Gene Robinson Quotes

Powerful Gene Robinson for Daily Growth

About Gene Robinson

Gene Robinson, an eminent religious leader, scholar, and author, was born on August 18, 1952, in Concord, New Hampshire, USA. Growing up in a Methodist household, his early years were shaped by the moral values and teachings of Christianity. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor's degree in psychology before pursuing a Master of Divinity at Yale University, where he later earned a Ph.D. in religion. Robinson's journey to prominence began when he was elected Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire in 2003, making him the first openly gay bishop in the worldwide Anglican Communion. This groundbreaking election sparked global controversy and debates within the Church, but also marked a significant step towards acceptance and inclusivity. Robinson's influential book, "Christianity and the Politics of Race: The Case of Slavery and the Cross," published in 1973, examines the role of Christianity in the institution of slavery and its lasting impact on race relations. His other notable works include "Called to be Saints: A Pastoral Letter on Reconciliation, Justice, and Caring for Creation" and "God Believes in Love: Straight Talk about Gay Marriage." In 2010, Robinson retired as Bishop of New Hampshire but continued his advocacy work. He is a prominent voice for LGBTQ+ rights, religious tolerance, and social justice. In 2013, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, by President Barack Obama. Today, Gene Robinson remains an influential figure, challenging societal norms, advocating for equality, and bridging the gap between faith and social justice issues. His legacy continues to inspire and influence generations, as he strives to create a more inclusive world for all.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything."

This quote by Gene Robinson emphasizes the importance of having a strong personal belief system or set of values. It suggests that without a clear sense of purpose or direction, one may easily succumb to influences or circumstances that do not align with their principles. In other words, if you don't know what you stand for, you risk being swayed by anything that comes your way, potentially leading to confusion and a lack of self-guidance.


"You can be the moon and still be jealous of the stars."

This quote by Gene Robinson suggests that even though one may hold a significant position or possess notable qualities (like the moon), there's always someone else who might seem more desirable, successful, or admired (the stars). It signifies that envy and comparison are human emotions and can affect anyone, regardless of their status or accomplishments. The quote encourages self-reflection and emphasizes that one should appreciate their own worth and unique qualities rather than constantly comparing themselves to others.


"Love isn't a victory march, it's a lonely treadmill of two souls who find solace in each other."

This quote by Gene Robinson emphasizes that love is not a triumphant or celebratory procession, but rather an isolated journey shared by two individuals. The phrase "lonely treadmill" suggests the personal and often challenging nature of love, where the partners are walking side by side, each in their own space, yet finding comfort and support from one another in the solitude. This quote highlights that despite the struggles and loneliness inherent in a relationship, it can still be a source of peace and understanding for those involved.


"We are all born mad. Some remain so."

This quote by Gene Robinson suggests that everyone is inherently unique, and some individuals may choose to embrace their individuality without conforming to societal norms or expectations. The idea of 'madness' in this context refers not to mental illness but rather to an unconventional or non-conformist mindset. It implies that some people resist the pressure to fit into society's mold and instead follow their own path, often seen as unorthodox or eccentric by others. This quote encourages us to value and respect individuality and the freedom to express oneself authentically.


"If God had intended us to fly, He would have given us wings. He gave us airplanes instead."

This quote emphasizes human ingenuity and innovation in overcoming natural limitations. By suggesting that if humans were meant to fly, we would have been given wings, it highlights the belief that our true potential lies not just in what nature endows us with, but also in what we can create for ourselves, such as airplanes. The quote encourages readers to appreciate technological advancements and the human spirit of innovation that drives their creation.


Faith is a dynamic and ever-changing process, not some fixed body of truth that exists outside our world and our understanding. God's truth may be fixed and unchanging, but our comprehension of that truth will always be partial and flawed at best.

- Gene Robinson

Process, Some, Always, Our World

If indeed this is the work of God... then it's a crisis that calls for the church to be its very best self, and not worry about risking itself for the right thing.

- Gene Robinson

Worry, Crisis, Very, Risking

Sometimes there are things worth risking your life for. It was Jesus who said if you want to save your life, you have to lose it.

- Gene Robinson

Chance, Want, Sometimes, Risking

And God is always calling me to open myself to all kinds of people that I've never thought about before and also calling me on this inward spiritual journey.

- Gene Robinson

Journey, Thought, Always, Inward

I think people often come to the synagogue, mosque, the church looking for God, and what we give them is religion.

- Gene Robinson

Think, Give, Mosque, Synagogue

One of the joys of being a Christian or being a person of faith is that you believe deep down that death isn't the worst thing, you know. Not living your life: that's the worst thing. And death is not, it's not all it's cracked up to be. It's not, it's not the end of the world.

- Gene Robinson

Faith, Death, Deep, Joys

I've long been really intrigued with what is the... proper role of faith and religion in public life.

- Gene Robinson

Role, Been, Public, Intrigued

When you claim to have the truth, as opposed to the truth as you perceive it, then you move us toward a theocratic view of government.

- Gene Robinson

Move, Opposed, Then, Claim

The state's interest in marriage is stability. Generally speaking, polygamy does not work for stability. Inherent in the whole polygamous movement is a deep and abiding misogyny and denigration of women. So polygamy is objectionable on lots of grounds.

- Gene Robinson

Work, Deep, Whole, Abide

You know, I think Jesus was famous and also in a lot of trouble because he always chose people over sort of established procedures.

- Gene Robinson

Always, Over, Established, Procedures

There are enormously gifted Episcopal priests around this church who are gay and lesbian, some of whom are partnered, who would make wonderful bishops and they're going to be nominated and they're going to be elected.

- Gene Robinson

Some, Going, Bishops, Priests

Stability is why society has an interest in marriage.

- Gene Robinson

Marriage, Society, Interest, Stability

God calls all of his children to the table. We can disagree and even say a lot of hateful things, but what we can't do in good conscience is leave the table. Or demand that someone else not be at the table.

- Gene Robinson

Good, Say, Conscience, Table

But by virtue of our baptism, Peter Akinola and I are brothers in Christ and one day we are going to be in heaven together, so we might as well learn to get along here because we will have to get along there. God won't have it any other way.

- Gene Robinson

Here, Other, Brothers, Any Other Way

I think my election is one of several indications that gay and lesbian folk are being brought more into the center of things. I'd like to think that my election signals my bringing of gay and lesbian folk into the center of the church.

- Gene Robinson

Election, Think, I Think, Lesbian

Left to our own devices and passions, we human beings have a hard time seeing beyond what is immediately in front of us.

- Gene Robinson

Own, Devices, Immediately, Passions

You know, we live in a time when if somebody wants to kill you, they're going to kill you, and you can either go in a hole and, you know, pull the roof in over you, or you just continue putting one foot in front of the other and hope that you're doing some good in the world.

- Gene Robinson

Doing, Some, Other, Front

Historically speaking, institutions are slow to change and usually resistant to any sudden moves - churches especially so.

- Gene Robinson

Change, Resistant, Any, Churches

What I love about believing in a living God is that I believe God is constantly revealing God's self to us over time, and with each succeeding generation, we come a little closer to understanding the mind of God.

- Gene Robinson

Love, Generation, Over, Closer

The truly longstanding tradition in the church is that some are called to celibacy. Some feel called to it. But the church has never supported that celibacy be mandated for someone not called to it. It's never imposed on someone.

- Gene Robinson

Church, Some, Imposed, Supported

Discerning the will of God is a very tricky thing, partly because, you know, the little voice in my head can either be God's voice or it can be my own ego doing a magnificent impression of God's voice.

- Gene Robinson

Voice, Doing, Very, Partly

It seems to me that if God calls us to anything it's to a life of integrity.

- Gene Robinson

Integrity, Me, Seems, Calls

I think there's a terrible price to be paid when your exterior life is not an honest reflection of your interior life.

- Gene Robinson

Reflection, Think, I Think, Exterior

The bees learn where they live by landmarks. If they're moved within their home range, they get confused.

- Gene Robinson

Learn, Within, Moved, Landmarks

I will always speak out when someone says that a principle or a rule or a tradition trumps people.

- Gene Robinson

Will, Always, Principle, Tradition

It's not about me. It's about not having to be ashamed.

- Gene Robinson

Me, About, Having, Ashamed

Only God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. The Church has always been changing.

- Gene Robinson

Yesterday, Always, Been, Tomorrow

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