Since the release of his book, "Why Christianity Must Change or Die," a year ago, Episcopal Bishop John Shelby Spong has caused a great stir among some members of the Christian faith.
Last Thursday, 125 area residents, members of the clergy, and curious readers of the Newark, N.J. bishop gathered at St. Andrews Episcopal Church to hear the controversial bishop speak on why he believes organizational religion is dying.
Spong's beliefs have generated debate within the religious community because he supports ideas which other Christians have said are radical, including the ordination of homosexual priests.
In an interview before the speech, Spong said his support of homosexual clergy has created the most controversy of any of his ideas. "That is what the Gospel that I have come to understand commands me to do," Spong said.
Spong said some of his critics have sent him 16 death threats ever since his latest book was released a year ago.
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| DANA LINNANE/Daily Bishop John Shelby Spong addresses a gathering of more than 125 people at St. Andrews Episcopal Church on Thursday. |
"I live in this (current) frame of reference," Spong said, explaining that many ancient Christian beliefs are outdated.
The 1724 discovery of the female egg cell and its role in sexual reproduction discounted the story of divine creation, Spong said.
He added that before the acceptance of this discovery, the creation story supported the repression of women, because it was believed that they did not contribute to the conception of a child.
"It's good to hear him verbalize what we in the clergy are afraid to say," said Nancy Baum, associate rector at St. Andrews.
Through his writings, Spong said he attempts to reach out to what he called "the fastest growing organization in the Christian West - the church alumni association," adding that he was writing for "those who feel they can't find God in their Christian institutions."
Matthew Lawrence, reverend at Canterbury House, the Episcopal center at the University, said he finds Spong's approach refreshing.
"What he's saying is very encouraging," Lawrence said, explaining that Spong is sparking discussion on issues that need attention.
Referring to the beliefs of the leader of the Protestant Reformation, Spong said Martin "Luther had 97 theses - I got them down to 12. "Luther put them on the church door, while I put them on the Internet."
Spong said he plans to retire in February and will lecture at Harvard University.
By Michael Grass
Daily News Editor
Since the release of his book, "Why Christianity Must Change or Die," a year ago, Episcopal Bishop John Shelby Spong has caused a great stir among members of the Christian faith.
Last Thursday, 125 area residents, members of the clergy, and curious readers of the Newark, N.J. bishop gathered at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church to hear the controversial bishop speak on why he believes organizational religion is dying.
Spong's beliefs generate debate within the religious community because he supports ideas which other Christians have said are radical, including the ordination of gay and lesbian priests.
In an interview before the speech, Spong said his support of homosexual clergy has created the most controversy of any of his ideas. "That is what the Gospel that I have come to understand commands me to do," Spong said.
Ever since his latest book was released a year ago, Spong said he has received 16 death threats.
One major idea Spong expressed to the audience is that the story of Jesus Christ, told in the Bible, was written for those living in the First Century.
"I live in this (current) frame of reference," Spong said, explaining that many Christian beliefs are outdated for modern society.
The 1724 discovery of the female egg cell and its role in sexual reproduction discounted the story of divine creation, Spong said.
He added that before the acceptance of this discovery, the creation story supported the repression of women, because it was believed that they did not contribute to the conception of the child.
"It's good to hear him verbalize what we in the clergy are afraid to say," said Nancy Baum, associate rector at St. Andrews.
Through his writings, Spong said he attempts to reach out to what he called "the fastest growing organization in the Christian West - the church alumni association," adding that he was writing for "those who feel they can't find God in their Christian institutions."
Matthew Lawrence, reverend at Canterbury House, the Episcopal center at the University said he finds Spong's approach refreshing.
"What he's saying is very encouraging," Lawrence said explaining that Spong is sparking discussion on issues that need attention.
Referring to the beliefs of the leader of the Protestant Reformation, Spong said Martin "Luther had 97 theses - I got them down to 12. "Luther put them on the church door, while I put them on the Internet."
Spong said he plans to retire in February and will lecture at Harvard University.
05-17-99
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