Noted Theologian to Speak at Wayside Presbyterian

A noted theologian will be in Erie Oct. 20 and 21 to present a series of lectures based on his new book, Jesus, the Bible and Homosexuality: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church.

Dr. Jack Rogers, Professor of Theology Emeritus at San Francisco Theological Seminary, will be speaking at the Wayside Presbyterian Church, 1208 Asbury Road, Erie, PA. Dr. Rogers, who was Moderator of the 213th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is the author of numerous books on biblical interpretation and the confessions of the church.

In his powerful new book, Dr. Rogers makes a Biblical case for equal rights for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Jesus, the Bible and Homosexuality describes Dr. Rogers’s 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 often-repeated stereotypes about gays and lesbians; and concludes with ideas for how the church can heal itself and move forward again.

Schedule for Saturday, October 20: 8:30 AM Registration and Continental Breakfast; 9 AM lecture: “How My Mind Changed and How the Church Changes Its Mind”; 10:15 AM Small Group Discussions; 10:45 AM Break; 11 AM lecture: “How Should We Read the Bible?”; 12:15 PM Small Group Discussions; 12:45 PM Lunch; 1:30 PM lecture: “Getting the Facts Right and Resolving the Conflict”; 2:45 PM Small Group Discussions; 3:15 PM Conclude for the day.

Schedule for Sunday, October 21: 8:30 and 11 AM Worship Services, Rev. Dr. Jack Rogers will preach at both services -- Sermon: “God Knows the Human Heart” Text: Leviticus 20:22-26 and Acts 15:1-21; 9:30 AM Adult Education Hour in Fellowship Hall: “What You Always Wanted to Ask,” Rev. Dr. Jack Rogers.

The cost for Saturday’s program is as follows: $25 for the day, $10 a lecture, $6 for lunch. For more information about Dr. Jack Rogers, visit his web site at http://www.drjackrogers.com.

Wayside Presbyterian Church is a member of the Presbyterian Church, USA, and welcomes children, youth and adults to a place of inclusive Christian worship, education and service. The congregation encourages diversity of opinion, lifestyle and theology among its members, creating a dynamic place for Christian nurture. The church seeks to be a community where everyone feels comfortable exploring their faith journey.

Wayside is located north of 12th Street on the west side of Asbury Road. Turn toward the lake at the intersection of Asbury and 12th, which is at the northwest corner of the Erie International Airport.

Three of Dr. Rogers’ books will be on sale at the convocation and in advance of the event. They are offered at a 20% discount from the list price. The prices listed below include the discount. He will be available for book signings throughout the weekend. Jesus, The Bible, and Homosexuality: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church ($14); Claiming the Center: Churches and Conflicting World Views ($20); Confessions of a Conservative Evangelical ($16). The lectures on Saturday and Sunday will be recorded, as will the worship service, and CD’s can be ordered for purchase.

“It seems to me that the church and every person within the church is faced with a choice: to witness to an ancient Near Eastern cultural bias of male gender superiority, or to witness to Jesus Christ and his redemptive life and ministry. The best methods of biblical interpretation, from the Reformation on down through today, urge us to reject narrow historical and cultural bias and instead to follow Jesus’ example. The purpose of the Bible is not to forever weld us to an ancient culture. The purpose of the Bible is to tell us the story of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.”

Dr. Jack Rogers, from his book, Jesus, The Bible, and Homosexuality: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church