Jesus, the bible and homosexuality,
Revised and expanded edition |
Explode the myths, heal the church
Review Title
Christians Excluding Gays:
A Look at Rogers’ Perspective on
Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality
Reviewed by
Geoffrey W. Sutton
CITE REVIEW:
Sutton, G. W. (2025). Christians excluding gays: A look at rogers’ perspective on Jesus, the bible, and homosexuality. Interdisciplinary Book Reviews.
Book Summary
Jack Rogers presents a historical overview of how American Presbyterians transitioned from excluding to including gay and lesbian Christians, contextualized by broader shifts in attitudes toward slavery and women's rights. He provides an extensive background on Presbyterian perspectives regarding slavery and gender equality, demonstrating how biblical texts were historically interpreted to justify oppression—a pattern he examines in Chapter 2, Misusing the Bible to Justify Oppression.
In Chapters 3 and 4, Rogers addresses the challenges of biblical interpretation, highlighting a progression away from strict literalism. He underscores the importance of considering cultural and historical contexts when analyzing biblical texts. Rogers encourages readers to interpret scripture through the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, ultimately advocating for a Christocentric approach. He concludes:
"When Christians read the Bible through the lens of Jesus' gracious life and ministry, they will be able to see lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people as their sisters and brothers, faced with all the usual human problems, and loved equally by God." (Rogers, 2006, p. 148)
In Chapter 5, Rogers examines seven commonly cited biblical texts used to exclude gay and lesbian individuals from full participation in the church. His analysis of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:1–29) and The Rape of the Levite’s Concubine (Judges 19:1–30) aligns with other scholars (e.g., Gushee, 2017; Sutton, 2016), emphasizing that the primary concern in these passages is the grave violation of the ancient custom of hospitality toward travelers. Rogers notes that one of the most degrading acts against a man was to rape him—treating him as if he were a vulnerable woman. He also highlights that the Bible does not explicitly mention homosexuality when referencing Sodom.
Regarding the well-known Levitical prohibitions against male same-sex acts, Rogers situates them within the broader cultural context of prohibitions against mixing different categories, including "genders," and the prevailing view of male superiority. The term toevah (Hebrew for "abomination") signifies ritual impurity rather than an inherent moral failing. Rogers concludes this section by emphasizing that Jesus’ teachings on purity prioritize internal matters of the heart over adherence to ancient purity laws.
Rogers then examines the New Testament lists in 1 Corinthians 6:9–10 and 1 Timothy 1:10, where the Greek terms malakos and arsenokoites have posed interpretive challenges due to translation variations. Malakos appears to refer to effeminacy or softness, while arsenokoites has historically been translated as "sodomites," leading to significant ambiguity. Rogers suggests that the condemnation in these passages may pertain to sexual exploitation rather than consensual same-sex relationships. Regarding Jude 5–7, Rogers connects the reference to sexual immorality in Sodom with the obscure Genesis 6 narrative, where the "sons of God" engage in relations with human women—potentially paralleling the attempted abuse of Lot’s angelic visitors
Finally, Romans 1 emerges as a seemingly unequivocal condemnation of same-sex relationships among both men and women. However, Rogers argues that the passage primarily critiques idolatry rather than committed relationships among Christian LGBTQ individuals. He contends that the concept of "natural" in this context does not refer to male-female sexual intercourse but rather reflects the expected superior male position in the ancient world.
Following his biblical text commentaries, Rogers explores common objections to same-sex marriage in Chapter 6, analyzing negative perspectives that have shaped opposition within religious communities. In Chapter 7, he presents a series of recommendations for Presbyterians, including the need for a sincere apology to the queer community. Chapter 8 expands the discussion to a broader theological appeal, urging readers to embrace a vision of unity in Christ that encompasses all people.
The book concludes with an appendix briefly summarizing the history of other Christian denominations regarding LGBTQ inclusion. However, as the book was published in 2009, it does not account for more recent developments.
I read the second edition, which includes prefaces for both editions and a study guide. The notes and index serve as valuable resources for those interested in examining the extensive supporting material.
Comments on Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality
As a psychologist planning to examine the persistent gap between Christian and psychological perspectives on sexual minorities, I found Rogers’ historical overview valuable, despite its primary focus on Presbyterian views. Like many Christian authors, Rogers reflects on his own evolving attitude toward gay and lesbian individuals, consistently using the older term homosexuals throughout much of the book.
However, like other Christian scholars, Rogers provides little discussion of bisexuality, transgender identities, or individuals with intersex conditions, sometimes referred to as Disorders of Sexual Development (DSDs). Readers seeking a broader exploration of Christian perspectives on all sexual minorities will need to consult additional sources.
Rogers also lacks precision in his use of the concepts of sex and gender—a common issue even among social science scholars (e.g., Byrne, 2024). His interchangeable use of these terms complicates an understanding of the contrasting perspectives held by Christians who endorse rigid binary sex-linked definitions versus those who describe gender as a socially constructed phenomenon.
While Rogers demonstrates some familiarity with psychological perspectives, it would be unreasonable to expect a biblical scholar to provide an in-depth scientific analysis on this topic.
Overall, I recommend this work to readers interested in tracing the historical use of biblical interpretation to justify the oppression of minorities, particularly the exclusion of gay and lesbian individuals from full participation in the church. His scriptural commentary aligns with other scholars who argue that a Christocentric approach to biblical interpretation supports the full inclusion of LGBTQ individuals in Christian life and ministry.
REFERENCES
Byrne, A. (2024). Trouble with gender: Sex facts, gender fictions. Polity Press.
Gushee, D. P. (2017). Changing our mind: A call from America’s leading evangelical ethics scholar for full acceptance of LGBT Christians in the church. Read the Spirit Books.
Rogers, J. (2009). Jesus, the bible and homosexuality, Revised and expanded edition | Explode the myths, heal the church. Westminster John Knox Press.
Sutton, G. W. (2016). A house divided: Sexuality, morality, and Christian cultures. Pickwick. ISBN: 9781498224888. https://wipfandstock.com/author/geoffrey-w-sutton/
Book Author
Jack Rogers (1934–2016) was a Presbyterian theologian, professor, and author known for his advocacy of LGBTQ inclusion in the church. He served as Moderator of the 213th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and wrote extensively on biblical authority and social justice, including Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality.
Review Author
Geoffrey W. Sutton, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Evangel University, holds a master’s degree in counseling and a PhD in psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. His postdoctoral work encompassed education and supervision in forensic and neuropsychology. As a licensed psychologist, he conducted clinical and neuropsychological evaluations and provided psychotherapy for patients in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and private offices. During his tenure as a professor, Dr. Sutton taught courses on psychotherapy, assessment, and research. He has authored over one hundred publications, including books, book chapters, and articles in peer-reviewed psychology journals. His website is https://suttong.com
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