Local minister, author and Lipscomb adjunct professor Joshua Graves was present for a book signing at the Beaman Library Tuesday afternoon.
Graves, the preaching and teaching minister at Otter Creek Church and a contributor to Fox News’ website, read a portion of his new book Heaven on Earth (co-written with Chris Seidman) to those in attendance.
Carolyn Wilson, the director of library services, introduced Graves to the crowd, thanking him for his participation in the event.
“We like to recognize our own people who do exceptionally well,” said Wilson, a member of Graves’ congregation.
After the introduction, Graves jumped right into reading a chapter from Heaven on Earth, a book that offers a fresh take on the Beatitudes. The chapter took a focus on the ‘mourning’ beatitude.
Once Graves finished the reading, he took a few questions from the audience, with topics ranging from what it’s like to be both a writer and a preacher to what inspired Graves to write about the Beatitudes.
Graves said he was happy with the event’s turnout, noting his enjoyment in hosting book signings.
“When I think about book signings, it’s just another opportunity to talk to people about things I’m passionate about,” Graves said. “It can be kind of a weird thing for some authors, but I just love the chance to hear what people are reading and what they’re thinking about.”
Graves said that college students who were interested in the book would be attracted to its non-scholarly approach.
“This is not an academic book – it’s not an intellectual book. It’s a book that’s very practical,” Graves said. “[The book] tries to offer kind of a compelling vision of what Jesus meant at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount.”
For more information on Joshua Graves and his writing, visit http://www.joshuagraves.com/.