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Jeff Foxworthy Tells TheBlaze His Views on God, the Bible & How He Became a Believer

Oct. 17, 2012 2:36pm Billy Hallowell

Comedian Jeff Foxworthy has been a successful fixture in the entertainment industry for years. While he’s become well-known for roles in shows like “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?,” “Blue Collar TV” and “The Jeff Foxworthy Show,” it is his newest project — “The American Bible Challenge” — that is putting him in the headlines of late. TheBlaze interviewed the host earlier this week to discuss the show’s monumental success, to speak about his views on the Bible and to explore his personal faith background.

GSN (formerly Game Show Network) took a risk, in the eyes of some, when the network decided to launch a game show based exclusively upon the Bible. After all, no one had ever tried it before. And while there’s certainly a massive Christian market in America, uncharted waters can be difficult to navigate — and costly, especially if they fail to bring in ratings. Drafting Foxworthy, a noted Christian, as host, GSN paved the way for blockbuster success.

TheBlaze Sits Down With Comedian Jeff Foxworthy to Discuss Faith & the Bible

Photo Credit: GSN

Taking the Gig

In many ways, Foxworthy was the perfect candidate to be the public face of the project. In an exclusive interview with TheBlaze, though, he said that answering the call to take the job wasn’t a slam-dunk decision. Instead, it was something he thought carefully about before committing.

The actor and funny guy said that he was approached by the network after his show, “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” didn’t get renewed. While the faith-based project was instantly attractive, Foxworthy said he didn’t want to exploit the Bible.

“My first thought was, ‘I don’t want to be standing in line in hell going, ‘It was the game show,’” he quipped. “My faith is a huge part of my life and, at the same time, you don’t want to exploit it.”

As he took the time to ponder the project, he realized that the show differed from other television competitions in a profound way. Rather than offering contestants personal fortune, those competing were playing for charity. After Foxworthy realized that contestants would be “playing to love on somebody else,” he decided to take the hosting gig. And the rest — well — it’s history.

The power of the show, Foxworthy contends, goes above and beyond testing Biblical knowledge. The comedian claims that the real appeal is the power that the program has to reach non-believers.

TheBlaze Sits Down With Comedian Jeff Foxworthy to Discuss Faith & the Bible

Photo Credit: FILE

“If somebody didn’t have faith and they were watching — they’re not going to be converted because someone knows the answer to a question,” he said, going on to claim that the charities being represented — food pantries and other human service groups — will, instead, touch viewers.

Foxworthy’s Faith Journey

Foxworthy has been a Christian for decades. In fact, he told TheBlaze that he remembers accepting Jesus Christ when he was just seven years old. He recounted being at church with his mother and telling her that he was ready to go down to the sanctuary to accept the Lord. His mother, assuming he was still too young, told him to wait until he had a firmer understanding. However, this did little to dissuade the young man.

“I argued all the way home and the preacher came to the house and he said ‘he knows what he’s doing,’” Foxworthy said. “We went back that night [to the church].”

Growing up in the old Southern Baptist tradition, Foxworthy said he had a difficult time complying with the often-times strict rules and regulations. He remembers thinking, “I love God, but I can’t act and dress like that.”

Initially, he didn’t know what to do, but that by the time he turned 30, the pieces started to come together; he realized that God didn’t need him to follow rigid rules and regulations surrounding clothing and outward expression in order to be a good Christian.

Like many Christians who would consider themselves non-denominational, Foxworthy said that he’s “not real big on religion” (typically, believers of this stripe place their primary focus on faith and the Bible and not on more hardline tradition and religious structure). Rather than being “scared to death to have a sense of humor,” he encourages Christians to experience God’s “joyousness” and not to get “caught up in legalism.”

As for his own faith journey, the comedian prefers to be hands on.

“Here’s what I feel like. Rather than going and sitting in a service for an hour every Sunday and that being extent of my faith, it’s more important that I live it out,” Foxworthy said. “I lead a Bible study with homeless guys on Tuesday mornings…I have done it for years.”

The entertainer then went into detail about this unique public service activity, describing the small group as having started with only 15 male participants. Over the years, the Bible study has grown to more than 100 homeless men who are attempting to better their lives.

“If they agree to go through treatment and do well, [the organization running the study] puts them up for a year, takes them through counseling and helps them reunite with their families,” Foxworthy explained.

While he believes wholeheartedly in getting involved in service projects, he also goes to church regularly and relies upon the Bible for guidance in his everyday life. Foxworthy enthusiastically described the importance of the holy book.

“It’s kind of the anchor of the whole thing. It’s kind of what guides me in how to deal with my career, my money,” he explained. “Nothing in life prepared me to have money…I didn’t come from it. Nothing in life prepared me to be quasi-famous.”

TheBlaze Sits Down With Comedian Jeff Foxworthy to Discuss Faith & the Bible

Photo Credit: GSN

Foxworthy’s view is that the income that he has been fortunate enough to earn isn’t really his. Since “it belongs to God,” the comedian said that he finds it important to ask the Lord what to do with it. Part of the process, of course, is prayer and consideration of how best to spend it. Thus, Foxworthy finds himself “finding the time to be still enough to listen.”

“For it to be a relationship, you can’t do all the talking. That’s not a relationship,” he explained. “You’ve got to listen. God doesn’t scream. God whispers.”

In addition to his comments about listening to God and having a solid relationship with the Almighty, Foxworthy shared his own struggles with trying to figure God out — a feat that he believes to be, on its face, senseless.

“If you could figure out God and what he’s doing then he’s not worthy of worship. I think that’s the way comedians are wired — questioning,” he said. “That was a struggle for me for a long time. Now, I’m comfortable saying, ‘I have no idea.’”

Foxworthy went on to illustrate this statement through an experience that unfolded at the Bible study he runs. He explained that it’s important to allow the homeless to experience the benefits of giving back. Since they’re often on the receiving end of charity, those in need sometimes miss out on the blessings that can come from being generous.

So, Foxworthy gave each guy in the group $50 and told them that, if they donated the money to school supplies and hats, gloves and supplies for people living on the streets, he and the other leaders would match whatever was given.

“All 150 guys got up and put their $50 bills in the basket,” he said, while conveying that he was clearly moved by the experience. “Every person in there gave every single penny they had on them. I sat against the wall and sobbed for 10 minutes.”

Foxworthy admitted that he thought he had God figured out. While he assumed the men would pocket the money, they did the exact opposite. Not only did they donate the $50 he gave them, but they also emptied what few pennies they had on them into the offering plate.

No Longer “One and Done”

Considering all of these elements, it’s no surprise that Foxworthy is down-to-earth and grounded when it comes to addressing his career. Unlike many others in the entertainment industry, he claims that his professional experiences don’t define him.

“I love doing stuff like “5th Grader” or “Bible Challenge,” he said. “[But] it’s not what defines me in life. I’m a husband and I’m a dad and I’m a part of this community…”

As for his most recent success, he joked, noting that he’s had “two hits in a row,” considering the widespread success of “The American Bible Challenge” and “5th Grader.”

“Usually, with me and TV, it’s one and done,” he quipped. “I’ve now become the authority on religion and politics — the two things that get people riled up.”

As TheBlaze has previously reported, “The American Bible Challenge” ended up being the most successful program in the network’s history (the show’s finale for season one is Thursday evening at 9 p.m. ET). GSN recently announced that a second season is on the way.

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

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Comments (51)

geomann
Posted on October 18, 2012 at 1:23pm
I recently saw Jeff’s stand-up comedy routine at a local venue, and he had people rolling in the isles. I think it’s great he is so succesful, yet his show is suitable for all ages. He is a really nice guy.

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JayRayBrrunden
Posted on October 18, 2012 at 9:36am
He is no respecter of persons meaning He doesn’t “prefer” one human over another. He simply hears the cries of the humble in heart in times of need and believe me, we are all in need of this kind of savior. Pride and overconfidence can really make us blind-deaf-mute-void to the indescribable God of the Universe. When the air gets too thick or the gravy is lumpy, it’s time to go back to the basics and the bottom line. The bottom line for me is this; no one can EVER tell me that Jesus didn’t save me and that His BLOOD didn’t wash me clean from my sins. I needed it then, I need it now, and I’m sure as heck gunna need it in the future of this ole world.

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- davecorkery
  Posted on October 18, 2012 at 1:53pm
  Then let me be the first: He didn’t save you and his blood washed nothing. Magical sky fairies just don’t do that.
  You’re welcome.
  
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- An_American_Thinker
  Posted on October 18, 2012 at 3:56pm
  God Bless you Jay. And DaveCorkery? I will pray for you, it won’t hurt either one of us; and if you never accept and believe? Well that’s ok, too! But boy are you in for a big surprise someday!
  
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bornagaincowgirl
Posted on October 18, 2012 at 12:27am
Bro. Jeff–I didn’t know you were in the family of God too. I don’t watch much TV but I have heard of Jeff Foxworthy and I loved reading your story, what a blessing.

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JayRayBrrunden
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 11:31pm
I must be really tired from that tooth pullin’ business at the dentist yesterday. I can’t seem to say what is on my heart the way it is supposed to be SAID. What I MEANT to say is … to save the ‘ONE’ lagging behind, Jesus would leave the “ninety-nine”. I seem to be lagging behind today, but that’s okay, I’m all up for a little “redeeming” any day. I REALLY liked the Jeff Foxworthy story. I grew up in situations that Mr. Foxworthy could write more jokes about. My Dad tore a truck seat out of an old rusted out Ford and since he was always tearing stuff apart he decided that an old abandoned toilet he had sitting in the backyard could serve as a temporary seat in that truck until he got the new seat installed. AND HE DID. Yes, he DID put A TOILET; seat down first and stuck that thing in the Ford there and drove himself downtown in that truck and waved at fellow man in the world outside. Just stick a gunny sack full of chickens in the back, and you got yourself a redneck novel! I believe in being an overcomer and conqueror in Christ Jesus not sportin’ a victim card. That victim card is pretty dank and it provides no hope.

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Darthmaximus
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 9:58pm
I have evolved to a level of spiritual thinking that makes it so I don’t need religion. There are others like me and there will be more in the future as humans evolve. I do not think religion is stupid; it can help the weaker of our species through hard times and to me that is ok. It can also set a moral base for those who could not figure out morals on their own. I find religion fascinating much the same way as I do a Aesop’s Fables and Star Wars. I put no stake in religion. By the word religion I’ve seen the lunacy of every religious fanatic behold the will of God. Its just that religion is a tool and if you need that tool then good for you as long as you don’t take it literally. I prefer to develope my own tools.

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- III_percenter
  Posted on October 18, 2012 at 4:01am
  By the word religion I’ve seen the lunacy of every religious fanatic behold the will of God.
  
  The quote is “By the word religion I’ve seen the lunacy of every religious fanatic *be called* the will of God.”–Kingdom of Heaven.
  
  I would have more respect for your statement about “finding your own morality” or the “weaker” people needing religion if you didn’t need to quote–and fail to quote properly–a second rate movie to express your own thoughts.
  
  Other than that, there are just a couple of thoughts on religion:
  
  1) The Bible describes religion as “True religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and keep himself unspotted from the world.” Not a whole lot of legalism or endless rules in that description.
  
  2) Jesus Himself said that it was the weak that are the one welcomed in the Kingdom of Heaven: “Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” and “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs in the kingdom of Heaven.”
  
  Religion is too often abused by selfish “lunatics” as you and the movie call them and I will heartily agree. So too are roads abused by drunk drivers and matches by crack addicts. It is not religion that is the problem. It is so-called “strong” men who insist they are sufficient to decide right and wrong for themselves with no regard for what God has to say on the matter.
  
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- speakerman1
  Posted on October 18, 2012 at 11:01am
  There is a big difference in being religious and being a Christian. I have seen buildings full of Religious people. Christ taught by examples and he did teach verbally. He walked the talk. He talked the walk. There is no I in the Christian faith.They live in the world not of it. Christianity is a thought process and is ever evolving. You can kill a Christian and he will be praying as you kill them. They will not be praying for their soul; but for the killers.When it comes to that point ask if you could do that. Be truthful to yourself and others. If you don’t think you could you have more work to do. To get to the point that Jesus Christ did.I don’t think I could. To be that way is not bad. If you can recognize that fact about yourself. Then you know there is more work to be done. That is one of the hardest things to give up. Control. Thank you for letting me share my thoughts.
  
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- Bikkiboo
  Posted on October 18, 2012 at 3:31pm
  The Bible says “You will know them by their fruits.” Which religion or atheist group bears the most fruit? If you study history, you will see that, overall, the Christian religion produces more good (i.e. fruit) for more people than any other group. Christians themselves generally are wealthier, healthier, and more giving than any other group. Even if you don’t believe in God, wouldn’t you rather live like Christians do? Even American non-Christians benefit from Christian behavior, and so do those in the rest of the world. Start looking at the “fruits” of other groups. You’ll see it.
  
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watashbuddyfriend
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 8:48pm
I must set my DVR to record The American Challenge Show, to see how it measures up with Bible Doctrine!

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JayRayBrrunden
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 7:44pm
to help the “99″ lagging BEHIND. Jesus said that he would leave 99 healthy, whole, sheep to go back for the one lil’ guy in need. He came not for the perfect but for those in need of a physician and Lord knows that we all fall short.

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- ginger ghent
  Posted on October 18, 2012 at 12:07am
  Amen
  
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- bornagaincowgirl
  Posted on October 18, 2012 at 12:21am
  Yes, amen.
  
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blackyb
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 5:52pm
It is a good effort. Thank you.

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Bobby D
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 4:46pm
This Bible program is such a blessing in days of such sin. Thank you.

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I Aint PC
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 4:18pm
We enjoy the show. My kids try to answer the questions as they are asked. Some they get, some they don’t. The questions are humorous the way they are asked, ie Bible Tweets, Greeting cards, ect. It makes it fun for all of us to watch.
As far as Foxworthy, I have seen him in concert and listened to his cds for years. Some of them even gave me ideas. “You might be a Redneck if…” Hopefully GSN will keep this show going.

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theotherberean
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 4:15pm
Down to earth and grounded indeed.

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- Tractorboy
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 4:51pm
  Does anybody see a pattern here? among successful, happy, well adjusted, people, who live great lives?……….God Bless Jeff Foxwhorthy, and thank you Jeff for telling your story, very inspirational.
  
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Curious Visitor
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 4:02pm
A Bible quiz show hosted by by an enormously popular and successful comedian in a country that’s 80% Christian.

So brave.

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- Eblaze44
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 5:36pm
  This country is NOT 80% Christian – I don’t care how you count the numbers – saying you are a Christian is NOT being one. IF 80% of Americans were Christians this country would NOT be in the mess it’s in. We wouldn’t have thieves, liars, and abomination before God practitioners in our government, there would be prayer and the pledge of allegiance in schools – nor would we be welcoming illegal trespassing foreign nationals – Christianity doesn’t require giving your country away. We wouldn’t be speeding down the highways at 10 or 15 miles per hour over the posted speed limits. We wouldn’t have 81 year old bus drivers telling a twelve year old that his mom should have had an abortion. We wouldn’t be debating murdering unborn children, nor flouting a woman’s right to be an adulterous slut.
  
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- YAHUSHUAHRULES
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 9:46pm
  EBLAZE44 good word. So true.
  
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- ddo2012
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:24pm
  This country is definitely not 80% Christian. If you were to crunch the numbers in reality, I suspect the number would be closer to 33% Christian. Simply believing in God does not make one a Christian. It would be interesting to know exactly what the percentage is, but it’s a long way from 80%.
  
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LimitedLiabilityUser
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 4:00pm
I had the same trepidation before watching this show as it seems Foxworthy did. I didn’t want to have another “Six Flags Over Jesus” experience (to borrow the phrase from a well known preacher) for the most important and Holy words ever spoken. The Bible has such amazing power in its words, that I find it difficult to believe the Holy Spirit operates through a trivia game show. If this show gets more people interested in reading their Bibles, then that’s fantastic, but we must read the Bible seeking understanding through prayer, faith, and reflection. I was at least happy to know that the proceeds go to charities.

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nesmond
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 3:42pm
If this show gets too popular, watch for attacks from the MSM. They will do their best to destroy the Church and their believers by whatever means necessary. They are helping to fulfill prophecy and are too ignorant to realize it.

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JayRayBrrunden
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 3:42pm
I had no idea about Jeff Foxworthy’s faith. I remember laying in bed sick one night with ” you might be a redneck” some book passed along to me and I was stinkin’ crackin’ up. Laughter was truly the best medicine. I had to ignore some of the “naughty” stuff in there. I myself am a believer and also a singer/songwriter. I myself have been caught up in legalism and it is like a vicious dog that bites and devours anything and everything good, and tells it that it’s not “good enough.” I know that entertaining isn’t my “portion” necessarily in life, but it is something I love to do and I think God is giving me some unique opportunities to relate to ordinary people. I’m learning that God is so much more approachable than we make Him out to be.The relationship God desires to have with each one of us is not so hard to figure out! His love in essence…Just believe and act out of that faith, confess it unashamedly, ask forgiveness too.Hard to figure out is LEGALISM: Lofty matters, doctrines, and grueling routines, life sucking rituals, etc. THAT can really burn a believer out. I thank God that He offers us grace to come as we are and follow at the enduring pace to FINISH the race, not STOP, just short of the finish line, due to the faith crushing fatigue that wants to scare even the strongest of believers into complacency. I am so refreshed by Jeff’s testimony and to see that he is allowing God to call him away from “99″ to help the weak ones lagging be

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BPMaine
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 3:31pm
Always liked him – like him even more now.

Very cool.

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Black Manta
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 3:27pm
The bible is nothing to play with…all you people calim to read the bible but, don’t know that Christ is black and the people of Isarel are the jews…smh…enjoy your heaven on earth…..

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- wouldubelieveit
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 3:48pm
  Is color that big of thing in your life? Jesus taught us to put out FAITH in God not man. Paul even said watch out for lying men who try to distract you from what your were taught by Jesus. You have faith already in you. But what do you have in? Man’s word or God’s word it is your choice.
  
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- Centurian
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 7:19pm
  As the song goes…
  
  “I don’t care about the color of his skin, as long as his blood was red.”
  
  Don’t get wrapped up in color. Its deceptive, because when its the color that stops you, you miss out on knowing the person that skin color is attached to.
  
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- ddo2012
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 10:28pm
  Sorry, but Jesus isn’t black. He was a born Jew, so He possessed Hebrew characteristics. By the same token, He’s not white like you see in most churches.
  
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- geomann
  Posted on October 18, 2012 at 1:20pm
  Jesus may have been black, but that means absolutely nothing to me. As a “gentile”, I am but a dog thankful for scraps at my savior’s table.
  
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Ilikepeople
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 3:06pm
It ain’t no joke people, the lukewarm will be spit out.

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John 3:16
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 3:02pm
This is a wonderful testimony, a man I can relate to. I would love to watch this on the Blaze TV.

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Ilikepeople
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 3:02pm
The Bible. Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.

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- Ilikepeople
  Posted on October 17, 2012 at 3:04pm
  You ain’t gonna do like the dandelions, unless you get down the basics.
  
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John 3:16
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 3:01pm
Add your comments

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Ilikepeople
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 2:59pm
The Bible is meant for man to figure out, yet it isn’t the answer to life the universe and everything.

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Ilikepeople
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 2:57pm
What, “If you can figure out God, he isn’t worthy of worship?” Are you insane, that’s the whole point of the Bible.

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- III_percenter
  Posted on October 18, 2012 at 4:12am
  Sort of. The Bible gives us revelation about God but truth must be accepted in light of what is already known and the Bible itself declares: “To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?”
  
  We know the Bible declares that God has no beginning but how do we understand that?
  We know the Bible declares that God exists in all places at once but how can we explain that?
  We know the Bible declares that God is One yet Three & Three yet One but how is that possible?
  We know the Bible declares that Jesus was 100% Man and 100% God but how can He be both?
  
  There are a great many mysteries about God that we will never fully understand but that is one of the wonderful things about God: the more I understand, the more I love Him and I can spend all of eternity learning more about Him. It is not the Bible that is insufficient but my own understanding. There is only so much my mind can comprehend.
  
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- ChappellGirl5
  Posted on October 18, 2012 at 3:44pm
  I think the point Jeff was making is that our finite minds cannot FULLY understand an infinite God, if we could then He wouldn’t really be infinite would He? I don’t know about you, but after reading the Bible all the way through at least a dozen times, I still glean new information when reading it. God reveals Himself just enough for our minds to grasp, but as our minds grow He reveals more, but we will never have the ability to understand it all.
  
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- Dorugremon
  Posted on October 19, 2012 at 1:08pm
  III_PERCENTER:
  
  1) Time is a dimension, a property of the universe. Even Augustine understood that, *way* before General Relativity. Time is meaningless outside the universe (or at a singularity which makes event horizons a *good thing*).
  
  2) Lorenz Contraction: If you were in a space ship traveling at the speed of light, a dust speck right off the nose of your ship would seem as close as the most distant quasar. You would literally be in all places at once. Would make navigation problematic. Upon hitting the brakes, you might find yourself right back where you started, or millions of light years off course.
  
  3) Water can exist as solid, liquid, and vapour. It does so stably at its Triple Point temp (273.16 Kelvins; 611.73 Pascals).
  
  4) Does it? Not so sure about this one.
  
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john vincent
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 2:50pm
It will not be long before folks comment on how ‘stupid’ Foxworthy is,
or how archaic in his thinking. After all, how could any thinking person live a life as directed by an ancient book?

Answer: old book yes, but the same God. THe old book is an anvil that has worn out many a hammer…

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Gonzo
Posted on October 17, 2012 at 2:48pm
I think it’s a great show. My wife and I watch it and it always gets me looking things up.

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