For 31 years, George Barton taught college students. For the past three years, he has taught in Baptist churches. The subjects differ, though, and so does the satisfaction he now derives from teaching.
Barton, a graduate of Florida Southern University who also holds master’s and doctor’s degrees from the University of Florida, helped students explore the field of statistics during his three decades in the college classroom. Most recently, however, he has helped members of two Beaverdam Baptist Association churches – Long Creek and Welcome – go deeper into the Bible and its relevance in their lives.
Now, he is the author of two books – “The ABCs of Being a Christian” and “The Significance of the Parables of Jesus Christ” – which he says has brought more joy to his life than anything else he has ever done.
In an interview with Seneca’s Daily Journal newspaper, Barton said the ABCs book should lead its readers to “feel closer to God and have a change in behavior. In addition to the biblical references, the religious content and explanations will be helpful to individuals as they choose the lifestyle that enables them to be close to God.”
His more recent book is a collection of the parables of Jesus, discussing their significance in the time of Christ and for the present day. “The book has been written for the layman,” Barton pointed out, “and it is hoped that those who read it will understand and be amazed at the messages that are in the parables.”
After Barton retired from education, he moved to Oconee County, and it was there – following major surgeries and being at the point of death – that he became a believer. “I’m a born-again Christian, and I write about Christianity,” Barton said in that same newspaper interview.
Currently teaching at Welcome Baptist Church in Westminster, Barton, who is a licensed Southern Baptist minister, preaches to congregations throughout Oconee County “when they need someone to fill in,” and he also gives talks “around town” on a variety of Christian topics.
He and his wife Delynn, who also holds a Ph.D. degree, live in Long Creek. “We have found the people who live here are devout Christians and are the nicest and most caring people we have been around.”
Barton is working on two new books – “The Adages of the Bible” and “The Joy of Walking with God” – which he hopes to have published by the end of the year.
The retired professor and current Bible teacher and author said that his primary purpose in life now is “to love, obey and serve the Lord.”
He may be contacted at delgeobar@aol.com or by calling (864) 647-1307.