Biblical literalism A gentile heresy : a journey into a new Christianity through the doorway of Matthew's gospel

Delightedly publishing another book as he nears 85, Spong returns to a main theme of his career, the Jewishness of Christianity, denial of which, he holds, amounts to a heresy so malign that it will destroy Christianity in the twenty-first century. That heresy is biblical literalism, the dogmatically maintained belief that the miracles reported in the New Testament actually occurred. Expelled from synagogues by the end of the first century, early Christianity became ever more predominantly gentile. These new Christians didn't know Jewish ways of using and interpreting scripture and imposed literalism on the church by default. To demonstrate what was lost, Spong proceeds through Matthew's Gospel, which was specifically addressed to practicing Jews. He presents the book as a lectionary or series of lessons keyed to the Jewish liturgical year. Each lesson or story is suitable for a particular sabbath, proceeding in a cycle from after Passover (roughly, Advent) to Shavuot and through the annual holidays, ending at Passover (Easter). Informed by the many academic studies of Christian Jewishness, Spong makes their findings vibrantly accessible.--Olson, Ray Copyright 2016 Booklist

In his previous two books Spong (The Fourth Gospel), retired Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of Newark, instructed that to understand the gospels readers must follow directions to their Jewish origins. In this latest book of scriptural analysis he concentrates specifically on the Book of Matthew to explain his reasoning. Spong ascribes purposeful patterns to Matthew, wrapping the gospel "in an interpretative envelope" that reflects Jewish liturgy, scriptures, and calendar. Repeatedly, Spong proclaims that understanding the words literally only results in spiritual atrophy across the Christian community, weakening the church's appeal in the face of modern science and secular culture. Spong fastidiously leads readers beyond controversial assertions-Jesus did not preach the Sermon on the Mount, nor did he write the Lord's Prayer-to an overarching, syncretic sermon at the book's end. This final thesis strikes a universal tone: "There are no outcasts from the love of God." In possibly his final book, Spong perfects the clear, digestible Christian hermeneutic he has spent a career developing. Passionate and learned, he mentors gently but radically. These are essential lessons for devout Christians and casual readers alike. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.