Bishop John Shelby Spong: Why Atonement Theology will Kill Christianity

I am a former Pentecostal minister, out of the pulpit 30 years, and away from Christianity almost as long.  I am atheist and no longer have a need of a god or a savior.  But I appreciate Bishop Spong's message in this video.  It was his book "Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism" that helped me leave Christianity and religion altogether.  I support the concept of religious freedom, and I would love it if more so-called "Christians" would hear what Bishop Spong is saying and learn to apply it.  Christianity has to change or die.

So glad this man can still speak to our hearts, although he’s passed away. Let those who have ears listen. ❤

This is outstanding. This man here basically promotes love, self-enlightenment and human progression. A spiritually evolved human being automatically becomes a human being dropping selfishness, envy and lust. Which means no more backstabbing, no more corruption and no more war. A peaceful world. That's what he's preaching. And that's what every priest, agnostic, atheist, religious or nonreligious person in this world should preach.

I used to detest this man. I saw him destroying the Episcopal Church I loved. Now that Im older I just see him as a man trying to figure out a way that Christianity may remain relevant and helpful to out lives.

In the experiences I've had with Christianity, I have always had so many questions, but no answers. The literal interpretations of the bible have always seemed so ridiculous to me. I'm sure they are to many people. So you're faced with either just accepting what the church tells you or not believing at all. Bishop Spong's message spoke to my heart and brought tears to my eyes, this explanation makes perfect sense to me. This brings a confirmation of God to me and an understanding of real Christianity. Thank you so much!

Although I'm agnostic, I love watching Bishop Spong's lectures and debates. He is truly a wise man. He handed James White his ass in their debate about homosexuality.

Christianity as practiced requires that one does not ask very simple questions and accept the very simple answers that naturally follow.

I just heard this man for the first time tonight. He is a true Christian. No robot fundamentalist garbage coming from his words. Thank you for posting this.

Exceptional Christian. Excellent talk.

Evidence that we evolved is huge. 95 percent Christians accept this now. There is no evidence we fell from grace and that we were kicked out of paradise by a bad tempered God. It is time to enjoy and love life if possible. Chances are this is the only life you will have.

most honest bishop I've heard

I respect this white man so much!!!! i can't stop listening to him, he's so amazing!!!!. love him!!!!,,

Even though I often disagree with Dr. Spong, I love that he makes me think!

Bishop Spong, you are a continuing source of education and inspiration for me. I'm always drawn to your lectures.

I'm so humbled by this message... Thank you ❤

I am learning a lot from Spong about how to put things more gently.

Upon discovering I was God, it scared the sh*t out of me. Through all those prayers I was talking to myself. Answering myself. Realizing that I didn't have the power to get everything I'd wanted.

A thousand times Amen! Finally a Bishop who truly gets it all. Love is the only way!

An awful lot of people here seem to have missed the whole point of Bishop Spong's lecture. I don't know why that should surprise me since they also have proven, with their pretentious, nasty commentary, that they missed Jesus' point as well.

I'm glad Spong pushes Christianity in the direction of humanism, but I am amazed at the mental gymnastics he performs to convince himself that what he's talking about is Christianity at all. In fact, he makes the most sense to me if I assume that he's a pragmatic humanist who figures he can do more good from the inside than from the outside--i.e., pushing Christianity toward rational empathy as an Episcopalian priest rather than as an easily dismissed humanist or atheist. It also seems to me that his supernatural claims add nothing to his message; if anything, they detract from it, in much the same way that he feels common Christian beliefs rob people of their humanity. E.g., why is our love for each other and for ourselves insufficient? Why are God's hopes and aspirations for us better than our hopes and aspirations for each other and for ourselves? Spong's god is just another way for us to project the best parts of humanity to something outside ourselves, thus committing the very error Spong derides in this talk. It seems to be that Spong has gone as far as his religious tether will let him wander, but he just won't break free, for whatever reason--and that's sad. For all his rhetoric, he won't accept his own humanity--nor let the rest of us take credit for ours. I wonder how much of his reticence--at worst--is linked to the self-worth with which he thinks his frock imbues him.