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.

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.🥰

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.

Excellent!

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