Who am I? I am artsy. I consider myself an earthling, a world citizen, a vegan (freegan to be specific) and humanist. I am a documentary connoisseur, enjoy consuming and critiquing pop culture, appreciate alternative independent news sources and love learning. I teach, write, surf daily, debate, appreciate fashion and play bass for Ted Z and The Wranglers. I am 38 years old and I work as a philosophy and religion professor. In the end, I want to inform, inspire, and empower others to bring about a world where everyone has access to healthy, cruelty free food, clean air, pure water, housing and healthcare.

Academics have been a big part of my life. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from The Master’s College (conservative Christian liberal arts college) with a B.A. in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in Exposition. I lived and studied in Israel for a semester and have been able to explore nearly thirty countries including the Philippines, Nicaragua, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Romania.

Soon after discovering the Middle East first hand, I enrolled in a teaching-credentialing program at Cal State San Bernardino. While in the program, I entered an internship and immediately began teaching 9th/10th grade English at the almost entirely Hispanic Coachella Valley High School (where many of the students are children of migrant workers). After my third year teaching, which included a Mastery class (11th graders who failed their high school exit exam in 10th grade) at Norco High School, I enrolled at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. I studied theology for two years before losing my religion. After recalling my atheist world religions instructor, and believing I had the background to follow in his footsteps, I transferred to Claremont School of Theology where I graduated with an M.A. in Interdisciplinary/Comparative Studies with an emphasis in World Religions, Ethics and Christianity.

For more than a decade I’ve been teaching Intro to Philosophy, Intro to Religion, World Religions, Media and American Culture and Critical Thinking at Saddleback, Mt. Sac, Chaffey, University of Phoenix, Golden West, Fullerton, and Cypress College. For years I would substitute at various high schools during the day and teach college in the evenings. I absolutely love teaching. In fact, my passion for philosophical/religious understanding, writing and engaging the public has led to publication in theological journals, presenting papers at theological/philosophical conferences and participating in public debates.

Some of my most recent presentations include a debate held at Chaffey College entitled, “Does the God of Classical Theism Exist,” a lecture for faculty at Chaffey College titled, “An Introduction to Animal Rights Ethics,” a panel discussion concerning “What Happens After We Die,” a forum at UCLA titled “Morality and God(s): Can there be Ethics without Deities,” and two debates on the question, “Does Allah Exist” at the Corona/Norco Islamic Center.

I also founded HungerTruth (https://hungertruth.wordpress.com), a project designed to apply intellectual honesty toward religion, politics, health and the environment. My desire to build bridges and educate communities inspired holding weekly public meetings called “Truth Conversations,” where expert guests shared their stories in an informal atmosphere. Participants were encouraged to ask questions and enter into dialogue, especially concerning the guest’s area of concentration. Over the course of a few years, we had Hindu Swamis, Christian Buddhists, Unitarian Universalist pastors, Roman Catholic apologists, animal rights activists and a wide range of political persuasions.

In past summers, I have been a youth director at a First Congregational Church, a community organizer with Inland Congregations United for Change, and I’ve enjoyed tossing peanuts at the Angels Stadium.

Okay, enough for now...

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love meeting new people, learning about diverse cultures. I desire a more comprehensive and experiential understanding of the planet we live on.

Interests

• ethics
• politics
• reading
• live music
• hiking
• surfing
• bungee jumping
• tennis
• table tennis
• philosophy
• fun
• learning new things
• exploring
• meeting new people
• vegan food
• empathy
• scooter

Music, Movies, and Books

Eclectic. Depends on where I am and who I’m with.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Acrobatic flying

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share a wealth of knowledge and experiences having to do with religion and politics, but I can chat about anything and everything really.

Countries I’ve Visited

Aruba, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Israel, United States