It appears to be in the nature of religion itself to be prejudiced against those who are different.
Interpretation
Religion tends to hold bias against those who are not part of its community.
This quote by John Shelby Spong highlights a critical observation about religion and its tendency to create divisions based on differences. It suggests that religious belief systems may inherently foster prejudiced views against individuals who do not conform to their beliefs or practices, thereby emphasizing the need for inclusivity and understanding in spiritual matters.
In practice
In a discussion on inclusion at a community event, one might say, 'As John Shelby Spong noted, it appears to be in the nature of religion itself to be prejudiced against those who are different.'
When I grew up in the South, I was taught that segregation was the will of God, and the Bible was quoted to prove it. I was taught that women were by nature in inferior to men, and the Bible was quoted to prove it. I was taught that it was okay to hate other religions, and especially the Jews, and the Bible was quoted to prove it.
The church is like a swimming pool. Most of the noise comes from the shallow end.
Christianity is not about the divine becoming human so much as it is about the human becoming divine. That is a paradigm shift of the first order.
I would like the church to be a place where the questions of people are honored rather than a place where we have all the answers. The church has to get out of propaganda. The future will involve us in more interfaith dialogue. ... We cannot say we have the only truth.
The cross reveals that we're called to a deeper, fuller experience of what it means to be alive and open to new dimensions of life which our religious boundaries - creeds, atonement theologies - have kept us from experiencing.
When the dust settles and the pages of history are written, it will not be the angry defenders of intolerance who have made the difference. The reward will go to those who dared to step outside the safety of their privacy in order to expose and rout the prevailing prejudices.
One should respect public opinion insofar as is necessary to avoid starvation and keep out of prison, but anything that goes beyond this is voluntary submission to an unnecessary tyranny.
Yes, I know it. In the darkness of my dark beating heart, I know. He'd have loved it alright. You see? Even Death Has A Heart.
It's very hard to live with yourself if you don't stick with your moral code.
The idea of Buddha consciousness is that all beings are Buddha beings, and your whole function in meditation and everything else is to find that Buddha consciousness within and live out of that, instead of the interests of the eyes and ears.
Let us learn from Christ how to pray, to forgive, to sow peace, and to be near those in need.
Is not the very beginning of privilege, monopoly and industrial slavery this erecting of the ballot-box above the individual?
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