As I sit to write this, I feel it’s important to share a bit about myself and my perspective. I am a Christian, a baptized member of the Church of Christ, and by all measures, deeply committed to my faith. I believe wholeheartedly in the tenets of Christianity, and I have found great guidance and comfort in my relationship with God. My intent in writing this book is not to undermine anyone’s faith or to question the profound truths found in the Bible. Rather, my hope is to explore familiar biblical stories and concepts through the lens of modern psychology, drawing on the wisdom and insight we’ve gained over centuries of study. 

For those of us who profess faith in Christ and seek to honor God in our daily lives, I believe it’s essential to recognize that all knowledge—whether spiritual, physical, or psychological—is a gift from God. Just as we trust medical science to aid in healing the body, we should be open to the understanding that psychology offers to nurture the mind and soul. Often, we pray earnestly for doctors and medical professionals who care for our loved ones, yet we sometimes overlook the value of psychological knowledge and the mental healing that can be achieved through its application. Both fields, I believe, are means by which God allows us to care for one another, to grow, and to draw nearer to Him. 

In combining biblical truths with modern psychological insights, I aim to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the wisdom God has embedded within both scripture and human understanding. By approaching the Bible in this way, I hope we can uncover new depths in the stories and teachings we hold dear. It is my belief that these dual perspectives—faith and knowledge—can enrich our relationship with God, strengthen our communities, and ultimately draw us closer to His love and purpose. 

Throughout this book, I will often refer to various passages from the Bible as "stories"—for instance, the account of the Fall of Man, the story of Cain and Abel, and others. I want to clarify, however, that when I use the term "story," I do not intend to suggest that these events are fictional or merely illustrative. On the contrary, I believe these are real, historical events recorded with a narrative structure that allows us to grasp the profound spiritual and moral lessons they convey. The Bible's use of story-like language helps illuminate complex ideas in ways the human mind can grasp, illustrating truths about our nature, our struggles, and our relationship with God. In respecting this narrative style, we can appreciate both the historical authenticity and the timeless wisdom contained within these biblical accounts. This approach, I hope, will help us delve into each story with both reverence and a deeper understanding of its significance in God's design. 

I want to ensure, dear reader, that you understand I am not presenting myself as an authority on any of these matters. I hold no formal authority in psychological issues or theory, and I am even further from being an expert on biblical concepts. What you find here is simply a collection of my thoughts and reflections as they currently stand—a perspective that is open to growth and change as life unfolds. It’s essential to recognize that part of maturing is allowing one’s mind to evolve. If we are unable to shift our perspectives when faced with compelling, well-supported evidence, we miss an integral part of the development God intended for us. In spiritual terms, we risk remaining on the “milk of the word,” never advancing to the “meat” that lies in deeper understanding and faith. My hope is that this exploration encourages both of us to grow, reflecting not only on what we believe but also on how we arrive at those beliefs. 

It should also be noted that this collection of reflections is not intended to be doctrinal or legalistic in terms of Mosaic law. Rather, we are exploring the psychological effects and insights derived from the events, rules, and character traits of those involved. I believe these effects and lessons can provide comfort to both the mind and soul, which may be part of the reason they were presented in the way they were. 

I want to be clear about something: while I strongly believe that connecting modern psychological understanding with biblical concepts is important, I could explore these ideas without committing them to a formal writing project. I could keep personal notes or develop them into a small lesson or sermon series. However, there is a somewhat personal motivation in writing this in book form, with the hope of eventually publishing it, whether in print or electronically. 

Without delving too deeply, as that would require multiple chapters, my inner child has unresolved trauma. He was raised in an environment where the expectation was that he would achieve nothing, where there was no belief in his potential because "people like him" were not destined for success. Inner child work, as I understand it, involves returning to that younger self to provide reassurance—to show him that, while perception often shapes reality, the world’s perception does not have to define one’s path. Only we have the power to determine our identity and future. 

By documenting these reflections in a book, I am, in a way, showing my inner child that we have transcended those limiting beliefs. While we may not be rich, famous, or conventionally influential, we have achieved a level of success that cannot be quantified. My hope is that, when this book is complete, he will feel proud. 

This concept is not new. Recently, Dr. Jordan Peterson conducted a series of lectures focusing on the book of Genesis, exploring the psychological significance of its narratives and characters. I have listened to nearly all of these lectures and have ordered the accompanying book, as it offers profound insights into the workings of the human mind.

To clarify, my approach is not an attempt to replicate Dr. Peterson’s methodology. While I hold deep respect for him and admire his perspective, I approach the material from a distinct standpoint. Although Dr. Peterson identifies as a Christian and upholds certain Christian values and moral principles, there are specific theological views of his that I do not share. This interpretation is my own, influenced by various scholars, including Dr. Peterson and others. However, I aim to differentiate my reflections from those of scholars who interpret these texts through a more secular lens, rather than a theological one.

Finally, I want to dedicate this work to my wife and children, who inspire me every day to strive toward becoming a better human, husband, father, and Christian. Their unwavering love, support, and encouragement are the foundation upon which I continue to grow, both spiritually and academically. Without their presence in my life, I would not be where I am today in my faith journey or in my pursuit of knowledge. They remind me daily of the importance of love, patience, and dedication—qualities that guide me through every challenge and enrich every moment. This book is as much a testament to their influence as it is to the calling I feel to bridge faith and understanding for the benefit of us all.