NOM

John Shelby Spong was being interviewed on the radio this morning, publicizing his book, Biblical Literalism: A Gentile Heresy. Spong is a retired bishop of the Episcopal Church in New Jersey. A few of the things he said really stuck out to me so I thought I'd share them. He described a church I would feel comfortable belonging to, and I am not a believer.

Jesus was similar to other prophets throughout Jewish history, prophets in Jewish history challenged the religious status quo. In Jesus case, he challenged the strict adherence to the law of Moses with focusing more on loving your fellowman than following the letter of the law; he challenged the religious leadership of the Pharisees and Saducees. (My thoughts) From that perspective John Dehlin and Kate Kelly are more prophetic than Thomas Monson or Russ Nelson.

Spong has written a number of religious books. His daughter's response to some of them is that he is answering questions that no one is asking anymore. That the Christian church today has created a God that makes no sense in today's world. Virgin birth, miracles, even the concept of sin and atonement are at odds with the rest of Western society. They just don't fit.

It was refreshing to hear.

That was an excellent interview on Radio West. I haven't read his books but I'm a fan. In a more enlightened world view Spong is a progressive. In the world view of your standard Mormon he would likely be considered an atheist in denial.

Hagoth wrote: ↑Sun Jun 18, 2017 11:51 am That was an excellent interview on Radio West. I haven't read his books but I'm a fan. In a more enlightened world view Spong is a progressive. In the world view of your standard Mormon he would likely be considered an atheist in denial.

Thanks, I didn't catch the name of the program. I also haven't read his books, but I really liked that interview. He does have an interesting viewpoint.