F I R MINISTRY Ministry is the international journal of the Seventh-day Adventist Ministerial Association and has been published since 1928.

Association Secretary James A. Cress Editor Willmore D. Eva The rapture: Why it cannot Assistant Editor Julia W. Norcott occur before the Second Editorial Assistant Sheila Draper Professional Growth and Inter-church Relations Coming Nikolaus Satelmajer Contributing Editors Sharon Cress, Peter Prime, Joel Gerhard Pfandl Sarli, Kit Watts International Editors Inter-American Division Felix Cortes South American Division Zinaldo A. Santos The rapture: A pastor©s concern Consulting Editors Ben Clausen, Raoul Dederen, Teofilo Ferrefra, Ron Steve Wohlberg Flowers, John M. Fowler, Michael Hasel, Roland Hegstad, Kathleen Kuntaraf, Ekkehardt Mueller, Jan Paulsen, Robert Peach, George Reid, Angel Rodriguez, Penny Shell, William Shea, Russell Staples, Richard Tibbits, Ted Wilson, Edward Zinke The rapture: The blessed hope, Pastoral Assistant Editors John C. Cress, Frodnck Jesus, and Paul Russell, Maylan Schurch, Loren Seibold Editorial International Advisors Alejandro Bullon, John Duroe, Hans K. LaRondelle Andrews Laurence Ewoo, Paulraj Isaiah, Anthony Kent, 4 Jairyong Lee. Ivan Manilich, Gabriel Maurer, Joel Musvosvi, Ivan Omana, David Osbome, Peter Roennfeldt, Raymond Zeeman

Pastoral Advisors Leslie Baumgartner, S. Peter Pastor©s Pastor Dealing with criticism Campbell, Miguel A. Cema, Jeanne Hartwell, Mitchell 30 Henson, Greg Nelson, Norma Osborn, Leslie Pollard, Helpful principles when facing critical people Dan Smith, Steve Willsey Victor M. Parachin Advertising Editorial Office Subscriptions and Circulation jeannette Calbi Cover Design and Digital Illustration Harry Knox Pastoring the postmodern Resources Cathy Payne Subscriptions: 12 issues: United States US$29.95; frontline (part 2) Canada and overseas US$31.75; airmail US$41.75; single copy US$3.00. To order, send name, address, Attitudes and approaches to the postmodern mind and payment to Jeannette Calbi, Ministry Subscriptions, Samir Selmanovic 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904 U.S.A. Subscription queries and address changes: Email: [email protected] Fax: 301-680-6502 The case for creationism: Fifty Phone: 301-680-6503 To Writers: We welcome unsolicited manuscripts. scientists speak out Editorial preference is to receive manuscripts on diskette with name, address, telephone and fax Contemporary scientific views that expose the numbers, and Social Security number (if U.S. citizen or possessing a U.S. Social Security number). Send inadequacies of Darwinian evolution editorial correspondence to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600. John Ashton Phone: 301-680-6510; fax: 301-680-6502; Email: [email protected] or [email protected] (editorial offices). Writer©s Guidelines available on request. The lonely pastor Ministry (ISSN 0026-5314), the international journal of the Seventh-day Adventist Ministerial Association Loneliness in ministry and how it can be eased 2001, is published monthly by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and printed by Larry Yeagley Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1350 N. Kings Road, Nampa, ID 83687-3193. Member Associated Church Press. Standard mail postage paid at Nampa, Idaho.

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Bible credits; Scripture quotations front PJASB are from the Mew American Standard Bible. Copyright @ 1960. 1962, 1963,1968.1971, 1972,1973,1975. 1977 by The Locfcman Foundation; Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible. New international Version. Copyright 1973,1978, 1984 by the International BiOIe Society. Used by permission of Zondervan &b!e Publishers. Texts credited to NKJV arefrom-TtreHewiKing©]amesVe»son.-Copyi1ghri e i1l979;-l98ft 1982Thomas Nelson, Inc.. Publishers. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bibte, New Uwng Translation, Copyright 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. Inc., Wheaton, Illinois, AS rights reserved. Bible texts credited to NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. Copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of Ore National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permksion Alt nghts reserved. Verses marked. TtB are taken from The Living. Bible. Copyright 1971 by Tyndaie House Publishers, Wheaton, II!. Used by permission.

MINISTRY September 2001 LETT R s

Luther and the gospel (March 2001). A local church had a cal implications in the Genesis Creation found the analysis of Luther©s theology problem with one of the teachers on account. First, Scripture has much to say I by Hans LaRondelle very stimulating campus. However, they believed they about God bringing order out of chaos ("Luther and the Gospel," November were doing the right thing when they and maintaining that order. The 2000). The letters it has drawn in hushed the matter and transferred the ancients lived in a frightening world. response, both agreeing and disagree teacher to a rural boarding school. The Everyone was only one harvest away ing, are likewise most interesting. girl he abused was six years old. from starvation, disease, and However, there is a major problem We enable child abusers by ignoring accident and war could take life at any with any assertions about Luther©s, and the fact that bad people can be found moment. Without our modern sense of the Reformers©, thought on justification in good congregations. scientific law, nature seemed capricious. by faith, and indeed on theological The article is something the Christian It could revert to chaos at any moment. issues generally, one that none of your church in developing countries must . . . Even the gods could slip back into authors or correspondents sufficiently act upon. We in developing countries the realm of chaos. . . . recognize. First, there was no unanimity do not know how to deal with sex, and Today, science and technology have on these subjects among Reformers find it even more difficult to deal with made us feel more secure, and we do there is no single "Reformation" tradi sexual abuse. There is a need for minis not have that sense of a general fear of tion to lay claim to. Second, the terial associations the world over to total chaos. But we have lost some of Reformers not only had different views, educate ministers and leaders of educa our sense that order continues only but their view changed over time, as tional institutions on how, and more because God maintains it. ... they studied more and as they debated importantly why, they must act against Second, creation in Scripture is more with each other. Luther in particular was proven sexual abuse. focused on the creation of God©s people not trying to establish a systematic the Thank you for printing the article. than it is on the creation of life and mat ology, but tended to be responding to We as Christians must take it from here, ter. God©s greatest creation is that of His particular situations. In this respect, his and help heal the hurt of the broken people, and the Sabbath is the symbol writings are similar to those of Ellen and their congregations. His forming the people. . . . White, and, as with Ellen White, it is pos Falvo Fowler, director, Family First God created the first people and sible, by selective quotation, to Educational Trust, India. rested on the Sabbath. Then He created "demonstrate" his (their) support for Israel at Sinai and the Sabbath memori contradictory positions. We have The theological value of the alized that (Deut. 5:15). Whenever the learned that we need to look at the con Creation account people faced disintegration the possi text when citing Mrs. White; the same is appreciated the Ministry article on the bility of falling back into chaos the true of the Reformers, especially Luther. ( theological aspects of what Scripture creation-based theme of Sabbath re- Thanks for a journal with consistently says about Creation ("The Theological emerges, as in Ezra-Nehemiah and stimulating and helpful content. Value of the Creation Account," by Greg Isaiah. . . . D.LB. Trim, Newbold College, Bracknell, King). For many years I have urged One fundamental sign of the true Berkshire, England. some of our scientists to see what God in the Old Testament and among Scripture©s teachings on Creation says the Jewish writings during New Sexual abuse of children in theologically before trying to use them Testament times was that He was the the church as quasi-scientific documents, but they Creator of everything. We see this con he article on "Sexual Abuse of could not see the importance. cept displayed in Revelation 14:7. TChildren in the Church" is so timely May I suggest some other theologi continued on page 31

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September 2001 MINISTRY D I T O R I

Christian ecology

here©s a strange, almost collec It is interesting how easily we minis tive reserve among Christians ters (especially at weddings) see in the T ("conservatives" especially) story of God©s forming the woman and when it comes to championing the bringing her to Adam a formative pat health of God©s creation, particularly tern of marriage applicable for all time, that of earth itself and its collective yet we find it difficult to see the ecolog environment. ical mandate that is just as implied in There is in the Christian community: the Creation epic. 4- A consistent concern for preserv I believe two things discourage the ing the moral purity of the humanity indifference in which we may tradition God fashioned from the dust of the ally have been able to luxuriate when it ground and into whose nostrils He variety, balance, beauty, interaction, comes to the environment. One is sim breathed life. integration, and systemic coordination ply the multiplied effects of today©s 4- A deep and far-reaching desire of His delicate yet resilient design and massive proliferation of human beings (especially among Seventh-day work. The words used in Genesis to all over the globe; the other is our now Adventists) to promote the physical describe God©s work reveal a reverence largely worldwide, hyper-industrialized, health with which God created the for, or at least an innate deference to, mechanized culture whose many man human race. God©s creative work. These words call ifestations are hostile to the original 4- A strong stirring of the conscience for us, as humans, to live life on this edenic ideal. Of course we should look when animals, even wildlife, are not planet with the deepest respect for the to the time when God "will make all treated with kindness and care. primeval activity of God, and to obey things new," but if we were to merely 4- The principle of loving, respecting, the divine mandate to actively and take that attitude about our health, our serving, and preserving our fellow properly "rule over" this work (Gen. moral being, our spiritual develop human beings who are God©s work 1:26-28). ment, or for that matter the viability of manship, those whom, along with us, The description of the personal act of our marriages, we know what would He made of one blood. God when He planted "a garden east happen. 4- A deep and widespread apprecia ward in Eden" (Gen. 2:8), of God We cannot be turned away from the tion for "the beauty of the earth and the placing "the man" in the garden "to calling to care for our world just because glory of the skies." work it and take care of it"(verse 15) and it©s viewed as a "liberal" cause or However, we often hold back when God bringing to Adam all the "beasts of because of extremists who give the ecol it comes to connecting our faith with the field and all the birds of the air," "to ogy movement a bad name. We must, the ecologically informed respect so see what he would name them" (verse instead, seek to be more and more faith necessary for the preservation of a high 19), implies the need for humanity to ful to the original edenic mandate. quality of life in our industrialized, understand his environment and God- Clerical and ecclesiastical activism? I hyper-populated age. given responsibility toward it. don©t think so. Coming close to God©s In his stimulating article, "The God©s act of simply putting Adam in creation; loving it, understanding it, Theological Value of the Creation charge of this magnificent garden is caring for it, being responsible for it, Account,"© Greg King exposed the descriptive of the desire and commission speaking out effectively for it of foundational theological suggestive- of God for humanity in general to love, course. ness, and even the defmitude, found in nurture, and care for what He crafted. How could we do any less? Hi the first few chapters of the Bible. Genesis 2:15-20 reveals the Creator Without question, one of the most placing the final and highest form of His evocative theological features of God©s creation humankind in loving charge 1 Greg A. King, "The Theological Value of the creative magnus opus was the brilliant of the rest of His handiwork. Creation Account," in Ministry (March 2001), 7-10.

MINISTRY September 2001 Protestant reformers in the sixteenth century identified the papacy as the antichrist of prophecy.2 Several Jesuit scholars undertook the task of defending the papacy against these attacks. Cardinal Robert Bellarmine (1542- 1621), head of the Jesuit College in Rome, sought to nullify the prophetic year-day prin ciple as proof for the 1,260 years of papal rule.2 The Spanish Jesuit, Francisco Ribera (1537-1591) projected the antichrist prophe cies into the future (futurism), and another Spaniard, Luis de Alcazar (1554-1613), con tended that these prophecies were already fulfilled in the time of the Roman Empire The rapture (preterism). Alcazar©s preterism was soon adopted by Why it cannot occur before the Calvinist Hugo Grotius (1583-1645) in Holland, and in time became the favorite the Second Coming method for the interpretation of biblical prophecy among liberal theologians. Ribera applied the antichrist prophecies to a future personal antichrist who would appear j^^^^^©lhe date is a day in the near future. in the time of the end and continue in power Gerhard Pfandl I The place, a Boeing 747 over the for three and a half years." For nearly three Atlantic on its way to London centuries futurism was largely confined to the Heathrow. Most passengers are Roman Catholic Church, until in 1826 i^Li sleeping or dozing. Suddenly Samuel R. Maitland (1792-1866), librarian to almost half the passengers disappear into thin the Archbishop of Canterbury, published a air. First one, then another of the remaining 72-page pamphlet5 in which he promoted passengers cries out as they realize their seat Ribera©s idea of a future antichrist. Soon other mate is missing, only the clothes of those Protestant clergymen turned to futurism and who have gone are left behind. The remain began propagating it far and wide. Among ing passengers cry, they scream, they leap them were John Henry Newman, leader of the from their seats. Parents are frantically search Oxford movement, who later became a ing for their children, but all the children Roman Catholic cardinal, and Edward Irving, have disappeared in midflight. the famous Scottish Presbyterian minister. Science fiction? No; this is a scene from the first volume of the projected multivolume Dispensationalism series Left Behind™.1 Written by the Christian Ribera©s futurism laid the foundation for authors Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, dispensationalism, which teaches that God their books have shown up on the New York has dealt differently with humanity during Times best-seller list, and can be obtained in different eras of biblical history. John Nelson most bookstores. Darby (1800-1882) is usually regarded as the These books are based on the theory that father of dispensationalism. He was a lawyer seven years prior to the second advent of and Anglican clergyman who in 1828, disillu Christ, faithful Christians will be translated, sioned with the spiritual laxness of the taken up into heaven they will be raptured. church, joined the Brethren Movement. He Gerhard Pfandl, Why exactly seven years? Because one of the had a brilliant mind; not only did he preach Ph. D., is associate mainstays of this theory is that the last week fluently in German and French, he also trans director of the of the seventy prophetic weeks in Daniel 9:24 lated the New Testament into German, Biblical Research is still future. French, and English. He was the author of Institute, General Conference of more than 50 books, and in 1848 became the Seventh-day The roots of the rapture theory leader of the Exclusive Brethren. Adventists, Silver The roots of this theory may be traced back Darby developed an elaborate philosophy Spring, Maryland. to the time of the Counter-Reformation. The of history in which he divided history into

September 2001 MINISTRY eight eras or dispensations, "each of is clear that these men believed that i.e., the prophetic clock stopped on which contained a different order by this coming will precede Christ©s Easter Sunday and will begin to tick which God worked out his redemp descent to the earth and the time of again after the rapture when God tive plan." 6 Furthermore, Darby judgment. The purpose was to pre assumes His direct dealings with asserted that Christ©s coming would serve believers from the time of judg Israel in the future. occur in two stages. The first, an ment."8 In response: (1) There is no logical invisible "secret rapture" of true The doctrine of the rapture was or exegetical reason for separating the believers, would end the great "paren disseminated around the world, pri seventieth week from the other sixty- thesis" or church age which began marily through the Brethren Move nine weeks. There is no other time when the Jews rejected Christ. ment and the Scofield Reference prophecy in Scripture which has such Following the rapture, the Old Bible. In the twentieth century it was a gap." (2)The subject of Daniel 9:26 is the Messiah, and the subject in the next verse is also the Messiah, not the N INVISIBLE "SECRET RAPTURE" OF TRUE antichrist. According to the verse pat tern in Daniel 9:25, 26 the prince in ELIEVERS, WOULD END THE GREAT "the people of the prince" can also refer to Jesus.12 But even if the prince in verse 26 refers to Titus (as a type of the antichrist) and not to die Messiah, he is not the subject of verse 27 because grammatically he is in a sub ordinate position to "the people." It is Testament prophecies concerning taught in schools like Moody Bible the people who destroy the city and Israel would be literally fulfilled,7 lead Institute and Dallas Theological the sanctuary not the prince. The ing to the great tribulation which Seminary. Hal Lindsey©s Late Great "he" of verse 27 must refer back to the would end with the second coming of Planet Earth and many books of a sim Messiah at the beginning of verse 26. Christ in glory. At that time Christ ilar nature further propagated the (3) In Daniel 9:27 we read, "he shall would establish a literal one thou secret rapture theory. confirm the covenant with many." sand-year kingdom on earth with The text does not say he will make a Israel at its center. Investigating the rapture covenant. Darby©s eschatological views fig theory The Hebrew idiom "to cut a ured prominently in American fun The rapture theory is based on a covenant" is not used in this text. damentalism in the 1920s when number of assumptions. Due to space Instead the Messiah, it says, will conservative Christians defended limitations, we can briefly investigate strengthen or "cause a covenant to orthodox Protestant Christianity only two of them: (1) that the seven prevail." The reference is not to a new against the challenges of Darwinism tieth week of the seventy-week covenant but to a covenant already and liberal theology. Today, most prophecy in Daniel 9:24-27 is still made. If the antichrist is to make a evangelical Christians have accepted future; and (2) that the church will new covenant with "many," the the main pillars of Darby©s eschatol- not go through the great tribulation. prophet would have used the appro ogy. 1. The Seventieth Week of Daniel priate language of "cutting a The concept of a rapture prior to 9:27. covenant." the final tribulation period was not Though the idea that Daniel©s sev Contrary to the dispensationalist new with Darby. "Peter Jurieu in his entieth week is still future surfaced theory, the seventieth week presents book Approaching Deliverance of the first in the writings of Irenaeus (sec the high points of the Savior©s min Church (1687) taught that Christ ond century A.D.), 9 it played no istry. 13 During the first half of the would come in the air to rapture the significant role in Christian theology week He strengthened or confirmed saints and return to heaven before the until it became a foundational pillar the covenant through His teaching. battle of Armageddon. He spoke of a of dispensationalism in the nine An example of this is where Jesus, in secret rapture prior to His coming in teenth century. According to this the Sermon on the Mount, took a glory and the judgment at Arma view, the sixty-nine weeks end with selection of the Ten Commandments geddon. Philip Doderidge©s commen the triumphal entry, and the seventi from the old covenant and strength tary on the New Testament (1738) and eth week "is separated from the other ened or deepened their meaning. John Gill©s commentary on the New sixty-nine by an indefinite period of Then in the middle of the week He Testament (1748) both used the term time." 10 Why? Because the church age brought to an end the theological rapture and spoke of it as imminent. It is seen as a parenthesis in God©s plan, meaning of the rounds of sacrifices by

MINISTRY September 2001 offering Himself up for the salvation tempt the disciples, but Jesus is asking 5 An Enquiry Into the Grounds on Which the Prophetic of the human race. Thus the everlast the Father to keep the disciples safe in Period of Daniel and St. John has been supposed to Consist of 1260 Years, 2nd ed. (London: 1837), 2. ing covenant was confirmed and the temptation, to watch over them, 6 See Walter A. Elwell, Evangelical Dictionary of ratified by the death of Jesus Christ. and to prevent Satan from overcom Theology (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1984), 2. The Church and the Great Tribu ing them. 292. 7 This view completely ignores the conditional lation. Similarly, in 2 Peter 2:9 the apostle nature of many Old Testament prophecies (Deut. According to dispensationalism, writes: "the Lord knows how to deliv 28:1, 15:Jer. 4:1; 18:7-10). the tribulation after the rapture of the er the godly out of [ek] temptations 8 See Mal Couch, ed., Dictionary of Premillennial church will last seven years. Its pur [peirasmos]" (NKJV). The apostle here Theology: A Practical Guide to the People, Viewpoints, and History of Prophetic Studies (Grand Rapids: Kregel pose is "to bring about the conver is not saying that God©s people will be Publications, 1996), 346. sion of a multitude of Jews" 14 who will kept away from (apo) temptations, 9 Irenaeus. Against Heresies 5.25.3, (Ante-Nicene experience the fulfillment of Israel©s but that He will deliver them out of Fathers, 1:554). Speaking of the antichrist he says, Daniel "points out the time that this tyranny shall covenants. First Thessalonians 1:10; (ek) the midst of them. In the same last, during which the saints shall be put to flight, 5:9; Romans 5:9; and Revelation 3:10 way the apostle John in Revelation they who offer a pure sacrifice unto God: ©And in support this concept. 3:10 is not saying that the believers the midst of the week,© he says, The sacrifice and Careful exegesis of the texts in will be kept away from (apo) the hour the libation shall be taken away, and the abomina tion of desolation [shall be brought] into the Romans and 1 Thessalonians indi of trial (peirasmos), which is the same temple . Now three years and six months consti cates that the "wrath to come" refers word as "temptations" in 2 Peter 2:9, tute the half week.©" to God©s wrath which will destroy the but that they will be kept safe during 10 J. Dwight Pentecost, Things to Come (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1958). 247. wicked at the Second Coming15 as that time. 11 None of the supposed prophecies with gaps listed indicated in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10. It Thus none of the texts used to sup by Pentecost (247) are time prophecies. All are is the manifestation of God©s wrath in port the idea that the church will not based on the idea that Old Testament prophecies concerning Israel must be literally fulfilled to Israel the final judgment, not the time of go through the great tribulation is in the future. tribulation preceding Christ©s coming. really saying that. In fact Scripture 12 1. verse 25 Messiah (rnashiach)—Prince (nagid) Paul says that we "wait for his Son clearly teaches that the saints of God A+B from heaven, whom he raised from will go through the great tribulation 2. verse 26a Messiah (mashiach) A- 3. verse 26b Prince (nagid)—B the dead, even Jesus, which delivered (Matt. 24:9; Mark 13:11; Luke 21:12- "This pattern suggests that all three references are to us from the wrath to come" (1 Thess. 19; Rev. 13:14-17). 19 the same Messiah Prince designated by the first 1:10). It is the second advent of occurrence of this word pair in verse 25. If so, then ©the people of the ruler who will come© refers to the Christ, at which time the rapture will Conclusion people of the Messiah ... If this interpretation is take place, that delivers us from the The rapture theory, of recent ori correct, in what sense did the people of the Jewish wrath to come. Hence this wrath can gin, has captured the imagination of Messiah Prince destroy the city and the sanctuary not come prior to the Second Advent. millions of sincere Christians. Its in A.D. 70? The Roman army was indeed the phys ical agent which brought about the literal The "©hour of trial (peirasmos)'" in central teaching that the fulfill destruction of Jerusalem. But why did they destroy Revelation 3:10, may well refer to the ment of the seventieth week of it? They did so because Judea had rebelled against great tribulation, but the text does Daniel©s 70-week prophecy is still Rome. If Judea had not rebelled , the Roman army would never have come there, and Jerusalem would not say that God©s people will not future is based on unbiblical pre have been spared." W. H. Shea, Daniel 7-12 (Nampa, experience it. The phrase "will keep suppositions, and its teaching that Idaho: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1996 ), 75, 76. you from" comes from the two Greek the church will not go through the 13 In dispensational thjnking Christ©s death does not words tereo and ek. Tereo has the great tribulation caters to the human even fall within the 70-week period. "The cutting off of the Messiah took place only a few days after meaning "to keep watch over," emotion of fear of hardship, but it is the sixty-ninth week terminated" (Pentecost, 248) "guard," "preserve";16 and the prepo contrary to the Bible©s teaching. and about two thousand years before the seventieth sition ek has the basic meaning of According to Scripture, the church week begins sometime in the future. 14 Ibid., 237. "out of," "from" 17 referring to coming will experience the great tribulation, 15 See John Stott, Romans (Downers Grove, 111.: out of something or from some but will be delivered out of it InterVarsity Press, 1994), 146; John Murray, Epistle where. Another Greek preposition through the rapture at Jesus© second to the Rowans NICNT (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Wrn. B. (apo) expresses the idea of separation, advent. OBI Eerdmans Pub., 1965), 171; Charles Wanamaker, "away from." 18 Commentary on 1 & 2 Thessalonians NIGTC (Grand Rapids, Mich.- Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub., 1990), 88. In His high-priestly prayer Jesus 1 Trademark owned by Tyndale House Publishers. 16 W. F. Amdt, and F. W. Gingrich, "Tereo," A Greek- says: ©"I do not pray that You should Wheaton, Illinois English Lexicon (Chicago: University of Chicago 2 Martin Luther, for example, said: "I believe the Press, 1979). take them out [ek] of the world, but pope is the masked and incarnate devil, because he 17 Ibid., ~ek." that You should keep [tereo] them is the Antichrist" Samtliche Schriften (St. Louis. 18 Ibid., "apo." from [ek] the evil one©" Qohn 17:15, Concordia Pub. House [1887]), 23:845. 19 To claim that these texts refer to the Jewish rem 3 L. R. Conradi, The Impelling Force of Prophetic Truth NKJV). To "keep from the evil one" nant and not to the church (Pentecost, 278, 238) is (London: Thynne and B. Co., Ltd., 1935). 346. again based on the assumption that God must liter does not mean that Satan could not 4 Ibid., 2:489-93 ally fulfill His prophecies to Israel.

September 2001 MINISTRY ond chance to be saved? These are important questions, and we need biblical answers. From a practical perspective, the issue is this: Should we tell our church members that God will remove them from this world prior to earth©s final days, or should we prepare them to pass through, endure, and overcome the deceptive, closing assaults of Satan before the visible return of Jesus Christ?

The biblical teaching It is impossible in this short article to examine every passage in the Bible relevant to this topic, but we can look briefly at the most important ones. The main scripture used to support the idea The rapture of a rapture before the visible second coming of Jesus Christ is found in 1 Thessalonians 4. It is quoted in Left Behind: The Movie. According A pastor©s concern to sincere yet, I believe, misguided Bible teach ers around the world, those words depict the sudden disappearing of believers prior to the hristians are talking about the final tribulation. Steve Wohlberg best-selling series of novels, Left Is this actually what the Bible says? Paul Behind™* by Tim LaHaye and wrote. "For the Lord himself shall descend Jerry Jenkins. So far, eight books from heaven with a shout, with the voice of in the series have been released, the archangel, and with the trump of God: withC a ninth, Desecration, slated to hit and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we Christian bookstores in the United States on which are alive and remain shall be caught up October 30. together with them in the clouds, to meet the The question of whether or not there will Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with be a secret rapture is not minor. Ministers of the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another the gospel, whatever their denomination, with these words. But of the times and the may eventually have to take a position on this seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I controversial issue. Why? write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly Starting with the simplest of reasons, that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief because we pastors are often and increasingly in the night. For when they shall say, Peace being asked by our congregations about this and safety; then sudden destruction cometh topic. As shepherds of the flocks God has upon them, as travail upon a woman with given to us, we need to have answers that lead child; and they shall not escape" (1 Thess. in a right and helpful direction. Secondly, as 4:16-5:3). part of our ministerial calling, we have been Do these verses teach a silent coming of commissioned to preach the return of our Jesus Christ prior to a tribulation during Lord. Paul wrote to Timothy, "I charge thee which those who are "left behind" will be therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus given a second chance to be saved? They do Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead not. Instead, Jesus is described as literally at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the coming down from heaven with a shout, a word" (2 Tim. 4:1, 2). Here ministers are told voice, and a trumpet! This is not a silent and to "preach the word," and to do so in the light secret return. A global resurrection takes of "his appearing." place, and then believers are "caught up." Steve Wohlberg pastors the What is the truth about the rapture? Will These two words, "caught up," are inter Fort Worth First millions of Christians one day vanish, as preted to mean vanish, yet the text does not Seventh-day taught in Left Behind? Will Jesus remove His say this. Just as Jesus was literally "taken up; Adventist Church, in followers before a final period of tribulation? and a cloud received him out of their sight" Fort Worth, Texas. Will those who miss this rapture have a sec (Acts 1:9), even so does a simple reading of

8 MINISTRY September 2001 these verses teach a literal and visible were before the flood they were eat event, but rather a loud, distinctly translation of Christians at the end of ing and drinking, marrying and announced return of Jesus Christ, and the world. And what about those who giving in marriage, until the day that the instantaneous changing of our are not "caught up"? What will hap Noe entered into the ark, and knew mortal bodies. This happens "at the pen to them? Paul©s answer is clear, not until the flood came, and took last trump," that is, at the end of the "they shall not escape" (1 Thess. 5:3). them all away; so shall also the com world. The idea of Jesus coming as a thief ing of the Son of man be. Then shall is often interpreted to mean a silent two be in the field; the one shall be What shall we say to our and secret arrival. Yet the context taken, and the other left" (Matt. congregations? doesn©t support this. Notice carefully, 24:37-40). So what shall we tell our church "the day of the Lord so cometh as a Just as the Flood came suddenly members when we preach about "His thief in the night. For when they shall upon the lost, and "took them all appearing"? Should we lead them to say, Peace and safety; then sudden away," even so will the coming of expect to escape the final days destruction cometh upon them, as Jesus Christ be. "Then shall two be in through a secret rapture prior to the travail upon a woman with child; and tribulation? Or should we seek to pre they shall not escape" (verses 2, 3). pare them to endure to the end of the This is not a silent coming, but an world? Jesus said, "He that shall unexpected one which results in the AT SHALL endure unto the end, the same shall sudden destruction of those not pre be saved" (Matt. 24:13). Paul also pared. urged his converts, "Wherefore take Thus the biblical evidence in WE TELL unto you the whole armour of God, 1 Thessalonians 4 and 5 points to a w: that ye may be able to withstand in loud, climactic, highly visible, second the evil day, and having done all, to coming of Jesus Christ, a literal catch stand" (Eph. 6:13). ing up of true believers, and the Jesus said, "Therefore whosoever sudden destruction of those not pre heareth these sayings of mine, and pared for this event. No second doeth them, I will liken him unto a chances are offered. wise man, which built his house upon Another passage used to support a rock: And the rain descended, and the secret rapture idea is found in the floods came, and the winds blew, Matthew 24. Jesus said, "Then shall and beat upon that house; and it fell two be in the field; the one shall be not: for it was founded upon a rock. taken, and the other left" (Matt. And every one that heareth these say 24:40). Supposedly, those left behind ings of mine, and doeth them not, will then be ushered into earth©s final the field; the one shall be taken and shall be likened unto a foolish man, period of tribulation. the other left." This happens at the which built his house upon the sand: Once again, does the context sup end of the world. Did the unsaved in And the rain descended, and the port this? A few verses earlier Jesus Noah©s day receive a second chance? floods came, and the winds blew, and said His coming would be far from No, they did "not escape." The paral beat upon that house; and it fell: and secret. "Wherefore if they shall say lel is clear. Neither will those who are great was the fall of it" (Matt. 7:24-27). unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; not ready for the return of Jesus I have concluded that we should go not forth: behold, he is in the Christ when He comes visibly like not expect, nor teach a secret rapture secret chambers; believe it not. For as lightning flashing across the sky. before a tribulation or time of trou the lightning cometh out of the east, Some Christian movies describe a ble. 1 We should "preach the word," and shineth even unto the west; so secret rapture taking place in "a preparing our people to endure the shall also the coming of the Son of moment, in the twinkling of an eye," coming storm. man be" (verses 26, 27). In contrast to before the tribulation. Yet once again, The best place to prepare is at the mistaken ideas of a secret return, the context reveals another story. Paul foot of the Cross. IKI Jesus compares His coming to the wrote, "In a moment, in the twinkling brilliant flashing of lightning bolts of an eye, at the last trump [as in hurtling across the sky. 1 Thess. 4:16 and Matt. 24:31]: for the * Trademark owned by Tyndale House Publishers, Concerning His coming, Jesus trumpet shall sound, and the dead Wheaton, Illinois. declared, "But as the days of Noe shall be raised incorruptible, and we 1 My book, Truth Left Behind, goes into greater detail were, so shall also the coming of the shall be changed" (1 Cor. 15:52). about this important subject (www.truthleftbe- Son of man be. For as in the days that These words do not describe a secret hind.com).

September 2001 MINISTRY (Matt. 24:36; Acts 1:6, 7). Serious Bible stu dents have written many critical evaluations of this futurism or Dispensationalism, espe cially of the radical dichotomy it creates between Israel and the church.3 We offer a brief review of the biblical posi tion on the blessed hope as taught by Jesus and Paul. The main passages are Matthew 24:29-31; John 14:3; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; and 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10; 2:1-8. Every text needs to be inter preted within the framework of its own liter ary and historical context. Our use of the words "church," "Israel," parousia (advent) and "imminent," must be determined by the The rapture progressive revelation of the New Testament instead of by dogmatic considerations.

Jesus© teaching about His future The blessed hope, Jesus, and Paul parousia Of the four Gospels only Matthew 24 uses the term parousia (presence, coming, arrival) he apostolic church lived in expec for His glorious appearance at the end of the Hans K. LaRondelle tation of Christ©s return in glory world. From the start, Christ©s coming is con and power. Paul defined Christians nected with God©s retributive judgment at the as those who experience the grace end of the age: "Tell us, when will this be, and Df God, live a sanctified life, and what will be the sign of your coming [parou T"wait for the blessed hope and the manifesta sia] and of the end of the age?©" (Matt. 24:3; cf. tion [epiphaneia, "appearance"] of the glory of 13:39, 40, 49, 50). Jesus affirmed this concur our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (Titus rence when He replied that all peoples on 2:13).* This "blessed hope" of the glorious earth will see the "sign" of His parousia when appearance of Christ "to judge the living and He arrives on a cloud of angels in the sky the dead" (2 Tim. 4:1; 1 Tim. 6:14), became "with power and great glory" as the "Son of the Christian hope of the church, until John Man" of Daniel©s judgment vision (Dan. 7:13, Nelson Darby (1800-1882), of the Plymouth 14): "©Immediately after the suffering [thlipsis, Brethren in England, began to teach the novel "tribulation, distress"] of those days [cosmic theory of a "pretribulation rapture" a secret, signs will occur] . . . Then the sign of the Son invisible "rapture" of Christians to heaven of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the some seven years before Christ©s coming in tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will glory.1 According to this viewpoint, at the rap see "the Son of Man coming on the clouds of ture, Christ comes invisibly "for" His saints; at heaven" with power and great glory©" (Matt. the glorious parousia (advent) or epiphaneia 24:29, 30). Christ emphasized the universal (appearing), Christ will return with the saints. visibility of His parousia, stating: "©For as the This construct of a two-phase second advent is lightning comes from the east and flashes as the result of a system of hermeneutics called far as the west, so will be the coming [parousia] "literalism," originated by Darby and popular of the Son of Man©" (verse 27). ized by C. I. Scofield in the (New) Scofield It is essential to recognize that Jesus Reference Bible.2 adopted the phrases "tribulation," "Son of Hans K. LaRondelle, The fundamental difference between the Man," "the clouds of heaven," "power and Th.D., is professor secret rapture theory and historic Christianity great glory," all from Daniel©s visions. Daniel emeritus of theology, is the doctrine that Christ will return in glory Seventh-day Adventist 7 and 12 depict the final deliverance of God©s Theological Seminary, exactly seven years after the rapture of the faithful covenant people as coming after Andrews University, church. Hidden in this human construct is a their tribulation by the end-time enemy of Berrien Springs, secret date-setting for the Second Advent, God (Dan. 7:25-27; 12:1, 2). Daniel thus por Michigan. something explicitly forbidden by Christ trayed a post-tribulation deliverance of the

10 MINISTRY September 2001 saints through the intervention of It is difficult to see how anyone Jesus did not mention the rapture or the royal "Son of Man" or celestial can deny the fact that the apostles, to the resurrection in Matthew 24 Michael. Jesus claimed to be that whom Jesus addressed His prophetic because "the rapture does not occur at heavenly King-Messiah of Daniel©s discourse, were also the founders and the second coming" (Walvoord) ,7 begs vision and announced that God©s first members of the Christian the question. Such a precarious judgment will be dramatically real church, which Christ had earlier assumption is not based on Scripture ized at His parousia in awesome called "My church." The apostles are but on doctrinal considerations. In power and glory. All people on earth representatives of all believers among Matthew 24, Jesus replied to the par will not only witness His parousia all nations (Acts 1:8). Jesus© prophetic ticular question of His disciples but, as a consequence, also "mourn" discourse in Matthew 24 is therefore regarding the sign of His parousia or be filled with bitter remorse and addressed to the apostolic church till (verse 3). In His answer Jesus pointed despair.4 the end of the age (Matt. 28:19, 20). to the book of Daniel as the primary This apocalyptic "mourning" in Any attempt to separate the apostles source for His reply (verse 15). There Matthew 24 is repeated and expanded or Matthew 24 from the "church" is we read how the deliverance of the by John in his Apocalypse: "Look! He an unbiblical compartmentalization. saints from the end-time tribulation is coming with the clouds; every eye Peter called all church members a will occur: the celestial Michael will will see him, even those who pierced "chosen people" (1 Peter 2:9) and descend for their rescue and bring him; and on his account all the tribes "God©s elect" (1:1, 2, NIV). Paul like about the resurrection of the dead (see of the earth will wail" (Rev. 1:7; see its wise called the church "God©s elect" Dan. 12:1, 2). We must read Matthew enlargement in Rev. 6:12-17). This (Rom. 8:33; cf. Titus 1:1; Eph. 1:42; 24 therefore against the background worldwide "wailing" is not the 2 Tim. 2:10;). Jesus certainly did not of Daniel to receive the fuller picture. mourning of repentance but that of restrict "His elect" to a Jewish rem Shortly afterward, when Jesus assured hopelessness and fear for the nant of believers after He witnessed His disciples that He would "come approaching judgment, because they greater faith in a Roman centurion again" to "take" them to His Father©s will all "see" Him "coming on the than in any Israelite: "T tell you, house in heaven (John 14:2, 3), He did clouds of heaven." Contemporary many will come from east and west not suggest a "secret" rapture, but Greek writings used the word parousia and will eat with Abraham and Jacob explained the comforting purpose of as the official term for the triumphant in the kingdom of heaven, while the His earlier promise of their resurrec arrival of kings and rulers on a visit to heirs of the kingdom will be thrown tion on "the last day": "This is indeed a town. 5 Jesus endorsed Daniel©s into the outer darkness, where there the will of my Father, that all who see prophetic perspective by declaring will be weeping and gnashing of the Son and believe in him may have that His parousia would occur "imme teeth©" (Matt. 8:11, 12). eternal life; and I will raise them up diately" after the end-time tribulation The argument "from silence" that on the last day©" Qohn 6:40, 44, 54). of His people (Matt. 24:21, 22, 29, 30; cf. Dan. 12:1). Clearly, Jesus also taught a post-tribulation parousia. What dispensationalists assume, however, is that Jesus directed His prophetic discourse exclusively to His disciples as representatives of Israel as the "elect nation," so that Matthew Volume 12 24 is not applicable to the church, the in the Commentary Reference Series rapture, or the resurrection.6 |This new volume in the Commentary Reference Series Ironically, of all the four Gospel j reviews carefully the biblical teachings undergirding the writers, Matthew alone uses the term I dynamic Aciventist movement, its purpose is to provide for ekklesia, "church" (16:18; 18:17). both believers and inquirers a faith-centered, reasoned Matthew defines the "church" of exploration of these truths as seen by Seventh-day Adventists. This Christ as the body of all who like the 1,000-page resource covers 28 topics including the fundamental beliefs. apostle Peter confess Jesus as Israel©s 0-8280-H60-4. Hardcover. US$37.99, CanS56.99. Messiah (16:16-19), as the body in which Christ©s presence dwells until Available at your local Adventist Book Center. 1-800-765-6955 His parousia or the end of the age www.adventistbookcenter.com. (18:20; 28:20). Jesus called those Price and awilGbilirt subject to change. AddGST in Canada. believers "His elect" and "His church" (16:18; 24:31; cf. John 6:44; 12:32).

September 2001 MINISTRY 11 Paul©s apocalyptic gospel conclusion that the words of Jesus as evidence requires that we consider As early as 50 or 51 A.D., Paul recorded by Matthew were the source Paul©s eschatology as an elucidation wrote two pastoral letters to the of Paul©s teaching." 10 and application of Jesus© prophetic Thessalonian church, which he had Paul recognized the authority of discourse. founded himself. Because the citizens Jesus© teaching and appealed to "the Paul may have used a source of of Thessalonica strongly favored the word of the Lord" for his description "Logia," an original collection of say rule of the Roman emperor, they of the Christian hope (1 Thess. 4:15). ings of Jesus, that antedated the became hostile to those who glorified He adopted many of Jesus© key expres writing of Matthew©s Gospel. We focus Christ as their Redeemer-King (see sions and concepts, such as: the on Paul©s use of the key term parousia Acts 17:l-9).8 Paul©s central theme for parousia from heaven, the final gath in comparison to its use by Jesus in the Thessalonian Christians was the ering of the saints by the angels, the Matthew 24. Paul responded to the hope for the Parousia, a term he used clouds of heaven, the blast of the last question of some in the church of seven times in these epistles. trumpet, the coming of the Day of the Thessalonica as to whether those who Paul described the blessed hope of Lord as a thief in the night. Jesus and had died in the Lord had any disad the church with a preponderance of Paul also emphasize that a sacrilegious vantage at the Parousia over those parallels with Matthew 24. One schol apostasy will develop within the insti who will survive. Would the sleeping ar concluded from his detailed tutional church, accompanied by saints miss the glory of the Parousia? comparison: "For in the Matthean deceptive signs and lying wonders, They needed reassurance of the and Pauline accounts we find the before the gathering of the saints at Christian hope in contrast to those same Greek words used in the same the glorious parousia of Christ (Matt. who had no hope (1 Thess. 4:13). sense and in similar contexts." 9 24:10-12, 24, 29, 30; 2 Thess. 2:1, 3- Paul grounded the hope of the Another listed twenty-four substantial 10). No wonder that New Testament gospel on the certainty of the resur parallels between Matthew 24-25 and scholars who have compared the two rection of Jesus: "For since we believe 1 and 2 Thessalonians, stating: "There accounts meticulously, agree that "the that Jesus died and rose again, even is a greater amount of material paral substantial parallelism is remarkably so, through Jesus, God will bring with lel to Matthew©s account than to extensive, and it includes parallelism him those who have died" (1 Thess. either Mark©s or Luke©s, leading to the of structure as well as of ideas."" This 4:14). This passage affirms that all who die in the Lord will surely be res urrected, just as Jesus died and rose again from the dead. 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12 MINISTRY September 2001 the signs that introduce the Second perishable body of the believer will be living (2 Thess. 3:10, 11). This led Paul Advent, but "by the word [or author "changed" instantaneously into an to a pastoral refutation of this prema ity] of the Lord" to answer the immortal body "in the twinkling of ture sense of apocalyptic fulfillment. specific question regarding the sleep an eye" (see also Phil. 3:20, 21). This Paul reminded them of his previous ing saints in relation to the Parousia. translation into glory will take place, instruction concerning the future rise Only the aspect of the dead in Christ, mentioned four times in verses 13-16, is in view to reassure the grieving ©HE ADVENT OF CHRIST THUS SYNCHRONIZES believers that the dead in Christ will have no disadvantage over the surviv ^^^D^iRAMSLAtlOhl ing saints, because they will "rise first." Both groups will then simulta neously (hama sun) be snatched up to meet the Lord in the air. The advent of Christ thus synchro however, only "at the last trumpet," of "the lawless one" in the church age, nizes with the resurrection and trans which will be heard, according to as an event that must come before the lation of the saints! In 1 Thessalonians Jesus, at His glorious parousia (Matt. Day of the Lord (2:3). Because that 4:16, 17 Paul clearly expanded in 24:31). antichrist figure had not yet made his detail what Jesus had revealed in The other question the Thessa "parousia" apparent with "power, Matthew 24:30, 31. There is no need lonians asked Paul concerned the signs, lying wonders," Paul said that or justification for compartmentaliza- intervening time before the Day of the day of Christ©s parousia could not tions. We should not assume that Paul the Lord arrives: "concerning the yet have come (verses 3, 4, 9). suddenly reveals a different gathering times and the seasons [kairoi, dates]" As a second argument against their and resurrection of the saints and a (1 Thess. 5:1). Paul replied that such a unjustified insistence on the expecta different parousia than the one men question is beside the point (see also tion of Christ©s coming as being tioned by Jesus in Matthew 24. The Acts 1:7), since the date of that Day immediately imminent, Paul remind same trumpet that announces the cannot be calculated, for "the day of ed the Thessalonians of the well- angelic gathering of the elect in the Lord will come like a thief in the known "restraining" power that Matthew 24:31 also calls forth the res night" (1 Thess. 5:2) sudden and prevented the public coming of the urrection of the dead in 1 Corinthians unexpected for unbelievers (verse 3), "lawless one" to reveal himself "in the 15:52 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16. As but expected by the saints because temple of God" at that time (2:4-7).I2 Commander in Chief of the hosts of they live in constant readiness of the To properly understand Paul©s predic angels, Christ will appear in the sky approaching end (5:4-8; cf. Matt. tion of a massive "apostasy" or falling and send forth His "cry" of command 25:13). away from the Christian faith before like a loud trumpet blast at His glori Paul stressed that the Day of the the Day of the Lord, we must recog ous parousia. Thus in this clearest text Lord, or the parousia of Christ nize Paul©s application of Daniel©s out (1 Thess. 4:16, 17) addressing any (1 Thess. 5:23), will have a twofold line prophecies regarding the enemy kind of "rapture," if taken literally, aspect: "For God has destined us not of God (in chapters 7; 8; 11; 12). From Paul teaches the very opposite of a for wrath but for obtaining salvation Daniel 7 the Church Fathers learned secret rapture. through our Lord Jesus Christ" (5:9). that the "restrainer" who delays the In his famous "resurrection chap Paul used this "wrath" to indicate the rise of the antichrist, was the civil ter" to the church in Corinth, Paul wrath or retributive judgment of God power of the Roman Empire and its introduced the apocalyptic "trumpet" (1:10; Rom. 5:9), which he described emperor. 13 Dispensationalists insist again to announce the resurrection in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10. that the "restrainer," who must be and the translation of all the saints: In his second letter to the church at "removed" before the "lawless one" "Listen, I will tell you a mystery! We Thessalonica Paul faced a different sit can be revealed, is the Holy Spirit will not all die, but we will all be uation. Now he had to respond to an working through the church, thus changed, in a moment, in the twink error regarding the timing of the assuming a hint at the rapture of the ling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For parousia of the Lord and of its gather church "at any time." 14 the trumpet will sound, and the dead ing of the saints (2 Thess. 2:1). Some In 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul©s inten will be raised imperishable, and we in the Thessalonian church believed tion is precisely to refute such an will be changed" (1 Cor. 15:51, 52). that "the day of the Lord" was expectation by his use of Daniel©s Paul does not state that the rapture "already here" (verse 2). As a result of sequence of world empires in his will take place "in a moment," a pop this belief, some had become disor prophetic forecasts (2 Thess. 2:3, 4 ular misconception, but that the derly and refused to work for their applies Dan. 7:25; 8:25; 11:36, as the

September 2001 MINISTRY 13 Zondervan Pub. House, 1973); R. R. Reiter, P. New American Standard Bible rightly immediately after the tribulation Feinberg, G. L. Archer. D. J. Moo, The Rapture: Pre-, indicates). Daniel is the indispensable brought about by the antichrist. Mid-, or Post-Tribulational? (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1984); A. A. Hoekema, The Bible and the key to understanding Paul©s outline of While Jesus warned particularly Future (Grand Rapids.: Eerdmans, 1979, ch. 15); H. the church age in 2 Thessalonians 2. 15 against the deception of a secret, K. LaRondelle, The Israel of God. Principles of Paul urges the church therefore to invisible parousia (Matt. 24:26, 27), Prophetic Interpretation (Berrien Springs, Mich.: Andrews Univ. Mon., Studies in Religion, Vol. 13, watch for the signs of the predicted Paul warned specifically against the 1993, 8th pr.); G.A. Blaising and D. L. Bock, eds., apostasy (cf. Acts 20:29, 30), so that deception of a premature, "any- Dispensationalism: Israel and the Church (Grand the Parousia or Day of the Lord will moment" parousia (2 Thess. 2:3-8). H Rapids: Zondervan, 1992). 4 See K. K. Kim. The Signs of the Parousia. Ph.D. Diss. not surprise her like a thief (1 Thess. at Andrews Univ., 1994. Korean Sahmyook Univ., 5:1-6). Mon. Doct. Series 3. Seoul, Korea, 1994. Dr. Kim Paul stressed the effect of the glori * Unless indicated otherwise, all Scripture passages in states: "Nowhere else in the New Testament is there this article are from the New Revised Standard Version. a Parousia scene composed of six apocalyptic motifs ous Parousia on the antichrist: the as we find in Matt 24:29-31" (364). See his treat Lord will come to destroy the lawless 1 J. F. Walvoord explains: "Pretribulationism arose as ment of the Old Testament sources of the one "with the breath of his mouth, a refinement of premillennialism based on literal apocalyptic "mourning," on pp. 231-39. annihilating him by the manifesta interpretation of prophecy" (The Blessed Hope and 5 See Dictionary of the New Testament. C. Brown, ed., the Tribulation [Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2:898-901 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1976). A. tion of his coming [parousia]" 1976, 48]). More correct is the assessment of David Deissmann concluded: "We can now say that the (2 Thess. 2:8). The effect on the saints P. Gullon concerning Darby©s two-stage coming of best interpretation of the original Parousia hope is will be quite the opposite: "As to the Christ: "The idea of the secret rapture of the church the old advent promise: ©Lo, your King comes to prior to the tribulation was a radical departure from you!" (Light from the Ancient East, 1911, 372). coming [parousia} of the Lord Jesus historic premillennialism" (An Investigation of Arndt and Gingrich, A Greek-English Lexicon of the Christ and our being gathered to Him Dispensational Premillennialism: An Analysis and New Testament. (Chicago: Univ. of Chicago Press. [episynagoge] ..." (2:1; cf 1 Thess. Evaluation of the Eschatology of John E Walvoord 1957). 635. [Ph.D. Diss. at Andrews Univ., Berrien Springs, 6 See J. F. Walvoord. The Blessed Hope and the 2:19; 4:15-17). Thus Paul repeats the Mich.. 1992, 12]). Tribulation (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, inseparable union of the Parousia and 2 See C. C. Ryrie, Dispensationalism Today (Chicago: 1976)34, 35. Cf. The New Scofield Reference Bible, the rapture, which he had described Moody Press, 1965, 44, 45). For a critical evaluation note on Matthew 24:3. of the dispensational eschatology of John 7 Ibid., 59. earlier at length in 1 Thessalonians 4. Walvoord, see David P. Gullon, see Note 1. 8 See A. Smith in The New Interpreter's Bible, Paul©s apocalyptic gospel resembles 3 See O. T. Allis, Prophecy and the Church (Presbyterian 11 (2000):675-78. closely that of Jesus in Matthew and Reformed Pub. Co.. 1974); G.E. Ladd, The 9 J. B. Orchard, "Thessalonians and the Synoptic Blessed Hope (Grand Rapids.: Eerdmans, 1972); A. Gospels," Biblica 19 (1938):19-42; quotation on 37. 24:21-31. Both Jesus and Paul present Reese, The Approaching Advent of Christ (Grand See also D. Ford, The Abomination of Desolation in the Second Coming and the rapture Rapids: International Pub., 1975); R. H. Gundry, Biblical Eschatology (Washington, D.C.: Univ. Press The Church and the Tribulation (Grand Rapids: of America, 1979). 198-210. L. Hartman, Prophecy as a single event that will occur Interpreted. Gleerup Lund, Sweden, 1966, 178-205. 10 G. H. Waterman, "The Sources of Paul©s Teaching on the 2nd Coming of Christ in 1 and 2 Thessalonians," Journal of the Ev. Theol. Soc. 18:2 (1975):105-113; quotation from 113, Italics added. 11 D. Wenham, "Paul and the Synoptic Apocalypse," in Gospel Perspectives. Vol. 2, R. T. France and D. Wenham, eds., JSOT Press. 1981, 345-75; quotation PLANT THE FUTURE from 352. 12 See Hans K. LaRondelle, "The Middle Ages within the Scope of Apocalyptic Prophecy," JETS 32/3 Want to reignite your passion for soul-winning? (1989): 345-354; How to Understand the End-Time Prophecies of the Bible (Sarasota, Fl.: First Plant a church! Impressions, 1997), ch. 7, "Paul©s Understanding of This book is for frustrated but loyal members Daniel©s Prophecies." 13 Irenaeus, Against Heresies 25 (ANF 1:554), already eager to invest their lives in hastening Jesus© interpreted 2 Thess. 2 by means of Daniel 7. See return. Using an effective, storyteUing style, LaRondelle, "Paul©s Prophetic Outline in 2 Thess. 2," AUSS 21:1 (1983): 61-69, esp. 64. G. E. Ladd author Ron Gladden gets right to the heart of the states: "The traditional view has been that the matter. If his statistics don©t persuade you, his restraining principle is the Roman Empire and the restrainer the Emperor. This view, or a modification enthusiasm will. "Church planting is the Gospel of it, fits best into the Pauline theology" (A Theology Commission at its finest." of the New Testament [Grand Rapids:Eerdmans, 1974], 560). 14 See Walvoord, The Blessed Hope and the Tribulation, 128. J. D. Pentecost, Things To Come (Findlay, Ohio: Dunham, 1961), 296. Ministerial Association Resource Center 4 12501 Old Columbia Pike * Silver Spring MD 20904 15 For a brief treatment on the main allusions to Old ^~.^*&Bh^8^^ Testament prophecies in 2 Thess. 2:4, see H. K. Email; [email protected](ivenflst;0rg: ©*t Web site: w^wtninisterialassbciatioaconj . .. LaRondelle, in Handbook of Seventh-day Adventist Theology (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald '•':. .-: © Also availabletat'your local ABC ' Pub. Assn., 2000), 866-69); The Israel of God in Prophecy, ch. 2.

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Faith For Today Television Engaging the mind, touching the heart \ perated companion persisted: "Mr. Lincoln, you haven©t finished your story. Tell me the rest of it!" Once again Lincoln stopped walk ing, and said: "There is nothing more to tell. The moon keeps right on shining." President Lincoln is a good role model for managing criticism. Although he was aware of his shortcomings and knew that many highly respected and influential people dis agreed with him, the president listened to the criticism and still followed his own intuitive sense that his policies would eventually win over critics and unify the country. One of life©s challenging realities is the fact that there are always people around us who Dealing with are faultfinders, people who seldom see the good but are quick to point out die negative. Like Lincoln, all of us need to find ways of criticism hearing criticism without being detracted or destroyed by it. Here are several suggestions for clergy to deal with criticism creatively.

uring his presidency, Abraham Do not be intimidated by criticism Victor M. Parachin Lincoln was greatly respected Fear of criticism is a greater threat than the and greatly reviled. Blamed for criticism itself. People who are intimidated by plunging the nation into civil their critics live timid, hesitant, and invisible war, he was die president peo lives. Elbert Hubbard says, "To avoid criticism, Dple loved to hate. Those who opposed his do nothing, say nothing, be nothing." views regarding the war and slavery as well as Cowering in the face of criticism always pro his efforts to keep the nation united were duces a negative impact upon life in general. vocal and uninhibited in denouncing him. "Fear of criticism can affect you in ways One day during the darkest days of his pres both trivial and serious," notes Napoleon Hill idency, Lincoln was walking down a street in his book, Keys to Success. "It can lead you to near the Capitol in Washington when an buy the latest fashions, the fanciest cars, the acquaintance caught up with him. As they most sophisticated stereo audio systems walked, the man brought up the subject of the because you fear being left behind the times, growing anti-Lincoln sentiment flowing in out of step with what ©everyone© is doing. Washington and throughout the country. More insidiously, it can prevent you from pre- With brutal honesty the man related to senting and acting on ideas that are Lincoln many of the stories outlining attacks revolutionary, ideas that would give you inde on Lincoln and his policies. As the man spoke, pendence. It robs you of your individuality Lincoln remained completely silent and and your faith in yourself." Although die fear absorbed in his own thoughts. of criticism is a common one, face the fear Finally, the exasperated man asked: "Mr. with courage and conviction. Remind your Lincoln, have you heard me? Are you listen self you can feel the fear and still move ing to me?" forward. By refusing to be intimidated by crit Lincoln stopped, looked directly at him ics, you rob them of their power to sap your and said: "Yes, I have heard you, but let me initiative and creativity. As you move for Victor M. Parachin tell you a story. You know that during the ward, opposing voices will shrink and shrivel writes from Tulsa, time of the full moon it is the habit of all the in the presence of your determination. Oklahoma. dogs to come out at night and bark and bark and bark at the moon. This keeps on as long Move from being emotionally fragile as the moon is clearly visible in the sky." Then to emotionally resilient he stopped speaking and continued his walk. Some people let themselves become far too Confused by Lincoln©s response, his exas delicate emotionally and, as a result, are

16 MINISTRY September 2001 extremely vulnerable to criticism of attempt to defuse the matter, the pas home, our church, or our neighbor any kind. The antidote is to work at senger continued to vent his anger. hood a better place, there will be building emotional muscles so that Finally, an elderly woman, also criticism. Expect it and don©t be dev you are stronger, more confident and standing in the line, made her way to astated by it. less influenced by the opinions of the angry passenger and gently other people. tapped him on the shoulder. "Do you Be guided by wisdom from One effective way of moving from mind if I say something to you," she other leaders being an emotionally fragile person said mildly. The passenger turned, Among the most criticized people to being a stronger and more emo looking surprised. "Sir," the woman in the world are United States presi tionally resilient one is by locating explained, "you have just traveled dents. Yet, they continue to lead, and reciting biblical affirmations for across an entire continent in five or create policy and generally be at yourself. Some excellent biblical affir six hours. You were lifted above the peace with themselves. When criti mations include: " ©Be strong with the clouds and drawn here through the cized, take comfort and guidance Lord©s mighty power©" (Eph. 6:10, skies where you saw the dawn rushing from the attitudes of some of them. NLT); "©Be strong and do not fear©" to meet you. You have just experi Ronald Reagan once explained: "I (Isa. 35:4), and "©Take courage and enced a miracle that mankind could don©t pay much attention to critics. work, for I am with you©" (Haggai 2:4, only dream about for thousands of The world is divided into two kinds of NLT). Put these biblical statements in years. And you stand there complain people: those who can, and those who a place where you can©t avoid looking ing about having no coffee!" criticize." Or consider these words at them at least three times a day. There was a long pause. Then the from Theodore Roosevelt: "It is not When you see them, read them aloud passenger replied quietly, "Madam, the critic who counts, not the man to reinforce them and have them per you are quite right. Thanks for setting who points out how the strong man meate your mind and spirit. me straight. It will be a long time stumbled, or where the doer of deeds before I forget what you just said." could have done better. The credit Look for wisdom in criticism With that his angry confrontation belongs to the man who is actually in While many criticisms that come with the airline official ended. the arena; whose face is marred by the our way are unwarranted and unjusti dust and sweat and blood; who strives fied, some criticism is not mere Take comfort from the valiantly; who errs and conies short faultfinding but "friendly advice." life of Christ again and again . . . who knows the Train your mind and spirit to sift out There is a valuable insight from greater enthusiasms, the great devo critical remarks that are simple non Dale Carnegie. In his book, How to tions and spends himself in a worthy sense from those that contain Stop Worrying and Start Living, 1 he cause; who, at the best, knows in the wisdom. When asked about criticisms writes: "Even if you and I are lied end the triumph of high achieve frequently hurled at her, Eleanor about, ridiculed, double-crossed, ment; and who, at the worst, if he Roosevelt replied: "Criticism makes knifed in the back, and sold down the fails, at least fails while daring greatly, very little dent upon me, unless I river by one out of every six of our so that his place shall never be with think there is some real justification most intimate friends let©s not those cold and timid souls who know and something should be done." indulge in an orgy of self-pity. Instead, neither victory nor defeat." Responding positively to the wis let©s remind ourselves that that©s pre dom in a critical comment can make cisely what happened to Jesus. One of Finally. .. us better people as well as enhance a His twelve most intimate friends Finally, when it comes to critics career. Arthur Gordon tells of stand turned traitor for a bribe that would and criticisms, remember to follow ing in a long line at an airport early amount, in our modern money, to the advice of Jesus: ©"Love your ene one morning. Due to inclement about nineteen dollars. Another one mies! Pray for those who persecute weather, flights were delayed and of His twelve most intimate friends you!©" (Matt. 5:44, TLB) While this canceled. Ahead of him in the line openly deserted Him the moment He may seem impossible to do while you was an irate passenger. His plane had got into trouble, and declared three are reeling under undeserved criti been delayed for over an hour. The times that he didn©t even know cism, Jesus© advice is sound. Praying plane crew ran out of coffee and he Jesus and swore as he said it. One for those who hurt you brings an was furious. In a loud, angry voice, out of six! That©s what happened to inner calm, peace of mind and, ulti the man was berating the airline offi Jesus. Why should you and I expect a mately, freedom from the pains of cial behind the counter. The agent better score?" criticism. Bl was patient and polite, frequently The lesson from the life of Christ is apologizing for the delay and incon this: anytime we are providing leader 1 Dale Carnegie, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living venience. In spite of the agent©s ship and engaged in making our (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1948).

September 2001 MINISTRY 17 Simple? Yes. But not so simple to under stand if you©re steeped in traditional church- growth literature. This couple never met the pastor before requesting membership. They were never reported as visitors and never became part of our database. So what made them decide to become followers of Jesus? It just doesn©t fit the way we expect things to work, and they are not an isolated case. Dozens of disenchanted former Adveritists and their secular friends have dropped by, found new faith, and joined our church. Pastor ing on the My pastoring experience helped me identi fy three ways of ministering to contemporary people (postmoderns): postmodern 1. Communicating through life 2. Weaving the stories frontline (Part 2) 3. Questioning the assumptions Communicating through life Effective ministry to postmoderns doesn©t just offer answers, it offers mysteries. It©s a far- In part one of this two part series, a philo reaching ministry not merely a search for Samir Selmanovic sophical base was laid for this more practical correct theological formulations. It©s a search second article which deals with actually pastoring for truth and beauty and a search for a way of among postmodern people. effectively introducing such beauty. As post- moderns maintain that the world is not there ark suggested to his wife, to be dissected, discussed, and exploited, but Jean, that they visit an primarily to be cared for, enjoyed, and pro Adventist church. "I©d like tected, so effective postmodern evangelism you to see the kind of a seeks to make sure that people are not there to church I grew up in," he be targeted and "statistically converted," but toldM her. "It©ll be fun, like entering a time primarily to be valued and cherished. warp, like a walk through a museum!" When postmoderns find faith, they want it Mark supervises the computer division of a to be made of the stuff of life. Theology in the large Manhattan company. He goes to work in modem era lusted to emulate scientific cer a T-shirt, jeans, and untied tennis shoes. He tainty, and to give an objective, sanitized, and lives in a world of ideas. Jean is quiet, thought plausible explanation of God largely divorced ful, gentle. She©s a journalist who grew up in from personal subjective variables. In moder an affluent family, an atmosphere of secular nity, subjective variables were considered a liberal humanism with connections to art contamination in the process. So while we celebrities and even the White House. The fol labored to put the "correct" map of Christian lowing Sabbath, as Mark had suggested, they life together, we often excluded the data com came to observe the Adventist anachronism, ing from the landscape of life itself. And life is the one in uptown New York. always more complex, more perilous, and I didn©t notice them, not the first time they more beautiful than the maps our modernist came and not for some weeks later. After theology has provided. For postmoderns, if attending for a couple of months, they wrote the map does not fit the landscape, too bad Samir Selmanovic, to me: "We want to become members, study for the map. Ph.D., is senior the Bible, and contribute to the church in any Look at the Bible. It is almost entirely made pastor of the Church of the Advent Hope, way we can." of poetry, personal letters, stories, and other in Manhattan, Within a year, Jean was baptized and Mark forms of writing that include all the messy New York. became a Bible Study Groups coordinator and personal and relational variables. The Bible a member of the church board. It was as sim does not present situation-sanitized informa ple as that! tion about God. In modernity, this "messy"

18 MINISTRY September 2001 form of the Bible was an embarrass Weaving the stories layers of teaching, today we can ment to us. To enhance our credibility The modernist mind-set was exten instead conceptualize a person©s we wanted the Bible to be more like a sively influenced by "foundational- belief system as a web of belief similar scientific textbook, a meticulously ism." Modernist scientists and to that introduced by American written, aseptic paper, a kind of legal, philosophers held that a scientific the philosopher Richard Rorty.2 prescriptive code book. But what we ory or philosophy must have a logical A web consists mostly of holes have in fact in the Bible is a patch structure built from the foundation with its strength in the connections. work, a marvelously woven composite up. Postmoderns think differently. The threads of this web are composed of complex, down-to-earth, divine- They can hold quite contradictory of hopes, feelings, events, dreams, human interaction, which has as one beliefs without feeling discomfort or statements, facts, observations, sto of its central messages: God comes to dissonance. They might believe in ries, and fears the elements of the us not as an object to be studied, He Jesus Christ as their Savior, but not daily experience of each of us, and comes into and through the stuff of believe the Bible is inspired. Or they such contradictory experiences do our particular lives.1 might believe that it©s wrong to kill, coexist in the personal web of a per We have tried to teach people to while holding to the relativity of sons© belief experience. study the Bible removed from their many moral principles. If they were to We often have the feeling that biases. But to study the Bible without attend an evangelistic series, they contemporary people always seem to our subjective variables is to try to might be convinced that the presenta- be contradicting us. Actually, that©s study it without ourselves! It is asking not the case. What they are doing is people to have a relationship with a "weaving their web." They collect series of concepts instead of with God E ASSUME everything they hear, see, and feel Himself in whom "we live, and move, and weave it together. But instead of and have our being" (Acts 17:24-28). compiling a list of concepts about For postmoderns, there is no such God, they question us as they explore thing as an abstract truth. Truth does how we have woven God into our not exist apart from a person or a lives. They can©t develop a relation community. This is affirmed in the ship with concepts, but they can let teaching of Jesus who said, "I am . . . God and the faith community enter the truth," and to the teaching of the and change the story of their lives. New Testament that God©s church is A deep abiding relationship with the embodiment of Jesus Christ (John God is the most important experience 14:1-7, 1 Cor. 12:27; 1 Peter 2:4-12). we can share. It includes theology, Truth to postmoderns must be incar feelings, and experience, in fact, nated to be communicated. Many of tions are coherent and persuasive, but everything our lives are made of. In a us are uncomfortable with this fail to think they should become postmodern context, evangelism is because we want truth to be laid out believers. Why? "weaving our lives with nonbeliev- somewhere so that we can pursue it, We assume that making rational ers," another metaphor for what Jesus control it, and hire good presenters to arguments will convince people. We described as being "salt" or "light" to give it to others. On the contrary, believe we can "corner" them by and in the world. postmoderns rightly seek the demonstrating that the prophecies Jesus was a master web weaver. "embodiment of the truth." have been fulfilled. Then we launch With His parables, with His procla Jesus clearly approves of this into further arguments of Christian mation, with His care, with His approach. He repeatedly asks his fol apologetics. Traditionally, we have judgment, with His blessings, He lowers to judge who has the truth on worked to discredit peoples© belief sys wove the kingdom of God into peo the basis of their fruits (Matt. 7:15-23, tems and then replace them with ple©s lives. He would say, "The John 15:5-8; 17:6-26). This is very another one. Because we believe tnat kingdom of God is like . . ."In this unnerving to denominations that belief systems are built on the founda- way He said, "Let Me weave one more have based their claim to recognition tional model, we launch an artillery thread into your soul." We are to do merely on having a correct doctrine attack on the belief systems of others the same. We ought to bless people©s without a track-record of thoroughly thinking that they will crumble, and lives, their families, their businesses, changing people©s lives. But the only we are mystified when this does not their dates, their art, their hopes, by truth that can actually be communi happen. helping them connect these things cated to postmoderns is the one that Instead of using the modernist with the kingdom of God. is embodied in the life of a believer conception of building a foundation When we transparently weave our and in the life of a faith community. of belief and placing upon it further lives into the company of other

September 2001 MINISTRY 19 believe what you believe" is a dog General Conference Ministerial Association matic statement affirming, "You ought to see things my way. I have a CONTACT INFORMATION relativistic view of reality and you ought to accept it." Such people do DEPARTMENT PHONE NUMBER EMAIL ADDRESS the very thing they forbid in others. The only difference between rela ;nDurqa©S;qc.ac tivists and Christians is that, although gesf. Theoloqical Educat 301.680.6508 both have dogmas, Christians are open about it and relativists are in nqeiism and (Jr denial. People do not doubt Christianity out of thin air. All doubt is rooted in a ©istry Subscriptions & Ci commitment to some other belief or viewpoint. Postmoderns will ultimate 301.680.6518 ly realize that they have been 301.680.6508 indoctrinated, that they have dogmas 888.771.0738 i they believe in, and be ready to ques iternational tion them. Many are returning to Augustine©s realization, "I believe in order to understand." Deep inside Fax number for all departments: 301.680.6502 they are saying: "We have lost our Web site: www.ministerialassociation.com faith in unfaith." And here is their great predicament: while despising religion, they are haunted by the need Christians and non-Christians, our forms of accruing power. As a result, for spirituality. In modernity, their sins and weaknesses become visible postmoderns have been led to believe trust in organized religion has been because the weaving takes place at that they can stand in a lofty position destroyed, but they still want God. close range. This is the sticky part, but above all such truth claims. But their They feel the need for God, but have it is the premiere work of the position has a major flaw, for there is learned to mistrust anyone who Kingdom. It is absolutely crucial to no greater power trip than the one teaches about God. What can they do grasp that our imperfect, broken, which says that every truth claim is a with such a dilemma? individual lives are our primary power trip except mine! They can meet Jesus. Reflective and apologetics. It leads to a whole new Further, it is an illusion to think sensitive contemporary people often way of doing church. that people can live without commit hate religion. And it is wise to listen to ments and beliefs. To believe that them. Why? Because Christians are Questioning the assumptions everything is relative, simply justifies not here to defend religion either. Every worldview has its idols. a lifestyle without responsibility to Christ did not defend it. He viciously Modernism©s obsession with analysis, anyone but oneself. To put it bluntly, and relentlessly attacked it as a way of individualism, and technique has the claim that everything is relative is self-salvation. We, as with any other been replaced in postmodernism a claim with profound religious human group, can become entangled with a fascination for experience, per implications; it is dogma. Those post- in building a religious system instead sonalized spirituality, the idolatry of moderns who honestly analyze their of building the kingdom of God. We art, and cynicism. One of the ways we relativistic presuppositions become can easily shift our energies into can approach contemporary people is aware of that reality. Such relativism defending and saving our doctrines, to challenge the idols of postmoder- easily becomes a self-justifying doc traditions, and organization, instead nity and explore the underlying trine under which one can oppress of saving people. Postmodern people assumptions of their worldview. any other, because by its nature it have a nose for this and are able to As argued in Part 1 of this series, for must also allow for a relativization of detect it from a great distance. So they postmodern philosophers, all truth is oppression. have a way of grabbing us by the created for the service of the powerful. To say that nobody can know any throat and throwing us to the ground Nietzche, the grandfather of postmod thing definite about God is itself also with their questions until we realize ern philosophy, taught that any a statement of dogma. Such a person we have been enchanted with our reli religion, any morality, any claim, and is sure nobody else can be sure. And to giosity rather than with God. And any answers to any question are all say, "You mustn©t persuade others to when we repent not only of our sins

20 MINISTRY September 2001 but also of what we consider our planning, and general meetings. That kind of appeal will win their virtues, the only thing left to show Invite them in. Don©t spin-doctor allegiance. them is Jesus Christ. And He is every anything about your local church or 4 Don©t present the Christian life thing they are looking for! the denomination. Tell the story of only in terms of victory, clarity, and your faith and your church that is peace. We must let them see our bro- Suggestions for effective unforced, unhyped, unedited, and keness, tears, and doubt. They don©t ministry in a culture of unsanitized. Honesty always empow expect or value simplistic answers. postmodernity ers ministry. Only when they see our brokeness And so the question arises, How 4 When guiding postmoderns on will they be able to discern the can we minister to these people? their journey to God, avoid giving extraordinary hope, joy, and assur Below are a few points to consider: direct answers and advice. That disen ance that God brings into our lives. A 4 As modernistic Christians we are gages their minds and hearts. Instead, crucial part of the witnessing process immigrants in the culture of post- help them to interpret their lives in is enabling people to identify with our modernity. Instead of reaching for our the light of the stories of the Bible. weakness and brokenness. techniques and imitating the success Help them face themselves and God 4 We need to resist the urge to just of others, it is better to "get stuck" so that their lives can be woven into teach people what they need to with just the Bible and with the peo the story of salvation. Analyze less, know. We must conceptualize evan ple we are attempting to reach. It will identify more. gelism as a two-way street. They are take more time than we might wish, 4 When they tell you that all sto seekers, and so are we. They are learn but it is the shortest way. If we do this ries and belief systems are relative, ing from us as we are learning from we must be ready to be considered and therefore equally valid, don©t them. We need to think of conver unfaithful or impractical by many of panic, don©t attack. Instead, ask them: sion as a radical change that can our fellow Christians. "My faith commitment is grounded happen at any time, any place, and in 4 We should not think in terms of in history, embodied in the commu any manner. the postmodern mind. Instead we nity of my Church and verified in my 4 The world is different from what should think in terms of the post personal experience. What is the basis most of us want to believe. We must modern person. Experiences, feelings, of your faith?" Wait for their answers. think, with our churches, about what intuition, and choices count as much 4 Don©t be anxious about their we are going to do with such a world. as reason. indifference or antagonism towards We need to ask God to give us the 4- We must not merely try to make the doctrine. As they deconstruct humility to learn and serve contem our church a more accepting and lov their dogmas they will thirst for the porary people, and the courage to ing place. Cultural engineering is power and beauty of clear teaching. walk out of our subculture into their futile. Spending our energy and time 4 Remember that one of the great world, as Christ walked out of heaven changing and growing personally, est needs of a postmodern person is and entered earth. Postmodernity is deepening our community; this is spiritual: they are in need of a god not good or bad. It simply is. It is the what matters. We can work coura (God) who can argue with them. water in which we catch fish. And we geously on adapting organizational Deep inside they fear that without have to catch them on their own and financial structures if we remem something or someone to yield to, or terms, where they are, not where we ber that just working on appearances submit to, they are running into the want them to be. is counterproductive. We are to make danger of having their own mind act 4 Finally we are to remember that disciples, not just nice people. ing as God in their lives. And as they God does not subscribe to mod 4 Postmoderns prize experience come to a realization that the gospel ernism, postmodernism, or any other and need to "try on Christianity" is made of something sterner than worldview we humans have con before they can believe it. As they them, they hunger for it! structed. The genuine article of come into our churches, we can 4 Come to terms with the fact that Christianity is far ahead of the times. include them in activities, bringing the Adventist Church exists to serve a For us, the ultimate reality is the one them close to the fire next to which larger reality than itself. We as pas of the kingdom of God. It is real, pres we warm our own souls. We can let tors, our local churches, and the ent, and it is going to completely take them participate at the Communion denomination exist to invite people over one day. SB service and prayer meetings as a part to be a part of something far larger of their exploration. Participation the kingdom of God. We are calling 1 Brian McLaren, "Honey, I Woke Up in a Different always precedes transformation. people to sign up in the fight against Universe!: Confessions of a Postmodern Pastor," Mars Hill Review, No. 15. Fall 1999, 35-46. 4 Be authentic and transparent. evil wherever it is found: evil in the 2 For an accessible summary of his ideas see chapter Invite nonbelievers everywhere, per world, evil in our own hearts, and evil 6 from Stanley J. Grenz, A Primer on Postmodernism haps even including church business, in our own religious community. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1996).

September 2001 MINISTRY 21 the meeting and challenged the chairman by announcing that he did not believe that any scientist with a Ph.D. would seriously believe in Adam and Eve or that life on earth was cre ated in six days. The scientist©s position was understandable. Could educated scientists seriously believe that life on earth was less than 10,000 years old? How would they deal with the fossil record, the remains of dinosaurs, or the fossil-containing rocks which have been dated as millions of years old by radioisotope techniques. There are also continental drifts and the massive geological formations such as the Grand Canyon in the The case for United States which seem to provide evidence that the continents are very old, not to men tion the astronomical observations that claim creationism to support the big bang theory. How could any scientist dismiss all this evidence? Fifty scientists speak out These thoughts and experiences stimulated me to research what was to become a book: In Six Days: Why 50 Scientists Choose to Believe in Creation. 1 John Ashton volutionary theory holds that life I started by asking colleagues at the on earth began when a mixture of University of Newcastle if they knew of any chemicals in an ancient warm pond scientists with a doctorate degree who formed living cells by chance. Over believed in special creation. Eventually I was billions of years, these cells evolved given the name of a Professor of Biochemistry Einto the diversity of plants, animals, and at Loma Linda University in the United humans that presently live on earth. Some States. He in turn gave me other names. A few scientists, however, now admit that new months and hundreds of emails later I had research in several different areas demon around 80 names of scientists who were will strates that such "particles-to-people" ing to give the reasons for their belief in a evolution is impossible. Life and its support literal six-day creation and allow it to be pub ing ecosystems must have been created over a lished. very short time possibly a few days. The list of names read like a "who©s who" I first formally encountered evolutionary of leading scientists, including: D. B. Gower, theory in Geology I at a university in 1964, Emeritus Professor of Steroid Biochemistry at but I was never convinced. The existence of so the University of London; Ker Thomson, for many different species of animals and plants mer director of the U.S. Air Force Terrestrial with such complex functions convinced me Sciences Laboratory; E. A. Boudreaux, that a supreme intelligence must have Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at the designed the whole system. I could not see University of New Orleans; W.J. Veith, much difference between ancient fossilized Chairman of the Zoology Department at the John Ashton, seashells, fish, and insects, and their modern University of Western Cape, South Africa; W. Ph. D., is principal equivalents. Dragonflies were smaller versions Gitt, Federal Institute of Physics and research scientist, of the giant prehistoric dragonflies, just like Technology in Germany; and K. Wanser, Strategic Research, the domestic cat is a small-scale version of the Professor of Physics at California State Sanitarium Health tiger. University, Fullerton. I could not wait to read Food Company, New South Wales, My particular interest in the creation-evo their essays. Australia. lution issue was kindled a few years ago, Over the next couple of months, as the when at Macquarie University in Sydney, a essays came in, I saw the arguments and evi Christian student group presented a seminar dence for Darwinian evolution very on the scientific evidence for biblical cre effectively challenged. I had never read any ation. A prominent local scientist attended thing like this material.

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\ ASK FOR YOUR FREE INFORMATION PACK I (including samples of chair fabric colors and patterns) www.ctiurchcliair.coRi 7007 Ne^v Calhoon Hwy NE l 1-800-331-5411 Rome, Georgia 30161 Cell biology research jumbo jet (or any other genuinely bang theory. But these new theories One of the first themes to emerge useful mechanism), even if there were necessitate the decay of protons, the related to the latest cell biology explosions every second for a billion elementary particle found in atoms. research. Studies of cell biochemistry years. Yet the cells of a "simple" bac This is one of the reasons research and the complexity of the genetic terium are more complex in many institutes have spent hundreds of information storage/retrieval system respects than a jumbo jet. In contrast, millions of dollars building high- coded in the DNA now demonstrated as the Second Law predicts, cells, energy particle accelerators. Even that "life" could not come from once they die, decay back to compo with this sophisticated equipment, all "non-life," even if billions of years nent molecules. Also, a jumbo jet will searches to detect proton decay have were available. This is referred to as either require continuous intelligent failed and this lack of experimental the Law of Biogenesis; that says life input in the form of maintenance or evidence for the violation of baryon comes only from life. Decades ago it will end up in bits and pieces in the number strongly calls into question Francis Crick, who shared a Nobel junkyard! any big bang scenario for the origin prize for the discovery of the structure The Second Law describes the uni of the universe. of DNA, and British astronomer Sir versal tendency to deterioration and Fred Hoyle were aware of this prob decay, which includes the loss of Nature and intelligent design lem. genetic information. This is precisely Some contributors have taken a When I read this, I understood what we observe in the world today different approach and have chosen why millions of dollars were now and is exactly the opposite to that to discuss examples in nature which being spent on searching for life in needed for evolution to occur. suggest "intelligent design." For outer space. Without making it too example, the dolphin©s sonar system obvious, scientists know that for the Dating differences is so precise that it surpasses the best theory of evolution to survive, they What about the ages of the rocks sonar technology in the U.S. Navy. It need to find evidence for life coming supposedly proved by radioactive dat can detect a fish the size of a golf ball to earth from outer space. ing? Surely this constitutes hard 70 meters (230 feet) away. It took an But this discovery would still not evidence for the long age of the fossils expert in chaos theory to show that save evolutionary presuppositions and disproves the biblical Creation the dolphin©s "click" pattern is math from the consequences of the Second story? Here again the latest research is ematically designed to give the best Law of Thermodynamics, which exposing another scientific myth. information. essentially precludes the spontaneous Different methods of radioactive dat This sonar system includes the generation of life. This law underpins ing often produce vastly different "melon," or sound lens, a sophisticat all aspects of engineering, from ages for the same rocks. One exten ed structure designed to focus the nuclear submarine design to the con sive investigation of radioactive emitted sound waves into a beam struction of rockets. Amongst other dating results found a fossil with a which the dolphin can direct where it things, the Second Law suggests that conventional age of up to 350 million likes. This sound lens depends on the increased complexity will not happen years. However, the dating of the fos fact that different lipids (fatty com spontaneously. Adding energy does sil using the carbon-14 method pounds) bend the ultrasonic sound not create complexity. This requires repeatedly gave a value of around waves travelling through them in dif an intelligent agent to direct the 4,000 years. Some scientists are now ferent ways. The different lipids have energy to create the complexity. admitting that they don©t really know to be arranged in the correct shape For example, a person will never what the results from radioactive dat and sequence in order to focus the wake up in the morning after a late ing methods really mean, and the returning sound echoes. Each sepa evening dinner party and find that a assumptions behind these dating rate lipid is unique and different from whirlwind (or some other form of methods are being questioned. normal blubber lipids. The lipid is energy) has gone through the kitchen made by a complicated chemical and all the dishes are washed and put Big bang theory process, requiring a number of differ away, all the crumbs are off the floor, What about the big bang theory ent enzymes. and the rubbish bin has been emp that is frequently discussed by popu Along with the example of the dol tied. Such a kitchen never gets back lar science writers? It turns out that phins, the complex compound eyes of in order even if a person waits a mil this theory also has serious problems. some types of trilobites, extinct and lion years, unless some intelligent Amongst other things, it violates the supposedly "primitive" invertebrates, machine (robot or human) arranges law of conservation of baryon num were amazingly designed. They are things in their proper places. ber. Because of this, physicists in the comprised of tubes that each point in Similarly an explosion (energy) in past have proposed Grand Unified a different direction, and have special a junkyard will never produce a Theories, or GUTs to save the big lenses that focus light from any dis-

24 MINISTRY September 2001 tance. The required lens design is survival of living things. This fits well and it proved helpful. I was awarded a comprised of a layer of calcite on top with the Creation description in University Prize for the most out of a layer of chitin-materials with pre Genesis. standing research thesis. cisely the right refractive indices. Many scientists today believe in In Six Days shows why leading sci There is also a wavy boundary God. A study published in Nature in entists believe that God cannot be left between them of a precise mathemat 1997 revealed that 39.3 percent of out of our thinking. Indeed, insisting ical shape. The designer of these eyes American scientists believe in a per on material causes for everything, must have been a master physicist, sonal God they can pray to. How even where the evidence points to an who applied what we now know as many of these scientists also believe in intelligent Creator, sounds like reli the physical laws of Fermat©s principle Creation? No one really knows, but gion, not science. But that sort of of least time, Snell©s law of refraction, several contributors to In Six Days thinking pervades our schools and Abbe©s sine law and birefringent reveal that they were ridiculed in uni universities today. It also leads to optics. versity settings for holding to cre- illogical thinking, such as the sponta Lobster eyes are unique in being ationist views. This did not surprise neous origin of life. Of course, if modeled on a perfect square with pre me. I recall, when writing my own students are taught that they are just cise geometrical relationships of the doctoral dissertation, that my supervi a complex arrangement of chemicals units. NASA x-ray telescopes copied sor, a former Harvard, Oxford, and arising from a cosmic accident, is it this design. Cambridge scholar and theist, advised really surprising that some will live as me to remove the phrase "intelligent if there is no meaning or morality Why six-day creation? design" and replace it with the term and slaughter their fellow students But the essential point is this: On "blueprint." When discussing the evi for the "fun" of it? Those readers who what basis may we hold to a creation dence suggesting the existence of believe that they descended from in six days? Why not 10 months or God, I was to use the euphemism Adam and Eve and have been made 10,000 years? The contributors whose "cosmic synergy" instead of "God." In "in the image of God," feel good essays I read suggest that there is this way I would avoid provoking about themselves and their world. B overwhelming scientific evidence opposition from the university that life must have originated very authorities who insisted on a purely 1. John F. Ashton, ed. In Six Days: Why 50 Scientists rapidly because complete organisms materialistic explanation for scientific Choose to Believe in Creation (Sydney, Australia: New and ecosystems are necessary for the observations. I followed his advice Holland Publishers, 1999).

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September 2001 MINISTRY night we retired at midnight after sharing problems, fears, and personal dreams for min istry. The most troubling part of our late-night visit was the fact that he had already decided to leave pastoral ministry. The cumulative effects of professional loneliness had brought him to the edge of chronic depression. Ministers often find themselves misunder stood. They have a vision for the church and creative ideas for making the vision a reality, but their ideas do not harmonize with the usual way of doing things. They get the sense that they are alone on a far-off island. I had just finished teaching a class for min isters when a minister with 12 years of pastoral The lonely experience asked to speak to me. He couldn©t talk for a few minutes because he was fighting back tears. I let him cry. After weeping, he told pastor me about the cruelty he experienced at the hands of church members. He sought help from the director of ministers in his area, but the director brushed him aside, minimizing rofessional loneliness is a virus the problem. The minister exhibited many Larry Yeagley among ministers. Unlike the early signs of chronic depression. I suggested to him apostles who went out two by two, that he would benefit from professional coun most pastors work alone. When this seling while completing his seminary studies. lone ranger problem is ignored, I taught a class in pastoral counseling Ploneliness drives some ministers to seek attended by pastors who had been engaged in another profession. ministry for years before attending seminary. Loneliness is like hunger. All of us have a I showed a video on loneliness and then healthy hunger that draws us to a meal. asked the class to share their own loneliness. Ministers may study for a sermon for five or The response was immediate and emotionally six hours, then they desire to fellowship with moving. I was shocked at the degree of pro family or friends. This is normal. It signals fessional loneliness that surfaced. that we need human contact. For years I was a presenter at professional Professional loneliness may be caused by growth seminars sponsored by Ministry maga unrealistic pastoral assignments, too little zine. It was not unusual for ministers to take contact and affirmation from administrative me aside to share their concerns about min personnel, mean-spirited treatment from istry. Many of them felt misunderstood, parishioners, long stretches of solitary min unappreciated, and overworked. It has been istry, and lack of professional confidants. over a decade since I participated in those Loneliness is a serious matter. Dr. James J. seminars, but I still receive calls from a couple Lynch has shown that loneliness is the great of the ministers. They share their pain with est risk factor in premature deaths. 1 His me because they don©t trust their leaders compelling research along with similar studies enough. They bear their loneliness until they by other professionals shows that loneliness can©t take it any longer. among pastors and their families must be I recently read an obituary that announced addressed by church administrators if they are the death of a hospital chaplain. I knew him Larry Yeagley, a interested in the well-being of the church©s well. He was familiar with my style of hospital retired pastor, writes working force. ministry and had invited me to lunch. We from Charlotte, talked for two hours. His style of hospital visi Michigan. Loneliness and lack of affirmation tation was graceful and pastoral, but the head I first became aware of this when I attend chaplain didn©t think his approach to the sick ed an evangelism workshop. Another minister was clinical enough. He was told that he need was assigned to be my roommate. The first ed to be more confrontational. My friend

26 MINISTRY September 2001 modeled his ministry after the min self is bound to create loneliness. tions. I asked him to try to fit all of his istry of Jesus and saw no need to According to James J. Lynch, such activities into six eight hour days. adopt a style that seemed mostly psy long-term experiences contribute to When he failed to cram it all into that chological. He was a gentle and caring cardiovascular disease due to the fre time frame, I asked him to eliminate person who modeled the spirit of quent spikes in blood pressure. until no more than those hours were Jesus in the sickroom. But every day Church members who have been filled. He soon realized that he was his he felt the disapproval of the head given leadership positions for many own worst enemy. He was driving chaplain who hinted at the possibility years can view the pastor as a threat himself to loneliness and depression. of job termination. to their status. No matter what the He made his expectations more realis Months later I met my friend at his pastor does, she or he may become tic and continued to pastor churches. brother©s home. He had struggled so the target of their jealousy. Eugene Peterson wrote a book long with the loneliness of being mis An intern pastor called me about a about the "unnecessary pastor." I understood that depression swept local elder who insulted and humiliat grabbed it from the new-book shelf over him. Physical illness plagued him ed him during a church business and read it with excitement. He and he took an early retirement. He meeting. I suggested that he visit the believes it is unnecessary for a pastor died prematurely, perhaps to some elder with a speech something like to live up to all the expectations of the degree because of his years of loneli this. "I thought you should know church members and administrators. ness. what my role is. I see myself as a He believes it is unnecessary for the I know of a pastor who spent the preacher who can do a good job only pastor to live up to all of her or his last ten years of his ministry in a sec as I take plenty of time for study and self-expectations. The reason: Not all tion of the United States where the prayer. I believe in visiting the sick expectations are realistic or healthy, total emphasis was on public evangel and discouraged. I am counseled by no matter who formulates them. ism. He was known as a nurturing Scripture to help God©s people devel I attended a ministers© retreat pastor who ministered to the needs of op their spiritual gifts. I also am com where an evangelist outlined the his congregation and brought people mitted to my marriage and family. I schedule of a successful pastor. He had into the church after careful prepara believe that God wants me to be a role the pastor visiting and giving Bible tion. When he attended day-long model of a healthy, spiritual husband studies every weekday all day long. pastors© meetings there was no oppor and father. I am asking you, as the Late Friday night he had the pastor tunity to talk about his concerns and elder of the church, to care for the gathering quotations that elucidated interests, neither was there any affir administrative duties of the church. I Bible passages to be preached the fol mation for his style of ministry. For believe you have skills and gifts in this lowing morning. He said nothing ten years he felt that he did not fit in. area. I don©t want to hinder you in about the pastor©s recreation, family He frequently left those meetings your leadership of this church." life, or devotional time. This is just feeling very much alone. Several weeks went by before the one example of misguided expecta Without a doubt, working without young pastor could bring himself to tions. If a pastor takes these formulas affirmation and a sense of belonging visit the elder, but the results were seriously, burnout and professional over years produces and abiding surprising to him. The elder told him, loneliness is bound to be the result. sense of loneliness. "I have been unkind to you and rid den rough-shod over you. I want to What©s the solution? Interpersonal and apologize. I support you in your role The cry of the lonely pastor is truly communicative sources as pastor." unheard, as Dr. Lynch so ably shows. Some churches seem especially in The intern pastor removed himself The pastor must develop a sane the grip of destructive forces. This is from the power struggle. There was approach to his or her work that will sometimes manifested in church conflict between church members, promote good emotional, physical, board and committee meetings. but he refused to become a part of the and spiritual health. The following Frequently when a church is at war, triangular web. As a result, his min suggestions are simply that sugges the pastor is caught in the crossfire. I istry in that church was peaceful. He tions. Every pastor©s situation is have attended too many meetings in didn©t have to defend himself, he different, therefore preventing profes which I trembled inside and felt like I made sure his role was understood. sional loneliness will be different for wanted to go off by myself and cry. each pastor. During church building programs I Unrealistic self-expectations Take time for yourself. Personal time have found myself under attack and A young pastor told me he was must be built into the weekly sched needing to defend myself. Years of leaving pastoral ministry because he ule. This is not sermon preparation unfriendly interpersonal encounters was tired of the loneliness and the rat time. This is time to cross-country ski, and constantly having to defend one race of meeting everyone©s expecta go to an auction, exercise, tinker in

September 2001 MINISTRY 27 your wood shop, or restore an old Avoid toxic conversations. People Seek out confidants. Decide that you tractor. This is time totally unrelated who lash out, accuse, condemn, and will not play the role of the Lone to your work. rage must be stopped in their tracks. Ranger. Join the local ministerial asso Schedule time for the family. Divorce They elevate your blood pressure and ciation and fellowship with ministers is violent and should be prevented. ultimately push you toward profes of other faiths. Arrange to do pulpit Not only does it devastate husband sional loneliness. You may have to exchanges and join a colleague in and wife, it also has a long negative walk away as you say, "Jim, when you conducting revival services in both impact on children. If you doubt this, are calmed down and can talk to me parishes. you need to read The Unexpected in a nonaccusatory manner, I will be As a Seventh-day Adventist minis Legacy of Divorce? The research behind willing to listen to your concerns." ter, I became close friends with a this book followed children of divorce People can be energy stealers. Don©t Church of Christ pastor. When he for 25 years. allow yourself to be their victim. was having problems with his con The intimacy and dialogue experi Speak up. When church members gregation or was struggling with a enced in a healthy marriage and or church administrators try to set teenager in his home, he called and family guards against loneliness. your agenda, don©t just sit there and talked. We exchanged book titles. He Pastors cannot have too much of this stew about it internally. Quietly state encouraged me to write and I taught quality of dialogue with the ones they your priorities and your thoughts him how to conduct bereavement love and who love them. about their attempt to violate your support groups. We enjoyed chatting Refuse to allow others to set your philosophy of ministry. about our theological views, but not agenda. If you don©t make your own I used to grin and bear it, but I once did either of us argue. We con sensible agenda, others will be very found myself being mired down in ducted support groups together and willing to set it for you. You are the loneliness. When I spoke up, I pre enjoyed meals together. We staved off one who can create balance. Take served my own dignity and found professional loneliness. charge of your professional life. that others respected me for having Keep your relationship with God Look up and outside ofyourself. High convictions. fresh. Jesus experienced loneliness stress leads to loneliness. Dr. Lynch Change your view of administration. during His earthly ministry. He found that watching fish swimming If you are in an administrative posi sought intimacy with the Father in in an aquarium has greater potential tion, shed the idea that you have to the night hours, but He also prized for reducing stress than all the psy invent programs to drop on the shoul relationships with people around chotherapy and relaxation techniques ders of pastors. Your programs may fit Him. He relaxed in the home of put together. A young pastor I know only a small fraction of the pastors in Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. He valued takes a long walk in the woods after your area. Instead of mandating pro the companionship of His disciples. every required promotional meeting grams, why not discover the gifts and Pastors would do well to keep both for clergy. Taking time to smell the visions of each pastor? Encourage of these relationships in balance. roses is more than a cute saying. them and enable them to exercise When loneliness creeps into your life, Define pastoral ministry for yourself. their gifts and realize their visions. My have some heartfelt conversations A few priorities well-defined and care father used to say that a fellow has to with Jesus. He knows loneliness per fully kept protect you from being work in his own overalls. sonally. Seek out a friend. Talk about pressured by others. Let your congre I worked with a conference presi your loneliness without shame. gation know what your priorities and dent who trusted the pastors to use Discuss solutions instead of dwelling time frames are. My doctor does this. their gifts. He did not push programs. solely on loneliness. Identify the His office hours are well-defined. He He affirmed us when we dreamed causes of your professional loneliness expects me to make an appointment. dreams and creatively tried to fulfill and calmly discuss them with the He has a protocol for handling emer those dreams. I worked my heart out people involved in those causes. Your gencies. A pastor should do the same. for that man. Years after I moved to courage to confront the issues will another part of the country and after alleviate your own loneliness and that conference president retired I possibly the loneliness of your col met him in Minneapolis. He sat leagues. B Subscribe to Ministry beside me and said, "Larry, I have been following your work over the ONLINE 1 See James J Lynch, The Broken Heart (New York: years. I want you to know that I am Basic Books, 1977); The Language of the Heart (New very proud of your success. Keep it York: Basic Books, 1985); A Cry Unheard (Baltimore: http://ministrymagazine.coin up." That man has been and contin Bancroft Press, 2000). 2 Judith S. Wallerstein, Julia M. Lewis, and Sandra ues to be an antidote for professional Blakeslee, The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce (New loneliness. York: Hyperion, 2000).

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early thirty years after seminary information. Of course, we need sound, my favorite professor gave me a orthodox doctrine, but pastors also N new assignment. A few months need help in making practical applica ago, Dr. Raoul Dederen asked me to tion of God©s Word from the pulpit; write about the Handbook of Seventh-day theory developed into daily living. Adventist Theology, Volume 12 of the I found myself outlining sermons as I commentary series.1 read. In fact, some chapters are so com- Even though the Ministerial pellingly prepared that an entire series Association has joint-ventured distribu of sermons on the topic is already out tion of over 7,000 copies at special lined. For example, John M. Fowler©s pricing, I had not actually read the chapter, "Sin," not only provides a entire book. So for months now I have word study of biblical terminology and made it a constant travel companion. in-depth theological development, but Here©s what I have discovered. and biblical scholarship as they are prac it also gave me 15 outstanding insights Monumental. This is a big book. At ticed throughout the worldwide (a three-part sermon series, each with over one thousand pages, the term Adventist Church.2 Dederen states that five points) on the essence of sin, con handbook almost seems a misnomer. the editorial aim has been to produce a sequences in the individual©s life and This is no brief sketch or overview but a work of reference written in a spirit of relationships, and the biblical hope for weighty, challenging, and in-depth unqualified loyalty to the Scriptures as the ultimate eradication of rebellion. study of various doctrines. The entire the written Word of God, in the hope Likewise, Neils-Erik A. Andreasen©s project took over a dozen years from that these pages will be fruitful for per topic, "Death," presenting a fresh view conception to publication, providing the sonal reflection in faith and practice.3 of death©s insatiable appetite to con best insights from top Adventist scholars Although clearly Adventist, this is an sume, will affect my preaching both on and capping the distinguished career of excellent reference tool for any serious the doctrine of man©s mortality as well as Raoul Dederen, editor, with a major con student. Each article relies solely on on our hope in Jesus© victory. I found tribution of permanent significance. Scripture for theological development outstanding material like this through Volume 12 demands more than and exposition. The utilization of Ellen out the book. casual reading but it returned great White©s prophetic role is confined to the Spiritual. Above all else, I rediscov reward for my study effort. I read with conclusion of each chapter as expan ered Jesus as the center of every biblical highlighter handy and found fresh ideas sion and commentary rather than a teaching and the reason for every and faith-building insights. Perhaps in reliance upon her writings as the source proclamation. attempting to compact as much mate of doctrine. These outstanding writers have rial into as few pages as possible, the Historical. An historical overview moved beyond scholarship. Faith is publisher failed to maintain the print follows the biblical exposition of each awakened as God©s love and plan for His standards found in other volumes from topic. This overview cites sources and people is consistently presented. I con this series. Regularized margins and views from the ancient church through tinue to be spiritually energized because spacing would allow for easier nota to modern times, along with contem of my time with this book. tions. I understand that subsequent porary approaches and the develop Thank you, Dr. Dederen, for urging printings promise to correct these ment of Adventist positions; Volume 12 me to move from promoting this excel defects so that the product©s quality provides a context which is unified in lent resource to experiencing its matches the value of the contents. Frank Holbrook©s excellent concluding benefits for myself, m Theological. As its title states, chapter, "The Great Controversy." Lists Handbook of Seventh-day Adventist of relevant literature are also provided. 1 See ad on page 11. Theology presents fundamental doc Practical. Like any pastor, I would 2 Handbook of Seventh-day Adventist Theology (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., trines of the denomination representa be reluctant to invest much time in a 2001), xi. tive of mainstream Adventist theology book which offered nothing beyond 3 Ibid.

30 MINISTRY September 2001 Letters In some schools, third-graders are it is interesting to learn that conflicts can writing essays with the dire warning, be a means of blessing if well managed, continued from page 3 "Don©t pollute!" which leads to omi rather than becoming a curse to the Before we use the Creation passages nous warnings about a far-away forest, church. to interpret science, we must first dis where humans are predators and need Sylas K. Tochim, pastor, Western Kenya cover their theological meaning. to be stopped. Field, East Africa. Gerald Wheeler, Hagerstown, Maryland. Finally, the ultimate sacrifice, "Don©t breathe!" With absurd politeness comes Ministerial mendacity The environment: Created the ultimate inanity, "Excuse me for liv s senior pastor of a church, I was and sustained by whom? ing!" Aencouraged and challenged by the he May 2001 issue of Ministry had When Jesus fed the 5,000, He Ministry article entitled "Ministerial Tan article by Patrick A. Travis enti ordered a clean-up. I wonder what they Mendacity: A View From the Pew" (July tled "The Environment: Created and did with it? There was full consumption 2001) Sustained by Whom?" I would add the and conservation at the same time. All This article was very powerful and following: in the hands of the Son of God. challenging, to say the least. I know that At Christ©s command we pray, "Give F. A. Hertwig, Lincoln, Missouri. I have been guilty of stretching the us this day our daily bread." We make a truth at times, but as you become more statement of faith, gratitude, and Managing conflict in the mature in God, so do your sermons. acknowledgment of why it is all here church So I would like to pass on my thanks and how food is on the table. was enriched by H. Jack Morris©s article to Ministry, and to the author of that The natives of Central America I "Managing Conflict in the Church." wonderful article, Ellie Green. My prayer stepped up their anxiety for the sun to The suggested ways of handling church is, as stated at the end of the article, come up. Atop their temples, they sacri conflict is a must to every minister. "Let me introduce you to my pastor," ficed a beating heart. This pagan notion Pastor Morris also delineated the psy and people would do this with pride, is well on the way to building an altar of chological reason, prompting people to not embarrassment. B terror, hysteria, and devilish excess. It is be a problem. . . . Conflicts if unsettled Andrew 1. Bearman, pastor, Macedon, called "environmentalism"! can split the church into fragments. Also Victoria, Australia. We only wish we could make

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