After an exhaustive international search, Bible Studier’s Digest has chosen Jim Thornton to interview BSD’s Head Theologian John Thornton. By a strange coincidence, these two brilliant intellectuals happen to be identical twins.
Jim Thornton is one of America’s great journalists; among numerous honors, he has won the prestigious National Magazine Award. He has written for several magazines including Sports Illustrated, GQ, and Men’s Health. He may be best known for his 1998 article, “Your man too can have multiple orgasms!”
The Interview
Q. John, what is your religious background and how did that prepare you for your work at Bible Studier’s Digest?
A. I was raised as an Episcopalian although I didn’t start Sunday School until the 5th grade. Our father made us start out in the 1st grade of Sunday School and work our way up to our own age group after several months. I think the experience of being 11 and singing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” with a host of 5 year olds was one of the transcendent spiritual experiences of my life. As you may recall, in our Confirmation classes at age 13, I was the Star Student and was often invited for overnight trips alone with Father Geoffrey. Funny, I can’t remember much about those spiritual journeys. I do recall that our mother wanted me to stop going because of some weird rash I got on my butt around that time.
Q. There was a general feeling that you weren’t too smart growing up, and yet today you are a successful theologian. How do you suppose that happened?
A. Unlike many fields, theology doesn’t require intelligence per se. We theologians like to say that what is needed is a good and open heart, not a sharp and open mind. Nonetheless, I do seem to have developed my brain power somewhat as I grew up. Perhaps my greatest academic honor was being inducted into Phi Beta Kappa for my undergraduate work as a Math Major at the University of North Carolina. I like to think that having a Bachelor’s degree and Phi Beta Kappa Key from a southern university is the equivalent of an Associate’s Degree from a good northern community college.
Q. Could you talk a little about your own religious beliefs? For instance, you don’t actually believe in God, do you?
A. That is a fair question. I was quite a believer growing up and then it faded a bit until my sophomore year in college when I connected with a group called Campus Crusade for Christ at U.N.C. I was quite depressed at the time, and this group showed me how I could “give up my problems to God”. The amazing thing was that it actually seemed to work. Then I came back to our hometown for Thanksgiving and you “deprogrammed” me. You were a brilliant scholar at the University of Michigan at the time, and as I recall your professors had provided you with scientific proof of the non-existence of God. You shared this proof with me, my faith drained away, and I never again could “give up my problems to God”. Come to think of it, I have been sort of depressed ever since. But at least you freed me from my illusions!
Q. You’re quite welcome! But what about now? Do you have ANY spiritual beliefs?
A. A number of years ago I became quite a devotee of the Roman Stoic philosopher Epictetus. I got a copy of his Discourses including his legendary Enchiridion (Manual for Living) and spent years studying his ideas. At the core of his thinking is the following, taken from the beginning of the Enchiridion (as translated by Eizabeth Carter):
Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control are body, property, reputation, command, and, in one word, whatever are not our own actions. The things in our control are by nature free, unrestrained, unhindered; but those not in our control are weak, slavish, restrained, belonging to others. Remember, then, that if you suppose that things which are slavish by nature are also free, and that what belongs to others is your own, then you will be hindered. You will lament, you will be disturbed, and you will find fault both with gods and men. But if you suppose that only to be your own which is your own, and what belongs to others such as it really is, then no one will ever compel you or restrain you. Further, you will find fault with no one or accuse no one. You will do nothing against your will. No one will hurt you, you will have no enemies, and you not be harmed.
I believe that this is the greatest and most enduring truth about human life. It is exceedingly difficult to put this philosophy into practice, but to try to do so is at the root of my own spiritual path.
Q. Tell us a little about your work at BSD. What are you trying to accomplish? How are you compensated for your work?
A. Earlier this year, the good folks that run Bible Studier’s Digest asked me to become Head Theologian and Graphic Designer and to put together a series of “art posters” that would delve into various issues raised by a close reading of Scripture. The idea was that I would offer my own original interpretations, or as my Jewish friends call them, “midrashes” of various stories in the Bible. I have been encouraged to think deeply about the moral implications of Scripture and offer guidance to people who just don’t have the time or inclination to read the Good Book themselves. If any of these “art posters” ever were to sell, the publishers of BSD tell me that I will receive a portion of any profit that may result. Otherwise, this is a labor of love, and my only compensation is the considerable spiritual wealth that I am daily earning from my studies.