Philosophy on Emphasis

My emphasis is on "applications" rather than "theory." Whereas theory is necessary for a proper understanding of science, engineering, and Christian doctrine, my emphasis is on the practical application as well as the practical teaching of these subjects. The theorist has his place, but in my work and ministry I find it best to take complex subjects and distill them to where they are easily understood by the hearer. If the hearer understands them, then he can make the choice to pursue the theory side of the subject matter and will have a good "leg up" on doing so.

Science, engineering, and the teachings of the Bible must have relevance and be applicable in our day-to-day life. In my ministry to prisoners in particular, my emphasis has always been on practical teaching. The inmate has much more need of understanding the character of God and the fundamentals of living righteously than he does understanding the meaning of the seventh vial in the book of The Revelation.

In my work and academic teaching in the field of engineering, it is easy to talk over heads of people not trained in math, science, and engineering, but to what use? So that the speaker feels important? What good is that? Better to teach in a way the the hearer learns, then they have tools to go forward with. If it cannot be successfully applied, then whatever theory is being taught is useless.

Results of this Philosophy

I am routinely commended by those who hear me preach and teach Christian themes, as well as by students in my college engineering courses, that they get much out of my teaching. This has occurred for over 20 years.