Going to Heaven: The Life and Election of Bishop Gene Robinson - Softcover

Adams, Elizabeth

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1933368225 ISBN 13: 9781933368221

Publisher: Soft Skull Press, 2006

Synopsis

A sharecropper’s son, Gene Robinson rose to become an Episcopal priest and later, the first openly gay bishop in the Anglican Church. His election set off a worldwide firestorm of reaction, both positive and negative. Based on extensive interviews with Bishop Robinson and the people around him, Going to Heaven paints a portrait of the man who is, as he puts it, neither the angel nor the devil some would make me out to be.” The book illuminates his early life; his struggle with his sexual orientation; his calling into the church; and finally, the tumultuous events surrounding his election and consecration. Gene Robinson’s life is a compelling story of challenges overcome by hard work, humor, and deep faith, but it is also a story of one man’s journey into his own otherness” and the emergence of a ministry that speaks to countless people who believe in a Gospel of love and inclusion.

About this title

Review:

"Gene Robinson exemplifies the worst of the gay culture of over-wealthy, bored, liberal America. He was clearly quite capable of a marital sexual relationship, until he fell for a gay lover." - Church of England Newspaper "The opponents [of Robinson] just have a seemingly insuperable problem with men who lie with men - even men in monogamous relationships who want to be Christians - and are prepared to split the church" - The Guardian "Canon Robinson seems beloved by his congregation and his diocese which elected him bishop from a wide range of candidates. They have stood by him throughout the storm his appointment has stirred up in the wider Anglican Church and simply ask that he should be judged for the work he does." - BBC News"

Synopsis:

This book provides an exploration of the man who many believe will be the catalyst for the schism within the Anglican Church. Through a lively text, based on extensive interviews with Bishop Robinson, his closest associates, family, colleagues and observers, and illustrated with photographs from all phases of his life, "Going to Heaven" paints a portrait of Bishop Robinson not as a symbol, but a human being who is, as he puts it, "neither the angel nor the devil some would make me out to be." It illuminates his life; his struggle with - and eventual acceptance of - his homosexuality; and his calling to become a priest and later a bishop. It tells the story of the critical events of his election and consecration amid intense opposition, huge security concerns and media attention. It then follows him through the next two years as he juggles dual roles - Bishop of New Hampshire, and symbol of gay achievement and the progressive church. Meanwhile, the opposition stirred by his election creates increasing pressure for schism in the Anglican Communion at large.

The book concludes with a discussion of the deep theological and historical significance of Gene Robinson's election and personal vision for the future, and what this means both for individuals and for a Church seeking to be relevant in a post-modern world.

About this edition

• Publisher: Soft Skull Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1933368225
• ISBN 13: 9781933368221
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256