Dear Patheos Readers,
Some of you may be wondering why I have not been posting as often as usual. There are a few reasons for this. First, was the simple fact that I needed a break from writing, as all writers do from time to time. Second, I was on vacation for about three weeks with my family in Chicago and stayed away from the computer for most of the trip (a much needed respite from technology). Third, I have started a new ministry, which I will link to below, and which has taken up most of my time and energy of late.
Finally, however, and most exciting and relevant to this audience, is that I have been working with the Patheos management to set up a new blog site. This new platform, which will be called “The Center That Holds: A Blog About Christ” will not only replace my previous blog “Theological Apologetics,” but will be a far better reading experience for all.
First, “The Center That Holds” will be a corporate blog. I have teamed up with four colleagues, all formally trained in theology, biblical studies and philosophy, who will contribute regularly to our new forum. This will enable us to produce content with greater frequency, from a broader variety of perspectives (albeit all theologically orthodox ones) and on a greater number of topics. Second, having a corporate blog means that you the reader will be able to interact with the views and arguments of several minds, and not just my own. Third, I have recruited some excellent writers, so you can expect to be challenged, provoked and intrigued by quality writing about God, Christ, the Church and Culture.
To that end, let me introduce to you our new authors:
Nathan Amerson, PhD Theology
Born in Texas but raised in Oregon, Nate considers himself an Oregonian. In 1995 Nate attended Portland Bible College in Portland, OR where he graduated in 1999 with a BA in Theology and more importantly met his lovely wife Elaine. Nate and Elaine have now been married 25 years and have raised 5 children.
Nate joined the US Army in 2004, served in Afghanistan and Iraq, and moved back to Oregon in 2013. Currently he is a staff officer supporting security programs for the units of the Oregon National Guard, although he plans to retire in 2024. Along the way Nate added an MS in Criminal Justice (2015).
Nate also holds a PhD in Theology (2021) from Trinity Evangelical Seminary in Evanston, IN. Serving the worldwide Church and the local church with teaching theology and Bible is Nate’s passion. He is open to God’s leading in his life post-retirement and is excited to see what He brings to his life. Nate is also a fellow at “The Kirkwood Center for Theology and Ethics.”
Riley Bounds, MA Philosophy
Riley Bounds holds an MA in Philosophy from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University and a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Central Oklahoma. A poet and fiction writer, his work has appeared in Presence: A Journal of Catholic Poetry, Earth & Altar, Ekstasis Magazine, Amethyst Review, and Heart of Flesh Literary Journal, among others. His debut poetry chapbook, Hands of Years, was released by Kelsay Books in 2021 and nominated for a Pushcart Prize. He owns and operates Solum Literary Press, a Christian small press publishing poetry, fiction, homilies, and visual art. Learn more at solumpress.com.
Doug Lindquist, MA Philosophy
Douglas J. Lindquist is Content Editor and Theology Editor of Solum Press. He graduated from New Hope Christian College with a BA in Ministry Leadership and from Talbot School of Theology with an MA in Philosophy. His academic writing has appeared in the Journal of Contemporary Theological Studies. He currently teaches philosophy at Grand Canyon University and enjoys Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in his free time.
Logan Zeppieri, MA Philosophy
Logan Zeppieri holds an M.A. in Philosophy from Talbot School of Theology and a B.A. in Philosophy of Science from C.S.U. Sacramento. His work includes topics in theology, moral and psychological development, politics, and natural law. His research interests are focused on the intersection of natural law, virtue ethics, and psychological development, and applications have been featured in church ministries, leadership training, applied psychology, and politics. He has contributed to several publications, including the Claremont Institute’s, “The American Mind”. Logan is also a fellow at “The Kirkwood Center for Theology and Ethics.”
Anthony Costello, MA Apologetics, MA Theology
Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago in a devout Roman Catholic home, I attended Catholic Grade School, High School and University. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame in 1997 with a BA in German, I moved to Germany. There I attended the Katholische Universität in Eichstätt for several years, living large but studying little. Returning to the states in 2002, I worked for my family’s business. At that time I discovered a love for ballroom dancing. After competing for five years in the Chicago-land area, and teaching dance for two years in the Chicago Public School District, I enlisted in the United States Army in 2008.
At the age of 34, I had a dramatic vision of Jesus Christ when I stepped foot into my first Evangelical church. That was the day of my conversion and the start of my new life. After a deployment to Afghanistan in 2012, I ended my service in December of 2013. While in Afghanistan I had picked up a copy of Lee Strobel’s The Case for Christ from one of the chapel libraries on Bagram Airfield. It was then that my love of Christian apologetics began. In 2014 my family and I moved from Fort Bragg, NC to La Mirada, CA, where I renewed my studies at Biola University, Talbot School of Theology.
I graduated in 2016 with an MA in Apologetics and in 2018 with an MA in Theology, winning the Baker Book Award for Excellence In Theology. I have published articles in academic journals such as Luther Rice Journal of Christian Studies and the Journal of Christian Legal Thought. In addition, I co-authored two chapters to Evidence that Demands a Verdict, edited by Josh and Sean McDowell and have published articles for magazines such as Touchstone and online news sites like The Christian Post. Currently, I live in Orange County, CA with my three children.
I am committed to a historical Protestant worldview that holds the Scriptures to be revelatory and sufficient for salvation and sanctification. At the same time, I strive for unity among the traditional Christian confessions and actively seek ecumenical engagement and cooperation in all matters of faith and practice.
Currently I write for Patheos and am also the President and Founder of “The Kirkwood Center for Theology and Ethics,” a ministry dedicated to educating the Church and bridging the gap between faith and culture.
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