Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church

This treatise, from a conservative Christian, uses the Bible to show how un-Christian is the current homophobia among much of the radical right. He reviews his own development of understanding from being an anti-gay advocate to a realization that gays and lesbians are peolple who need to be treated as people and not as a despised minority. The way he approaches this issue is very revealing - and quite Biblical.

From the moment one begins to read Dr. Roger's book, "Jesus, the Bible and Homosexuality:Explore the Myths, Heal the Church," there is a sense of being in his presence engaging in a conversation about a topic through which he has struggled and, obviously, has well researched. He writes with a keen understanding of church history as well as one who is quite knowledgeable of the Biblical texts that people have claimed to be expressive on the topic of homosexuality. He writes with great sensitivity, knowing that this topic is one that elicits deep-seeded emotional responses. In his writing, one gets the sense that he is saying to the reader, let's explore this "defining issue" without judging or demonizing one another. His approach is multifaceted. He uses history, the creeds, and the Bible to develop his argument. This approach helps to broaden one's thinking about the subject. I would highly recommend this book for groups and individuals who want to work with the texts, confront the issues, and engage in open and honest reflection and/or discussion. It would also be helpful to read it with Freda Gardner's and David Maxwell's companion study guide.

The Bible is cut and dry on this issue, right? There is no wiggle room. Jesus condemned homosexuals and said they were going to dwell in the lake of fire prepared for Satan and his angels. It's all there in the Book, isn't it? The first half of Rogers' book, "Jesus, the Bible, And Homosexuality" actually recounts the historical stand of the Presbyterian Church - USA, and it's forebears, in regard to three issues: slavery, women's rights, and divorce and remarriage. I found the account to be both fascinating and lamentable. It has only been recently that I have even allowed myself to consider that all that I thought I knew about gays and their sins and their place in the Church might not have been correct. Sometimes it's hard to let go of long-held beliefs, even when they're wrong. But, praise God! He is able to do what people by themselves cannot. I have no hope in this world apart from Christ and his grace. How, then, could I even consider withholding that grace from others? Should you read this book? I can't answer that for you. Are you willing to let God show you something that you had not considered before? If you are, this book is wonderful. If you think you already know what God thinks, you probably won't like it much. I'm hoping you'll read it.

The issue of whether to allow ordination and marriage of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender is being debated in almost every major Christian denomination. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to be informed about this issue. It's meticulously researched (483 footnotes!) but also very clear and accessible. It's thoroughly Biblical--something that I believe will be appreciated by people on both sides of the debate. Dr. Rogers wrote the book from his own Presbyterian perspective but it will be a wonderful resource for people of all Christian denominations. Looking at each chapter in turn: Chapter 1, "Studying Homosexuality for the First Time," describes Dr. Rogers' background as an evangelical and how he first began to study the issue of homosexuality in his local congregation. Chapter 2, "A Pattern of Misusing the Bible to Justify Oppression," documents how leading theologians, for two hundred years, misused the Bible to try to justify the enslavement of people of African descent and the subordination of women to men. Chapter 3, "A Breakthrough in Understanding the Word of God," shows how Biblical interpretation has changed for the better over the last two hundred years. Chapter 4, "Interpreting the Bible in Times of Controversy," outlines the 7 guidelines on Biblical interpretation officially adopted by the Presbyterian Church and applies them to the issue of homosexuality. Chapter 5, "What the Bible Says and Doesn't Say about Homosexuality," takes a close look at each of the passages that supposedly condemn people who are LGBT and shows that much of the conventional wisdom about these passages is simply incorrect. There's also a great discussion in here about how Acts 10-15 provides a helpful model for how the church can resolve this issue. Chapter 6, "Real People and Real Marriage," shares the stories of actual gay and lesbian Christians and debunks the stereotypes and cliches that so often characterize this debate. Chapter 7, "Healing the Church," includes recommendations for what the Presbyterian Church needs to do to make things right and to heal the divisions in the church. If we choose to listen, the thoughtful scholarship in this book presents a tremendous opportunity for the church to affirm its biblical and confessional tradition while also welcoming people who are LGBT as full and equal members.

Jack Rogers takes a fresh look at what the Bible says and doesn't say about homosexual people and relationships, in this very readable and greatly needed book. With the clarity born of a lifetime of teaching and the passion born of a lifetime of bible study, he lays out the principles of Reformed biblical interpretation and then takes on each of the famous verses most often used to demean and exclude. As a happily married, Bible-believing church member, I am deeply saddened when people misuse the Bible to drive people away from the church. And I'm very tired of hearing the erroneous claims that the Bible "clearly condemns" anything other than mom-pop-two-kids- & -a-dog families. The clearly presented scholarship in this book could open conversations with many people who take the Bible seriously and want to know how they can accept their gay relatives or neighbors. I'll be giving a copy to my church library and to several friends.