The Pacific School of Religion and Theological Education for Tomorrow’s Christianity

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on August, 16 2012

I spent a week recently teaching in the summer session of the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California.  It was a demanding schedule of four hours a day …

“Think Different—Accept Uncertainty” Part XIII: Miracles As Signs to Be Interpreted

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on July, 5 2012

Today, as a part of the overall series entitled “Think Different–Accept Uncertainty,” I want to begin to press this mini-unit on the miracle stories of the gospels toward …

“Think Different – Accept Uncertainty” Part X: The Christ – He Is Not the Savior of the Fallen

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on May, 24 2012

In my studies of the origins of life and its evolution, I have become convinced that the traditional and primitive claim that involves the concept of “original sin” has …

“Think Different – Accept Uncertainty” Part IV: Expanding the Bankruptcy of Theism

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on February, 16 2012

Before proceeding with this series, I want to return to my theme of last week and examine the concept of theism more closely.  In so doing, I run the …

“Think Different – Accept Uncertainty”

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on January, 19 2012

I recently read Walter Isaacson’s provocative and fascinating biography of Steve Jobs, the founder of the Apple Corporation.  He was innovative, iconoclastic, weird and a genius.  He built …

Studying Christian Art in Florence Italy

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on November, 17 2011

The Florence Museum, known in Italy as the Musei Firenze, is best known for the massive marble statue of the youthful King David sculpted by Michelangelo.  Housed in the …

The Gladstone Library – A Final Visit

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on September, 8 2011

In the United Kingdom about ten miles from the ancient Roman city of Chester, inside the northern edge of a country called Wales, is located an institution that calls …

Lecturing in the Church of Scotland

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on August, 18 2011

To come to Scotland is to come to that mysterious land of clans with their identifying tartans and clan warfare; to a nation that forced the English to build …

Thoughts on the Future of Christianity After a Conversation with the Founder of the Alban Institute

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on June, 9 2011

Several weeks ago I had the opportunity to have lunch with the Rev. Dr. Loren B. Mead, known to many of you as the creator of the Alban Institute.  …

New Dean for the Seminary at Drew University: A Rising Star in Theological Education

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on May, 18 2011

One of the most enriching elements of my life today is the relationship I have with Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. Located about five miles from my home, …