It must be nice to simply declare that the traditional interpretation of Scripture as it pertains to homosexuality simply doesn’t apply any longer. It must be nice to know that you’re above the consensus and that you can simply say that you’ll no long speak with anyone who holds that interpretation because you’re now beyond them. It must be nice to be so advanced. Apparently, John Shelby Spong is just that advanced. He recently released a “manifesto” declaring:

I have made a decision. I will no longer debate the issue of homosexuality in the church with anyone. I will no longer engage the biblical ignorance that emanates from so many right-wing Christians about how the Bible condemns homosexuality, as if that point of view still has any credibility. I will no longer discuss with them or listen to them tell me how homosexuality is “an abomination to God,” about how homosexuality is a “chosen lifestyle,” or about how through prayer and “spiritual counseling” homosexual persons can be “cured.” Those arguments are no longer worthy of my time or energy.

The “manifesto” continues for some length in much the same manner.

Is this any way to handle biblical debate? Are there positions which we can simply “cut off”? What should we make of Spong’s “manifesto”?

• Read Spong’s “Manifesto” for yourself
• Listen as Al Mohler discusses Spong’s Manifesto on his radio program