Meet the Author
Gene Robinson has received widespread recognition as the first priest in a blessed and openly gay relationship to be ordained a bishop in a major Christian denomination believing in the historic episcopate. Robinson, an Episcopal priest, has served as Bishop of New Hampshire since 2004. Additionally, he is a Senior Fellow at American Progress.
He is the author of two books: In the Eye of the Storm: Swept to the Center by God (2008) and God Believes in Love: Straight Talk About Gay Marriage (2012). Robinson’s advocacy for full civil rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people earned him a spot on Out magazine’s “Power 50” list as one of the most influential LGBT men and women in America.
Book Basics
Gene Robinson’s latest book, God Believes in Love: Straight Talk About Gay Marriage, is an invitation to recognize the power and possibility of marriage for all people, not just those who are straight. Writing with a pastoral heart and considerable academic insight, Robinson effectively argues the importance and value of strong marriages that call partners to be their “best selves for each other” (p.15). Additionally, he shares his own experiences with marriage, including (1) his parents’ 65 year marriage, (2) his 13 year marriage to Isabella Martin and their two daughters, and (3) his marriage in 2o1o to Mark Andrew, who has been his partner since 1987.
So What?
Robinson includes a thoughtful theological approach to his understanding of marriage that begins with his understanding of God’s ongoing revelation: “It is important to mention that many Christians, myself included, do not believe that God stopped revealing God’s self with the closing of the canon of Scripture” (p.68). With this he also reminds readers that Jesus said “absolutely nothing” about the topic (p.83).
- How has your view of marriage changed as you have aged? How is your perspective enriched by your religion?
- Do you believe all people should have the right to marry? Does your congregation and/or denomination? Explain.
Gene Robinson. God Believes in Love: Straight Talk About Gay Marriage (Alfred A. Knopf, 2012). ISBN: 9780307957887.