John Shelby Spong: His Life and Ministry

Paper Summary:

This paper addresses how the life and ministry of the Newark Episcopal bishop John Shelby Spong stand in stark contrast to the assumption that religious faith and a lack of tolerance have come to be seen as synonymous. The paper holds that Spong has stood in defiance of more conventional interpreters of his church's doctrines from both a theological and social standpoint. He has remained a proud advocate for liberal interpretations of the nature of Jesus. He has shown tolerance of homosexuality and feminism. Rather than defend his Episcopalian faith in absolute terms, Spong has proclaimed the need for openness and plurality and has made ecumenical beliefs the core of his ministry. The paper concludes that, although he remains widely controversial, the good he has done over the course of his life cannot be denied, in his pursuit of truth and justice.

From the Paper:

"Whenever he believes the American government is being repressive, Spong has asserted that it is absurd to protect freedom by limiting freedom. All true faith derives from the human ability to choose, freely and openly, one's faith and convictions. To have faith means not to deny the rights of others, but to welcome discussion and dialogue. This spirit of openness is embodied in Spong's life, even in his appearance. To better relate to the people he served in the Diocese of Newark, Spong seldom wore a miter. Representing the authority of the church given to him by wearing the robes of his office was less important than teaching the truth in the most immediate and accessible way possible."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Bishop Spong on Politics.' A New Christianity for a New World. 2006. 2 Feb 2008. http://www.johnshelbyspong.com/bishopspongon_politics.aspx
• Barrett, Ellen. "John S. Spong." Reproduced from the September and October 1997 Edition of The Voice, newspaper of the Diocese of Newark. 2 Feb 2008. www.dioceseofnewark.orghttp://www.dioceseofnewark.org/jsspong/profile.html
• Liberator, Mark. "John Shelby Spong: A Revolutionary, Rational, Anti-Religionist." The Liberator. 2 Jun 2000. 2 Feb 2008. http://www.liberator.net/articles/LiberatorMark/Spong.html
• Spong, John. S. "Statement from The Rt. Rev'd John S. Spong on the death of Matthew Shepard 22 October 1998. 2 Feb 2008. www.dioceseofnewark.org, http://www.dioceseofnewark.org/jsspong/shepard.html
• Spong, John S. "A Call for a New Reformation." 2000. 2 Feb 2008. www.dioceseofnewark.org http://www.dioceseofnewark.org/jsspong/reform.html

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