripture anew.......or, "Again, for the First Time."

Should the Bible be taken literally as fundamentalists believe? No says biblical scholar Marcus J. Borg, author of Reading the Bible Again for the First Time. He advocates an historical metaphorical way of reading and interpreting it - an approach he says that is becoming increasingly common in recent decades. Using this lens he takes the reader through the Old and New Testaments shedding light on the meaning behind the scriptures and showing how they can bring meaning to our twenty-first century spiritual lives. He argues that we need a fresh way of approaching the Bible that takes the texts seriously but not literally. In making his argument he presents a contemporary way of re-connecting with the Bible and its wisdom. Borg does not see the Bible as a whole as divine in origin, or some parts as divine and some as human. He maintains that it is all human product, though generated in response to God. We must discern "how to read and interpret it and how to hear and value its various voices," he says. Borg's unique book invites everyone, whatever their religious background, to engage the Bible, explore its mysteries and appreciate its relevance. It's a fresh approach well worth considering. Barry Francis