5 stars (Spong has a lot to say) - Sadly, there are many hate-filled reviews by people who obviously haven't read this book. Or they have an ax to grind with the bishop. Whatever the case may be, it's to the "reviewers" own detriment. To pursue truth, we must look at all viewpoints, not just one. The Sins of Scripture is the third book by Spong that I've read. The themes he covers are much the same: that the bible isn't the infallible Word of God; that theism, where God is understood as a person-like being who interacts with the world, is no longer believable; that we should focus on this life, instead of the life hereafter, becasue God isn't the kind of God who literally raises people from the dead; and that the true test of a religion is its ability to engender love in a person's life. The bible, as Spong shows, is a cultural artifact written by humans at a paticular time and place; they didn't know everything about the world and thus couldn't make "absolute" truth statements for all time and space. The Jews held certain assumptions about the world and the human person that, in turn, shaped their theology and ethics. But we don't live in that first-century world anymore. If we take the bible literally--with its culturally conditioned ethical and theological pronouncements--we end up with a lot of absurdities, even immoral behavior. Since the world can no longer wear those old Christian clothes, Spong offers an alternative theism that he thinks is a better "fit" for the world. Bishop Spong is a good man and a good theologian. I've met the bishop, even had dinner with him at Boston University. We talked for an hour, and even though our faith journeys have taken different routes, I still admire his honesty to say things that many Christians don't want to hear but will eventually make the world a place that God wants it to be. Lee Tasey Author of "The Gospel of Arnie" 4 stars (Rescuing the Bible From Misuse) - Former Bishop Spong doesn't believe in the Bible ... HarperSanFrancisco :: Religion & Christianity :: Religion :: Liberalism (Religion) :: Episcopal Churches :: Episcopal Church :: Criticism :: interpretation :: etc :: Criticism :: Christianit :: The Sins of Scripture - Exposing the Bible-s Texts of Hate to Reveal the God of Love
5 stars (WHAT IF CHRISTIANITY IS THE MOST DANGEROUS THING TO CHRIST??? ) - Christianity Today called A NEW KIND OF CHRISTIAN the most dangerous book this year to Christianity. This may be true, but what if Christianity is the most dangerous thing to Christ??? McLaren's book points toward a real and honest relationship with Christ like no other book I've read. It is culturally relevant without contradicting the Word of God. It IS challenging, but that is a good thing. It is a GOOD thing when someone makes you think outside the box. You don't have to be threatened by that or agree with what they said. Many of the reviews I've read about this book communicate fear, but NOTHING that McLaren said contradicted Christ's life and teachings. If we look at Christ, we will see that it was the RELIGIOUS PEOPLE he was constantly rebuking during his ministry. RELIGION is one of the most threatening things to Christ. McLaren encourages his readers to look to scripture and try looking past the self-serving institution we have created and given the name of "church". "Church" is not supposed to be the country club we've created it to be but a body of believers, seeking Christ. Read the book and genuinely ask Christ to help you discern McLaren's words. If it is not of God, He will give you the wisdom and protection from that. 5 stars (Thought provoking and honest...) - This is a great beginner read to bring in new ideas and theology that will help people who are struggling with how their faith is not only relevant, but also authentic and Christian in the postmodern world. This is an awesome book. 1 stars (A Familiar Kind of Heretic) - King Solomon told us in the Book of Ecclesiastes that there "Is nothing new under the sun." When we reach a time of spiritual crisis, like Brian McLaren's pastor, Dan did in this book, we can react in a number of ways. As Christians we should go back to our roots, to the Creator God, to Jesus, to His words in the Bible, to the people who love us. Or... Jossey-Bass :: Religion & Christianity :: Christian spirituality :: Christian life & practice :: Spirituality - General :: Spiritual life :: Religion - Christian Living :: Relig :: A New Kind of Christian- A Tale of Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey
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