Duncan S. Ferguson was born in Oregon and spent a major part of his life in the Northwest. He attended the University of Oregon where he received a bachelor's and master's degree. The early part of his career, following seminary, was engaging in campus ministry in Eugene. He received his PhD from the University of Edinburgh and continued his work in higher education as a chaplain, professor, and senior level administrator. He has written and edited several books including The Spirituality of the World Religions.