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By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged
“Why not keep busy?”
That’s Richard Ostling’s quick reply when asked why — at age 85 — he’s still churning out insightful religion news content.
“Our beat is ever-challenging, and there’s no shortage of fresh topics,” said Ostling, who writes a biweekly column for Religion Unplugged and produces the Religion Guy Q&A for Patheos on the alternate weeks.
“Experts tell us it’s healthy to be busy with activities that interest you,” he explained. “My retiree schedule is perfect.”
Clemente Lisi, Religion Unplugged’s executive editor, praises Ostling’s always stellar contributions.
“Dick Ostling’s columns have been a tremendous asset to Religion Unplugged,” Lisi said. “His experience, journalistic rigor and historical perspective have helped to elevate our coverage and give readers essential context on the importance of religion and public life. I have valued, and continue to value, his guidance, advice and friendship.”
I reflected last week on my 25th anniversary on the Godbeat.
But I’m just a pup compared to Ostling, who got his start in 1965 — 61 years ago — with Christianity Today before a legendary career with Time magazine and later The Associated Press.
This column appears in the online magazine Religion Unplugged.
Photo provided by Elizabeth Ostling Klein
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 