In the Eye of the Storm: Swept to the Center by God

by Gene Robinson, Desmond Tutu (Foreword)

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.

Genres: Religion, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Biography, Christian, LGBT, Memoir

194 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2008

About the author

GENE ROBINSON was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, and graduated from the University of the South with a B.A. in American studies and history. He completed the MDiv degree in 1973 at the General Theological Seminary in New York, and was ordained deacon and then priest, serving as curate at Christ Church, Ridgewood, NJ. Robinson is a Senior Fellow at American Progress. He was elected bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire in 2003, having served as Canon to the Ordinary (assistant to the bishop) for nearly eighteen years.

Reviews

[Zac Talbott]

An amazing tale of faith... A Christian faith that by all accounts is evangelical, even orthodox except for one thing — the person of faith is gay and knows that is how he was created, that he is "perfectly and wonderfully made." His ordination as priest to his consecration as the first openly LGBT Bishop of The Episcopal Church while wearing a bullet-proof vest, this (short) Book will inspire and amaze generations to come. A+++

[Kim]

I met Gene Robinson and heard him speak. He is a good man.
As this book was published in 2008, there are some parts of the discussion that are outdated -- and then there are parts that are very much current no matter what has happened in the last 9 years and what the future might look like. Those who are members of or more familiar with the Episcopalian/Anglican denomination will understand some of the discussion regarding its functions and beliefs.

[Jordan Kinsey]

This isn't as autobiographical as I'd hoped, but still an excellent read. If you wonder why the small, rural, conservative, diocese of New Hampshire considered him worthy enough to take on the holy title of Bishop, read this book. Then you'll understand.

[Fawn Pender]

If you have ever doubted your faith, if you don't understand all the fuss about "inclusion" in our Church and society, if you are troubled about the "isms" of the world...read this book! Gene Robinson's straight-forward language and poignant examples show us how to be the loving people God expects of us.

Especially in this time of political division and rancor, his words ring true and clear. An excellent read for Christians, non-Christians, and those who aren't sure where they stand.

[Teaandbooksplease]

The way Gene Robinson expresses himself is deceptively simple, but his message about love, and reconciliation is profound. He challenges the Anglican Communion to live up to its teachings, and he challenges us all, Christian or not, to be better human beings. "Our actions must not end until we have justice for all people," he says. No small task to look forward to.

[Joolie]

This is the "sorta-memoir" of Gene Robinson, a very out gay man who was elected to be the Anglican (christian) Bishop to a tiny conservative area in New Hampshire a number of years ago. It tells a bit about his life, his election, the drama and controversy after the election, less in a chronilogical memoir fashion and more as snippets to illustrate a point. He writes about the full inclusion of LGBT folks into the Anglican church and all religions and often eloquently and passionately writes about the churches and christians roles in oppression in society and their responsibility to challenge and over come oppression in all its forms. He has a pretty savvy and intelligent analysis of privilege and seems to come from a social justice perspective. While I enjoyed his more liberal and enlightened views of the world, and while he may be a "liberal christian", he's still a christian who believes in "spreading Salvation" to the world- still believes in a Heaven and Hell, etc. So, he does write very rootedly from that perspective of Jesus being the savior of the world, blah, blah, blah. I'm definitely able to take many things from this by stripping them of their religion and i knew that his audience is already christian so all the Bible thumping didn't bother me. A worthwhile read, especially if you are a homo and a recovering christian like me (just skip over anything you don't like!)

[Sarah]

I've seen several videos of Bishop Robinson preaching, and frankly, In the Eye of the Storm reads like as series of sermons cobbled together to make a point. But what a point he makes! +Robinson has a knock-down, drag-out advocacy for the least, and last, and lost, a gentle humility in the face of world events, and a persistence that's hard to shake.

There is an integrity to his writing that makes +Robinson hard to ignore. He writes in an earthy mode, using narrative: meta-, biblical, and his own, to shape his points. "I love to tell the story," he writes, and tells several over and over again. (I've heard it said that really good preachers have just one or two sermons, which they re-hash over and over again. I think it's true of +Robinson, as I think it's true of Jesus.) In the hearing, the stories become ingrained, part of the fabric of being.

Some might regard In the Eye of the Storm as the publicity stunt by the gay bishop. It can be, but it can also be much more. A call to personal action. I found myself questioning my own history, my own story, as both oppressor and oppressed, part of the in-group and the out-group. It is a challenge to live the reconciliatory life.

[Mary]

I first learned of this book by hearing Bishop Robinson on Fresh Air with Teri Gross. Normally, I don't know if I would have picked up this book otherwise (although I might have), but the bishop's interview was so compelling, I became obsessed with it until at last the public library ordered it for me! (So Nac peops, we have it here.) Whee!

Bishop Robinson didn't disappoint. His message is truly Christ-like, compassionate but assertive, bold, and courageous. Robinson reminds us how we all can be, and indeed how we all must be, a part of a spiritual reconciliation in the world torn apart through various and seemingly infinite prejudices. He also offers a lot of hope for every reader, and encouragement to have difficult conversations with yourself and be courageous enough to begin spiritual work inside of you, following your heart.

This book was an inspiration and I can't think of one person who wouldn't benefit from reading it.

[Laurie Willis]

The first few chapters of this book were excellent. But as the book went on, I became disappointed. I had really hoped for more of Bishop Robinson's personal story. Instead, he lapsed into more abstract theology - not bad, just not what I had expected. Near the end, he went too deeply into some very specific and time-bound aspects of politics of the Episcopal/Anglican church. The book was published in 2008 and already some of what he said is out of date and would have been better as a blog post, as well as holding little interest for anyone not heavily involved in church policy & politics. He would have done better to concentrate on the more universal aspects of these events, using the current (at the time of his writing) events as illustrations of more general trends. I do hope to see another book soon, one that sticks to the more personal/biographical events in Bishop Robinson's life and how they relate to his own spirituality as well as that of the larger church.

[Karen]

I was expecting more of a personal story, but instead, it was a lot of theology. I wondered, frequently, if Bishop Robinson was preaching to the choir, and if anyone who needed to be convinced of his legitimacy would be reading the book. It does, however, provide good arguments for anyone seeking to influence the debate about gay marriage or about the role of gay and lesbian men and women in the church. Bishop Robinson is libertarian in his political approach to gay marriage - perhaps not surprising given his ties to "Live Free or Die" New Hampshire. I actually did not finish this, mostly because of my hope for a personal story, that was not met. I will need to go back and finish it when I'm in more of a mood to tackle the theology.

[Karen]

I wasn’t sure about reading this book since I am somewhat skeptical of both religious/Christian and “gay” themed writing. This book has me thinking about oppression (race, gender, sexual orientation) at a societal level and about the potential and actual influence of religion. Robinson’s thinking is clearly laid out and his arguments are sound- I only hope that I can remember then in times of heated conversation.

[Hol]

For me one of the highlights of 2007 was getting to hear Gene Robinson speak in D.C., though "witness" would probably be a more fitting word than "hear." Reading this book affirmed my belief that he is one of the prophetic voices of our time, uncompromising in his vision of community and social justice, a truth-teller and radical peacemaker. Just spending a couple hundred pages in his company is occasion for gratitude.

[Lynne]

A captivating, thought-provoking book that anyone of faith ought to read. Many will probably be surprised to learn just how "orthodox" Robinson is, and how sophisticated his theology is. Although at times repetitive (I blame his editor for that), this is a beautifully written work that should make any person of faith think seriously about what it means to BE a person of faith, and how to live that faith.

[Donna]

After hearing Terry Gross on NPR's Fresh Air interview Bishop Gene Robinson, I picked up In the Eye of the Storm: Swept to the Center by God. I admire Bishop Robinson's courage and compassion--and despite the many differences and controversial issues that sweep humanity, his belief that Christ's love is all-inclusive.

[Greg]

What a great story of a man who was just trying to live his faith, not intent on changing the world, but ends up changing the discussion and views of an entire Church. I really enjoyed this story. What is surprising is the events were initiated by people in New Hampshire--not exactly a state known as progressive. (State motto: Live Free or Die)
One person, with the help of the Spirit, CAN make a difference!

[Kate]

I loved this book! Bishop Robinson is a deeply spiritual, and courageous man. Bishop Robinson has spent his whole life only wanting to praise and serve God. It saddens me that as a society there is so much divisiveness about homosexuality. In the Eye of the Storm is a beautiful testament of the power and beauty of God through Bishop Robinson. I hope that someday we can live in a society where love supersedes hate and prejudice.

[Pablo Rodriguez]

This is an absolutely amazing book. It is part biography, part history, part inspirational and spiritual reading. Gene Robinson's story will encourage anyone who really is searching for understanding. He is conservative and Biblical in his approach to Christianity and just happens to be gay. As a gay conservative Christian, I felt very close to him as I read this book.

[Andrew Mendez-McLeish]

Gene Robinson writes about his experience the only openly gay bishop in the episcopal church truly from the eye of the storm. This is his story wrapped in Anglican Theology with his mind always on the people at the margins. The writing is very grounded and practical--as all good theology should be.

[Hope]

The way Gene Robinson expresses himself is deceptively simple, but his message about love, and reconciliation is profound. He challenges the Anglican Communion to live up to its teachings, and he challenges us all, Christian or not, to be better human beings. "Our actions must not end until we have justice for all people," he says. No small task to look forward to.

[Kaye]

I greatly admire Gene Robinson, and I think that this book shows both his commitment to God and to other GLBT Christians. However, the work didn't feel cohesive to me, and I wish that the transitions and the chapters were edited more clearly.

[Mary Johnson]

This is the book of a brave, generous man. I felt privileged to get to know Gene Robinson in the pages of this book. I didn't particularly enjoy the chapters which read like sermons, but even these are not preachy, but come from the heart of someone who has struggled and who still loves.

[Meg Petersen]

This was extremely interesting. It gave me a whole new take on Christianity. I couldn't believe I was agreeing with the author so completely, even though he used different language than I might have used. Highly recommended. I say it was amazing because it really challenged my thinking.

[Sam]

This is not only the most thorough exposition of the crisis in the Anglican Communion and its roots, but a stunning description of the way the Holy Spirit lives and moves in the world.

[Sharon]

This is a beautifully written book that captures Gene Robinson just right. His discussion of the power of joy is lovely and I find I come back to it often.

[Kris]

This is a beautiful and inspiring story about faith. I met the bishop last year. He has this wonderfully calm attitude about life and religion.

[Mars Girl]

I wrote a review of this book at my blog: http://marsgirlonwheels.blogspot.com/...

[Amy]

Heard him speak at an event recently and he was great. Makes you want to love everyone and be hopeful for the future. Definitely want to read this to see what else he has to say.

[Anna]

A compassionate, loving, and honest look at the life and foundational beliefs of Gene Robinson--an openly gay bishop.