Reading the Bible and the Confessions (Paperback)

~ Jack Rogers (Author) "Presbyterians are not do-it-your-selfers..." (more)
Key Phrases: General Assembly, Jesus Christ, Book of Confessions (more...)

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press; 1st edition (June 1, 2005)
• 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.com Sales Rank: #482,813 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 56 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

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.

6 of 7 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

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.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars bland, March 24, 2001

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

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.