Outrage and Hope: A Bishop's Reflections in Times of Change and Challenge

Outrage and Hope: A Bishop's Reflections in Times of Change and Challenge. By Frederick Houk Borsch. Valley Forge, PA: Trinity, 1996. 264 pp. $15.00 (paper).

"Where was God when the plane crashed?" asks Frederick Borsch in the opening of his book. To this reviewer, once a member of a theological discussion group with the author, it brought back vivid memories of the author's account of surviving a plane crash in Boston.

In his Outrage and Hope: A Bishop's Reflections in Times of Change and Challenge, Bishop Borsch considers many topics, beginning with his reflections about the plane crash in which he introduces a theme which reappears throughout the book: "The divine willingness to share in the pain and tragedy of life . . . for we know that God is always working to redeem" (p. 7).

Writing in a manner that draws the reader into his mind and thought, as if one were having a conversation with him, Bishop Borsch considers topics from racism to the ministry and authority of bishops. Always taking the Bible seriously, and writing from within the community of faith, particularly in his role in the Episcopal Church (he is the Bishop of Los Angeles), his apologetical approach is true to the spirit of the Anglican tradition.

There are certain basic beliefs that characterize the author's apologetics. For example, he writes, "There are those who seem more insistent on universal laws and knowing what is right.... The other group not only enjoys diversity and mystery in their religion, they view the appreciation of them as necessary for an understanding of a creation and a God beyond all human comprehension." (p. 80). It is the second way that the author chooses, and in the process reveals how stimulating and enlivening theological exploration can be.

In the article about the plane crash, Bishop Borsch compares what he terms Theology A and Theology B. He explains: "Theology A goes like this. `If the children survive, if my doctor gives me a good report, if my business thrives, then I will give thanks and trust in God.' Theology B says, `Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death . . . you are with me."' (p. 6). In the book, he makes it very clear why he chooses "B."

For me, the best article, "Taking the Bible seriously," refers to The Jesus Seminar and its debate over the authenticity of Jesus' words, and to the popular writings of John S. Spong in attacking fundamentalism. While expressing appreciation for their contribution to taking the Bible seriously, Bishop Borsch speaks of their being "curiously dated" (p. 109). For Bishop Borsch, it is not a matter of any lack of appreciation for the historical-critical mind (which as a biblical scholar has been his training), but is his desire to move beyond. While accepting the value of the critical approach to scripture, the author finds in the Anglican tradition a catholic use of scripture, which is the recognition that "knowledge about Jesus came not just from history or, indeed, from the Bible. It was found in the life of the community in the liturgy and sacraments that we learned of Jesus." (pp. 110-111).

Bishop Borsch always writes from within the community of faith, and he sees his role as a bishop in that context-that is, speaking and acting for the community. One senses how the biblical stories enliven the author's faith and prayer, for "The stories are often about struggle-between order and chaos, freedom and slavery, justice and injustice, chance and providence, life and death. Amid suffering and evil they tell of hope and victories of the power of God's righteousness and love" (p. 222).

The poetry of George Herbert is an inspiration for the author, and Bishop Borsch treats us to examples of his own poetry. His poem "Scars" stands out (p. 256). Poetic imagery and metaphorical language are always present in the author's mind, as he considers the uncertainties of human existence, the mystery of God, and trinitarian belief-so central to his thought.

My only complaint about this splendid collection of articles regards an editorial shortcoming: although there are references to some previously published articles, including two printed in the Anglican Theological Review, it is unfortunate that the articles are neither dated nor identified as to the circumstances prevailing when written, which would have increased the impact on the reader. Still, that should not prevent the book from being widely read and appreciated in the Episcopal Church.

G.P. MELLICK BELSHAW

Princeton, New Jersey

Copyright Anglican Theological Review, Inc. Fall 1997
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