The Passing of Bishop John Shelby Spong (to Donna Danna)

(To Donna Danna)  Thank you for alerting me to the passing of (Bishop) John Shelby Spong.  Many years ago a work colleague asked me to have a look at a book by Spong titled Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism.  I was reluctant to do this, but agreed.  I was appalled that a Christian, especially a Bishop, could write what can only be described as deception.  For example, he accuses an innocent Apostle Paul of being a homosexual (without any evidence!!). 

I wrote a detailed 15 page critique of this poorly written book.  There is clearly far too much to go into, such as his (very) liberal views and twisting of Scripture.  However, the heart of the matter is on page 69, as quoted below (bolded for emphasis):

 'I DO NOT BELIEVE IN A GOD WHO WILLED JESUS TO SUFFER FOR MY SINS.  I DO NOT BELIEVE IN A GOD WHOSE INNER NEED FOR  JUSTICE IS SATISFIED WHEN HIS SON IS NAILED TO A CROSS'

My response to this was as follows: 

Indeed!  I find it difficult to believe that the Eternal Father could allow Jesus to die in my place: His death, my life.  But God loved me so much that He gave His Son Jesus to die for my sins.  I received this truth into my heart as a child of six, and each day I thank the Father for His love in allowing Jesus to die for me.  Literal, yes; miss this truth and I believe you miss eternal life.  The bridge to eternal life (Jesus) is available to all and not just some 'chosen few'.

Denis in Canberra!

Literalist!!  Fundamentalist!!  Eschatologist!!