Bob's story is not a common one. He has had a diverse career, including roles in football, law, social work, therapy, teaching, writing, and coaching. He has explored different spiritual paths like atheism, Taoism, Buddhism, Unitarianism, and Christianity. The anecdotes and experiences he has at his fingertips add color and excitement to the journey of his books.
Bob grew up selling cotton candy and hot dogs on the boardwalk in Queens, New York. Bob's life was in disarray in his early 30s. Then, Bob discovered that his therapist, George Robinson, was the English language editor and disciple of Master Ni, Hua-Ching (née Hua-Ching Ni), a 72nd-generation Taoist master from the Shaolin Temple. Bob studied under Master Ni and George for eight years and engaged in contemplative practices. It changed his life.
Ever since he began questioning the nature of the universe at 15, Bob has loved Jesus as a wisdom teacher. After moving to North Carolina, he remarried to a Southern Baptist Bible literalist. Although it might seem like an odd pairing, she is a Bodhisattva, a saint. They connected on shared values of kindness and service.
Early on, she would be off to church on a Sunday morning and say goodbye with sadness in her eyes.
"What's wrong?" he would ask.
It's just that I love you so much, and I am sad that you won't go to heaven with me," she would lament.
"And I am sad that you won't be reincarnated with me," he would kid with a wink.
"Oh, stop that," she would say and be off.
They found a spiritual home at the open and affirming Elon Community Church (United Church of Christ), which is traditional enough for her and progressive enough for him. Today, she is happy that he, having been saved, will go to heaven with her, and he is glad she will be reincarnated with him.
