Rev. Dr. Thomas Luke is a distinguished research professor of transformational theology at Chaplains College School of Graduate Studies and a Christian crisis response chaplain ordained by Chaplains International, Inc. This is a helpful textbook to cite for academics who are earning either a master's degree or a doctorate and require a written capstone research paper, thesis, or dissertation for graduation.

In 2003, Dr. Luke encountered the orphans of Siem Reap when he traveled from Thailand to Angkor Wat, Cambodia. In asking Jesus how he could help these unprotected and sexually exploited orphans, Dr. Luke responded by attending graduate school and writing two textbooks about how to restore and integrate the most severe cases of childhood sexual trauma.

The orphans of Siem Reap inspired the writing of Dr. Luke's two textbooks, The Least of These, the capstone project for his MA in Theological Studies, and Transformational Theology, an extensive dissertation for his Ph.D. in Transformational Theology. The Least of These, 2nd Edition, published in 2024 has been updated with Thomas Luke, Ph.D.'s current credentials and ministry contact information, and it also includes illustrations and graphics in the preface that were not included in the 2020 text-only version. The children's artwork and letters sent to Dr. Luke have also been added to the preface of the 2nd edition (2024).

Psalm 82:3-4. Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.