Mysticism

continued from my examiner column . . . http://www.examiner.com/interfaith-spirituality-in-columbus/marcus-borg-weighs-on-mysticism-at-weekend-event-review

Marcus Borg has made a significant difference in contemporary Christian circles. In his book, The Heart of Christianity he explores different ways of viewing scripture. You will not find him to be the kind of guy who says, 'The Bible said it and we take it the way it reads and that's all she wrote!'

Having studied and been in conversation with the world's best scholars and linguists, you will find great depth and sensitivity to not only Hebrew and Greek scriptures, but each of the stories and figures in the prophetic biblical tradition. You can read more about some of his books/stance/vision. http://www.aportraitofjesus.org/borg.shtml I think he

keeps a lot of folks in the Christian fold for whom traditional evangelical Christianity and literalism has gone awry, though Christians on the 'right' would completely disown him or even consider him 'Christian' by their standards. After his last visit to Columbus several years ago, I corresponded with him and found his response to be sensitive and amazingly insightful.

Borg not only knows his material inside and out, but presents it with exquisite sensitivity and compassion. He understands his audience/s and connects with them. Two examples for all to take to heart: 1. The 'kingdom of God'/reign of God is about justice, mercy, compassion for all.

Too often in creedal and confessional Christianity it has been reduced to a mere comma in the creed, between his birth to a virgin and death/resurrection, when it encompasses his entire life/mission and message.

2. Borg reminded us of the chief commandment which is 'to Love God First and Love Your Neighbor as Yourself.' Period. (And the implications of what that means). He discussed the historic disagreements over obtuse things which led to the schisms within the church and 'who knows what the hell that even means?!' today.

For Borg and those who heard him, it, (The Christian Message Today) is about relevance, meaning and transformation. Christianity now is not about a 'pie in the sky afterlife notion of heaven and hell, but transforming this world equitably for ALL.' That's big. Really big. It means growing up and taking responsibility; recognizing God created 'the world' and it is good . . . not just humans; the whole shebang. This is what makes Marcus Borg a leading figure in Christianity. He calls this religion to answer for it's aberrations and mis-steps, in true prophetic tradition like Amos, Micah, Jeremiah . . . You have to respect Borg's honesty and straightforward approach, soundly grounded in scholarship but informed by the big vision.

[Christ represented as Sol invictus. 3rd/4th c. AD. Vatican necropolis under St. Peter's Basilica, Mausoleum M. Mosaic, two-dimensional work of art, older than 100 years]