Marcus J. Borg (1942–2015) was a renowned American New Testament scholar and theologian. A leading figure in historical Jesus scholarship, Borg was part of the Jesus Seminar and known for his progressive and often controversial insights into Christianity and the historical Jesus. He was a professor of religion and culture at Oregon State University and wrote numerous influential books, including "Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time," "The Heart of Christianity," and "Jesus: Uncovering the Life, Teachings, and Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary." Borg's work often emphasized a more metaphorical and symbolic understanding of the Bible, focusing on spiritual and historical contexts rather than literal interpretations. Through his writing and lecturing, he sought to bridge the gap between scholarly research on historical Jesus and the personal faith of individuals.