Words of wisdom from Bishop John Shelby Spong. And thanks, DickG., for the link.
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A blog companion to the book by Susan Campbell
Words of wisdom from Bishop John Shelby Spong. And thanks, DickG., for the link.
Dating Jesus 
How do you think Bishop Spong would respond to that little girl’s question to Bergoglio: “Why does God let children suffer?”
I’ve often wondered that, myself. I’ve come to “God is hands off,” which means I cut my prayer time in half, as far as the asking-for part.
So…God doesn’t let children suffer…people do. Is that about it?
I have no good answer for that, but yeah. Suffering means the rest of us have to get busy alleviating same. I never said I was smart.
You cannot play “not smart” with me.
But I’ll leave it go…because…the question of whether or not God or gods exist and what influence they might exert upon creation is ultimately irrelevant to the facts.
Children suffer. It’s our fault.
That’s pretty much the square I’ve landed on. Shit happens. It’s on us.
Yup. I think so, too.
Maybe God isn’t a director of all things. Maybe things happen and God is all about love, compassion, and strength. Maybe God (in any form) has the power to inspire some to be better selves, to be there for one another, to hang on when things are tough and have hope, to cope in the face of tragedy, etc. What if there are other after-life spirits who are beside each of us at times that have some influence, but we don’t always comprehend? Or, what if there are parallel universes with other versions of ourselves, influencing us, or us them? There are many possibilities of possible effect or no effect. I’m not always sure of what I believe. The version of a father figure God, who controls everything on earth, is definitely too narrow a view for me.
HERESY!
Remember what Cardinal Scalia said:
“Religion is not reasonable. Religion is categorical.”
And all this Christian reasonableness is likely to put a lot of unreasonable atheists out of work.
……
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…..never mind. Carry on.
This is my kind of Christianity! I’ve often thought…’if there is a hell, aren’t we the living there now?’ I mean, this is where we ail, lose our loved ones, suffer, etc. I just can’t imagine anything much worse.
I read several of Bishop Spong’s books years ago, when I was really immersed in the Episcopal Church. If I had all the time in the world, I’d read them again. This video clip (love the looks of astonishment and skepticism on the interviewer’s face) reminds me of the scene toward the end of one of my all time favorite movies, where Kicking Bird tells Dances With Wolves (formerly known as John Dunbar), “I was just thinking that of all the trails in this life, there are some that matter most. It is the trail of a true human being. I think you are on this trail, and it is good to see.”
What would religion be like if it got out of the control business, I wonder. I haven’t a clue.
Reasonable!
Buddhism.
It exists. I promise. I can’t think of one way my church tries to control. The Christianity promoted is rooted in the scripture, but not tied to the details, and they definitely provide the opportunity to “be of good service” without expectation that one must. I have never felt judgment or guilt and often felt compassion and love. And, leftover, they don’t even consider it heresy!
And now if you’ll sign right here _________, you too can become a member.
I’m kidding! I didn’t mean it to sound like I’m recruiting. That’s not what we do, but we do welcome all.