What is the first word that springs to your mind when Revelation, the last book of the New Testament is mentioned?

Confusing? Cryptic? Scary?

To be certain, the book of Revelation -- the only wholly apocalyptical book in the biblical canon -- has been the subject of much speculation and debate. Popular books and movies have been based on it, perhaps adding to some of the confusion about Revelation's possible interpretations.

Next weekend, a longtime New Testament scholar Barbara R. Rossing will help alleviate some of the confusion. Waterloo First United Methodist will host its third annual "Faith Explorations" weekend Sept. 28-30. The weekend's focal point is "The Rapture Exposed: The Message of Hope in Revelation."

All events take place at First United Methodist, 614 Randolph St. The full weekend includes some meals and all sessions. You an also register for only for specific sessions, which includes continental breakfast and lunch. Sunday's session is free and does not require registration. For prices and other information, go to {M3www.waterloofirst.org or call the church at 235-7088.

The weekend begins Sept. 28 with registration at 6:30 p.m. Rossing will present "The Bible and the Best Sellers."

The following day, Rossing will present three sessions: "Exposing the Rapture: Prophecy, Not Prediction," "A Violent Jesus? Ecological Armageddon?" and "Hope for the Middle East, Hope for Our Future." She will also sign books in the afternoon.

During the final day, Rossing will contribute to worship services at 9:30 a.m. and present the church's adult forum topic at 10:45 a.m.

Throughout the first two days of the event, Cokesbury resources will be available for sale. The church will provide childcare to those who request it during registration.

Rossing is professor of New Testament at Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, where she has taught since 1994. She has lectured and preached ecumenical theological conference as well as synod assemblies and global mission events for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is on the executive committee and council of Lutheran World Federation and chairs its theology and studies committee.

Among Rossing's publications are the books "The Rapture Exposed: The Message of Hope in the Book of Revelation," which a critique of the fundamentalist theology found in the "Left Behind" series, and "The Choice Between Two Cities: Whore, Bride and Empire in the Apocalypse." She has also written two volumes of "New Proclamation," a commentary for preachers and many articles and book chapters on the apocalypse and ecology.

Rossing earned her bachelor's degree from Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., a Master of Divinity degree from Yale University Divinity School and a doctoral degree in theology from Harvard University. She was ordained in 1982 and went on to serve as pastor of a Minnesota congregation. She later served as director for global mission interpretation for the former American Lutheran Church and was previously pastor at Holden Village Retreat Center in Chelan, Wash., and a chaplain at Harvard University Divinity School.

First UMC has announced its featured speakers for the 2008 Faith Explorations weekend: Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan, who are both well known for their writings and work with the Jesus Seminar. The 2008 event is scheduled for Sept. 26-28.

Golden writes the Courier's weekly faith column. E-mail her at {M3onfaith@karrisgolden.com.