The writings of author & poet Nick Peros range from theological subjects of Christian truth to contemporary poetry. His theological writings are imbued with deep scriptural insight and deal with a wide range of contemporary issues, while his poetry is characterized by an artistry of verse, composed in a style that is powerful, original and engaging.
Peros’ poetic style ranges from contemporary free verse, characterized by rich imagery and metaphor, and eventually settling into an original and contemporary sonnet form. His book The Inextinguishable Light (DeoSonic Press, 2020) is a collection of 150 contemporary sonnets covering a wide range of themes, with all sonnets characterized by an original poetic approach and an impactful expression. Overall, the Sonnets adhere to the standard sonnet form of 14 lines, a general rhyme scheme, with a rhyming couplet conclusion, and with the transitional volta, or change moment, occurring after the octave, and yet, within this traditional framework, the Sonnets incorporate an expanded rhythm and meter, as well as an innovative approach to stress, which Peros describes as Natural Syllabic Verse. The thematic range of the Sonnets is wide, ranging from the modern political (No. 27, 53, 55, 104) to the cultural (No. 32, 72, 83, 114, 123) to the moral and relational (No. 11, 30, 39, 54, 135), as well as observations on the general human condition (No. 25, 111, 113, 127), God (No. 24, 28, 42, 69), Time, beauty and the eye of the beholder (No. 3, 20, 33, 125), temptation (No. 2, 119, 148), light and darkness (No. 7, 133, 150) and more. In each case poetic insights are offered through an effective interplay of language and imagery.
His book What Happened on the Cross (Wipf & Stock, 2020) offers a new and biblical understanding of how salvation was accomplished upon the Cross, showing that the Penal Substitution view, common since the 1500’s, does not have a biblical basis, and also showing that the Christus Victor understanding is inadequate. Using over 740 scripture verses to make its argument, the book gives a comprehensive picture from Genesis to Revelation on the many aspects involved in the accomplishment of salvation – above all showing clearly that salvation has nothing to do with “punishment for sins” – our sins were never punished upon the Cross, rather, our sins were forgiven. The Cross was about “forgiveness” not “punishment”.