“In the Shadow of Eternity” has been a passion-project of mine for around ten years. While most of that time has been spent on background research and plotting, I am—at long last—busy writing its first draft. In that time, the story has evolved and matured, having undergone a number of different conceptual iterations. What it has become, I could not have imagined at the start. Not only has the story changed, it has changed me. Ultimately, I see myself as a servant of the story. I hesitate even to call it “mine.” Rather, I see myself as its channel—the mere tool of its birthing. It is a gift bestowed to me in hints and whispers.

As a husband and father of four, this story has been forged in the fleeting quiet of naptime; in the late, sleepless hours; and—most of all—in the crucible of chaos only young children are capable of unleashing.

I occasionally write for the website, MercyOnAll.org. I enjoy gardening, woodworking, and contemplating the nature of existence. I would describe myself as an “Eclectic” Christian, and Christian Universalist theology is central to the story I am writing.

You might ask, why release the first three chapters before you’ve even finished the manuscript? I am, as they say, trying to light a fire under my ass. I feel the pull of many creative endeavors, but I believe the time for this particular story is now—its subject matter is of increasing relevance in our meaning-bereft culture. My hope is that generating some engagement will help to make the writing process a less solitary affair, helping me to stay motivated and focused.

“In the Shadow of Eternity” is premised on the metaphysics of Idealism, and explores the intersection of consciousness and language; the origins and destiny of humankind; and humanity’s relationship to God and other sentient species.