THE SINS OF SCRIPTURE: EXPOSING THE BIBLE'S TEXTS OF HATE TO REVEAL THE GOD OF LOVE.

Throughout the history of the Western world, the Bible has served as a constant source of inspiration and guidance for millions of Christians. Yet, it has also been wielded as a tool of harm. There are moments when the Bible’s teachings have been used to justify acts of cruelty and persecution, leaving a painful legacy. In this bold exploration, Bishop John Shelby Spong confronts the so-called "terrible texts" of the Bible—passages historically cited to endorse homophobia, anti-Semitism, the subjugation of women, corporal punishment, and environmental harm. Spong does not shy away from exposing the harm these texts have caused, often cloaked in the authority of being the "Word of God." But rather than simply condemn them, he seeks to reclaim their true meaning and purpose, offering a path for redemption. Spong challenges readers to rethink the way these texts have been interpreted and used, presenting a new framework for engaging with the Bible. His work invites Christians to see the Bible not as a weapon, but as a source of healing, wisdom, and progressive transformation for today’s world.