Affirmations of a Dissenter

Bishop Sprague generously shares the intellectual struggle that has guided his life. While I disagree with some of his conclusions, his analysis compels reconsideration of my conclusions. His meticulous attention to historical context and detail, as well as his willingness to share his personal journey, blend into a powerful narrative. The book raises questions that will echo in my mind for some time. A modern day Socrates, Sprague attracts the same kind of simplistic ridicule as others who speak the truth from their hearts. Some critics here childishly attempt to ridicule Sprague with clever insults. (I have to admit that "theo-flatulence" is cute and novel). They might better spend their time ridiculing Michael Jordan's basketball abilities than Sprague's towering intellect. Simplistic dismissal of the difficulties of Biblical interpretation is too easy. Sprague demonstrates the value of directly addressing them. This is an important and valuable book for anyone who is willing to think about what he believes.

The shipment arrived quickly and in good condition. Beyond that, it's a great book.

I am a member of a church in the Northwestern Illinois Conference of United Methodists whose Bishop is Bishop Sprague. I have heard Bishop Sprague on two occasions, and have followed the contoversy that surrounds him and his beliefs.Whether you agree or disagree with him, this is a book for all to read. For I get the feeling that Bishop Sprague's real objective is to open a dialogue, not just between Christians, but people of all faiths. Perhaps there is a common ground we can all reach that will end much of the trouble in the world. He does assert in the book that this is his own personal way of looking at things. By stating that, I believe he has opened the door for dissent from his beliefs, not only in the United Methodist denomination, but all peoples of faith. Whether you agree or disagree with him, this is a man that has devoted his life to not only preaching the Gospel, but living it as best he can. For his service to people and to God, he deserves the opportunity to be heard without the charges of heresy and the threats on his life that he has endured. And I would say that any person, no matter what their belief, should have the same right. Whether a person follows Christ, Buddha, Mohammad, Moses, or Joe Blow from Kokomo makes no difference to me. If your belief causes you to do good towards others, to throw off the rampant self-centeredness that the world is full of, and causes you to be a good person, then your faith is real. Finding this faith does not consist of blindly following ancient interpretations of even more ancient texts. Look at all the injustice done within the last nearly 2,000 years, and it's obvious it hasn't worked. This is a time for new thoughts about ancient truths. I am proud of our Bishop in the Northern Illinois Conference. I do not agree with him 100%, nor should I. We were all created with a brain to feel, think, and reason with. I refuse to be a part of any religion or denomination that insists that I accept 2,000 year-old teachings without debate. I refuse to be a part of any religion that requires me to 'check my brain at the door'.I encourage all to read this book. Agree or disagree with his views, the dialogue will begin. And every Christian, from 'liberal' to 'fundamentalist' will benefit from that.

Well, it's either a ONE STAR book or a FIVE STAR book based upon whether or not you are a Religious Fundamentalist. Fundamentalists hate this book, along with most other books that do not march in lock-step with their conservative assumptions. Do you believe that the bible is straight from God and must be blindly followed according to a narrow interpretation? You won't like this book. Do you believe the bible was written by people, from a culture long ago, expressing their relationship with God? Maybe this book has something for you. I thank Bishop Sprague for challenging the fundamentalist "take- over" of the United Methodist Church. Just like what happened in the Southern Baptist Convention, the United Methodist Church is being saturated and consumed by religious fundamentalist organizations. The "Good News" movement, the "Confessing" Movement, Renew Women's Network, Lifewatch, Transforming Congregations, the Mission Society of United Methodists, and the Institute on Religion and Democracy are attacking the freedom of thought, expression, inclusiveness, and theology that stands as the backbone of the Methodist experience. Do you want the UMC to continue to become a fundamentalist church? If not, then read this book.Rev. Kevin HiggsUnited Methodist PastorNorth Alabama Conference

...like many United Methodists, I am already quite familiar with the controversy swirling around Bishop Sprague's recent presentation of the chapter on Christology, which he calls "the second most divisive issue in the (United Methodist) church today." His comments are easily found on the Internet and recently appeared in the United Methodist Reporter. Based on Bishop Sprague's willingness to share this material, I already give the book my highest rating and cannot wait to dig in. Many of us in the Methodist church -- indeed, in many Christian denominations -- who hold opinions that run counter to those of the majority of American Christians have long felt that we stand outside the circle. Condemned. Perhaps the ideas presented by the bishop are common in the so-called "liberal" seminaries. But as a life-long Methodist, I can assure you they are not common in the pews and Sunday school classes where I have sat and held my tongue off and on for 41 years. The time is right. I end with this quote from Bishop Sprague: "My hope is to encourage confused believers or those who yearn to believe, especially those who want to affirm Jesus but find little meaning in the stilted Christological language of the ancient creeds. Previous such efforts on my part have brought written complaints of heresy from a few neo-literalists, persons who fail to understand the symbolic nature of religious language. Neo-literalists do not accept the progressing presupposition that words describing matters of ultimate truth are by necessity primarily metaphorical. I can affirm the orthodox language of the ancient creeds regarding Jesus because I understand, at least in part, the symbolic nature of such religious, theological language...There are many thoughtful seekers looking to the church for help with a gnawing spiritual hunger in their hearts. We must open windows to help those people to see the essence of the one whose life, death, and resurrection, are the substance of the faith once delivered to the apostles. Anything else is either laziness or cowardice. Thus, for weal or woe here is who Jesus the Christ is for me."