Conservative political author and columnist David Limbaugh doesn't consider himself a biblical scholar, but he is passionate about Jesus.

Limbaugh, well-known for writing political books and being the brother of famous radio talk-show host Rush Limbaugh, long has been interested in the Bible.

"I love studying the Bible and theology," he said.

The Cape Girardeau lawyer previously wrote "Jesus on Trial." In early November, his latest book about the Bible -- "The Emmaus Code: Finding Jesus in the Old Testament" -- hit bookstore shelves.

Book sales have been strong, Limbaugh said Wednesday, adding the book ranks high on The New York Times best-seller list.

The cover of David Limbaugh's new book, "The Emmaus Code: Finding Jesus in the Old Testament." (Submitted)

Limbaugh, who said he loves to research the Bible, has computer software that allows him to search information from thousands of books on the Bible and Christianity.

Before becoming a political writer, Limbaugh said he became a Christian after first being skeptical about the religion.

"I started writing a book about the Old Testament," he recalled.

He wrote a few chapters. "It was too long. It was way too many words," he said.

He showed it to friends, who read the manuscript and told him they liked it. He submitted it to a Christian book agent, who turned it down.

"That bummed me out, but I continued to study the Bible," he added.

Two decades later, Limbaugh has returned to that theme.

"Basically, I started anew on this book," he said.

In the book, Limbaugh focuses on what he calls "the Christ-centered" content of the Old Testament.

"I think too many Christians have the wrong idea about the Old Testament," he said. "People have this mistaken idea that the God of the Old Testament is an angry God. The God of the Old Testament is anything but angry and wrathful. The God of the Old Testament is infinitely loving and gracious."

Limbaugh said the book returns him full circle to the start of his writing career.

"It's kind of cool, because it is the fulfillment of a dream that started 25 years ago," Limbaugh said.

This is Limbaugh's seventh book and the second about the Bible.

Limbaugh said he believes the Bible and politics go hand in hand.

"I see no conflict between my separate passions of the Bible and politics. Some Christians believe that Christians ought to stay out of the public square and just pray and leave it to God. I don't think that praying and trusting God is inconsistent with our obligation to actively engage in the culture as Christians, as long as we advocate biblical values or what we think are biblical values," he said.

Limbaugh said there is a need for the world to have a moral compass.

"I think we Christians are losing the culture. Our country is turning away from God. We are turning away from biblical morality. I want to encourage us back toward the things that I believe are true and right," he said.

mbliss@semissourian.com

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