JULY 11, 2013 Vol. 190, No. 19

www.adventistreview.org

July 11, 2013

Robots Teach Science 9 This Book Belongs to . . . 23 À la Carte 28

“I Don’t Want a God Who . . .”

“Behold, I come quickly . . .” Our mission is to uplift Jesus Christ by presenting stories of His matchless love, news of His present workings, help for knowing Him better, and hope in His soon return.

16 28 11 6 COVER FEATURE ARTICLES DEPARTMENTS EDITORIALS 16 “I Don’t Want a 2 0 Daring to Dream 4 Letters 6 BILL KNOTT God Who . . .” SANDRA BLACKMER At a Ross for Words CLINTON AND GINA WAHLEN Using technology to 7 Page 7 The assumptions we reach metro areas 7 SANDRA BLACKMER bring to our study of the with the gospel 8 World News & Never Too Late Bible determine what Perspectives we know about God. 2 4 Show Me God 13 Give & Take JOVAN ILIJEV What would you say? 15 Introducing the Why

2 8 À la Carte 2 3 Searching the Obvious JENNIFER WILLIAMS How a meal for two 3 0 Etc. became a debate about faith 31 Reflections

NEXT WEEK ON THE COVER Cats, Kids—and Jesus? How do we know that our You can see almost anything perceptions about God on such social media sites aren’t just the result of our as Facebook. Can it be used own wishful thinking? to spread the gospel?

Publisher General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®, Executive Publisher Bill Knott, Associate Publisher Claude Richli, Publishing Board: Ted N. C. Wilson, chair; Benjamin D. Schoun, vice chair; Bill Knott, secretary; Lisa Beardsley-Hardy; Daniel R. Jackson; Robert Lemon; Geoffrey Mbwana; G. T. Ng; Daisy Orion; Juan Prestol; Michael Ryan; ; Mark Thomas; Karnik Doukmetzian, legal adviser. Editor Bill Knott, Associate Editors Lael Caesar, Gerald A. Klingbeil, Coordinating Editor Stephen Chavez, Online Editor Carlos Medley, Features Editor Sandra Blackmer, Young Adult Editor Kimberly Luste Maran, KidsView Editor Wilona Karimabadi, News Editor Mark A. Kellner, Operations Manager Merle Poirier, Financial Manager Rachel Child, Editorial Assistant Marvene Thorpe-Baptiste, Assistant to the Editor Gina Wahlen, Quality Assurance/Social Media Coordinator Jean Boonstra, Marketing Director Claude Richli, Editor-at-Large Mark A. Finley, Senior Advisor E. Edward Zinke, Art Director Bryan Gray, Design Daniel Añez, Desktop Technician Fred Wuerstlin, Ad Sales Glen Gohlke, Subscriber Services Steve Hanson. To Writers: Writer’s guidelines are available at the Web site: www.adventistreview.org and click “About the Review.” For a printed copy, send a self-addressed en- velope to: Writer’s Guidelines, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600. E-mail: [email protected]. Web site: www.adventistreview.org.Postmaster: Send address changes to Adventist Review, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740-7301. Unless otherwise noted, Bible texts in this issue are from theHoly Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Unless otherwise noted, all photos are © Thinkstock 2013.The Adventist Review (ISSN 0161- 1119), published since 1849, is the general paper of the Seventh-day Adventist® Church. It is published by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists® and is printed 36 times a year on the second, third, and fourth Thursdays of each month by the Review and Herald® Publishing Association, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740. Periodical postage paid at Hagerstown, MD 21740. Copyright © 2013, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Vol. 190, No. 19

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www.AdventistReview.org | July 11, 2013 | (595) 3 Seminary Relocation the meetings and a man »»I read Sandra Blackmer’s loved by his people. The article “Two Books, a Simple church in Portugal has lost a inbox Request, and a Changed Life” great man! LETTERS FROM OUR READERS (Apr. 11, 2013) about Ernesto Now, a humorous story Ferreira, the Roman Catholic about Ferreira: Just before priest who became a Sev- the 1980 General Conference Kids Eat Free! enth-day Adventist, with session in Dallas we heard »»I’m writing regarding Lael interest. that Ferreira had gone into Caesar’s “Kids Eat Free” arti- On page 21 Blackmer “reform.” One of the GC cle (May 9, 2013). What a sol- writes: “In 1949 he traveled leaders who was not emn message to us all—to to the to spend acquainted with that word in the world—that we, God’s a year studying at the Sev- Portugal was very worried kids, can eat free at the table enth-day Adventist Theologi- and asked the GC to pray for that God has provided “with- cal Seminary on the campus Ferreira and his family. The out money and without of Emmanuel Missionary GC committee prayed for price” (Isa. 55:1). The table of College (now Andrews him! The Truth as It His free grace! University).” I was waiting for his son, Is in Jesus Free grace, precious The Seventh-day Adventist Teófilo, to visit my home just »»Thank you for printing thought! Free soul food, Theological Seminary was before the session and did “The Truth as It Is in Jesus,” grace as “free as the rain and not established on that cam- not know how I would han- E. Edward Zinke’s honest and sunshine” (Ellen White, pus until 1960; it was also in dle the fact that this wonder- direct assessment of the situ- Thoughts From the Mount of that same year that the name ful and famous leader for ation that is undermining of Emmanuel Missionary our work had joined the many students’ beliefs in the College was changed to Reform movement in Portu- plain teachings of the Bible . Prior to gal, but when Teófilo arrived, (May 16, 2013). When we that time the seminary, first we cleared up the mystery. throw out belief in a literal begun on the campus of His father had just retired in six-day creation, we also Pacific in 1934, Portugal, and the word is throw out most of the essen- was located on the campus reforma, the opposite of the tial teachings of the Seventh- of Washington Missionary Portuguese in Brazil! No way day Adventist Church. We College, now known as that Pastor Ferreira would even have to throw out the Washington Adventist Uni- abandon his principles. Teó- concept of sin. Why would versity, and had been on that filo and I had a good laugh! the God of the universe suf- campus since 1937. Let us remember that it fer and die for creatures that HARRY MAYDEN was a couple of books that were not made in His image, Blessing, p. 97). I am reminded Hagerstown, Maryland led him into our church, one but evolved from lower ani- of Ellen White’s words in The being The Great Controversy. mal ancestors? Desire of Ages: “The feast that Ernesto Ferreira LEO RANZOLIN We are in dangerous terri- He provides for the soul »»I appreciated the article by Estero, Florida tory when we choose to trust never fails to give satisfac- Sandra Blackmer about in humanity’s thinking tion and joy” (p. 148). And to Ernesto Ferreira, one of the Appreciative rather than God’s Word. In quote Life Sketches of James great pioneers of our work »»I especially appreciated this issue there is no room White and Ellen G. White, let us in Portugal. Dixil Rodríquez’s April 11 for compromise, no shades ever “put forth the hand of It was my privilege to article “Never Alone.” And I of gray. I pray that our uni- faith and touch the scepter of spend a whole month in Lis- always appreciate Bill Knott, versities will remain true to His grace. That touch bon, in 1973, holding evange- , Jimmy the reason they were [insures] pardon and peace” listic meetings. Not only did I Phillips, and all the rest of founded: teaching biblical (p. 140). get acquainted with our the Review. truth and preparing our CLIFF DRIEBERG church members, but I also EUNICE PEARSON youth to be tomorrow’s lead- Osoyoos, British Columbia, learned the story of Ferreira. Candler, North Carolina ers in proclaiming its truth. Canada He was a leader, preacher, JOYCE REISWIG missionary, and great writer! Redlands, California Ferreira was supportive of

4 (596) | www.AdventistReview.org | July 11, 2013 experiences up close among “reembrace conversations friends and family, I am about doctrine.” It’s high forced to approach such data time the “evangelical cri- as Andy Nash presents with tique” that has driven mem- a healthy dose of skepticism. bers from the church, as The claim that doctrinal described by Monte Sahlin in reasons for leaving the Nash’s article, was itself sub- church now surpass experi- jected to a critique—from Beyond Belief ential ones in surveys of for- the Holy Word of God itself. Revisited mer Adventists cannot KEVIN D. PAULSON Red Shirt »»I had to comment on Andy necessarily be taken at face Berrien Springs, Michigan »»I am writing in regard to Nash’s article “Beyond value. A far more instructive Heather Thompson Day’s Belief” (Mar. 21, 2013), which question might be as to article “Red Shirt” (Mar. 14, basically says that contrary whether doctrinal issues 2013). Yes, we must accept to past assumptions, people were the first problem such the forgiveness that Christ so do leave the Adventist persons encountered in their freely offers to us in order to Church because of doctrine. spiritual journey away from move on with life. At the I hope this portends a fun- the church. Did such per- same time, in order to truly damental change in the way sons, in an otherwise fulfill- move on, we must not only Seventh-day Adventists try ing spiritual walk within accept Christ’s forgiveness. to reclaim those who leave or , suddenly (or In the Kitchen We must also forsake our consider leaving. When peo- even gradually) encounter With Helen sins. ple say they have questions one or more pieces of biblical »»Wilona Karimabadi’s arti- To the woman taken in about doctrine, “love-bomb- evidence for which the Ad- cle “In the Kitchen with adultery Christ said “stop ing,” or else an appeal to ventist doctrinal paradigm Helen” (Apr. 25, 2013) was sinning” (John 5:14)—and “the church of your youth,” had no satisfactory explana- very interesting. Of particu- that is what it must mean to simply does not cut it. tion? Or did doctrinal objec- lar note was the experience “move on,” or we still will be If people have questions tions arise only after a that Stephen Moore had with stuck and in the end will be on Adventist doctrine, the cluster of negative experi- John Thomas, dean of the La lost because only those who honest thing to do is address ences soured them on the Sierra University School of overcome will be saved. such questions. If such dif- church in general, eventually Business in Riverside, Cali- “With God all things are pos- ferences are indeed irrecon- leading them to study fornia. Thomas’ willingness sible” (Matt. 19:26). I want to cilable, it is better for both groups and Internet sites to work with students in wear a white robe! sides to part ways. God’s that raised doctrinal ques- unconventional ways has HOWARD LOEWEN work is never helped by tions about their faith to produced many interesting Berrien Springs, Michigan duplicity. which they had never previ- stories, one of which is The article implied, how- ously given thought? included in this article. ever, that there is a signifi- It’s possible to say doctri- Thomas has been an inspira- We welcome your letters, noting, cant element who simply nal reasons were one’s prin- tion and outstanding leader as always, that inclusion of a letter want to make sure that Sev- cipal cause for leaving the of the school. He has in this section does not imply that enth-day Adventist doctrines church simply because these inspired hundreds of stu- the ideas expressed are endorsed by are firmly rooted in gospel- objections eventually over- dents. He is now seeing the either the editors of the Adventist oriented preaching on the whelmed all the earlier ones, completion of the new build- Review or the General Conference. cross and resurrection of even if in fact it was the neg- ing for the Tom and Vi Short, specific, timely letters have Christ (compare 1 Cor. 15 ative impact of the earlier, Zapara School of Business. It the best chance at being published and Rom. 10:9), without perhaps experiential objec- will be the largest building (please include your complete which nothing else matters tions that initially opened on campus. We thank God address and phone number—even (Gal. 1:8, 9). the minds of such persons to for such educators who can with e-mail messages). Letters will RON THOMSEN alleged problems with Ad- provide direction for our be edited for space and clarity only. Katy, Texas ventist beliefs. youth. Send correspondence to Letters to I fully concur with Nash’s WALTER S. HAMERSLOUGH, the Editor, Adventist Review, 12501 »»As a frequent reader of for- suggestion that the church Lafayette, Colorado Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD mer Adventist testimonies, 20904-6600; Internet: letters@ and having observed such adventistreview.org.

www.AdventistReview.org | July 11, 2013 | (597) 5 Editorials At a Ross for Words “There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world” (Ps. 19:3, 4)1 THE WORLD SHOULD ALWAYS LOOK LIKE THIS—THIS HOUR BEFORE THE daily wind sweeps in and wavelets form, before the mirror of the river no longer arcs the pageant of the sky. Here in the amber light of early morning, shadows hold no threat: we know they’ll soon be gone. Caught in a moment they didn’t , ducks cease their fussing in the reeds, as though the peace of God was flowing in the water of the Ross.2 A bit of goldenness wraps even casual joggers on the Bill path, and, unsolicited, they murmur “G’day” to each other—and mean it for a blessing. The cup of Knott human life that will be drained 12 hours from now for now seems full and sweet. Hope rises: hearts worship, for “the heavens are telling the glory of God” (verse 1). The child on the path ahead of me is master of all he sees, and every turn of his tricycle wheel pro- pels him further into his kingdom. At 3 this towheaded boy astride his tiny chariot surveys it all— sees all of it—and knows beyond a doubt that it is meant for him. “Look, Daddy,” he says to the slight-built man who follows steps behind. The boy’s eyes widen as he takes in the glistening river, the brimming sky, the herons poised to fish. “Look, Daddy—see my water! See my water!” It is, of course, a foolish claim, for who but a child would dare assert the ownership of earth, sky, or water? A short tutorial, adapted for a 3-year-old, could alert him to the fact that all the dry ground of the riverbank is publicly owned; the river water is already spoken for in a hundred irrigation projects; and even the sky is crossed by vapor trails belonging to the jets that ply the nearby airport. Still he persists, eyes wide as though to drink in all the liquid beauty of the hour: “Look, Daddy— see my water!” His confidence in ownership is unshakable. The sky is his, all rosy-blue with morning. The earth is his, all dewy in the mist. The river that so fascinates this 3-year-old belongs unquestion- ably to him: it could not be another way. And as I leave the sanctuary of this child’s imagination, I am more sure with every step that he is right—that the claim he makes audaciously has merit, heft, and truth. Sure of his father, he is certain of all things, and dares to name all that is his. In worship and in wonder we too become the children we were meant to be, convinced that we possess all things because we are the Lord’s. “For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the

DARRIN PARKER DARRIN future—all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God” (1 Cor. 3:21-23). This isn’t simply rhetoric, a writer’s trick to make us feel less threatened and less vulnerable. Paul’s grand assertion rings with the same benevolence that once placed humans in a garden and gave them “dominion” over the earth, that still regards them as “a little lower than the angels.” The dignity of being made by God—made for God—and given all things in Christ should make us fearless worship- pers, for we are heirs to sacred ground. Certain of our Father, knowing we are His handiwork, we recall that everything that now assails our life will someday end in laughter. Our faith in Christ thus gives us nerve in all those hours when the winds howl, and the light is not golden, and there’s little beauty to be found. “He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Col. 1:17). “Out of the mouths of babes and infants, you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger” (Ps. 8:2). n

1 All texts in this article are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Edu- cation of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. 2 The Ross River, pictured above, drains the highlands of northern Queensland and meets the sea at Townsville, where the author recently spent a week at the Northern Australian Conference camp meeting.

6 (598) | www.AdventistReview.org | July 11, 2013 Never Too Late APPLAUSE ERUPTED AND PEOPLE ROSE TO THEIR FEET AS 85-YEAR- old Claire Ritchey walked across the stage at Parkview Adventist Academy in Lacombe, Alberta, to receive her high school diploma. More than six after Ritchey left high school following her completion of grade 11, she finally achieved this lifelong goal. Ritchey worked in the field of accounting for 30 years while she and her husband, Donald, now deceased, raised three children. Not having a high school diploma, however, “bothered me all my life,” the Lacombe Express reported Ritchey as saying. “I’d dream about going back to school.”1 Taking classes with students much younger than she didn’t intimidate the young-at-heart Ritchey. “I’m 85, and I probably look it, but I don’t feel it,” she said during a local radio interview. “I hope [my earning this diploma] has inspired other older people to . . . follow their dream.”2 To those of us who haven’t been dubbed “young adults” for more years than we may like to admit, Ritchey’s story provides hope for the future. Perhaps there are still exciting experiences Sandra ahead, significant miles for our lives in ever-expanding ways. Blackmer God calls us to “make continual improvement,” no matter what the age, and allows us no excuse to totally “lay our burdens down” or no longer minister to others.3 It’s never too late to do work for the Lord or learn new things; and to those of us who are no longer young, I’m confi- dent that God isn’t finished with us yet. n

1 www.lacombeexpress.com/community/209542631.html. 2 www.cbc.ca/video/news/audioplayer.html?clipid=2389144590 3 See Ellen G. White, The Retirement Years (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1990), pp. 39, 45. World News & Perspectives PHOTOS: GREATER NEW YORK CONFERENCE NEW YORK GREATER PHOTOS: MESSAGE OF HOPE: “The Bible is amazingly accurate. The Bible is filled with hope for the future,” said Ted N. C. Wilson, General Con- ference president, at the June 7, 2013, opening of Revelation of Hope, an evangelistic series that is part of the NY13 outreach effort. Wilson spoke at the Historic Manhattan Adventist Church on West 11th Street in New York’s Greenwich Village. ■■NORTH AMERICA visitors as they entered the lobby. Calling himself a “New Yorker at heart,” Wilson Storms Don’t Diminish NY13’s told the audience he had “started minis- Opening of “Revelation of Hope” try right here.” In recognition of the event, New York More than 500 pack Greenwich Village City’s public advocate, Bill De Blasio, church for campaign kickoff sent his assistant Warren Gardiner to attend the opening meeting. Other By MARK A. KELLNER, news editor, reporting from New York, N.Y. public officials are expected to attend THE DRENCHING rains of Tropical Ted N. C. Wilson, General Conference related NY13 events, said James Rich- Storm Andrea, which deposited two president, served briefly at what is today mond, a community liaison for the inches of water on the streets of New the Historic Manhattan Seventh-day Ad- church’s Greater New York Conference. York’s Greenwich Village, failed to ventist Church some 40 years ago when Inside the 132-year-old church build- dampen the enthusiasm of people who he first began his ministry. Following ing more than 500 people gathered in attended the initial Revelation of Hope graduate education, Wilson also worked what master of ceremonies campaign meeting on the evening of for several years as a leader of a citywide called an “oasis of peace” to hear a mes- June 7, 2013. ministry in the 1970s. He returned to the sage that stretched beyond today’s Sponsored by the Seventh-day Ad- church to open the three-week evangelis- storms. ventist Church, the meeting is one of tic series with his wife, Nancy, greeting Tatiana Featherstone, a 20-year-old hundreds being held in the metropolitan woman originally from Barbados, said area during June as part of the move- she attended in part because her father, ment’s Mission to the Cities campaign. a Seventh-day Adventist, invited her. Already, officials of the Atlantic Union She added the meeting met her expecta- and the two area conferences say 1,100 tions: “It was all good.” people have been baptized as Seventh- Visitor David Tan, who called himself day Adventists during the months lead- “a Singaporean retired and living in ing up to the event. The NY13 Thailand,” said Wilson’s message was a campaign—which features 160 differ- “good and clear” introduction to the ent evangelistic events across the region book of Revelation. in June alone—is expected to culminate In his message Wilson declared: “The June 29 at the Nassau Coliseum with a Bible is amazingly accurate. The Bible is rally attended by more than 15,000 peo- filled with hope for the future.” ple. The overall effort includes the par- He added, citing Amos 3:7, “Surely the ticipation of the Atlantic and Columbia Earth’s events are not going to ‘sneak MASTER OF CEREMONIES: Noted Sev- unions, as well as the Southern New enth-day Adventist evangelist Mark Finley up’ on God. Unlike the dismal predic- England, Greater New York, Northeast, welcomes the opening night audience for tions of human beings, the Bible gives and New Jersey conferences. Revelation of Hope in New York City. us hope.” n

8 (600) | www.AdventistReview.org | July 11, 2013 ■■NORTH AMERICA Robotics Group Instills Science Skills Trains academy students, homeschoolers in tech disciplines By EDWIN MANUEL GARCIA, special to Adventist Review, reporting from Sacramento, California

TEN YEARS ago veteran educator robot design, and other benchmarks. MANUEL GARCIA EDWIN ROBOTS PROGRAMMED: First LEGO Larry Blackmer handed his tech-savvy The winning prize, a plaque and League robots are programmed with soft- coworker, Mel Wade, a box containing national prestige, went to the talented ware to perform a variety of tasks, such as hundreds of LEGO pieces as well as group of homeschoolers from Stan- traveling from one part of the table to motors, sensors, and a microcomputer— wood, Washington, who call themselves another, and releasing a ball at a specified components of a small robot kit. “What the Gigabytes; they practiced with their location. can you do with it?” Blackmer asked. robots for two hours every Tuesday, all As it turned out, a lot. year. said worked better at home than at the Wade, who was information technol- Indeed, robotics requires immense competition table. ogy director of the Michigan Conference dedication. Each tournament, whether regional or at the time, eagerly assembled the con- “You just have to be really focused, national, is based on a real-life theme: tents, then shared his enthusiasm with and it takes a lot of work,” said Tori Syv- The national competition focused on thousands of students across the ertson, an eighth grader at Hollister, Cali- “senior solutions,” a challenge that United States by founding the Adventist fornia, Seventh-day Adventist Christian required teams to build and program Robotics League. School, whose team’s biggest challenge their robots to complete tasks that can “It is a growing movement within our was “trying to get the programs to do the also help senior citizens with problems Adventist schools across the North same thing over and over,” which she they face as they age, such as reaching American Division,” said Wade, execu- tive director of the league. “We have events and teams representing every region and union across the country.” There are now 86 robotics teams in the league. Wade is technology director at Sacra- mento Adventist Academy in California, which last month hosted the league’s national championship. On the after- noon of May 5, eight teams of science- minded students, ages 9 to 14, from as far away as Florida, programmed their robots to complete a series of tasks, such as moving up a ramp, or releasing a ball to knock down tiny bowling pins, within specific time frames. But getting an autonomous robot to perform as programmed is only part of the criteria for winning (it’s also the most stressful, judging by the look on chil- dren’s faces when their vehicle suddenly

goes astray). The teams, which are made MANUEL GARCIA EDWIN up of as many as 10 students, also are WHAT HAPPENED?: Students and their adult sponsor from Forest Lake Education Center judged on core values, a research project, in Longwood, Florida, try to determine why their robot isn’t performing as programmed.

www.AdventistReview.org | July 11, 2013 | (601) 9 World News & Perspectives EDWIN MANUEL GARCIA EDWIN ORGANIZER, OBSERVER: Mel Wade (left) is technology director at Sacramento Adventist Academy in California and organizer of the Adventist Robotics League. items from high places in their kitchen. neering, and math. “This prepares our kids really well for For the Tech Geeks from Forest Lake “We’ve started to see some students math and science careers, and I believe Education Center, in Orlando, Florida, come to Walla Walla from being we need to prepare our kids to be mis- finding answers to senior solutions involved in the program,” said Steve sionaries in corporate America,” Wade meant visiting nursing homes, attend- Davis, director of student information said, “because corporate America is one ing Bible studies with elderly church for the marketing and enrollment ser- of our biggest mission fields here in the members, and talking to grandparents vices at . United States.” about obstacles in their lives, said team Mel Wade, founder of the Adventist For more information on how to start captain Eric Nazario. Robotics League, hopes participants a robotics program: www.adventist “This is amazing—to me this is what eventually make a mark on the world. roboticsleague.net. n education should be,” said Tech Geeks’ teacher sponsor and school science director Rosalee Taylor. “You have a task, you work together as a team, and you solve it, because that is the future, that’s where they’re going to need to know how to go.” The robotics league is a recognized partner of U.S. FIRST LEGO League (FLL), a global organization of more than 18,000 clubs whose members range in grade from kindergarten through high school. The FLL tournaments are on Sabbath, but the Adventist Robotics League, which is sponsored by the North American Divi- sion, holds its events on Sundays. EDWIN MANUEL GARCIA EDWIN Many league students end up pursu- WATCHING EVERY MOVE: Members of the Hollister Kumquats react nervously to the ing careers in science, technology, engi- unexpected moves produced by the team’s robot at the competition table.

10 (602) | www.AdventistReview.org | July 11, 2013 ■■WORLD CHURCH Journal of Adventist Education Fills Big Need Professional magazine is a handbook for teachers, editor says By MARK A. KELLNER, news editor

IT APPEARS in English five times a year (and twice in French, Spanish, and Portuguese), but the Journal of Adventist Education isn’t your average publication. According to editor Beverly Robinson-Rumble, the magazine fills “a unique niche—it’s a handbook for the classroom that emphasizes the integration of faith and learning in an Adventist context, and [fulfills] a prophetic function of helping teachers prepare young people for service here and for the world to come.” JAE PHOTO JAE The Journal, which traces its roots back to the Journal of WINNING TEAM: Harry Knox, left, art director for the True Education, first published in 1939, reaches 13,500 Ad- Journal of Adventist Education, joins editor Beverly ventist schools, colleges, and universities each year. An Robinson-Rumble at Association of Educational Pub- additional 14,000 copies are distributed to French-, Span- lishers awards dinner. ish-, and Portuguese-speaking institutions twice a year, comprising articles selected from the English edition. the foundation for lifelong learning,” according to a state- The Journal was presented with the Distinguished Achieve- ment from the group. ment Award for Whole Publication Design for its theme issue Robinson-Rumble said almost all articles in the Journal “Principalship and Administration” (October/November are “peer reviewed,” sent to a variety of experts often com- 2012) from the Association of Educational Publishers (AEP) bining a subject matter category and a representative of the on June 4. Robinson-Rumble, who started at the magazine as intended reader. An article about teaching science to ele- an editorial assistant in 1971 and has been the editor since mentary students, for example, would be sent to a Seventh- 1991, accepted the award along with Harry Knox, the maga- day Adventist science expert to vet the scientific aspect, an zine’s art director. General Conference director of education elementary teacher, and an Adventist university professor Lisa Beardsley-Hardy also attended the AEP event. of education for the pedagogical part. Because the Journal In addition, the Journal placed as a finalist in two 2013 reaches educators around the world, many of the reviewers AEP award categories: Learned Article (“Providing Our work in countries outside the United States. Youth With Access and Opportunity to Attend Adventist The editor, who expects to retire later this year, admitted Colleges,” by Vinita Sauder, in the April/May 2012 issue); that producing a magazine that caters to a broad range of and Feature Article (“Setting Students educators is a challenge, since the Jour- Free With Poetry Writing,” by Eurora Ste- nal’s worldwide readership ranges “from vens, in the February/March 2012 issue). prekindergarten through graduate school In all, the magazine has been a finalist or teachers,” as well as educational adminis- winner of 14 awards from the Association trators. Robinson-Rumble credits her of Educational Publishers, a trade group staff, including assistant Chandra Goff, founded in 1895 “whose awards honor art director Knox, and Department of outstanding resources for teaching and Education associate director Luis Schulz, learning in all media and for any educa- who serves as associate editor for the tional setting.” international editions, with providing the The AEP awards “are widely recognized support and resources necessary to make for their success in identifying exemplars the project a success, both in terms of of excellence that broaden horizons, fos- meeting readers’ needs and in award ter curiosity and critical thinking, and lay competition. n

www.AdventistReview.org | July 11, 2013 | (603) 11 World News & Perspectives SAMANTHA YOUNG/CHESAPEAKE CONFERENCE YOUNG/CHESAPEAKE SAMANTHA BACK IN BUSINESS: A little more than a year after a fire gutted its interior, the Chestertown, Maryland, Seventh-day Adventist Church is back to full operations. From left, Brad Russen, assistant chief, Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company; Rick Remmers, president, Ches- apeake Conference; Kevin McDaniel, Chestertown pastor; Randy Boone, head elder; Dwight Young, Paul Davis Restoration, participate in a ribbon cutting at the church

■■NORTH AMERICA Chestertown Seventh-day Adventist Church Reopens After 2012 Fire 68-year-old building restored in a little more than a year By DAVID FOURNIER, Adventist Risk Management, reporting from Chestertown, Maryland

A LITTLE more than a year after a fire damage throughout the building. expressed his appreciation for the damaged the upper level of the Chester- Attending to the fire that morning were good work. During a tour of the facility town, Maryland, Seventh-day Adventist seven local fire companies. Adventist Remmers noted that the Eastern Shore Church, the church celebrated the com- Risk Management personnel were able Junior Academy would be utilizing the pletion of restoration with a dedication to visit the site the same day to begin church facilities this school year. Prior and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The ser- the process of documenting the damage to the fire, the church would not have vice took place on May 18, 2013, and and processing the claim. been able to be used for that type of focused on the work of emergency first Paul Davis Restoration and other activity, but with the upgrades, the responders to the fire as well as the con- local contractors did the restoration code is met and the school can tributions of Adventist Risk Manage- work that included bringing the build- continue. ment, Inc., Paul Davis Restoration, and ing up to code, cleaning up water and Adventist Risk Management, Inc., is other contractors who worked to restore smoke damage, and rebuilding the the risk management company for the the church. flooring and subflooring. Seventh-day Adventist Church, head- The Chestertown church was built in Adventist Risk Management CFO quartered in the Washington, D.C., area. 1945 through the hard work and contri- Steve Blackburn attended the celebra- It provides risk management services and butions of its members. Much of the tion and was invited to participate in the insurance product solutions to assist materials, manual labor, and time were ribbon-cutting ceremony. He remarked the church in eliminating oversights donated. Two years after it first opened, that “there is such a positive spirit with that can lead to costly accidents. ARM a church school was started in the the members at Chestertown—this is employs 130 people around the world church’s lower level. why it is a blessing to be part of the min- with corporate headquarters in Silver On Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at 6:22 istry of risk management.” Spring, Maryland, and satellite offices in a.m. a two-alarm fire ravaged the entire Rick Remmers, Chesapeake Confer- Riverside, California; St. Albans, England; upper church sanctuary, causing smoke ence president, was also on hand and and Brasilia, Brazil. n

12 (604) | www.AdventistReview.org | July 11, 2013 SOUND BITE “God destroys © TERRY CREWS © TERRY

the idols of hu- ADVENTIST LIFE­—KIDS’ EDITION LET’S PRAY My grandson attended a prekindergarten school Have a prayer need? Have a few free when he was about 5 years old. One day he came home minutes? Each Wednesday morning at manity and puts very perplexed. His mother asked him what the problem 8:15 EDT the Adventist Review staff was. He answered her with a question: “Mama, who is meets to pray for people—children, par- His kingdom in Richard Stands?” ents, friends, coworkers. Send your prayer She said, “I sure don’t know. Where did you hear his requests and, if possible, pray with us on name?” Wednesday mornings. Send requests to: their place.” “Every day at school we have to pledge allegiance to Let’s Pray, Adventist Review, 12501 Old —PASTOR JIM HINER, JR., DURING the flag of the United States and the republic for Rich- Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904- HIS SERMON ON SABBATH, APRIL 13, ard Stands,” he replied. 6600; fax: 301-680-6638; e-mail: 2013, AT THE LAKE ELMO SEVENTH-DAY The child had such a weight lifted from his mind [email protected]. ADVENTIST CHURCH IN MINNESOTA after an explanation was given. —IRIS MURRAIN, LITHONIA, GEORGIA

Little 3-year-old Harper loves to sing her songs. She is also acquainted with the “beeps” and “dings” of modern household machinery. One day her sweet little voice was heard singing, “Jesus wants me for a sun-beep!” —GREAT-GRANDMA GRACE E. BRAND, ST. HELENA, CALIFORNIA

We were crossing the Cass Street Bridge as we drove into La Crosse, Wisconsin, when my then 3-year-old son Josiah spoke up from the back seat. He said, “Jesus died in La Crosse, right, Mom?” —JEN MILLER, WINONA, MINNESOTA

AT THE SYMPHONY: One week after world-renowned conductor Herbert Blomstedt received an Award of Excellence from the Associated Church Press for his Adventist Review article “Present Truth in Music” (July 12, 2012), coordi- nating editor Stephen Chavez (right) and contributor Fred Kinsey attended a concert in San Francisco, California, conducted by Blomstedt. Backstage after the concert they presented Blomstedt with the certificate of his award, just one of many received during Blomstedt’s 60 years as a conductor.

www.AdventistReview.org | July 11, 2013 | (605) 13 GLOW Stories Giving Light to Our World Giving light to our world— GLOW—is an outreach Shaka was sitting in his living room when suddenly he heard a initiative in multiple North faint knock on his door. Thinking that it was a salesperson, he ignored it. The knock continued, however, so although annoyed, he American Division conferences finally answered it. He found two teenage girls who were working as based on the concept of summer literature evangelists standing on his doorstep. church members carrying Shaka listened patiently as the girls explained to him what they Adventist literature with them were doing. He then gave a donation for a DVD on last-day events. wherever they go and handing Then as the young women were about to leave, they said, “Would you it out—free of charge—at mind if we had prayer?” Shaka agreed and was surprised and touched by the sweetness and simplicity of the prayer. every opportunity. Here is a “After I heard them pray, I wanted to learn to pray like that,” Shaka RICARDO CAMACHO RICARDO short story of lives touched by said. GLOW: The young women offered to have someone come by and study the Bible with him. Shaka signed up, and not long afterward Bible worker Jeff Bentley showed up. Shaka and his wife, Stephanie, put off the Bible study twice, but still Jeff came a third time. Finally Stephanie told Shaka that she wasn’t going to cancel again, and the couple had their first study. Many Bible studies later Shaka and Stephanie were baptized into the Clovis Adventist Church in Califor- nia, where Shaka now serves as the GLOW coordinator and Stephanie is actively involved with children’s ministry.

THIS STORY WAS WRITTEN BY LISA MANZANARES OF THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GLOW, GO TO SDAGLOW.ORG.

14 (606) | www.AdventistReview.org | July 11, 2013 Introducing the Why Coming to Grips With Suffering I HAVE A GOOD FRIEND—I’LL CALL HIM CARLOS—WHO WAS RECENTLY BAPTIZED into the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This was one of those wonderful conversion success stories: A few months after Carlos was baptized, his wife began attending an evangelistic series at our church, and his kids enrolled in the local academy for the upcoming school year. This family’s overnight redemption reminded me of the jailer in Philippi whose entire house was baptized after the apostle Paul’s earthquake-aided release from prison (Acts 16). God was hard at work in Carlos’ home, but of course, so was Satan. A few weeks ago Carlos walked into Sabbath school alone. His wife, baptized after the series, had just told him that she was tired of faking her spirituality. It was a shocking blow for someone who had given everything in his life to the Lord. “I’m not sure what to do,” he said blankly. What was I supposed to say? Around the same time, I was watching a film on the life of Jesus with my 15-year-old niece, Tabitha. Toward the end of the production the narrator mentioned that all of Jesus’ disciples, except John the revelator, were martyred for their faith in the first century. “Uncle Jimmy,” she asked, “why would Jesus allow His friends to be killed like that?” Once again, I found myself at a loss for words.

Two Kinds of Suffering If you’ve been in the church long enough, you undoubtedly know someone who was scared off by a well-intentioned but mishandled diatribe on end-time suffering. Clearly the consequences of sin is death, i.e., suffering. As humans born with a sinful nature, living in a sinful world, we each will Jimmy come face to face with heartache and pain. That’s a promise Jesus Himself made when He told the Phillips disciples that “in this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). Sometimes it seems like a no-win situation. If you mess up, you suffer. Raise your hand if you’ve had to deal with intense guilt, a broken relationship, or another unplanned consequence resulting from a mistake you made. On the other hand, have you ever done everything right, only to suffer persecution and condemnation at the hands of someone else? If you’re anything like me, your answers are “Yes” and “Yes.” However, such a mind-set is overly simplistic. True, although suffering in any form hurts, all suffer- ing is not created equal, as explained by the apostle Peter: “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened. . . . For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:14-17). In our discourse on suffering, we must constantly present the picture through the eyes of heaven. Jesus didn’t isolate His disciples from persecution, because He knew that by following in His footsteps it was almost inevitable that their lives would end at the hands of men, as did His. But by following the path He blazed on earth, the disciples were also guaranteed to spend eternity with their Master, fulfilling Jesus’ promise “that you also may be where I am” (John 14:3). Unfortunately, in this life we don’t have a choice that precludes suffering one way or another; it’s going to happen. But you and I do have a say when it comes to why we suffer. Choose to suffer with a clear conscience, for doing what we know to be right. In John 16:33 Jesus intrinsi- cally ties earthly suffering to an eternal reward. Anxiety and fear will melt away when we focus on the big picture: Righteous suffering for a short time on earth means living where pain and suffering will be wiped out forever. Thinking about spending eternity with Jesus: that really puts me at a loss for words. n

JIMMY PHILLIPS ([email protected]) WRITES FROM BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA, WHERE HE IS DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION FOR SAN JOAQUIN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL. VISIT HIS WEB SITE AT INTRODUCINGTHEWHY.COM.

www.AdventistReview.org | July 11, 2013 | (607) 15 Cover merciful than I would be. BY CLINTON AND GINA WAHLEN I don’t want a God I can’t say ‘No, thank you’ to without penalty. n electric atmosphere ple, the false dichotomy of being I don’t want a God who would look filled the Augustana Col- “forced” to choose between love and so- after my needs while allowing a whole lege gymnasium in Sioux called biblical authority offers two nation of men, women, and children Falls, South Dakota, as options that are seemingly mutually somewhere else to be destroyed.3 5,000 young adults, exclusive, ignoring alternatives. What if I don’t want a God who doesn’t make Amostly aged 18-25, held their hands up, it is possible to love gay friends and still sense. closed their eyes, and mouthed the I don’t want a God who . . . (fill in the words to “Same Love” with American blank). rapper Macklemore: “WHAT WAS THAT “. . . we paraphrase a book written BETTER WAY, AND Perceptions of God thirty-five-hundred years ago . . . How do we develop our perceptions If you preach hate at the service those WHO WAS THIS of who God is—or if He even exists? words aren’t anointed GOD WHO WOULD Research has confirmed that parent- That holy water that you soak in has child relationships and childhood expe- been poisoned.”1 DEAL WITH IT?” riences, particularly traumatic After the concert one student at this experiences, have an effect on a person’s selective liberal arts and professional col- uphold biblical authority? understanding of the character of God.4 lege of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Warped pictures of God have been Misperceptions of God can come America wrote in her blog that as a Chris- around for millennia, going back to the from other sources as well—self-pro- tian she “was forced to choose between Garden of Eden. These misunderstand- claimed “Christians” who act hypocriti- the love I had for my gay friends and so- ings of the nature of God reveal them- cally, seemingly unanswered prayers, called biblical authority. I chose gay peo- selves in such statements as: abusive priests, pastors and other spiri- ple. . . . I said, ‘If the Bible really says this I don’t want a God who would be less tual leaders, cold and uncaring about gay people, I’m not too keen on trusting what it says about God.’ ”2

Fallacious Reasoning Fallacious reasoning like this has been around for a long time, especially WHEN GOD in conversations about God. For exam- ISN’T WHO WE THINK HE IS “I Don’t Want a God Who...”

(608) 16 churches, unbiblical teachings such as nizes human behavior, waiting to repri- best sellers’ list for 51 consecutive weeks!5 an eternally burning hell, the theory of mand anyone who steps out of line. evolution with its denial of an all-pow- 3. The “all-loving God,” who is too Who Is This God? erful, loving Creator, and many more. kind to reprove or judge anyone—ever. These images are not the God of the Adding to the confusion are human- 4. The “despot God,” who rules with Bible. They are distortions born of made images of God, perpetuated by an iron fist, sending tragedies on the human misunderstandings. Sometimes various faith and secular communities. earth and wiping out life at will. these images arise from well-inten- Some of these distortions include: With views such as these, no wonder tioned but misguided attempts at find- 1. The “distant/indifferent God,” who books such as Richard Dawkins’ The God ing God. But there are also cases in exists but is not concerned about our Delusion could stay on the New York Times which the images have been deliberately day-to-day lives. twisted, even caricatured, by ill-informed 2. The “judgmental God,” who scruti- skeptics or (worse) former believers now hell-bent on destroying the faith of those

a God Who...”

17 they once went to church with. the Bible for an answer. “Faith comes by His will is that all would repent and be I (Clint) was one of the ill-informed hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” eternally saved (2 Peter 3:9)—includ- skeptics. Then one day someone gave me I read in Romans 10:17.10 I learned that ing the Canaanites—but even as the a copy of The Great Controversy. Scanning “God is love” (1 John 4:8), and that love Israelite armies demonstrated their the table of contents, I decided to read the and justice constitute the foundation of overwhelming superiority with victo- chapter “The Origin of Evil.” Suddenly I His throne (Ps. 89:14) and the essence of ries in what is now the country of Jor- was confronted with a very different view His law (Mark 12:29-31). Almost imper- dan, nearly all the inhabitants of the of God from the deity my teenage Chris- ceptibly I came to know the God of the land chose to fight rather than accept tian friends warned me about—who Bible and to love and trust Him. the God of Israel. would throw me into an eternally burn- ing hell if I didn’t accept Him. Is God a Moral Monster?11 Too Much Blood? In contrast, the author of this intrigu- Admittedly, though, the Bible does To some, the biblical sanctuary sys- ing book seemed to be speaking directly contain some troubling images of God, tem with its bloody sacrifices seems to but faith helps us present a similar image of God as grapple with these, bloodthirsty and primitive, but this sys- too, rather than turn- tem is designed to teach many truths, ing a blind eye, wish- including the seriousness of sin (“the ing they didn’t exist. wages of sin is death” [Rom 6:23]). Far Let’s briefly look at from the sacrifices representing human two of these possibly attempts to pay for sin (as they do in problematic pictures false religions), they instead symbolized of God. God’s ultimate gift: providing Himself as What about when a sacrifice (Mark 10:45; Gen. 22:8)—“the God commanded the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus extermination of the Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). Canaanites (see Deut. The participation of the sinner in 20:16-18)? Doesn’t this offering the animal and of the priest in prove the God of the ministering the blood teaches that God’s Bible to be a cruel, gift of salvation becomes effective only heartless tyrant? as I accept that Jesus died for me, in my When reading of place, and that the purpose of His minis- this divine command, try today in the is to we need to remind save me not only from the penalty of sin to me right from the start: “[Many] see ourselves of some important, closely but also from its power (Rom. 8:1-4). the work of evil, with its terrible results connected biblical and historical facts: No selfish human heart could con- of woe and desolation, and they ques- 1. As the immediately preceding verses ceive of a God so inseparable from His tion how all this can exist under the show (verses 10-15), the normal proce- own self-forgetful love that to uphold it sovereignty of One who is infinite in dure was to avoid war if possible, and He would lay Himself, rather than us wisdom, in power, and in love. Here is a if not, to spare the women and chil- sinners, on the altar, and that only in mystery of which they find no explana- dren. 2. Canaan was the land to be pop- order to purge the universe of evil for- tion.”6 I discovered that “sin is an ulated by God’s people, which could ever does He ultimately consent to intruder”7 originated by Lucifer, who have included the six nations that extinguish those who insist on remain- was the highest and most exalted of the inhabited it as, during the time of ing inseparable from sin. It was this angels until he tried to make pride and Abraham and his descendants, they clear and complete picture of God that self-exaltation into a virtue.8 were given four centuries to repent won our hearts. It made sense to me that if Satan had while their cup of iniquity was not yet been instantly vaporized after introduc- full (see Gen. 15:16). 3. Unfortunately, Building on the Rock ing sin into the universe, “the inhabit- their stubborn worship based on gods The world offers many pictures of ants of heaven and of other worlds” of sex12 and violence (as the Ras who God isn’t. To find out who God “would have served God from fear Shamra tablets describe)13 meant that really is, we must look at the most accu- rather than from love”9 and that a better their remaining in the land would rate reflection He has given to us—His way of dealing with evil was required. hinder His plan for Israel and be a Word. The Bible reveals to us the nature But what was that better way, and who continuing stumbling block for them. of God, the nature of human beings, the was this God who would deal with it? 4. God has no pleasure in the death of nature of sin. It opens to us the history That question led me to earnestly study the wicked (Eze. 33:11); to the contrary, of our planet, the fall, and the plan of

18 (610) | www.AdventistReview.org | July 11, 2013 redemption. It shows us God’s love Questions need to be raised in the and culture. His Word is, in many through the life, death, resurrection, classroom, as we have raised questions places, simple enough for a child to and coming again of His Son, and in this article; but how are these ques- understand, yet deep enough for the teaches us how we should treat others. tions answered? For example, when brightest scholar to search. God is not Jesus and His Word are inseparable— addressing the question of origins, is limited in the ways in which He speaks “In the beginning was the Word, and evolution given equal or perhaps even to us, but the clearest way to learn to the Word was with God, and the Word greater credence than the biblical recognize His voice is by listening to it was God” (John 1:1). account of creation? If God used the in His Word. What is your God saying to No wonder that fallen angel Lucifer, process of evolution to eventually “cre- you today? n the devil, hates the Word of God and ate” human beings, through a process 1 www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/macklemore/samelove. attacks it so viciously. However, it of death, mutation, development, and html. would be less than honest to suggest predation, how does that fit the biblical 2 “An Open Letter to the Church From My Genera- that all questions can be easily picture of an all-powerful, all-loving tion,” http://dannikanash.wordpress.com/2013/04/07/ an-open-letter-to-the-church-from-my-generation/. answered from the Bible. There are God whose plan and work is perfect? 3 From “10 Gods I Don’t Want,” Oct. 27, 2006, www. apparent contradictions, unclear pas- Because the creation account of Genesis clusterflock.org/2006/10/10-gods-i-dont-want.html. sages, and unanswered questions. But 1 and 2 is inconsistent with the prevail- 4 See Jane Dickie, Amy Eshleman, Dawn Merasco, Amy Shepard, Michael Vander Wilt, and Melissa John- careful and sometimes painstaking ing scientific worldview and its “find- son, “Parent-Child Relationships and Children’s searching of the Bible for answers will ings,” even many “evangelical” scholars Images of God,” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion solve many problems if we read it now question its historicity. Once the 36, no. 1 (March 1997): 25-43, www.jstor.org/stable/ 1387880; Carrie Doehring, Internal Desecration: Trauma- through the eyes of faith. biblical account of Creation is under- tization and Representations of God (Lanham, Md.: Over the centuries a long list of mar- mined, it is easier to find reasons to University Press of America, Inc., 1993). tyrs sealed their confidence in God and reject its message regarding the two 5 Peter Steinfels, “Books on Atheism Are Raising Hackles in Unlikely Places,” New York Times, www. His Word with their own blood. Some original institutions: marriage (between nytimes.com/2007/03/03/books/03beliefs.html?_r=0, suffered because they were determined a man and a woman) and the seventh- Mar. 3, 2007. to give people the Bible in their own day Sabbath. This is just one example 6 Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1911), p. 492. language. More recently believers have showing that the way questions are 7 Ibid., p. 493. suffered torture, imprisonment, and answered is just as important as the 8 Isa. 14:12-14; ibid., pp. 493, 494. death as they smuggle and share Bibles questions themselves. 9 Ibid., pp. 498, 499. 10 All Bible quotations in this article are from the in countries hostile to God’s Word. Criticism of God’s Word is nothing new. New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, In The Acts of the Apostles we read, “As in the 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All The Worst Hostility days of the apostles men tried by tradition rights reserved. 11 Taken from Paul Copan, Is God a Moral Monster? But perhaps the worst hostility to and philosophy to destroy faith in the Making Sense of the Old Testament God (Grand Rapids: the Word of God is found not in the Scriptures, so today, by the pleasing senti- Baker Books, 2011). courts of infidel governments but in ments of higher critics, evolution, spiritual- 12 These ancient tablets describe Canaanite religious practices including choreographed sexual dramas the classrooms and corridors of higher ism, theosophy, and pantheism, the enemy with music, frequent sexual intercourse with animals, learning, where persons of culture and of righteousness is seeking to lead souls shrine prostitutes (male and female), homosexual intelligence presume to dissect the into forbidden paths. To many the Bible is a acts, group sex, and other “common rites of sexual rejuvenation.” See Chapter 3, “Creation Ordinance Bible much as one would a cadaver, lamp without oil, because they have turned Versus Cultic Sexuality,” in Richard M. Davidson, Flame determining which parts are vital and their minds into channels of speculative of Yahweh: Sexuality in the Old Testament (Peabody, Mass.: which are not. belief that bring misunderstanding and Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 2007). 13 In addition to abhorrent sexual practices, the Of course, careful biblical study takes confusion. The work of higher criticism, in Canaanites also offered up children as sacrifices and into account the original language, his- dissecting, conjecturing, reconstructing, is worshipped gods they depicted as drinking their vic- torical context, and literary form of the destroying faith in the Bible as a divine rev- tims’ blood and engaging in almost unimaginable gore and violence. See Copan, pp. 159, 160. passage, but these tools alone are insuf- elation. It is robbing God’s Word of power 14 Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles (Mountain ficient to understand Scripture, which is to control, uplift, and inspire human lives. View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1911), p. 474. a faith-based book. By spiritualism, multitudes are taught to Sometimes those not embracing a believe that desire is the highest law, that CLINTON WAHLEN, PH.D., IS AN historical-critical approach are labeled license is liberty, and that man is account- ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF THE “fundamentalists” who believe God able only to himself.”14 BIBLICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE AT Himself dictated every word of an infal- There are many voices today claiming THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF lible Holy Book, when in actuality these to know the way, the truth, and the life, SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS IN SILVER SPRING, scholars believe in the divine/human but instead lead to disappointment, MARYLAND. GINA WAHLEN, M.A., WAS ASSISTANT TO model of inspiration identified in discouragement, and death. THE EDITOR OF THE ADVENTIST REVIEW AT THE TIME 2 Peter 1:21: “Holy men of God spoke as Fortunately, there is a God whose OF THIS WRITING. SHE NOW SERVES AS EDITOR OF they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” Word, like Him, transcends time, place, MISSION.

www.AdventistReview.org | July 11, 2013 | (611) 19 Adventist Life

Daring to Dream

BY SANDRA BLACKMER ressed for the camera in a ber chairs set on a 12-inch-raised plat- copper-toned silk-brocade form. A backdrop depicting a nighttime jacket, a calf-length brown city skyline set the stage for the pro- skirt, and brown pumps, gram’s recurring theme: inner-city life- Dare to Dream Network style challenges. A cameraman signaled Dgeneral manager Yvonne Lewis entered a five-second countdown, and the cam- the 3ABN studio and strode over to pro- eras began rolling. Then looking directly gram guest Blondel E. Senior. After into the camera lens—and with a briefly reviewing the schema for her and a wink—the program host greeted interview with Senior—director of an her viewing audience: Adventist-run facility for troubled boys “My name is Yvonne Lewis,” she said, called Advent Home—she moved aside “and you’re watching Urban Report.” so the stage manager could attach a lapel mike to Senior’s suit coat. Lewis’s 3ABN’s New “Child” mike was fastened next, then she and Dare to Dream is a recent addition to her guest positioned themselves for the program lineup of Three Angels conversation in two plush, gray microfi- Broadcasting Network (3ABN), headquar-

20 (612) | www.AdventistReview.org | July 11, 2013 URBAN REPORT: Yvonne Lewis talks with her Urban Report guest on set.

NETWORK GENERAL MANAGER: Yvonne Lewis, who holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in social work and is a professional singer, heads the new urban network.

3ABN’S PHOTO: SANDRA BLACKMER NEW URBAN residents, primarily African-Americans more than 70 percent of the children are NETWORK and other minority groups, with pro- born out of wedlock,” Lewis notes. “Sin- grams that deal largely with everyday gle-parent homes are the dominant TARGETS challenges. If you look at the statistics, home life afforded to these children, INNER-CITY poverty is disproportionately high in and it’s usually the mother who’s the inner cities, more than 33 percent of parent that raises them. So a lot of MINORITIES. African-American men are either in young men have no clue about what it prison or supervised by the court, and means to be a father, because many of 60 percent of African-American boys them didn’t have fathers involved in that drop out of high school will be in their own lives. They don’t know what PHOTO: SANDRA BLACKMER prison by age 30. Our goal is to reach to look for, what to do. . . . The reality- people ‘where they live.’ ” based format will allow viewers to see tered in a rural region of West Frankfurt, The number of biblically based regular where the young men live, some of the Illinois. Launched on the Internet in programs addressing the problems of decisions they make, how they interact November 2010 and on satellite January 1, crime, substance abuse, poverty, family with their baby’s mother, and how 2012, the viewer-supported urban net- erosion, and health that were aired this they’re going to involve themselves in work has made significant strides in mak- year, together with those in the planning the dynamics of parenting.” ing itself known and creating a noticeable stage, is 19—an impressive total for a “The father is critical to the well-rounded impact on its viewing audience. General small network still in its infancy. development of the child,” she adds. “We Manager Yvonne Lewis, who holds a bach- A program in the making that Lewis is can’t overestimate his importance.” elor’s degree in psychology and a master’s particularly excited about is A Father’s Heart. in social work, says the network’s practi- Using a reality-based format and hosted by A Surprise Beginning cal approach is hitting home. a pastor who grew up in a single-parent Lewis’s involvement with the urban “The focus of Dare to Dream is to household, A Father’s Heart is designed to network didn’t happen by answering a share the gospel message, as well as provide answers for men who want to be “Help Wanted” ad. Instead, she believes provide practical tools for tackling rele- good fathers, but because they’ve never it was providentially arranged. vant, contemporary issues—and the had appropriate role models in their own In 2010 Lewis was a guest on 3ABN response has been overwhelmingly pos- lives, they just don’t know how. promoting her book GREAT DAYS: Nine itive,” Lewis says. “We target inner-city “In the African-American community Principles to Revolutionize Your Life. Follow-

www.AdventistReview.org | July 11, 2013 | (613) 21 ing the show, 3ABN cofounder Danny Shelton and she began discussing their concerns regarding the challenges faced by inner-city residents. During a subse- quent conversation, Shelton told Lewis that he felt impressed that she should head up the new urban network. “It was just like the Bible verse that says, ‘God will do exceeding abundantly, more than you could ask or think,’ ” Lewis says. “I was just amazed! I had no idea that I would be working here. I just came to talk about my book.” PHOTO COURTESY OF 3ABN COURTESY PHOTO This wasn’t the first time, however, MAGNIFY HIM: Recording artists Donnell and Denise Josiah share their ministry vision that Lewis believes God directly inter- with host Yvonne Lewis on Dare to Dream’s music program, Magnify Him. vened in her life. Network is positioned to strengthen Musical Beginnings local churches. Dare to Dream A third-generation Adventist raised in “If we all work together, we can build Network Programs the church, Lewis for a time drifted up the churches,” she says. “We want away from the Lord when she got pastors and church members to know Programs currently aired on the caught up in the music business. that we’re here to help raise awareness Dare to Dream Network include: Although she was a trained social of this message God has given us, and to • Making It Work—focuses on worker, music was her passion. She generate growth in the local church. We repairing and maintaining the family decided to become a professional see this as a partnership.” unit. It examines such topics as singer—and was successful. She was “We also solicit ideas for program- blended families, infidelity, bullying, hired to do jingles for several well- ming,” she adds. “A lot of churches are and more. known products, and sang with such doing creative, innovative things in • For Guys Only—developed for celebrities as Whitney Houston, Patti their communities that others would minority males and the unique issues Austin, and Quincy Jones. benefit from learning about. We’re very they confront. “I was enjoying my life,” Lewis says, open to hearing these new ideas.” • Pure Choices—sensitively deals “but even though I had not totally left God, Dare to Dream programs currently with the topic of sexual purity. I knew something was missing. Then one can be viewed via the Internet, satellite, • A New Journey—a program for ex- day my grandmother said to me, ‘We’re and , but Lewis hopes they will offenders hosted by an ex-offender that getting a new pastor. Why don’t you come also soon be aired on cable television. is presented from a spiritual perspective to hear him?’ I did, and from that Sabbath “My dream, by the grace of God,” she and emphasizes hope after prison. on I had to be in church! I was learning so says, “is for that teenage boy or girl or that • Take It to the Bank—addresses much. It was a deeper, richer experience, young, single mother to be able to turn on issues of finance and money manage- because now it wasn’t a vicarious experi- their television set, see a Dare to Dream ment, such as the importance of ence. I was meeting God for myself; really program, and say, ‘What’s that about?’ . . . budgeting. knowing Him for myself.” “To be able to come into people’s homes • A Taste of Paradise—a food- In 1985 Lewis was rebaptized. She via the television set, that’s what we’re preparation program that features soon left her singing career behind and striving to achieve. And I believe God’s both raw- and cooked-food recipes. began studying health care and health- going to make a way for that to happen.” n • Forerunner Chronicles—cutting- ful living. Eventually she felt led by God Dare to Dream 24/7 streaming-video pro- edge evangelism revealing current to write the book GREAT DAYS, an acro- gramming can be viewed at d2dnetwork.tv, events from a biblical perspective. nym for nine health principles, which via the 3ABN Web site at 3abn.org, or via led to her 3ABN interview. Roku. For more information, call 1-800-752- Launching soon: “Had I not written the book as God 3226, extension 3031. • Kickin’ the Habit—a smoking- told me to do, I would not now have the cessation program that examines why best job I’ve ever had in my life,” Lewis SANDRA BLACKMER IS FEATURES people smoke, triggers for smoking, says. “God is !” EDITOR OF ADVENTIST REVIEW. ways to stop smoking, and the impor- tance of divine aid. Building Together Ultimately, Lewis says, Dare to Dream

22 (614) | www.AdventistReview.org | July 11, 2013 Searching the Obvious This Book Belongs to . . . THEY WERE MEANINGFUL WORDS LOST IN AN OVERARTICULATED WORLD, careful observations that almost got shelved and forgotten. Who was their author? Where was their home? Who were they meant for? * * * My answering machine has one message: from Luna, the head librarian from my local public library. Luna tells me that they have received about 20 boxes of donated books from an estate in the area. Among them are religion books, philosophy books, everything I would appreciate. Two days later I find myself walking to the public library, eager to see the treasures Luna might have for me. As I enter the small building I see Luna quietly talking on the phone. Seeing me, she sig- nals for me to approach the librarian’s counter, pointing at some books already placed in carts waiting to be shelved. I look through the carts. These are old, beautiful books. I kneel down to read the titles on the last shelf of the cart. Then I see it: A beautiful King James Bible with frayed edges in a beautiful burgundy binding. I am curious. I pick out the book and walk to a small cubicle to look it over. I open the Bible and find that the printing date is 1890. The spine is cracked. Someone has creased the Bible in the Psalms. I turn to the Psalms and find faint, marginal writing throughout the book. The place where the book’s spine turns to with ease is Psalm 34. I glance back at the introduction page and read the printed head- ing “This Bible Belongs to . . .” Someone has signed their name: Dr. James Watson, Emily, Eliza, Eve, and Ellianne. I wonder who they are. I turn back to Psalm 34 and look through the marginal notes: next to verse 4: “He has not forgotten this old man”; verse 8: “I trust You, my God; keep me strong”; verse 11: “My God, I tried to teach them. I know they are with You”; verse 15: “You have heard my cries. You have held my soul together when it was broken”; verse 18: “My heart is no longer broken. You have given me peace”; verse 19: “You delivered me. You delivered us. Let me be an example of Your mercy.” Dixil I close the Bible. I feel like I am reading someone’s journal. I go to the counter and check out the Bible. Rodríquez Late at night I find myself reading through the marginal notes in the Psalms.Was this Dr. Watson’s favorite book? I read his notes on my favorite psalm, Psalm 91. On verse 2 the marginal note simply says: “God is awesome. God is present in my pain.” Who is this person? * * * Three days later I find myself in the County Records Office. This is ridiculous. Just because someone made heart- felt marginal notes in a Bible doesn’t mean I should be looking for his identity. Five hours later I find a copy of the newspaper clipping. I glance through the information as if I am in a hurry to meet a famous author. A reli- gion professor, James Watson, 94, passed away on January 1, 2013. His wife passed 20 years ago. Of his four daughters, only one remains: Ellianne. I wonder what happened. Then I read a comforting note: “Dr. Watson died peacefully in his home where he lived for 60 years.” * * * I stand at the library counter waiting for Luna. This Bible has a home away from this library. Luna listens and agrees to check into the matter. * * * Two months have passed since I last visited the library. As I enter the building, Luna beckons me to the counter. There is a package for me. She tells me the Bible was returned to Ellianne; and as it turns out, Ellianne had no idea of the treasure it was. Luna smiles and urges me to open the package. Inside is a King James Bible with a bookmark placed on the front page. As I open it I recognize the heading “This Bible Belongs to . . .” and under it in beautiful penmanship: “One who felt the Holy Spirit’s whisperings and has brought my faith home, again.—Ellianne Watson.” n

DIXIL RODRÍGUEZ IS A COLLEGE PROFESSOR AND VOLUNTEER HOSPITAL CHAPLAIN LIVING IN TEXAS.

www.AdventistReview.org | July 11, 2013 | (615) 23 Heart and Soul: Theology

BY JOVAN ILIJEV ntil that chilly Monday morning in Varaždin, Croatia, my life as a Seventh-day Adventist soldier in the Communist army had gone smoothly and unchallenged! But things changed that spring day of 1979. “You must have done something terribly wrong, Jovan,” the captain said grimly. “I don’t know what it is, but we’ll soon find out. The general mayor wants you to report to his office immediately.” Every soldier knew what that Umeant, especially someone like me, who, instead of reporting for work on Sabbath, worshipped illegally at the local Adventist church.

The General Speaks and purpose to our lives, no hope of resur- At the general’s office I was stunned to rection, no promise of heaven, and no THERE ARE see my Bible on his desk. It was open to afterlife. We close all churches, syna- MORE Genesis 1. The general smiled and spoke gogues, mosques, and temples and ANSWERS softly: “Looking at your profile, I can see denounce the Bible and other sacred liter- you are a bright and intelligent young ature as the fabrication of primitive minds. THAN man. . . . I’m curious to know how much How do we, having gotten rid of God, live QUESTIONS. you’ve been infected and damaged by reli- with meaning or purpose in a vast and gious virus.” He continued: “At school you purposeless universe? A universe without were taught about the Darwinian explana- God raises desperate questions: tion of life and the processes that brought Where does significance come from if human beings into existence in the course we are the mere byproduct of natural of millions of years. On the other hand, blind forces (“Because our number came your book says God created man out of up in a Monte Carlo game,” as atheist dust in an instant. What do you believe, biologist Jacques Monod has said)?1 soldier, the scientific facts about our origin If everything is a mere collection of or the ancient fables of your book?” atoms, then humans are not different in “I believe what the Bible says, sir.” The general closed the Bible. Staring straight at me, he asked: “As an educated, rational man, do you believe a snake chatted with a woman and a donkey spoke to a man, the sun stood still, water turned into wine, and dead people, fol- lowing their burial, walked again?” I did not hesitate: “The Bible is the Word of God, sir, and I believe that those miracles took place.” Rising slowly from his chair, he raised a clenched fist toward me and shouted: “You are mad, insane; you’re out of your mind; how could you believe such fool- ishness? You are dangerous; get out of my office immediately!”

A World Without God Since that time, more than 30 years ago, I have witnessed to and learned from hun- dreds of atheists. Some have become close friends. Often I’d ask them to do a quick thought experiment: to imagine the world without God; no God who gives meaning

24 (616) | www.AdventistReview.org | July 11, 2013 kind from other forms of life or from testimony that the universe had a begin- ates to very specific numerical values. Cos- dead matter. But if that is the case, how ning caused by God. To them the universe mologists tell us that the fundamental can humans claim unique value, or spe- was “just there,” with no beginning, infi- forces of the universe must be tuned with cial rights? According to Stephen Hawk- nite in age, relieving them of the respon- knife’s-edge finesse for life to occur. Atheist ing, “the human race is just a chemical sibility to account for its ultimate cause— physicist Lee Smolin illustrates: Imagine scum on a moderate-sized planet.”2 until a series of discoveries in astronomy God seated at a big cosmic desk to which Why then should killings in Auschwitz at the beginning of the twentieth century hundreds of different dials are attached, or Rwanda be more reprehensible than disturbed their peace. each dial representing one numerical con- spraying out a swarm of mosquitoes? The new discoveries pointed to a con- stant, with an extreme precision set to a Furthermore, if life is won by the fittest clusion that matter, space, and time had a fixed number. What if scientists, while God and even they end in the grave, why beginning. Evidently something outside is not looking, were to sneak into the room should it make a difference whether one of time and space caused the universe and change something? What if light were has lived as a Stalin or as a saint? Is care into being. Agnostic astronomer Robert to travel at 200,000 miles per second instead for the sick, the poor, and the disadvan- Jastrow illustrated this by saying that of 186,000? What if the values of the uni- taged a hindrance to the species’ survival? “the universe was wound up like a clock verse were a little different? Smolin con- No argument proves God’s existence at this moment, and everything that hap- tends that if we moved one of the values in with mathematical certainty. No airtight pened since has been its unwinding.”3 either direction, not by 10 percent or 2 per- argument silences all skeptics. Unan- Today no reputable scientist contests cent, but by one part in a hundred thousand swered questions remain. But I do claim the beginning of the universe. Still, the million million million, there would be no that the God of is the best majority of them reject its implications. universe, no life.5 explanation of the mysteries that surround Arno Penzias, Nobel Prize recipient in The fine-tuned universe is unsettling to us, mysteries that cannot be explained in physics, states boldly: “The best data we atheists. They cannot deny it, yet they any naturalistic way. These mysteries serve have are exactly what I would have pre- refuse to follow its evidence that would as pointers to God, the Creator of the uni- dicted had I nothing to go on but the lead them to the Christian God. Some pre- verse and Savior of humankind. five books of Moses, the Psalms, the fer a theory of multiple universes. With Bible as a whole.”4 many, many universes similar to ours, the Something Rather argument goes, it is statistically unsurpris- Than Nothing The Way Things Are ing that one of them happened to be hospi- For years atheists, philosophers, and The universe exhibits an astounding table for life. Nevertheless, they dismiss the secular scientists ridiculed the biblical degree of mathematical fine-tuning. It oper- question of how intelligent life arose as a

(617) meaningless and speculative question, and teeth. Leading evolutionist Michael moral action from an immoral one with nothing but empty speculation to be Ruse confirms: “Our sense of morality is (Rom. 2:14, 15; 12:3). The referential gained from asking why. adaptation. . . . This is in no way to say point of morality to which both atheists that that which has evolved is morally and Christians appeal, humanity’s Is “Why” an Unreasonable good.”8 In other words, our actions are sense of moral awareness—if our con- Question? inherently neither moral nor immoral, science has not been deadened (Heb. Considering the odds against life, is it neither good nor bad, but neutral, either 3:13)—cannot be explained in any natu- really meaningless to ask why we do helping or hindering our survival. ralistic way, and is a clear pointer to exist at all? But could an atheist live with the God, the moral law-giver. Imagine this scenario6: A soldier is cap- notion that incest, child molestation, The Christian faith is rationally con- tured by enemy forces. His sentence is abduction, and slavery are morally neu- sistent and based on reality. It is also swift—execution by the firing squad. tral? Do atheists avoid these simply for testable and falsifiable. It answers more He is tied to a post, and a marker is put reasons of survival? Would they prefer than we can reasonably ask. It stands on on his chest marking his heart. One to rape, murder, torture children, and Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, a tes- thousand soldiers are called to shoot abuse those who are elderly if this aided timony that no other religion or philos- him from a distance of 50 feet. One our survival? And if they recoil at such a ophy can claim. thousand rifles are aimed at his heart, thought, which objective moral code And Christianity is not merely true, it and all are fired at the same time. All inspires their repugnance? is relevant. It does not leave me a cosmic 1,000 miss their target. In addition, how do they explain orphan of animal origin and no destiny. Is it logical for this soldier to ask how actions that conflict with survival val- I belong to God’s family. The cross of and why such a thing could have hap- ues? Why care for individuals who have Jesus expounds my value. I have eternal pened? Would he not wonder whether disabilities, are chronically ill, are senile, worth. My life has meaning and pur- it was mechanical error in 1,000 rifles? are hard-core criminals, etc.? We know pose, and my future is radiant with Or because 1,000 pairs of sharpshoot- caring for them is not advantageous to hope. Concluding with C. S. Lewis: “I ers’ hands all trembled beyond control? our survival. If evolutionary dogma is believe in Christianity as I believe that Or because some unnatural mystery true, why not “put them to sleep . . . lest the sun has risen: not only because I see intervened to preserve him alive? they hinder the evolutionary process”?9 it, but because by it I see everything Entirely reasonable, you concede. Beyond this, nothing in evolutionary else.”10 n Yet the odds against life occurring philosophy tells me to risk my life to 1 John Blanchard, Does God Believe in Atheists? (Evan- in the universe are a billion times help a stranger I may never see again. gelical Press, 2000), p. 363. larger than for 1,000 soldiers to miss The evolutionary model, logically fol- 2 David Deutsch, The Fabric of Reality: The Science of their target 50 feet away. No natural lowed, converts Oskar Schindler into an Parallel Universes—and Its Implications (New York: Viking, 1997), pp. 177, 178. explanation for life, intelligent or oth- utter fool for risking his own life to save 3 Robert Jastrow, God and the Astronomer (New York: erwise, exists. Christians believe that more than 1,000 Jews from the Nazis. W. W. Norton and Co., Inc., 1978), p. 113. life in its delicate balances points to a Yet it would be hard to find an atheist 4 Malcolm Browne, “Clues to the Universe’s Origin Expected,” New York Times, Mar. 12, 1978. loving and solicitous Creator who took who would not be profoundly moved by 5 From a debate between Dinesh D’Souza and Dan special care in designing the universe such altruism, even though they would Baker, available online at www.youtube.com/ in a way that would make it ready for be incapable of explaining the basis for watch?v=exuaBSd74xU. 6, The parable is adapted and modified from John you and me. Schindler’s compassion. Leslie, “Anthropic Principle, World Ensemble, Design,” American Philosophical Quarterly 19 (1982):150. The Mystery of Objective Christianity’s Answer 7. John Mackie, Ethics: Inventing Right and Wrong (Lon- don: Penguin Books, 1977), p. 15 Moral Values Biblically based morality is inter- 8. Michael Ruse, The Darwinian Paradigm (London: Eminent Australian philosopher John twined with the notion that human Routledge, 1989), p. 12. Mackie has stated atheism’s great tenet: beings are special creatures with an 9. John R. W. Stott, Issues Facing Christians Today, 4th. 7 ed. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006), p. 18. “There are no objective values.” And intrinsic value. The image of God makes 10. C. S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory: And Other Addresses Christians agree that if there is no God, us different from other lower forms of (New York: Harper One, 1980), p. 140. there are no objective moral values. life. We may be genetically similar to But if that is so, to which moral standard animals, but we are different in kind. PRIOR TO BEING A PASTOR IN do atheists appeal when they approve cer- We don’t hold a lion guilty for eating NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, JOVAN tain actions as good and condemn others zebra, but we do hold human beings ILIJEV TAUGHT AT BELGRADE as objectively wrong? If atheism is true, on responsible for mistreating fellow THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY IN SERBIA. what basis do we call Hitler’s actions human beings. God has endowed HIS WEEKLY RADIO PROGRAM, THE repugnant and Mother Teresa’s noble? humans with a moral compass that CROSSROADS, IS DESIGNED TO REACH ATHEISTS, Atheistic philosophy views morality helps us differentiate good from bad, AGNOSTICS, AND POSTMODERNS. HE IS THE AUTHOR as just an aid to survival, like hands, feet, love from hate, justice from injustice, a OF ATHEISM VERSUS CHRISTIANITY.

26 (618) | www.AdventistReview.org | July 11, 2013

Story

BY JENNIFER WILLIAMS ll I wanted to do was cook me, “I’m just heading back to the village. Do matter. My friend knew where I stood, some pasta. you want to get lunch somewhere first?” that I wouldn’t drink, smoke, or swear, If I wanted only rice, I “OK.” We started toward a local restau- and I was always careful not to seem would have stayed home, the rant that was often frequented by expa- judgmental or pushy about his own life concrete walls of my bunga- triates. It was closed. “Oh,” I sighed. “It choices. I am not an outgoing person. Alow guarding me from the stifling heat of must be because of Ramadan. The owner Ghanaians, on the other hand, are midday. But I was tired of eating rice. is Muslim. Where else can we eat?” extremely expressive and public about Instead I took out my yellow Peace I followed Chris to another eating their religion. Often, riding on a public Corps issue bicycle and pedaled up the spot, and another, with no luck. All the bus, a passenger would hill and around the bend into town, to Muslim-owned shops were closed. stand up and offer a the market, to buy tomatoes, onion, gar- Another was open, but the food was prayer for everyone’s lic, and spaghetti. gone. We finally found an open restau- safety, or even preach a Laboring to pedal uphill, I passed rant, sat down, and ordered some sodas. lengthy sermon. As for- women frying plantains and bean cakes “Our electricity is out,” the waiter eigners, we had trouble along the roadside. The smell of hot oil apologized, offering us warm drinks. understanding this mingled with the sharper, more pun- We looked at each other and decided behavior, but we were gent odors of salt and chili peppers, that warm soda on a hot day was too used to it. sweat, livestock, and sour water. much to bear. Frustrated, we set out We were just trying À la Carte “Nonsara! Nonsara!” Children fol- again, heading across town looking for to eat our fried rice. lowed me up the street and into the a new place, still hungry. But the proprietor was determined to market, calling out the local name for I was thinking about politely desert- involve us in a Bible study, right there in foreigners. They hopped up and down, ing my friend in the bus station, giving the middle of the afternoon when we all their bellies jiggling with excitement, up, and heading home to my pasta, had things to do and places to go. yelling in a singsong unison, “Nonsara, when we finally found a fried rice ven- “OK,” my friend sighed and pushed how are you? We are fine, thank you!” dor open for business. his empty plate to the side. To him this I had lived in northern Ghana for more was another slightly annoying, but than a year, and I was almost used to A Meal and a Message interesting part of life in a strange and being called out as a stranger and White The owner, a young man, sat to one foreign culture. woman everywhere I went. “American side reading a Bible. He got up quickly The man launched forward, reading girl, hey, we have brown bread for you!” and gladly served us fried rice and cold from John: “ ‘I am the way and the truth “White woman, come buy carrots.” sodas. Then returned to his study. We and the life’ ” (John 14:6). I pushed my bicycle through the twisting were his only customers. “But, see, that’s what I don’t under- aisles between the market stalls and We chatted easily about our respective stand,” argued my friend immediately. looked for the women I knew, traders projects as we ate our fried rice, by now “What about Muslims, what about Jews who sold to me regularly. I bought car- really hungry after wandering all over town. and Hindus? How can you say you have rots, onions, and a half dozen raw eggs, When he saw that our plates were the only way? Would God just leave all which I wrapped in a black plastic bag clear and our conversation was winding of them out in the dark?” and tied carefully to my handlebars. down, our server pulled up a chair and Enthused by the response, our fried Usually busy, today the market had sat with us. Slapping his Bible down on rice man flipped through his Bible and withered away in the heat. It was Rama- the table, he said, “My friends, I want to pointed to another verse, then another. dan, and some traders hadn’t come at share a little gospel message with you. I A second man, overhearing the conver- all. Others slept among their bolts of want to tell you about the way.” sation, joined him, also inspired at the colored cloth and tables stacked high idea of bringing religion to these secu- with dented cans of tomato paste. I was I COULDN’T THINK OF lar White people. “I’m not a Christian,” surprised when I turned a corner and my friend was insisting. “But I am fasci- almost ran into another yellow bicycle. ANYTHING TO ADD. nated with many different religions.” Meanwhile I sat quietly. I had no idea Let’s Eat! I am a Christian. My friend, however, what to say, caught between my fellow “Hey, what are you doing here?” It was not. We both knew this about one American and my fellow Christians. I was Chris, a Peace Corps volunteer like another, and although our conversa- didn’t want to join with the men and me, stationed in a small village a few tions occasionally touched on religious make my friend feel attacked or forced. I miles down the road. topics, we generally, like many Ameri- didn’t want to justify their judgment of “Shopping like you,” he fell into step beside cans, considered faith to be a personal him. At the same time, I felt like I should

28 (620) | www.AdventistReview.org | July 11, 2013 be speaking up or engaging somehow Samson and Benedict were taken by engaged in the discussion because they in a conversation about a topic that surprise, then they laughed too. “Well, cared for him as a person, not because meant so much to me personally. “You God will speak to you, my friend!” they were judging him. don’t have to preach to me,” I wanted to With a name like that, they would not So when Samson said he had some- say. “I’m a Christian too.” give up on this American. thing to “share,” why did my stomach But I couldn’t think of anything to sink? Why was I afraid? Was it because I add, and anyway, I could hardly have More Questions didn’t want to put my personal faith out gotten a word in edgewise. Christian and I walked together to on the table to be maligned and ques- My friend stuck doggedly to his the station, where I said goodbye as he tioned by another? That I didn’t want to point, and our two preachers were boarded the bus for his village. choose between my friend, Christian, and my brother, the fried rice man? Or was it because it was hot, and I was in the market buying tomatoes and thinking about pasta, meeting a friend, and eating fried rice? I was prepared to set aside my plans temporarily and be politely social, even walk all over town, À la Carte but unprepared, definitely unprepared, WOULD YOU LIKE SOME in the bright afternoon sun to be con- fronted with the Truth. QUESTIONS WITH YOUR MEAL? But then, when is a good time? And when are we prepared? n becoming more and more excited in I walked home in the dusk, after an their argument. They knew they had the entirely unexpected afternoon. I wished JENNIFER WILLIAMS, A FORMER truth, but they didn’t know how to I had been able to say something to PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER, NOW make him understand it. They pointed Christian. I, who had been raised my LIVES WITH HER HUSBAND AND to verse after verse, sweat beading on whole life to know what grace was, had DAUGHTER IN OHIO. their foreheads. nothing to say when he expressed his We had to go. I knew my friend had to doubts. As a child I had been taught to catch a bus to his village soon, and the seize opportunities to witness to my “little” discussion had all the signs of faith, much as Samson and Benedict turning into a heated argument. Finally, had. More than anyone, I seeing that we were ready to go, the two understood that men calmed down and left the issue they as a draw, for the time being. “I am Samson, and this is Benedict,” The fried rice man introduced himself, shaking my hand, determined to part as friends. “I am Jennifer,” I said. Samson turned and took my friend’s hand, “And what is your name, my brother?” My friend, who had spent the last quarter hour insisting he was not a Christian, looked at me, and started to laugh. Suddenly I realized the irony of his situation. “My name

is Christian,” he admitted finally. CREWS © TERRY the perspective in which Adventists * Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from and other Christians will need to think the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © about these issues. He concludes with 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used a reminder that “the worldview we by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Bookmark embrace guides our understanding of the natural world, our attitude toward human well-being, and our approach Entrusted: to the environment” (p. 20). A few Entrusted Launched at Christians and chapters later Mark Carr makes a call LLU Symposium for granting moral status to certain BY SANDRA BLACKMER Environmental parts of nonhuman creation. His argu- (LLU) ment for moving medical research Care launched Entrusted: Christians and beyond the use of animals was inter- Environmental Care during an environ- Stephen G. Dunbar, L. James Gibson, and esting; and disturbing. Next, David mental stewardship symposium held Humberto M. Rasi, eds., Adventus Interna- Lindsey toys with the dilemma of gen- on its campus April 26, 27. The sympo- tional University Publishing, 2013, 300 erating new genetically modified sium culminated a weeklong fiftieth pages, US$19.95, softcover. Reviewed by organisms (GMOs) for human use and anniversary celebration of the univer- Joseph G. Galusha, Jr., a professor of biology consumption without understanding sity’s Earth and Biological Sciences and associate vice president for Graduate the future implication. This is down- Department. Studies at Walla Walla University. right dangerous to the environment Keynote speakers for the event and our species. included Jo Ann Davidson, a professor he newly published book Entrusted: The importance of biodiversity, or the of theology at Andrews University Christians and Environmental Care is variety of life, is the subject of most of T who advocates for animal welfare edited by three leading the rest of the book. Dun- and creation care; Steven M. Smith, a Adventist scholars: bar makes the case for mineral exploration geochemist and Stephen Dunbar, James expanding our emphasis environmental geochemist in Colo- Gibson, and Humberto on health care to more rado; Gordon M. Burghardt, a leading Rasi. It contains 23 than the human body: authority on animal behavior and cog- chapters written by 20 namely, our local and nition; and , founder authors focusing on global environments “in and leader of the Party for the Ani- the current and crucial which we see our inte- mals in the Netherlands—the first debate of environmen- grated solidarity as country in the world to form a political tal quality and respon- essential to the health of party focused on animal welfare. sibility. This is one of all creation” (p. 133). “We brought this book together in the first and best treat- Finally, the last several hopes that it will stimulate Seventh- ments I have read from authors emphasize the day Adventists, not simply to think a primarily Adventist crucial necessity of inter- about the state of creation but to take Christian perspective. acting with others who decided action in making individual The book has five care about these issues. and collective choices; choices that sections. Each addresses a key question in None of us can solve them alone. We will demonstrate our care for the this debate that ranges from the scriptural need to educate our youth, agitate our world around us,” says Stephen Dun- basis for our duty, to the moral obligation politicians, create new research technol- bar, associate professor of LLU’s we have to preserve the ecosystem and ogies, and prepare for the worst— Department of Earth and Biological animals in it, to several theoretical aspects because it’s coming. May the cry of the Sciences and one of the book’s three of biodiversity in our communities. The prophet Jeremiah not be true in our day editors. “That care includes the careful final section focuses on the ways we can that “the whole land is desolate, and no stewardship of ecosystems and the educate the next generation about prob- one even cares” (Jer. 12:11, NLT).* welfare of living creatures. That care, lems and solutions before it is too late. I like the eclectic stance of the motivated by understanding and Outside of the second return of our Lord, authors. The topics are interesting, and appreciation of all creation, will be the there is no other topic that will affect our the breadth of thought is stimulating. result when we appreciate the God of earthly futures more than the central one Entrusted is an excellent collection of creation.” of this book. No, not a single one. important thought material for the I found several of the chapters to be responsible Christian in today’s world. SANDRA BLACKMER IS FEATURES EDITOR OF especially representative of the fine The book can be ordered at www.advent ADVENTIST REVIEW. quality of this book. Early on, Rasi sets us21.com.

30 (622) | www.AdventistReview.org | July 11, 2013 Reflections Wormy Apple “MOVE OVER! YOU’RE IN THE SPEED LANE!” MY SLIGHT CASE OF “ROAD RAGE” fills my car’s interior. My fingers tap out my irritation on the steering wheel. “The light is green, ignoramus!” I inject at the next intersection. While waiting in line at the grocery store, I shake my head and seethe out my irritation beneath my breath, “This is the 10-items-or-less line! Can’t you count?” My words may be silent, or almost so, more from fear of embarrassment or confrontation than from compassion; and definitely not from any lingering holiness on my part. My pasted-on, plastic smile may not offend an errant brother or a hapless sister, but the sudden, almost pleasurable spurt of negative adrenaline does affect me. The same is true for passing on politically viperous e-mails. In time the corrosive acid eats away at my peace, my joy, and any delight that can be mine as God’s darling daughter. The Message paraphrase of Luke 6:45 reminds me, “You don’t get wormy apples off a healthy tree, nor good apples off a diseased tree. The health of the apple tells the health of the tree. . . . It’s who you are, not what you say and do, that counts. Your true being brims over into true words and deeds.”* Or as King James puts it: “For out of the abundance of the heart [the] mouth speaketh.” Frustrated with my lack of spiritual progress, I ask the Holy Spirit to fill me with His fruit of love, peace, joy, etc. In the silence of my personal time with God, I can almost hear His reply. Your impatience with others is a heart condition. Wormy apples rot from the inside out. You can’t expect spurts of anger to produce abundant joy. You can’t whine over the condition of your dwindling bank account and expect prosperity. You can’t fret over tomorrow and be filled with peace today. And then the truth hits me. Secretly I enjoy the pleasurably negative release of adrenaline that comes when I express my frustration with others and with myself. While it is true that my prurient pleasure rots me from the inside out and destroys the very fruit I am praying to produce, no amount of grafting new branches onto this old diseased tree will do. The poison must be banished from within my heart before God can produce the healthy fruit in my life that He promises. “Lord, am I asking for the impossible? How can I learn to zip it, not just before I say it, but before I think it as well? I detest the poisonous thoughts that prevent me from tasting and savoring the Spirit’s heavenly fruit. You promised never to leave me or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5), so I can be confident You will not uproot me from Your orchard. But something’s got to change—my heart. Change me from the inside out. Place the mind of Christ in me. Banish my negative thoughts before they are allowed to form. Teach me to live totally focused on You—from the inside out. Infuse my lips and my brain with an attitude of praise and a song of gratitude—24/7—despite the Friday afternoon traffic jam. n

* Texts credited to Message are from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

KAY RIZZO HAS AUTHORED MORE THAN 50 BOOKS ALONG WITH MORE THAN 1,000 ARTICLES. SHE LIVES WITH RICHARD, HER HUSBAND AND BUSINESS PARTNER, IN CALIFORNIA’S CENTRAL VALLEY. HER GREATEST TREASURES INCLUDE HER HUBBY OF MORE THAN 45 YEARS, TWO DAUGHTERS, TWO SONS-IN-LAW, TWO GRANDSONS, AND A CAT NAMED PEPSI.

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