The commentary on the New Testament presented here does not  refer to any scholarly materials, because such studies enrich our understanding of the Bible but are not necessary. We can see for ourselves that the church in Jerusalem and Paul disagree about what should be required of Gentile converts and that the gospels differ factually and in the way each proclaims the good news. It is obvious that the Bible was written by human beings to express their faith and understanding. The New Testament may reveal to us the word of God, but it is not "the words" of God.

Faith, Belief, and Religion 

The New Testament is all about faith, but says almost nothing about belief. Do you know what this means and why it is important? Faith and belief are not the same. We are called to be faithful, not "belief-ful." The Christian proclamation is that we are saved by faith, not by our beliefs. 

We are not saved by following the rules and rituals of Christian religion, but by living faithfully. How is Christian faith like faith in other religious traditions? Despite different beliefs, Christians have much in common with other people of faith. To order click on the book cover.

Quest for Truth 

Should Christians cooperate with people of other religious traditions? Yes, in working for a more just and peaceful world. Should churches participate in interfaith activities and organizations? Yes, when these activities and organizations enable all of us to live together more faithfully. 

Should interfaith cooperation encourage dialogue about what is true for all people of faith? Yes, if this quest includes self-critical reflection and mutual respect. The goal of interfaith cooperation should be repentance and forgiveness. To order click on the book cover.

Faith in Human Rights 

Do Christians support human rights? Contemporary Christian teaching does, although not all Christians have or do. Catholics and conservative and liberal Protestants embraced human rights in the last half of the 20th century. Is there support in other religious traditions? Yes, at least in contemporary teachings.

There is also "secular faith" in human rights, and secular and religious advocates for human rights struggle together. This collaborative alliance for human dignity is rarely noted but worth understanding. To order click on the book cover.

Jerusalem Journal: Finding Hope

In the spring of 2005 Dr. Traer lived in East Jerusalem and traveled on the West Bank as part of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Program sponsored by the World Council of Churches.  He interviewed leaders of Rabbis for Human Rights, who defend the rights of Palestinians, and experienced first hand what the occupation of the West Bank means for both the Palestinians who suffer it and the Israelis who enforce it.

In this book Dr. Traer tells of his experiences, reminds us of the history of the Holy Land, gives us a glimpse of the people living in Jerusalem and on the West Bank, explains why the occupation must end.  To order click on title.

Doing Ethics in a Diverse World

This introduction to ethics written in collaboration with Harlan Stelmach challenges ethical relativism by constructing moral presumptions, which is a practical way of reasoning much like the rule of law.  Claims that certain actions or ways of being are inherently or intrinsically right or good are stated in the everyday moral language we all use.  This involves identifying our duty and rights, what kind of person we think we should be, and who should be included in making an ethical decision.  After constructing an ethical presumption as to how we should respond to a dilemma, we consider if the possible consequences of acting on this presumption offer sufficient evidence to act otherwise.

In the concluding chapters of the book the authors apply this approach to the issues of abortion, capital punishment, gay marriage, morality, health care, sex, the war on terrorism, and ecology. This book will be available in the summer of 2007, but may be ordered now by clicking on the title.

Doing Environmental Ethics

This book draws on environmental science, economic theory, international law, religious teachings, and philosophical arguments.  It engages readers in constructing ethical presumptions based on our duty (to other persons, species, and ecosystems), our character (personal virtues), our relationships (with other persons and nature), and our rights (to sustainable  development and a healthy environment). 

Then it tests these moral presumptions by predicting the likely consequences of acting on them.  Readers apply what they have learned to specific policy issues discussed in the final part of the book: sustainable consumption, environmental policy, clean air and water, agriculture, managing public lands, urban ecology, and climate change. 

When my fifteen year old daughter asked me if religion was superstition, here is how I responded to her question.

Statement of Faith by Robert Traer

The love of family and friends continues to convince me that love is life's greatest gift.  I am grateful for all those who have shared with me this wonderful gift, and I bear witness that these loving persons include Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, Unitarian Universalists, agnostics, and atheists, as well as Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox Christians.  

Biographical Information on Robert Traer

I have a Ph.D. from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, a J.D. from the School of Law of the University of California at Davis, a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Divinity School of the University of Chicago, and a B.A. from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota.  I have been married forty-one years to Nancy Traer, and we have five children, including two adopted daughters from Asia, and six grandchildren.