John Shelby Spong
Full Name and Common Aliases
John Shelby Spong, often referred to simply as Jack Spong, was a prominent figure in the religious and theological community. Known for his progressive views and outspoken nature, Spong became a significant voice in the discourse surrounding Christianity and its evolution in the modern world.
Birth and Death Dates
John Shelby Spong was born on June 16, 1931, and passed away on September 12, 2021. His life spanned a period of immense change both within the church and the broader societal context, and he played a pivotal role in challenging and reshaping traditional religious thought.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Spong was an American by nationality and served primarily as a bishop in the Episcopal Church. Beyond his ecclesiastical duties, he was a prolific author and theologian, whose works reached a global audience, influencing both laypeople and scholars alike.
Early Life and Background
John Shelby Spong was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, into a family that was deeply rooted in the Southern traditions of the United States. His early life was marked by the cultural and religious norms of the American South, which he would later critically examine and challenge. Spong attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He furthered his education at the Virginia Theological Seminary, where he was ordained as a priest in 1955. These formative years laid the groundwork for his future endeavors as a reformer within the church.
Major Accomplishments
Spong's career was distinguished by his tenure as the Bishop of Newark, a position he held from 1979 until his retirement in 2000. During his episcopacy, he became known for his progressive stances on various social issues, including the ordination of women, the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in the church, and the reinterpretation of traditional Christian doctrines. His leadership was characterized by a commitment to inclusivity and a willingness to engage with controversial topics, often placing him at odds with more conservative elements within the church.
Notable Works or Actions
John Shelby Spong authored numerous books that challenged conventional Christian beliefs and sought to make religion more accessible and relevant to contemporary society. Some of his most notable works include "Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism", "Why Christianity Must Change or Die", and "A New Christianity for a New World". These publications not only sparked widespread debate but also encouraged a re-examination of faith and its role in modern life. Spong's writings were characterized by a blend of scholarly insight and a deep personal conviction, making them both thought-provoking and accessible to a broad audience.
Impact and Legacy
The impact of John Shelby Spong's work is evident in the ongoing discussions about the future of Christianity and its place in a rapidly changing world. His advocacy for a more inclusive and open-minded approach to faith has inspired countless individuals and communities to reconsider their beliefs and practices. Spong's legacy is one of courage and innovation, as he consistently pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable within the church. His efforts to bridge the gap between traditional religious teachings and contemporary values have left an indelible mark on the landscape of modern theology.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
John Shelby Spong is widely quoted and remembered for his fearless approach to challenging the status quo and his unwavering commitment to social justice and equality. His ability to articulate complex theological concepts in a manner that resonated with both believers and skeptics alike made him a compelling and influential figure. Spong's quotes often reflect his deep-seated belief in the potential for religion to be a force for good in the world, provided it evolves to meet the needs of its followers. His legacy as a reformer and visionary continues to inspire those who seek to reconcile faith with reason and compassion.
In summary, John Shelby Spong's life and work exemplify the power of questioning and reimagining established norms. His contributions to theology and his advocacy for a more inclusive church have ensured that his voice remains a vital part of the conversation about the future of religion.
Quotes by John Shelby Spong
John Shelby Spong's insights on:
Prayer is rather the activity that enables each of us to be givers to and receivers from one another of the deepest meaning of life – a meaning I call God.
To read the gospels properly, I now believe, requires a knowledge of Jewish culture, Jewish symbols, Jewish icons and the tradition of Jewish storytelling. It requires an understanding of what the Jews called “midrash.” Only those people who were completely unaware of these things could ever have come to think that the gospels were meant to be read literally.
There’s no way a human being can escape his or her human-ness to be able to imagine God. We can talk about how we’ve experienced God, not what or who God is.
God is. Because God is, I live, I love, I am. Does that mean that God exists? I do not know what that question means. I experience God; I cannot explain God. I trust my experience.
When any human group decides that they can define God, the outcome is always predictable. The “true faith,” once defined, must then be defended against all critics, and it must also then be forced upon all people – “for their own good, lest their souls be in jeopardy.
In Yom Kippur, the status of being unclean fades before the divine presence. Yet if one cannot distinguish between God and Satan, if one calls evil good, if one’s religion places limits on the love of God, if one claims that being God’s chosen means that all others are God’s rejected, then there can be no atonement, and Yom Kippur is a failure.
You learn that you either are going to have a police state where you don’t have any freedom left, or you’re going to build a world that doesn’t create terrorists – and that means a whole different way of ‘getting along.’
I want the traditional family upheld, but I don’t want it upheld to the detriment of other people.
I don’t want a God that would go around killing people’s little girls. Neither do I want a God who would kill his own son.
I have become convinced that we must put an end to atonement theology or there will be no future for the Christian faith. This.