Stretching the Heavens

The Life of Eugene England and the Crisis of Modern Mormonism

By: Terryl L. Givens

Narrated by: Fiona Givens

Eugene England (1933–2001) — one of the most influential and controversial intellectuals in modern Mormonism — lived in the crossfire between religious tradition and reform. This first serious biography, by leading historian Terryl L. Givens, shimmers with the personal tensions felt deeply by England during the turmoil of the late 20th century. Drawing on unprecedented access to England's personal papers, Givens paints a multifaceted portrait of a devout Latter-day Saint whose precarious position on the edge of church hierarchy was instrumental to his ability to shape the study of modern Mormonism.

A professor of literature at Brigham Young University, England also taught in the Church Educational System. And yet from the '60s on, he set church leaders' teeth on edge as he protested the Vietnam War, decried institutional racism and sexism, and supported Poland's Solidarity movement — all at a time when Latter-day Saints were ultra-patriotic and banned Black ordination. England could also be intemperate, proud of his own rectitude, and neglectful of political realities and relationships, and he was eventually forced from his academic position. His last days, as he suffered from brain cancer, were marked by a spiritual agony that church leaders were unable to help him resolve.

©2021 Terryl L. Givens (P)2021 Audible, Inc.

Excellent!

Wonderful account of a good man's complicated decision-making as he actively engaged the principles most fundamental to his existence.

Great inspiration

I am inspired as when I first heard the words “an unreasoned life is not worth living”. In examining the life of Eugene England, I am encouraged to examine my own. Even in death, he seems to be teaching by example.

NOT QUITE AS RIVETING AS I HOPED

I'm a fan of the Givens writings and have heard a lot about Eugene England while still not knowing a whole lot about him. The story of his life was not quite the page turner I had hoped it would be, but I am glad I read it. I thought Givens did a fantastic job at telling the story of conflicts and controversy without being preachy or pushy one way or the other. Great job at giving both sides and letting us decide our own thoughts.

Inspiring and thought provoking

Made me consider flat spots in my own faith and development. Grateful for the push to question and explore the gospel in our process of learning and growing. Never heard of Eugene England before but I admire him.

This read introduced me to Levi Peterson- the Backslider was different than anything from deseret book but brought interesting aspects of personal growth into focus.

Eugene England's legacy is so relevant to today

Eugene England was ahead of his time! What he wrestled with is what the LDS church is grappling with today.

Thought provoking.we’ll written. Challenging

I so enjoyed this reading. It made me re-evaluate my life. It restored my faith as a Latter-day Saint. It inspired me to keep going. It gave me opportunity to repent and practice forgiveness. I love to read about the journey of very intelligent brothers and sisters in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and in all religious faiths. Thank you for this wonderful book. It was a joy to listen to Fiona read.🥰

Not for the faint of heart - but excellent!

I found myself frustrated in the beginning and middle of the book with Eugene England and his seeming inability to see or his dishonesty toward council and criticism. Reading the entire book left me feeling that he was sincere and faith promoting in his desires and approaches. I feel a kinship with his love for and testimony of the Book of Mormon and God’s prophets, seers, and revelators, and his frustration toward the inadequacies of authoritarian administrative policies and cultural fractions within the church. Not knowing much about Eugene England beforehand I felt that Givens did a remarkable job with the biography.

Thank the Heavens for Eugene England

I am beyond greatful to the Givens for their voices regarding the restoration. i grew up in the 60-80s as a youth and feel damaged some from the classical hard lined teachings that one may obtain forgiveness, but still dammed forever to a lower kingdom. Having served twice as a Bishop, i feel deep that God is forgiving and looks to comfort and heal us as we experiene the good and evil of the world and Heavenly parents that are not going to leave us who so desperately want to be good, but strugle with normal life. i love the Givens with all my heart!

Fascinating biography of a BYU professor

I had no idea how influenced my current beliefs were by Eugene England and his tents interactions with the apostles of the 1980s and 1990s. I found myself empathizing with both sides in there, delicate balance between staying open minded and protecting the purity of doctrine.

Inspiring

The world is a better place because of Gene. I know that now. And I’m grateful for this rich and insightful look at his life.