Faith, Language, and the Journey of Understanding
This site began not with politics or public discourse (like my other current site), but with a quiet invitation to lead a Bible study — one I felt wholly unqualified for. Back in 2002, I was asked to step in at a Chinese-speaking church with a small English-speaking group, mostly international college students. I was the only native English speaker, and suddenly I had to explain not just Scripture, but the language itself. That experience—equal parts terrifying and transformative—planted the seeds for what would become a lifelong passion: exploring the depth of God’s Word through language, translation, and context. Years later, I was asked to lead an adult Bible study at a new church, this time for native English speakers, many older than me. Again, I was nervous. But the habit of digging into Hebrew and Greek roots, comparing translations, and seeking clarity became a method—and a joy. Some resisted at first. Now they lean in. So do I. That’s why I write God versus Religion: to share what I’ve learned, to keep learning, and to help others see the richness of Scripture beyond surface-level reading.
What helped make me who I am?
Chris is a writer who explores the moral weight of governance through faith-informed editorial work. His writing often examines the tension between church and state, the ethical implications of abortion through the lens of Jesus’ love for all His children, and the deeper meaning behind biblical stewardship. He believes in love for everyone—including poor children, immigrants, and even our enemies—and uses that conviction to guide both his content and design decisions.
Chris became especially attuned to the moral cost of governance when he noticed how both Democrats and Republicans invoke Christianity, often shaping it to serve their own agendas rather than God’s. His work reflects a commitment to clarity, inclusivity, and the pursuit of truth in civic discourse.
One area of expertise Chris wishes more people had time to explore is the original context of Scripture. He’s spent years studying the Hebrew and Greek roots of biblical texts, alongside the history, culture, and religious frameworks of the time. He believes that understanding how the original audience received the message is essential to faithfully translating its meaning for today.
What brought about my writing style and delivery?
His approach to accessibility and editorial clarity is shaped by personal experience. In the early days of computing, when knowledge was hard to come by and rarely shared, Chris learned the value of open access and inclusive design. Later, he worked with a university disability coordinator to ensure that web content met accessibility standards and served users of all abilities. That ethic of transparency and usability continues to guide his work.
Chris’s authoritativeness is grounded in real-world collaboration. His work with a university accessibility team helped shape a caring, user-centered approach to digital design. He also partnered with a Christian clinic that supported women facing unplanned pregnancies, offering a loving and respectful environment to help them navigate their choices—whether that meant adoption or single motherhood. These experiences inform his commitment to clarity and truth, as understood through Scripture and careful contextual study.
Trustworthiness is at the heart of Chris’s work. He’s lived through spiritual wandering and return, and writes with empathy for those on similar journeys. As a cancer survivor and someone who has faced depression, he brings vulnerability and resilience to his reflections. His decades at a major university exposed him to a wide range of nationalities, races, and lifestyles—and taught him the value of listening and respect.
Why do I do this?
Chris keeps his site independent and personally curated to preserve integrity. He writes every post himself, drawing from his beliefs and research, and presenting multiple viewpoints with sources for and against. His goal is not to convince, but to clarify—offering his own understanding while leaving space for others to hold their own. With so many denominations and interpretations of Christianity, he believes only God truly knows the heart—and that humility is essential in all discourse.
Full disclosure here: I really don’t like talking or writing about myself. Probably the only exception is if what I’m writing about is based on my own personal experiences. So, I had MS Copilot “interview” me and then write what you just read. I never could have or would have written it myself. But I understand it’s important, so there it is.
3 crosses image generated by MS Copilot from my request: To me, the existing 3-cross image (from my other site) is still important. But one thing I learned along the way – I was raised Catholic, where they have Jesus on the crucifix. Then when I started going to a Protestant church, it was odd not having Jesus on it. But I eventually realized the importance and impact of the Protestant phrase – Jesus is risen. He’s not on that cross anymore. And when He returned to Heaven, He left us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the driving force behind what I do and how I do it.