Frequently Asked Questions

What is Original Goodness about?

Original Goodness: Reclaiming the Beauty of God, Ourselves, and the World is an invitation to see God, ourselves, and one another through the lens of love rather than fear. Drawing on the life and teachings of Jesus, historic Christianity, and psychology, the book explores the gospel as the restoration of shalom — wholeness in our relationships with God, ourselves, all others, and the earth — and what that means for all of us. It's for anyone who senses there's a more beautiful, more loving way of following Jesus than the one they may have been handed.

Who is this book for?

I wrote this book for people who love the heart of Jesus's teachings but feel uneasy with versions of Christianity that don't seem to match it. Many of my readers are still active in their churches, still serving, and still showing up, yet quietly wondering whether there's more to the story. If you've ever felt that tension, this book is meant to be a companion for you.

Is this an anti-church book?

Not at all. I spent 25 years in church ministry, much of it as a pastor, and I still believe deeply in the beauty of faith communities. Original Goodness isn't about tearing anything down; it's about rediscovering the core of the Way of Jesus and letting that reshape how we live and love together. 

What do you mean by "Original Goodness"?

Many of us were taught to begin with our brokenness, a view sometimes called "worm theology." But the biblical story begins somewhere else: with a Creator who looked at humanity and called it very good. Original goodness starts there, insisting that our deepest identity is belovedness, not shame. 

Why did you write this book?

 After 25 years in ministry, I came to a place where the vision I was being asked to participate in didn't line up with what I believed to be true about Jesus. Leaving was an incredibly difficult decision for me to make, and this book is in large part the fruit of that journey. I wanted to offer others who feel that same tension some language, some hope, and some permission to keep growing.

Who has influenced your thinking?

The book draws on a wide circle of voices, including, among many others, Walter Brueggemann's work on prophetic imagination, René Girard's insights into scapegoating and rivalry, Richard Rohr, David G. Benner, Henri Nouwen, and Fr. Greg Boyle of Homeboy Industries, whose lived experience of radical kinship embodies original goodness better than anyone I know.

Can this book be used for reflection or small groups?

Yes. Each chapter includes a guided self-reflection or practical exercise and closes with a blessing, so the book works well for personal contemplation, spiritual direction, retreats, or small-group conversation. My hope is that readers don't just think about these ideas but actually experience them. 

Check the Original Goodness description page for more details.