The mention of Bishop Spong reminds me of an author on religious matters whose books I found enlightening in my youth. 

A(rthur) Powell Davies was pastor at All Souls Unitarian Church in Washington DC; I first came across his “Meaning of the Dead Sea Scrolls”, and later “The First Christian” on Saint Paul. Still have a copy of both.

This is not really a question, but I wonder where he stands in the ranks of biblical scholars today.