El autor

Graham Maxwell served as emeritus professor of New Testament at Loma Linda University for nearly three decades. He was born in England, attended college in California, and earned his Ph.D. in Biblical studies, New Testament, from the University of Chicago Divinity School.

His dissertation dealt with the elements of interpretation that have entered into the translation of the New Testament, especially the book of Romans. Romans continued to be a subject of his research and writing for many years. Other publications include I Want to Be Free, You Can Trust the Bible: Why, After Many Translations, It Is Still the Word of God, Can God Be Trusted?, Be Careful Who You Trust!, and Servants or Friends? Another Look at God.

For nineteen years he taught Bible and biblical languages to college and ministerial students at Pacific Union College. In 1961 he moved to Loma Linda to serve as director of the division of religion and teach Bible to medical, dental, and other professional students.

His favorite course was a year-long trip through the whole Bible to discover the picture of God in each of the sixty-six books. He taught this course over 135 times, not only in the classroom, but in churches and homes, to groups ranging in size from a dozen to 700.

People in 118 different countries have shared in this book by book study of the Bible with the help of recordings. But as one man wrote from the Falkland Islands, “I want you to know that I always read the book in the Bible before I listen to those recordings.”

Maxwell watched the effect of such Bible study on over 10,000 people. “Something seems to happen,” he said, “when people of all cultures discover in the Bible a consistent picture of God — an infinitely powerful but equally gracious Person, who values nothing higher than their freedom and friendship.” That’s what led to the writing of his books.

Maxwell taught a weekly Bible class of 250 members for nearly 50 years that was recorded and sent to over 1,000 addresses around the world.

Graham and Rosalyn, the girl he met in college, were married for 67 years. They had three daughters, seven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

El editor

Jon Paulien is Professor of Religion and Director of the Center for Understanding World Religions at Loma Linda University. Formerly (2007–2019) he was Dean of the School of Religion. He is the author of over 30 books and more than two hundred articles, scholarly papers (Society of Biblical Literature, Chicago Society for Biblical Research, and others) and other publications. Jon is a specialist in the study of the Johannine literature in the New Testament (Gospel of John and Book of Revelation) and the intersection of faith with contemporary culture. He also takes special delight in seminars and presentations to non-specialists who can make practical use of the material in the real world. When not at work, Jon enjoys being with his wife Pamella and their three children and two grandchildren. He also enjoys travel, golf and photography when time permits.

El Moderador

Louis Venden graduated from La Sierra College in 1951, married Marjorie Lewis of Glendale, California two days later, and they began their ministry in Northern California right after the honeymoon. They have served in pastoral, evangelistic and teaching ministries: teaching at Japan Missionary College, the SDA Theological Seminary, La Sierra University, Pacific Union College and Loma Linda University’s School of Religion. They pastored churches in Northern California, the Mountain View Church in Central California, the University Church in Loma Linda and the Pacific Union College Church.

While at the University Church in 1984, Lou had the opportunity to participate with Graham Maxwell in the extended series of video-taped presentations (Conversations About God) that formed the basis for this book.

His graduate studies have included an MA at Potomac University, an MDiv from the SDA Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary.

Lou and Marjorie returned to Southern California in August of 1996 where Lou served as Professor of Theology & Ministry with Loma Linda University’s School of Religion and was appointed Emeritus Professor of Religion in July, 2003.

The Vendens have three daughters: Elizabeth Sutherland of Loma Linda, California; Susan Barrow of Woodinville, Washington; and Barbara Venden of Montrose, California. They are also the immensely pleased grandparents of Amy and Michael Sutherland and Jacob Charles and Henry Thomas Barrow.

Following are Lou’s remembrances of Graham and the filming of Conversations About God in 1984.