Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time summary
Brief summary
Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time by Marcus J. Borg offers a fresh perspective on Jesus, inviting readers to encounter him in a new way and explore a deeper, more meaningful faith.
Topics
Table of Contents
Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time
Summary of key ideas
Exploring the Historical Jesus
In Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, Marcus J. Borg takes us on a fascinating journey to explore the historical Jesus and the implications of this exploration for our faith. He begins by distinguishing between the pre-Easter Jesus, the historical figure who lived and taught in first-century Palestine, and the post-Easter Jesus, the Christ of faith who is worshipped by Christians.
Borg argues that the pre-Easter Jesus was a Jewish mystic, healer, and social prophet who challenged the dominant religious and political powers of his time. He taught a radical vision of God as compassionate and inclusive, and he called for a transformation of society based on justice, compassion, and peace. This historical Jesus, Borg suggests, is very different from the divine figure often portrayed in traditional Christian theology.
Reimagining Jesus in a New Light
Borg then invites us to reimagine Jesus in light of this historical understanding. He emphasizes that Jesus was not primarily concerned with establishing a new religion or offering a systematic theology, but rather with embodying and teaching a way of being and relating to God and others. He encourages us to see Jesus as a wisdom teacher who offered an alternative path to God, one centered on love, compassion, and justice.
The author also explores the significance of Jesus' miracles and his death on the cross from a historical perspective. He suggests that Jesus' miracles should be understood as acts of compassion and signs of the kingdom of God breaking into the world. Similarly, Jesus' crucifixion, Borg argues, was not a necessary sacrifice to appease an angry God, but a consequence of his radical challenge to the powers that be.
Embracing a New Vision of Christianity
As we move deeper into Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, Borg presents a new vision of Christianity based on this reimagined Jesus. He argues for a Christianity that is centered on a personal relationship with God, a deep commitment to compassion and justice, and a willingness to question and challenge traditional beliefs and practices.
This new vision, Borg suggests, offers a more authentic and relevant faith for our contemporary world. It encourages us to embrace our doubts and questions, to engage with other religious traditions and with the insights of modern science, and to work towards a more just and compassionate society.
Concluding Thoughts on Faith and Jesus
In conclusion, Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time offers a thought-provoking and inspiring exploration of the historical Jesus and its implications for our faith. Borg's vision of Christianity encourages us to move beyond a narrow focus on doctrinal beliefs and rituals, and to embrace a deeper, more transformative relationship with God and the world.
By engaging with Jesus as a historical figure and a spiritual guide, Borg invites us to meet Jesus again, not as a fixed and finished object of belief, but as a living and challenging presence that continues to call us to a life of love, justice, and compassion.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time about?
Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time by Marcus J. Borg offers a fresh perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Through a blend of historical research and personal reflection, the book challenges traditional views and invites readers to encounter Jesus in a new light. It explores the significance of Jesus in both historical and contemporary contexts, making it a thought-provoking read for believers and skeptics alike.
Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time Review
Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time (1994) explores a fresh perspective on Jesus, shedding light on his historical context and teachings. Here's why this book is a valuable read:
- Unveils enlightening interpretations of Jesus' message, offering a deeper understanding of spirituality and faith.
- Challenges conventional beliefs with thought-provoking insights that encourage readers to reevaluate their relationship with Christianity.
- Engages readers with its accessible language and relatable examples, ensuring a captivating journey of discovery into the teachings of Jesus.
Who should read Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time?
Individuals seeking a deeper understanding of Jesus and Christianity
Readers interested in exploring the historical and cultural context of Jesus' life
Those open to challenging traditional interpretations of the Bible and Christian theology
Categories with Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time
Book summaries like Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
33 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time FAQs
What is the main message of Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time?
The main message of Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time is to rediscover the historical Jesus beyond traditional beliefs.
How long does it take to read Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time?
The estimated reading time for Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time is a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time a good book? Is it worth reading?
Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time captivates by offering a fresh perspective on Jesus' life, making it a worthwhile read.
Who is the author of Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time?
Marcus J. Borg is the author of Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time.
What to read after Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time?
If you're wondering what to read next after Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
- On Being by Peter Atkins
- The Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton
- Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson
- Choose Yourself by James Altucher
- Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
- The Power of No by James Altucher and Claudia Azula Altucher
- The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan