Part XXIV Matthew – Interpreting Atonement Theology, Part II

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on July, 3 2014

“Atonement Theology” assumes that human life, though created in the image of God, is now both fallen and evil. It assumes that God is a being who can be “ …

Two Popes Made Saints in a Dramatic Act

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on May, 29 2014

It was an exciting day in the Vatican on April 27, 2014, probably the most exciting day since the election of Cardinal Bergoglio of Argentina to be Pope Francis a little …

The Need for the Christian to Journey Beyond Scripture, Creed and Church

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on August, 22 2013

Theology is a rational, deeply human, attempt to explain our experience with God. Theology is, therefore, never primary; it is always secondary to experience. Theological explanations can thus never …

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 …

Remembering My Mentors Part III: Janet Robinson, Bible Teacher

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on May, 31 2012

Her name was Janet Robinson and I met her shortly after my 12th birthday.  She was a member of my church and active as a Sunday school teacher.  She …

“Think Different – Accept Uncertainty” Part V: The Traditional Religious Definition of Human Life

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on March, 1 2012

In this series we have looked at the changing understanding of God throughout human history. We have tried to separate the God experience of transcendence, wonder and awe from …

The Roman Catholic Bishops: Are They Killing Their Church?

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on February, 23 2012

I never thought I would live long enough to see birth control become a major political issue.  Nor did I think I would ever hear the desire to provide …

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 …

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