Putting Away Childish Things: A Tale Of Modern Faith (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
I enjoyed this book, though I suspect it's destined for a limited readership. It's really an apologetic for progressive Christianity (of which I am an adherent) in the guise of a novel. In a preface, Borg explains that this is exactly what he is doing, more-or-less admitting that he's not really a novelist but an academic. That allows the reader (at least, it allowed me) to give him some leeway, because as a novel, it really is pretty clunky, the characters being more "types" than fully-fleshed realizations, and much of the dialogue being pretty stilted. But I like a good theological presentation, and Borg certainly knows how to make one in an accessible, popular way. I love Marcus Borg, but this has to be the worst book of fiction I've ever read. He's called this book a "didactic novel," and it certainly is--it puts specific characters and faces to the ongoing debate versus traditional Christians and progressive Christians. I wouldn't read it if you're not interested in that debate. The characters, plot, narration, and voice are very weak. I do love Marcus Borg and what he's all about, so I would probably read another work of fiction were he to write another one, but non-Borg fans should probably steer clear of his fiction and read his nonfiction instead.
What do You think about Putting Away Childish Things: A Tale Of Modern Faith (2010)?
plan to re-read, read on Sony reader. need to look at it on paperback. have ordered from Amazon
—nat
I could not get pn with it so ended up putting it away half way through !!!
—lamnguyen
Good book, but don't see it as a novel. I liked the theology of it.
—hayles
A pretty good book that is eye-opening about faith. Interesting.
—Cort
