About the Author
Born and raised in central California, TR has enjoyed a relatively long life through mostly good times in America during which, he says, “I have certainly experienced my share—and then some—of the American dream and all that suggests, especially that of opportunity. Like so many average Americans, I’m a beneficiary of the open American social system, capitalistic economic model, and democratic government from which , combined, flow such provisions as public goods (including public health, public education) economic opportunity, freedom of worship, freedom of movement and social security, in the broadest understanding.”
He continues:
“These factors have allowed and enabled me opportunities to pursue both professional as well as personal goals. As such, I’ve been privileged to live and work over much of America (East & West Coasts, Mid-America and the Southwest) as well as living and working on four continents. I’ve experienced both successes and some failures. The personal objectives and rewards of family have been realized, not without losses along the way, but with pride and hope in the next generation, to which I collaborated in contributing three fine sons and nurturing a caring stepdaughter as well.
Since 1999 I have authored three books of current political commentary and one of contemporary theological/religious significance. My latest book is a work (my first) of fiction. The political polemics focus on America’s general political environment with each attempting to provide a broader and clearer picture of not only the obvious problem (of national balance), but more importantly, how we might approach correcting what I perceive most believe is/should be a correctable situation. BOOM: A Revolting situation is the latest in this trilogy, and I believe the most clarifying. As the book lays out, there is a simple solution, believe it or not. However, as most know, and to paraphrase Ronald Reagan, simple does not always mean easy.
God Versus The Idea Of God is my firsts venture into writing polemically on the subject of theology and religion. I hope it will not be my last. Writing it has introduced me to an expanded vista on this most personal of subject matters that I believe might well be worth sharing. The book’s focus is on addressing the emotionally stressing issue of doubt, personal religious doubt, or skepticism, if you prefer, concerning the credibility and relevance of Christianity’s traditional compensator-offering (of revelation) within Modernity’s empirical and material offering (of reason) regarding the world we live in. There is obviously a conflict. Is there a “right” and “wrong” presentation between the two?
Out of such doubt, such skepticism, has come my writing on this subject. I have little personal uncertainty concerning the existence of providence, of the divine, if you will. What I do have are questions and concerns about how Christianity presents the divine to us today—pretty much as it did almost 2,000 years ago. Is it still credible for most? If it’s not, why not? A major issue seems to be reconciling traditional “truths” with Modernity’s understanding of the world we live in (too often over generalized as revelation vs. reason). For me personally and if I may say so generally, the health of our religious sphere needs to be addressed. A confident and stable religious segment of society is important to the general health of the overall society, not to mention the individual’s own non-material needs in life.
Writing Hello Again was in many ways a creative labor of love. Writing polemics certainly involves some creative effort, but is basically commentary on established facts and situations. In fiction, or in this case where the story is based upon actual events, the author must create or recreate the circumstances and characters as well as develop (often inventing) the facts in support of his plot, its credibility and its presentation to the reader. I must confess I found such creative challenge satisfying”.
In addition to his books, TR writes essays, brief thought-pieces and polemics on current issues or on the writings of others. Many of these are posted on is writing website, The American Family Gazette.com.
TR is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, The Thunderbird School of International Management and New York University, where he earned an MBA degree. He served three-plus years in Uncle Sam’s Navy in the Pacific region. He currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona.