John Shelby Spong

John Shelby Spong

Former Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Newark

"“On Faith”" panelist John Shelby Spong served as Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark for 24 years before his retirement in 2000. His books, seeking to make contemporary theology accessible to lay readers, have sold over a million copies. His latest book, The Sins of Scripture: Exposing the Bible's Texts of Hate to Discover the God of Love (2005), examines the holy book of the Judeo-Christian tradition. A committed Christian who has spent a lifetime studying the Bible and whose life has been deeply shaped by it, Spong has been a visiting lecturer at universities, Including Harvard, and churches worldwide, delivering more than 200 public lectures each year to standing-room only crowds. His best-selling books include Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism, A New Christianity for a New World, Why Christianity Must Change or Die, and Here I Stand. Close.

John Shelby Spong

Former Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Newark

"On Faith" panelist John Shelby Spong served as Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark for 24 years before his retirement in 2000. His books, seeking to make contemporary theology accessible to lay readers, have sold over a million copies. more »

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February 2007 Archives



February 5, 2007 5:30 PM

Prayer For Me Is Being Open to What Is Holy

It is impossible to answer the question “What is Prayer” until you can discuss the meaning of God.

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February 12, 2007 8:05 AM

Living in Harmony With Life is Christian Virtue

If we believe that God is the source of all that is, then we must honor the entirety of God’s creation. To foul our nest with pollutants that destroy the various forms of life cannot be a faithful response to the wonder of creation.

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February 16, 2007 7:05 AM

Christianity Fosters Negative View of Sexuality

This is not really the proper question. Since sex is at the heart of life and its meaning, it is inconceivable that religion--primarily an interpreter of life--would not have strong convictions and opinions on this primary human activity. The proper question is whether religion has dealt with sexuality in a competent or incompetent manner.

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February 23, 2007 2:19 PM

Criticism and judgment

Yes, of course. You can also be a Christian and be critical of the Church and the way the Church has used the Bible over the centuries to reinforce its killing prejudices.

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