Re-Claiming the Bible for a Non-Religious World

In Re-Claiming the Bible for a Non-Religious World, bishop and social activist John Shelby Spong argues that 200 years of biblical scholarship has been withheld from lay Christians. In this brilliant follow-up to Spong’s previous books Eternal Life and Jesus for the Non-Religious, Spong not only reveals the crucial truths that have long been kept hidden from the public eye, but also explores what the history of the Bible can teach us about reading its stories today and living our lives for tomorrow.

Sarah Sentilles, author of Breaking Up With God: A Love Story, applauds John Shelby Spong’s Reclaiming the Bible for a Non-Religious World, writing that “pulsing beneath his brilliant, thought-provoking, passionate book is this question: can Christianity survive the education of its believers?…A question Bishop Spong answers with a resounding yes.”

In this provocative book-by-book Bible study, Spong reveals:

• Biblical Scholarship for a Lay Audience: Spong argues that two centuries of academic biblical study have been deliberately withheld from the public—and reveals the crucial truths that change everything.
• The History of the Bible: A fascinating exploration of how the books of the Bible were actually written, edited, and compiled over hundreds of years, challenging the foundations of biblical literalism.
• Progressive Christianity in Action: Discover a modern, intellectual, and honest approach to scripture that allows for a believable faith in the twenty-first century.
• Rethinking the New Testament: A compelling look at the origins of the Gospels and the letters of Paul, separating historical fact from later liturgical interpretation.

The Real Human Drama Behind Creating a Divine Book

“A masterful reading of these texts that have shaped the Western world. This book is filled with insights from a lifetime of deep engagement with Scripture. Highly recommended!” - Gregory C. Jenks, author of The Once and Future Bible

“Re-Claiming the Bible for a Non-Religious World reads like a revelation. John Shelby Spong has built a much-needed bridge between the academy and the pews. Pulsing beneath his brilliant, thought-provoking, passionate book is this question: Can Christianity survive the education of its believers?—a question Bishop Spong answers with a resounding yes.” - Sarah Sentilles, Author of Breaking Up with God: A Love Story

“In Re-Claiming the Bible for a Non-Religious World, John Shelby Spong offers a way for critical and curious readers to discover the exquisite and profound ways the Bible can, in fact, lead towards abundant life. After a decade of feeling banished by the Bible, I am now drawn back.” - Katie Ford, Author of Deposition and Colosseum

“Everybody who hasn’t abruptly left the room on hearing it suggested that the Bible may not be literally true is in for a wonderful ride as Spong tours Christianity’s sacred text, leaving little unexamined and [much] demythologized as he urges Christians to grow up and take the Bible seriously—just not literally. Spong . . . has the gift and motivation for making biblical scholarship accessible; he writes with charity and clarity.” - Publishers Weekly

“Spong tours Christianity’s sacred text, leaving little unexamined and [much] demythologized as he urges Christians to grow up and take the Bible seriously—just not literally. Spong . . . has the gift and motivation for making biblical scholarship accessible; he writes with charity and clarity.” - Publishers Weekly

“Once again, Bishop Spong comes to the aid of those who’ve had a hunch that traditional Christianity hasn’t been completely forthcoming about the Bible’s origins, its purpose, and its truly radical demands on anyone claiming to be a follower of Jesus. Re-Claiming the Bible will bridge the gap for anyone serious about an introduction to what is common knowledge among scholars and pastors but has trouble permeating the pew.” - Rev. David Felten & Rev. Jeff Procter-Murphy, creators of the Living the Questions series

“Spong here achieves what may be his most reader friendly, helpful book . . . a wonderful, illuminating adjunct to anyone’s Bible study.” - Booklist

“Brings biblical scholarship to those who sit in church pews, but without getting bogged down in debates about biblical minutiae .... This book is well paced, the arguments are easy to follow, and Spong accomplishes exactly what he set out to do. A compelling and thought-provoking read.” - Library Journal

“If your addiction is the shallow, narrow, literal interpretation of the Bible doled out by most churches, then you need an intervention. Re-Claiming the Bible for a Non-Religous World is like a treatment center in a box.” - Rev. David Felten & Rev. Jeff Procter-Murphy, creators of the Living the Questions series

“A master teacher and story teller, Spong brings the best of current scholarship to free the books of the Bible from Sunday School naïveté and literalistic interpretations. The result is an introduction to the Bible that will engage readers who no longer sit in church pews.” - Andrew D. Scrimgeour, Drew University, editor of Just Call Me Bob: The Wit and Wisdom of Robert W. Funk

“I believe we will find that Bishop Spong’s newest book is not only for the ‘non-religious’ but it will find its way into churches, study groups, seminaries and the seekers. We finally have a book, by a practical scholar and pastor, which provides a view of the incredible forest without getting lost in trees. This book should renew a sincere interest in the biblical story that for too long has been lost in our corporate ignorance.” - Fred C. Plumer, President, ProgressiveChristianity.org

“Bishop Spong has built a much-needed bridge between the academy and the pews. Pulsing beneath his brilliant, thought-provoking, passionate book is this question: Can Christianity survive the education of its believers?—a question he answers with a resounding yes.” - Sarah Sentilles, Author of Breaking Up with God: A Love Story

“In Re-Claiming the Bible for a Non-Religious World, Spong offers a way for critical and curious readers to discover the exquisite and profound ways the Bible can, in fact, lead towards abundant life. After a decade of feeling banished by the Bible, I am now drawn back.” - Katie Ford, Author of Deposition and Colosseum

“Bishop Spong’s newest book is not only for the ‘non-religious’ but it will find its way into churches, study groups, seminaries and the seekers. This book should renew a sincere interest in the biblical story that for too long has been lost in our corporate ignorance.” - Fred C. Plumer, President, ProgressiveChristianity.org