The Birth of Jesus, Part I: Introduction

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on November, 8 2012

Most of the portraits of the mother of Jesus that hang in the great museums of the world are dependent first on the biblical stories of Jesus’ birth and …

“Think Different–Accept Uncertainty” Part XVIII: The Resurrection of Jesus

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on October, 4 2012

The literal details are familiar: the third day, the empty tomb, the experience of seeing the risen Christ.  These details stand at the heart of the Christian story, forming …

The Health Care Debate: Is It Possible to Reach Conclusions That Are Satisfactory?

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on April, 5 2012

The argument before the Supreme Court as to whether the Federal government can mandate health insurance for all citizens represents a fascinating dance around shifting realities.  It is an …

Examining the Story of the Cross, Part VII: What Judas Iscariot Meant in the Eighth Ninth & Tenth Decades of Christian Development

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on April, 21 2011

Last week we began a biblical analysis of Judas Iscariot.  First, we noted that Paul, who wrote and died before any gospel had been written, was totally unaware of …

Examining the Story of the Cross, Part VI: The Enigma Called Judas

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on April, 14 2011

The anti-hero of the Christian story in general and of the crucifixion story in particular is one who is known as Judas Iscariot. Scorn and ridicule have been heaped …

Examining the Story of the Cross, Part V: Barabbas – Another Interpretive Figure

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on April, 7 2011

In Mark’s original story of the Passion of Jesus, he introduces for the first time in any written Christian record the figure of Barabbas.  In this story we …

Examining the Meaning of the Cross, Part IV: The Symbols of the Hebrew Scriptures in the Crucifixion

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on March, 24 2011

The first narrative account of Jesus’ crucifixion in the Bible is found in the gospel of Mark written some 40-43 years, or approximately two generations, after the events it …

Examining the Story of the Cross, Part II: Did the Crucifixion of Jesus Occur at Passover?

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on March, 9 2011

It is a common assumption that the crucifixion of Jesus took place in the context of the Jewish observance of Passover.  That is certainly the point of view developed …

Examining the Story of the Cross, Part I: Analyzing the Details of the Crucifixion

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on March, 3 2011

In a few weeks the Christian world will enter the season of Lent that culminates with Holy Week and the liturgical reading of the Passion narrative of Jesus’ crucifixion.  …