Randy Klassen
Instructor in Biblical & Theological Studies
Email:rklassen@bethany.sk.ca
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Education * Ph. D. (cand.), University of Calgary |
Professional Employment * Instructor, Bethany College, 2002-present |
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Bethany Courses * BTH101 Introduction to Biblical Interpretation |
Publications: Articles “Text Message: A Thunderstorm in a Manger (Psalm 29).” MB Herald Vol 48 No 12 (Dec 2009): 15. “‘Êzer and Exodus.” Direction 35.1 (2006): 18-32. “Baptism and Church Membership: A proposal” Mennonite Brethren Herald 39.14 (July 14, 2000): “Job’s Thirst for Righteousness: A Parable of Post Modernism.” Direction 25.2 (1996): 44-53. “Making Music: A Mennonite Brethren Heritage Evolves.” Mennonite Brethren Herald 33.22 (November 25, 1994): 4-7. “Three Easter Sketches.” Mennonite Brethren Herald 32.6 (March 19, 1993): 4-6. “A Lament of the Earth.” Direction 21.2 (1992): 13-14. Publications: Reviews Isaak, Jon, ed. The OT in the Life of God’s People: Essays in Honor of Elmer A. Martens (Eisenbrauns, 2009). MB Herald Vol 48 No 7 (Jul 2009). Rice, Anne. Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt (Knopf, 2005). MB Herald Vol 46 No 12 (Dec 2007). Yoder Neufeld, Thomas. Ephesians (BCBC) (Herald Press, 2005). MB Herald Vol 42 No 8 (June 2003): Waltner, James. Psalms (BCBC), (Herald Press, 2006). MB Herald Vol 46 No 9 (Sep 2007). Other Publications: Psalms. MB Bible Study Guide. Vol. 62. Winnipeg: Kindred Productions, 1996. |
About Randy:
What is your family status?
I am married to Darlene, and have a great family: two adult daughters (one married), and two sons at home.
Do you have any pets?
We are loving our two cats, Hobbes (occasionally living up to his namesake’s reputation as a homicidal psycho jungle-cat) and Fraidy. All other scaly, slimy, four-legged, or winged creatures that might be in our home are strictly unintentional.
What was your first job?
I was a paperboy for the Abbotsford News for almost six years.
What is your hidden talent?
Throat-whistling. (I know this stretches the meaning of the word “talent,” but it certainly remains hidden….). Perhaps making Easter bread would also qualify.
List your hobbies.
I love reading, listening to music (classical, world, some folk, bluegrass, eclectic; the kind of tunes that CBC Radio 2 used to be known for), making music (not quite as wide-ranging in skill), photography, astronomy, family history.
What is your ministry passion?
I love taking people deeper into the Scriptures, because that’s where we find God’s word to us. I love seeing people’s horizons expand, whether in biblical studies and theology, or music, or history, or whatever. Our God is infinite, and he’s created a huge, diverse, and inviting world out there.
What would you have your Epitaph read?
Awaiting the Dawn.
List some of the most influential books in your life.
I love Tolkien: LOTR, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, and all tales finished or unfinished. In my second year of college, reading James Michener’s The Source was quite formative; I also devoured lots and lots of CS Lewis’s theological writings at that time. Eugene Peterson and Walter Brueggemann were important authors for me at seminary. A couple of my favourite novelists and essayists are Annie Dillard, Barbara Kingsolver, G.K. Chesterton, Bruce Chatwin, Morris West, Jack Hodgins.
What is the furthest destination you have ever been to?
I love to travel, though I haven’t done much since starting on family life. I’m not sure which trip was further—Tanzania or Australia. Both were incredible.
What is the best gift you ever received?
A childhood surrounded by loving family, music, books, and the mountainous horizons of BC.
Where in the world would you like to go if you could go anywhere?
Is this a trick question? How narrowly defined is “where in the world”? …a country? a continent? a planet?
List the three most influential people in your life.
My parents (may they rest in peace) and my wife (may we grow old together).
What talent do you wish you had (that you don’t already have)?
I’d love to fiddle. They say that a violin sings, but a fiddle dances. I can sing a bit (with my violin), but I have trouble dancing. Maybe in heaven…