While literally the biggest and the best weighed in during the Arnold Classic bodybuilding event this weekend in
Columbus, another 'heavyweight' in contemporary Christian scholarship, Marcus J. Borg, weighed in during a weekend event in which he discussed what Christianity is about and why it matters, what mysticism is and how it should be understood in our context and where we whould go from here. Marcus Borg returned to First Community Church's Spiritual Seeker program for the third time to present a foretaste of what he covers in his next book on mysticism- due out in about a month. Marcus Borg is the author of some 19 books, and is widely acclaimed and internationally known for his scholarship.
His website reports, 'Described by The New York Times as “a leading figure in his generation of Jesus scholars,” he has appeared on NBC’s “Today Show” and “Dateline,” PBS’s “Newshour,” ABC’s “Evening News” and “Prime Time” with Peter Jennings, NPR’s “Fresh Air” with Terry Gross, and several National Geographic programs. A Fellow of the Jesus Seminar, he has been national chair of the Historical Jesus Section of the Society of Biblical Literature and co-chair of its International New Testament Program Committee, and is past president of the Anglican Association of Biblical Scholars.' You can read more about Borg at: http://www.marcusjborg.com/about-me/.
The lectures spanned Friday night, Saturday (there were three) and a sermon Sunday morning on what Christianity is about in its simplest essence. It was a mystical vision which inspired Moses in the burning bush; metaphoric language which communicates the transformative content of a 'call vision' and inspires generations to come. Borg cited mystics through Christian and non-Christian traditions and 20th century experience. It was a mystical experience which moved the Buddha; a mystical experience birthed Islam. He referred to William James and other research on what mysticism is, but moved beyond this to what it means for those moved by the vision/experience and subsequent transformational outcome.
For Borg, a Jesus seminar scholar, much of what is considered 'popular' Christianity has missed Jesus' message, focusing instead on correct belief, when it is a transformed life (behavior/action) that matters most, and in this, compassion, love & justice. Read more . . .
Local Events:
Explore insights from Buddhism and Catholicism as nuns from both traditions share insights at the 7th Annual Lecture on World Religions and Interreligious Dialogue. Event starts at 7pm Alford Centrum of Methodist Theological School March 30th. Free Admission.
Hear Dr. Avery Solomon on Living in the World, But Not of It. Event is 7 pm April 7th, First Community Church.
This week marks the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday, marking the 40 day period leading up to Holy Week in Christianity. This is a time of repentance and reflection preceding Easter.
Wednesday marked Mahashivratri for Hindus which honors Shiva who not only creates but preserves, destroys and then re-creates our world in a cosmic dance.
Bahai's are preparing for their new year with a fast which began Wednesday the 2nd and culminates the 21st.
Meditation for this post:
'Lord Jesus Christ . . . You are the Light of the World . . .
Fill our minds with your peace . . . Fill our hearts with your love . . . ' (Marcus Borg)
Twitter: awesomejourney
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