The life-altering decision the author made as a young adult changed the trajectory of his life, resulting in a passionate commitment to dedicate his life to ushering in a peaceful kingdom of heaven on earth. His passion and worldview were shaped by the profound teachings and vision of the charismatic founder of a new religious movement whom he viewed as a prophet for a new age. He was moved by the utopian vision of that religious leader of a God-centered world where people of all races, religions, and nationalities would live in peace and understanding.

Reflecting on a time when such movements were rampant in America, Dr. Spurgin sheds light on his fifty-year journey as an educator and spiritual mentor who undertook challenging educational missions, organized peacebuilding efforts worldwide, set up a peace network that consisted of scholars in more than eighty nations, and shepherded an interdenominational seminary that faced financial and accreditation difficulties.

In Passion and Grit, Hugh has endeavored to present a glimpse of what it was like to have been an early American leader of the Unification Church. Readers will view that cultural and religious movement from the inside, as it took root when youth in America were seeking a deeper understand of God and the meaning and purpose of life. Motivated by a sincere desire to build a better world and to bring about love and peace among all of God's children, Hugh tells the story of his role as a leader in the birth of a new religious movement that has had a profound impact in America and in nations around the globe.