Journal: Reformation and Revival
Volume: RAR 12:4 (Fall 2003)
Article: A Reformation & Revival Journal Interview with J. D. Douglas
Author: Anonymous

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RAR 12:4 (Fall 2003) p. 141

A Reformation & Revival Journal
Interview with J. D. Douglas

In the Spring of 2003 I sat down with Dr. James D. Douglas, in the conference room of the Wade Center at Wheaton College, to do the interview that follows. As you will soon see Dr. Douglas had come to the States to see some old friends before “they departed this life.” A few months after this very lovely interview Dr. Douglas passed to his eternal reward. The interview would have been valuable regardless of the providence of Dr. Douglas’ unexpected death, but now that he is gone this interview will stand as his last such personal and public conversation regarding his life and God’s faithfulness to him as a humble follower of Christ.

Dr. James Dixon Douglas (1922–2003) was a remarkable man. At his memorial service, on August 20, 2003, Dr. David F Wright, a long-time friend, noted that Jim, as he was called by his friends, remained “strikingly proud of his lowly origins. These years left him with not only an addiction to fish and chips but also an aversion from high-falutin, from self-important conceit and empty show. He became a master at puncturing pretentiousness, at pricking inflated balloons, often playfully but never cruelly.”

I have known of the written and edited work of James

RAR 12:4 (Fall 2003) p. 142

Douglas for many years, dating back to my college and seminary days and the early issues of Christianity Today. When I had the opportunity to meet him, which was unplanned by me, I was struck by his kindness and utter sense of unimportance, so refreshing to me personally. Speaking of Jim’s faith at his memorial service, David Wright noted that “Jim rarely wore his evangelicalism on his sleeve (and he liked to expose evangelical foibles), but he retained a strong biblical faith to the end.” I saw this in the two hours we spent together and thus came to love Jim Douglas very quickly. The loss of this godly man impacts the Church militant, and her work on earth. The Scripture says, “precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Surely heaven’s gain is apparent in the home-going of this gracious servant of God. If you love Christ and straightforward non-pretentious honesty you will enjoy this interview. David Wright said it well in the conclusion of his address at Jim’s memorial: “This ‘flavorsome character’, this self-styled maverick, this generous host and prized guest, this irrepressible Christian gentleman, will surely regale the saints in heaven as he delighted us on earth.” His was a special life of faith, hope and love.

R R J — You have been visiting in the Chicago area for several weeks. What is the occasion for this visit to the United States?

J ...

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