John Shelby Spong (1931–2021) was a retired Episcopal bishop and a well-known advocate for progressive Christianity. Throughout his career, he challenged many of the core doctrines of traditional Christianity, advocating for a reinterpretation of the Bible and Christian beliefs in light of modern cultural, scientific, and philosophical developments. Spong’s views often departed significantly from confessional Christianity, particularly in his understanding of Scripture, the nature of God, the person and work of Christ, and issues of morality.
Key Beliefs and How They Differ from Confessional Christianity
1. Views on the Authority and Inspiration of Scripture:
- John Shelby Spong's View: Spong rejected the idea that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God. He frequently described the Bible as a collection of human writings that reflect the cultural, historical, and scientific ignorance of the times in which they were written. Spong often argued that many biblical accounts, such as miracles and the virgin birth, were mythical and should be understood metaphorically rather than as literal truths.
- Confessional Christianity: Confessional Christianity teaches that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21). Scripture is sufficient and provides the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. Reformed theology upholds that while the Bible was written in historical contexts, its message is divinely inspired and timeless, containing absolute truth for all generations.
2. Beliefs about the Person and Work of Christ:
- John Shelby Spong's View: Spong denied the traditional doctrines of the Incarnation, virgin birth, and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. He argued that Jesus should be understood as a human being who revealed divine qualities rather than as God in human flesh. Spong’s writings often portrayed Christ as an inspirational moral teacher rather than the divine Savior. He also rejected the concept of Jesus’ atoning death as a sacrifice for sin, arguing that such ideas were rooted in ancient and outdated notions of blood sacrifice.
- Confessional Christianity: Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, born of the Virgin Mary, and that His death and resurrection are central to the gospel (John 1:1, 14; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Christ’s death was a substitutionary atonement for sin, satisfying the justice of God and reconciling believers to Him. The resurrection is a historical event that is foundational to the Christian faith (Romans 4:25), and any teaching that denies these truths is considered heretical.
3. Rejection of Original Sin and the Need for Redemption:
- John Shelby Spong's View: Spong rejected the doctrine of original sin, viewing it as a negative and outdated concept. He argued that humanity is not fallen or in need of redemption but rather in need of growth and enlightenment. According to Spong, Jesus did not come to save people from sin but to show them how to live fully and embrace their potential. This view reflects a belief in human potential and goodness rather than the biblical teaching of humanity’s sinful nature.
- Confessional Christianity: All people are born in sin and are in need of salvation (Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1-3). Sin entered the world through Adam, and all humanity inherits a sinful nature that separates them from God. T the gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ’s redemptive work to save sinners, and any teaching that denies the reality of sin and the need for redemption is inconsistent with biblical Christianity.
4. Views on Moral Issues and Sexual Ethics:
- John Shelby Spong's View: Spong was an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church and was known for challenging traditional Christian teachings on sexuality, gender roles, and marriage. He argued that biblical prohibitions against homosexual behavior and other sexual ethics were rooted in outdated cultural norms and should be discarded in favor of modern understandings of human sexuality and equality.
- Confessional Christianity: God’s design for human sexuality is expressed within the covenantal marriage between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6). Sexual relations are to be enjoyed within the bounds of marriage, and any sexual activity outside of this covenant is considered contrary to God’s will. The Bible’s teachings on sexuality are not culturally conditioned but reflect God’s unchanging moral law.
5. Approach to Interfaith Dialogue and Pluralism:
- John Shelby Spong's View: Spong was a strong proponent of religious pluralism and believed that Christianity is just one of many valid paths to God. He rejected the exclusive claims of Christianity and argued that salvation is not limited to those who believe in Jesus Christ. Spong’s view of God was often broad and inclusive, advocating for a spirituality that embraces people of all faiths and backgrounds.
- Confessional Christianity: Salvation is found exclusively through faith in Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Jesus is the only mediator between God and humanity, and faith in Christ is necessary for salvation. While Christians are called to engage in respectful dialogue with people of other faiths, they must uphold the truth that Jesus is the only way to God and eternal life.
Summary of Differences
John Shelby Spong’s progressive theology is characterized by his rejection of the authority and inspiration of Scripture, denial of the core doctrines of the Christian faith, embrace of religious pluralism, and advocacy for modern social ethics. His teachings often reflect an attempt to reinterpret Christianity in a way that aligns with contemporary cultural values and intellectual trends, rather than adhering to the historic teachings of the faith.
In contrast, confessional Christianity upholds the authority of Scripture, the deity and saving work of Christ, the reality of sin, and the necessity of repentance and faith in Christ alone for salvation. It teaches that the Christian faith is defined by the unchanging truths of God’s Word and that believers are called to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3). Spong’s writings utterly lack the biblical grounding, doctrinal clarity, and gospel-centered focus that are essential to historic Christian orthodoxy.