Reading the Bible and the Confessions: The Presbyterian Way [Paperback]

Jack Rogers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1999

Jack Rogers sets forth seven guidelines for the interpretation of Scripture and the Confessions. Rogers builds upon the confessional and governmental heritage of the church in offering suggestions for practical applications of these interpretations in the future. His purpose is to stimulate individual and communal use of both Scripture and the Confessions in accordance with Presbyterian faith, and he encourages us to use these resources to apply Christ's message in our own time and context.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jack Rogers is Professor Emeritus of Theology at San Francisco Theological Seminary in California. He was moderator of the 213th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Roger's books include Reading the Bible and the Confessions, Claiming the Center: Churches and Conflicting Worldviews, and Presbyterian Creeds, all published by WJK.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Geneva Press; 1st edition (June 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664500463
• ISBN-13: 978-0664500467
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #159,841 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #36 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Protestantism > Presbyterian

More About the Author

Professor of Theology Emeritus at San Francisco Theological Seminary.
Vice President for Southern California of San Francisco Theological Seminary (1990-1999)
Moderator of the 213th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (2001-2002)
Associate for Theological Studies in the Theology and Worship Ministry Unit, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1988-1990)
Professor of Philosophical Theology at Fuller Seminary (1971-1988)
Professor of Philosophy, Westminster College, PA (1963-1971)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A thoughtful discussion of how to interpret the Confessions, May 8, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Reading the Bible and the Confessions: The Presbyterian Way (Paperback)

After being active in the Presbyterian church for over 25 years, I finally have some understanding of what the Confessions are all about. This book gives real insight into how Presbyterians interpret the Bible. It also explains the theological process whereby they changed their thinking over time on issues such as slavery, women in the church, and the distinction between essential and non-essential issues. To outside observers, these shifts may appear to be "political" more than theological, but Rogers shows that the changes are firmly grounded in core theology. Given that the Presbyterians-- torn in a dispute over the role of homosexuals in the church--recently wrote into their Book of Order (constitution) a provision elevating the Confessions to an exceptionally high level, this book becomes nearly invaluable if one is to see these developments in historical and theological context. I recommend this book very highly.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Review of "Reading the Bible and the Confessions - The Presbyterian Way ", July 26, 2006

By 

Jacquelin J. Lyman (Hemet, California United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reading the Bible and the Confessions: The Presbyterian Way (Paperback)

Jack Rogers' little paperback book can be easily tucked into a briefcase or computer case for easy referral. While a seminary student, I found its contents to be historically succinct and extremely helpful. Lay persons will discover that it provides an overview of the critical factors needed for those wishing to consider preaching ministry. In Part One Rogers describes seven guidelines for interpreting Scriptures, which present the holistic view pastors need for development of sermons. Part Two, Interpreting the Reformed Confessions, outlines the overarching themes of Scripture, which point to Whose and Who We Are as Presbyterians. Although these themes are more specifically defined in the "Book of Order" of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the author assists the reader by adding historical information to further understand of them. Rogers is a church historian and, as such, proceeds to masterfully provide seven guidelines for interpreting the "Book of Confessions", embellishing each guideline with rich, yet brief, historical detail to further inform. The book is well-researched and the contents are supported by Rogers' own theological knowledge and experience. It is a reliable reference book. I recommend it for beginning seminarians, lay leaders, and those new to the Presbyterian Way.

6 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars bland, March 24, 2001

By 

Kathy F. Cannata "Rev. Dr. R. Cannata" (New Orleans, LA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Reading the Bible and the Confessions: The Presbyterian Way (Paperback)

Dr. Rogers is one of the elder statesmen of the PCUSA. He has long been a leader among one variety of churchmen in that group -- folks who are theological moderates but fear the theologically conservative wing of the tiny evangelical contingent above all else. He has expended alot of energy over the years trying to make the orthodox look less orthodox ("Calvin did not believe in Biblical inspiration", etc.). He has gradually embraced more radical church policies as his denomination has moved to the left, while continuing to call himself an "evangelical."

He knows the confessional heritage of the Reformed tradition quite well, but his bias and denominational politics seem to have clouded his judgment in this book. Really, this is largely a waste.