I’m with a group of travelers just now who are interested in critical approaches to the Bible (not views that are criticizing per se, but views that approach the Bible using historical methods — “Biblical Criticism”).  One of them – as usually happens – has asked me about the very popular writings of John Shelby Spong, who was an unusual figure in numerous ways, most famously because he was both highly skeptical about the reliability of the New Testament AND a long-time bishop in the Episcopal church.  How does that work?

Well, work it did.  He had a deservedly huge following.

Years ago I posted comments on a book he wrote near the end of his career on the Gospel of John, which takes an even more skeptical view of its reliability than I do.  But I realized I should first set the context for those of you who don’t know who he was by re-posting my “Memorium” for him written soon after he died.  So here is that first, then my summary/discussion of his book.

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I was very sorry to learn last month that John Shelby Spong died (Sept. 12, 2021; age 90).  Many of you know who he was; for those who don’t: he was

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