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Author Interview with Benjamin Nieves Carrasquillo Jr.

Sep. 9, 2025

BooKecCenTriC was privileged to welcome Author Benjamin Nieves Carrasquillo Jr.  to our virtual couch for an interview about his latest book, Through the Lens of An Ancient Yisra’elite Bible Study. Enjoy!

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What's your book about, and what inspired you to write it?

The purpose of this book is to provide insight, highlight biblical interpretations and doctrines that lack a solid Scriptural foundation, and thoughtfully engage with difficult questions that are often overlooked. Writing a book was never my original intention. My initial goal was simply to research, collect data, and develop a study I could teach—primarily at local churches or through online platforms. Over the years, as I shared these studies, participants frequently offered thoughtful feedback and, more than once, encouraged me to consider publishing the material in book form. At the same time, I became increasingly frustrated while attending church, as I observed pastors and leaders consistently avoid certain key topics, interpret Scripture through a modern Western lens, and neglect the historical and cultural context of the biblical text. Much of this, I believe, stems from a lack of understanding of the ancient world in which the Bible was written. I prayed for direction, seeking clarity about what to do next. As more voices echoed the same encouragement to turn the study into a book, it became clear that this was the answer.

Who is your target audience, and why do you think this book will appeal to them?

This book is intended for both men and women, believers and non-believers alike, ages 16 and up. It is also relevant for church leaders seeking deeper insight. Regardless of income level, the primary audience is English-speaking readers. The book resonates with everyday believers because it tackles the kinds of questions many are hesitant to ask—questions that are often met with silence, avoidance, or inadequate answers from church leadership.

What's the one thing you hope readers will remember or take away from your book long after they finish reading it?

This book was a pleasure to read from beginning to end. It is rich in information, presents the facts with clarity, and boldly addresses numerous biblical topics without compromise—many of which are often overlooked, misinterpreted, or dismissed by religious institutions.

Can you share a surprising or little-known fact about your writing process or research for this book?

Researching for this book was a significant challenge. Living in a modern Western culture, we naturally carry certain biases. As a result, there is often a tendency to interpret Scripture through the lens of our own ideologies or preconceived notions—ideas that have been deeply embedded in us from a young age by parents, church leaders, or our broader cultural environment. This bias was something I had to confront repeatedly throughout my research. It was especially difficult to find reliable information on ancient biblical texts within mainstream Christianity, as much of it has been diluted or heavily influenced by Greek philosophy. I realized that if I truly wanted to understand the biblical authors and their original audience, I needed to step outside my cultural framework and approach the text with fresh eyes. This led me to pursue formal education—not only here in the United States, but also at the source: Israel. As I progressed in my studies, I encountered two major dilemmas. First, I observed an invisible wall that many Western Christians have built between themselves and Jewish believers in Christ, particularly Messianic Jews. Second, I noticed another wall—this one between the content commonly preached from the pulpit and the wealth of knowledge available in academic settings. Bridging these gaps became essential to my journey of understanding Scripture more deeply and authentically.

Can you walk us through your favorite scene or chapter from your book? What makes it stand out to you?

I don’t have a favorite chapter or scene in the book because each of the seven sections is richly packed with valuable insights that will benefit any reader. Few books offer such a comprehensive study of the Bible alongside the Jewish culture and ancient traditions, all seamlessly woven together into a single cohesive work.

What's the most memorable or impactful response you've received from a reader, and how has it affected you?

While writing these studies, I made it a habit to share a short biblical topic with my coworkers at least once a week—something I called 'Food for Thought.' I also had meaningful conversations with people who came to my door, often talking for one to two hours. Without fail, I received the same emotional and verbal response: their eyes would light up, and they’d say things like, 'Wow, I’ve never thought about it that way,' or 'That’s amazing—I can really see that.' Seeing people respond like this brings me so much joy. It means the Word of Yahweh is being presented in a way that people can truly connect with and relate to. That’s what keeps me going—offering insights that allow others to explore the truth for themselves. What they choose to do with the information is up to them. But at the end of the day, the gospel is being shared—and it's all for His glory.

What's the one question you wish readers would ask you about your book, and how would you answer it?

What took you so long? It may sound surprising, but Yahweh had a process for me. Not only did I need to humble myself and let go of certain personal traits—with His help—but I also had to learn, according to His guidance and timing, and experience life in its fullness, along with many smaller lessons, to ultimately reach my goal.

What's the best writing advice you've ever received, and from whom?

When writing in this genre, it's important to keep things simple and avoid overcomplicating your message. You can include technical or complex ideas, but make sure to explain them clearly and thoroughly. I learned this principle from one of my art professors during my master’s program. He always reminded us with a phrase I still carry with me: 'K.I.S.S.—Keep it simple, stupid.'

How do you stay motivated and focused during the writing process?

I wanted to avoid burnout—something I’ve experienced before—and once you reach that point, it’s difficult to regain momentum. I was spending several hours a day researching and writing, so I knew I had to be intentional about maintaining balance. To do that, I scheduled breaks throughout the week to recharge. That could mean watching a movie, playing games, or spending time with family—whatever helped me step away and reset. I approached it like a personal Sabbath: a time to pause and disconnect. Taking these breaks made it much easier to stay focused, energized, and motivated when it was time to return to the research and writing process.

If you could go back in time and give advice to your pre-published self, what would it be? 

Stop messing around and start reading the Bible.

Your favorite quote/saying to live by?

Threat others the way you want to be treated.

Any advice to new/aspiring authors?

Like anything worthwhile in life, achieving a goal takes hard work, and becoming an author is no exception. Translating your thoughts onto paper or a computer screen can be challenging, especially since most of us aren’t accustomed to this task. Those who keep a diary or journal can relate—it definitely helps to maintain one. If you decide to pursue writing, be sure to take regular breaks, conduct thorough and unbiased research (especially for nonfiction, biographies, or religious topics), and stay focused throughout the process.

Do you have any more books in the works?

Yes. I’m currently working on two fantasy adventure graphic novel that weaves in several biblical themes, with a particular focus on the ancient Jewish wedding tradition. I'm also developing a sequel to the Bible study, which will explore the book of Revelation through a first-century historical and cultural lens.

How can readers get in touch with or follow you?

Website and Goodreads are on the works; you can find me on YouTube and Rumble under the username “evolsdoom.” You can reach me at: benjamin.n.carrasquillo.jr [at] gmail.com.



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Benjamin Nieves Carrasquillo Jr., born and raised in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. He holds a BA in Visual Communications and Digital Art and an MA in 3D Animation and Visual Effects. He completed courses at the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies, Awakening School of Theology, and Liberty University. A disabled U.S. military veteran, he served in the Army National Guard and Navy. An ordained minister and teacher, he shares Yahweh’s word online and locally. Married for 34 years, he and his wife, whom he met during active duty at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, have four children and three grandchildren and live in V.A.


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