Accepting Evangelicals
Evangelical Theologian changes his mind on homosexuality
In a powerful new
book, evangelical theologian and former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.) Jack Rogers argues unequivocally for equal rights in the church and
in society for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.
Dr. Rogers is
Professor of Theology Emeritus at San Francisco Theological Seminary and was
moderator of the 213th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Throughout history,
he observes, Christianity has moved towards ever greater openness and
inclusiveness. Today's church is led by many of those who were once cast out:
people of colour, women, and divorced and remarried people. He argues that
when we interpret the Bible through the lens of Jesus' redemptive life and
ministry, we see that the church is called to grant equal rights to all
people.
“Jesus, the
Bible, and Homosexuality” describes Rogers' own change of mind and heart
on the issue; charts the church's well-documented history of using biblical
passages to oppress marginalized groups; argues for a Christ-centered reading
of Scripture; debunks oft-repeated stereotypes about gays and lesbians; and
concludes with ideas for how the church can heal itself and move forward
again.
A fascinating
combination of personal narrative, theology, and church history, this book is
essential reading for all concerned with the future of the church and the
health of the nation.
"This is an
extraordinary book, arguably the best to appear in the long, drawn-out debates
within churches over homosexuality," says J. Philip Wogaman, former senior
minister at Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C.
"Rogers book will be useful to people
of ALL mainline denominations ..." says the Right Reverend V. Gene Robinson,
Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire. "For those who truly wish to know what the
Bible does and does not say, this is a real find."
On his own website (Jack Rogers Web Site),
Dr Rogers says “It's been an extraordinary year. By the grace of God, my book
“Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality:
Explode the Myths, Heal the
Church” has resonated with more people in more places than I ever could
have imagined. The book is now in its 4th printing--a mere 9 months after
publication. On my book tour I've spoken at 64 events across 37 cities in 16
different states. The crowds have been amazing--we had 200 people in
Greensboro, North Carolina; over 250 came out to hear me speak at the
University of South Carolina (in Columbia, SC); and over 250 people came out
to hear me speak in Nashville, Tennessee. Everywhere I go people are eager to
embrace the teachings of Jesus and welcome gay, lesbian, bisexual, and
transgender people in their midst.
The book tour has been one of the
greatest experiences of my life. I have been encouraged to see firsthand that
there is a large middle group of people in the church and society who deeply
believe everyone should be treated equally. I've been privileged to meet
hundreds of gay and lesbian people, many with families, who have shown
tremendous courage and kept the faith in spite of unjust treatment by the
church and society. And I've been moved to see people reconnect with their
faith and deepen their relationship with Christ”.
The book can be
purchased at Amazon (USA) at:
Amazon Web Site.
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