Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Putting Away Childish Things
I just finished Marcus Borg's new novel, "Putting Away Childish Things: A Tale of Modern Faith". I've read many of Marcus Borg's books and he is one of my favorite authors, but this is his first novel. I wasn't sure what to think when I ordered the book. Could a world renown biblical scholar really write an entertaining work of fiction? The answer is absolutely YES! I was hooked by the end of the first chapter. If you've read any of Brian McLaren's series, "A New Kind of Christian", then I think you'll really love this book too.
Borg calls this book a "teaching novel". It's much more than a good story. He wants to make some important points and he's created the perfect set of characters to illustrate his points. The characters are charming. The main character, Kate, is a religious studies professor struggling to sort through the modern day divisions in Christianity. Kate gets hit from all sides as she deals with accusations of being too Secular, and just as many people seem to think she's too Christian. I really like Kate, but she can't seem to be boxed in by anyone. It's hard not to see that Marcus Borg has written a bit of himself into his characters. Not only do we get a glimpse of the world from Kate's perspective, we get to visit her class and hear a few lessons from the perspective of several different students. I've heard Marcus Borg speak a few times and I recognized his own message in Kate's classroom.
In addition to the lessons, the real treasures of the book are the well developed engaging characters, each with their own perspective and their own set of questions. I'm not sure if Marcus Borg will continue writing fiction, but I'd certainly keep reading. He's a gifted writer and I found myself enthralled by this beautiful story.
10 comments:
I read and enjoyed "A new kind of Christian," and while I found the fiction-form of the teaching to be effective, I felt it fell short as far as novel or story telling goes. How would you compare Borg's story telling to McLaren's?
I do think I will pick up a copy, thanks for the review.
atimetorend,
I think Borg did a better job at actually writing a novel than McLaren. I was shocked at how well his writing flowed and the character development was wonderful. Not what you'd expect from a biblical scholar.
It's a "teaching novel" so the storyline isn't exactly stellar. However, my wife just finished the book and she loved it too. She read it over a weekend and it usually takes her a month to wade through a book. It's a treat. Buy it.
Mike,
I'm almost done with it, but you'll have to wait until the review appears in the Christian Century. My thoughts are a bit different -- not so much on the content but the backdrop.
As for McLaren, I suppose it's because I'd already passed through those phases in my own journey that I didn't find his novels all that enlightening. What is interesting is that you compare Borg favorably as a novelist over McLaren who is a former English prof.
Bob, I liked them both. I think mclaren was more "teaching" and less character study. I'm looking forward to your review.
ok...i liked it guys....very good
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Wonderful book!
This one has opened my mind about things. I want to take all of the childish things in my life because sometimes it gives me hard time dealing with people. thanks for this.dog grooming | razors for men
Have been reading "speaking Christian" by Marcus. Good book and learnt heaps but at the same time, I cant help but disagree with him on a lot of the things n.t wright would
Hi Mike,
One of my hobby is reading and I love to read books. I have read few of Marcus Borg and found he is a great writer. Thanks for suggesting Putting Away Childish Things, I will definitely read this book now.
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