Continuing our summary/review of Tom Wright and Marcus Borg's discussion... For other articles in this series visit http://jmm.aaa.net.au/catalog/section/jc1.htm.

These brief excerpts are meant to provoke thought/reflection...

The final word from Tom Wright:

'Once we focus both history and faith on Jesus of Nazareth... we may perhaps find that creation, sacraments, human life, politics, history, and faith come rushing together in new integrations for which as yet we have no language but worship. That, too, seems to me to possess the ring of truth.

'What, after all, is the end of all this endeavour? Is it that we, as historians, theologians, cultural critics, or whatever, should analyze a question to our own satisfaction, provide an answer that neatly ties everything together, and go off shopping or playing golf, secure in a good little job well done? Is not a book about Jesus merely a step toward something far more important? Is not the ultimate aim that we should come face-to-face - and hope and pray to bring others face-to-face - with the one in whose face (wounded yet glorious) we see the face of the creator God, the covenant God, the one who loves us more than we can ever guess? Is it not that we should be transformed by that meeting, that gaze, so that we can share the same love with the world around? Books about Jesus can be an aid toward worship, a guide in mission. But if it really is Jesus we are talking about, worship and mission are more important even than books' (pp. 227-8).

[Note from Rowland: To be fair to Tom and Marcus I've offered their summary-views before I offer some of my own... You'll have to *think* first, and then wait for my appraisal, hopefully after New Year holidays].

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Shalom! Rowland Croucher