Evolution of the Word: The New Testament in the Order the Books Were Written

“Marcus Borg has always been a great teacher. In his newest book Evolution of the Word, his teaching skills are obvious as he opens the New Testament, not only to its original, historical order, but also to insightful, refreshing and dramatic insights.” - John Shelby Spong, author of Re-Claiming the Bible for a Non-Religious World“Borg, a prolific biblical scholar, guides the reader into understanding … the process by which the biblical material developed… . A good guide to the background and content of the New Testament.” - Library Journal“The most helpful thing that Borg has to offer is a contextual introduction to each of the 27 books of the New Testament, not only explaining the much-argued-over religious points that may be arcane for today’s readers, but also discussing message, motive, and the men who were writing. An eminently readable and eye-opening addition to religion shelves, as well as a new and fascinating way to read the New Testament.” - Booklist (starred review)“The most helpful thing that Borg has to offer is a contextual introduction to each of the 27 books of the New Testament … An eminently readable and eye-opening addition to religion shelves, as well as a new and fascinating way to read the New Testament.” - Booklist (starred review)“Readers will be receiving these sacred texts in the order men and women received them nearly 2,000 years ago… . Evolution of the Word will light up book discussion groups… . Some may still remember confrontational front-page headlines decades ago pitting Borg and other university-based Bible scholars against Christian traditionalists. However, Borg now is embraced in mainline congregations coast to coast… . To put it simply: Marcus Borg has become a friend to growing congregations.” - Read the Spirit“Borg introduces each book of the New Testament and, for the first time in most churches, readers will be receiving these sacred texts in the order men and women received them nearly 2,000 years ago… Evolution of the Word will light up book discussion groups.” - Read the Spirit“Some may still remember confrontational front-page headlines decades ago pitting Borg and other university-based Bible scholars against Christian traditionalists. However, Borg now is embraced in mainline congregations coast to coast… . To put it simply: Marcus Borg has become a friend to growing congregations.” - Read the SpiritIn Evolution of the Word, Borg has produced something of great usefulness. Reading the New Testament in the order suggested gives us a new perspective on biblical faith. …[It] tests and challenges our programmed ways of reading Scripture…. that can enrich our faith awareness. - The United Methodist Reporter

Marcus J. Borg is Hundere Distinguished Professor of Religion and Culture at Oregon State University and author of the bestselling Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, The Heart of Christianity, Reading the Bible Again for the First Time, The God We Never Knew, and Jesus. He lives in Portland, OR.