My writing grows out of my life experiences—where I’ve been, what I’ve seen, things I’ve done, people I’ve met and lessons I’ve learned.
About the Author me...by me (A work in progress)
Author’s note: There’s a formal, professional (i.e., stodgy) version of my bio in the Media Kit! This one is more of a personal perspective. I know it’s a bit wordy, but it focuses on my background and experiences. It should give you some insight on my writing and how it’s been impacted by my life. I’ll try not to bore you.
P.S. Today, I tend to live my life in the joy of what I’ve come to call the “three 3s.” To me, they are three essential truths for the simple life of a Christian:
John 3:16 The “whosoever” of God’s invitation
I spent 20+ years in the ministry, working as a youth minister (4 churches) and a Pastor (2 churches). All of these positions were in the deep south, so I was constantly confronted…and challenged…by that culture.
I’ve been a serious Bible student and teacher for nearly 40 years. As part of my undergraduate and graduate education in biblical studies, I’ve had four years of Greek (New Testament) and six years of Hebrew (Old Testament). I’ve had courses in hermeneutics (Biblical interpretation), Bible history, church history, Bible doctrine and systematic theology.
I cherish the Bible as God’s Word and believe in the “inspiration” of Scripture—though that doesn’t extend to individual or denominational interpretation of that concept. I believe it’s possible to hold to a high view of Scripture without being a literalist. (Jesus said “I am the door.” We know that “literally” Jesus is not a door, so we must interpret the meaning! That’s how it works throughout the Bible.)
Following a separation from my wife of 19 years, I left the active (or “salaried”) ministry. Not long afterwards, I was again confronted with my inherent sexual orientation, which I’d been trying to “repair” since my conversion experience in early college. I had been involved for years in ex-gay recovery, designed to “re-orient” the homosexual. I eventually served as Executive Director of an ex-gay outreach program and as a speaker for the movement. But here I was, still struggling after so many years.
After my divorce, I came out as a gay man and moved to Southern California. Fortunately, not long afterwards, I found Evangelicals Concerned—a wonderful group of loving gay and lesbian Christians. I’d been taught that my Christian faith was incompatible with my sexual orientation and any future ministry opportunities were out of the question. But they welcomed me, nurtured me and in time, allowed me to once again exercise my ministry gifts. I honestly don’t know where I would be today without their loving support. They are truly some of the most sincere people I’ve ever met. (A portion of my royalties for The Mind Set on the Flesh goes to this organization.)
So, you can see where some of the primary themes in my novels were born. They take place in the “Bible belt” and involve the power and influence of the religious institution—good and bad—which is so prominent in the region. They are not religious novels, but stories about people dealing with real-life situations and struggles in a religious culture.
My books do include gay characters wresting with issues of rejection, self-hatred, bigotry, faith and reconciliation…but I feel the stories are bigger than that single issue (i.e., there are gay people, but they’re not gay novels). In fact, my first novel dealt more with a straight man who wrestled with his place in the ministry than with any “gay” plotline.
Included in the books are my insights on the damnable dangers of the ex-gay programs prominent and promoted in so many conservative/fundamental churches. I was an active leader of one of these ministries, so I know their goals, their processes…and their failures. (i.e., “Been there, done that, got the scars to prove it.”)
Sadly, I’ve counseled many who’ve been damaged by these rigid programs and I lost one of my best friends who saw death as the only way to escape the inner conflict of his faith and sexuality. As mentioned earlier, I’ve been studying the Bible for 40 years, so I know the Scripture, including those used to condemn homosexuality and homosexuals. I teach workshops on the subject, and have included some of my materials on this site. As one of my characters in The Mind Set on the Flesh learns, it’s not as black and white as some might purport.*
The books also show how some religious leaders and groups use their dogmatic understanding of Scripture to manipulate, exclude and even bully those who are different (e.g., the first book dealt primarily with the church’s response to race and segregation). It’s not a criticism of people who have strong convictions, ethics or morals; it’s part of our calling as Christians and I applaud them.
However, when those principles are used to hurt, vilify or exclude others, that’s a violation of the message and ministry of the Christ we serve. No amount of interpretative gymnastics (“defending truth and holiness”) can justify the hateful actions of the church’s leadership against gay and lesbian people.
I am aware that I can be critical of the established church, but I love it (her) too much not to speak out against the flaws. But I also work internally for improvement. I still consider myself an “Evangelical” (our message is “good news”), despite the fact that most who claim that moniker today might not agree or welcome me into their ranks. (I go into more detail on my commitment to the church and my shaky alliance with Evangelicals in the FAQs)
Finally, I’ve made every attempt not to exaggerate or misrepresent the beliefs, doctrines and practices of the various religious groups (ex-gay) and churches (e.g., Baptist, Pentecostal) in my books, even when I disagree. I do use real places in my stories but I also make up places. Of course, the characters are completely, absolutely and totally fictional and not the least bit based on any real people—living or dead. And for the record, no religious people were harmed in the writing of this book, but hopefully some of their inflexible dogma was wounded.
Galatians 3:28 (and Colossians 3:9-14) Our equality in Christ.
This one goes so well with Ephesians 3:14-21, which highlights the power and love of God, which surpasses our ability to understand or limit.
I John 3:10-14 (and James 3:13-21) Love is the primary and foremost evidence of a relationship with God.
* One of the reasons I share this is because I regularly get sincere people who write to me, determined to share “the truth” with me (i.e., as they understand the truth). They will always include quotes of Scripture and their clear-as-a-bell explanation.
After my first book came out, I had someone write to me and throughout the communication, they would cite Bible passages (not just the references, but the entire passage…highlighted and underlined for emphasis) as if I’d never heard or seen them before. The same with a scathing review of my first book on Amazon.com by a woman who brought it thinking it was Christian fiction, then she “learned” that I was gay. Her review was of me, the author, not the book…which she admits she never read.
This tirade is not meant to imply that I am always right or that I know it all. But the reason I’m sharing is to answer—in advance—that inevitable question: “Haven’t you read what the Bible says in…?”