Marcus Borg – Speaking Christian: Reclaiming Christian Language October 22, 2010

Marcus Borg, world-renowned biblical scholar and author, returns to Stone Church of Willow
Glen (1937 Lincoln Ave., San Jose) on October 22 – 23, 2010. His four lectures will explore
how important Christian words have lost their meaning and power over the centuries and how
their rich, illuminating, and powerful meanings can be redeemed.

“Speaking Christian: Reclaiming Christian Language.” is the Friday evening overview lecture.
Three lectures on Saturday expand and explore this topic further:
(1) "Beyond Literalism to a Historical and Metaphorical Interpretation of Christian
Language." Literalism flattens the meaning of biblical and Christian language and often makes
it incredible. Dr. Borg explores the richness of Christian language about God and Jesus.
(2) "Beyond Christian Convention to Intention and Practice." Until half a century ago,
there was a cultural expectation in most parts of the United States that everybody would be part
of a religious community, so many people were church members for reasons of convention. That
expectation has disappeared. So what does it mean that churches will soon be made up of only
intentional and practicing Christians?
(3) "Beyond Cultural Convention to Alternative Values and Community." The common
Christianity of the recent past assumed that Christian values and American cultural values were
more or less the same. What does it mean to be an American Christian in a time when the
wedding of Christianity and dominant American values has become increasingly problematic?

The cost is $20 for the Friday night lecture, $30 for the three Saturday lectures, or $40 for the
complete program.

Tickets are available at the Stone Church Office, 9 am – 1 pm, Monday through Friday. Tickets
can also be purchased at the door. For further information, call Pat Magee, 408-927-0862