The novel, Conversations With Scripture: The Gospel of Mark, by Marcus J. Borg offers a lot of insight into details I never knew about Mark and the bible in general. In Chapters 1-5, Borg explains all about who Mark depicts Jesus as and how Mark is very different from the other synoptic gospels. What I liked most about Borg’s explanation of Mark was when he broke down Mark 1:14-15, The Kingdom of God. Borg explains how most people do not understand what the gospel really means, and I am one of those people. Borg explained that the gospel is actually the Kingdom of God, we even say it in the Lord’s prayer. The gospel is telling people to have on earth what is in heaven, which is God’s love and peace. Not only was Mark referring to the Kingdom of God in a religious sense, there was also a political meaning behind this. The way in which Jerusalem was ruled in Jesus’ time was kingdoms, and Mark was hoping that people would imagine what it would be like if God was a ruler on earth. Many of the peasants of this time enjoyed Jesus’ message about just rulers because they were living under an unfair, cruel system. Many hope that one day, peace and justice will fill the earth. Also, Borg touches upon the fact that when Jesus is referring to the kingdom of God being near, he means the kingdom of God is available for one to embrace. A person does not need to wait for God to help create peace and justice, Jesus was sent down and taught humans his message so that we can live it. Finally, Borg touches upon the fact that when Jesus tells us to “repent” he does not mean to be sorry about sinning, like many assume. Jesus is actually telling people to give up the society’s thoughts that shape us and open up our mind to God. Overall, Borg gave helped me gain insight into the true meaning of what God’s gospel really means, and how people can access it.

I really enjoy Borg’s writing style because it is relatable and opens my mind up to new ideas. I never gave much thought about the Kingdom of God, and I would have never assumed that Jesus was referring to it when he spoke of “the good news”. I also like how Borg explains that the Kingdom of God is not in another world, but on earth. I like how Jesus was telling us to aspire for peace and justice on earth, and it is accessible. If everyone were to repent, give up society’s pressures and embrace God’s, and believe, commit to God, then we would have heaven on earth. I always thought that the gospel was the message of Jesus, but I had a vague understanding of what that message was. I understand now why Mark chose this verse to behind his gospel with, because it is central to what Jesus was teaching. I am glad Borg dissects Mark’s gospel in a way that I have never thought about it before.