In the Eye of the Storm: Swept to the Center by God by Gene Robinson Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of In the Eye of the Storm: Swept to the Center by God
Book Review: Inspired words from someone all-too-human
Summary: 5 Stars
Bishop Robinson's memoir is highly inspiring. While he includes reviews of the transformative times of his life, he devotes a majority of this book to discussions regarding his church and social justice. He is an enlightened advocate for marriage equality - and human decency.
When I saw the Forward was written by Desmond Tutu, I knew that one of Jesus's disciples was sharing his life, beliefs, and values.
Book Review: The Bishop's Tale
Summary: 4 Stars
Robinson, Gene. "In the Eye of the Storm:: Swept to the Center by God", Seabury Books, 2008.
The Bishop's Tale
Amos Lassen
We knew that this book would be coming---after all, Gene Robinson's election to an Episcopal Bishopric was big news. Robinson moved into a stormy controversy when he consented to his election as the ninth Anglican bishop of the diocese of New Hampshire in 2003. He became the leader in the most controversial issue in Christianity today as an openly gay man.
I was expecting to get a bit of a personal look at Robinson in his book but in actuality there is very little. We do learn that he came from a poor, religious and uneducated family somewhere in rural Kentucky. We learn that he had been married and fathered two children, that he had a bout with alcoholism and we hear about his 20 year commitment with is present partner, Mark Andrews, but that is about it and we heard all of that on news reports. He is, after all, the first openly gay bishop and the media has caused him to become a larger-than-life figure, so it is only natural that we would want to know more about him.
There is a great deal that departs from the classic understandings of the doctrines of Christianity and how the Church has interpreted what the Bible says about sexuality. As we all know the Bible has quite a lot to say about many things that I do not necessarily agree with. It certainly justifies racism, slavery and the degradation of women. In the first section of the book is Robinson's defense of homosexuality according to his faith. There is not much new in his arguments, they are the ones we always hear. He claims that most of the Bible's teaching about homosexuality is non-traditional and has been misinterpreted. Robinson says that the Scriptures are not totally free from error. The Old and New Testaments are the word of God but they have been dictated to man and directed through human media.
Robinson's discussion of the vulnerability of sex is the most interesting aspect of the book and his claim that God wants to raise the oppressed gives hope to all.
I found the book to be a bit disjointed--twenty-three short chapters which are more like sermons; there is little if no transition between them. There is really nothing new here and the book only gains power at the end when Robinson writes that we need to live "in communion" with both those that agree and disagree. Have we not always known and done just that?
There is no question in my mind that Robinson has done a great deal for the entire gay community just by allowing himself to be who he is. I may not agree with what he says and I may not find his book to be what I wanted, but I do respect the man. He is fascinating and brave.
Book Review: courage
Summary: 5 Stars
Gene Robinson has been a beacon of kindness and pastoral leadership throughout his career as a clergyman. His standing as a bogeyman is as suspect as they come, however. This autobiography reveals the grace that has guided a courageous person who seeks to nudge us to our common compassion.Book Review: A Leader in the Church
Summary: 5 Stars
Gene Robinson's book answers many questions about his life and his calling as a bishop in the Episcopal Church. He is a gentle man with a rare sense of humor. I was present (and voted for him) at General Convention. I recommend this short book (it's only 174 pages!) to those who are willing to listen to what it is like for a gay man in a monogamous relationship in the church.Book Review: Mediocre book from a great man
Summary: 3 Stars
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.