In academia, I discovered that issues and insights, commonplace among the scholars, are viewed as highly controversial and even as 'heresy' in the churches. John Shelby Spong academiachurchcommonplace Change image and share on social
The Bible interprets life from its particular perspective; it does not record in a factual way the human journey through history. John Shelby Spong biblefactualhistory Change image and share on social
Christianity is, I believe, about expanded life, heightened consciousness and achieving a new humanity. It is not about closed minds, supernatural interventions, a fallen creation, guilt, original sin or divine rescue. John Shelby Spong achievechristianityclose share on social
Oh the Christian church has encouraged enormous immaturity among the peoples who are its primary adherence. John Shelby Spong adherencechristianchurch Change image and 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
A lot of people hear me attacking their certainty. I don't have any interest in doing that. I'm interested in penetrating the meaning of certainty. John Shelby Spong attackcertaintyhear Change image and share on social
I live on the other side of Copernicus and Galileo; I can no longer conceive of God as sort of above the sky, looking down and keeping record books. John Shelby Spong bookconceivecopernicus Change image and share on social
The ultimate meaning of the Bible escapes human limits and calls us to a recognition that every life is holy, every life is loved, and every life is called to be all that that life is capable of being. John Shelby Spong biblecallcapable share on social
All religion seems to need to prove that it's the only truth. And that's where it turns demonic. Because that's when you get religious wars and persecutions and burning heretics at the stake. John Shelby Spong burndemonicheretic Change image and share on social