What's the point of this book?

If-as the author asserts-the Bible is not to be taken literally (that is: the existence of God; the resurrection of Jesus Christ; the reality of hell and the devil), what is the point of being a Christian?

Or, why bother reading the Bible?

Over-reacting to Fundamentalists

The author may be reacting against the extreme of fundamentalism, but he has gone so far in the other direction that it is shocking (which is exactly why he is able to sell so many books).

However, many might be surprised to find that Spong's theology is not really all that new but is really the product of 19th century modernism. Ironically, fundamentalism and dispensationalism were invented around the same time. These two ideological extemes have been pushing against one another for over 100 years, and in the process have done great damange to the Church.

Yet Spong seems to have such good motives. He wants to help people. He wants to change the Church so that minority groups do not get discriminated against. I believe he really is trying to do what he feels is right.

However, the way he has gone about trying to achieve these goals has created great division, and I have my doubts as to whether his brand of Christianity can ever be more than a small minority. Most people will never be able to understand it. It is much more complex than the simple version of Christianity which believes the Bible without having to read all kinds of symbolism into it.

Skocking & Powerful Challenge to Orthodox Thought

Make no mistake about it, Bishop Spong is viewed as a radical by many in the Christian community and rightly so. In this book, he begins with the Old Testament's Book of Genesis and carries further into the New Testament, applying an acid test of criticism to all of the prevailing notions fundamentalist Christianity has managed to work into the fabric of mainstream theology. He examines sexual ethics, the role of women, and racism and makes a compelling case that if Christianity is to be "saved" it must deliver itself from the realm of thought that once kept in in the Dark Ages.

This book will pose as a threat to conservative evagelical types, as it strikes to the very core of what they believe. It provides an excellent perspective on what liberal Christian hermenetics is like in the context of debate.

You may disagree with Spong's views and assertions, but you will be forced to examine just why you disagree and provide a reasonable justification if you are ever to consider yourself intellectually honest.