June 17-21, 2002
The Peaceable Kingdom and Armageddon:
People of Faith Today
A Lutherhostel Event for Older Adults

Participants in the seminary's annual Lutherhostel program include, from left, event coordinator Pastor John Kinzel; the Rev. Dr. Robert Marshall, former President of the Lutheran Church in America who talked about the work of the Lutheran World Federation in the Middle East, and attendees Carl and Carol Phelps of Schenectady, NY.

Thirty-seven older adults gathered at LTSP June 17-21 to focus for a week on "The Peaceable Kingdom and Armageddon," two powerful biblical images that have special meaning in the post-September 11 period.

Over five days the visitors looked at the meaning of "the peaceable kingdom" of Isaiah 11: 6-7 and Armageddon, as referenced in Revelation 16:16. The program explored in depth the theme as understood by the three great monotheistic religions with their roots in the Holy Land -- Christianity, Judaism and Islam, their histories, beliefs and future hopes.

Keynote presenters included Dr. John H. P. Reumann, Ministerium Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Greek, who provided perspective and overview; Dr. Robert Bornemann, Professor Emeritus of Old Testament and hebrew, who discussed war and peace themes in the scriptures.

Also, Dr. Philip D. W. Krey, seminary president and Professor of Church History, who addressed the Crusades and their impact on the Muslim world and who also spoke on reformer Martin Luther's controversial views on Jews and what he said of the Turks.

Special guest presenters included Dr. Robert J. Marshall, former president of the Lutheran Church in America who described the work of the Lutheran World Federation in Israel, Jordan and the Middle East;
Rabbi Gregory Marx of Springhouse, PA, who led the group through a greater understanding of the history and perspectives of Judaism, and Dr. Masood Ghazvani, Professor of History and Political Science at
Rosemont College, who presented the thought, world and history of Islam.

The event was co-sponsored by LTSP and the Association of Lutheran Older Adults of Valparaiso, IN. Chaplain for the week was the Rev. Marcia Bell, the seminary's coordinator of student services. Musical leader was the Rev. Bruce Todd, pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Lafayette Hill, PA, who offered a carillon concert during the group's visit to historic Longwood Gardens.

Coordinator for Lutherhostel is the Rev. John Kinzel.

Related link:
Lutherhostel report by George E. Handley