Jesus Quote by John Shelby Spong
““Whatever it was that people experience in Jesus has today come to be identified with medieval doctrines based on premodern assumptions that are no longer believable. That identification means that serious theological discussion seems to accomplish little more than to erect a division between the shouters and the disinterested. Jesus becomes the captive of the hysterically religious, the chronically fearful, the insecure and even the neurotic among us, or he becomes little more than a fading memory, the symbol of an age that is no more and a nostalgic reminder of our believing past. To me neither option is worth pursuing. Yet even understanding these things, I am still attracted to this Jesus and I will pursue him both relentlessly and passionately. I will not surrender the truth I believe I find in him either to those who seek to defend the indefensible or to those who want to be freed finally from premodern ideas that no longer make any sense.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The New Testament in Its World, John Shelby Spong, 2005
The quote critiques how modern people often view Jesus through outdated medieval doctrines, creating division and reducing Him to either a fearful symbol or a nostalgic memory, yet the speaker remains passionately drawn to a personal understanding of Jesus.
In simple terms: Modern views of Jesus are often trapped in old doctrines, causing division, but personal attraction persists.
Key Takeaway
Seek personal truth beyond outdated doctrines.
Themes
theology
faith
modernity
division
personal belief
Mood
thoughtful
conflicted
hopeful
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- faith exploration
- academic discussion
Key Concepts
Doctrine critique
personal spirituality
religious authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can one reconcile personal faith with critical theology?
- What role should historical doctrine play in modern belief?
A Different Perspective
The personal pursuit of truth may clash with institutional skepticism.
