Conflict & Peace explores the struggles of twelve Biblical figures and their contributions to Christianity as it is known today. Why was this an important book for you to write? 

Growing up as the son of a pastor, my Christian faith came to me as a young child. Growing into early adulthood, like many I came to question my faith. Seeing obvious (and less obvious) seeming inconsistencies in the Bible, I focused in on the often accepted but unspoken assumption that there is a complete harmony of the various gospel and other biblical accounts. For me, the breakthrough came when I realized that “harmonization” is nowhere mentioned in the Biblical text. Rather, I could take the approach of taking in whatever each biblical author has to say in that individual’s own voice. Accept and explain the conflict where possible. And where not, just let it be.

How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?

I have been at the research off and on for about 30 years – reading a wide range of authors, interacting as a teacher in a variety of one-on-one and group settings. 

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Once I got past the issue of forced harmonization, my next question and key theme for the book was the divine and earthly roles that Jesus of Nazareth played in observing, creating and/or resolving conflict. And then tracking how these conflicts of personality, theology and mission were experienced by the diverse characters that helped shape Christianity and global civilization.   

What is one thing you hope readers take away from Conflict & Peace? 

​I hope that readers can draw from the experience of inevitable conflicts driving Christian pioneers to search out pathways for renewed peace. Day by day and at home with Jesus.

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