Can Bishop John Shelby Spong's Radical Theology Reshape Christianity?

Bishop John Shelby Spong, a controversial figure in modern Christianity, challenged traditional doctrines and beliefs. This article, found on johnchen.net, delves into his revolutionary ideas, exploring their potential to redefine faith in the 21st century. Spong’s progressive interpretations offer a path toward a more inclusive and intellectually honest Christianity, fostering spiritual growth and critical thinking. By examining his key arguments, we can better understand his vision for a relevant and evolving faith, encouraging thoughtful dialogue and personal exploration of faith.

1. Who Was Bishop John Shelby Spong and What Were His Key Beliefs?

Bishop John Shelby Spong was an American Anglican bishop known for his progressive and often controversial theological views. He advocated for a reinterpretation of Christian doctrines, challenging traditional understandings of God, Jesus, and the Bible. Spong sought to modernize Christianity, making it relevant to contemporary society.

Spong’s key beliefs included:

Rejection of Theism: He argued that the traditional, theistic view of God as a supernatural being intervening in the world is no longer credible.
Redefining Jesus: Spong questioned the traditional understanding of Jesus as the incarnation of a theistic deity, suggesting a focus on Jesus’s humanity and the transformative power of his love.
Challenging Biblical Literalism: He viewed the Bible as a collection of human writings, shaped by historical and cultural contexts, rather than the literal word of God.
Embracing Social Justice: Spong was a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and other social justice issues, believing that the church should be a force for inclusivity and equality.

2. Why Did John Shelby Spong Argue That Theism Is Dead?

John Shelby Spong contended that theism, the belief in a supernatural God who intervenes in the world, is no longer a viable way of understanding the divine. He believed that scientific advancements and modern thought have rendered the traditional theistic worldview obsolete.

Spong based his argument on several key points:

The Copernican Revolution: The shift from a geocentric to a heliocentric view of the universe displaced God from a physical location above the sky.
Newtonian Physics: Isaac Newton’s laws of motion and gravity presented a universe governed by natural laws, leaving little room for supernatural intervention.
Darwinian Evolution: Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution challenged the biblical account of creation and the idea of a perfect, unchanging world.
Freudian Psychology: Sigmund Freud’s exploration of the human mind suggested that religious beliefs, including the concept of God, might be projections of human desires and fears.

Spong argued that these intellectual developments have made it impossible to maintain a credible belief in a theistic God. He called for a new way of conceptualizing and speaking about God, one that is relevant to the 21st century. This perspective aligns with the changing understanding of spirituality, emphasizing personal experience and ethical living over adherence to rigid doctrines.

3. How Did Spong Propose Redefining the Concept of God?

Spong suggested moving beyond theism to understand God as the “Source of Life,” the “Source of Love,” and the “Ground of Being.” This perspective emphasizes God as an immanent presence within the world, rather than a transcendent being who intervenes from outside.

Spong’s redefinition of God involved:

Embracing Immanence: Seeing God as present within creation, rather than separate from it.
Focusing on Relationships: Understanding God through the lens of love, compassion, and connection.
Valuing Human Experience: Recognizing that human experiences of love, joy, and meaning can be pathways to understanding the divine.

This approach allows for a more personal and experiential understanding of God, one that is not dependent on traditional doctrines or supernatural beliefs. It invites individuals to find God in their own lives and relationships, fostering a sense of connection and meaning.

4. What Was Spong’s View on Jesus and the Traditional Christology?

Spong challenged the traditional Christian understanding of Jesus as the incarnation of a theistic deity. He argued that the traditional concepts of Christology are no longer meaningful in a post-theistic world.

Spong’s views on Jesus included:

Focusing on Jesus’s Humanity: Emphasizing Jesus as a fully human being who embodied love, compassion, and justice.
Rejecting the Incarnation: Questioning the idea that Jesus was God in human form, suggesting that the divine and human are not separate realms but a single continuum.
Valuing Jesus’s Example: Seeing Jesus as a model for how to live a fully human life, rather than as a divine savior who died for our sins.
Understanding Divinity as Wholeness: Proposing that divinity is found in becoming fully human, in transcending the need to survive and giving oneself away in love to others.

This perspective encourages a shift from worshiping Jesus as a divine being to emulating his example of love, compassion, and social justice. It invites individuals to find the “Christ” within themselves and to live out the values that Jesus embodied.

5. Why Did Spong Reject the Biblical Story of the Perfect Creation and the Fall?

Spong rejected the biblical story of the perfect and finished creation from which human beings have fallen into original sin, calling it “pre-Darwinian mythology and post-Darwinian nonsense.” He argued that this story is incompatible with modern scientific understandings of the origins of life.

Spong’s rejection of the creation story was based on:

Evolutionary Science: The understanding that life has evolved over millions of years from a single cell, rather than being created in a perfect state.
The Absence of Original Perfection: The recognition that there never was an original perfection from which human beings could fall.
The Rejection of Original Sin: The belief that the idea of original sin is not an accurate description of human origins.
The Emphasis on Human Potential: The focus on human beings as incomplete beings who need to be empowered to embrace life in a new way, rather than as fallen sinners who need to be saved.

This perspective invites a more optimistic and empowering view of human nature, one that emphasizes growth, potential, and the possibility of transformation. It encourages individuals to embrace their humanity and to work towards creating a better world, rather than dwelling on guilt and sin.

6. What Were Spong’s Arguments Against the Literal Interpretation of the Virgin Birth?

Spong argued against the literal interpretation of the virgin birth, stating that it makes Christ’s divinity, as traditionally understood, impossible. He believed that the virgin birth story is mythology, designed to interpret the power of Jesus’s life, rather than a historical or biological fact.

Spong’s arguments against the literal interpretation of the virgin birth included:

Modern Understanding of Reproduction: The knowledge that both the male and female contribute genetic material to the offspring, making it impossible for Jesus to be fully human if the Holy Spirit was his father.
Compromised Humanity: The belief that Jesus’s humanity would be compromised if he was fathered by the Holy Spirit.
Impossibility of Being Born Sinless: The understanding that the mother of Jesus, as a child of Adam, would inevitably pass on the effects of “the fall” to Jesus, making it impossible for him to be born sinless.

Spong suggested that the virgin birth story was developed to proclaim that the followers of Jesus had met the presence of God in him. He encouraged Christians to stop pretending that the story was ever anything more than mythology.

7. How Did Spong Explain the Miracle Stories in the New Testament?

Spong argued that the miracle stories of the New Testament can no longer be interpreted in our post-Newtonian world as supernatural events performed by an incarnate deity. He believed that these stories are interpretive symbols, rather than literal accounts of supernatural occurrences.

Spong’s explanation of the miracle stories involved:

Understanding Miracles as Signs: Seeing miracles as signs that point beyond themselves to something they cannot possibly contain.
Drawing Parallels to Hebrew Scriptures: Recognizing that many of the miracles attributed to Jesus can be explained as expanded versions of Moses stories, Elijah stories, or Elisha stories.
Interpreting Symbols: Understanding that the texts of the miracle stories are filled with interpretive symbols that offer clues to their meaning.
Focusing on the Message: Recognizing that the miracle stories are meant to convey a message about Jesus’s power to transform lives and bring about the Kingdom of God, rather than to demonstrate his supernatural abilities.

This perspective invites a more nuanced and symbolic understanding of the miracle stories, one that focuses on their deeper meaning and their relevance to contemporary life. It encourages individuals to see the miracles as metaphors for the transformative power of love, compassion, and faith.

8. Why Did Spong Call the View of the Cross as a Sacrifice for Sins “Barbaric”?

Spong called the view of the cross as the sacrifice for the sins of the world “a barbaric idea, based on primitive concepts of God that must be dismissed.” He argued that this view turns God into a monster who does not know how to forgive and portrays Jesus as a chronic victim.

Spong’s rejection of the traditional view of the cross was based on:

The Image of a Punishing God: The belief that the idea of a God who demands a human sacrifice before forgiveness can be made available is morally reprehensible.
The Portrayal of Jesus as a Victim: The understanding that the view of Jesus as a sacrifice for sins turns him into a chronic victim who is never allowed to escape his cross.
The Creation of Guilt: The belief that this theology fills people with an overwhelming sense of guilt, turning them into “Christ-killers.”
The Emphasis on Transformation: The focus on human beings as incomplete beings who need to be made whole, rather than as fallen sinners who need to be saved.

Spong proposed that Christianity should be based on an accurate and appropriate vision of what it means to be human, one that recognizes our potential for growth, transformation, and love. He believed that this vision would lead to a more compassionate and life-affirming faith.

9. What Was Spong’s Interpretation of the Resurrection?

Spong interpreted the resurrection as an action of God, stating that Jesus was raised into the meaning of God. He argued that resurrection cannot be a physical resuscitation occurring inside human history.

Spong’s interpretation of the resurrection included:

Rejecting Physical Resuscitation: The belief that the resurrection was not a literal return of Jesus’s physical body to life.
Emphasizing Transformation: The understanding that the resurrection was a transformative experience that revealed Jesus’s true nature and his connection to God.
Seeing Resurrection as a Vision: The belief that the resurrection was a vision of one not bound by any of the limitations of our humanity.
Understanding Resurrection as a Call: The understanding that the resurrection is a call into a new level of consciousness, a call into a new reality beyond time and space.

This perspective invites a more spiritual and symbolic understanding of the resurrection, one that focuses on its transformative power and its relevance to contemporary life. It encourages individuals to see the resurrection as a metaphor for the possibility of new life, hope, and renewal in their own lives.

10. Why Did Spong Consider the Story of the Ascension Obsolete?

Spong considered the story of the ascension of Jesus obsolete, stating that it assumes a three-tiered universe and is, therefore, not capable of being translated into the concepts of a post-Copernican space age.

Spong’s view of the ascension was based on:

The Understanding of a Three-Tiered Universe: The recognition that the story of the ascension assumes a pre-modern worldview in which the earth was the center of a three-tiered universe, with heaven above the sky and hell beneath the earth.
Modern Knowledge of Space: The awareness that our knowledge of the world and of space has changed dramatically in the centuries since the story of the ascension was written.
The Impossibility of Literal Interpretation: The belief that the story of the ascension cannot be literally interpreted in light of modern scientific understandings of the universe.

Spong suggested that the story of the ascension was designed to convey the truth that the God met in Jesus was not different from the ultimate God who inhabits eternity. He believed that it is time for Christians to say openly and honestly that the story of the ascension is not meant to be taken literally.

11. According to Spong, Why Can’t Scripture Govern Our Ethical Behavior?

Spong argued that there is no eternal, revealed standard written in scripture or on tablets of stone that will govern our ethical behavior for all time. He believed that the moral code of the Bible was always adjusted to the needs of the people and that the claim of divine authorship was simply a tactic employed to gain compliance.

Spong’s view on scripture and ethical behavior was based on:

The Existence of Contradictory Laws: The recognition that there are contradictory laws in the Bible.
The Lack of Universal Laws: The understanding that the Ten Commandments were not universal laws at the beginning but were designed only to govern the relationships between Jews and Jews.
The Relativities of Ongoing Life: The belief that there is no ethical absolute that cannot be tempered by the relativities of ongoing life.
The Emphasis on Goals: The focus on the goals we seek, rather than the rules we follow, in making ethical decisions.

Spong proposed that living the ethical life means that every decision must be weighed in the light of everything that we know and that the ultimate question that must be raised by every action is this: Is humanity expanded or affirmed, heightened or repressed by this deed?

12. How Did Spong Redefine Prayer in a Post-Theistic World?

Spong redefined prayer as not a request made to a theistic deity to act in human history in a particular way. He believed that prayer is rather the developing awareness that God works through the life, love, and being of us all.

Spong’s redefinition of prayer involved:

Rejecting Theistic Prayer: Moving away from the idea of prayer as a request from the powerless to the powerful.
Embracing God’s Immanence: Recognizing that God works through the life, love, and being of us all.
Understanding Prayer as Awareness: Seeing prayer as the developing awareness of God’s presence in our lives and in the world around us.
Living Prayerfully: Understanding that prayer is something we live far more than something we do.

This perspective invites a more active and engaged approach to prayer, one that focuses on cultivating awareness, expressing gratitude, and living in accordance with our deepest values. It encourages individuals to see prayer as a way of connecting with the divine in every moment of their lives.

13. Why Did Spong Advocate Separating the Hope for Life After Death From Reward and Punishment?

Spong advocated separating the hope for life after death from the behavior-control morality of reward and punishment. He believed that the church must abandon its reliance on guilt as a motivator of behavior.

Spong’s view on life after death was based on:

The Rejection of a Judging God: The belief that the image of God as an all-seeing, all-knowing judge is incompatible with modern understandings of the universe and human psychology.
The Understanding of Socialized Behavior: The recognition that human behavior is deeply socialized and that no two human beings are born equal.
The Emphasis on Wholeness: The focus on human beings as incomplete beings who need to be made whole, rather than as sinners who need to be saved.
The Rejection of Guilt: The belief that guilt is not an effective motivator of behavior and that it can be harmful to human well-being.

Spong proposed that the promise that Jesus extends to us is not to make us religious, moral, or true believers but rather to give us life and have it abundantly. He believed that this promise should be the focus of Christian hope.

14. What Was Spong’s Vision for an Inclusive and Non-Discriminatory Church?

Spong’s vision for an inclusive and non-discriminatory church was based on the belief that all human beings bear God’s image and must be respected for the person that each of us is. He argued that no external description of one’s being, whether based on race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, and no creed based on human words developed in the religion in which one is raised can properly be used as the basis for either rejection or discrimination.

Spong’s vision for an inclusive church included:

Respect for All Persons: The belief that all human beings are created in God’s image and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
Rejection of Discrimination: The opposition to any form of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or any other external description of one’s being.
Embracing Diversity: The celebration of the diversity of human experience and the recognition that each person has something unique to offer.
Living Out Love: The commitment to loving one’s neighbor as oneself, regardless of their differences.

Spong believed that the Christian Church must engage in an act of penitence for its history of discrimination and prejudice and seek the forgiveness of its victims. He argued that only by doing so can the church hope to live into the future.

15. What Impact Did Spong’s Twelve Theses Have on Christianity and Theological Discourse?

Spong’s Twelve Theses had a significant impact on Christianity and theological discourse, sparking debate and challenging traditional beliefs. They served as a catalyst for progressive Christians seeking to reconcile their faith with modern thought.

The impact of Spong’s Twelve Theses included:

Stimulating Dialogue: Encouraging open and honest conversations about the future of Christianity.
Challenging Traditional Doctrines: Questioning long-held beliefs about God, Jesus, and the Bible.
Empowering Progressive Christians: Providing a framework for those seeking a more inclusive and relevant faith.
Generating Controversy: Provoking strong reactions from conservative Christians who viewed his ideas as heretical.

Spong’s Theses continue to be discussed and debated today, serving as a reminder of the ongoing need for Christians to grapple with the challenges of modernity and to adapt their faith to the changing world.

16. How Can Spong’s Ideas Help Modern Christians Reconcile Faith and Reason?

Spong’s ideas provide a framework for modern Christians to reconcile faith and reason by encouraging critical thinking, embracing scientific advancements, and reinterpreting traditional doctrines in light of contemporary knowledge.

Spong’s approach to reconciling faith and reason involves:

Embracing Intellectual Honesty: Being willing to question traditional beliefs and to embrace new understandings of the world.
Valuing Scientific Knowledge: Recognizing the importance of scientific discoveries and incorporating them into one’s understanding of faith.
Interpreting the Bible Symbolically: Understanding the Bible as a collection of human writings shaped by historical and cultural contexts, rather than as the literal word of God.
Focusing on Ethical Living: Emphasizing the importance of living a life of love, compassion, and social justice, rather than adhering to rigid doctrines or supernatural beliefs.

By embracing these principles, modern Christians can find a way to maintain their faith while also engaging with the world in an intellectually honest and meaningful way.

17. What Are Some Criticisms of John Shelby Spong’s Theology?

John Shelby Spong’s theology has faced criticism from various quarters, primarily from more conservative or traditional Christians who view his interpretations as departures from core Christian beliefs.

Common criticisms include:

Rejection of Core Doctrines: Critics argue that Spong rejects essential Christian doctrines, such as the divinity of Jesus, the virgin birth, and the resurrection.
Undermining Biblical Authority: Some believe that Spong’s symbolic interpretation of the Bible undermines its authority as the word of God.
Moral Relativism: Critics suggest that Spong’s emphasis on ethical relativism weakens traditional moral values.
Departure from Tradition: Many traditional Christians feel that Spong’s views represent a radical departure from the historical teachings of the church.

Despite these criticisms, Spong’s work has also been praised for its intellectual honesty, its commitment to social justice, and its ability to make Christianity relevant to contemporary society.

18. How Does Spong’s Theology Relate to Contemporary Social Justice Issues?

Spong’s theology is deeply connected to contemporary social justice issues, particularly LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and racial equality. He believed that the church should be a force for inclusivity and equality and that Christian faith should be used to promote social justice.

Spong’s connection to social justice issues includes:

Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Rights: Spong was a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, arguing that the church should fully embrace and affirm LGBTQ+ individuals.
Support for Women’s Rights: He advocated for gender equality in the church and in society, challenging traditional patriarchal structures.
Emphasis on Racial Equality: Spong spoke out against racism and worked to promote racial reconciliation within the church.
Challenging Discrimination: He consistently challenged any form of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or any other external description of one’s being.

Spong’s commitment to social justice reflects his belief that all human beings are created in God’s image and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

19. What Is the Relevance of Spong’s Ideas for the Future of Christianity?

The relevance of Spong’s ideas for the future of Christianity lies in their potential to help the church adapt to the challenges of modernity and to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Spong’s ideas offer:

A Framework for Reconciliation: A way to reconcile faith and reason, allowing Christians to embrace scientific advancements and modern thought without abandoning their faith.
A Path to Inclusivity: A vision for an inclusive and non-discriminatory church that welcomes all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other differences.
A Focus on Ethical Living: A shift from rigid doctrines and supernatural beliefs to a focus on living a life of love, compassion, and social justice.
A Call to Transformation: An invitation to embrace personal and social transformation, working towards creating a better world for all.

By embracing these ideas, the Christian Church can remain a vital and relevant force in the 21st century, offering a message of hope, love, and justice to a world in need.

20. Where Can I Learn More About Bishop John Shelby Spong and His Work?

To learn more about Bishop John Shelby Spong and his work, you can explore several resources:

Books: Spong authored numerous books, including “Why Christianity Must Change or Die,” “Resurrection: Myth or Reality,” and “Eternal Life: A New Vision.”
Articles and Essays: Many of Spong’s articles and essays are available online, providing insights into his theological perspectives.
Interviews and Lectures: Recordings of Spong’s interviews and lectures can be found on platforms like YouTube and Vimeo, offering a direct connection to his ideas.
Websites and Blogs: Websites and blogs dedicated to progressive Christianity often feature discussions and analyses of Spong’s work.
johnchen.net: Explore articles, discussions, and resources related to contemporary Christian thought and theological evolution.

By engaging with these resources, you can gain a deeper understanding of Bishop John Shelby Spong’s contributions to modern Christianity and his vision for the future of faith.

FAQ About Bishop John Shelby Spong

Who was John Shelby Spong?
He was a controversial American Anglican bishop known for his progressive and often controversial theological views.
What were John Shelby Spong’s key beliefs?
His key beliefs included the rejection of theism, redefining Jesus, challenging biblical literalism, and embracing social justice.
Why did John Shelby Spong argue that theism is dead?
He believed that scientific advancements and modern thought have rendered the traditional theistic worldview obsolete.
How did Spong propose redefining the concept of God?
He suggested understanding God as the “Source of Life,” the “Source of Love,” and the “Ground of Being,” emphasizing God’s immanent presence.
What was Spong’s view on Jesus and traditional Christology?
Spong challenged the traditional understanding of Jesus as the incarnation of a theistic deity, emphasizing Jesus’s humanity and his transformative love.
Why did Spong reject the biblical story of the perfect creation and the Fall?
He argued that it was incompatible with modern scientific understandings of the origins of life, pointing to evolutionary science.
What were Spong’s arguments against the literal interpretation of the Virgin Birth?
Spong argued that it makes Christ’s divinity, as traditionally understood, impossible, given the modern understanding of reproduction.
How did Spong explain the miracle stories in the New Testament?
He explained them as interpretive symbols, rather than literal accounts of supernatural occurrences.
Why did Spong call the view of the cross as a sacrifice for sins barbaric?
Because he believed this view turns God into a monster and portrays Jesus as a chronic victim.
What was Spong’s interpretation of the Resurrection?
Spong interpreted it as an action of God, stating that Jesus was raised into the meaning of God, not a physical resuscitation.

Bishop John Shelby Spong’s legacy lies in his courage to challenge traditional beliefs and to advocate for a more inclusive, intellectually honest, and socially just Christianity. His ideas continue to inspire and provoke, inviting Christians to grapple with the challenges of modernity and to adapt their faith to the changing world.

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Can Bishop John Shelby Spong’s Radical Theology Reshape Christianity?