Harper Collins, 2005

When approaching another book by Bishop Spong, I inevitably take a deep breath and think, 'what now?' There is a sense, at times, of being on a ride at Melbourne's infamous Luna Park. There is nothing new, and the thrills are still the same, but there is always the danger that the ride might stop midstream and lead you to ponder 'what happens next?'

A key question when reviewing Spong is, 'What prompted this latest missive?' At the suggestion of his publisher, Spong attempts to consider the hurtful texts of the Bible. Many texts have been used throughout history to denigrate and persecute others whilst drawing on the implied position that the Bible is the undisputable word of God.

Spong's discussion includes issues as diverse as the environment, women, homosexuality, discipline and violence against children, antisemitism and helpful advice on how to read the Bible in a contemporary Western world. In keeping with his other works, Spong presents a very personal and readable approach based on experience and reflection drawn from his time as an Episcopal priest, bishop and touring lecturer. The text is well supported with reference to other writers to help justify his position.

Dealing with antisemitism, Spong explores problematic texts from the Gospels of Matthew and John in great detail. Exploring the texts of the Bible, together with selected readings from history, Spong endeavours to take the reader on a step by step encounter with the early texts. He attempts to expose the myths and errors in reading Scripture that lead to the notion that they can, if misinterpreted, separate us from God. Spong calls on the Christian community to banish forever the texts that lead to antisemitism from the sacred writings of the Christian church (p 210).

Spong continues to expound the reading of Scripture as an epic history – a dynamic living text that does contain 'terrible texts' that we can claim as our own. As with most of Spong's work, after an excursus into areas that are varied and well underpinned with his considerable reading, he returns to an orthodox position of faith. Spong, despite the shortcomings of some texts as handed down by tradition, affirms his Christianity and love of the sacred texts. Importantly, he sees the Word of God continuing to evolve, not remaining stagnant.

The Sins of Scripture is an easy read, and like most Spong texts, thought provoking. The idea of being on a roller-coaster that is unpredictable at times seems appropriate, yet, there is plenty of scope to explore ideas that are not new, but still challenging today as they have been over the centuries.

Review by Revd Dennis Webster, Vicar Anglican Parish of Pascoe Vale/Oak Park and CCJ (Vic) Executive Member.