Newsgroups: bit.listserv.christia
Date:         Tue, 8 Sep 1992 16:45:00 GMT
From:         Z_STAFF_CL@SOUTHAMPTON-INSTITUTE.AC.UK
Subject:      Re: Bishop Spong

From:     Lon Mendelsohn <LMENDELS@EDU.WAYNE.CC.CMS>
Subject:  Bishop Spong

>In reply to my questions about Bishop Spong's faithfulness to the
>promises he made at his consecration, you state that what he publishes
>privately held opinions.

Lon,

I suspect I was actually talking about another Bishop (Jenkins of Durham
and if Physical resurection happens or if Mary was virgin in the way we
mean by that term today) and trying to explain the problem of personal
difficulties (or doubts) with the creed/lack of understanding/seeing a
different angle on the doctrine in the form stated by the church as a whole.

>.....I would tend to question whether a public
>figure can really have private opinions that do not affect his role as
>a public person.

It is part of being in the Anglican church - being allowed space to have and
discuss these doubts.  It is open to all members to explore there faith in
this way.  If we only ordained those absolutely certain about every aspect
of the creed as interpreted by the accepted doctrine, we'd never ordain or
for that matter be in a position to share a state of doubt with people,
where they are, as part of our ministry.

The difficulties probably do mean that this man does teach in a different
way to a man who does not have the same doubts.  He probably is able to
reach different people in doing so and bring them to Christ.

>
>For example, I think that we in the USA would not really want a person
>who thought that the constitution was an unworkable document to serve as
>a judge in a federal court.  Likewise, someone who has promised to uphold
>the basic truths of orthodox Christianity as set forth in the creeds should
>not be entertaining private doubts about their truthfulness. If Bishop
>Spong doubts the resurrection, for example, then as a man of integrity, he
>should probably resign.

I don't think that anyone said the creeds were unworkable but no-one said
they were easy either.  I suspect every christian has doubts at times.  It
is a way of growing in understanding to question and discuss and look for
other interpretions.

Expressing a doubt in one area is not a way of denying the faith in total.

Bishops and Priests are human.  They explore their faith by doubting as much
or as little as the next person.  Is it not valid to be human and a Bishop ?

I am working through my problem with the physical resurrection of believers in
the final judgement days.  I'd doesn't mean I stop being a Christian.  I have
worked through the physical resurection of Christ already.  For a while I
wasn't sure it happened but I still knew that he rose in Spirit and was with
me.    I was still a Christian and could still carry the Good News and
minister to others.

If I recall correctly, I think while I was working this doubt/problem through
I preached on the subject.  No-one quoted me in the papers that time and I
don't write for publication but I preached that I had doubts, that I wasn't
sure and that it could be looked at in any number of ways.
People seem to be glad to know those people who preach don't know all the
answers and that the doctrine is open for discussion.  Admittedly, there were
some who were outraged that I didn't have a "cast iron" unshakable faith.

Seriously, Lon, do you think I should I have not preached ?

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Carol A Long,  					DISCLAIMER - unless otherwise
IT Service,					stated this message contains
Southampton Institute of Higher Education	my opinion...probably only mine
East Park Terrace,
Southampton	SO9 4WW,   England		RELEASE - Repost at will, with
	UK Fax No : (0703) 222259		acknowlegements to author.
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