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The Bible is full of dreadful things. There's a Psalm that…

“The Bible is full of dreadful things. There's a Psalm that says "Happy will you be when you take your enemy's children and dash their heads against the stones." Don't read that to me on Sunday morning and say "This is the word of the Lord." It's like that crazy man down in Alabama who wanted to…” quote by John Shelby Spong
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“The Bible is full of dreadful things. There's a Psalm that says "Happy will you be when you take your enemy's children and dash their heads against the stones." Don't read that to me on Sunday morning and say "This is the word of the Lord." It's like that crazy man down in Alabama who wanted to put the Ten Commandments in his courtroom.”

John Shelby Spong

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote highlights the tension between violent biblical passages and modern moral sensibilities, questioning literal interpretation.

In simple terms: Violent scripture clashes with contemporary ethics.

Key Takeaway

Critically examine sacred texts.

Themes

religion ethics interpretation violence modernity

Mood

conflicted thoughtful critical

Type

theological controversial reflective

When to use this quote

  • church sermons
  • academic study
  • interfaith dialogue
  • public policy
  • personal belief

Key Concepts

theology historical context literalism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How should believers reconcile ancient violence with modern values?
  • Can sacred texts be reinterpreted without losing meaning?
A Different Perspective

Literal readings can ignore historical and cultural contexts.

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