The Rev. Douglas E. Neel, a Biblical historian and author, will present a lecture and buffet dinner connected to his 2013 book, "The Food and Feasts of Jesus," at University of the Ozarks on Tuesday, Oct. 28.
The Rev. Douglas E. Neel will present a lecture and meal on Oct. 28 titled, "The Food and Feasts of Jesus."
The event is part of the University’s 2013-14 Walton Arts & Ideas Series and will be held in the Rogers Conference Center. The buffet meal will be served from 5-6:30 p.m. in the conference center and costs $8 per person. The lecture is free and begins at 7 p.m.
Neel, an Episcopal priest in Colorado, has spent years researching the ancient food culture of Palestine and the feasts and meals Jesus would have enjoyed. He believes that understanding food production and cuisine results in a much clearer understanding of many of the parables and teachings of Jesus.
The first-century meal will include, hummus with chips and fresh vegetables, bulgur and parsley salad, braised chicken, spicy split peas and peaches with yogurt. There will also be other food available on the buffet.
Neel co-authored the acclaimed book, "The Food and Feasts of Jesus." His love of cooking and hospitality as well as his interest in Biblical scholarship are a significant part of the motivation for writing the book. He enjoys studying the relationship between food culture and history and is fascinated by the way that eating with family and friends can build community.
Neel owned a Dallas-based catering company called Manna Catering for a number of years. The company specialized in preparing Biblical period feasts. Neel also identifies with the "slow food" movement that continues to work its way around the country. He makes cheese, brews beer, vints wine, bakes bread, and brines olives. He hopes to begin making vinegar and continue with his experiments in crafting sausage. Neel has an undergraduate degree in music from the University of Arkansas and a graduate degree in theology from Nashotah House Theological Seminary. He is an avid fly fisherman and loves to hike and snowshoe in Colorado. He recently climbed his first 14,000 foot peak. Along with parish and diocesan responsibilities, he is working on a second book.
Topics: Community Events