God’s Quest
The DNA of the Judeo-Christian Community
Foreword by Ronald A. N. Kydd
Imprint: Wipf and Stock
Why bother with God when he is viewed as a sacred superstition, a discarded non-entity, or a pretext for religious wars? Jews and Christians have doubted and discarded God at many times throughout the ages, and have also justified countless conflicts in his name. Their history, however, tells a different story. Here we observe the historical reality of God's relentless quest to relate with people, whether Jew or gentile. Despite significant differences between these communities, this is the DNA that binds them and places them in a paradigm different from the one articulated in The Quest: Christ Amidst the Quest, where people are seeking to be freed from their predicament. The Judeo-Christian narrative shows God's incessant quest orchestrated through various channels, such as scriptural revelation, miraculous interventions, covenantal commitments, divine presence in the tabernacle or the temple, God's sacrificial incarnation in Christ, and the advent of the anticipated Jewish Messiah. The narrative climaxes in a grand finale when humans and their habitat will be ushered into an age of peace and harmony. Journeying through such a narrative will provide assurance that God is walking with you amidst life's turmoil, and that the best is yet to be.
Lyman C. D. Kulathungam is intercultural dean emeritus of Master’s College and Seminary, professor of philosophy and religion, and ordained minister with Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. He has presented at interfaith and pastoral conferences, seminaries, and universities in North America, Europe, and Asia. He has published on philosophy, logic, theology, and world religions. His previous book, The Quest: Christ Amidst the Quest (2012), is used in universities and seminaries and well-reviewed by scholars of various faiths.
“God’s Quest is a welcome addition to complete the author’s overarching review of humanity’s quest for spiritual satisfaction and for God’s quest to address the salvific need of humanity. In The Quest, Dr. Kulathungam focused on the human-initiated search for spiritual reality. In God’s Quest, he describes the very distinct Judeo-Christian portrayal of the Almighty’s pursuit of those created in his image. Distinctions are made between the two, especially as relates to the messianic and salvific nature of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. The chapter, ‘Spiritual Revolution,’ which focuses on the meaning of Pentecost and the purpose of Spirit baptism is especially stimulating. God’s Quest is a highly recommended study for those desiring to engage the Judeo-Christian understanding of a God who pursues those he has created.”
—David Wells, General Superintendent, Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada
“Building on his earlier work in theology of religions that re-oriented the question of religious pluralism from the human quest for God to God’s quest for human beings, Dr. Kulathungam addresses the challenges of the differing visions of redemption among Jews and Christians. He turns to the sources of both religions—the narratives of the Bible. He argues that, despite differences, Jews and Christians share a common redemptive narrative—God’s quest to redeem people. He argues that the revolutions in salvation and spirituality initiated by Jesus Christ and the Spirit of Pentecost, which distinguish Christians from Jews, nevertheless culminate in an eschatological revolution in the narrative of God’s quest that promises a union and renewal that includes Jews and Christians.”
—Steven M. Studebaker, Associate Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology, Howard & Shirley Bentall Chair in Evangelical Thought, McMaster Divinity College
“People of all cultures and nationalities are looking for a path of redemption. God’s Quest refers to this very topic and highlights God’s quest to meet the human salvific quest. Dr. Lyman Kulathungam presents an excellent interdisciplinary study where philosophy, logic, theology, and religious studies intermingle. The chapters, written with passion and competence, address a wide spectrum of readers. For over twenty years, Lyman served as Visiting Professor at the Warsaw Theological Seminary, Poland, where he lectured on apologetics and world religions. . . . Dr. Kulathungam’s experience and extensive qualifications predispose him to make a competent statement on God’s Quest, a study beyond borders. I wholeheartedly recommend reading this extraordinary book.”
—W³odzimierz Rudnicki, Former President, Warsaw Theological Seminary, Poland, Senior Pastor, New Life Church, Warsaw, Poland
“Dr. Lyman Kulathungam provides an insightful, informative, and thorough look at the commonalities, differences, and the journey of Judaism and Christianity. He brings a logical, informed, objective, and experiential perspective in his presentation. I trust that as you travel through the content of this book, you find the experience to be both informative and spiritually enriching.”
—David Shepherd, Former District Superintendent, Western Ontario District, Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada
“With his usual brilliance and insightfulness, Dr. Lyman Kulathungam invites the Judeo-Christian community to journey with him and to consider God’s relentless quest of both the Jews and the Gentiles in this latest book: God’s Quest: The DNA of the Judeo-Christian Community.”
—Tom Quinn, Regional Director, Western Ontario District, Regional Overseer and Liaison to Aboriginal Pentecostal Ministries, Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada
“If you’re interested in beginning a fruitful dialogue with people from another religion, The Quest is an excellent resource. That’s where Kulathungam’s recent sequel, God’s Quest, comes in.”
—Stephen Barkely, Adjunct Professor, Master’s College and Seminary
“Dr. Lyman Kulathungam has written a brilliant, insightful book entitled God’s Quest. . . . Readers will gain a new appreciation of what happened on the day of Pentecost as Lyman unfolds God’s persistent quest to meet people’s spiritual longings and expectations. This book has one overarching theme. God is on the move to capture our attention and to fill us with His presence. What an encouragement!”
—Wayne B. Dalgleish, retired teacher, Board of Education for the City of Hamilton, former adjunct teacher for Masters’ College and Seminary, Guest Lecturer at Nyang’ori Pentecostal College, Kenya.
“God’s Quest is a brilliant read on Judaism and Christianity. I very much enjoyed reading how the two religions have similarities and differences and yet share a similar DNA as part of God’s quest. . . . I highly recommend this book. It takes you through a great journey in how Judaism and Christianity are more similar than what I originally thought.”
—James Voulakos
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