Why Christianity Must Change or Die: A Bishop Speaks to Believers in Exile

a voice crying in the wilderness

I've always liked Bishop Spong, mostly because his faith journey has been similar to mine. Not only that but we are trying to breathe new life into Christian doctrines that, in today's world, are becoming increasing unbelievable. After the discoveries of modern physics and biology, as well as the horrors of the last century, the God of orthodox Christian theism--while continuing to be compelling for many--is still a hard sell for others. And it's this later group that Spong is writing for. He calls them 'believers in exile.' They have left the church or are silently sitting in the pews biting their tounges because they can't say the creed with conviction: the modern world has made it unintelligible. Yet these same people are still wanting to stand within the Christian tradition, if only it could make sense and be relevant to their lives. The old God, along with its doctrines, have no power over their lives, probably because of the infinite distance between the first century understanding of the world and a twenty-first understanding of it. Like many theologians who no longer stand in the 'orthodox' camp, Spong undertakes the task of re-defining Christian doctrines in the light of contemporary knowledge. God, Jesus, resurrection, the Christian life--all are given a new meaning. Yes, it may not look like the Christianity of old, but Spong is wrestling with the texts and traditions that have been handed down to him and, along with contemporary scientific knowledge, is trying to make Christianity believable for contemporary men and women who hunger for transcendence but who don't find it in the traditional paradigm.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

We Want Out of Exile

This book helped my transition into a Post-christian world flow a bit more smoothly. These are questions we face, but aren't allowed to answer.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Just creating a new religion

Spong isn't trying to adapt Christianity, he's trying to create his own New Age, Politically Correct hodge podge of other faiths. To pretend to be a Christian yet to deny the resurrection and numerous other historical, Biblical events which demonstrate Jesus' divinity, is simply contradictory to the entirety of Scripture. Although he tries to use Scripture to support his claims, he takes most of it out of context and simply disregards the rest.

2 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

One of the most pivotal and provocative reads in my lifetime .

As a young adult, I began to question the institution of Christianity. I felt a need to believe but was disillusioned by the corruption and reactionary philosophy of most christian denominations. I was expected to beleive without question. If nothing else, Spong is an advocate of studying, questioning and struggling with faith. In some areas Spong's writing is bland and in other areas I am not sure of how he is interpreting scripture; I can, however forgive these flaws and applaud Spong for starting a long awaited religious dialog. Many other reviewers on this site claim that Spong is trying to create some kind of Pluralistic, New Age religion. I would say that Spong is pleading the leaders of Christianity and defending those men and women who truly have been exiled from the community of faith. The title is not a warning a desperate plea to save the spirit of Christ's message.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

thought-provoking and totally worth the read

though i have never and still don't consider myself 'in exile,' bishop spong 'harps my thoughts aright.' i found his questions and answers meet me where my experience has been leading me, though sometimes -- as when he speaks of God as 'impersonal' where i would opt for 'non-personal,' meaning 'beyond personal' -- i find his choice of phrasing to be less helpful. for those committed but searching this is a book to ponder, providing a good guide into one's own thoughts.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

God has no need for change

I applaud Spong's ability to write in a way that lets the reader understand completely what he is saying. However, I find it hard to believe that a Christian intent on finding the truth can attack the very foundations of the church and call it simply a 'change'. Although individual Christians are quite capable of doing wrong, and need to constantly test our ideas against Scripture, God has no need for change. I believe Spong is trying to create a form of Christianity that is based on the comfort of the believer, not on the truth of history, science, the Bible or God. This book is an interesting read, but I would read with caution, and determine for yourself the true desire behind his words.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I finally understand the GOD of the bible.

This is a Must read for everyone who wants to know the real GOD. Bishop Spong really puts the concept of GOD in a new and claer light. Out with the old, in with the new. I feel so much better about GOD and Christianity after reading this book. Highly recommended.

This book will challenge your Sunday School mentality and teach you to think for yourself.

This book will challenge your Sunday School mentality and teach you to think for yourself. When it comes to believing religious leaders, text and traditions, you may want to consider why you believe what you believe!

A Christianity for the Twenty-First Century

In his book "Why Christianity Must Change or Die," Bishop Spong attempts to reformulate Christianity so that it's relevant for the twenty-first century. Spong rethinks the notions of God, Jesus, the atonement and the church. The end result? A challenge to many traditional Christians and a breath of fresh air to those who, although in spiritual exile, are looking for a path back to the Christian life.

Here's a book for critics of Christianity

This book suggests that Christianity conform to another religion: One in unity with all existing religions. This is not a new concept. Even Voltaire proposed similar ideas on changing Christianity to fit into a politically correct worldview or else facing the consequence of death. The premise if far-reaching and unsuccessful (historically). This book will cause doubt in the validity of Christianity but is a promising tool in the hands of critics of Christianity, especially since the subtitle suggests the author's Bishopric.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Not Thinking is The Biggest Sin

Bishop Spong wrestles the Church away from the ignorance, bigotry and misogyny of the past. It is important, especially now, with words like Jihad being thrown around on a daily basis.

Tillich made easy

Spong has made an excellent and accessible attempt at bringing Christianity forward into the post-modern world. While he does not develop his theology fully and completely, he obviously draws much of his thinking from Tillich and says as much. Unlike Tillich's work though, Spong is easy to read, and presents in a practical way the problems and possible solutions to the dilemma of the 'modern' Christian. While it is radical, and many will say he is no longer Christian, I think he holds up a light shining into the future. Christianity may not develop exactly as he envisions, but his vision offers hope that it can endure.

It's time for change

He is so on the point with this book. He speaks to those of us in exile with a belief system that brings us back to the feelings we used to have.

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