Evangelical Theologian Changes his Mind on LGBT People In a new book published by Westminster John Knox Press -- Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church -- a former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Jack Rogers, argues unequivocally for the ordination and marriage of people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. A life-long evangelical theologian, Rogers argues in combination of personal narrative, theology, and church history that fidelity to the Bible demands equal rights in the church and society for people who are LGBT. 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; and debunks oft-repeated stereotypes about gays and lesbians. According to Rogers, “The best methods of interpretation from the Reformation on down through today, call upon us to interpret the Scripture through the lens of Jesus Christ’s life and ministry. Using this method we see clearly that Jesus and the Bible, properly understood, do not condemn people who are homosexual.” Among the reviews of this book released on March 6: * “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 frames the issues on deep biblical and theological grounds, challenging superficial readings of scripture. The book is wonderfully relevant….It is a gift to all of us.” * “Rogers’ arguments are relentless, accurate and devastating to those who might claim that there are serious, scriptural, doctrinal or confessional reasons to deprive LGBT people from full participation in the life and ministry of the church,” says the Reverend Elder Nancy Wilson, the Moderator of the Metropolitan Community Church. * African-American educator Gayraud Wilmore stated: “This plain-spoken but scholarly work teaches not only that we can change our minds about homosexuality, but that we must.” * “What Jack Rogers discovered by reviewing the biblical, creedal and historical evidence for himself just might change your mind as well,” according to Mel White, Founder of SoulForce.
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