apexcone

I’m here and believing, the real question is what are we believing in ?

It’s bern real 👍, almost no pain whatsoever, 3 pain killers from day 1, scare almost completely gone, 9 days later T

Sitting resting after my Hernia surgery yesterday. Fortunately I'm having very little pain just some stiffness. Enjoying being waited on hand & foot by my 2 ladies. Just watched this and had a good laugh.

Great questions. It's only when one gets free of the religious bondage within evangelical Christianity that these questions can be asked. Just had a good laugh to myself wondering what response you might get at your local evangelical Bible study if you asked the group whether or not they thought Jesus masturbated. WOW. My best guess would be duck before the bullets start going off in your direction. OUCH.

About 40 pages into this great book. Spong is such an inspirational author. I love the way in which he builds his argument. Cant wait to get back at it later today. This is the 3rd book I've read of his, his writing has had a huge impact in my life and enabled me to navigate my way out of Fundamentalism.

I agree. We came to faith in a fundy group. Our lives were a disaster the group offered security and a rock solid foundation and as you said never needed to question anything, just agree. But as time went on I had questions, that's when the problems started. DONT ask questions this is "GODS WORD" Its a deception on a grand scale. That's why I feel sorry for them

Yes I totally agree, context, culture and world view is paramount to understanding

As an ex literalist & fundamentalist I realize 1st hand why its so important for some folks to believe the Biblical account is factual. in my opinion what that insistence produces is argumentativeness and strife To me the whole concept of literalism misses the point, so instead of this amazing book (The Bible) becoming a source of spiritual inspiration it becomes a weapon and a debating platform on whether or not its literally true. For me rejecting literalism for the heresy it is has increased my faith, made me less judgmental and open my eyes to a spiritual dynamic in my life rather than arguments, debates and strife over whether of not the text is factual.For me as an ex, I feel sorry for the folks who in my opinion have been hood winked, sadly some of the most closed minded people I know are fundamentalists.

I think there are a lot of people like myself, Bishop John Spong calls us "Christians in Exile" I for one walked away from evangelical fundamentalism, and found myself developing a deeper spiritual life.

Im not so sure that having understanding brings internal satisfaction. If it did then everyone who had understanding/knowledge would be in a good place, but as we both know that is not the case. My conviction is that man has an inner longing to find something that for most is missing in their lives, we all know that materialism & the intellect cant fill that void

Apologies I should have used the word "if one" rather than your. It's interesting how quick misunderstanding takes place on forums. I think that there are many people out there who have their faith in their faith/beliefs, I think to some degree I was one of them. Christianity ends up being about believing the corporate message. Once you start with the Bible as the infallible word of God, its difficult to disagree, because if I do, I'm not disagreeing with whoever I'm disagreeing with God. For me this is about allowing people to believe whatever they want. My question is: "is it working for you" Is it producing peace, joy and contentment"

my first impression of your comments is they rather judgemental

I guess if you've got your faith in any of the above systems you mentioned you're in trouble already.

I'm not sure that Spong's book is for those who've lost their faith, I think its for those that have a strong faith but have rejected literalism. I for one have not lost my faith but I have certainly walked away from literal fundamentalism. I find his books insightful and faith inspiring. It's not about the doctrine its about the story and what speaks to your heart.