277 Quotes by John Shelby Spong

I also learned that most clergy are either unable or unwilling to engage the great theological issues of the day because of their perception that to do so will “disturb the faith and beliefs” of their people.

If I want to put a Christmas tree in my yard, or three crosses for the crucifixion story, that’s fine. But if I try to use public property or a public school as a way to impress my religion on other people, I think that violates the constitution.

The way you become divine is to become wholly human.

Paul drew, however, little more than hostility from those identified as the Orthodox party, for whom any change threatened their security.

As for the status of Western Christianity, we are in a place where our task is to redefine the primary symbols of our faith or tradition in a more human direction. That’s the thing I spend my time doing.

Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, says, “From the rising of the sun to its setting, God’s name shall be great among the Gentiles.” This encompasses the whole world. Suddenly it’s not the Jews against the Gentiles, or my tribe against your tribe.

As he becomes self-conscious, he’s no longer part of nature.

I go where I’m invited. And all I can tell you is if we accepted every invitation we had, I’d be away every day of my life.

You can’t have a world where 50 percent of the people are dieting and 50 percent of the people are starving if you want stability.