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Medford Lakes Today
By the People, for the People
Local Police Chaplain Releases New Novel
Former detective turned ordained minister explores faith and justice in historical fiction
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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Rusty Williams, a former detective who now serves as a police and veterans' chaplain, has released a new historical fiction novel called 'THE PEASANT'S SCROLL: Ancient Fears of Modern Faith.' The book confronts the gap between worshipping Christ and following Jesus' radical teachings about justice and compassion.
Why it matters
Williams' unique background as both a law enforcement veteran and an ordained minister gives him a distinctive perspective to explore themes of faith, justice, and social responsibility through fiction. The book challenges readers to examine their own faith practices and how they align with Jesus' teachings.
The details
In his new novel, Williams draws on his 25-year law enforcement career and doctorate in ministry to craft a story that explores the tension between traditional religious practices and Jesus' radical messages about helping the poor and marginalized. The Peasant's Scroll is Williams' latest work of fiction, following his previous novel 'Moral Fractures'.
- Rusty Williams was ordained as a Christian minister in 2008.
- Williams retired as a detective after 25 years in law enforcement.
- The Peasant's Scroll is now available in paperback and eBook formats.
The players
Rusty Williams
A former paramedic and 25-year law enforcement veteran who retired as a detective, he was ordained as a Christian minister in 2008 and now serves as a police and veterans' chaplain.
What’s next
The Peasant's Scroll is Williams' latest work of fiction, following his previous novel 'Moral Fractures'.
The takeaway
Williams' unique background as both a law enforcement veteran and an ordained minister allows him to explore themes of faith, justice, and social responsibility through his fiction, challenging readers to examine how their own faith practices align with Jesus' radical teachings.
