About Niq

Niq Ruud's debut book, Only Love: How Everything Was, Is, and Will Be, takes a hard look at the human perception of God’s character, advocating for it being only love. He then works to articulate what it means for humans to be image-bearers of such love,  intening to aid in the progression towards a more open-minded view of God and, subsequently, a more inclusive view of each other.

Niq first attended Walla Walla University, earning a bachelor’s degree in religion, then graduated from Grand Canyon Theological Seminary where his studies focused on practical theology and communications, and he is presently a postgraduate at The University of Edinburgh, researching the intersectionality between philosophy, science, and religion. Niq’s interests include eschatology, world religions, systematic theologies, ethics, diversity, religious pluralism, and gravitate around the human perception of God. Aside from writing, Niq has served as a pastor for several years since college.

In his 2016 TEDx talk, which has over a quarter-million views online, Niq spoke about the benefits of solitude to productivity and personal peace. He also co-hosts The Young Project Podcast, which aims to empower young people to act against the stagnant nature of Christianity, and sits on various nonprofit boards. A Pacific Northwest native, Niq enjoys alpine climbing, cycling, surfing, and storytelling. You can connect with him on social media @niqruud.