Future Postings

In the future, we will update this site with information and commentary on Sacred Scripture. If you are interested having Alan give a conference or just would like to talk with him, send him an email at messiahco@aol.com.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Conference Series

B I B L I C A L  S T U D Y

O F

S A C R E D  L I T U R G I C A L

R E A D I N G S
  

SERIES B
UNDERSTANDING SCRIPTURE 
IN UNION WITH THE LIVING OF HOLY LIVES

With
ALAN JOHN MEISTER 

Biblical Scholar and Theologian

AT
Place to be Announced

Weekly Meetings
Date and Time to be Announced
Later
(Break in the middle)

The Conferences
   

This conferences series will discuss in detail each week's readings along with gospel message. Discussions will center upon a united meaning of the three readings that reveals the deeper meaning of Scripture that helps us to live holy lives in union with each other and the doing of the will of God. Included in the discussions will be the historical background of the readings and comparisons between the three synoptic Gospels, along with charts, maps, depictions, and various pieces of artwork. All are invited.

Major Screenplay: Paulus Saoul ©

Original Screenplay Written by Alan John Meister

A Major Screenplay Production

A Completed Screenplay on the Life and Sufferings

of the Apostle Paul

We are looking for a producer for our dynamic screenplay, Paulus Saoul^© . This will be a classic landmark film, gathering world-wide attention about one of the most important biblical figures in human history. It is a moving and inspiring film with powerful story line.

Its exciting plot revolves around the theme of a man who changed the world by his determination to endure suffering in order to bring about a new beginning, which is seen in his message to the world.

This is no ordinary message for this screenplay for it shows Paulus Saoul© is moved by a mystical power. This crucial aspect of the film slowly brings to surface the fact that one’s personal suffering is sometimes needed to launch a new beginning. Indeed, the film’s primary character faces a darkness that can touch us all. Yet, something happens that changes him, and forces him to believe in a world he never thought he would.

The production will draw everyone into the exciting scenes within movie, as people think about their sufferings and the compassion of love. Can that fit into their beliefs? Certainly, to see this man of God suffering can change a person. And so to impress this point, the film sets up a contrast between the values and beliefs of the two worlds, the beliefs of this man of God and a single central opposition. As such, the screenplay was written with a worldwide audience in mind, to help all people lead the life of faith that Paulus Saoul© teaches by his sufferings. Certainly, this means the film may help bring a conscious desire for peace among the people of the world, as they see together the evil of torturing innocent people by those who say they believe in a God, but are willing to torture and kill others for their own beliefs.

The production will be a unique and epic production with many never-before-known scenes in the life of the Apostle Paul, It contains stonings, scourgings, beatings, escapes, massive shipwrecks, and more. This antagonism strikes in different ways to torment the Apostle. Certainly he wants something - things to change, but there are contentious attitudes that get in his way of achieving them. It’s a world where such a desire is simple, yet there are stirring confrontations that challenge Paul, and will challenge the audience too. Clearly, the audience will know that the major character is suffering for a belief in redemption. Indeed, the audience may well empathize with him because of his hardships and his rough edges. Indeed, his sufferings are a call for one to believe in his words.

This production will be unlike any other production about the Apostle Paul, for it will be historically accurate according to Sacred Scripture while revealing the sufferings that were endured in order to reveal a message - one that changed the world.

Inquires Please Contact

Alan John Meister

949-582-3817

messiahco@aol.com

Accomplishments and Original Concepts

Among His Accomplishments
and Original Concepts

He Has Taught and Recorded Over 700 Presentations
on Sacred Scripture

Including various topics on Israel and Catholic Theology

i.e,  The Eucharist,  Blessed Virgin Mary,  Suffering,
The Church, and Biblical Israel and The Christian Messiah

He Has Taught and Recorded a Commentary Series
on Every Single New Testament Book
First Time Every Accomplished!

All 27 books of the New Testament

4 Gospels, Acts, 13 St. Paul Epistles, Hebrews,
7 Catholic Epistles, Revelation

First Time Ever Done!

Taught and Recorded a Commentary Series
on All Four Gospels at the Same Time

The Four Gospels
The Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ

A Simultaneous and Chronological Commentary Series
on the Gospels of  Matthew, Mark, and John

First Time Ever Done!

Taught and Recorded the Commentary Series
on the Infancy Narratives

From Matthew and Luke

First Time Ever Done!

Taught and Recorded the Commentary Series
on the Messianic Prophecies in the Old Testament
The Christian Messiah

From the Pentateuch, Historical Books, Wisdom Books,
Prophetic Books From Genesis to Malachi

First Time Ever Done!

Has Taught and Recorded Various Series on Pauline Theology

He is a respected authority and expert on Pauline Theology
 and his salvation concepts, as well as on the life of the Apostle Paul.

He wrote a thesis and produced a CD series on these topics.

He Originated the Concept of “Thematic Delineation”

This creates a fresh look into the controversial
subject of textual criticism
through the study of themes within the Gospels,
and provides the reader with insight
into the writings of the Gospel writers

Developed Two Charts Advancing
the Understanding of Pauline Salvation Theology in Romans
The Pauline Salvation Theology Chart
Flow of Righteousness to Justification Chart

Given Many New Insights
into Various New Testament Writings

Which are expressed within his many
commentaries and recordings

Written a Variety of Scriptural Treatises on Various Topics

Taught and Recorded Conferences
on the Five Spiritual Stages of Holiness

Written Prayers and Meditations

Written Meditations on the Stations of the Cross
Including the New Sixteen Preliminary Stations of the Cross

  Written an Apostolic Prayer to St. Gemma Galgani approved by the Bishop
and written a Prayer of Sacrifice

Other Information

If you are interested in having Alan give a talk in your parish or for your community or religious group, please email him at messiahco@aol.com

All of Alan's conferences have been recorded and are available on CD. Please email us at messiahco@aol.com for purchase.

Alan and his wife Susan are professed Third Order Norbertine members.

Alan is the founder of Messiah Communications, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation devoted to teaching Sacred Scripture.

Our Approach to Biblical Study

Our approach to the cultural literature of both Judaism and Christianity is to share an enthusiasm of faith through biblical studies by integrating within the study of New Testament an awareness of Old Testament traditions and early church history. Messiah’s conferences bring a pastoral awareness and an enhanced understanding about the character of the church through research into Scripture, church history and the patristic literature.

As such, our exciting Scriptural approach is broad and very comprehensive, being both intellectual as well as pastoral, yet importantly includes spirituality as well as theological issues. Therefore, we present Scripture using both an intellectual as well as a spiritual methodology that underlies our dynamic relationship with Christ Jesus, which we call “Divine Union.” Indeed, our relationship with Christ is one of union, and as St. Paul states in Ephesians, it is a love much like that of a husband and wife for it unites us as one body, into the one body. In this love that calls, we are drawn into the most fundamental relationship of all - that of being in Christ. In this type of love, God whispers in our ears through Scripture, “Ah, you are beautiful, my beloved” (Psa. 1:15). Within this love you find an eternal belonging so great that you only find happiness in union, and you refer to Christ asit states in the Song of Songs, “My lover belongs to me and I to Him” (Psa. 1:16). This is the way God calls us, longing for our response - to completely abandon ourselves to Him in love. It is a love so utterly complete and enduring that you see being united in Christ as even fundamental to your own existence. It is then ones response of faith becomes so united to the desires of the beloved that we become one with Christ in love. This is the beauty of our union in Christ.

Sample Gospel Manuscript

THE GOSPELS:

THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS
OF JESUS CHRIST

SYNOPSIS

Seeing through the eyes of the Apostles! Author and scholar Alan Meister’s concept of “thematic delineation (TD)” creates a fresh look into the controversial subject of textual criticism through the study of themes within the Gospels, and provides the reader with insight into the inner workings of the writers of the Gospels. It is surely a process that reveals the very inspiration which made the Gospels come alive in the hearts of the early Christian church.

The early Christians were able to grasp the Gospels with a fervency that forever would change the course of history. Yet today, thousands of years apart from origin and inspiration, many dogmaticians, theologians, and critics of the Gospels now struggle endlessly to unlock the very truths that once tied Christianity together. The result has been only to divide a kingdom and a message that was once united.

In this Commentary, Alan Meister’s refreshing new technique of TD has opened the door to something that scholars have tried for centuries, an approach that synthesizes both a scholarly and analytical process with a pastoral and easy to understand methodology that gives more people access to the knowledge of Scripture. As such, TD helps unlock the truths of the Gospels to people without tearing apart its underlying fabric of unity of thought. Certainly, TD will bring clarification to the study and exegesis of Scripture and help teach people of all walks of life to stand together from the manger to the cross of Jesus Christ.

FAQs About Messiah Communications

Q. You describe your approach to teaching Sacred Scripture as unique. Why?

ALAN: The Gospel should be presented as an exciting adventure. It is the “living person of Jesus Christ.” The approach to teaching about salvation as a Divine Union can help people realize God’s love for them. Christ is calling humanity and asking us to respond to Him with our most intimate love. This is love of the only Son coming from the Father filled with an enduring love. It is in this love that we are joined with Christ into His mystical body. in this regard, I like to develop exciting ways and various charts to present the Gospel to people.

Q. What has been the reaction to your conferences and courses?

ALAN: We’ve had lots of positive reactions from so many wonderful people who have attended either a conference or a course. Some frequent comments people have made are “you make Scripture fun and exciting” and “so easy to understand” and “I never understood the bible before.” Many others have said “the information you present is so impressive and thorough” and “you bring the writers personally alive.” Others have told our volunteers, “it would be nice if we had more courses like this.” Still there have been other comments that have been somewhat more embarrassing like “what a tremendous gift you give us.” We tell such gracious people the credit belongs completely to our Lord and the Holy Spirit and my guardian angel. We know it is Holy Spirit who guides our thoughts and words. Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Virgin we’d be lost.

Q. What are some of the difficulties Christians encounter in studying the Bible?

ALAN: Generally, we feel they fall into five categories. First, one should try to avoid a using “fundamental” approach. That is, interpreting Scripture apart from its context (the before and after verses, and the context of Scripture overall). Additionally, it is important to know the overall themes of the gospel writers, as well as the related themes of other New Testament writers, and to not infer something that is contrary to these themes.

Secondly, it is important to understand that most of the teachings of the Church come from Scripture. Vatican II states Scripture “rules the Church.” Yet, it is Church’s foundation in its teaching authority that protects the faithful from errors. Many have fallen into deception, thinking that they can find contradictory evidence to the teachings of the Church, which has evolved over centuries from Scripture. In my researching, studying, and teaching Scripture for over twenty-five years, I must say I have never found a teaching of the Church contradicted in Scripture. All truth is contained within Scripture, and it is the Church’s job to protect that truth.

The third item in understanding Scripture is the inclusion of spirituality in studying Scripture. Many people, teachers, and scholars alike often stumble by not including prayer along with the study of Scripture. I have seen this many times. It is through prayer that one unites more closely to God himself, and through a closer relationship one receives the grace of understanding about God and what He has revealed to us. Vatican II encourages us to pray before and after reading scripture. Unfortunately, it has been my experience to find that those who frequently misunderstand or teach Scriptural errors lack a solid devotion to the Blessed Mother. So, if you are truly sincere about understanding Scripture, I suggest the daily Rosary as a solid means to help. Of course, even the practice of prayer is recommended in Scripture itself.

The fourth difficulty is to think that you can understand everything yourself. The second letter of Peter refers to this danger (2 Pet. 3:15-16). In addition, St. Paul cautions the faithful about false teachers (Rom. 16:17-18; 1 Cor.12-13). So, it is good for people to attend courses with instructors who possess a solid spirituality. I think its like choosing a confessor, you want to find one who knows that he’s talking about. In learning the Scripture from sound instruction one is able to understand and unite themselves to the gospel message of salvation in Christ.

The fifth pitfall today is the tendency to be too symbolic. Some biblical teachers want to think of many events in the New Testament as being just symbolic of Old Testament events, rather than reenactments or fulfillments of Hebrew Scripture. Some see far too much symbolism in the Old Testament, or do not view Sacred Scripture as historical as well. These pitfalls create the possibility of distorting the interpretation of Scripture.

Q. Do you ever encounter poor Scripture scholarship in circles?

ALAN: Absolutely. Let me give you several examples. I’ve heard some say that the Adam and Eve account in Genesis is only symbolic. My head grows gray over this one. In Luke’s Gospel we have the genealogy of Adam to Christ. It is extremely hard to be a descendent of a symbol. Besides, St. Paul also refers to Adam as a living being in his Second Adam theology in Corinthians and Romans. Additionally, the original sin comes Adam and Eve, and St. Paul discusses this concept as well (Rom. 5:15-16; 7:11-12), so any denial of the actual existence of Adam and Eve comes into real conflict with the Church’s teaching and the Scriptural texts. I’ve also heard some say Abraham also was a symbol. This is news, because Christ in the Gospels, and St. Paul in his Epistles, refer to him as a historical person. If Abraham was symbolic, then the entire New Testament would have to be a falsification, because the faith of the Israelites rested on Abraham! Perhaps, one of the more interesting ones often heard, is that the Red Sea was only at low tide with sandbars that allowed Moses and the Israelites to cross. I chuckle at this one. It must have been really low tide to drown all the Egyptians who followed after the fleeing Israelites.

Q. Tell me about your writings and some of those overheads you display. They seem to make understanding Scripture so easy. What do you feel are your most important contributions to the study of Scripture?

ALAN: Well, I’ve written lots of commentaries and manuscripts on the New Testament, including all the Gospels and Pauline Epistles. I feel there is a need for a solid English commentary that is pastoral, spiritual, yet still contains some intellectualism as to the concepts of faith. This has been our approach. Two of these manuscripts were completed to correct some errors that have creep into Scripture study, these are The Messiah: His Birth and Death and The Christian Messiah.

As to the charts I have used, these are designed to enhance the understanding of Scripture. Many like my “baseball chart”, this is an overview to the salvation concept in Romans. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I’ve designed a number of these simple, yet theologically sound charts. Defining the terms is part of the design, like the Flow of Righteousness chart. It shows the flow of righteousness (God) through grace (God’s self communication of himself into ones soul) through faith (simply defined as surrender to God) to justification (humanity possessing God’s righteousness).

One of the concepts I will be publishing that of “Thematic Delineation.” This is defined as a style of writing in which an author chooses the historical events to include or exclude based upon a preconceived theme, purpose, and approach as to what is narrated or taught. This is what the evangelists did, and I believe with this concept one can easily understand why there are differences in the gospels. Simply stated, each writer wanted to convey salvation using several themes, and they included only those events that enhanced their themes. Another is the concept of “Unity of God Within Humanity.” Unity is God’s primary attribute within the Trinity. And God gives us this image of his unity through our baptism.

Biblical and Other Reference Sites

HOLY BIBLE: NEW AMERICAN TRANSLATION

http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/index.cfm

HOLY BIBLE: DOUAY-RHEIMS TRANSLATION

CHALLONER REVISION, 1749-1752

http://www.ccel.org/c/challoner/douayrheims/dr.html

LIST OF POPES

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12272b.htm

WRITINGS OF CHURCH FATHERS

http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/

MAJOR COUNCILS OF THE CHURCH

http://www.dailycatholic.org/history/councils.htm

TWENTY ONE ECUMENCIAL COUNCILS

http://www.newadvent.org/library/almanac_14388a.htm

CATHOLIC CATECHISM

http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm

SUMMA THEOLOGICA BY ST, THOMAS AQUINAS

http://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/aquinas/summa/index.htm

PSEUDOPIGRAPHA & APOCRYPHAL GOSPELS

NON-CANONICAL WRITINGS

http://www.pseudopigrapha.com/

CODE OF CANON LAW

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/_INDEX.HTM

ADOREMUS
http://www.adoremus.org/

OUR LADY'S WARRIORS

http://www.ourladyswarriors.org/main.htm

THE WORK OF GOD
http://www.theworkofgod.org/index.htm

CATHOLIC PAGES
http://www.catholic-pages.com/default.htm

CATHOLIC WEB DIRECTORY
http://www.saintfrancis.net/links.htm

FORESAKEN ROOTS
http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/forsakenroots.html