Evolution of the Word The New Testament in the order the books were written

*Starred Review* Borg, a theologian and author of Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time (1994), here turns his attention both to Paul, who is given credit for changing a Jewish sect into Christianity, and to the other authors of the New Testament. Borg's premise is that to truly understand the evolution of the early church, one must read the writings in chronological order. So instead of moving through Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the Acts of the Apostles, Borg begins with the seven letters of Paul deemed to be his own writings. Some of the best-authenticated (and earliest) writings of the New Testament are the letters Paul wrote to the churches that he established. From these missives, it is clear that a religion was evolving even before there were Gospels proclaiming the good news. The Gospels themselves are seen as more reactive when placed in this context. But 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.--Cooper, Ilene Copyright 2010 Booklist

Borg (Hundere Distinguished Professor of Religion and Culture, emeritus, Oregon State Univ.; Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time), a prolific biblical scholar, guides the reader into understanding the New Testament (NT) by presenting its text in the New Revised Standard Version and arranged in the order in which its books were written. As such, the early Pauline epistles appear before the gospels, general epistles, and the book of Revelation. Borg finds this approach instructive since readers can understand the process by which the biblical material developed. He provides a helpful introduction to each NT book, ranging from three to eight pages in length. Additionally, he includes chapters addressing the oral period and Paul and his writings. A decade-by-decade timeline covering both events of the first century C.E. and the writing of biblical works offers helpful additional guidance. One problem with Borg's approach, however, is thatÅhe assumes general agreement among scholars as toÅtheÅdating of each book's writing. This is not always the case. VERDICT This book will provide general readers and undergraduatesÅwithÅa goodÅguide to the background and content of the New Testament. Of less value to specialists.-John Jaeger, Dallas Baptist Univ. Lib. (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.