An Interview with Joseph Trafton
1. How would you describe your calling and mission as a writer and as a Christian?
My calling as a Christian is to teach the Bible, particularly the New Testament. I do so as part of my job (I am a university professor in a religious studies program), and I also speak frequently at churches, campus groups, and civic groups. For many years I have taught an adult Sunday School class at my church. I have written for a number of projects, both popular and scholarly.
2. Which books have had the greatest impact on your ministry?
As a New Testament scholar, I would have to say that the books that have had the most impact on me are those of a scholarly nature. At the popular level, I don't think you can beat the writings of C. S. Lewis, especially the Chronicles of Narnia.
3. How important do you feel writing is in the world of religion?
Writing is extremely important in the world of religion. Unfortunately, there are a lot of self-styled "experts" on religion out there. This results in a significant amount of misinformation going out to the public. In many ways the Internet has made the situation even worse. Good books are necessary.
4. When did you first become interested in writing?
An interest in writing came late for me. In graduate school my goal was to become a teacher, not a writer. All the way through school, of course, I wrote papers, but I viewed them as means to an end. It was only after becoming a professor that I really became interested in teaching through writing, and I have been very pleased that I have had a steady stream of opportunities to do so.
5. What are the great joys in writing for you?
There is little that compares with the writing process itself. You enter into the world of your subject --or, in this case, the Book of Revelation. You become so immersed in it as you seek to understand it from within that while you are there you see many things that you have never seen before. You hope that you can help your reader catch a glimpse of what you have observed.
6. Where did the inspiration come from to write Reading Revelation?
The Book of Revelation is a very misunderstood book. So much of the popular understanding of it is based upon traditions of interpretation of Revelation, not on the book itself. I did a masters thesis on Revelation, and as I continued through graduate school I began to see how crucial it is to see the book in its historical and conceptual contexts. Throughout my teaching career I came to appreciate more and more the Jewish thought-world that underlies the book, as well as the ways in which the various sections of the book fit together with one another. When I was invited to write the commentary for the Reading the New Testament series, I jumped at the chance.
7. How do you feel Reading Revelation can impact the reader?
A friend of my recently completed Reading Revelation and commented to me that "it makes sense." I firmly believe that John intended his book to "make sense." So many interpreters bring in all kinds of extraneous ideas that, in my estimation, prevent people from understanding the book itself. My hope is simply that my book will help readers to see what is actually there in Revelation and that they too will come away saying, "It makes sense."
8. Briefly describe your current ministry.
I teach in a Religious Studies program at Western Kentucky University. Most of my teaching is in the area of New Testament: a freshman-level survey course on the New Testament and upper-level courses on the Life of Jesus, the Life and Teachings of Paul, the Gospel of Matthew, and the Book of Revelation. I am also interested in Judaism in the New Testament period and teach courses on "Second Temple" Judaism (sometimes called "Intertestamental" Judaism) and the Dead Sea Scrolls.
9. Outside of your ministry, how do you enjoy spending time?
My wife and I will celebrate our 35th anniversary this summer. She is my best friend, and we love to do things together, such as go bird-watching. I have three grown children, with whom we keep in close contact (though none of them live near us). When we are around the house, I like to read.
10. What would readers be surprised to know about you?
That's a good one! I'm really not a very exciting person, though. It would probably surprise them to learn that as an undergraduate I planned to be an oceanographer.
