Here is an engaging first-person study of a self-described straight, uptight, conservative Christian and the life situations that led him to a new sense of freedom and openness. Believing that experiences should be shared, Jack Rogers reflects on his childhood, his studies, his marriage and parenthood, the people he's met, and his service to the church, both in Europe and at home.

Mainline Protestant churches have been seriously impacted by the conflict in belief systems embodied in the opposing worldviews of conservatives and liberals. In this book, Jack Rogers contends that for mainline churches to remain relevant in today's world, they must make an active effort to claim the center--an authentic and balanced Christian worldview.

This book provides clergy, laity, and students with a thorough introduction to their faith as set forth in the "Book of Confessions." Jack Rogers explains technical terms and places current issues in perspective by examining the meaning of the creeds, confessions, and declarations found in the "Book of Confessions." He examines their role in history, their full meaning, and their continued relevance to the Christian community.

In this revised and expanded best seller, Rogers argues for equal rights in both the church and society for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgendered people. He describes how he moved away from opposition to support, charts the church's history of using biblical passages to oppress marginalized groups, argues for a Christ-centered reading of Scripture, debunks stereotypes about gays and lesbians, and explores texts used most frequently against homosexuals and gay ordination.

In this newly revised edition, he maps the recent progress of major U.S. denominations toward full equality for LGBT persons, adds a new chapter that examines how Scripture is best interpreted by Jesus' redemptive life and ministry, and updates his own efforts and experiences. The book also includes a guide for group study or personal reflection.