Introduction
 
The roots of this project go back to my senior year in high school when I discovered how well God's Word answered questions of the faith. As a result, I desired to go to Bible school the following year and learn more. Following the advise of my parents, however, I went to a secular university. 

While pursuing an engineering degree at the University of Washington, I became intrigued with the basic questions of life. In addition to this, I had a few friendships go sour and found myself disheartened with church and para-church growth strategy. This became a time of personal crisis and I experienced a "stripping away" of nearly all beliefs outside of a few essentials of my faith. In hindsight, I believe this helped me begin my quest for meaning with nearly a "clean slate." 

After graduating, I took an engineering job at Boeing and soon found a position testing aircraft parts and systems which strengthened my skills in observing data and identifying patterns to solve problems. At the same time, I embarked on what turned out to be a fifteen year 9000 hour project. Over the course of time, my worldview was restored piece by piece. In retrospect, I see that this unhurried method of "education" was far better tailored to my needs than the formal schooling I had desired earlier. 

This project was initially influenced by three authors. Francis Schaeffer had the most significant impact with his book He Is There and He Is Not Silent which examines the questions of life. Josh McDowell (Evidence that Demands a Verdict and More than a Carpenter) was an important influence from my high school years with his evidences for the faith. Finally, Charles Swindoll was influential in his expository approach to authoring. 

My study endeavor branched into four aspects of Bible school which worked together: theology, philosophy, historical survey, and practical living. First, the theological perspective explored the overall truths of Scripture and the harmony of God's Word. Second, the questions of philosophy demanded a broad basis from theology which may have otherwise had a narrower scope. Third, the historical dimension emerged after marrying when I developed a three-year chronological Bible reading schedule to help improve our devotional life. Cycling through Bible history every three years reveals ever deeper answers to the questions of life and has a corrective effect on theology placing it under constant scrutiny of God's Word. My view of history broadened with a study of the history of western culture and a trip to Europe. Lastly, our daily walk and continued involvement in ministry brought the theological, philosophical and historical elements into the practical world. Amazingly, these four avenues together formed a system of checks and balances. As a result, a global perspective of life emerged which saw God and His works at its center. 

The project format utilizes chapter outlines which refer to supporting illustrations and tables. Regarding errors, my desire is that this effort would converge on God's perspective of the world. Of course, it will always fall short. Even though there are errors in my effort, I petition God that He would lead myself and others to His truth. 

Chris Nelson 
May 26, 1998