Ben Kingsley

Biography

Despite graduating from John MacArthur’s school with a degree in biblical studies, Ben believed in the Lord Jesus Christ like the demons did: “You believe there is one God. You do well; even the demons believe — and shudder” (James 2:19). For years, Ben was a slave of sin and completely unable to save himself. No amount of knowledge could redeem him. He could not pull himself up by his spiritual bootstraps. But God, in His mercy and kindness, led Ben to repentance: turning him from his sin and redeeming him so that he might be saved. God so graciously gave him what he did not deserve and could never have earned: a right relationship with King Jesus and, through believing in Him, eternal life. “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6). Now Ben gives thanks to God, who rescued him from the authority of darkness and transferred him to the Kingdom of the Son of His love, Christ Jesus, because in Him — and in Him alone — there is redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13ff). If Ben’s life tells a story, may it be of Him only.

Education and Credentials

• MFA in creative writing (fiction), The University of Miami
• MA in English and comparative literature, The University of Pennsylvania
• BA in biblical studies, The Master’s University
• BA in English, literature, and liberal studies, The Master’s University

• Winner or finalist for over a dozen book awards, including the Asian American Studies Award for Outstanding Achievement, the Library of Virginia Literary Award, and the American Fiction Award
• Anthologized in over two dozen collections, including W.W. Norton’s 44 Poems on Being With Each Other, Poets.org, and Best New Poets.
• Nearly 100 publications in literary journals, including Poetry, The Poetry Foundation, Oxford American, The Southern Review, and The Kenyon Review.

Interests

• Being a part of the Body of Christ

Expert Topics

Ben has taught fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. His previous tenured or tenure-track appointments include Old Dominion University and Kalamazoo College.