I understand ‘essence’ to mean: intrinsic nature, important elements or features. In addition, I think that the central element of Christ – ianity, is ‘Christ’ – crucified, resurrected and now glorified, that’s why we are called Christ-ians. Two of these features have been publicly disowned by John Spong; therefore from a definitional perspective, and by Spong’s own words, the essential elements of Spong’s stated beliefs, do not align to the traditional Christian definition – even Spong would agree with this conclusion.