Duane Hicks
“Jesus: Legend of Lord?” is the topic of a lecture series and discussion group starting here next Wednesday (Sept. 7).
Led by Rev. Jacob Quast, pastor at the Church of the Lutheran Hour, the group will meet at 7 p.m. at the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre each Wednesday through to Nov. 9.
“We’ll be watching a DVD series by the Rev. Dr. Paul Maier called ‘Jesus: Legend or Lord?’” Rev. Quast said in an interview last week.
“I am hoping as we watch the DVD, it will spark a lot of discussion and debate, and people can feel free to ask any sorts of questions that they might have,” he added, noting everyone is invited to attend and it should prove enlightening for anyone, whether Christian or not.
Rev. Quast said he was inspired to hold the sessions after publishing a book, “Angels: What You Should Know About These Divine Messengers (both the good and the bad),” last December.
“I found when I was talking with people about my book [that] there’s a great deal of interest about spirituality in our community, and people have lots of questions, but they’re not sure who to go to or who to ask,” he remarked.
“I wanted this to be an opportunity for people who have questions to come to the library, which is kind of a neutral zone, a non-threatening environment, and feel free to ask any kinds of questions they might have.
“I am hoping through this experience, we might all learn a little bit more about each other and grow together,” Rev. Quast added.
“That’s my prayer for this event that’s going to be taking place.”
Rev. Quast, who has held a lecture series and discussion group based on “Jesus: Legend or Lord?” before, but never outside of church, outlined the themes to be covered.
“The DVD series really takes a look at who Jesus is, looking at it not only from the perspective of what the Bible tells us, but this series really focuses in on extra-Biblical information that’s out there—secondary historical sources, archaeology, geography, all these sorts of things which help to give us a better picture of who Jesus is and what he did in his time,” he explained.
“The first couple sessions really talk about history and archaeology, and then the next several sessions deal with taking these sources that are our there and putting them into perspective with the Biblical accounts about Jesus’ life and ministry.
“And then sessions seven and eight deal with the time after Jesus’ resurrection, and how Christianity moved into the world and how that looked in the first century of Christianity,” he continued.
Rev. Quast noted there are eight episodes in the DVD series, but there will be 10 sessions in total as there should be extra time left for questions and discussion.
“I am very excited about it, and relish the opportunity to get together with people and talk with them about this subject,” he enthused.
Those interested do not have to sign up for the series, with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in International Falls having donated funds to cover the cost of renting the Shaw Community Hub at the library.
There is no fee to attend, but goodwill offerings will be accepted if people so desire.
While it’s not absolutely necessary to attend each and every session, Rev. Quast said it would be helpful for people to at least attend the first one on Sept. 7 to see what it’s all about.
“I would encourage people to bring their questions, and look forward to a really good time of learning and growing together,” he remarked.
In related news, Rev. Quast said his book on angels has been well-received so far.
“We had a very good response in Fort Frances; I was very encouraged and very happy by the response,” he noted.
“Obviously, it’s a topic that many people are interested in.”
Rev. Quast said his publisher, Today’s Reformation Press, recently contact him to let him know the book is now available on Amazon.com in the U.S.
Locally, it is available at Betty’s and from Rev. Quast (274-8724).
In the book, Rev. Quast traces the history of the church’s teachings about angels, from 100 A.D. to current beliefs, as well as the nature and function of them.
As for a sequel, he chuckled that in the description of the book on Amazon.com, his publisher stated it is volume one—implying there will be more to come.
“He said to me, ‘I’d like to discuss with you the possibility of writing another book,’” smiled Rev. Quast “And actually, when I was selling my book here, a lot of people asked whether or not I’d write a sequel at some point.
“It’s something I’d like to do. It’s something I’d like to find the time to do,” he admitted. “But the amount of research and stuff that’s required to write a book like that can be kind of daunting.”
The first book is based on Rev. Quast’s master’s-level thesis from 2003, when he attended Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton, Alta., and a culmination of four years of post-secondary study.
“That’s what I was doing the whole time,” he remarked. “Now, I’ve got this other thing called a life, a job, and kids.
“But I’d definitely like to; it’s something I’ll discuss with my publisher.”
