Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality, Revised and Expanded Edition
Explode the Myths, Heal the Church
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Product: Book
ISBN-10: 0-664-23397-X
ISBN-13: 9780664233976
Publisher: Westminster John Knox
Country:
Year: April 28, 2009
Edition: Rev Exp
Size: 14.73 x 22.61 x 1.78cm
Number of pages: 208
Weight: 386gr
Binding: Paperback
ISBN-10: 0-664-23397-X
ISBN-13: 9780664233976
Publisher: Westminster John Knox
Country:
Year: April 28, 2009
Edition: Rev Exp
Size: 14.73 x 22.61 x 1.78cm
Number of pages: 208
Weight: 386gr
Binding: Paperback
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Product Description
In this revised and expanded best seller, evangelical theologian and former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Jack Rogers makes a biblical case for equal rights for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). 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 excluded: people of color, 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 history of using biblical passages to oppress marginalized groups, argues for a Christ-centered reading of Scripture, debunks stereotypes about people who are LGBT, refutes the conventional wisdom about the texts that are often used against people who are LGBT, and presents 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. The revised and expanded edition also includes: * A new preface with 'stories from the road' as a result of Rogers's two year book tour in support of the first edition, * Updates on recent developments within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), * A new chapter that examines God's radical welcome for all who have faith as revealed in Scripture, * A new appendix that maps the recent progress toward LGBT equality in major U.S. denominations, and * A study guide for group or personal reflection.
In this revised and expanded best seller, evangelical theologian and former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Jack Rogers makes a biblical case for equal rights for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). 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 excluded: people of color, 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 history of using biblical passages to oppress marginalized groups, argues for a Christ-centered reading of Scripture, debunks stereotypes about people who are LGBT, refutes the conventional wisdom about the texts that are often used against people who are LGBT, and presents 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. The revised and expanded edition also includes: * A new preface with 'stories from the road' as a result of Rogers's two year book tour in support of the first edition, * Updates on recent developments within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), * A new chapter that examines God's radical welcome for all who have faith as revealed in Scripture, * A new appendix that maps the recent progress toward LGBT equality in major U.S. denominations, and * A study guide for group or personal reflection.
Amazon.com Review
»The book is masterful at describing how the church can learn from its past struggles in moving forward beyond the current divide. Rogers issues a prophetic and persuasive call for a more inclusive and more faithful church.« —Jeffrey S. Siker, Professor & Chair, Department of Theological Studies, Loyola Marymount University »A valuable book has gotten even better in this new revised edition. Rogers's new prefatory relating of particular stories is compelling, the appendix draws important information together from other denominations, and the new chapter 8 will be useful to many. I strongly recommend this book.« —J. Philip Wogaman, Professor Emeritus of Christian ethics, Wesley Theological Seminary, and former senior minister at Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. »Searching Scripture even more widely, sharing the progress towar d equality across a broad range of denominations and describing his encounters with so many devout LGBT folk, Jack shows us how we can biblically and truthfully include all our children in the gospel promise, 'Jesus loves me, this I know.\'« —Rev. Janet Edwards, Parish Associate, Community of Reconciliation, Pittsburgh, PA »Rogers is more than a professor. He is one of the great evangelists of our time. He has heard the good news of God's love for all people, and he has given his life to sharing that news with others. This is a book that saves lives.« —Ted A. Smith, Assistant Professor of Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt Divinity School
»The book is masterful at describing how the church can learn from its past struggles in moving forward beyond the current divide. Rogers issues a prophetic and persuasive call for a more inclusive and more faithful church.« —Jeffrey S. Siker, Professor & Chair, Department of Theological Studies, Loyola Marymount University »A valuable book has gotten even better in this new revised edition. Rogers's new prefatory relating of particular stories is compelling, the appendix draws important information together from other denominations, and the new chapter 8 will be useful to many. I strongly recommend this book.« —J. Philip Wogaman, Professor Emeritus of Christian ethics, Wesley Theological Seminary, and former senior minister at Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. »Searching Scripture even more widely, sharing the progress towar d equality across a broad range of denominations and describing his encounters with so many devout LGBT folk, Jack shows us how we can biblically and truthfully include all our children in the gospel promise, 'Jesus loves me, this I know.\'« —Rev. Janet Edwards, Parish Associate, Community of Reconciliation, Pittsburgh, PA »Rogers is more than a professor. He is one of the great evangelists of our time. He has heard the good news of God's love for all people, and he has given his life to sharing that news with others. This is a book that saves lives.« —Ted A. Smith, Assistant Professor of Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt Divinity School
reviews
Homosexuality is not a sin 
Homosexuality is not a sin, and GLBT persons should have the same rights as any other church member and citizen including the right to marry. Dr. Jack Rogers' newly revised and expanded book, Jesus, the Bible and Homosexuality: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church, makes a compelling biblical case to support these beliefs. It is all the more so, coming from a conservative evangelical, who once condemned GLBT persons as sinful and supported their marginalization in the church. The author clearly states a biblically valid viewpoint shared by a growing number of Christians not often heard in the media on homosexuality and same-sex marriage. I purchased several copies to send to my state and national representatives and senators embroiled in the same-sex marriage debate and GLBT equal rights. It is a readily accessible book, which allows those untrained in biblical and theological studies to understand why homosexuality is not a sin, and GLBT persons should be allowed to marry. The appendix contains an excellent study guide, which may serve as an outline for the uninitiated as well as an excellent resource for older youth and adult Christian education classes. Although the book targets Presbyterians in particular and Protestant audiences generally, Jesus, the Bible and Homosexuality: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church offers non-Christians, too, a well-researched and easy-to-follow resource. Dr. Rogers' latest work serves the church and nation with a timely antidote to the fear, hysteria, and hate generated by some well-publicized and funded fundamentalists and evangelicals over the issues of homosexuality and same-sex marriage. With gratitude, Rev. Janet Arbesman, Ph.D.
Homosexuality is not a sin, and GLBT persons should have the same rights as any other church member and citizen including the right to marry. Dr. Jack Rogers' newly revised and expanded book, Jesus, the Bible and Homosexuality: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church, makes a compelling biblical case to support these beliefs. It is all the more so, coming from a conservative evangelical, who once condemned GLBT persons as sinful and supported their marginalization in the church. The author clearly states a biblically valid viewpoint shared by a growing number of Christians not often heard in the media on homosexuality and same-sex marriage. I purchased several copies to send to my state and national representatives and senators embroiled in the same-sex marriage debate and GLBT equal rights. It is a readily accessible book, which allows those untrained in biblical and theological studies to understand why homosexuality is not a sin, and GLBT persons should be allowed to marry. The appendix contains an excellent study guide, which may serve as an outline for the uninitiated as well as an excellent resource for older youth and adult Christian education classes. Although the book targets Presbyterians in particular and Protestant audiences generally, Jesus, the Bible and Homosexuality: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church offers non-Christians, too, a well-researched and easy-to-follow resource. Dr. Rogers' latest work serves the church and nation with a timely antidote to the fear, hysteria, and hate generated by some well-publicized and funded fundamentalists and evangelicals over the issues of homosexuality and same-sex marriage. With gratitude, Rev. Janet Arbesman, Ph.D.
Brilliant
At a time when irrationality seems to be the cultural norm, a book which deals logically with a major theological issue is a breath of fresh air. I am always struck by one glaring omission in the arguments of those who cite the Bible in order to support civil condemnation of gays (or anyone else they disapprove of). The basic issue, avoided by those who cling to Leviticus and other Mosaic laws for their condemnation of homosexuality, is that citing a verse in Leviticus or elsewhere to underpin their theological arguments can only be meaningful if they really adhere to all the other laws and rules contained in the Old Testament (or for that matter, in the New). And they, with few exceptions, do not. They pick and you chose to suit themselves. Do they really believe the Bible arrived on golden tablets delivered by angels? Those of us who look upon the Bible as it really is – a historical collection of sacred texts, written by spiritually inspired men – and an incomplete, and over time changed and corrupted collection at that – readily see that it deals with moral and theological issues, but also with societal and historical issues, melded together and often impossible to disentangle. And what about the many contradictions in Biblical texts which should, to any rational mind, make one question their literal divinity? If fundamentalists really want to live by their historical version of the »Bible« – their collection of these texts, incomplete and diverse as they are, and treat them as the literal »word of God«, then they should start doing so literally and completely before they tell others what the Truth is. In the meantime, they should also recognize the freedom of others to disagree and to live in peace.
At a time when irrationality seems to be the cultural norm, a book which deals logically with a major theological issue is a breath of fresh air. I am always struck by one glaring omission in the arguments of those who cite the Bible in order to support civil condemnation of gays (or anyone else they disapprove of). The basic issue, avoided by those who cling to Leviticus and other Mosaic laws for their condemnation of homosexuality, is that citing a verse in Leviticus or elsewhere to underpin their theological arguments can only be meaningful if they really adhere to all the other laws and rules contained in the Old Testament (or for that matter, in the New). And they, with few exceptions, do not. They pick and you chose to suit themselves. Do they really believe the Bible arrived on golden tablets delivered by angels? Those of us who look upon the Bible as it really is – a historical collection of sacred texts, written by spiritually inspired men – and an incomplete, and over time changed and corrupted collection at that – readily see that it deals with moral and theological issues, but also with societal and historical issues, melded together and often impossible to disentangle. And what about the many contradictions in Biblical texts which should, to any rational mind, make one question their literal divinity? If fundamentalists really want to live by their historical version of the »Bible« – their collection of these texts, incomplete and diverse as they are, and treat them as the literal »word of God«, then they should start doing so literally and completely before they tell others what the Truth is. In the meantime, they should also recognize the freedom of others to disagree and to live in peace.
2nd Edition of Dr.Rogers' Book – A Message of Healing for the Church
Dr. Jack Rogers' second edition of Jesus, The Bible, and Homosexuality is a book for anyone who loves the Church and is concerned about the divisiveness over sexuality and ordination, in particular. A highlight for me was Dr. Rogers' sharing of his time spent on tour with the first edition of the book. In the preface to this second edition, Dr. Rogers writes of the powerful testimony that he heard first-hand from those attending his 142 speaking events (for the first edition) throughout the U.S. Dr. Rogers is able to help people approach their fears of becoming an inclusive Church and his new chapter, »All are One in Christ Jesus« I believe will be illuminating for people on all sides of the debate. This second edition also includes a seven-unit study guide, an excellent opportunity for participants to read the book, share thoughts with each other and consider the continued work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church in these times.
Dr. Jack Rogers' second edition of Jesus, The Bible, and Homosexuality is a book for anyone who loves the Church and is concerned about the divisiveness over sexuality and ordination, in particular. A highlight for me was Dr. Rogers' sharing of his time spent on tour with the first edition of the book. In the preface to this second edition, Dr. Rogers writes of the powerful testimony that he heard first-hand from those attending his 142 speaking events (for the first edition) throughout the U.S. Dr. Rogers is able to help people approach their fears of becoming an inclusive Church and his new chapter, »All are One in Christ Jesus« I believe will be illuminating for people on all sides of the debate. This second edition also includes a seven-unit study guide, an excellent opportunity for participants to read the book, share thoughts with each other and consider the continued work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church in these times.
Bigoted scholarship 
Rogers is a typical victime of his own countries' propaganda. At no point in this work was he objective or even care to acknowledge another possibility. He was out to justify homosexuality and he twisted every biblical passagae he could . It is one of the worst cases of bigoted scholarship I have ever read.
Rogers is a typical victime of his own countries' propaganda. At no point in this work was he objective or even care to acknowledge another possibility. He was out to justify homosexuality and he twisted every biblical passagae he could . It is one of the worst cases of bigoted scholarship I have ever read.
Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality by Jack Rogers
I am delighted to see a second edition of Rogers's book. He has given the reader substantial data and Bible references to back up his story and reasoning that resulted in his becoming supportive of gay rights in the church. This second edition includes summaries of where a number of denominations are in their progress towards equality for LGBT. One of the most valuable additions is a study guide that will make this a very practical resource for churches to use for dialogue on the topic.
I am delighted to see a second edition of Rogers's book. He has given the reader substantial data and Bible references to back up his story and reasoning that resulted in his becoming supportive of gay rights in the church. This second edition includes summaries of where a number of denominations are in their progress towards equality for LGBT. One of the most valuable additions is a study guide that will make this a very practical resource for churches to use for dialogue on the topic.
keywords
- Bible and homosexuality
- Biblical Studies – General
- Christian Life – Social Issues
- Christian social thought & activity
- Christian Theology – Ethics
- Christianity
- Christianity – General
- Gender studies
- Homosexuality
- Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
- Religion
- Religion & Spirituality
- Religion – Biblical Studies – General
- Religion – Christian Life
- Religion – Christian Life – Social Issues
- Religion – Christian Theology – Ethics
- Religious aspects
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