On the occasion of his seventieth birthday, the renowned scholar Marcus J. Borg shares how he formed his bedrock religious beliefs, contending that Christians in America are at their best when they focus on hope and transformation and so shows how we can return to what really matters most. The result is a manifesto for all progressive Christians who seek the best path for following Jesus today.

With each chapter embodying a distinct conviction, Borg writes provocatively and compellingly on the beliefs that can deeply ground us and guide us, such as: God is real and a mystery; salvation is more about this life than an afterlife; the Bible can be true without being literally true; Jesus's death on the cross matters—but not because he paid for our sins; God is passionate about justice and the poor; and to love God is to love like God.

Borg calls all American Christians to reject divisiveness and exclusivity and create communities that celebrate joy, possibility, and renewal. Throughout, he reflects on what matters most, bringing to earth the kingdom of God Jesus talked about and transforming our relationships with one another. Rich in wisdom and insight, Convictions is sure to become a classic of contemporary Christianity.

“Imagine that Christianity is about loving God. Imagine that it’s not about the self and its concerns, about ‘what’s in it for me,’ whether that be a blessed afterlife or prosperity in this life. Imagine that loving God is about being attentive to the one in whom we live and move and have our being. Imagine that it is about becoming more and more deeply centered in God. Imagine that it is about loving what God loves. How would that change our lives?”—from Convictions

Marcus J. Borg, preeminent theologian and Bible scholar, reflects on his life and how he developed his most bedrock convictions—and why they matter. The result is a manifesto for all progressive Christians who seek the best path for following Jesus today.

A Manifesto for Progressive Christians

“Conveys an overall message that is both simple and urgently needed: Change is a good and natural part of Christian life.”—Read the Spirit

“In every generation there are a handful of writers of whom it can be said, ‘Read everything they write.’ Marcus Borg is one of these today.”—Walter Wink, author of The Human Being

“An excellent introduction for general readers who stand outside the Christian tradition as well as those interested in considering how faith changes as they mature.”—Booklist

“Marcus Borg is a key force in the emerging ‘new paradigm’ of Christian faith.”—Walter Brueggemann, author of Sabbath as Resistance

“One of those rare books . . . simply written [and] deep enough to inspire serious thought.”—Clarion Journal of Spirituality and Justice

“He writes honestly and clearly, defining as he goes, always educating. He does not shy from laying out controversies among contemporary Christians [but] he closes with wonder.”—Publishers Weekly One of those rare books . . . simply written [and] deep enough to inspire serious thought...Everyone would do well to pick it up, examine Dr. Borg's personal convictions, and glean from a man with so much life experience and spiritual wisdom.