Born & Raised:
I was born in Hershey, Pennsylvania but spent much of my youth in suburban Philadelphia.  I’ve been a life-long Presbyterian and was baptized in Derry Presbyterian Church, one of the oldest 18th century Presbyterian congregations in America. 

Education:
As a high school student I graduated from Philadelphia Montgomery Christian Academy.  I received my B.A. in history, political science, and writing from Houghton College, my M.A. in international relations from the University of Pennsylvania, and my Ph.D. in international relations from Claremont Graduate University.

Vocation:
I am Director of the College Honors Program and Professor of Politics at Messiah College.  I’ve been at Messiah College for nearly 30 years.  I’ve written four books and numerous articles on issues related to religion and public life, war and peace, international relations, and theology.

Family:
I’m married to Jean, a public school English teacher, and we have two grown children, a daughter and her husband who live in Charlotte, North Carolina, and a son who lives in center city Philadelphia.

Faith Journey:
I made a profession of faith as a nine-year old.  My world view has been shaped by Reformed theology since an early age. My life’s motto and understanding of vocation can be summed up in Abraham Kuyper’s famous aphorism that “there is not a single inch of the whole terrain of human existence over which Christ does not proclaim, ‘Mine’!”

Ministry Interests:
Discipleship
Apologetics
Nurturing a culture affirming and culture transforming Christian world view

Hobbies:
Lots of things: Our three dogs, music, tennis, reading, travel, ethnic foods, etc.