John Shelby Spong and Hell

[lemonbeam]

I just watched this video on Youtube, an interview with this retired Episcopal bishop John Shelby Spong, and it utterly confused me.

youtube.com/watch?v=SF6I5VSZVqc

How could Hell be an invention of the Church when Hell goes back to the Bible, before the Church even existed!? How could the Church have implemented a reward and punishment such as Heaven and Hell? He also says the Church doesn’t want people to grow up, because then the Church can’t control them!

 

[John_Larocque]

I originally thought this was an angry thread entitled “John Spelby Spong” and that mayhaps he died.

 

[tcm22]

This is just one more example of the moral and theological decay of the Episcopal Church. With no notion of the Magesterium, anyone can substitute their own interpretation or desired perspective on scripture and doctrine. In true Protestant fashion, the “bishop’s” interpretation is as valid as anyone else’s. Don’t like the notion of hell? Create some argument that claims it’s a man-made notion meant to control people like children. Who’s to say he’s wrong? Don’t like any teaching that says practicing homosexuality is normal and okay? Reject it and claim it’s out of compassion and love.

There’s no end to what anyone can claim when there’s no foundation to Truth. Certainly the Church through time, as an institution operated by fallible beings, has had challenges, but at least there is a solid foundation in Scripture and Tradition that prevents the relativistic nonsense we see in this video.

I have several very close friends who are Episcopal. I don’t think the term has much meaning any more, but they continue to struggle with their faith while the institution built to support it crumbles around them. I pray for them all regularly that they will all come home.