A Brilliant Counter To Fundamentalism

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The times we live in show a resurrection of great theological debate. Biblical scholarship, with the help of the discovery of ancient texts such as the Dead Sea Scrolls has revealed the great diversity of thought that made up Christianity in the first three centuries after the death of Jesus.

It wasn't until the fourth century and the adoption of Christianity as the state religion of Rome that Christianity went through a period of codification and setting of official dogma. Fundamentalist Christianity today continues the traditions and dogma put in place by politicians and church elders of the fourth and fifth centuries. Beliefs of a different age, and a society much different than our own.

It was then that beliefs became law, for there was no division between church and state...indeed, a heretic in those times was guilty of not only treason against God, but against the state. In this book by John Shelby Spong, he exposes how the Bible has been used to suppress the opposers of the state and its religion.

He tells how the Bible has been used to keep women as second-class citizens, how scripture has been used to justify cruelty and tyranny. His words are the words of a man that has studies the Bible all of his life, given his life to working for God and the followers of Jesus. While many will not agree with him, there is no doubting his scholarship and dedication to Christianity.

It has been said that the days of the prophets are gone. I disagree. John Shelby Spong, Marcus Borg and others are speaking out against the iniquities of ancient biblical thought that continue to be practiced. We need people like them to speak out. There are many that wish to maintain the old thoughts about God and keep people in fear. For those, this book will be a revulsion. For others that look for a different way, this book could be a revelation.

Highly recommended