Gene Robinson is bishop of the tiny, rural Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire, but he's at the center of a storm of controversy raging in the Episcopal Church and throughout the worldwide Anglican Communion involving homosexuality, the priesthood, and the future of the Communion. This book offers an honest, thoughtful portrait of Robinson, the faith that has informed his life, and the controversy that continues to rock his Church.
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
In this meandering but charming book, Robinson, the controversial gay Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire, addresses sexuality and theology. He argues that the cause for which the planets seem to be aligned today is full civil rights of GLBT people. Many of the arguments he rehearses are familiar: the church today faces a struggle similar to the civil rights movement of the 1960s; the way we think about sexual orientation today was unknown in biblical times; and so forth. More original is Robinson's discussion of the vulnerability of sex, and his support for abstinence outside of committed relationships, because sex in other contexts is likely to hurt people. But this book goes beyond sex to Christian theology. Robinson reviews his beliefs in the Incarnation and in forgiveness. He insists that the God he knows is a God of radical inclusion, who wants to lift up all the oppressed, including women, minorities and the poor. That good news, Robinson admits, actually makes him somewhat uncomfortable, since he knows that he is among the world's most privileged people. Sometimes Robinson's prose is a bit florid, but his passion will draw in many mainline Protestant readers. (Apr. 7)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
'Gene Robinson is the most controversial Christian in the world, yet if you did not know one thing about him - his sexuality - you would think him no different from thousands of other ministers, priests, pastors, or indeed bishops and archbishops. And he's not - merely more open and candid than they dare to be. Whether you agree with Bishop Robinson or not, his beliefs are important for all to know. In this book he shows there is much more about him and his faith than the single issue of sexual orientation.' -- Stephen Bates 'This is Gene Robinson's own story, told with simplicity and humility and revealing his passionate faith. He recounts how his experience has made him particularly close to vulnerable groups, such as the inmates of a women's prison, and how we all need one another for our very salvation. This honest account will encourage anyone seriously committed to the message of Jesus , and shows him deeply committed within the Anglican Communion even to those who vilify him.' -- Richard Harries (Lord Harries of Pentregarth) 'Gene Robinson is no revolutionary: he upholds marriage as a sacred covenant, but knows the same covenant theology can include same-sex partnerships too. For living this truth he has been scapegoated - not for being the first gay bishop, but the first honest one. By God's grace he has stayed strong, still trying to love his enemies into friends. One day the Church will understand what it owes him.' -- Very Reverend Dr Jeffrey John
--This text refers to the
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
26 of 30 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
When the openly gay priest Gene Robinson consented to his election as the ninth Anglican bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire in 2003, he chose to become both the lightening rod and the standard bearer of the most controversial issue in Christianity today. That's why he wore a bullet-proof vest at the ceremony and why bomb-sniffing dogs cleared the building. Never again will he be just another bishop or a mere private citizen, despite his complaints about being labeled a single-issue priest. He knows that he will "never again be in a 'small room.' Because of the high level of media attention, followed by the close scrutiny of those who oppose me, I'm never in a trusting, safe environment where I can let my guard down. Someone is always watching and will use anything I say against me" (46).
Whether by Robinson's choice or unfortunate necessity, in this book you learn precious little of the personal from this very public figure. He does mention in passing his roots in a poor, uneducated, and deeply Christian family in rural Kentucky where his parents were tenant farmers; his first marriage by which he had two children; his treatment for alcohol dependence; and his twenty-year commitment with his current partner Mark Andrews. But all these are brief mentions. True to his word, he never lets his guard down. If you want to learn more about Gene Robinson the man you'll do better starting at the Wikipedia article. Perhaps my expectations before reading this book were misplaced, but in my own experience the power of personal story far surpasses the tedium of theological wrangling. I wanted to learn more about Gene Robinson's personal story.
The twenty-three short chapters in 175 pages treat a broad panoply of Christian themes, many of which read more like unedited sermons than successive chapters in a book. For example, a chapter on the Good Samaritan is followed by a four-page chapter on why for Christians "religion and politics must mix," which is followed by an anecdotal chapter about a trip to Hong Kong. Even when he speaks about gays in the church the treatment is so short for such complex issues that I found it frustrating. Just what, for example, are the implications pro and con of separating the civil rights of marriage by the state and the Christian rites of blessing a marriage by the church?
This book and Robinson's many public interviews about it were timed to coincide with and maximize exposure of the global Anglican church's summer 2008 Lambeth Conference that gathers all its bishops every ten years -- and from which Robinson has been excluded as an official participant but invited in a "diminished status" (168); and his decision to marry his partner Mark Andrews in a June 2008 civil union that will then be blessed in his church. That's not a bad thing for a person who's leading an important cause. But this book will attract readers more because of who wrote it than what he says. In my own reflections of Christian gays I was more deeply influenced by Mel White's Stranger at the Gate; To Be Gay and Christian in America (New York: Plume, 1994); Carol Curoe and Robert Curoe, Are There Closets in Heaven? A Catholic Father and a Lesbian Daughter Share Their Story (Minneapolis: Syren Book Company, 2007); and then the documentary film For the Bible Tells Me So (2007) about five Christian families whose gay children went public -- one of whom is none other than Gene Robinson.
Whether by Robinson's choice or unfortunate necessity, in this book you learn precious little of the personal from this very public figure. He does mention in passing his roots in a poor, uneducated, and deeply Christian family in rural Kentucky where his parents were tenant farmers; his first marriage by which he had two children; his treatment for alcohol dependence; and his twenty-year commitment with his current partner Mark Andrews. But all these are brief mentions. True to his word, he never lets his guard down. If you want to learn more about Gene Robinson the man you'll do better starting at the Wikipedia article. Perhaps my expectations before reading this book were misplaced, but in my own experience the power of personal story far surpasses the tedium of theological wrangling. I wanted to learn more about Gene Robinson's personal story.
The twenty-three short chapters in 175 pages treat a broad panoply of Christian themes, many of which read more like unedited sermons than successive chapters in a book. For example, a chapter on the Good Samaritan is followed by a four-page chapter on why for Christians "religion and politics must mix," which is followed by an anecdotal chapter about a trip to Hong Kong. Even when he speaks about gays in the church the treatment is so short for such complex issues that I found it frustrating. Just what, for example, are the implications pro and con of separating the civil rights of marriage by the state and the Christian rites of blessing a marriage by the church?
This book and Robinson's many public interviews about it were timed to coincide with and maximize exposure of the global Anglican church's summer 2008 Lambeth Conference that gathers all its bishops every ten years -- and from which Robinson has been excluded as an official participant but invited in a "diminished status" (168); and his decision to marry his partner Mark Andrews in a June 2008 civil union that will then be blessed in his church. That's not a bad thing for a person who's leading an important cause. But this book will attract readers more because of who wrote it than what he says. In my own reflections of Christian gays I was more deeply influenced by Mel White's Stranger at the Gate; To Be Gay and Christian in America (New York: Plume, 1994); Carol Curoe and Robert Curoe, Are There Closets in Heaven? A Catholic Father and a Lesbian Daughter Share Their Story (Minneapolis: Syren Book Company, 2007); and then the documentary film For the Bible Tells Me So (2007) about five Christian families whose gay children went public -- one of whom is none other than Gene Robinson.
6 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
In the Eye of the Storm is a worthwhile read, but it is too broad on many topics. I realize that Robinson does not want to be pegged as the "gay bishop", but y'ar, my dear, but y'ar. I found his discussions of full inclusion for all to be good, but there was little new that I hadn't been exposed to before. For me, the most powerful part of the book was the last chapters, where Robinson talks about the need to live in communion with all those who agree and disagree. That is reinvigorating for those who have to face "the enemy" on a regular basis. But there is little new.
On the plus side, I feel that Robinson uses this book to explain who he is and what the stuff is that he is made of. After reading In the Eye of the Storm, I have gained respect for a man who has to fight for all that he has. I don't agree with him on all points, but I do very deeply respect him.
On the plus side, I feel that Robinson uses this book to explain who he is and what the stuff is that he is made of. After reading In the Eye of the Storm, I have gained respect for a man who has to fight for all that he has. I don't agree with him on all points, but I do very deeply respect him.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I appreciate Rev. Gene Robinson being willing to share his story about his victory over incredible hurdles in the Presbyterian church. This book shows his forgiveness, compassion and understanding of the "other side" of the gay issue. He speaks with great love for those who have tried to prevent him from being ordained in the church. His journey is inspiring and his life is a testament to all that God can do with a committed vessel.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
God's perfect timing
This is another book that is NOT one of my Amazon Vine selections. Indeed, I didn't even get it from Amazon, and it has in fact been in my possession for nearly two years, but for... Read more
Published on April 25, 2011 by Trudie Barreras
5.0 out of 5 stars
life changing
Gene Robinson is my hero. His clear and heartfelt story informed me that there is in fact a place for me at God's table, upfront and center. Read more
Published on March 26, 2011 by chasmoh
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Beaming Light After the Storm
In the Eye of the Storm is a wonderfully written book that captivates you, challenges you, and inspires you to a deeper level. Read more
Published on February 8, 2011 by JVictoria
4.0 out of 5 stars
bought for school
i bought this book to use it in a repot. i actually didnt really used it cus it kinda sucked i like the other one that he didnt write
Published on December 21, 2010 by chevelle
1.0 out of 5 stars
the politically correct propaganda within the church continues...
This book was written by Episcopal bishop Gene Robinson, as an attempt to make the practice of homosexuality acceptable to Christians. Read more
Published on October 10, 2010 by a Christian family
5.0 out of 5 stars
In the Eye of the Storm
Bought the book for a church study, BUT found that Fr Robinson is a very fine writer who can explain christian life with greater clarity than many of his peers. Read more
Published on September 30, 2010 by Beverley
4.0 out of 5 stars
Remarkable
I have a new found respect for Bishop Gene Robinson and the Episcopal church. I had learned part of Bishop Robinson's story in the movie "For the Bible tells me so", but his book... Read more
Published on April 28, 2010 by Todd Adrian
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thank you, Gene Robinson!
This is one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. Not only is it an autobiography, but is a very spiritually inspiring book. Read more
Published on March 30, 2010 by M. Leroy Van Bergh
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Man of God.
Several years ago, an Episcopal priest friend of mine encountered Gene Robinson as a speaker at a clergy conference. Read more
Published on November 10, 2009 by Anthony T. Irving
5.0 out of 5 stars
now THIS is a CHRISTIAN!
Gene Robinson is many things to many people...To a thinking person, not seeking to use the bible as a weapon, he is a god sent messenger reminding us to think, reflect, care, and... Read more
Published on September 26, 2009 by Scott Jeffe
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