Jesus, the Bible, And Homosexuality

by Rogers, Jack Bartlett

• ISBN13: 9780664229399
• ISBN10: 0664229395
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-03-20
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Pr

Summary

In this sure-to-be controversial book, former seminary professor and church official Jack Rogers argues unequivocally for the ordination of homosexuals and for the extension of full and equal rights in society to all people who are homosexual. Christianity, he observes, has moved through history in the direction of ever-greater openness and inclusiveness. Today's church is led by many of those who were once cast out: people of color, women, and divorced and remarried people. It is inevitable, he believes, that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people will one day walk in the same steps as other Christian leaders. Rogers, an evangelical, begins by discussing his own personal change of heart and mind on the issue, a change that has moved him into the middle of this controversy in his own church, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). He examines how the church misused the Bible to justify slavery and the denial of rights to women, and links these efforts to efforts today to use biblical texts to deny equal rights to gays and lesbians. He shows how neither the Bible nor the Confessions are opposed to homosexuality and debunks frequently used fundamentalist stereotypes and myths about gays and lesbians. Rogers concludes with his thoughts on how the church can heal itself and move forward.

Author Biography

Jack Rogers is Professor of Theology Emeritus at San Francisco Theological Seminary and Moderator of the 213th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Acknowledgments	xiii
Studying Homosexuality for the First Time	1	(16)
A Pattern of Misusing the Bible to Justify Oppression	17	(18)
A Breakthrough in Understanding the Word of God	35	(18)
Interpreting the Bible in Times of Controversy	53	(16)
What the Bible Says and Doesn't Say about Homosexuality	69	(22)
Real People and Real Marriage	91	(18)
Recommendations for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)	109	(18)
Notes	127	(30)
Index	157