Alumni Quote by John Shelby Spong
“The audience that I try to reach are members of what I call the church alumni association. Now they are people who have not found in institutional religion a God big enough to be God for their world.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the Church Alumni Association, John Shelby Spong, 2015
Many people leave organized religion because they find its concept of God too limited for their lives.
In simple terms: People seek a larger, more inclusive spirituality.
Key Takeaway
Explore broader spiritual frameworks.
Themes
religion
spirituality
institution
identity
belief
Mood
thoughtful
hopeful
Type
theological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal counseling
- faith groups
- interfaith dialogues
- public lectures
Key Concepts
theology
existentialism
community building
Questions to Reflect On
- What does a “bigger God” look like to you?
- How can institutions evolve without losing core values?
A Different Perspective
Traditional doctrines may still hold value for some.
![“We love them [people who have same-sex attractions] as sons and daughters of God. They may have certain inclinations which are powerful and which may be difficult to control. If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church.” quote by Gordon B. Hinckley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/41b/gordon-b-hinckley-331_attraction_we-love-them-people-who-have-same-sex-at_587078.jpg)
![“I know Jerry [Falwell] fairly well, and he's probably not bright enough to recognize all of the implications of what he said.” quote by John Shelby Spong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/654/john-shelby-spong-1488_enough_i-know-jerry-falwell-fairly-well-and-he_109485.jpg)
![“I find it fascinating that Paul [the apostol], writing to the Galatians, responds to the question, "What does it mean to live in Christ?" by saying, "There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."” quote by John Shelby Spong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/48e/john-shelby-spong-1488_christ_i-find-it-fascinating-that-paul-the-apos_119928.jpg)
