Telos

Leonard Sweet is a theo-semiotician, historical theologian, and preacher who grew up with two brothers under a preacher-mom (see "Mother Tongue"). Author of almost eighty books, hundreds of articles, and almost 2000 published sermons, his most recent publications include his lifelong semiotic study of the Jesus story, "Jesus Human" and "Designer Jesus," as well as an introductory textbook on theo-semiotics, "Decoding the Divine." His pastoral sensibilities are currently evident in "The Sound of Light" (with Lisa Samson) and upcoming "The Advent and Christmastide Adventure" book of meditations. His semiotic Len-Talks are posted on YouTube, and his Napkin Scribbles podcasts can be accessed on leonardsweet.com or Spotify.After a lifetime in academic administration as Dean, Provost, President, and Chancellor, Sweet now works with graduate students at four institutions: Drew University, where he has occupied the E. Stanley Jones Chair, George Fox University, Northwind Seminary, and Southeastern University. One of the most sought-after speakers in the religious world today, he and his family reside on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands, where they operate a hospitality resort (or "advance center") called Sanctuary Seaside. His next book (with Chris Eriksen) is a theology of football called "Gridiron Gospel: Faith That Moves Chains."