More Light

All of the liberals in Tennessee gathered last Tuesday night in the sanctuary/activity center (or as it will be known as of Decmber 3 only the activity center) of Second Presbyterian, yes all 200 of us or so. Okay, so maybe not all the liberals were there. Some of the 18.7% of the state’s population that voted against the anti-gay marriage amendment to the Tennessee constitution a few weeks ago were probably not in attendance at a lecture and book signing by Jack Rogers, who served in 2001 as the Moderator of the 213th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), but a good chunk—probably 250 or so—were.

The Covenant Network of Presbyterians has been sponsoring a book tour to promote Rogers’ newest book, Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality: Exploding the Myths, Healing the Church. Second Presbyterian was the last stop on this tour. During his lecture and question and answer session, Rogers discussed how his views on the issue of homosexuality changed when he really studied what the Bible had to say. Moreover, he does not consider himself to be a liberal Presbyterian, but an evangelical. I had read fomer Moderator Rogers’ book this fall, and I have found his arguments for the ordination of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, as well as same-sex marriage to be among the most sound I have seen.

Second Presbyterian is unique among churches in this area, which I’ve found out is known as the “buckle of the Bible belt.” This fall, Second decided to become a More Light Presbyterian Church. It is the only one in Tennessee. More Light churches are those that actively work to promote the full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in the life and leadership of the church. A new welcome statement proclaims that “Second Presbyterian welcomes you to join us in our journey of faith, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, economic or family status, ethnic background, mental or physical abilities.”

So, why would Second, along with many other Presbyterian churches, take this kind of a stand when the Bible so “clearly” names homosexuality as a great sin? Well, if one really takes a look at the passages that reference homosexuality, one will find that many of those passages do not reflect at all the modern reality of monogamous non-exploitative same-sex relationships. As Jack Rogers argues, the modern concept of homosexuality was just not known in the times when the Bible was written. Also, Presbyterians read the Bible through the lens of the life and activity of Jesus Christ. We do not think (at least most of us do not think) that every sentence in the Bible is directly applicable to our modern lives. The dual law of love for God and love for neighbor is primary in Christian life. Rogers has studied the ways that the church changed its mind about women, and African Americans along the way. Despite what some say, the church can be wrong, and it often is—even for thousands of years.

I’d encourage everyone, no matter what side of the debate you’re on, to read Jack Rogers’ book, which is centered around sound, logical study of the Biblical text, along with study of the destructive patterns of human society that the church has perpetuated through the centuries. It is only with study, prayer and disernment that God's will is going to shed "more light" on this topic that is the source of such division, anger and fear in the church.

Jack Rogers Website

Second Presbyterian More Light Press Release