God Believes in Love by Gene Robinson
There is no way I can write a review of this book without
upsetting someone. It is nearly impossible in today’s religious climate to
discuss gay and lesbian issues without creating dissenters or even enemies.
So let me say this, I do not have the answers. Following the
Lord can be very confusing (why do we pray and ask an immutable, omniscient God
for things? He can’t change and already knows everything). I come into any
discussion with a sense of humility; an understanding that there is so much I
do not understand.
Gene Robinson loves the Lord and has dedicated his life to
serving Christ and serving the Church. He believes in love, he believes in
marriage, and he practices what he preaches. God Believes in Love is Robinson’s response to the gay marriage debate
within Christianity. Robinson breaks down the arguments into ten simple
questions. He confronts civil rights, social norms, and of course, theological
understandings.
His responses are clear, concise, and pretty
straightforward. I was not surprised by any of his answers. If you oppose
Robinson’s interpretation of Scripture then you could probably write an entire book
on the faults in his theology. I doubt a dissenter reading this book would be persuaded
by anything Robinson’s discusses.
By reading this book I received a better understanding of
this issue. When gay marriage is discussed on television or from the pulpit, we
make it a political or theological issue and not a personal issue. I know many
people that would consider Gene Robinson a depraved sinner destined for
damnation because of his sexual orientation. What a horrible thing to think
about. Instead I think of Gene Robinson as a man loved by God, a love that
cannot be impeded in any way. Is that not why should love him?
If you a Christian leader looking to love others
unconditionally, this is a great book for you.