Talking God With Tony Hillerman - Beliefnet.com

Talking God With Tony Hillerman

The best-selling mystery writer reflects on Catholicism, atheists in foxholes, and Navajo values.

BY: Interview by Anne A. Simpkinson


Tony Hillerman's recently published memoir takes its title from his mother's homespun beatitude: "Blessed are those who expect little, for they are seldom disappointed."

"Seldom Disappointed" speaks volumes about Hillerman's roots in dirt-poor rural Oklahoma, his world view strongly shaped by his family's--especially his mother's--values, the Catholic influence in his life, and his down-home demeanor. As he once said, "There is not a damned thing sophisticated about me."

Hillerman, 76, has been a reporter, journalism professor, and college administrator, but he's internationally known for his best-selling and award-winning series of Southwest mysteries with their Navajo tribal police protagonists, Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee.

Hillerman's mysteries have garnered a number of awards, but he insists that the one most meaningful to him is the "Special Friend to the Dineh Award" given to him in 1987 by the Navajo Nation for "authentically portraying the strength and dignity of traditional Navajo culture."

In his interview with Beliefnet producer Anne Simpkinson, he talks about his Catholic faith, the rock-solid principles he learned growing up, his near-death experience during World War II, and his respect for the Dineh (Navajo) way of life.

In reading your book, your mother and Catholicism seemed to be two very important influences in your life.

Yes, they certainly were. It's hard to understand how people can get through life, which is tough, without having any religious faith.

Continued on page 2: »

Related Topics:

Money, Maternal Aunt, Book, Best Selling Mystery Writer, Youre, Holistic Living, Tribal Police Protagonists, Indians, Engineering Companies, Dont, Indian Basketball Players

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