John Shelby Spong to Speak at Gustavus

Controversial theologian, biblical scholar, author, and retired Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, John Shelby Spong, will speak at Gustavus Adolphus College at 7 p.m. Monday, April 21 in Alumni Hall, located in the O.J. Johnson Student Union. Spong’s lecture is titled, “Making the Bible Live in the 21st Century,” and is free and open to the public.

Thought of by many to be a champion of an inclusive faith, Spong has been a strong proponent of feminism, gay rights, and racial equality within the church and society as a whole. Spong’s opinions have made him a frequent guest on several nationally known television shows including 60 Minutes, Good Morning America, Larry King Live, The O’Reilly Factor, and the Oprah Winfrey Show.

Spong is the author of 19 published books that have combined to sell more than one million copies. Some of his more well known works include, A New Christianity for a New World: Why Traditional Faith is Dying and How a New Faith is Being Born (2002), Why Christianity Must Change or Die: A Bishop Speaks to Believers in Exile (1999), and Living in Sin? A Bishop Rethinks Human Sexuality (1988).

Born and raised in Charlotte, N.C., Spong graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1952 before receiving a Masters of Divinity degree in 1955 from the Episcopal Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Va.

Spong’s visit to Gustavus is part of the college’s Continuing Education program, which plans educational lectures and events throughout the year for the Gustavus and greater St. Peter communities.

In addition to the free public lecture on April 21, a book discussion will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, April 14 at the Melva Lind Interpretive Center in the Linnaeus Arboretum at Gustavus. The discussion will focus on Spong’s book Why Christianity Must Change or Die. The fee to attend the book discussion is $8 per person and interested individuals may register through the St. Peter Community Education Office by calling 507-934-3048 or by going online to www.stpetercommunityedonline.com.