JOHN SHELBY SPONG AND THE RADICAL REFORM OF CHRISTIANITY: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS IN THE CONTEXT OF POST-THEISTIC THEOLOGY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32420/2306-3548/2025.97.06Keywords:
J. S. Spong, Christian Reformation, critical theology, Christology, biblical hermeneutics, post-theism, inclusiveness, secularizationAbstract
The article examines the theological views of John Shelby Spong as a representative of the radical reformist wing of modern Christianity. The author analyzes his key ideas in the context of post-theistic theology, as well as in relation to traditional dogma and modern humanistic thought. Attention is drawn to his “12 Theses of the New Reformation” and to the influence of his concepts on the development of interreligious dialogue and secular spiritual search. This article offers a systematic presentation of the basic principles of post-theistic Christianity as a direction that rejects traditional theistic dogmatism and instead offers an updated model of faith adapted to the worldview, scientific and cultural transformations of our time. The author summarizes the key ideas of the leading radical reformers, focusing on the personality of J. S. Spong, and formulates the conceptual foundations of a new spiritual paradigm.
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