VOL. 4, NO.3 MAY • JUNE 1996

I.R.S. REDEFINES ADVENTIST MINISTRY TITHE or Solomon's Tax?

CAMPUS HILL CHURCH CHOOSES BLACK WOMAN SENIOR PASTOR FOUNDATION BOARD Inside Adventist Toaay, Keith Colburn, Secretary!freasurer Raymond Cottrell Richard Guth, Advisory The Spiritual Dimensions of Money Council Chair Jim Kaatz Douglas Schultz he role money plays in the life of a Christian is a good barometer of a person's relationship to God Donald Shaskey Tand to the surrounding world of material things. When a Christian begins to make money, God Ervin Taylor, Board Chair either gains a fortune or loses a man. One important advantage of storing your money in heaven is that Jim Walters only one person's folly can lose it for you. A Christian may be a millionaire as the bank teller counts but bankrupt as the Lord counts (or vice versa). Such is the vertical dimension of money. A good principle to follow for the horizontal dimension of money is, keep your yearnings within your ADVISORY COUNCIL earnings, or as President Calvin Coolidge expresses it in his autobiography, "Don't attempt to light higher Jo & Ken Abbott than you can roost. There is no dignity quite so impressive, and no independence quite so important, as Gary & Jeanne Bogle living within your means." Antonius & Lilia Brandon The same is true of the church. The religious role of money-its wise and responsible use-likewise Todd Burley has vertical and horizontal dimensions. On one hand the church is responsible to the people who trust Charlotte & John Cassell their hard-earned money to it, and on the other to God in relation to the mission he entrusted to it. Judy & Keith Colburn In this issue John Testerman looks at tithing as "a crucial spiritual discipline, because it strikes at the James & Kathryn Dexter root of our addiction to money, which holds us in bondage to the world system. It is virtually impossible for Merlyn & Rosemary Duerksen a Christian to be effective in the world without dealing with this addiction," he comments. Steve Daily finds that in Bible times a significant portion of the tithe was assigned for use by the Douglas and Patricia Ewing priests in their home communities, and suggests that as a model for the church today. The Bible provides Beverly & Donald Farley that the tithe be brought into "the storehouse," and each local congregation has "a storehouse." Daily is Gary & Sharon Fraser "not convinced that giving local congregation greater autonomy" in the use of the tithe would have a neg- Annette & Gary Frykman ative effect on "our Adventist global community or worldwide networking." Richard Green Bert Haloviak, an archival expert, recounts a recent episode in Adventist history when Internal Kathi & Richard Guth Revenue Service regulations forced the church to revise the job description of licensed ministers, by assign- Jackie & Jim Henneberg ing them responsibilities equivalent to those of ordained ministers. The IRS was on the verge of requiring Dennis & Jolene Hilliard the church to pay millions of dollars in tax arrears! "The interrelationship between money, theology, the Susan & Wayne Jacobsen IRS, and church administration had converged to create a moral dilemma within the Seventh-day John & Judy Jacobson Adventist Church," says Haloviak. Sixteen years ago Walter Rea called attention to the fact that Ellen White made extensive use of lit- Elton & Marga Kerr erary sources in writing a number of her books such as The Desire of Ages. Under assignment by the Ellen Dean & Dolores Kinsey G. White Estate, Fred Veltman of Pacific Union College documented more than twenty writers from Janis and Richard Larsen whom she borrowed more or less extensively in writing that book. The church now recognizes the reality Florence & Ken Lorenz of these literary relationships. Don & Penny Miller Soon to be published is a SOO-pagebook by Phyllis Watson of Angwin, California citing extensive Rick Murray literary similarities between the writings of Ellen White and Joseph Smith, founder of Mormonism. Thaine & Wanda Price Adventist Today invited several Adventist historians and one Mormon to evaluate these similarities. Their Gary & Ruthe-Marina Raines consensus is that conclusive evidence of literary borrowing is lacking, but that the literary similarities are Judith Rausch admittedly impressive. (See page 10.) Joyce & Phil Reisweig The acid test of Ellen White's claim that the Holy Spirit guided her in her writing lies in the inher- Gordon & Judy Rick ent quality of the product, not the process by which the writing was done. For instance, a candid reading of The Desire of Ages leaves the distinct impression that it is inspired. Who is qualified to second-guess the Missy & Richard Rouhe way in which the Spirit may have led to the best way to express what she wrote? Originality is not neces- Cherie & Glenn Rouse sarily a test of inspiration. & Doug Sandy Schultz With this issue we introduce a revised lay- Don & Ursula Shasky out. Because so many of you first tum to our let- Raymond Cottrell has James & Maryan Stirling ters section, we are putting it first. Then, because served the church as pastor, foreign missionary, Bible Ervin & Marilynn Taylor you say our reporting of news is of key impor- teacher, writer, and editor Bob & Karen Torrey tance, we give that next. Our cover feature will for 66 years, 47 years as a John & Nancy Vogt typically begin at the centerfold-page 12. We church employee and the David Van Putten hope you like the new layout. balance as an active retiree. James & Priscilla Walters His career spans half of the Raymond Cottrell, Editor time since the GC was Betty & James Webster organized in 1863. Stephanie & Tim Welebir

2 May-June 1996 ADVENTIST TODAY Contents

Focus: ADVENTISTS AND MONEY _

12 The IRS and the Redefinition of Adventist Ministry Bert HalDviak

Bert Haloviak 12 16 TIthe or Solomon's Tax Steve Daily

19 TIthing as Sacred Ritual and Spiritual Discipline JohnK. Testennan

NEWS AND ANALYSIS

7 Global Mission Accountability Investigated

7 Campus Hill Church Chooses Black Woman as Senior Pastor Steve Daily 15

8 Creative Congregational Funding Used by Orangevale Church

9 Senior Pastor Fired Over Tithing

9 New Hope for Atlantic Union College Calls for Stringent Budget

10 Parallels in Ellen White's and Joseph Smith's Writings

21 Voices in the Wilderness: Learning From the Independents

22 The Good New Review Reviewed

24 Walla Walla College Criticized John Testerman 18

24 Who Reads Adventist Today?

LETTERS

4 Wanted: True Conservatives

4 Colin Cook and Change Ministry

5 La Sierra Ordination Fills an Empty Place

6 American Epitaph for a Third,World Church Bonnie Casey 23

SOUNDINGS _

23 Mirror Mirror Bonnie L. Casey Cover photo by Martin Knopper.

EDITORIAL ADVISOR: Beatrice Neall, Union Colkg, Unsolicited submissions Advent~t Today (ISSN 1079-5499) is j\JjVENTISTToDAY Steve Daily Joel Sandefur, La Sierra University are encouraged. Payment is compet~ published bimonthly for $18 per year DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT: Lynn Sauls, Southern Colkge itive. Send a self-addressed stamped ($12 for students, $29 for institutions) Va!. 4, No.3 Norman L. Vance Larry Downing, ArwheimAdvennst Church, CA envelope for writers' guidelines. by Adventist Today Foundation, 1845 May-June 1996 OFFICE MANAGER: Caleb Rosadu, Humboldt SWI£ Universiry, CA S. Business Center Dr., Suite 140, San Hanan Sadek Annual subscriptions: Bemardino, CA 92408. Second-class EDITOR: Raymond Cottrell DESIGN AND PRODUCTION: $18 for individuals postage paid at San Bemardino, CA. ExECUTIVE EDITOR: Richard Tinker Adventist Today repons on con- $12 for students POSTMASTER: send address James Walters Colleen Moore Tinker temporary issues of importance to $29 for institutions changes to Adventist Today, P.O. Box 1220, Lorna Linda, CA 92354-1220. MANAGING EDITOR: EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS: Adventist church members. (Payment by check or credit card. Add $10 (or Cherie Rouse addresses ourside North America.) Antonius Brandon, Lorna LiruiaUniversity Following basic principles of Copyright @1996 by Adventist Today AsSISTANT EDITORS: Barry Casey, Columbia Union Colkg, ethics and canons of journalism, Telephone: (800) 236-3641 Foundation, a nonprofit organization Cheri Lynn Gregory Glenn Cae, South Windsor, Conneencut this publication strives for fair- Fax: (909) 884-3391 dedicated to fostering open dialogue James H. Stirling Frank Knittel, La Sierra University ness, candor, and good taste. Email: AToday@ao!.com in the Adventist community. ~

ADVENTIST TODAY May-June 1996 3 Letter to the Editor Adventi5t Today ~ p.o. Box 1220 Lama Linda. CA 92354-1220 iii.

WANTED: TRUE age this perspective better than some of the flock and preaching inspiring ser- CONSERVATIVES the rest of us. mons. I received the Nov/Dec AT today This is not to downplay the role or Rocklyn Rouse and .. .feel compelled to respond to the correctness of individual moral choices Pendleton, Oregon editorial. It proclaimed the morality of or even congregational choices, but women's ordination. I believe most simply to suggest that we should avoid DOWNING IS RIGHT NAD officials agree with that, as do I. the church leadership-smearing tactics I feel [Spencer Downing] is right on But then the editor proceeded to hail used by "the other side." Perhaps there target, but just not aware of it. At OSU the insight of early Adventists who is a creative tension that can exist as a med school faculty member, I was feared church organization, suggested between conscientious congregations shocked at how minds closed gradually that the organization seeks to stymie and denominational leaders, each act- from the med students, the residents, conscientious Adventists, and closes ing according to the values they esteem then finally in my colleagues in with the plea that God help the church highest, but without disparaging the Columbus in practice. I thought his in Rome and Silver Spring. characters of those whose value systems article was the only one of interest. I One might conclude that church differ. They should treat each other like think the Holy Spirit is in charge of leaders are immoral or at least amoral Knittel treats his motorcycle dealership matters, and most liberals just have not wimps, that the church is akin to spiri- employees on Sabbaths. become rooted and grounded in our tual Babylon, and that Adventists need R. T. Johnston faith. I like to see the name of Jesus and to return to their historic roots to Lake Jackson, Texas a reference to EGW now and then to regain the moral high ground. reassure me as to the authenticity of a My problem with this approach is WOMEN'S ORDINATION magazine. not just that some points are question- The authors of the main articles in Bruce Baker able (e.g., Knight argues in "The Fat the January-February issue seemed to do (E-mail.ao!.) Lady and the Kingdom" that the a fairly good job of showing that an church's organization was a part of the acceptable interpretation of scripture COLIN COOK AND CHANGE genius of Adventism and key to its mis- does not prevent women from preaching, MINISTRY siological success), but that the tone of but they did not discuss the appropriate- Thank you for publishing the article the argument is vitally indistinguishable ness and the implications of these entitled "Former Minister Again from the junk mail I frequently receive churches ordaining women as pastors in Charged with Homosexual Conduct" from the right-wing "Historic the context of the General Conference (January- February, 1996) regarding Adventist" fringe. They, too, argue that vote against it. The Church is very Colin Cook's alleged sexual abuse of the church is immoral and corrupt and important to Christ. Perhaps no one counselees. This is a topic which has that we need to reclaim the historic would claim that the General not received much publicity in official high ground, taking back our church Conference rulings are never in error, but Adventist publications. from its corrupt leaders. surely it is more important .. .for us to Even though he has had his ministe- Regardless of which policy we feel is keep in harmony with His Church than rial license removed because of similar moral-and obviously proponents of with the civil government! It was Jesus behavior in the past, and has left both positions feel theirs is the moral Himself that chose the men who had the church employment, many SDAs one, we need to keep things in perspec- responsibility shepherding the infant appear to continue to believe he has tive when it comes to dealing with each Church. This is not saying that ordaining "the answer" to homosexuality-a other or making suggestions about one women can never be pleasing to God, so-called "change ministry." It is impor- another's characters. Perhaps it would but only that God has given authority to tant that Adventists everywhere fully help to ask, Could I live next to this his church and we should give it proper understand how Cook conducts himself person in heaven? I think denomina- respect even though we disagree! so that they do not continue to subject tional leaders, with their apparent con- Women that are not ordained surely other church members to this kind of cerns for organizational cohesion, man- have the privilege and duty of nurturing behavior.

4 May-June 1996 ADVENTIST TODAY It is unfortunate, indeed, that so those courageous ministers, women and Adventists, both current and former. many seem to believe this man simply men, who were willing to be counted Keep up the good work. because he tells them what they want among those in celebration. Richard Gutsche to believe and which conveniently fits As a fifth-generation Seventh-day Sunland, California (E-mail, AOL) with church teachings, regardless of the Adventist I experienced enormous sad- fact of his behavior or of the results of ness when I left the church, as though I Adventist Today is a forum for anyone similar efforts. I am sure that your had betrayed those in my family and my who is dissatisfied with the church. writer did not intentionally mean to be church who gave up everything to fol- Your bully pulpit has become a haven homophobic, but I found the title of low individual conscience. But down to for everyone who is unhappy ... [with] the article to be unfortunate. The the marrow of heart and bone I cannot the church. God knows that each one point, I think, is not the sexual orienta- support any organization that discrimi- of us is filled with defects. When we tion of Mr. Cook or his counselees, but nates against women, and there has first subscribed to this publication, we the fact that a counselor is alleged to been a hole in my life where the church felt we would see a reflection of how a have engaged in unprofessional con- once was. struggling people, seeking by the grace duct. This would be true regardless of Some of that emptiness filled with of God and the Holy Spirit to become the gender orientation of either the peace as I celebrated the ordination of what He wants to be, strive to take to counselor or counselee. Hallie and Madelyn in my own home our world the message of our soon com- Harvey Brenneise church, and again I Claim God's ing Savior. Instead we find a magazine Berrien Springs, Michigan (E-mail) promise in Isaiah 55:12, "For ye shall go that poisons everyone who reads it as out with joy and be led forth wIth well as fosters a dissatisfied and rebel- AtJ' A LINK peace: the mountains and the hills shall lious attitude. We are a couple of lifelong break forth before you into singing, and Jerry and Sandy Barts Adventists who, after moving to all the trees of the field shall clap their Lexington, Kentucky Nashville and exploring the local hands." Blessed Be. Adventist scene, chose to attend a Patti Cottrell Grant I appreciate your publication for its non-denominational Sunday church. I (E-mail, AOL) candor in addressing the problems that think we'll always find ourselves deeply face the church today. It is my hope divided. FORUM FOR ADVENTISTS that you will continue to deal realisti- On one hand, there's the sectarian You are to be commended for this cally with those problems. "come out of her, my people" denomi- quality publication and for providing a Francis Hecker nation we were raised in and will always much-needed forum for thinking Lovell, Wyoming have ties to. On the other, there's a whole group of people in our lives who describe themselves only as FOR THE RECORD Christians-and who we have found to be more vital, loving, challenging, and nreporting that a third of Adventists are victims of abuse, Adventist Today Christlike than we thought possible. Ifailed to provide documentation. We apologize for the neglect; however we Your magazine is an important link cited the 1/3 figure as a conservative general- between our past and present, and gives ization. In a major randomized study of 1600 us hope for the future. It is wonderful to church members in the Southeastern find intelligent, articulate people who California Conference, as reported in the give voices to our own observations, Adventist Review, the figures are 40% for hopes, and frustrations. physical abuse, 43% verbal and 16% incest. Larry and Jamie Williams (The latter two percentages refer to individ- Nashville, Tennessee uals who were personally abused or wit- nessed abuse in their families of origin.) See LA SIERRA ORDINATION "Adventists and Family Crises," Adventist FILLS AN EMPTY PLACE Review, August 18, 1994. Audray Johnson, What a joy it was to be at the La one of the report authors, told Adventist Sierra Seventh-day Adventist church to Today that she believes a total of 46% of witness the ordination of two outstand- Adventists have suffered some type of ing women who have given more than physical, verbal/emotional or sexual abuse. a full measure of talent and devotion to -the editors their church ...! embrace Dan Smith and

ADVENTIST TODAY May-June 1996 5 CONSCIENCE VS. TRADITION AMERICAN EPITAPH FOR A the other hand, were viewed as "less I feel my church is much more con- THIRD-WORLD CHURCH than desirable," if they chose to lower cerned with doctrine, dogma, tradition As numerical membership for the themselves to the realm of jewelry mon- than with the Gospel. I know and feel Seventh-day Adventist Church contin- gers. This dichotomy lasted for years. I in my church that makes me a so-called ues to explode in third-world countries, believe it took our church 25 years of "liberal." ... I feel my heritage/church membership and financial support are steady appeals to the GC before policies will finally split along these lines. I had declining in America. General in America were changed. It may take had great hopes for change at the G.G, Conference reports show that another 15 years for women to achieve but it obviously is not going to be under Caucasian membership is around 10%. equality in pastoral policies. The major- Folkenberg! I feel individual SDAs of Unfortunately, this group sustains the ity rules and the education process is conscience vs. tradition are in for some financial operation of the entire world- slow. (Imagine what would happen if real difficult decisions and times. I real- wide church organization. What is it students took this long to learn in ly appreciate your efforts to bring the that Caucasians find so unattractive school.) issues to your readers! I pray you and about our church? Let's look at women's The issue of the wedding band (and the staff will continue to have the ordination as an example. many like it) reveals a haunting preoc- courage and integrity to bring critical One element I have discovered (and cupation with the status quo. A church issues before us as Christians despite the there are many) that contributes to the focused on preserving 1950s values can- officialdom pressures to the contrary. present controversy over women's ordi- not meet the needs or appeal to 21st Donald D. Jeffries nation is the emerging difference of cul- century American individuals. Lifestyle Bakersfield, California tural values. In my experience with religion, the absorbing concern for members of third-world countries, a appearance, is not the heart of the DIRTY LINEN glaring ideological dissimilarity has Gospel. The core ofJesus' teaching I do not wish ... for a magazine that become obvious. Members of focused on meeting the physical, mater- spends such a large part of its message third-world countries usually hold "tra_ ial, emotional, and spiritual (in that on the "dirty linen" of the church. ditional family values." For lack of bet- order) needs of people. Surprising to Cases and events may certainly be true, ter terminology, Americans might relate many Adventists, most Americans but I do not believe these are the things to a 1940s or 1950s mentality. The hus- already know this universally accepted we need to spread around .... Surely, band is the head of the household; the truth. good news and results of honest effort wife raises children at home. Women I believe the NAD must continue to should receive greater coverage than know their place and accept it, readily. stretch its capacity to reach Americans the actions of a very few. Some American Adventists also still at their current stage of development Morris M. Gutman subscribe to these beliefs, but not many. (much to the consternation of many Springfield, Missouri The majority lie outside American bor- who view this as theologically dissolv- ders. ing the "truth" to a social Gospel-as if UTRECHT COVERAGE FAIR Lacking the experience of evolving there were any other kind!), while I appreciate your magazine and read American values (viewed by maintaining patience with developing most of the articles carefully.... Keep up third-world countries and American nations who are in the majority. After the good work. I, too, was at Utrecht "traditionalists" as Biblical heresy), all, ordination of women will not solve and found your coverage fair and near- countries outside our nation cannot our problem of preoccupation with est to what I saw. fathom (with accuracy) what North appearances. If this issue is not Bette Miller America is trying to say about addressed, there is the possibility of see- Maitland, Florida Ecclesiastical Equal Rights for women. ing "American Adventists RIP" on To them, it's absurd! In a church where some of our future publications. WANT TO KNOW the majority rules, North America is Alan Williams I am renewing my subscription being forced to follow the rules, readily. Graduate student, MSW because I want to know what the critics So, what can make this bitter pill more Alabama A & M University and revisionists are griping about, not palatable? because I agree with much you have to Maybe we could view this problem say. like the dreaded wedding band issue of Alvin M. Bartlett previous decades. For years (over a cen- La Junta, Colorado tury), non-American Adventists were not condemned for wearing a wedding LETTERS TO THE EDITOR band. After all, they were not Adventist Today, P.O. Box 1220 Americans! American Adventists, on Lorna Linda, CA 92354-1220 Email: [email protected]

6 May-June 1996 ADVENTIST TODAY News and Analysis

money to specific church mission projects Global Mission Accountability asked Donald to supervise his/her personal- ly funded projects. In cooperation with the Investigated division treasurer, Folkenberg monitored these various projects to assure that the by Latvrence Douming jects, and it is vital that we keep the confi- money went where the donor intended. dence of lay people," Butler concludes. Global Mission staff, impressed with Michael L. Ryan, Global Mission Donald's performance, asked him to pro- ecently numerous reports have ques- Executive Secretary, also assured us that vide the same guidance to Global Mission Rtioned whether or not Global one hundred percent of donations to projects. Even former G.C. Treasurer Mission funds are properly audited and dis- Global Mission goes to mission projects. Donald E Gilbert recommended Donald tributed. Adventist Today, therefore, con- Even the project's overhead expenses do for the Global Mission position when he tacted several present and former Global not come out of donation money. The saw how well he handled the private Mission personnel to get their opinions money from the sale of Loma Linda Foods donor's projects. and impressions. Directors of Global is in a trust fund, and the interest from this Mission said that its funds are audited by fund pays for Global Mission's expenses. astern Europe became Donald's first the same independent external auditor Global Mission's records of donations Especialty area. Many Global Mission that performs audits on all General and disbursements are open. Any individ- projects funded building and evangelism in Conference operations. The audits ensure ual donor may request verification showing countries where links to Western banking that all funds go to the projects the donors what happened to his or her donation. As were nonexistent. Donald worked out a specify. an additional assurance of accountability, payment plan in cooperation with division Harold Butler, Global Mission the constituency may authorize people officers that would avoid the red tape Development and Planning Director, besides the auditors to examine the finan- involved in getting U. S. dollars into these acknowledges the agency's need to be cial records. Eastern European countries. He also accountable. "Davenport gave the church worked out with the division representa- a black eye," he says. "We at Global onald Folkenberg, brother of tives a method of recording each transac- Mission are committed to accountability DGeneral Conference president tion so it could be tracked. for all the contributions we receive, and Robert Folkenberg, has also had his share The disbursement methods he devised we want to maintain this integrity at any of criticism. Donald's relationship to often necessitated his carrying large cost. Global Mission is one of the most Global Mission began obliquely. A private amounts of cash to these countries with heavily funded General Conference pro- individual who donates large sums of which he personally oversaw the purchase

Campus Hill Church Chooses are now a clear majority of board mem- bers. Williams was chosen, says Black Woman as Senior Pastor Christoffel, because "we were excited about her answers to the 16 questions that were asked of each candidate, and congregation of Conference, which believe that she would make a quantum A 1400 in Loma extended the formal invi- impact on the church, the university, Linda known for its con- tation. and the community." She impressed servative theology voted Larry Cristoffel, one of the committee as articulate, politically 20-4 in a board meeting three associate pastors at aware, socially sensitive and as a pow- on May 21, 1996, to the church, explains that erful, practical preacher, said Cristoffel. invite Hyveth Williams, the predominantly conser- Williams, who holds a M.Div. from current pastor of the vative theological orienta- Andrews University, plans to complete Boston Temple Adventist tion of this church has a D. Min. from Boston University this congregation, to be its shifted over the last summer. She served as an administrator senior pastor. The Hill decade under the leader- in major governmental roles before Church church board, Hyveth Williams ship of senior pastor David entering the Adventist ministry in chaired by the head elder VanDenburgh and associ- 1982. and functioning as the ates who used a gospel- Williams' autobiography Will I Ever search committee, interviewed 5 can- centered approach in preaching and in Learn? was just published by the didates before recommending Williams operation of the church. Review and Herald Publishing to the Southeastern California Theologically moderate laypersons Association.

ADVENTIST TODAY May-June 1996 7 News and Analysis

of property and the funding of other ed that it appears that any money which the next GC session that the General Global Mission assignments. By visiting either Robert or Donald Folkenberg han- Conference Auditing Service Board be and tracking these projects, Donald dle is accounted for and audited by the made of 15 members, 10 of whom are not became the eyes and ears of Global standard church financial system. On occa- denominationally employed. Some Mission staff. Having him present at a site sion, they report, President Folkenberg General conference officers, Adventist saved thousands of church dollars, Global contacts the Global Mission staff to say Today learned, strongly oppose this recom- Mission reports. Adventist Today did not funds have been offered for a Global mendation on the following bases: find any present or former staff who can Mission project and asks for recommenda- 1) it reduces the number of non- recall an instance of doubt about Donald's tions about where these gifts are needed. denominational employees on the Board, integrity. The consensus of those who Once the donor gives the funds for that 2) in 1990 misinformation about the worked with him, including the auditors, is project, the money is treated like any other role of the GCAS Board caused some to that he served Global Mission and the donation. No individual has direct control assume it had a role in correcting fiscal church well. over Global Mission funds. management, and An independent, external auditing firm 3) it eliminates an officer from each ecause of concerns of nepotism, hir- based in Lansing, Michigan audits the division, thus lessening the available audi- Bing the GC president's brother for General Conference financial records. tors. this position may not have been the most Following GC policy, the Audit Review prudent public relations decision. Global Committee receives and reviews the annu- urrently, because of inadequate Mission staff reports, however, that al audit report every year at the Spring Cstaffing, a significant number of President Folkenberg was sensitive to these Meeting. (The Audit Review Committee organizations are not audited for years at a concerns and absented himself from any includes all the non-denominationally time, perhaps only once every 5 or 10 years meetings where Donald's employment was employed members of the GC committee.) or less. Global Mission staff says that to considered. At the General Conference Session in correct this problem, new auditors must be Global Mission staff did state that they Utrecht last July, several division auditors hired. Division administrators would have understand private donors continue to give gave impassioned speeches arguing that to agree to such a hiring, however, and the funds directly to Robert and Donald they should be elected rather than proposed configuration of the GCAS Folkenberg for disbursement to other mis- appointed. As a result of these speeches, Board will make the hiring of new auditors sions or special projects. They further stat- the GC delegates voted to recommend to less likely.

Creative Congregational Funding needs by establishing its Ministry Expansion Fund. The resulting docu- Used by Orangevale Church ment says in part:

Let a fund be established that will he Orangevale (California) pastor for such a church and also the be used to support the employment of T Seventh-day Adventist Church congregation's strong sense that it and Bible Workers, Associate Pastors and uses creative funding to hire personnel the surrounding community need the others who can work with the ministe- that are beyond its conference's guide- services of additional staff. rial staff. A church the size of lines. The Northern California The Orangevale Church operates an Orangevale and that serves communi- Conference supplies a single pastor for active Community Services Center and ties the size of Orangevale, Fair Oaks this 500 member church, but the congre- an elementary school (K-8). The congre- and Folsom should have a ministerial gation feels deeply its need to have more gation has long needed and requested staff of at least four or five full-time paid leadership. Consequently, the additional paid personnel. The confer- persons .... We are convinced that the church members are supporting a half- ence, however, has responded that the Northem California Conference is not time associate pastor and a half-time church had to meet a certain member- going to provide the means to do this. kindergarten teacher, and they are seek- ship level in order to warrant an addi- For that reason the local church ing a full-time associate pastor. tional pastor. should do it. These additional staff members The congregation reports that when receive their payment from the confer- they met the requisite membership level, "We believe that we have been suc- ence, and the money which the congre- the conference raised the threshold cessful," stated D. Ordell Calkins, the gation raises for their salaries goes to again, thus denying Orangevale church congregation's business manager. "The reimburse the conference. This arrange- its additional pastor. morale of the membership has benefited, ment meets both the conference's In consultation with the conference, and both members and the community restriction of formally supplying only one the congregation took charge of its own are better served."

8 May-June 1996 ADVENTIST TODAY News and Analysis Senior Pastor Fired Over Tithing

n January 1, 1996, Mike church, and "certainly hasn't destroyed what was coming until it was over. Many O Pionkowski, senior pastor of the my relationship with Christ." Indeed, that of his members, in fact, were hurt and dis- 1500 member Tacoma Park SDA Church, relationship seems healthy and balanced. appointed and said, "Why didn't you was fired by the Potomac Conference for Cyril Miller and other church adminis- come to us?" failing to pay tithe according to denomi- trators involved with the case have His response was that he did not want national policy. argued that the Bible speaks of giving to draw his membership into the contro- Pionkowski said that he had paid tithes to the storehouse, and that the versy. In spite of his care not to involve approximately $20,000.00 in tithe to his conference is the storehouse. Another his parishioners, some conference leaders local church over the last five years but administrator said, "This case has nothing have still tried to accuse him of rallying felt morally convicted not to pay his tithe to do with the Bible. It has only to do support. After 17 years of service, to the conference. "The Bible does not with church policy; we have the right of Pionkowski received six months of sever- teach or mandate the conference tithing institutional protection." ance pay and does not know where he system," he said, "but the institution does Still another was quoted as saying, "If will go from here. have the right to enforce its own policies, you don't believe everything we believe, "I feel like I am in 'spiritual limbo,' " even ifI disagree with them." then just get out!" he said; "I don't believe that I have Though disappointed with how he was "It has been a very difficult time," says sinned against God, but I guess you could treated, Pionkowski said this experience Pionkowski. say that I have sinned against the organi- has not made him bitter against the Most of his congregation had no idea zation."

New Hope for Atlantic Union College comment of Dr. D. Robert Kennedy, one of the two faculty representatives to the Calls for Stringent Budget Board of Trustees. by John Ramirez The whole college community (facul- ty, administration, alumni, and con- tlantic Union College is working search committee chaired by Dr. Norman stituents) is working together to face the A hard to fulfill its motto "Fiat Lux". Wendth, Professor of English. The com-- challenges they have ahead. AUC is The light is shining for AUCites as they mittee expects to have completed its task receiving help from sister institutions. strengthen their future plans with solid by the end of the summer. LLU Vice-President for Academic planning. AUC has received help from the The resolution to keep the college as a Affairs Dr. Ian Fraser declared, "We are North American Division which is spon- unique entity and to lay aside the merger exploring options for assisting AUC, soring Mr. Ronald Knott, communication option has created a new optimism. "I including the use of distant learning specialist, to help with public relations believe the campus is on a high note, and technology to provide some special lec- and recruitment this summer. we are positive that this great Union will tures and perhaps even courses that The college's Board of Trustees and have a college for a long time," was the could attract students to AUC." the Alumni Association, faculty, staff and friends of the school have raised $250,000, the first installment of their promised $5,000,000 which they plan to COMING IN FUTURE ISSUES OF Adventist tCod4y raise in five years at a rate of one million per year. • Mission or money-what drives the Adventist Church? The faculty has agreed to a very strin- gent budget that, depending on the num- ber of students that come for the 1996- • Is the Seventh~dayAdventist denomination a business? 1997 school year, will significantly cut their salaries. Dr. Clifford N. Sorensen, for- • Different views concerning the Sabbath mer president of Columbia Union College, has accepted the interim presidency of the • What about the Gospel called "Q"? institution. Mrs. Ileana Douglas has accepted the position of interim Academic • What is the "Jesus Seminar"? Dean. The board has set up a presidential

ADVENTIST TODAY May-June 1996 9 News and Analysis Parallels in Ellen White's and Joseph Smith's Writings: Both Part of New England "Visionary Culture"? by James Walters present work. The parallels "don't settle any- to getting the vision, emotional or other thing," says Numbers, but they are "worth reactions." Veltman warns against getting starting a discussion." caught up in "parallelomania." arallels between the writings of Mario De Pillis, Professor Emeritus of The White Estate, located at the PAdventism's Ellen White (1827-1915) social and religious history at the University Adventist church's headquarters in Silver and Joseph Smith( 1805-1844), founder of of Massachusetts, Amherst, and president of Spring, Maryland, says that: "Although the Mormonism, have been discovered by Phyllis the Mormon History Association, also sees Ellen G. White Estate is aware that Mrs. Watson of Angwin, California. Although the need for interpretation, but he believes White sometimes used material from other Watson believes her parallels demonstrate that if Watson merely published her parallels, authors, we have seen no convincing evi- literary dependency, several American scholars would be compelled to react. dence that she ever copied, or even that she church historians and the White Estate, who had read, anything written by Joseph Smith." were given a 32-page sample of Watson's 300 No Direct Literary Borrowing Two further problems with literary depen- page manuscript, disagree. They see the most Numbers calls Watson's work "fascinat- dency, according to Graybill, are that Joseph likely explanation to be what one historian ing." "There is clearly something striking Smith was "anathema" to early Adventists called "common milieu"-a similar religious going on here." However, Numbers and the and scholars do not know that any Smith background and place. Indeed, Richard other four historians contacted by Adventist books were in White's library. Lyman Bushman, a devout Mormon and Today do not think that White plagiarized leading scholar in Mormon studies at Smith. Numbers says that when White is Common Sources and Religious Experiences Columbia University, now believes that clearly working from another's writings, the The extensive parallels may be explained Ellen White should be added to the dozen or parallels incorporate more than a few words in one of two ways, says Numbers: either so New England visionaries he has studied and phrases. Ron Graybill, an Ellen White White was fascinated with Smith's writings who published accounts of their experiences scholar who formerly worked at the White and had them in mind in writing her own, or in the first half of the 19th century. Estate, agrees. both writers were dependent on a common Bushman speaks of a "visionary culture" Graybill cites the need for clusters of way of perceiving their religious experiences. that prophetic figures such as Smith and unique phrases to show literary dependence. De Pillis independently suggested the likeli- White inhabited. "When people spoke of In his own research on White he found con- hood that White was influenced by newspa- visionary experiences, there was a style they siderable borrowing, but one paragraph in per accounts of Joseph Smith's religious expe- adopted, just as political scientists or fashion White's writings was distinctive. In it White riences, given that he was the leading vision- columnists or dance critics have a common has 9 separate, unique elements on "secret ary of the era and widely covered by journal- vocabulary today," says Bushman. "That does vice" that are in a book by health reformer ists. It seems tenable that young Ellen White, not mean the experiences were the same or Dr. James C. Jackson-a book advertised in a with three years of education, could have of equal validity." periodical that prompted husband James been influenced by accounts of an older White to order health reform materials. Methodist-connected churchman who told A Prod to American Church Historians Bushman has "found accounts of many of visionary experiences with God similar to Watson, a layperson, hopes that the paral- other visions in Joseph Smith's times, and those she was having. lels she has documented will prod profession- some of them bear remarkable similarities in However, the scholars focused more on al church historians and theologians to word usage. Pulling out a phrase here and a the common sources that indelibly influ- action. Her hopes will likely be realized. phrase there ends up proving no more than enced both prophetic figures. Graybill says Bushman states, "Since I have become that people shared a common culture, not both were "steeped in the King James interested in the visionary experience of the that one drew explicitly from the other." Version of the Bible." De Pillis indicates that nineteenth-century, I can see I will have to Mario De Pillis says that direct literary both repeat verbatim phrases from the look further into the writings of Mrs. White." dependency is possible but not probable. He Bible-e.g., the notion of being struck dumb, Ronald Numbers, a professor at the suggests that computer analysis of the parallel from DaniellO. University of Wisconsin, Madison, and passages may be productive. Fred Veltman, a Further, both heard similar Protestant author of Prophetess of Health and other writ- professor of religion at Pacific Union preachers and gained a common religious ings on Ellen White, believes that Watson's College, Angwin, California, who document- experience and style, indicates Graybill. extensive parallels need to be set in their ed White's literary dependency in her The "There are startling parallels, to be sure," proper context and that they need expert Desire of Ages, sees "some ideological similari- says De Pillis. However, he believes those he interpretation. Hence, he would like to see ties, but the agreements in ideas were not so has seen to date are best accounted for by use Watson collaborate with an American striking as to clearly show dependency. The of common sources. He has researched 10 church historian who could complement her similarities have to do with White's response religious writers in nineteenth century New

10 May-June 1996 ADVENTIST TODAY News and Analysis

England who used some variation of the expression, "retiring to the woods to pray." Examples of Phyllis Watson's Parallels This expression, so common in early American Christianity, goes back at least to the Puritans. "The rise and progress of the Others tell them that their visions are of the devil

church or nation" (another parallel cited by Joseph Smith: I took occasion to give him an Ellen White: I felt forbidden to relate my vision Watson), is also a phrase common among account of the vision which I had had ...he treat- in such company ....They denounced my visions as popular religious writers, indicates De Pillis. ed my communication ...with great contempt, say- being of the devil...Mr. Thayer the owner of the He believes that White is a part of a "popular ing it was all of the devil.... Pearl of Great Price house, was not fully satisfied that her vision was of visionary culture of the time," thus mirroring 48:21 the devil as Robbins declared it to be. Omitted in Bushman's assessment. Testimonies: included in Spiritual Gifts 2:67-79.

Lying helpless and then strength returning Researcher Phyllis Watson Researcher Phyllis Watson devoted much Joseph Smith: When I came to myself again, I Ellen White: While I was lying helpless there, of the last 15 years to painstakingly compar- found myself lying on my back, looking up into scenes of beauty and glory passed before me, and ing the writings of Ellen White and Joseph heaven. When the light departed I had no I seemed to have reached the safety and peace of Smith. She plans to publish a book of paral- strength: But recovering in some degree I went heaven. At last my strength returned and I lel columns from the two authors. She has home .... " PGP 48:20 arose ...." Testimonies 1:29; Life Sketches 157 underscored similar words and phrases in her extensive manuscript. A summary of the par- In confusion go to the woods and pray vocally allel words and ideas is listed at the bottom Joseph Smith: "At length I came to the conclusion Ellen White: "I had never prayed vocally ....Then of each page of parallels, with occasional that I must either remain ....confusion, or...ask of I would go away in the woods, where no eye or explanatory notes. God ....in accordance with this, my determination to ear but God's could see or hear, and pray to Him, Watson comes from three generations of ask of God ...! retired to the woods to make an and He would sometimes give me a vision there. Adventists. She has deep roots at Angwin, attempt. It was on the morning of a beautiful, clear I then rejoiced, and told them God had revealed only 5 miles from the denominational land- day...! had never as yet made the attempt to pray to me alone, where no mortal could influence mark Elmshaven, where Ellen White lived vocally ....! knelt down and began to offer up the me. But I was told by some that I could mesmer- out her last several years. Watson's grand- desire of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, ize myself .... in this confusion I was sometimes mother was a personal friend of Ellen White. when immediately I was seized upon by some power tempted to doubt my own experience. While at which entirely overcame me, and had such an aston- family prayers one morning, the power of God A secretary at the Napa High School for ishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so began to rest upon me, and the thought rushed years, Watson never aspired to the role of that I could not speak ....But, exerting all my powers into my mind that it was mesmerism and I resist- religious literary analyst. The unsought career to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of ed it. Immediately I was struck dumb ...." began when Watson was dusting some books this enemy which had seized me ...the power of some Evangelism 21-23 and the Book of Mormon, picked up at a actual being from the unseen world ...." ]SH 2:13-16 garage sale, dropped to the floor opening to the index. Noticing the entry "probation" Phyllis Watson cites the following similarities: and being surprised because she assumed this was a particularly Adventist notion, Watson JS: In great confusion EW: In confusion JS: I retired to the woods to make an attempt to EW: I would go away in the woods and pray read in Smith something similar to Adventist pray teaching. This whetted her curiosity and pro- JS: I had never as yet made the attempt to pray EW: I had never prayed vocally vided years of work. vocally In a phone interview with Adventist JS: Prayed in the morning EW: Prayed in the morning Today, Watson repeatedly expressed her JS: Seized upon by power which entirely over- EW: Power of God began to rest on her reluctance to see her research come to light came him and her hope that readers will understand JS: Immediately I was seized upon by some power EW: Immediately I was struck dumb her honesty and lack of ill intent. Because of JS: Power had influence over me EW: Could not be influenced differences over church teachings, Watson JS: Tongue bound so he could not speak EW: Struck dumb JS: As soon as he began to pray a power seized EW: As soon as she began to pray a power seized and her husband chose several years ago to him her drop their Adventist church membership; however they still identify closely with the Adventist tradition, and express a "great love work, it is unlikely that established publishers Watson has not demonstrated Ellen White's and respect for the Adventist people." would take her manuscript, say a couple of direct literary dependency on Smith. But Adventist Today's consulting historians. Watson has documented something not former- A Noteworthy Contribution Regardless, Watson's White/Smith parallels ly recognized: Ellen White's extensive reflection Unless Watson chooses an historian to appear to add an important chapter to Ellen of a visionary culture shared by a number of fig- provide a context and interpretation for her White studies. ures in nineteenth century New England.

ADVENTIST TODAY May-June 1996 11 $ ADVENTISTS AND MONEY The Internal Revenue Service and the

Adventist •stry

by Bert Haloviak or more than 100 years, Seventh-day nation is unable to state." That meant the licensed ministry would receive about 9 percent less total Adventists held that the functions of income. This no doubt would be mollified by denominational entities making up some of the dif- the licensed and ordained ministry ference. The employing organization would also have to assume 50 percent of the social security were different .. We claimed the support of scripture payments formerly paid by the self-employed licensed minister. and of Ellen White for our position. By the 1970's, General Conference President Reuben Figuhr and Secretary Walter Beach wrote to the IRS and however, this traditional policy was changed in intentionally minimized the differences between the licensed and ordained ministry, but conceded response to new IRS regulations. This paper shows that the licensed minister did not perform all the functions of the ordained minister. the context and development of the change. Their letter described the ministry as a one-track Bert B. Haloviak is a his- system where "the difference lies simply in the mat- torian who worksin the 1965: IRS Refuses Benefits for Licentiate ter of growth in experience." The duties of licensed officialSeventh-day In 1965 the U.S. Internal Revenue Service ruled and ordained ministers were "substantially equiva- Adventist Officeof Archives and Statistics. that in order to receive the parsonage allowance lent." At the time, seven licensed women ministers His academicspecialtyis and other tax benefits along with ordained minis- served in North America, and by definitions of this 19th century religioushis- ters, licensed ministers "must be invested with the letter as well as by actions since the 1870s, when tory. status and authority of an ordained minister." They Adventist women were first licensed, women were must be "fully qualified to exercise all of the ecclesi- on the track for ordination. astical duties" of the ordained. The IRS ruling regarding licensed ministers On October 6, 1965, the General Conference remained inflexible. Since the Figuhr-Beach letter officers affirmed that "this, of course, the denomi- did not establish equivalency between the licensed

12 May-June 1996 ADVENTIST TODAY ~------and ordained ministry, the IRS deter- from administering ordinances as a licen- issue since 1965. Coming to recent histo- mined that "licensed ministers of the tiate, one could do so as an ordained ry, he referred to a September 22, 1971, Seventh-day Adventist Church do not elder. observation of tax attorneys Prerau and qualify as ministers of the gospel" for tax By August 7, 1968, various committees Teitell: "We do not believe a further purposes. had extensively redefined the role of the request [to the IRS] for ruling would be licensed minister. They had deleted the helpful unless the 'licensed minister' were 1966: Wilson and Osborn Assess stipulation that the licentiate could not given entirely the same status as the 'cre- Problem administer baptism or the Lord's Supper dentialed minister.''' At the 1966 General Conference ses- or perform the marriage ceremony. In his handwritten notes on this docu- sion Robert Pierson and Kenneth Instead, the language emphasized the ment, Robert Pierson worried, "6 yrs of Emmerson replaced retiring GC President ability to assist in those ordinances and tax exposure $1100 per lie min per yr!" Figuhr and Treasurer Chester Torrey. services. When elected and ordained as a The total for 850 licensed ministers Neal Wilson became the Vice President church elder, the licentiate could "con- would be over $5 million in back taxes for North America. Robert Osborn had duct the communion service and other owed since the 1965 IRS letter, if the been called as an assistant treasurer of the services of the church and to preside at church could not convince the IRS to GC earlier in 1966. business meetings." Deleted was the state- accept its procedures of the last six years. The IRS issue was discussed in at least ment "among Seventh-day Adventists, Osborn summarized: "Unless we are three meetings by these newly elected only ordained ministers are authorized to willing by amending at a General officials at the Detroit GC session of perform the mar- Conference Session 1966. North American leaders "informal- riage ceremony." the Church Manual ly agreed" to continue to treat licensed On June 19, 1970, he total for and the Manual for ministers the same as ordained ministers these changes Ministers to give our as regards tax status. At the same time, breezed through 850 licensed licensed ministers the leaders would secure legal counsel. the GC session and T the same status and Osborn emphasized that the North were later incorpo- authority as our American action "drastically altered the rated into the ministers would be ordained ministers, previous position taken by the officers." It Manual for it seems very clear seemed to defy the IRS ruling. The Ministers and the that we cannot by church should find some way to reim- Church Manual. over $5 million in law and IRS regula- burse those who would now lose tax priv- tions and rules con- ileges they had had. He thought the 1971: Treasurers back taxes owed tinue to consider church should acknowledge the IRS let- Are Frightened them as ministers of ter and respond to it seriously. Thus A number of the gospel for tax Osborn as well as the other General meetings in 1971 since the 1965 IRS purposes." Conference treasurers preferred a very dif- revealed a continu- Osborn left for a ferent approach from that pursued by ing difference letter... California appoint- Neal Wilson. between GC trea- ment following the surers and NAB- meeting and upon 1966-1968: Church Leadership Begins leadership. In conjunction with docu- arrival sent a telex message to Emmerson, To Redefine Licensed Ministry ments discussed at one such meeting, Pierson and Wilson. He summarized the In September, 1966, Attorney William Pierson wrote in his shorthand: church's dilemma: Donnelly, of Washington, DC, suggested "Stretched every point possible to show "We have arrived at a regrettable day a new avenue-to claim that a licensed licensed ministers very much like as we have departed from our traditional minister "who has also been ordained as ordained ministers. I'd not go further. approach to governmental authority and an elder of a particular church of the There is and should be a difference!" now apparently are going to perpetuate denomination, is a 'minister of the Osborn pointed out that despite this untenable six year position. gospel'" within the IRS definitions. changes in definition of the licensed min- "Also to recommend change of Donnelly suggested that "if the Church ister, church policy still did not satisfy the long-standing denominational practices Manual spelled out affirmatively the IRS. Yet the church continued to treat re authority of ministers primarily for tax authority of the ordained elder-licensed licensed ministers as full ministers for tax considerations hardly is becoming. There minister," IRS regulations might be satis- purposes. should be other reasons for change or we fied. An emergency meeting of GC officers, should not amend the manuals. Such a redefinition of the prerogatives union officers and some local conference "When this matter comes to GC Com of the licensed minister in a "positive presidents occurred on December 21, or NADCA tomorrow I respectfully way" seemed to offer hope. Though there 1971. Osborn presented a seven-page request you to bring my viewpoint to the were policies that precluded the licentiate paper outlining the history of the tax group as expressed in this telex."

ADVENTIST TODAY May-June 1996 13 In spite of Osborn's appeals, the next GC administrators' hopes received a enclosed an II-page "Memorandum of day the North American Division ' setback when Jerry Pettis was tragically the Status of Licensed Ministers in the Committee on Administration voted to killed in an airplane crash on February SDA Church" that formed the basis for ask GC officers to "take whatever steps 14, 1975. The issue intensified the next his appeal. are necessary to secure for licensed minis- month. For the first time since 1966, the In this memo, Wilson emphasized that ters full status as ministers of the gospel." Adventist position was openly challenged "the role of the licensed minister has by the IRS. Branches of the IRS were been redefined by the Seventh-day 1974: Neal Wilson Plans Appeal making "protective assessments" for tax Adventist Church." The licensed minis- The issue remained in limbo over the liabilities against various conferences, ter "can perform sacraments which are next several years. In 1974, North preparing to seize church properties for much more meaningful than the marriage American President Neal Wilson vigor- payment of back taxes. ceremony-such as the holy communion, ously sought to resolve the issue. He initi- During the April, 1975, Spring preaching the Word, baptisms, conduct- ated contacts with several U.S. Meeting, implications for Adventist ing funerals, etc." He stressed that the Congressmen, including Adventist women in ministry were becoming evi- licensed minister within the Adventist Congressman Jerry Pettis, member of the dent. At this meeting women became eli- Church was not a separate category of powerful House Ways and Means gible for ordination as church deaconesses minister. Committee. In March of 1974, Wilson and elders in North America. But what if In April, 1976, the IRS informed revealed his plan to appeal the IRS rul- they also held the ministerial license, as Wilson that although the licensed minis- ing. He drafted a in the past? This ter could preside at any of the church 14-page memoran- situation troubled ordinances, he still could not solemnize dum giving the some church lead- marriages. Thus "the licensing of a minis- basis for the o recommend ers. ter of the gospel by the Seventh-day Adventist appeal. change of long.. The Spring Adventist Church does not, in every Wilson empha- T Meeting thus respect, establish a status that is the sized modifications passed this resolu- equivalent of ordination." Wilson's appeal formalized at the standing denomina .. tion: was rejected. 1970 GC session "[We] recommend By this time several conferences had that allowed the tional practices that where Bible received "final notice before seizure" of conclusion that the Instructors or church property in lieu of back taxes. In licensed minister regarding authority of other women with June, Osborn suggested a variation within "who has also been suitable qualifica- the legal line of pursuit. Rather than con- ordained as an ministers primarily tions and experi- stantly redefining licensed ministers and elder of a particular ence are able to their prerogatives, why not challenge the church" was indeed for tax considerations fill ministerial IRS ruling as being too restrictive? "Our a minister of the roles, they be case should not be based on trying to gospel within the hardly is becoming. assigned as assis- show how close our licensed ministers are IRS meaning. tant pastors, their to our ordained ministers ecclesiastically Wilson sent the credentials being speaking-there is a gap which is not memo to Jerry Pettis, who sought advice missionary license or missionary creden- bridged until ordination." To Osborn, it from Minority Counsel Dick Wilbur. The tial." was "incorrect to try to equate our June 28 analysis by Wilbur, recently Women were no longer eligible for the licensed ministers with our ordained min- sworn in as judge of the U.S. Tax Court, ministerial license, since that license had isters." In another letter written in June, stressed that all hinged on "the nature of been redefined to allow prerogatives that Osborn noted: "There is a definite detect- the services that the licensed ministers were then seen as off-limits for women. ed feeling that it is hardly becoming to are authorized to perform." Unless the For women, a different track of ministry alter our attitude toward our licensed licensed minister held "coextensive was being paved. ministers for tax considerations in a par- authority" with the ordained ministry, After consultation with IRS officials ticular country." "then the Service holds that the licensed in late April, GC administrators decided ministers are not 'ministers of the gospel'" to officially request the IRS to review 1976: New Definition Makes Functions for tax purposes. If the licensed minister their 1966 ruling against the Gc. By Equal could now solemnize marriages, then November, Wilson had drafted a letter It soon became apparent that Adventists might "request the Service to and memorandum making such a request. Osborn's approach would be rejected. reconsider the original ruling." He submitted it on December 30, 1975. The officers instead decided "to reexam- In his covering letter, Wilson appealed for ine the position we have taken on the 1975-1976: IRS Action Leads to reconsideration "in light of many changes licensed minister." The President's Church Action that have developed since 1966." He Executive Advisory Committee (PREX-

14 May-June 1996 ADVENTIST TODAY AD) reviewed a document that suggest- 1976: Divisions Have Latitude and Council action that authorized the ed changing the responsibility of a fully- Flexibility licensed minister to "perform all the trained, licensed minister. Could he be Meeting just prior to the full Annual functions of the ordained minister" in authorized "on a probationary basis to Council session, the Home and Overseas his local church. There was joy at perform all of the functions of an Officers and Union Presidents made it church world headquarters when it ordained minister under the supervision apparent that the field outside the United received the IRS letter of September 23, of his ecclesiastical superior?" PREXAD States would not approve the critical 1977: "We have reviewed the changes in agreed "to ask the Presidential staff to phrase quoted above. Thus the action your church's ecclesiastical policy, and it study the suggestions for changing the voted at the October 20 afternoon is our view that licensed ministers in authority of the licensed minister." Annual Council session differed from that your church have, effective October 20, In August, the NAD union presidents voted at the North American section of 1976, a recognized status that is the approved such a proposal, and Wilson the Annual Council held in the evening equivalent of ordination." After a presented it to PREXAD on September of October 20. Interestingly, the critical decade, the licensed minister was again 14. In his presenta- phrase was not legally entitled to all tax advantages. tion, Wilson printed in the The 1977 NAD Annual Council rehearsed the his- Annual Council added a new term to its policy book: tory of the problem omen were booklets for 1976, "Associates in Pastoral Care." That since 1965. He °norin the Review phrase identified "persons who are stressed the "con- no longer listing of Annual employed on pastoral staffs but who are siderable financial W Council actions. not in line for ordination." Women were involvement," of On December formally placed upon this separate track both the Adventist eligible for the 30, Wilson within Adventist ministry. church and of the explained in a Less than a year later, in August of individual licensed ministerial license, Review article the 1978, the IRS modified its working poli- ministers. He reasons for modify- cy. If licensed or commissioned ministers believed that the ing the policy on performed "substantially" all the religious difference between since that license the status of functions of the ordained minister, they the functions of licensed ministers. were eligible for tax benefits. the licensed and had been redefined While not giving By this time, Adventist women were ordained ministry the specifics of the excluded from receiving the ministerial was not a moral or change, he noted license that had been given women theological issue, to allow prerogatives that "the process beginning in the 1870s. While women but a matter of by which the could once again be defined as ministerial church policy. that were then seen church trains its workers, they still were not back on the According to ministers obviously track for ordination, where they had been Wilson here were is not a matter of before the IRS problems of the 1960s. two alternatives to as off ..limits for theology nor doc- The inconsistency reached new .goingto court trine, but one of dimensions in 1989 when the Annual against the govern- women ... methodology, poli- Council voted not to recommend ment: give in, or cy." After much women to be ordained to the gospel change the status prayerful discussion ministry, but allowed women ministers of the licensed "with the view of to "perform essentially the ministerial minister. It seemed wiser to change the preserving the unity and strength of the functions of an ordained minister of the functions of the licensed minister. After church," the 1976 Annual Council gospel in the churches to which they are all, the functions of the licensed minister "voted to amend the policy governing assigned." were now almost identical to those of the licensed ministers to provide for appro- Ironically, even though Adventist ordained minister. Policy was much more priate latitude and flexibility within church representatives decided that restrictive than practice. The crucial each division of the General women ministers were "not in line for phrase in the Wilson proposal read: Conference." ordination," they were now defined by "A licensed minister is authorized by the IRS as eligible for the tax benefits of the Conference/Mission Executive 1977-78: IRS Accepts Church Policy the ministry. Committee to perform all the functions In October of 1977, Wilson wrote the The interrelationship between money, of the ordained minister in the church Commissioner of Internal Revenue theology, the IRS, and church administra- or churches where he is assigned." about "some rather extensive ecclesiasti- tion had converged to create a moral PREXAD and then PRADCO cal policy changes" taken by Adventists. dilemma within the Seventh-day approved this proposal. He enclosed the 1976 NAD Annual Adventist Church. ~

ADVENTIST TODAY May-June 1996 15 • it

Getting up ..to..date information about tithe in Adventism from reliable sources often proves very by Steve Daily difficult, if not impossible.

omedian Milton Berle tells the story of a wealthy eastern him. We're going to count to three and if we don't get the jewels, potentate who came to New York City and checked into we're going to shoot him!" the biggest suite of the fanciest hotel. The potentate, who The interpreter, terrified, conveyed the message to the potentate, C who said in his own language, "I don't want to die. Tell them that spoke no English, engaged a highly respected interpreter. The two were working on a speech, when a noise from the next room diverted the jewels are hidden in the chandelier in the outer room." their attention. Before they could make a move, two masked bandits The interpreter, quickly nodding his head, turned to the bandits stormed in with guns drawn. They demanded the potentate's famous and, in a solemn and dignified voice, announced, "His majesty said jewels. he would rather die than tell you where the jewels are hidden!" The interpreter translated their demands. In his native tongue, This story illustrates that money can transform seemingly good the potentate told the bandits they had made a terrible mistake, for and respectable people into something tragically more immoral than he had not brought his jewels with him. they ever thought they'd be (from respected interpreter to lying One of the bandits screamed, "We know he has the jewels with thief). A classic example of this in Scripture is a wealthy potentate from the east who was blinded for much of his life by his own desire Steve Daily is campus for treasures and jewels. The most scary thing about King Solomon, chaplain at La Sierra however, is that he instituted his burdensome taxes, forced labor, and University.He is the extravagance in the name of God, so he didn't think it mattered that author of Adventism for he was building the Temple of the Lord on the backs of the poor and a New Generation (Better Living Pub!., making a mockery of God's covenant in the process. Portland, Ore.). In fact, Solomon's taxes became so oppressive that the people liter- ally cried out to his son to relieve their burdens after his father's death. But Rehoboam, who had watched his father become one of the wealthiest men in the world at the expense of the poor in his country, responded with an even harder heart. "My father whipped you with whips," he said, "but I will sting you with scorpions" (I Kgs 12:11).

16 May-June 1996 ADVENTIST TODAY Wealth and power often have a numbing Tracing the Tantalizing Trail of the Tithe and the 21 percent that goes to the General effect on those who benefit from them. It is As I considered the questions above, I Conference and the North American hardly realistic to expect those in positions first tried to develop an overview of how Division. My discussions with church leaders of power to reduce their power even when tithe monies are currently used in the revealed these facts: Local tithe funds in the changing times demand it. The government Adventist church. The first thing I learned Southeastern California Conference are never feels that it has enough tax money in my research was that getting up-to-date spent according to these percentages: (especially with a national debt in the tril- information about tithe in Adventism from lions). And the conferences, unions, divi- reliable sources often proves very difficult, 1995 Distribution and Use of sions and General Conference in the church if not impossible. Many of us in the church Southeastern California Conference Tithe: never feel they have enough tithe. This is feel that such information should be easily Ministry - 42.9% why local churches must have greater input accessible to all church members who Education - 27.7% in determining how tithe monies will be desire to know how their tithe money is Departmental Services - 14.5% spent in the church at large. being spent. Opening the books has proved Administration - 11.3% I recently sat in a meeting with a group enormously helpful in big business and Grants and appropriations - 3.6% of pastors who expressed their frustration industry. For instance, Martha Groves (Los over how the local church is stripped of its Angeles Times, Oct. 29, 1995) describes the The 3.69 percent of the tithe that goes financial resources in the Adventist subcul- amazing revolution that occurred when to the union is divided between adminis- ture by the demands of heavy layers of CEO Jack Stack opened up his corpora- trative costs (21.1 percent) and depart- administrative bureaucracy, but is still tion's books to his employees. mental services at the Union level (78.9 expected to function alongside churches of I want to express my appreciation to percent). The 4.7 percent of the tithe that other denominations that are not burdened those church officials who were candid and goes to the North American Division is down supporting large bureaucracies. open in response to my inquiries. Tom used similarly, with 18 percent going for In today's business world companies and Staples, Martin Ytreburg, Pat Forrest, and administrative costs and 82 percent for corporations are cutting back their levels of Leon Sanders were especially helpful. I also departmental services. management in an unprecedented manner. appreciated George Crumley's book, While exact figures are unavailable at The most obvious recent example of this is Financial Report on the Use of Tithe 1994. the General Conference level, estimates are AT&T's elimination of some 40,000 man- The chart below, obtained from the that 66 percent of the GC tithe money goes agement level positions (New York Times, Southeastern California Conference trea- to support administration, departments and Feb. 13, 1996,01:2). With mega-changes in surer's office, provides the most current overseas missions. The other third is divided communication, organizations do not need information on how the tithe is divided fairly equally between GC operations and multiple layers of management and adminis- among the conference, union, North administration and GC departmental ser- trative bureaucracy. American Division and General vices in North America. How will the church respond to this Conference. I also learned that the amount of tithe changing climate? Should we simply follow Between 1991 and 1995 the GC's share being used to support pastors and evange- the world of business and opt for massive of the tithe dropped from 11.95 percent to lists working in local churches has dropped cuts in our administrative overhead? Or 11.35 percent; indicating at least a desire to to a low of 30 percent, 70 percent being should we return to our biblical roots and make some cuts at the highest levels of used for other things. However, some small attempt to redefine the system on principles church leadership. local churches benefit disproportionately that are grounded in Scripture? The latter The chart does not show the details of from the tithe system because the local option seems more appropriate for a church how the conferences spend the 55.25 per- conference pays for their pastor's salary, a which claims to operate by the principles of cent of the tithe that is kept at the local cost that they might not be able to afford the Kingdom of God. level, the 3.69 percent that the union keeps, on their own.

CHURCHES

20%

1% ~ +21%

G.C. 1.98%

1& Misc. Keep 11.35%

4.7%

4.35%

ADVENTIST TODAY May-June 1996 17 IS IT MORAL TO PAY TITHE THE we believe in the priesthood of all believers, Centralized power can be dangerous. As WAY WE ARE DOING IT? we should not draw direct scriptural parallels Lord Acton put it, "power tends to corrupt Last January, Mike Pionkowski, senior between the Adventist ministry and the and absolute power corrupts absolutely." pastor of the 1,500-member Takoma Park priests and Levites of the Old Testament. Although local Levites (priests) in ancient Church, was fired for choosing to pay his Neither should we treat ministers (or other Judah were supposed to give to the high tithe to the local church rather than denominational employees) in ways which priests a tenth of the tithes they received, through the required channels (see separate compromise the confidentiality of their tithe Josephus records how the high priests sent story). This action raises many important paying. If our present model for paying tithe bands of ruffians to the threshing floors to questions which need to be addressed. is not specifically grounded in Scripture, seize the whole tithe by force.This chronicle how can we discipline members who are might well serve as a warning that even How is tithe money supposed to be used, convicted by the Spirit of God to pay their God-fearing spiritual leaders in positions of according to Scripture? tithe to the church in a manner that seems high authority need to be held accountable Laurence Turner, professor of Old more biblical to them? to a system of checks and balances. Testament Studies at Avondale College, has Some fear that more authority and power studied this question extensively. He con- What does Jesus specifically say about given to the local church will likely mean a cludes that two thirds of the tithe in biblical tithe paying and money? move toward congregationalism. I for one Israel was used to support priests and Levites Jesus' three references to tithing in the would not like to see the church lose its or those directly involved in the work of the gospels are used as examples of legalism or of world-wide sense of family and connection. I sanctuary (Lev 27:30-33; Num 18:21-32). a "minimalist approach" to God. What Jesus have experienced firsthand the hospitality The other third of the tithe was to remain said on the subject of money was so radical, and fellowship with other Adventists as I in the area that produced it and benefit the not only for our day but for his as well, that have traveled in more than 40 countries. local people, including the poor (Deut we tend to ignore it. Jewish literature before But I am not convinced that giving 14:22-29).(Laurence Turner, The Adventist Christ did not directly praise either poverty local congregations greater autonomy Professional, Sept. 1989) Only 30 percent of or the poor. The rabbis specifically con- necessitates the demise of our Adventist our current tithe funds are going to support demned "extreme generosity" (giving more global community or world wide network- pastors in the field. None of these funds are than 20 percent of one's income to charity), ing. The Internet alone has increased our used to help the poor, and the local church and were often generous in their praise of sense of global community exponentially. has no say in how tithe funds are currently wealth. (Norman Young, The Adventist Movements such as Promise Keepers, as distributed. Professional, Sept. 1989) well as thriving churches (the Vineyard, Jesus, on the other hand, specifically Willow Creek, New Hope Community Do local churches have a biblical right to praised the poor (Luke 6:20, 21) and count- Church and the Full Gospel Church in determine how some of the tithe money is ed himself among the homeless who owned Seoul, Korea), have demonstrated that net- used? virtually nothing (Matt 8:20). He told the working and small groups are the wave of Every third year, the tithe in ancient rich young ruler to give everything he had the future for God's people. I see congrega- Israel was not sent to Jerusalem; it was kept to the poor (Mark 10:21) and proved that tional networking as a preparation for the in the towns and used to benefit the needs this was no exception by making it a stipula- soon fulfillment of Revelation 13. Once of local Levites and to help "the sojourner, tion for all his followers (Luke 12:33). As the beastly power is established, there will the fatherless, and the widow" (Deut Young points out, Jesus showed that "preoc- be no more institutional churches except 14:29). Some have suggested that this was cupation with the tenth (tithe) had blinded those that have chosen to worship the actually a "second tithe" in addition to the conscientious practitioner" to the true beast. If we truly believe we are near the what the people were already paying. But spirit of giving, and "one may give large end of time, the day is coming soon when there is no direct evidence in the text to sums of money to the church and still be congregationalism and networking will be support such a position. Turner holds that greedy and exploitive." the only options for God's people. As,a "the tithe laws acknowledge the role of church, we must anticipate that day and be central authority but also show quite clear- What role should the Holy Spirit play in prepared for it. Part of that preparation cer- ly that believers in local congregations the giving of tithes and offerings? tainly involves the empowerment of our have some right to decide where and how Jesus counsels each of the seven church- people at the local level. the tithe is spent." es in the book of Revelation to "hear what Solomon was not alone in his misuse of the Spirit is saying;" and the Spirit is saying position and power to exploit the people of Should a minister or any other church something different to each of these church- God. So today we must ask ourselves the member be required to pay tithe in a spe- es, based on their needs. The church of God questions, "Are the tithe funds being used cific manner? is not intended to function like a military fairly with regard to the local church?" and The professional clergy, or tribe of Levi, hierarchy where orders are barked down "Is the process of determining how these in ancient Israel did not receive an inheri- from the top and uniformly enacted in the funds are to be used a biblical one?" If not, tance and was not required to pay any kind "lower ranks." God's Spirit speaks to individ- what will we do to ensure that we are paying of individual tithe. Because, as Protestants, ual believers in local situations. tithe, not Solomon's tax? ~

18 May-June 1996 ADVENTIST TODAY lithing as

Does tithing have anything to do with true spirituality, or is it a vestige of institutionalism, legalism and magic? by John K. Testerman

ithing. A musty institutional scent Religion is the form that spirituality takes on the clings to the word. In the now-popular cultural level, connecting the inner world of the Tdistinction between spirituality and spirit to the outer world of culture and history. religion, tithing clearly falls under the category of Religion challenges our egocentricity, rescuing religion. The word also conjures up memories of spirituality from a mere privatized, other-worldly kindergarten stories such as swarms of locusts experience unconnected to the social dimension. passing over the tithing farmer's fields, while Religion says that spirituality also has to do with devouring the farms of disobedient neighbors. how you vote or spend your money and time- Does tithing have anything to do with true spiri- with how you treat your neighbor. tuality, or is it a vestige of institutionalism, legal- In contrast with spirituality, which is universal ism and magic? Answering that question requires and has no boundaries, religion incarnates spiritu- considering the larger relationship of religion to ality into the particular, giving it concrete cultur- spirituality. al expressions with continuity in time. It there- fore participates in the "scandal of particularity," Spirituality Versus Religion manifesting itself in particular institutions, beliefs, John K. Testerman is Spirituality assumes that human beings dwell customs, rituals and arts that are lived out in spe- Director of the Family in a spiritual, as well as physical, universe. It cific faith communities. Why is the tithe 10 per- Practice Residency pro- implies an inner world of the soul that we can cent of income? Why not 5 percent, or 20 per- gram at Lorna Linda either nourish or neglect. At a minimum, living a cent, for that matter? There are no rational University School of spiritual life means living in relationship to tran- answers to such questions, as there is an irre- Medicine. During the last scendent meanings and values. For Christians, the ducible, arbitrary element to religious customs eight years, he has pursued an interest in spiritual jour- spiritual life involves an inner faith journey of and rituals, of which the tithe is a prime example. neying and spiritual disci- deepening relationship with God. Spirituality is It is part of the nonrational language of religion. plines. personal and private. We nurture spirituality in the context of reli- Language to Speak About God gion, "an organized search for the transcendent." Religion provides language to speak about God

ADVENTIST TODAY May-June 1996 19 and spiritual things. It is important for our pur- teaches us through participatory ritual that all poses to understand that this language is of two resources are God's, and that we are his stewards distinct types. The first type is rational dis- in the world. course-what we think of as ordinary language- the word-based language that is spoken and Spiritual Disciplines understood by our conscious minds. It provides a Tithing is also a spiritual discipline. To most framework of concepts and beliefs that ties all of Protestants, the term "spiritual discipline" con- life together into a coherent worldview. jures up images of starving monks, praying and But the soul does not speak the language of chanting for long hours on their knees in cold subject, verb and predicate, rather the noma- cells, hoping to win points with God. Medieval tional, highly symbolic excesses gave spiritual disciplines a bad name. But language of story, ritual spiritual disciplines have nothing to do with mer- process, drama, music, iting God's favor. They are simply tools for help- art, architecture, land- ing us along our spiritual journeys. They prepare Tithing is a crucial spiritual scape, dance, poetry the soil of our lives to be open and receptive to and worship. This sec- God's initiative, as he may choose to be present ond type of language, to us in the inner world of the spirit or the outer discipline, because it strikes at when it uses words at world of human need. We may find that they are all, uses them as an spiritually necessary choices. artist uses paint, to Setting aside regular time for prayer, medita- the root of our addiction to paint word pictures for tion and spiritual reading is the most basic spiritu- the imagination, to al discipline. Keeping a Sabbath, making a retreat communicate truth to a quiet place, and participating in the liturgy that is beyond words. and music of worship are also spiritual disciplines. money, which holds us in This is why our reli- Acts of service (not connected with our regular gious life and worship job) help us to see God in the face of the needy are full of music, litur- and to respond accordingly. bondage to the world system. gy and stories, and Tithing is a crucial spiritual discipline, because sacred rituals such as it strikes at the root of our addiction to money, baptism and the com- which holds us in bondage to the world system. It munion service, is virtually impossible for a Christian to be effec- Christmas, Sabbath-keeping, and tithing. tive in the world without dealing with this addic- Participation in these symbols affects the soul at a tion. Placing our checkbooks under the discipline deeper level than concepts can reach. of tithing requires putting our whole lifestyle under discipline. It is probably the most challeng- Sacred Rituals ing spiritual discipline of all. Practicing it for the By sacred ritual we set aside certain things or right reasons can help to free us from our scram- actions as sacred. Paradoxically, this ultimately ble for material security so we can better see and abolishes the distinction between the sacred and do God's work in the world. the ordinary, in favor of subsuming all of life under the sacred. By letting the part stand for the A Way to Encounter God whole, the whole is sanctified along with the part. The spiritual life is the encounter with, and The bread and the wine of the Eucharist declare journey into, greater intimacy with God. Religion matter a fit dwelling for the divine. The Sabbath is the social setting or vessel for the encounter samples time and finds eternity. Tithing takes a with God. It is not itself that encounter. Religion biopsy of the secular world of economics and pro- provides community, language and a set of tools claims it the Kingdom of God. that connect into one coherent whole the outer By participation in these sacred dramas or ritu- world of people and culture with the inner world als, we enact the profound unity of the world of spiritual realities and God. If there is excessive under the lordship of God, and are helped to focus on the institution or its theology or behav- bring our inner and outer lives into harmony with iors at the expense of the encounter with God, a it. The drama of tithing helps to heal the seeming religion and its practices and spiritual disciplines, unbridgeable split between our economic and including tithing, may become idolatrous substi- spiritual selves, inviting us to enter the business tutes for the spiritual life. On the other hand, world and make of it God's kingdom, using the tithing, and other religious practices, can be indis- power of money to do his will in the world. It pensable aids to one's spiritual journey. ~

20 May-June 1996 ADVENTIST TODAY News and Analysis

process. Like the Slough of Despond, it's Voices in the Wilderness there, along the way to the Celestial City, and you've got to go through it. Learning From the Independents There's a helper, isn't there, in Pilgrim's Progress? He stands at the far end and gives you a hand. He's got the gospel and by Maryan Stirling you know it's good news. You might not know how good it is, if you never fell into the mud. here's a steady trickle of mail onto their publications. That may not be/the So there are hundreds of groups seek- Tmy desk from little groups out in bottom line, but it's the bottom lir:e I ing perfection, and forty years ago there the hills or deserts. They have something got. Wherever the groups are, some of were hundreds of groups, and next year to say that they believe I need to hear. them are pulling away from the imper- there'll be hundreds of groups getting I don't throw that kind of thing away. sinless. But it's not the same people year ANALYSIS It goes under "Ministries, Independent." I after year. They go in; they come out. And I read it. lowe it that much time, fections of the church and its hymnal They grapple with reality and grow and just for caring. and its publications and its schools- find a Saviour. No, I shouldn't say One tells me, from Oregon, I'm lost if and I've been there. Right where they "they" do that. We do. Include me in it. I don't leave the SDA Church. Out of are. The mindset is: If you're not perfect We learn. For some of us there's no Babylon! Come out of her, my people. before Jesus comes, that's it. If you're not other way. I actually went to Wildwood, There's room in the file for that one. perfect before he gets to your name in Georgia, with my first husband and Another offers me a book, Pretty Pastors. the judgment-scroll, you're gone. If your three sons. Little boys are a pretty good I can figure out where that one comes children aren't perfect, they're lost and reality-check for righteousness. But it down on ordination. takes time. Nobody can Thanks anyway. tell you the little group Out at Yucca Valley I I don't know how many little groups there are, meeting toiling up the ladder has phoned a small group. A leaned their ladder against sweet voice suggested that and praying and mailing out printed things. Hundreds the hen house and they'll I wait a while before com- only have to climb down ing out to see them. Their and hundreds, I think, in this country. And in the again. You figure it out little medical mission isn't eventually. doing any business yet. A Philippines and France and everyplace else. They even The ones who stay, few blocks from Loma long-term, may be the Linda University a home have a prophet in France. Her name is Jeanine Sautron, ones who are getting the 'church meets. A week rewards: money, power, after I talked with the in case you want to know. control of underlings, friendly host couple, a big good housing. Add to envelope came from that, that there are dear, Maine. Two issues of a dear saints who serve self- magazine called, The Home Church. Tells it's your fault. And.if anybody else isn't lessly year after year, with no rewards you how to form a church with a small ready and you could have gotten them that I can compute. group. Plus a thick tabloid with lots of ready, bad news. I really thought, when I started to cartoons. The Adventist church is fallen, I don't know how many little groups work on this article, that there's a huge fallen. Who really killed Abraham there are, meeting and praying and mail- upsurge in new groups. I can't document Lincoln? And Bill Clinton is a servant of ing out printed things. Hundreds and it. There may be. I thought that the year you-know-who. hundreds, I think, in this country. And 1996 is the year Ussher's chronology At North Fork (up near Yosemite) a in the Philippines and France and every- runs out. It's the end of the agenda-the gracious couple take time to answer my place else. They even have a prophet in end of the world-time to adjourn. If questions. France. Her name is Jeanine Sautron, in that's true, maybe someone can research "Not to be nosy, but I'm trying to find case you want to know. The people I it better. What I'm finding is that there a common denominator. Do you believe talked with don't give her much cre- have been little groups for a long, long that perfection is attainable here on dence. Others do. time. And when I read their books and Planet Earth?" I worry about people trying terribly papers, I learn things I'd never learn any- "Oh, absolutely." No hesitation at all. hard, because I've been there and it's a place else. And that's about what I was getting from hard life. I'm beginning to reflect that Some of it may be true. I certainly every group I asked. The rest told me in maybe the pursuit of perfection is a hope some of it isn't!

ADVENTIST TODAY May-June 1996 21 News and Analysis

I have been a reader for about 40 The Good New Review Reviewed years... However, now I have a concern. You are talking about the "new Review." I by Roberta]. Moore don't know if I like the sound of that or not. I love the "good old Review." I hate to see it changed." hen readers of the Adventist column "written by two young bundles of To this the editors replied: "... don't WReview started hearing rumors of pizzazz... " worry. We think you'll find the new Review change in what for nearly 150 years had Back in September, 1995, Johnsson had a beautiful blend of past strengths and pre- been the "general paper" of the Seventh- promised a major restyling, and under the sent freshness." day Adventist Church, reactions varied ANALYSIS After five issues of the new Review, from "about time" to "I like it the way it is." appearance shows a greater change than The editor himself, William G. title "Write Now," he filled two pages content. The two "young bundles of piz- Johnsson, gave credence to what had been describing what the Review wanted, what zazz,"for example, write about Sabbath only rumor when he started writing about it did not want and how writers should go observance and theater going. And while "the good new Review." But even readers about getting their work accepted and pub- the editor in the first issue of the new who had been hoping for change got a sur- lished. It is probably fair to say that he Review points out details of its newness, he prise with the monthly issue for the North caught some writers off guard with the new repeats the word "more": more "God of the American Division, dated April, 1996. rates of payment. real world" articles, more letters, "news It started with the cover, that's more personal." in full color, showing a pro- And he goes on to say fessional man in his seat by that several features, which the window of a plane. His Of course, it's not all brand new. Church officials and he calls "your old favorites," collar is open, the cuffs of will continue. his sleeves rolled up. The long~time Review staff members are still filling pages with Probably the staff of the heading, "God at 30,000 Adventist Review would be Feet." The same picture the first to admit that their appears at the beginning of material little different from last year, in the style faithful publication since April 1 the article, which fills most has not yet reached the of six pages. readers will recognize. goals they have set for it. Here is the experience of One problem is that Kent A. Hansen, an attor- some pages look cluttered, ney in Corona, California. given the number of short His style is thoughtful but relaxed and con- "We're looking for writers," he said, news and features. Faced with so much, versational. At the end of his story-"just "people with pens and a passion for God." attention may wander from one piece to some story of a burned-out yuppie Since then, as the staff get used to another to another. The lines separating lawyer"-he speaks to the reader: doing what they had dreamed about for a news items and the number of heads and "If you don't know how to start a rela- year, both contents and looks show a subheads add to the clutter. tionship with Him, why not try telling remarkable change: color on most pages, And some readers wonder why the Him what I did: 'God, I want to talk to attractive layout (including a children's Review relies so much on drawings with You, but I don't know how.' page with clowns), features that are per- the wealth of available photographs, espe- "He'll do the rest." sonal in nature, letters and church news. cially when the drawings fill a full page. Most of the issue, "the good new Not to be overlooked is the return of Some, of course, are clever, such as the one Review," is also relaxed and conversational. Miriam Wood, long known for her "Dear showing a woman wearing seven hats, Editor Johnsson, for example, introduces a Miriam" column. She is now the author of each with a different label. (April 25, a feature she calls "Golden Rule Days," to 1996,p.28) Roberta J. Moore appear in the fourth issue of each month. By the end of April, letters giving read- taught writing for Of course, it's not all brand new. ers' reactions had not caught up with the publication for over Church officials and long-time Review staff changes. 30 years in members are still filling pages with materi- But after nearly 150 years of "news Adventist colleges. allittle different from last year, in the style and inspiration for Seventh-day faithful readers will recognize. Adventists," the good new Review is This probably relieved some; on the let- probably for most readers welcome. It is ter page of the last issue of "the good old to be hoped that even the long-time Review," (March, 1996) a writer from reader from Dayton, Tennessee, will Dayton, Tennessee, wrote: acknowledge the improvement.

22 May-June 1996 ADVENTIST TODAY Soundings

L by Bonnie L. Casey

ne morning not long ago, as my second-grader and I a larger community of living things, instead of struggling to get in were eating breakfast in the kitchen, he looked at me touch with your inner child (or inner crybaby, as the case may be). curiously over his corn puffs and said, "You look dif- Instead of being consumed with forging a unique identity, you oferent this morning, Mom. I don't think your makeup is working could revel in being sister to the sky and water, brother to the yet." I'm used to Conor's koan-like utterances, but this one stopped wolf, and neighbor to all humankind. me in mid-bite. What did he mean, my makeup wasn't working yet? I'm oversimplifying entire cultures to make the point that glori- I left the table and checked my face in a mirror. Granted, I fying individuality is an alienating and sometimes exhausting don't spend much time on beautification rituals, and the light on enterprise. We Westerners are forever sorting, separating, catego- my dressing table could be better, but I didn't see anything amiss. rizing, differentiating things, and ourselves, one from another. We Just the middle-aged pallor I'm build fences, get tinted windows, grudgingly getting used to. make "Best and Worst" lists. All that day I was slightly on ...glorifying individuality is Except on Super Bowl Sunday, edge. I couldn't help wondering we're not good at seeing ourselves what else about my carefully con- an alienating and some .. as part of a larger whole. structed facade wasn't "working." I'm fortunate to be part of an How many of my other masks effort to reverse this process; my were slightly askew? What about times exhausting enterprise. neighborhood in Takoma Park, the image of unflappable compe- Maryland, has begun to organize. tence I try to project at work? What about my efforts to appear A series of natural disasters and burglaries has made us trade some charitable, thoughtful, involved? Suddenly my son's offhand privacy for increased security. Every few weeks we meet in some- remark made me feel like some ancient Italian fresco in need of one's home to share a potluck supper and information on crime, cleaning and restoration. parking regulations, efforts to get a new stop sign, and whom to It's a truism that we all wear a variety of masks - one for work, call when the storm drain clogs. We've learned the names of peo- one for church, one for our families, one for crowded elevators. ple we've lived by for years, and found out who's got kids, who's Our personalities, while partially determined by DNA, are really home during the day, who knows someone at the power company. very complex, sometimes flimsy edifices, constructed It was unsettling at first, after years of peering at of various identities projected from within and each other through the curtains. But we've discovered imposed on us by others. Well-adjusted people are we live among caring, interesting people. And during comfortable with their menu of masks and can shift the Blizzard of "96 we pulled together in ways that smoothly from one to another without losing their made us grateful and proud. basic integrity. Maybe I'm fooling myself. Maybe I'm not really I said well-adjusted people. The rest of us are occa- changing my outlook, just adding another mask to my sionally confused. One of my favorite TV ads, for our repertoire. "Look at me! The Good Neighbor." Like regional phone company, concerns two Elvis imper- everyone, my identity is cobbled together and doesn't sonators involved in a fender bender. As they confront bear close inspection. Like everyone, I sometimes each other pompadour-to-pompadour, Elvis No.1 wonder if people are asking, "Who do you think you snarls, "Who do you think you are?" After a baffled are?" I haven't solved that puzzle, but I've added pause, Elvis No.2 replies, "Well, who do you think I . another possible response: I'm your neighbor. Would Bonnie Casey writes from .. think I am?" It's a uniquely Western question. your son like to play with my son for a few hours? Can Takoma Park, Maryland, I help you shovel your driveway? Can I bring in your When I grow weary of rugged individualism and where she devotes herself the quest for identity, I sometimes envy a Native to her family, her work, newspaper while you're at the beach? American, someone for whom spirituality means, not gourmet vegetarian cook- It's a small step in the long process of becoming. In personal salvation and authentication, but harmony ing, and mysteries written the meantime, I'm getting a stronger light for my in the universe. What a relief to see yourself as part of by British women. dressing table.

ADVENTIST TODAY May-June 1996 23 As We Go to Press Walla Walla College Criticized

alla Walla College received a bar- cle with the headline and lead paragraph: Nelson referred to homosexuality on W rage of sustained criticism from a "Gay support group forms." "The Gay and campus by suggesting that the delegates conservative Adventist publication and Lesbian Christian Alliance, an organiza- may have read of a gay support group. He also from the General Conference presi- tion made up of WWC staff and students, acknowledged that the college accepts dent. Robert Folkenberg attempted to per- seeks to give support to homosexuals and gay students, believing that the college is suade the college's president, W.G. to inform students on issues surrounding a place for all Adventist students, regard- Nelson, to initiate establishing a task force homosexuality." less of their problems, and the college to examine alleged problems at the col- One faculty delegate to the constituen- seeks to help. lege. However, over the weekend of May cy meetings called the broadside Earlier in the weekend, on Sabbath 18, both the college constituency and the "garbage." He stated that even one of his morning, Robert Folkenberg visited with North Pacific Union constituency met in very conservative colleagues thought the Nelson seeking to persuade him that a Portland, Oregon, and no one rose to crit- charges were misplaced and some were in blue ribbon committee should be estab- icize the Union's college. total error. Ferrell includes a challenge to lished to look into areas of supposed In a 16-page broadside mailed to each the lay constituents to take back their col- deviance from the Adventist tradition on member attending the Union constitu- lege by following several steps, including campus. Nelson, reportedly, resisted cham- ency meeting and to parents of the col- demanding a discussion of "worldliness" at pioning this idea, telling Folkenberg that lege's students, Vance Ferrell's publication WWC and setting up a 60 percent layper- there were established mechanisms for Pilgrim's Rest listed 11 charges of religious son task force to study and report on the handling such questions, and that these laxity, the lead item being the establish- supposed problems. avenues were available. Few constituents ment of a support group for gay and les- Not only did the assembled delegates who met at the sessions on Saturday night bian students. Ferrell quotes liberally from not follow Ferrell's directive, but after and Sunday knew of the Nelson- The Collegian, the student paper, to make WWC president Nelson's report on the Folkenberg discussion, but word of it his points. Ferrell reprints a Collegian arti- college, he received sustained applause. quickly spread at WWC and beyond.

(17%), and General Conference (7%). Who Reads Adventist Today? Church Priorities: Subscribers ranked in importance several of the issues dis- cussed at the 1995 General Conference ast Fall Adventist Today polled its Age: 50% of subscribers are 50-69 years session in Utrecht. The results follow in Lsubscribers (1300 responded) and old, 9% are under 39 and 9% are over 80. descending importance: How to interpret found that readers, generally speaking, are Ideology: 60% see themselves as mid- the Scripture (37%), Women's ordination highly educated, suburban, middle-aged, dle-of-the-road theologically, 25% are lib- (20%), World church financing (12%), theologically moderate and congregation- eral, and 15% are conservative. GC Executive Committee and the next oriented. Adventist doctrines: Respondents were GC Session (7%). Following are specific characteristcs of asked to indicate how they viewed them- The final option was: None of the AT subscribers: selves regarding the doctrines in terms of above (25%). Those choosing "None of Education: 80% possess a B.A. or B.S., the following categories: very traditional the above" could write in their own priori- 28% hold an M.A., and 35% have a doc- (7%), usually traditional (44%), often ties, and a quarter of the respondents listed torate. Leading professional fields are: med- non-traditional (31%), not traditional the priority of personal spiritual life, and icine or dentistry, 20%; religion, 15%; (18%). nearly that many listed the importance of education, 13%. Church authority: Respondents were spreading the gospel. Home: 55% live in suburbia, 35% in asked where authority should be the rural areas, and 10% in downtown loca- strongest: Congregation (53%), The poll was conducted by Dean Kinsey, past tions. Conference (17%), Union (6%), Division director of development for Adventist Today

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