I've been teaching in the Department of Religious Studies at George Fox University since January 1989 (other than a year of teaching at Yale Divinity School in 1998-1999). My teaching specialties include New Testament studies, Quaker studies, and an assortment of other issues ranging from discernment-oriented leadership to peace work to dialogues between science and religion. I try to publish on those topics as well. My ministry has also included pastoral service in the Friends (Quaker) Church.

My calling is to serve and also to seek the truth--believing that the truth is always liberating (John 8:32). My double major in psychology and Christian studies at Malone College prepared me well for taking human experience seriously within biblical studies as well as ministry and leadership studies. D. Elton Trueblood was my mentor in seminary, and due to his influence my callings were expanded to include teaching, writing, and preparing others for leadership. Also in seminary I became fascinated with the Gospel of John, and in addressing the tensions in John’s Christology in my doctoral work.

I grew up in Latin America, where my father worked in cultural affairs, and I’ve always believed that there is more than one way to approach an issue. This relates to leadership and conflict management, and also to theological and biblical studies. In leadership studies, I’ve received two Lilly grants to help leaders from a variety of Christian traditions use discernment-oriented approaches. This leadership model facilitates consensus instead of forcing decisions by hierarchical or parliamentary means.

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Paul Anderson gives a
copy of Following Jesus
to Pope Francis
at the Vatican.

July 23 book 
signing event

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