I find that children have very little trouble understanding non-literal stories. John Shelby Spong childfindliteral Change image and share on social
The God of the Hebrews is a God that human language, we're not even supposed to speak the holy name. We were told in the Second Commandment we could make no images of this God, and I don't think that means just building idols, I think that means also trying to believe you've captured God in your words, in the Creeds, in the Scriptures. John Shelby Spong buildcapturecommandment share on social
You can't have a world where 50 percent of the people are dieting and 50 percent of the people are starving if you want stability. John Shelby Spong dietpeoplepercent Change image and share on social
Apologetic explanations do not develop unless there is a reality that has to be explained and defended. Jesus was undeniably a figure of history. John Shelby Spong apologeticdefenddevelop Change image and share on social
When I'm asked to define God, I'm almost wordless. John Shelby Spong askdefinegod Change image and share on social
Let me say that I consider myself a deep believer in the reality of God. I might define God quite differently from the way some people in the Christian faith would do so, but I do not doubt the reality of that experience. John Shelby Spong believerchristiandeep share on social
When I grew up in the South, I was taught that segregation was the will of God, and the Bible was quoted to prove it. I was taught that women were by nature in inferior to men, and the Bible was quoted to prove it. I was taught that it was okay to hate other religions, and especially the Jews, and the Bible was quoted to prove it. John Shelby Spong biblegodgrow share on social
It appears to be in the nature of religion itself to be prejudiced against those who are different. John Shelby Spong appearnatureprejudice Change image and share on social
I can only give away the love that I have received. John Shelby Spong givelovereceive Change image and share on social
God is a presence that I can never define but I could never deny. John Shelby Spong definedenygod Change image and share on social