John Shelby Spong est reconnu comme un porte-parole éminent d'un christianisme ouvert, savant et progressiste. Par ses écrits, il remet en question le dogme traditionnel et appelle à un réexamen de la foi. Ses œuvres explorent en profondeur les concepts chrétiens fondamentaux, examinant leur pertinence dans le monde contemporain. L'approche de Spong encourage les lecteurs à la croissance intellectuelle et spirituelle, suscitant une reconsidération des croyances fondamentales.
Exploring the intricate process of crafting a sacred text, this book delves into the human experiences, struggles, and triumphs that shaped its creation. It highlights the diverse voices and perspectives involved, revealing the emotional and spiritual journeys that contribute to the formation of a divine narrative. Through personal stories and historical context, readers gain insight into the profound impact of these human dramas on the sacred literature that has influenced countless lives.
"Five hundred years after the Reformation, Christianity is once again in crisis-- clinging to outdated concepts and tenaciously defending dogmas formed before major advances in human thought. The result: many judge the faith 'unbelievable.' In this, his final book, bestselling author and Episcopal bishop John Selby Spong outlines twelve theses to help us discover a Christianity that can serve as a powerful and contemporary resource for living in the twenty-first century."--Back cover
The book presents a critical examination of the Fourth Gospel, arguing that its interpretation by early church leaders has led to a misunderstanding of its true nature. John Shelby Spong posits that rather than being a literal biography, it serves as a literary retelling of Jesus' life, incorporating fictional characters to convey deeper meanings. The work emphasizes the importance of Jewish scriptures and worship practices, while also framing Jesus within the context of first-century Jewish mysticism, urging readers to reconsider traditional views of Christianity.
The author offers a thought-provoking exploration of Jesus by delving into his thoughts, words, and actions through the lens of the Hebrew tradition. This candid and impassioned analysis seeks to illuminate the historical and cultural context of Jesus' life, providing a deeper understanding of his significance. The argument is well-founded, encouraging readers to reconsider familiar narratives and appreciate the complexities of Jesus’ identity within his own cultural framework.
Exploring contrasting depictions of Jesus, the book juxtaposes the ancient traditional view presented by the Pope with a contemporary interpretation by Bishop Spong. The Pope emphasizes historical and doctrinal aspects, while Spong offers a modern perspective aimed at inspiring today's readers. This dialogue invites reflection on faith, relevance, and the evolving understanding of spirituality in a modern context, making it a compelling read for those interested in theology and religious discourse.
Bishop John Shelby Spong presents a provocative interpretation of the Gospels, asserting that they are not literal accounts but rather Jewish midrashic narratives designed to express the significance of Jesus. He challenges traditional beliefs about key events in Jesus' life, from his birth to resurrection, providing compelling evidence for his claims. This exploration offers a fresh perspective on how Jesus was understood in his time and invites readers to reconsider their understanding of his legacy today.
Addressing controversial passages in the Bible, John Shelby Spong challenges traditional interpretations that lead to discrimination and oppression. He aims to reshape misconceptions about Christianity, presenting a liberating perspective on scripture. By offering a fresh vision for contemporary Christians, Spong emphasizes a more inclusive understanding of God's love, encouraging readers to reconcile their faith with modern values.
Focusing on the need for a radical reformation, the author presents a vision for a revitalized Christianity that transcends traditional boundaries. He identifies the detrimental influences affecting the Church and proposes an approach centered on justice, love, and the emergence of a new humanity. This transformative perspective aims to inspire Christians to embrace a fresh understanding of the Holy, fostering a powerful and inclusive faith for the modern age.
Rescuing John's Gospel from Its Creedal Captivity John Shelby Spong, bestselling author and popular proponent of a modern, scholarly, and authentic Christianity, argues that this last gospel to be written was misinterpreted by the framers of the fourth-century creeds to be a literal account of the life of Jesus when in fact it is a literacy, interpretive retelling of the events in Jesus' life through the medium of fictional characters, from Nicodemus and Lazarus to the "Beloved Disciple." The result of this intriguing study not only recaptures the original message of this gospel, but also provides us today with a radical new dimension to the claim that in the humanity of Jesus the reality of God has been met and engaged.
"In this profound work, bestselling author and the former Episcopal Bishop of Newark John Shelby Spong offers a radical new way to look at the gospels today. Pulling back the layers of misunderstanding created over the centuries by Gentile ignorance of things Jewish, he reveals how a literal reading of the Bible is so far removed from the original intent of the Jewish authors of the gospels that it has become an act of heresy. Using the gospel of Matthew as a guide, Spong explores the New Testament's literary and liturgical roots its grounding in Jewish culture, symbols, icons, and storytelling tradition to explain how the events of Jesus's life, including the virgin birth, the miracles, the details of the passion story, and the resurrection and ascension, would have been understood by both the Jewish authors of the various gospels and by the Jewish audiences for which they were originally written. Spong makes clear that it was only after the church became fully Gentile that readers of the gospels took these to be events of history, thus distorting their essential meaning."--Provided by publisher
