What Others Are Saying About the Book

“This is an extraordinary book, arguably the best to appear in the long, drawn-out debates within the churches over homosexuality.  Rogers frames the issues on deep biblical and theological grounds, challenging superficial readings of scripture. While addressing the issues from the standpoint of Presbyterian traditions and polity, the book is wonderfully relevant to other denominations as well.  I hope many of my fellow Methodists and Christians of other denominations will discover this book.  It is a gift to all of us.”
—J. Philip Wogaman, former senior minister at Foundry United Methodist Church,  Washington, D.C.

“Dr. Rogers adds immensely to those who argue for the full inclusion of gay and lesbian people in the church and in the clergy. His experience in and reflections on the Presbyterian Church USA, to whom the book is directed, will be useful to people of ALL mainline denominations, even those who do not come out of a “confessional” background.  Especially helpful was his analysis of how “other” theories (natural law, complementary body parts, etc.) have come to be superimposed onto scriptural texts without any scriptural basis.  For those who truly wish to know what the Bible does and does not say, this is a real find.”
—The Right Reverend V. Gene Robinson, Bishop of New Hampshire, Episcopal Church USA

“This book offers a rare opportunity to see why one of America’s leading evangelical scholars and a former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church changed his mind about homosexuality.  What Jack Rogers discovered by reviewing the biblical, creedal, and historical evidence for himself just might change your mind as well.”
—Mel White, Founder, Soul Force

“This book is simply wonderful—an intelligent, well-researched, amazingly helpful contribution by a person of faith to one of the most difficult debates of our  time.  Jack Rogers just might change both the tenor and the content of the argument over homosexuality in the Christian church.”
—Joanna M. Adams, Pastor, Morningside Presbyterian Church, Atlanta

“Jack Rogers has done a superb job of taking the issues of homosexuality and the scriptures through its paces within the Presbyterian/Reformed tradition in a way that has not been done before. 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.  His uncovering of the history of the translation of “Answer 87” in the Heidelberg Catechism is a great example of how modern (and not always accurate!) translations of the Bible work their way anachronistically and unhelpfully into old church confessions.  And I love his exploration of the real meaning of “chastity” in the Book of Confession, from the Westminster Larger Catechism, and his exposing of the selective use of that term to discriminate against our community. 

I also deeply appreciated the way Rogers, in a very simple, readable way, took us through his own process of a powerful change of mind on the topic; and how that change of mind also impacted his life, his relationships, and his view of the mission of the church in the 21st Century.”
—Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, Moderator, Metropolitan Community Church

“All Christians, but especially Blacks and women, will appreciate Jack Rogers’ argument from history showing how and why mainstream Presbyterians changed their minds about race and gender equality. This plain-spoken but scholarly work teaches not only that we can change our minds about homosexuality, but that we must. Moreover, that the Holy Spirit continuously inspires faithful change in the church in order to transform the world for which Christ died.”
—Gayraud S. Wilmore, Emeritus Prof. Church History, Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta

“Jack Rogers is a theologian and historian, a former professor at Fuller Seminary, and a former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church (USA).  He is also an honest man who has changed his mind about homosexuality, so that he is now convinced it is not a sin.  He tells the story of how he changed his mind with clarity and passion, laying out the evidence to persuade his
fellow Christians, and especially his fellow Presbyterians, to join him.”
—William C. Placher, LaFollette Distinguished Professor in the Humanities, Wabash College

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