Biblical Literalism

January 25, 2016
In his previous two books Spong (The Fourth Gospel), retired Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of Newark, instructed that to understand the gospels readers must follow directions to their Jewish origins. In this latest book of scriptural analysis he concentrates specifically on the Book of Matthew to explain his reasoning. Spong ascribes purposeful patterns to Matthew, wrapping the gospel "in an interpretative envelope" that reflects Jewish liturgy, scriptures, and calendar. Repeatedly, Spong proclaims that understanding the words literally only results in spiritual atrophy across the Christian community, weakening the church's appeal in the face of modern science and secular culture. Spong fastidiously leads readers beyond controversial assertionsâJesus did not preach the Sermon on the Mount, nor did he write the Lord's Prayerâto an overarching, syncretic sermon at the book's end. This final thesis strikes a universal tone: "There are no outcasts from the love of God." In possibly his final book, Spong perfects the clear, digestible Christian hermeneutic he has spent a career developing. Passionate and learned, he mentors gently but radically. These are essential lessons for devout Christians and casual readers alike.

March 1, 2016

Theologian Spong, who served as the Bishop of Newark, NJ, from 1979 to 2000, has long worked to wrest Christianity from fundamentalism to something he considers both more aligned with our current state of knowledge and more faithful to the Gospel. Spong's (Why Christianity Must Change or Die) position is that for the last several centuries, the church has been misreading the Gospels. Using Matthew's account, Spong argues that synoptic gospels (i.e., Matthew, Mark, and Luke) are not ordered chronologically but follow an annual Jewish liturgical cycle and employ an interpretive technique known as midrash. That the synoptic texts were structured to fit into an established construct is compelling; however, it is gospel as midrash that is at the heart of Spong's discussion. With this principle, the author skewers historical readings of Matthew and turns the passages toward issues of dignity, social justice, and transformation. Unfortunately, Spong doesn't offer clear ideas or examples of midrash, leaving the reader to wonder how much is his interpretation of Matthew and how much is wishful thinking. VERDICT A worthwhile read for the progressive layperson concerned with living out one's faith and applying the Bible as a touchstone.--James Wetherbee, Wingate Univ. Libs., NC

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