Faith, History, and the Search for Truth: Jerry Pattengale on Purpose, Artifacts, and Legacy

In this episode of Risk & Resolve, Ben Conner and Todd Hufford sit down with scholar, author, historian, and Museum of the Bible founding scholar Jerry Pattengale. Jerry shares his journey from poverty and homelessness to faith, scholarship, publishing, film, and global work preserving biblical history. From ancient manuscripts and the Museum of the Bible to the Life Wedge principle and finding purpose, this conversation explores truth, calling, risk, and building work with a long shelf life.Main Talking PointsJerry’s childhood in rural Indiana, growing up poor but lovedBecoming homeless as a teenager and finding work at Holiday InnThe church camp moment that led to his conversion and scholarship to Indiana WesleyanHow faith sparked his search for historical truth and ancient sourcesThe professors and mentors who shaped his thinking, writing, and purposeThe “Life Wedge” principle and how purpose guides long-term impactWhy writing one publishable page a day became a lifelong disciplineThe challenge of getting published—and the rejection that later came full circleJerry’s role as founding scholar for the Museum of the BibleThe story behind choosing Washington, D.C. and building the museumMeaningful biblical artifacts, including early manuscripts and hidden textsHis work on films and series like David: King of Israel and The Road to EmmausThe importance of saying no—even to major opportunitiesHis desire to create work that lasts beyond his lifetime