(+) Jesus for the Non-Religious (2007 Spong), non-fiction

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Jesus for the Non-Religious: Recovering the Divine at the Heart of the Human (2007) is a book by John Shelby Spong.

Abstract

"Poses an argument for the importance of separating the teachings and examples of Jesus from the restrictive dogma of modern religious institutions in order to render Christ a more accessible role model."--Publisher description.

Editions

Published in New York, NY: HarperSanFrancisco, 2007.

Table of contents

Prologue: The lament of a believer in exile

PART 1. SEPARATING THE HUMAN JESUS FROM THE MYTH.

• Introduction: Opening the door on a new quest -- There was no star over Bethlehem -- The parents of Jesus: fictionalized composites -- The historicity of the twelve disciples -- Miracle stories in the Gospels: are they necessary? -- Nature miracles: interpretive signs, not historical events -- Healing miracles: a vision of the Kingdom of God -- Did Jesus literally raise the dead? -- The Crucifixion narrative: liturgy masquerading as history -- The cross: told "in accordance with the scriptures" -- The eternal truth inside the myths of resurrection and ascension

PART 2. THE ORIGINAL IMAGES OF JESUS.

• Introduction: Exploring the original images of Jesus -- The oral tradition: where was Jesus remembered? -- Jesus understood as the New Passover -- Jesus understood under the symbols of Yom Kippur -- Jesus as the Son of Man -- Minority images: the Servant, the Shepherd -- Jesus: a man for all Jewish seasons

PART 3. JESUS FOR THE NON-RELIGIOUS.

• Introduction: Jesus really lived -- Who is the God met in Jesus? -- Recognizing the sources of religious anger -- Jesus: the breaker of tribal boundaries -- Jesus: the breaker of prejudices and stereotypes -- Jesus: the breaker of religious boundaries -- The Cross: a human portrait of the love of God -- Epilogue: Christpower.

External links

• [ Google Books]