Biblical Scholar & Author Bishop John Shelby Spong To Speak at First Church
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Bishop Spong at First Church, West Hartford in 2014. He returns to West Hartford on November 7, 2015. Submitted photo
Bishop Spong will discuss the question ‘Can a Person Living in the 21st Century Still Believe in Life Beyond This Life?’ at his West Hartford lecture on Nov. 7 which is open to the public.
Submitted release
Bishop Spong at First Church, West Hartford in 2014. He returns to West Hartford on November 7, 2015. Submitted photo
John Shelby Spong, the former Episcopal Bishop of Newark known for his progressive views on Christianity and human rights, will present a free lecture in the main Meeting House from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, at First Church, West Hartford at 12 South Main Street.
Bishop Spong drew a large crowd a year ago and inspires dialogue about religion. Bishop Spong’s lecture will focus on his book, “Eternal Life: A New Vision. Beyond Religion, Beyond Theism, Beyond Heaven and Hell” (HarperOne, 2009). A book signing will follow the lecture and copies of Bishop Spong’s books will be available for sale.
The lecture is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required. Non-perishable food donations for the West Hartford Food Pantry will be gratefully accepted.
Bishop Spong has written 24 books, including “Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism,” “A New Christianity for a New World,” and “Why Christianity Must Change or Die.” Bishop Spong has been a visiting lecturer at Cambridge and Harvard and at universities and churches worldwide. In his latest book, “The Fourth Gospel: Tales of a Jewish Mystic,” Spong argues that the Gospel of John was misinterpreted by the framers of the 4th Century creeds to be a literal account of the life of Jesus. Rescuing John’s Gospel from its creedal captivity, Spong provides a unique primer about how to be a Christian in the post-Christian 21st Century.
The lecture is sponsored by the John P. Webster Library, a Ministry of the First Church, West Hartford. The library is open to the public and provides a diverse collection of religious and secular resources and services to engage religious and spiritual growth, inspiration, learning and fellowship for all.
For additional information, visit www.whfirstchurch.org, contact the John P. Webster Library at 860-232-3893 or email [email protected].
Bishop Spong at the 2015 book book signing at First Church, West Hartford. His November 7, 2015 lecture will focus on his book, “Eternal Life: A New Vision. Beyond Religion, Beyond Theism, Beyond Heaven and Hell.” Submitted photo
