Atheism Quote by John Shelby Spong
“The view of the cross as the sacrifice for the sins of the world is a barbarian idea based on primitive concepts of God and must be dismissed.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The New Testament: A Contemporary Commentary, 1995
The claim that the crucifixion is a barbaric sacrifice is rooted in outdated, literalist theology and should be rejected in modern faith.
In simple terms: Old ideas of sacrifice are outdated.
Key Takeaway
Reevaluate religious symbols with modern understanding.
Themes
theology
modernism
religion
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
theoretical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- church teachings
- personal belief
- interfaith dialogue
- academic study
Key Concepts
Literalism
sacrifice
humanism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do modern interpretations affect faith?
- Can tradition coexist with progress?
A Different Perspective
Some find deep meaning in traditional symbols; dismissal may alienate believers.
![“[If] you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners…” quote by Renee Swope](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/126/renee-swope-10919_nature_if-you-belong-to-him-the-power-of-the-li_345531.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)
