Tag: spong

For most of his life, Bishop John Shelby Spong avoided the Gospel of John. It was a book that caused him great consternation. But he began reading it in a new light, and it gave him a new perspective and a new appreciation for the ancient writings. The 82-year-old retired Episcopal bishop spent five years researching John’s Gospel, using his studies to write his 24th book, “The Fourth Gospel: Tales of a Jewish Mystic” (HarperOne, 342 pages hardcover, $26.99).

Bishop John Shelby Spong has spent most of his life struggling against biblical literalism and modern fundamentalism which sprang from it. He...