Conversation with Bishop John Spong

Language and leadership in the Christian tradition, today - are the things we do still relevant?

Category:

Education

Tags:

• John
• Shelby
• Spong
• Anglican
• Episcopal
• Bishop
• Jack
• Newark
• Evangelical
• Lutheran
• Church
• in
• Canada
• All
• Saints
• Kelowna
• Pastor
• Reverend
• Tyler
• Gingrich
• Bible
• Language
• Tradition
• Christian
• Rescuing
• from
• Fundamentalism

[karpov89]

I am sad to see that you speak with bishop Spong. What I have read and heard of him he is no longer advocating Christian faith, he is indeed a heretic. And if he were a real bishop he would dress properly, as a bishop should.

[KelownaLutheran]

@karpov89

It seems we have different opinions. I invite the conversation with Spong's ideas; he has done much to reach out to those who are not a part of the Christian tradition. You might recall that Martin Luther, too, was declared a heretic. Peace to you.

[cheetah100]

@karpov89 Yes, I'm aware of this. I commented recently on how a rapist who has accepted Jesus gets to enter heaven, while his victim, his daughter, and now an atheist in no small part because of this evil mans actions, is condemned to hell according to this evil doctrine. Spong teaches love and compassion; values far more valuable that your hateful, immoral doctrines.

[jx4720]

I find that Bishop Spong challenges the church to rethink our understanding of faith and truth - his note that clergy somehow have to "keep the need for truth balanced with the necessity of keeping members of the institution with you" recognizes the conservative and sometimes literalistic dimensions of our church - and even ourselves. It is sad to think that people will leave the church if traditions are questioned.

[DaSungandSoul1223]

@ John Spong,

I'm 19, out of High school, college freshman.

I have told my friends about you. They love your ideas.

You are a hero to a younger generation - I only wish you could see this.

[karpov89]

@karpov89 Sorry but then you show yourself lack knowledge of what is the Christian faith.

[karpov89]

@cheetah100 No! Salvation is trough faith not acts or values. With the true faith then comes the good values and good deeds. There is no myth but the truth. Spong may be acting good towards other people but he is not advocating Christian faith.

[cheetah100]

@karpov89 But is he not communicating Christian values? Leaving behind the myth and superstition and embracing the values of love, integrity, honesty and community? Is this not simply a reformation; a understanding that the message of Christ is more important than his divinity or his historicity. Do values not supersede myth?

[Guitarvammer]

Watching this video strongly affirms within my soul that, " where two or three are gathered together in my name (Jesus), there am I (Jesus) in the midst of them."

It satisfies my intellect, upholds the value of my humanity, and stills my heart.

It also challenges the foundations of my faith and so it should if I am truly walking with Christ.

[karpov89]

@makemarc Thank you for calling me small-minded. There is nothing obscene with the word heresy, that is of no concern what happened a long time ago in another context. When I say he is a heretic - he really is - I do not refer to what he says in this conversation and how he dresses can not be heretic of course either, per se.

[karpov89]

@KelownaLutheran I must admit I should have expressed myself a little different. Talking to him in itself is not wrong, but from the pastoral point of view it is then important to explain for the congregation what in his teaching which is not Christian faith. He has been invited to Sweden on several occasions. I do think there are much better way to attract those who are not coming from a Christian tradition, and his was is not contributing to the creating on One Visible Church. Pax et bonum!