John Shelby Spong

Originally posted by FreakyKBH
[b]They're nice and generic; they can be used by anyone.
Insofar as one generically applies the word 'doctrine,' this passage can be considered all-encompassing. With a definition adhering to original intent, this passage's use of the word 'doctrine' severly limits a whitewash application.[/b]

Too bad the quoter didn't provide the rest of the passage for context, eh?

Originally posted by FreakyKBH

Again, however, the aim of science is to figure out how things work. To declare that science restricts itself to 'real' things in effect limits reality to the physical. We know such is not the case.

I don't quite follow.

Reality is not limited to the physical?

Originally posted by SwissGambit
Too bad the quoter didn't provide the rest of the passage for context, eh?

Indeed. I don't think he was too far off, however, given his desired application:

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge:

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry."

Originally posted by snowinscotland
I don't quite follow.

Reality is not limited to the physical?

That's correct.