Progressing Spirit

The Charleston Murders: The Final Battle in the Civil War?

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on July, 16 2015

It was a brutal murder of nine people in an AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. The victims, including their pastor, who was also a member of the South …

I have followed with great interest your series of articles on the Gospel according to Matthew, in which you set out your understanding and interpretation of the metaphors and …

Answered by Bishop John Shelby Spong

Inauguration Day 2013

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on January, 24 2013

Inauguration day in America is a time of transition, the proper moment to articulate the hopes and dreams of the future. These things are more vivid if the one …

I understand and support that “you do not think of God theistically,” i.e. what could be called the God of the Old Testament. But, as I have read, …

Answered by Bishop John Shelby Spong

An Open Letter to a Political Leader Newt Gingrich and to a Religious Leader Pat Robertson

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on December, 29 2011

A note to my readers: This column ran first in the fall of 2010 or about 15 months ago in this exact form. It was not regarded as controversial. The …

What biblical texts have you chosen for your …

Answered by Bishop John Shelby Spong

The Transition from Tribalism: The Tea Party, States’ Rights, Strict Constructionists and the Reading of the Constitution

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on February, 9 2011

Recently, I read Brian Burroughs’ book, The Big Rich, the story of the rise and fall of the major Texas oil fortunes. When I had finished this …

I have read most of your books and have enjoyed all of them. I was once a fundamentalist Christian and your books have really opened my eyes to many …