Newsletter
Church of St.Mary Zion with treasury of the Arc of the Covenant in the background, Axum, Ethiopia - photograph courtesy of
www.sacredsites.com and Martin Gray
Spring, 2008
Special Issue: Don Jones Retirement
Contents

How It All Began by Lauren Brubaker
1

Is This the End? by Emily Mitchel
2

My Memories of Dr. Jones by Richard Campbell
3

Alumnus Sends His Blessings by Gaurav Shroff
4

Dr. Jones Incomparable by Kristin Bocchine
5

Faculty Share Memories of Dr. Jones
6

About the Newsletter Contributors
7

Editor's Note
8
1
The Beginning
By Lauren Brubaker
At a professional conference I enjoyed
an extended conversation with a long,
lanky, soft spoken member of the
Earlham faculty. The following fall Don
Jones arrived at the University of South
Carolina and joined me in the attic of
Rutledge Chapel to become half of the
Department of Religious Studies.
"No Evil": sometimes maxims aren't taken
seriously in the Department of Religious Studies.
Left to right: Don Jones, Lauren Brubaker, Hal
French
Don became a good friend and valued
colleague as we shared somewhat
primitive conditions and endured an annual invasion for the all night ringing of the bell
before Big Thursday. A very diligent and conscientious worker, he proceeded to develop
a program of Biblical Studies. The classes were challenging and exciting. Students
responded and the department grew, as did his reputation as a prognosticator of scores
for athletic events.
Don's scholarly endeavors led to research in the Luke-Acts literature, producing lectures
at prestigious conferences such as the National Society of Biblical Literature meetings,
papers published as chapters in various books and Encyclopedia articles, and
publications in scholastic journals such as Perspectives in Religious Studies. This
success in turn led to work on related aspects of the Roman Empire. All were well
received. Two of his current projects, titled Luke: The First Christian HistorianTheologian and The Roman Imperial Cult in the Cities of Western Asia Minor exemplify
the underlying themes of his research.
In long years of service as Chair of the department Don's leadership was invaluable as
the program expanded, relationships with other departments and with the Lutheran
Seminary developed, and a graduate program was established.
Throughout his career Don has rendered significant service in many ways and earned
the respect of his many colleagues throughout the University. His thoughtful and well
spoken prayers at many public occasions were deeply appreciated.
My gratitude and appreciation to a good friend and colleague along the way. Don't
forget those Christmas parties. But those prognostications ??
2
Is This The End?
by Emily Mitchel
Professor Don Jones first entered the University of South Carolina as a faculty member
of the Department of Religious
Studies in 1967.
With a strong background in New
Testament studies, he soon
became a full professor. Over the
next four decades, he served as
chair of the Religious Studies
Department, graduate director,
Associate Chair, Tenure and
Promotion Chair, and filled many
other positions. In the Columbia
community, he has been involved
with United Way, Richland County’s
Guardian Ad Litem Project, the
Kiwanis Club, and Columbia Torch
Club International. In each of these
organizations, Dr. Jones has held
significant leadership positions.
Back when:
Younger versions
of Carl Evans and
Don Jones pose for
a picture
Now, after 41 years of serving the
South Carolina community, Don
Jones is retiring. Dr. Jones’s
Don Jones: the family man, the legend, the Bultmanniac
contributions to the University of
South Carolina have helped shape
the Department of Religious Studies. His leadership as the head of several prestigious
organizations, his ability to connect with students as a teacher, and his kindness
towards colleagues and neighbors, will be dearly missed.
My Memories of Dr. Jones
By Richard Campbell
I was a student at USC from the fall of 1977 to the
spring of 1981. I had the pleasure of taking two of
Dr. Jones's classes.
With Dr. Jones, you learn he has certain principals
that are as constant as the laws of physics. These
principals are: 1) he loves Rudolf Bultmann; 2) he
loves Martin Luther King; 3) he loves sports.
On the first day of class he declared to the students
that he was a "Bultmanniac." I remember asking
myself, "who is Rudolf Bultmann?" Well after a
senior thesis; the acquisition of eight of his books
(both English and German translations); and a law
school brief on the application of Rudolf Bultmann's
program of demythologization as a method of
constitutional interpretation, I can affirmatively state that Dr. Jones and I are the last two
"Bultmanniacs" in the world!
Dr. Jones always relished telling us his Martin Luther King stories. My favorite is when he
asked Dr. King, "Martin, what are your favorite verses in the Bible? 'Don, it can only be 1
John 4: 7-21.'"
Dr. Jones loves sports. He would often brag about his sons' swimming exploits. He even
hinted of his own accomplishments on the basketball court. I think he said that he played
ball at Ohio Wesleyan [that info has never been verified], and he always talked about the
1960 Ohio State National Championship team that had John Havlicheck, Jerry Lucas, and
Bobby Knight. By the end of the semester he had convinced us that HE played on that
team. In a secret life, I think he is a point spread analyst for a Las Vegas gaming outfit
because his game and score predictions are almost always right
Sometimes professors fail to realize the impact they have on their students. Professors have
thousands of students over time; whereas, students may only have about forty professors.
As students we remember our professors more than our professors remember us, and the
memories and lessons we take from our professors can impact our lives. One of my favorite
Dr. Jones lessons is, "[i]f you want to understand Christianity then read the New Testament;
but if you don't have time, then read the book of Romans; and if you don't have time to read
the book of Romans, then read chapters 5-8; and if you don't have time to read chapters 58, then read the seventh chapter of Romans." His teaching to me of the meaning of the
seventh chapter of Romans has impacted my Christian life, and I have passed that lesson
on to my sons. Because of Evans, Jones, Cutsinger, French, and Lewis, I am today a better
lawyer, judge, and father. Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts and memories of
Dr. Donald L. Jones.
4
Blessings from a Grateful Alumnus
By Gaurav Shroff
Dr. Donald Jones, or just Don to everyone close to him, served as my thesis adviser as
I was pursuing a Masters in Religious Studies. It was under his careful tutelage and
guidance that my love for Scripture, and especially St. Paul, took root and grew. [For the
record, I wasn't quite taken by his self-confessed "Bultmania" however.:-)]
In 2000 I was privileged to teach a couple of his courses for him,
and had access to his notes for the "Life and Letters of St. Paul"
class. What a treasure trove! Some of these went back to his
own seminary days, and had been carefully and lovingly
preserved. Half-way through the semester, my car was broken
into, and the thieves took a briefcase with all my class notes.
Luckily, Don's notes were in my office; however, for several days
I thought they were in the missing bag, and I was mortified trying
to think of ways in which to gently break the news to him!
In 2001 my parents visited me from India. I have this delicious
memory of their visit to the department. I think it was Don's
birthday, and, much to my parents' astonishment, Kevin [Lewis] And Don broke into an
impromptu jig, to lyrics that went something like, "Shoefly pie and apple pandowdie..."
My father spoke of that visit for years afterwards!
Don: my very best to you as you retire from the Department. I am deeply grateful that
our paths crossed, and for your constant encouragement. You may not realize it, but
your example and guidance has influenced not just my love for Scripture, but also, the
way I hope to carry out my priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church.
5
Dr. Jones Incomparable
Dr. Jones' Knowledge of Sports
and Religion is Incomparable
By Kristin Bocchine
Dr. Jones was the mentor and advisor for Kristin during her three years as a graduate
student receiving her MA in Religious Studies from the department. She was also his
graduate teaching assistant during that time, working closely with him on his classes.
Most people probably do not remember what happened on
November 22, 1975, but I can guarantee there is someone at the
Department of Religious Studies who can tell you what occurred
on this date. On this day USC beat the Tigers 50 to 26 and set
the record for the most points scored in the history of this rivary.
Only an adamant fan of USC football would remember such a
detail, and the Department of Religious Studies has been
blessed to have such an individual within the faculty for the past
forty-one years.
If you have ever had a class with Dr. Donald Jones you can
attest to his uncanny knowledge of sports and religion. Dr. Jones
is notorious for giving his football forcast before every USC game
and sharing with his students his famous score predictions. Born
in Ohio, he developed his love of sports as a child during the legendary Ohio State
games. He progressed academically, becoming the Valedictorian of his High School.
In college Dr. Jones continued his love of sports, played basketball, and pursued his
other love: religion. In 1961 he married his wonder wife Susan, whom he affectionately
discusses with such admiration in his classes. Dr. Jones continued his study of religion,
receiving his M.Div. and becoming an ordained minister for the United Methodist
Church. In 1966 he graduated with his PhD from Duke University, specializing in New
Testament, and began his teaching career at
Earlham College.
USC picked Dr. Jones out of a large pool of
applicants in 1967 and thus he began his
illustrious career at USC. While in Columbia Dr.
Jones and his wife had three children, Doug,
Kevin, and Darrin, of whom he is always so very
proud, often mentioning their significant
accomplishments in the fields of medicine and
law in his religion classes.
Over the past forty-ones years Dr. Jones has
5
Dr. Jones Incomparable
Dr. Jones' Knowledge of Sports
and Religion is Incomparable
By Kristin Bocchine
Dr. Jones was the mentor and advisor for Kristin during her three years as a graduate
student receiving her MA in Religious Studies from the department. She was also his
graduate teaching assistant during that time, working closely with him on his classes.
Most people probably do not remember what happened on
November 22, 1975, but I can guarantee there is someone at the
Department of Religious Studies who can tell you what occurred
on this date. On this day USC beat the Tigers 50 to 26 and set
the record for the most points scored in the history of this rivary.
Only an adamant fan of USC football would remember such a
detail, and the Department of Religious Studies has been
blessed to have such an individual within the faculty for the past
forty-one years.
If you have ever had a class with Dr. Donald Jones you can
attest to his uncanny knowledge of sports and religion. Dr. Jones
is notorious for giving his football forcast before every USC game
and sharing with his students his famous score predictions. Born
in Ohio, he developed his love of sports as a child during the legendary Ohio State
games. He progressed academically, becoming the Valedictorian of his High School.
In college Dr. Jones continued his love of sports, played basketball, and pursued his
other love: religion. In 1961 he married his wonder wife Susan, whom he affectionately
discusses with such admiration in his classes. Dr. Jones continued his study of religion,
receiving his M.Div. and becoming an ordained minister for the United Methodist
Church. In 1966 he graduated with his PhD from Duke University, specializing in New
Testament, and began his teaching career at
Earlham College.
USC picked Dr. Jones out of a large pool of
applicants in 1967 and thus he began his
illustrious career at USC. While in Columbia Dr.
Jones and his wife had three children, Doug,
Kevin, and Darrin, of whom he is always so very
proud, often mentioning their significant
accomplishments in the fields of medicine and
law in his religion classes.
Over the past forty-ones years Dr. Jones has
6
achieved a lot personally and professionally. He has been a member of the American
Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature, among many other academic
organizations. He also co-founded the South Carolina Academy of Religion in 1968. In
addition Dr. Jones has published many articles in journals and books over the years. He
is a specialist concerning Roman Imperial Cult and Luke-Acts, publishing them notably
in The Anchor Bible Dictionary and The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary. He has not only
contributed to the field of religion, but also to its future development.
Dr. Jones has encouraged and helped young scholars pursue their religious education,
sending many students on to seminary and graduate programs in this field. Dr. Jones in
his tenure at USC has left a dramatic impact not only on his field but also on the many
students he has had the privilege to teach. Most people will not remember the score of
the last USC football game, but they will always remember the one man who never
seems to forget a game. Dr. Jones, congratulations on your forthcoming retirement and
thank you for your years of devotion to USC.
Faculty Memories of Working with Dr. Jones
Terry Dohm, Adjunct Professor
"Teaching as an adjunct at three different schools it didn’t take long to realize that
adjunct professors are often treated as non-persons. In stark contrast to the norm Don
Jones treated me as a 'colleague' from the very beginning and for that I will always be
grateful."
Carl Evans, former Chair
"We have been honored to have Don Jones as a colleague and
friend through the years. We look forward to his continuing
contributions to New Testament scholarship and teaching in his
retirement years and hope that he will have time to complete
several important book projects. We all stand to gain from his
immense knowledge of the Roman imperial cult and, especially,
the Gospel according to Luke. Above all, we hope he will emerge
from his study every now and then to announce his latest football
prognostications!"
7
About Newsletter Contributors for This Special Issue
Lauren Brubaker
Lauren Brubaker completed his degree at Union Theological Seminary
in 1944. In 1968, he founded the Department of Religious Studies at the
University of South Carolina and hired Don Jones as Assistant
Professor. He is now honored as a Professor Emeritus of the Religious
Studies Department and University Chaplain Emeritus. Brubaker is
remembered every year as an undergraduate or graduate student who
exemplifies qualities of the Carolinian Creed is awarded the Lauren E.
Brubaker Carolinian Award.
Richard D. Campbell
Richard has been a lawyer in Georgia since 1987 and a Judge of State Court of
Elberton County, GA, since 2000. He was Law Assistant to George T. Smith, Associate
Justice, Supreme court of Georgia, from 1987-1988. One of Richard's sons is now
attending USC and "is very happy with the University".
Gaurav Shroff (2001)
After graduation, Gaurav served as the Pastoral Associate and Director of Christian
Formation for the St. Thomas Moore Catholic Student Center at USC until 2005. He is
now a Novitiate with the Paulist Fathers in Washington DC.
Kristin (grad student)
Kristin Bocchine is a graduate student for the Department of Religious Studies and the
current graduate assistant for Dr. Jones. She will be graduating in May with her MA in
Religious Studies.
Emily Mitchell (undergraduate student)
This edition of the newsletter was put together entirely by Emily
Mitchell who cornerd and convinced all the participating writers to
contribute. She also put together all the photos and designed the
masthead for the print version.
8
Newsletter: Editor's Note
Welcome to a special issue of our irregular departmental tell-all. I cannot claim credit
this time for its production as a one-off tribute to our retiring colleague, my “Coach,”
Donald Jones, who has abided with this Department for forty years, imparting studied
college football game predictions as well as liberating critical insights into New
Testament texts and lives. No, the credit here goes to Emily Mitchell, as good-natured,
patient, and hardworking a student
office assistant as we
could ever hope to
attract. Emily, thank
you!
As this newsletter
appears our long-time
chair who stepped
down last summer,
Carl Evans, is
enjoying a wellearned research
sabbatical semester
at Tyndale House,
The good old days: Don (right) and Kevin Lewis (left) taking it easy
Cambridge
University. Steve
Lynn, seconded from the Dean’s office, where he does time as Associate Dean, we
welcome as our new chair. And we are awaiting the new blood of incoming hires (in
South Asian and Jewish studies) in the Fall.
I seize editor’s privilege to add this re. Professor Jones.
When I became "Captain" years ago to Don (short for Captain Wordstar) when he noted
that I was a small step ahead of him in learning computer word processing, in return
Don became "Coach" to me – acknowledging his long love of team sports, college and
professional. So we have remained in ever friendly salutations of each other.
As teacher of the modern historical-critical response to New Testament texts for forty
years, Don has challenged and strengthened his students' reflective grasp of those texts
and their personal faith – a formidable service to at least two generations. So intent is
he in the classroom that, for one memorable example, he once never even noticed the
Religious Studies major in the back row dressed out in a gorilla suit as a prank.
The annual Department Christmas party he and Susan have hosted for years has
provided warm memories of carol sings, skits, poems, timely readings, and other
9
performances (e.g., on one occasion, a student’s deep-throated rendition of “"Blue
Christmas," self-accompanied by guitar, that would have made Elvis proud).
His office, a cave-like affair appointed with stacks of books and journals plentiful enough
to leave but a narrow path to his desk, next to mine for decades, has made us true
"homies," and grateful I am. I cherish the photo poster hanging in the Department of
Don and myself, in shorts and hats, blissfully smoking cigars on the deck of a house –
I’ve forgotten whose – to which Departmental faculty and students once repaired for a
social function.
Don has long become a cherished player-figure in my own personal myth – standing in
no need whatsoever of Bultmannian "demythologization."
Kevin Lewis