The Bishop's Voice: Selected Essays [Paperback]

John Shelby Spong (Author), Christine M. Spong (Compiler)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2000

For twenty years, Episcopal Bishop John Spong, wrote a monthly column in his diocesan newspaper, The Voice. Throughout the years, he used the paper as a pulpit for his progressive views about faith, dogma, tradition, and human rights. Compiled and edited by his daughter, Christine, this collection serves as an excellent introduction to Spong's breathtaking breadth of interest and capability as one of the century's leading voices for religious and human inclusivity.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

For the past 20 years, Bishop John Spong (Why Christianity Must Change or Die) has written essays for the Newark, N.J., diocesan newsletter the Voice. His wife, Christine Spong, has collected and edited more than 50 of these essays. This collection of informal writings addresses moral issues, religion, politics and the Anglican communion and enters into conversation with other faiths. In one essay, Bishop Spong asserts that the U.S. must call its citizens to a nobler vision of unity, and that it is immoral for people to justify their distress, their hostility and even their greed for power by covering these elements with the name of Jesus. In his 1991 essay, "Yes, Virginia, There Is a God!," the bishop contends that Santa Claus represents the spirit of Christmas that finds its greatest pleasure in giving rather than receiving. In like manner, he says, the word "God" stands for an ultimate truth that drives us beyond the symbol to the edges of our imagination. "God" represents the power of love that lifts us out of our self-imposed prisons and shows us what life can ultimately be. Acerbic and humorous, Bishop Spong's essays are forthright, spiritual and humane, reflecting the mind and the heart of their author.

Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Spong, Episcopal Bishop of Newark, NJ, and ceaseless controversialist, is rarely at a loss for words, as shown by this collection of occasional essays, following Why Christianity Must Change or Die (LJ 4/1/98). Rarely comforting but always fascinating and compulsively readable, these writings reflect the most urgent issues of our dayAracism, homophobia, fundamentalism, and othersAand speculate on the future of Christianity and the human race. For most collections.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: The Crossroad Publishing Company (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824518772
• ISBN-13: 978-0824518776
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,589,538 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

John Shelby Spong was the Episcopal Bishop of Newark, New Jersey for twenty-four years before his retirement in 2000. He is one of the leading spokespersons for liberal Christianity and has been featured on 60 Minutes, Good Morning America, FOX News Live, and Extra. This book is based on the William Belden Noble lectures Spong delivered at Harvard.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vintage Bishop Spong, May 19, 2000

By 

Sophia (the Pacific Northwest) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Bishop's Voice: Selected Essays, 1979-1999 (Hardcover)

The series of essays has been compiled from Bishop Spong's columns over the years, and it deals with topics ranging from ecumenism to politics to family members. All of these essays are articulate, passionate, and beautifully written. The personal ones are actively touching, the political ones incisive and thought-provoking. It is fascinating to see how both his writing style and perspectives evolved over time.

Those who dislike Bishop Spong will undoubtedly loathe this book. Those who admire him will find his perspectives and thoughts to be challenging, impressive, and extremely helpful in evaluating personal and public struggles in the light of an open, inclusive faith tradition. An excellent summation of Bishop Spong's beliefs, thoughts and ideals.

29 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring insight on diverse topics, September 14, 1999

By 

TheSlush (Manhattan, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Bishop's Voice: Selected Essays, 1979-1999 (Hardcover)

Another great book from Spong! In a bunch of essays short enough to be digestible, a wide variety of topics is addressed; some controversial, some not -- but always enlightening. Makes you think!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent overview, September 12, 2002

By 

Giddy Boy (a State of Peace) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Bishop's Voice: Selected Essays (Paperback)

Probably the most controversial person I have seen still inside the Christian leadership, Spong never ceases to amaze me. Whether you agree with his views, theology, or his process, you must respect his strength. What amazes me is how someone of his generation and age can be so openminded and fight so hard to try to change a religion that he feels will crumble without such change. This book is a great overview of his writings and the evolution of his principles. If you are interested in Bishop Spong, but are not sure where to start, these essays are usually under 10 pages, and are a great look at a great mind.