Conflict, Holiness, And Politics In The Teachings Of Jesus Book

Borg's work is refreshingly simple: eschatology (as typically defined as the end of time) is not the most fruitful context to place Jesus, rather Politics and Purity struggles are; and second, minimalist views of Jesus based on the criteria of dissimilarity are not helpful. Borg does a fine job discussing in brief the culture of Jesus' day and the differing "renewal" movements attempting to maintain Jewish Identity with the occupation of Rome. His dialogue of conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees is interesting (especially after reading E.P. Sanders work). In the end, his view of Jesus in the last chapter is jarring as it seems to come out of left field and is controversial. A good read.