J. R. Zurcher, a citizen of Switzerland, has a Ph.D. from the University of Geneva. The newly founded Adventist university in Madagascar bears his name. He has been a trustee of the Ellen G. White Estate and a member of the Biblical Research Committee. He has served many years as a professor of theology and also as a secretary of the Euro-Africa Division.

As a professor and administrator, Zurcher taught in Collonges, France; Tananarive, Madagascar; and South Lancaster, Massachusetts. Previous books include The Nature and Destiny of Man, So Spoke Jesus, Christ of the Revelation, and Touched With Our Feelings.