Understanding Death beyond Religion in the Thought of John Shelby Spong

Abstract

The liberal Episcopal bishop of Newark (New Jersey), John Shelby Spong (b. 1931), is convinced that religion cannot be seen as a proper tool to discuss the issues of human existence and neither is it an adequate instrument to fathom the reality of death as part of man’s being in the world. Thus, his thought is an attempt to move beyond theology into some sort of secular thinking which avoids theology in particular and religion in general. Such convictions stem from his belief that man’s most fundamental attitude to death—which is characterized by fear—is the result of religion, because to this very age death has been shaped by various religious views. Consequently, in order for man to regain a natural approach to death as part of his own existence, he must put aside religious persuasions and, in doing so, adopt a perspective that allows him to embrace death fearlessly. Religion cannot simply be erased, which means that it has to be studied in order for man to move beyond it; having done so, man should be able to elevate himself above religion which offers him the chance to seek the truth within his own humanity. The externality of religion, therefore, should be excluded from man’s quest for meaning; when this happens, death becomes internal, inherent to man’s most intimate existence and also the most fundamental aspect of truth. In other words, traditional religion must turn itself into some sort of lay (specifically secular) philosophy which only retains religious language and imagery to explain that religion is not needed for man’s contemporary approach to death. Fear of death can be dealt with successfully if aging and death are seen in the light of meaningful relationships which are able to transform the finitude of life in the eternity of existence as reflected in the memories of those who survive the deceased.