Unbelievable: Why Neither Ancient Creeds Nor the Reformation Can Produce a Living Faith Today

This really is John Spong's last book. He explains why in the Preface. I have read and own almost all his earlier books, including the lesser known ones. For quite a few years I bought them almost as soon as they were published. However, I concluded this one would be mostly a summary of what he had said previously, and so I delayed until quite recently. That was a mistake. In some ways it is a summary of what he has taught over the years, but he also goes beyond that to create a comprehensive approach to Christianity that is both understandable and believable. This is a desperately needed book for those seeking a Christianity that makes sense and is not dependent on praise bands, Schofield reference Bibles, or Papal infallibility. It is a call to authenticity, and as Spong would put it, to "Live fully, love wastefully, and be all that you can be." If you approach this book with an open mind, it will not destroy faith but rather restore and renew it. Spong explores twelve key theses, including Jesus, prayer, and life after death. In every case he brings fresh insight that is vital for a living faith today. If the book has any weakness, I think it may be in its examination of Easter. Spong definitely believes in the "Easter moment" as essential for Christianity. However, I feel his explanation of what the witnesses experienced is too philosophical and rational. New Testament scholar Bart Ehrman thinks that at least some of these witnesses did believe they saw an actual vision of Jesus, not just some sort of new understanding of Jesus. An atheist, Ehrman would say they probably had an hallucination. The subject is too complex to discuss here, but I personally believe an excellent case can be made for the authenticity of the visions for certain individuals such as James, Mary Magdalene, and Paul. Despite my views here, I still believe Spong's chapter on the Easter moment is meaningful and inspiring, especially if read in conjunction with his one on life after death. The book may be too much of a destruction of its "control tools" for organized religion ever to adopt on any kind of a widespread scale. Its value is more likely for the individual who needs a map to navigate through the maze that organized religion has often offered and for which an increasingly secular society provides no meaningful substitute. if possible, I would give it ten stars. Five will have to do.

Regarding questions of religious authenticity and viability in contrast to literal biblical interpretations, the enlightenment and modernity, Spong offers an inviting antidote to skeptics like Dawkins and Hitchens. The two repackage versions of Bertrand Russel's "Why I am not a Christian.” Their arguments are retreads to fit the times. Although they articulate bold arguments, I find something missing and incomplete in their narratives. They are too smug. It's too easy. They understand money. They understand fame. To me, they don't quite understand the human condition. Unbelievable holds no punches. There definitely should be a debate. It's healthier that both believers and non-believers challenge the history of traditional religious institutions and the role Christianity plays today. Refresh your perspectives. The space between ritualist orthodox believers and militant non-believers is where the truth lies. Black and white arguments are simply counter-productive; they are circular indefensible propositions. Life is mostly grey. Faith is mostly grey. The human condition is mostly grey. Unbelievable introduces viable parameters to the debate. Spong’s positions strain-out the meanness that link both extremes. Spong challenges inflexibility. Simply put, if you love, respect or like Christ and are interested in an authentic perspective that considers positive religious intent, accepts modernity and rejects hyperbole, Unbelievable is for you. You will learn a lot. If you are a non-believer, Unbelievable will give you solid insights that you can use to re-inforce your view. Of course, you will have to discount legitimate thoughts that present an authentic understanding of the viability of Christianity. Either way, you won't be overwhelmed. If you are a traditional Christian gospel literalist who does not hate or is not closed minded, read Unbelievable. You do not need to change your belief. However, you will experience a thoughtful argument in favor of Christ and change. Spong is a minister of the highest order. He loves and has confidence in Christ and the human spirit. You may disagree that modernity imposes change. Hear what he has to say. You will be better for it. Lastly, if you are genuinely unclear about Christ and G-d, the bible and religion and if you need some genuine insight on where the debate lies, read Unbelievable. You will be richer.

A marvellous read which should help anyone on their journey to a greater understanding and living of Christianity. Spong in no way ridicules or dishes past teaching and thinking but presents a fresh approach, more in line with the 21st Century and advances in our understanding of science and psychology. Traditionalists and Fundamentalists may find his thinking threatening or upsetting. I found it freeing and exhilarating, and also very challenging. We live in a world which in so many ways has lost its way. Here is an author who demonstrates that it is possible to have a living, vibrant faith which engages with the world and breaks down the barriers to find what unites us and what is entailed in becoming ever more whole and fully human.

Tolles Buch!! Wichtig Punkte für eine Theologie des 21. Jahrhunderts.

Spong's essential premise is that the traditional beliefs of Christianity as described in the biblical texts are no longer believable in the 21st century. These beliefs include God, Jesus Christ, original sin, the virgin birth, miracles, atonement theology, the resurrection, the ascension, ethics, prayer, life after death, who is saved and lost. For Spong, the Copernican Revolution, the Newtonian view of the world, the insights from Freud, and the knowledge explosion that has resulted from scientific enquiry all lead to the conclusion that these beliefs and doctrines are no longer sustainable. From Spong's perspective, all of these are unbelievable for educated people and hanging on to them is one of the reasons that the people are giving up on Christianity in droves. I agree with Spong's analysis and his argument that most of what Christians believe is no longer unsustainable in the modern world. Spong writes in an easy and engaging style and mounts a compelling argument. Despite this, I do wonder why Spong believes that his call for a new "Reformation" is actually ever going to happen. For Spong, his experience of the divine leads him to retain his connection with Christianity and he wants to see Christianity radically change and preserve its relevance in providing people with a "living faith". But his radical reformation wouldn't leave much of "historic" Christianity left so I do wonder why he wants to hang on to it so tenaciously. In the Epilogue of the book, Spong presents what he calls is "mantra" -- a positive statement of what he does believe. It all boils down to '"live fully, to love wastefully and to have the courage to be all that I can be."' Christian or not, this mantra will undoubtedly be something we can all subscribe to whatever we believe.

The sort of book every christian should read.A good summary of Shelby Spong's research and the title is very clever!

At first I thought I had heard it all before but as I got into it I thought it was great and I enjoyed every bit of it and also learned a great deal. I think Spong is a great thinker and we all should listen to him!