ebooks Under the Quandong Tree by Minmia (Maureen Smith) in History

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.