Are you sick and tired of reading more posts about how terrible Trump is and the sad state of affairs of American politics? Well, I know that for many enough is enough—especially the $1.8 billion slush fund for people who attacked the capitol on January 21, 2021, and the Justice Department’s determination that Trump’s and his families’ tax returns can never be audited.
Beyond the pale.
So rather than do more moaning and groaning, I am starting what I am calling “A Day in the Life Series.” These are true stories that have happened to me over the years that I think readers might find instructive or amusing. Here is the first one. Others will appear from time to time when the spirit moves me. And of course, I will continue with my posts on current events, politics and spirituality.
Marcus Borg
Have you heard of Marcus Borg or read any of his books? He was one of the great contemporary Biblical scholars and progressive Christian American theologians, who was a bestselling author and college professor, and who wrote Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, Reading the Bible Again for the First Time, and The God We Never Knew. He was born two weeks ahead of me in late March 1942 and died in 2015. This week I picked up his last book, The Heart of Christianity, from a friend’s apartment and began reading it. It is a fabulous book and brought back old memories.
In the mid 1990s a neighbor of mine asked if I might be interested in picking up Professor Borg from the hotel in Washington where he was staying and driving him to the Episcopal Church where he would be giving a lecture. My neighbor knew that I had a seminary degree and was a fan of Professor Borg. Finally, I had found a Christian theologian whom I felt was on my wavelength and spoke to my somewhat unorthodox Christian beliefs, casting a broad net, and honoring the universality of all religious beliefs. I jumped at the opportunity.
As I drove to the hotel my heart was beating fast and my palms were sweating. What would I say to this famous man, to this genius? How could I relate to someone with such stature? Well, first, I decided I would let him know that I was no average, run-of-the-mill, biblically illiterate Episcopalian, that I had read most of his books, held him in great esteem, and, most important, that I had graduated from what at the time was considered by many to be the center of progressive Protestant theology. Reinhold Neibhur and Paul Tillich had taught at Union just before I had arrived, and most professors had written notable books and were highly regarded. Certainly, the fact that I had a degree from Union would mean something to him. But I did not want to sound like I was bragging, just that when I told him I was a big fan, my enthusiasm would have credibility.
But what did he look like? How would I know who was the great theologian when the passengers got off the elevator? I brought with me one of his books with his photo on the back cover and thought that would help me recognize him, but still, it could be awkward.
I went to the front desk and asked the clerk to let Professor Borg know that his ride was waiting. The elevator doors soon opened and several people exited. One looked like he might be Professor Borg—middle aged and serious. I greeted him and introduced myself. He gave me a puzzled look, brushed me off, and quickened his pace toward the door. I concluded that was not Professor Borg. When the next time the elevator came down, the only male that got off had to be in his eighties. From his biography on the back of his book that I was carrying, I knew we were both the same age, fifty-two. Then the door opened again and there was one guy who could have been my age, had a beard and appeared erudite. So, with some fear and trepidation I approached the man and asked if he could possibly be Professor Borg. He nodded politely. I introduced myself and off we went.
As we approached my car, I boldly announced that not only had I read most of his books and loved them, I knew what I was talking about because I was a graduate of the great theological school, Union Theological Seminary in New York City. So, there. I had said it! Would this make any difference? Would he be impressed? I waited for his response.
He stopped in his tracks, just before we got into the car and gave me a puzzled look, eying me over. Then I thought I noticed a slight smile and a twinkle in his eye. He replied, “Really, when did you attend Union?”
I told him I entered in 1964 and graduated in 1968.
“Joe,” he said smiling, “We were classmates!”
I am sure I must have looked surprised. Why didn’t I remember him? I did not know anyone named Marcus, and our class was small, only about 50 people. I thought I knew everyone. Then I realized that while I did not know anyone named Marcus, I did remember a guy named Mark, who was about his size though 30 years younger. He had to be the Mark Borg I knew in 1964.
“Oh,” I said, “Mark Borg! Yes, of course I remember you, Mark Borg!”
“Joe, yes, that was me. Marcus Borg!”
What I could not remember was whether I was the only one at Union who called him by the name “Mark.” But it made little difference. We laughed, embraced and headed off to the church.
The lecture did not disappoint though after that I never saw him again. My friend drove him back to his hotel. It turned out that Marcus Borg only spent his freshman year at Union where he was a “Rockefeller Scholar” just like I was, (for undecided college grads to try out a freshman year at seminary to see if it might lead to a career in the ministry or a teacher of religion.) He transferred to Oxford the next year where several years later he received his doctorate.
Marcus Borg died in 2015 at age 72 due to a prolonged struggle with pulmonary fibrosis. I distinctly remember hearing a radio interview with him—I believe on PBS– that year when I suppose the interviewer knew of his dire health diagnosis. When the interviewer asked whether given his universalist approach to theology he believed in an afterlife, he replied—I suspect with a twinkle in his eye— “Well, put it this way. I hope to be pleasantly surprised.”