November 2009

The first “grown-up” novel I read was the late great author Michael Crichton’s JURASSIC PARK. I was an eighth grader. I had to read it again two/three years later to fully appreciate it.

If it weren’t for Spielberg’s film I would not have discovered the book. And if it weren’t for Crichton’s book I would never have discovered the sheer joy of reading.

Crichton inspired me to be a writer. So I majored in Creative Writing during my undergrad years.

All that reading has prepared me to continue my education at Azusa Pacitifc University where I am in training to become a minister.

Importantly, Crichton’s novels always had a strong sense of the pursuit of truth. Especially reflected in his latest works STATE OF FEAR (about climate change) and NEXT (about genetics & bio-tech firms).

I believe this streak of seeking out truth informs my ministry as a pastor as well. Where I do not want to sell the people short. Where I want to accurately understand what the Biblical text is on its own terms. And present that to the people so that they can have a vibrant life of faith in God in pursuit of truth.

Every time I pass my book shelf, and see Crichton’s books, I think of him, and the positive and profound impact his work has had on my life. He set me on the path of reading the world.