I Dare You To Read This Book

I was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1949. I am a classic baby boomer raised in a blue collar neighborhood. My father was a World War II veteran. Although I don’t have a formal degree, my educational background has been extensive. Searching for my place in life I went to community college for a few years, and went to computer programming school for a few years. As I pursued a career in management I took courses in everything from dimensional metrology to union busting. I guess in many ways you could say I was a self-taught, home schooled adult with a degree in life. I was always a curious sort with a thirst to know. I have taken classes in first aid. I got my scuba license, glider pilot license and worked for nine years in insurance (which required me to get my property and casualty license). For most of my career I have been a manager. I even had a two year stint as a lay pastor for a church. For the last nine years I have been the president of a small group of Christian radio stations. Space doesn't allow me to explain how this came about other than to say that this has not been a career, but a calling. God works in mysterious ways. I first became obsessed with wanting to know the meaning of life when I became a father. I remember one day at work. I was minding my own business when Pee Wee, the janitor came into my work space singing. He was a very happy, personable, older guy. He would always come in singing and talking about the Bible. When I was a boy I went to church. My parents would send me but didn't go themselves, except my mother who would go at Easter sometimes. My church-going was short because if not forced to go, I didn't. So I knew a little about the Bible. Actually, most people knew some things about the Bible when I was growing up. The Ten Commandments were common knowledge. Well, anyway Pee Wee came in one day talking about the Bible and I said to him, “Yeah Pee Wee, when I get older and have more time I wouldn't mind reading the Bible.” I‘ll never forget what he said to me. “What if you don’t live that long?” he asked. A light bulb came on; what if I don’t live that long? This set off a barrage of questions that I was compelled to answer. Is there a God and if there is, does it matter how we live? Are we required to live a certain way? What happens when we die? Does it matter what we did while were alive? When we die is that it? Do we go to some other place or state? Is the Bible God’s word? I have spent the last 40 years as a student of the Bible. I have taken more courses in Biblical studies than I can remember. Although I wouldn't consider myself an avid reader I have read and studied theology extensively. When I began to give a list of books I recommend reading I was surprised at just how many books I have read. My writing is one of the ways I hope to share what I have learned. Although I don’t consider myself a writer I have found myself led to write more than I would have ever expected. It is my desire that whatever I do in my life, it helps point people to the Creator of life. There is a hell to shun and a heaven to gain.