The Greatest Book of the 20th Century

In 1997, readers voted that the greatest book of the 20th Century was "Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien. In this episode, John Zimmer, FOCUS' Vice President of Apostolic Development, joins Jessica to talk about spiritual lessons we can learn from Lord of the Rings. This episode contains spoilers!John and Jess discuss:Tolkien's emphasis on never losing hope, even in impossible circumstancesThe importance given to friendship throughout the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the necessity of friendship in the Christian lifeWhy Tolkien didn't have Frodo choose to destroy the ring at the end of the novels and what this can teach us about how God uses our failures and weaknessesJohn Zimmer serves FOCUS as Vice President of Apostolic Formation. Since joining FOCUS in 1999, he has served in a variety of roles –including serving as a campus missionary, directing the national campus apostolate, overseeing the training and formation of staff, and leading the effort to bring the mission of FOCUS into parishes and non-campus environments. John speaks and teaches throughout the country on leadership, evangelization, and apologetics, and lives in Colorado, with his wife, Barbara, and four of their seven children.