About the Author

John Shelby Spong was the Episcopal Bishop of Newark for twenty-four years prior to his retirement in 2000. Since then he has taught at Harvard University, the University of the Pacific and Drew University and he has been a visiting lecturer at universities and churches throughout North America and the English-speaking world. His books have sold over a million copies and he is regarded as one of Christianity's frontier twenty-first-century thinkers. His bestselling titles include Eternal Life: A New Vision, Jesus for the Non-Religious, The Sins of Scripture, A New Christianity for a New World, Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism, Resurrection: Myth or Reality?, Why Christianity Must Change or Die and his autobiography, Here I Stand . He lives with his wife, Christine, in Morris Plains, New Jersey.

Reviews

"In his final climactic book, Bishop Spong provides us with a primer on his core ideas, a courageous agenda for the future of the Jesus tradition, and some provocative proposals for pursuing that agenda. Essential reading for anyone who cares about the future of humanity and Christianity." -- The Very Reverend Gregory C. Jenks, Ph.D., Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Grafton"For those seeking to extricate themselves from the confusion of conventional Christianity's creeds and dogmas, Unbelievable distills an honest and demanding vision for a 21st Century faith." -- Rev. David M. Felten, co-author of Living the Questions"Bishop Spong has created just what we needed if we are going to save intelligent Christianity from extinction. I love this book." -- Fred C. Plumer, President of The Center for Progressive Christianity"If you choose just one book of Spong's, then choose Unbelievable. This final book is not only a summation of his life's teaching but a contemporary catechism that addresses the real questions and profound hesitations contemporary people have about Christianity." -- Peter Francis, Warden of Gladstone's Library"Episcopalian bishop and prolific writer Spong has penned what he declares to be his final book, encapsulating a lifetime of thinking and teaching in order to call upon Christianity to undergo a transformation." -- Kirkus Reviews"Spong makes his arguments in the manner of a cogent, smart preacher or lecturer speaking to all who want to keep Christianity while dispensing with miracles, dogma, and blind faith. Luther launched a reformation with 95 theses. Spong would launch another with 12." -- Booklist"Spong's stimulating call for a newly revitalized Christianity will appeal to contemporary Christians who view traditional Christianity as dismayingly outmoded." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)"[Spong] takes readers back to Martin Luther's original questioning of the Church, asking them to ponder whether or not the idea of God still has meaning. It's easy to understand why his previous books have been best sellers. This one will be no exception." -- Retailing Insight"A hard-hitting critique of traditional Christianity and as a final attempt by Spong to convince believers to explore their beliefs in new and poignant ways...We stand beside him and all who thirst for a church that is not fearful of inquiry, freedom, and knowledge." -- Spirituality & Practice"His best book . . . He doesn't just tear down; he seeks to put something viable, even substantial in its place." -- Insights