The Most Interesting Man in the (Bible Production) World?
I was embarrassed by the title of Michael Johnson's interview with me -- "Bible Publishing's Most Influential Person?" -- because I'm definitely not the most influential person in Bible publishing. Fortunately an industry insider tweaked the accolade a bit, saying I'm Bible production's "most interesting person." That I can live with. Last Halloween I couldn't decide between going as Capt. Haddock from Tintin or the Most Interesting Man in the World ("I don't always read physical Bibles, but when I do, I prefer goatskin bindings"). Next year I'll know which to choose. Michael asked all sorts of good questions, so I encourage you to follow the link, read the interview, and let me know what your think! Also, check out this brief note about the ESV Reader's Bible and The Psalms ESV from Alan Jacobs, who graciously links to Bible Design Blog. I've been a longtime fan of Jacobs since hearing him on Mars Hill Audio years ago. Follow his blog, and more importantly, read his books.
J. Mark Bertrand is a novelist and pastor whose writing on Bible design has helped spark a publishing revolution. Mark is the author of Rethinking Worldview: Learning to Think, Live, and Speak in This World (Crossway, 2007), as well as the novels Back on Murder, Pattern of Wounds, and Nothing to Hide—described as a “series worth getting attached to” (Christianity Today) by “a major crime fiction talent” (Weekly Standard) in the vein of Michael Connelly, Ian Rankin, and Henning Mankell.
Mark has a BA in English Literature from Union University, an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Houston, and an M.Div. from Heidelberg Theological Seminary. Through his influential Bible Design Blog, Mark has championed a new generation of readable Bibles. He is a founding member of the steering committee of the Society of Bible Craftsmanship, and chairs the Society’s Award Committee. His work was featured in the November 2021 issue of FaithLife’s Bible Study Magazine.
Mark also serves on the board of Worldview Academy, where he has been a member of the faculty of theology since 2003. Since 2017, he has been an ordained teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America. He and his wife Laurie life in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.