John Spong
John Spong was born in the year 1931, and grew up in Charlotte, North
Carolina. He was a graduate of the University of North Carolina and obtained
his master of Divinity in Virginia. A short time later, he was working in the
church. Spong has received three honorary doctorates. He started off as a
rector, a priest or minister of a church and travelled to a few different
churches. In 1979, he served as a bishop
of the Episcopal church in Newark until 2000, when shortly after he retired.
Not only was Spong a Bishop, he also has written books and published many of
his works, that explore different aspects of Christianity. He has authored 82
books over the years, and has sold over a million copies. Spong, performs lectures to thousands of
people around the world in universities and churches, inspiring them with his
beliefs about Christianity. One of his inspirations was the late Anglican
bishop John Robinson, who was a mentor throughout his amazing journey. Spong tells us that reading Robinson's
controversial writings in the 1960s led to a friendship and mentoring
relationship with him over many years.
Like Julian of Norwich, John Spong inspired thousands of people with his progressive Christian voice. He helps inspire people with his new ways of thinking, although considered controversial, they both tried to change peoples perception of Christ. Both have written books, although Julian's were based on showings, whereas Spong's inspire new ways of thinking about the bible. Spong believes that the bible has been completely misread and its more of a vision of optimistic love rather than oppression. Spong makes Theology accessible to the ordinary person. This reminds me of Julian's common sense approach to spirituality and of her upbringing.
Also, like Julian, he has the idea that faith should be inclusive. "I am a believer who knows and loves the Bible deeply. But I also recognize that parts of it have been used to undergird prejudices and to mask violence." says Spong. This is like Julian's idea of sin, "For I saw no wrath except on man's side, and He forgives that in us, for wrath is nothing else but a perversity and an opposition to peace and to love."
Overall, both Julian and John Spong have inspired people to rethink the messages of Christ. With a more positive focus of agape, compassion and truth.
Like Julian of Norwich, John Spong inspired thousands of people with his progressive Christian voice. He helps inspire people with his new ways of thinking, although considered controversial, they both tried to change peoples perception of Christ. Both have written books, although Julian's were based on showings, whereas Spong's inspire new ways of thinking about the bible. Spong believes that the bible has been completely misread and its more of a vision of optimistic love rather than oppression. Spong makes Theology accessible to the ordinary person. This reminds me of Julian's common sense approach to spirituality and of her upbringing.
Also, like Julian, he has the idea that faith should be inclusive. "I am a believer who knows and loves the Bible deeply. But I also recognize that parts of it have been used to undergird prejudices and to mask violence." says Spong. This is like Julian's idea of sin, "For I saw no wrath except on man's side, and He forgives that in us, for wrath is nothing else but a perversity and an opposition to peace and to love."
Overall, both Julian and John Spong have inspired people to rethink the messages of Christ. With a more positive focus of agape, compassion and truth.