A Short Introduction

I’m a philosophy professor, author, and speaker. Most of my teaching, writing, and speaking is focused on questions related to character, human flourishing, and the common good. I also write about controversial stuff like gun violence, conspiracy theories, and Christian nationalism.

I’m Foundation Professor of Philosophy at Eastern Kentucky University, Bonhoeffer Senior Fellow of the Miller Center for Interreligious Learning and Leadership at Hebrew College, and Research Affiliate of the Dallas Willard Research Center at the Martin Institute for Christianity and Culture, Westmont University. I received a BA in political science from Kansas State University, an MA in philosophy from Talbot School of Theology, and a PhD in philosophy from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

My work is focused on ethics, especially love as the foundation of an ethical life. I’m especially interested in issues related to the cultivation of character, spiritual formation, and their connections to the common good. I’ve published 15 books, including Humility and Human Flourishing (Oxford University Press, 2018), God and Guns in America (Eerdmans, 2020), and Humility: Rediscovering the Way of Love and Life in Christ (Eerdmans, 2024). My latest book is American Christian Nationalism: Neither American nor Christian (Eerdmans, 2024).

If the Short Introduction Wasn’t Enough…

My Family

My wife Dawn and I have been married for 32 years. We have 3 daughters and 1 dog. We’re also involved in a local church.

My Free Time

In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my family, reading, bicycling, running, and soccer. I am a retired (or on a long sabbatical) high school soccer coach and am passionate about the beautiful game. I support The Arsenal. I grew up in Kansas City, so I’m a longtime fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, as well as Sporting Kansas City, and the Royals.  From my time in Colorado, I’m also a fan of the Colorado Avalanche. So I guess I like sports a lot.

My Contact Info

You can contact me using the contact form below, and at a variety of social media outlets, including Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.