Richard holds a B.A. in the Philosophy of Religion from San Francisco State University and a Masters of Divinity from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. He is a former Lutheran pastor, radio broadcaster, nature recordist, music producer and corporate C.E.O. Currently he is the C.E.O. of Sanctuary Publications, inc. and author of five books in the genres of the historical Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Gnostic Christianity, Mysticism and world religions.