Marcus Borg: A Tribute To Theological Integrity

Perhaps not since the reformation has the church been as divided against itself as it is today. Christians like to label things: republican or democrat, conservative or liberal, Calvinist or Arminian, modern or postmodern; the list is lengthy. Theological scholarship is not much different. To many of these people Marcus Borg was an iconoclastic progressive liberal.

Then there is a large contingent of Christians (not just fundamentalists) who use hate speech as a way to caricature and demonize other Christians who believe different from them. Believing their particular brand of Christianity is “the way, the truth, and the life”, they often oppose others by name calling. To these people Marcus Borg was a heretic.

However, existing among the vast and dry desert of opinion and hate was a man who cared more about his intellectual integrity than he did what people thought of him for it. In today’s world theologians are to have all the answers. Not having answers is thought of as theological weakness because it entails uncertainty. Borg understood that questioning was not just necessary, but required for scholars such as himself. What was often perceived as theological weakness was instead spiritual strength. What’s more, his questions did not promote uncertainty, but wisdom.

Perhaps best known for his research on the historical Jesus, Borg’s refusal to settle into complacent irrelevant scholarship by asking provocative questions quickly made him the enemy of his conservative peers. But Borg’s best work had nothing to do with the historicity of Jesus, but with his insights into the Bible, the Church, and culture. So much of what he wrote was a reflection of his own theological journey.

Borg’s Legacy

I did not always agree with Marcus Borg. However, unlike many of my peers, I find it necessary to read those I might disagree with because it makes me a better thinker and Christian. Everyone has something to teach us regardless if we agree with them. There is no greater example of this than Marcus Borg.

Borg set a great example of what it means to be a humble theologian. The intellectual integrity through which he practiced his craft was as rare as it was refreshing. You don’t have to agree with his theology to appreciate his legacy.

Below are a few of my favorite Marcus Borg Quotes: