faiths

"And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God".

Micah 6:8 (NIV)

As a theologian, I read, debate and argue as a way of life. It keeps my senility at bay and ensures an ongoing ability to talk and preach sensibly (I hope). Making myself open to critical responses ensures that friends keep me rooted in the "real" world. As a consequence I try to engage with a variety of religious and theological points of view. Hence it was with much anticipation that I attended a recent lecture in London , given by "America ’s most progressive and outspoken Christian leader" John Shelby Spong, Bishop of Newark (retired). His denomination, the U.S. Episcopal Church caused universal controversy with the consecration of Bishop Gene Robinson in November, 2003 (and I believe this was the first time a celebrant wore a bullet proof vest). I have not been so expectant since the visit to London of "one of the world’s leading practical Bible teachers" Joyce Meyer, several years ago. She is truly awesome and I am indebted to the spiritual sustenance I have received from her ministry over the years. Whilst some may compare Spong to the "Anti Christ" I find his weekly essays, available on subscription over the internet, thought provoking and spiritually energising. For me, Joyce and Spong are two sides of a many sided coin from which I draw spiritual strength.

As the author of several international best sellers, he has sought to release the Bible from "mindless literalism" that justifies homophobia, racism, sexism, revenge, violence and warfare. One of his book covers recounts how, through contemporary "biblical scholarship, modern science and most of all, his deep love and respect for scripture, [he lifts] the Bible out of the prejudices and cultural biases of bygone eras…[and] liberates the Bible’s message of hope for all people". Others take a contrary view of his attempt to locate biblical truths in the 20 th-21 st century; in particular, his analysis (deconstruction) of fundamental Christian doctrines; the virgin birth, the resurrection of Christ, scriptural fallibility etc, have generated much animosity. In 2002, he was invited to my home Jamaica ; an island steeped in the literal Word of God as recorded in the King James Version. It is alleged his "maverick" beliefs caught the Christian community "by surprise" (to put it mildly) prompting one religious commentator to associate Spong’s influence with the movement towards "religionless religion" and the de-emphasising of "doctrine, correct belief and authoritative church tradition…all contributing to the destabilisation of Christianity on a global level".

Spong began his lecture by announcing his "life time love affair" with the Holy Bible. As a "believing Christian" he read it daily. Nevertheless, he was acutely aware of its misuse to justify abuses and prejudices. Firmly believing in Christ’s liberating message that we must know the truth and it would set us free (John 8:32 ) he sought to undo the distortions rampant in fundamentalism and religious orthodoxy. His latest book ‘The Sins of Scripture: Exposing the Bible’s Texts of Hate to Reveal the God of Love’ explores environmental and ecological issues, homosexuality and homophobia, the demonisation of women and the punitive abuse of children, anti-semitism, religious bigotry, missionary expansion and the reading of scripture as epic history. His talk touched on many of these issues as well as describing how Jesus of Nazareth began a new chapter in our understanding of God. He itemised three biblical truths that needed preserving; firstly - life itself is holy, modeled in the likeness of God; secondly - every life is loved and that nothing separates us from the love of God (as Jesus taught us) and thirdly - every human being is called to be all the person they can be. These he grounded in the text "I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly" John 10:10 (KJV my choice). He finished his presentation with a request that women begin and end the Question Time. Mine was this "What are the key characteristics of a vibrant and prophetic church for the 21 st century?" - he replied that it should be; people oriented, open and inclusive (with no doctrinal constraints, like having to be "born again") honouring people’s questions (i.e. treating them with respect) working in the world (the ecclesia) and not in the "church" and teaching biblical scholarship. I was impressed and affirmed.

As Christians we vary in our attitudes towards Scripture. The Bible can be the inspired Word of God (literally true and infallible) or a collection of accounts of how people, over time, have sought to understand God through myths, legends and tribal histories. As we travel on our journey of faith, we may encounter points of spiritual clarity and revelation that fast track us in directions, we did not imagine.

"For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12 (Ampl.)

Have faith that the Holy Spirit of God will guide and protect you, and keep you safe, as you travel on the Way. Take heart, God will never leave you alone or companionless. Jesus is with you.

So walk strong!

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