D.R. and Big Daddy, I can’t believe that Mr. Pinstripe’s question doesn’t continue to bother you, and that you can’t answer it.

1) Why do you place so much confidence in the votes of The Council of Hippo, but so little confidence in the votes of The Jesus Seminar?

2) Marcus Borg doesn’t believe in the Atonement theory. He doesn’t believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus. He doesn’t believe that anybody can die to save people he never met. You guys are apparently making careers out of advocating a theology that is centered around the answer to this question….If Marcus Borg dies while holding those beliefs, is he going to Hell?

You’re embarrassed by the answer you’re supposed to give, aren’t you. (Hint: You should be.)

Fruedian slip. Probably because of seeing Dr. Glenn Jonas in your comment field ! ! !

And please, please, please, answer Mr. Pinstripe’s question. If Marcus Borg dies tonight, is God going to torture him forever?

Dr. Glenn Jonas,
Didn’t I turn you on to Bruce Springsteen about 20 years ago? At Spanish Gates Apartments in Fort Worth? It’s good to see you chiming in on this ! ! ! And do you think that if Marcus Borg dies tonight, God will torture him forever?

Scripture speaks clearly on the issue of the bodily resurrection of Christ and it’s necessity for salvation. Earlier you said that I “you responded with a long series of quotes.” That is inaccurate. I responded with Scripture – clear passages by the Biblical writers and apostles that note the priority of the bodily resurrection of Christ.

Did you read those passages? Isn’t it clear from the Scriptures what the Bible teaches about salvation and the bodily resurrection of Christ?

You’re asking me for my personal OPINION. I am giving you Scripture that answers your question. My OPINION doesn’t matter – Scripture does. And I have no right to an opinion – I am bound by Christ to believe His Word, not assert that which is my opinion or speculation.

So, that is why I asked, what does Scripture say? What say you? Do you believe Scripture or do you reject it?

Finally, I will take the last paragraph as sarcasm, since I find it difficult to have a friendship with someone who is not willing to publicly identify himself.

Matthew 21:23-27

You have really hurt my feelings by not answering my question. I thought we were friends and that you had more respect for me than that. I see what I really mean to you and that hurts. Real bad. I have a stomach ache now.

You are missing my point here. And I am not uncomfortable making specific applications of my theology. All you have to do is answer this question and you will have yours:

What do those Scriptures teach regarding the Gospel and the bodily resurrection of Christ?

So are you unwilling or unable to answer this question?

So I ask you to own the implications of your theology by answering the question, “Will Marcus Borg burn in hell if he dies tonight?” We know what he thinks and believes–he has stated that in his many fine books.

Perhaps that is a bit abstract since he is not dead, although I am glad to give you my answer (when I get yours–remember, I asked first)

Maybe this is better, since it is not hypothetical–Are Martin Buber and Abraham Heschel burning in hell, at this moment?

For what it is worth, he spoke a year or two ago at Myers Park Baptist Church where Stephen Shoemaker (former pastor at Broadway) is pastor. It is also Carlyle Marney’s former pulpit and has a long history in the liberal tradition of Baptists in the South.