The other evening, I gave a talk and read a couple stories at California State University, San Marcos. One of the stories, which I'm going to post on my web site, had a scene at a long ago Billy Graham crusade. After the story, during question time, a student asked me if I had an agenda for my work.

A thought provoking question. I tried in my rambling way to explain that with each piece, I might have a the kind of agenda that is my view of the world in the context of the happenings in the story. For example, in The Vagabond Virgins, I wanted to portray the people of Mexico in a way that might increase readers’ understanding of their struggles. But the only overall agenda I’m conscious of is to suggest to people that they seek the truth with an open heart and open mind.

Some of my work might appear to promote Christian beliefs but that truly is not my intention. I only would hope readers might choose to look into Christian beliefs and reconsider their attitudes toward them. And that would apply to people who already believe as well as people who don’t. Once we think we have the truth and don’t need to seek it any longer, we’re dangerous and often evil.