ISSN 0819-5633 VOL. 93, NO. 4 February 6, 1988
Page 12 RECORD EDITORIAL
Official Paper of the South Pacific Just Call Me Jim Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Editor James Coffin ever a week goes by but I receive at changed dramatically. Most people 40 Associate Editor Gary Krause Nleast one letter from someone la- years of age and younger use titles only Assistant Editor Joy Totenhofer menting that things aren't what they when they feel a sense of distance from Editorial Secretary Glenda Fairall used to be. another person. We live in the era of first Copy Editor Graeme Brown names. And, after all, isn't the first name Graphic Designer Wayne Louk The church has changed. The minis- Senior Consulting Editor A. H. Tolhurst ters have changed. Their sermons have called the "Christian name"? Consulting Editors changed. Their emphasis has changed. Few "under-40s" would feel that refer- Correspondents R. H. Baird, J. T. Adventist institutions have changed. ring to fellow church member Ginger Banks, R. L. Coombe, M. Darius, A. Kabu, N. K. Peatey, L. Solomon, P. B. Weekes The RECORD has changed. Even the Smith as "Sister Smith" is as intimate as Regional Reporters D. D. Blanch, R. K. way we address each other has simply calling her "Ginger." In today's Brown, R. G. Douglas, G. W. W. Drinkall, changed. society there's a tremendous need to be- L. J. Laredo, M. R. Potts, L. R. Rice, G. M. Smith, E. I. Totenhofer, R. W. Townend, A. And speaking of how we address each long and be accepted. And in the minds R. Walshe other, why don't we say "Brother" and of most younger Adventists, first names Local Reporters Church Communication "Sister" as we did in the good old days indicate closeness; titles indicate an Secretaries Subscriptions South Pacific Division, before all this change set in? arm's-length relationship. $A25.00 $NZ28.75. All other regions, Now, let me make it absolutely clear Although younger Adventists $A48.25 $NZ55.50. Air mail postage rates to those who favour the use of such terms wouldn't deny the theology behind on application. Order from Signs Publishing Company, Warburton, Victona 3799, that I'm 100 per cent on your side. And "Brother" and "Sister," most would Australia. let me make it absolutely clear to those probably feel that the theological benefit Manuscripts All copy for the paper of using such terms isn't sufficient com- should be sent to The Editor, RECORD, who prefer not to use them that I'm 100 Signs Publishing Company, Warburton, per cent on your side, too. But isn't that pensation for the lost sense of intimacy Victoria 3799; phone (059) 66 5781. playing politics? that titles create. Printed weekly by Signs Publishing Company. Let's go back 100 years to when the Furthermore, since it's almost exclus- ively older Adventists who use such Directory of the South Pacific Division of Adventist Church was still in its infancy. the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 148 It was customary in most social situ- titles, younger Adventists have come to Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga, NSW 2076; ations to refer to people by their sur- view their use as old-fashioned. Thus, in phone (02) 489 7122 names, prefaced by a title. Rarely were situations where they definitely feel a President Walter Scragg people referred to by first names. And title is necessary, they inevitably prefer Secretary A. H. Tolhurst Treasurer W. T. Andrews almost never would a younger person to use the more universal "Mr" "Mrs" or Associate Secretary V. B. Parmenter refer to an older person by a first name. "Miss." It just comes more naturally. Associate Treasurers 0. S. Mason, W. H. Stokes But church members had a sense of Being under 40 myself, I fully appreci- Field Secretary A. J. Ferch Administration Projects Director M. G. oneness, a sense of family, a sense ofinti- ate their viewpoint on this topic. That's Townend macy that needed to be expressed in why I can also say I agree with them 100 Archivist and Statistician R. E. Clitl'ord some manner. So, Adventists adopted per cent. Auditor G. J. Bland Associate Auditors E. N. Hokin, M. E. the already common Christian practice Maybe there are parallels here to the Mitchell, E. J. Moffitt, N. F. Sawert, K. E. Watts of using "Brother" and "Sister" with the kind of situation the Apostle Paul ad- Church Ministries A. E. Birch (Director), A. B. surname, in place of "Mr," "Mrs" or dressed in Romans 14 concerning meat Gane (Youth), R. L. Hodgkinson (Sabbath School), B. K. Craig (Family Life), P. R. Jack "Miss." (Personal Ministries), L. R. Chester (Sabbath Not only did this help them to feel School) The church has Communication, Public Affairs and Religious closer to each other by giving them a set Liberty R. L. Coombe of titles for fellow church members dif- changed. Education G. F. Clifford (Director), L. D. ferent to those they used for non- Devine, B. A. Hill, J. I. Howie, R. A. Spoor Health Food E. W. Grosser members, it also was a constant re- that had been offered to idols. Those Adventist Health D. E. Bain (Director), H. J. minder of a major theological truth. The who choose to use such titles are doing it Stanton Bible tell us that God is our Father, to show respect to their fellow Ministerial Association A. D. C. Currie Publishing J. T. Knopper Christ is our Brother, and therefore we're Adventists, to show their acceptance of Trust Services all brothers and sisters, and thus equal them, and to show their brotherhood ADRA G. A. Laxton (Director), W. P. Truscott before God. and sisterhood with them. Christian Services for the Blind and Hearing Impaired E. C. Lemke This is the context in which many On the other hand, those who choose Adventists today view the terms not to use such titles haven't rejected the Cover: Eleven-year-old Anthony "Brother" and "Sister." They have great theology of God as Father and Christ as Jensen sponsors a Sri Lankan meaning. And this is why I say I support Brother. They simply feel that close re- (inset) by delivering newspapers. them 100 per cent. But now to the other lationships, family relationships, are Photo by Leader Associated News- side. more meaningful when not encumbered papers. In the years that have elapsed since by titles. our church was founded, society has James Coffin.
2 RECORD February 6, 1988 LETTERS
Commitment to Christ Swinging Door Double Standards Pastor Parr is right when he suggests Regarding "The Back-door Syn- The answer to "The Back-door Syn- that commitment is the answer to "The drome" (November 21, 28): drome" (November 21 and 28) does not Back-door Syndrome" (November 21 In my opinion the back door swings lie in outside influences. Young people and 28). But if the commitment he is for the following reasons: are swift to see hypocrisy—and double talking about is first and foremost to the 1. We live in a world dominated by standards abound. I could cite many ex- church and its rules and regulations, both good and evil. amples. then not only is he wrong, he is adding to 2. People are free to choose to leave When young and old can view the the problem. the church just as they are free to join it. image of Christ in the people around Commitment to the church won't last 3. The church does not always speak them, then the back door will shut with a unless there is loving commitment to with relevance. We often "scratch where bang! Stephen M. Saunders, Qld. Christ—and that's where our problem it does not itch." (For example, our lies. Adventist evangelism tends to con- discussions/arguments about esoteric Wrong Terminology vert people to the church, to a new set of theology that do not meet the needs of The editorial "Cradle-Rolling" (No- propositions, but not to Christ. In re- most people.) vember 21) uses the term "senior div- ality, Christ has a very low profile in our 4. Piety, sanctity and reverence are ision." This suggests that those who meet church. often presented in old-fashioned ways so in the sanctuary on Sabbath mornings If readers doubt this, then "listen in that frequently the church appears as an are retired or about to retire. on" typical post-service discussions next anachronism to the educated mind. The Sabbath school manual (page 26) Sabbath. I would be surprised if you hear 5. Many of the answers given do not suggests the "adult division" is for per- the name of Christ mentioned at all. And "hold" when put to the test. Simplistic, sons approximately 19 years of age and how long has it been since you heard authoritarian, exaggerated answers given older. your minister tell from the pulpit how to children (and adults) later break The correct nomenclature "adult div- much Christ means to him, and how his down, causing a loss of faith. (For some ision" could help young adults identify relationship with Christ helps him meet reason Adventists feel that they should with comfort to the adult program and and beat the challenges of the day? be able to give a total package when it lesson in the Sabbath school. This is the kind of food Adventists are comes to answers.) Alice Lowe, NSW. starving for—or should be. 6. Perfectionistic/judgmental atti- Bryce Jones, New Zealand. tudes by fellow members brings despair Views expressed in Letters to the Editor do not and alienation. necessarily represent those of the editors or the de- nomination. Letters should not exceed 250 words Committed Environment 7. A loving, warm community tends and should be mailed to RECORD Editor, Signs Regarding "The Back-door Syn- to gather while a cold, stern community Publishing Company, Warburton Victoria 3799. drome" (November 21 and 28): tends to scatter. All too often church Writers must include their name, address and tele- In most cases, for new church mem- members appear cold and stern. phone number. Letters received more than three Ed Parker, Vic. weeks after the date of the issue carrying the article to bers to become strong, there are two re- which they respond will normally not be printed. All quirements: (1) They must be soundly letters will be edited to meet space and literary re- won. (2) They must be carefully nur- quirements, but the author's original meaning will tured. And the congregation should be not be changed. active in each area. Pastor Parr rightly places the exodus _ust 3_61/14/1Ce--- on insufficient commitment. It rightly follows that new members should enter a lANKsTo -t-NE NBA) highly committed environment—a -To Ncto 6L(, ouR MONEY church motivated at grassroots (see Acts ION 4:20; 8:4). URC PPOBLE4k1S APE (YER The Ministerial Association pamphlet 60013 „, The Work of the Pastor states that a pas- tor should be "the direct overseer of the church of God, envisioning a member- ship whose daily habit is spreading the gospel, somewhere, sometime, in some way. As pastors we must not rest until this vision becomes fact at the church level." In the meantime, here is a prayer that yields exciting results: "Lord, lead me to someone to whom I am capable of wit- nessing. And please go with me." William Baskin, NSW.
RECORD February 6, 1988 3 REPORT God-Ordained by J. T. Knopper The independent publication of Ellen G. White books is not in harmony with her own feelings on the matter.
od has ordained the canvassing otherwise would not hear it"— proven by the fact that many Adventist work as a means of presenting Colporteur Ministry, page 20. families today recognise the contact of a Gbefore the people the light con- Yet how many Adventists have a clear literature evangelist as the starting point tained in our books, and canvassers understanding of the literature ministry? for their becoming Seventh-day should be impressed with the import- For some it is perceived as a work tried Adventists. ance of bringing before the world as fast by many who failed. This is sad. But does 5. Each literature evangelist is com- as possible the books necessary for their this mean that the work is not good? pletely free regarding the type of books spiritual education and Many literature evangelists have suc- he or she wants to sell—educational enlightenment."—Testimonies, Vol 6, ceeded fully. And for each failure there is books for children, health-education page 313. a reason. Yet listing the reasons would literature, Stampley Bibles comp- How true this statement is. Just how still not satisfy everyone who has doubts lemented by Bible studies and commen- many have received the blessing of this regrading this God-ordained work. taries on Daniel and/or Revelation, full- God-ordained ministry only eternity will message books or Ellen G. White books. tell. Similarly, how many still suffer from All these come in different bindings and not being enlightened because of a lack We applaud the desire sell for different prices. Ideally, the of enthusiasm for this God-ordained for cheaply priced literature evangelist will place emphasis ministry only eternity will tell. on message books and Ellen G. White However, we can estimate how many Ellen G. White books. books, or a combination of health and will suffer for the want of receiving a visit message books. from a literature evangelist. For in- Further information for those who stance, if a part-time literature evangelist Let me explain simply and briefly just seek more details regarding literature works door-to-door five hours per week what literature ministry is and how it op- evangelism is available from local con- and meets 10 families, giving a complete erates. ference and mission Publishing Depart- demonstration of Adventist books, and 1. It operates from door to door, for ments. I urge you, based upon the facts does this for 40 weeks per year, he or she which adequate training is given. Pro- mentioned, to seriously consider partici- would meet a total of 400 families. vided the instruction is followed, the av- pating in this God-ordained ministry. Twenty-five part-time literature evangel- erage literature evangelist will meet with In spite of what has been said and ists working for the 11 conferences in success. done in the area of literature ministry, Australia and New Zealand would meet 2. The literature evangelist, either there are still some people who feel it is 10,000 families. part-time or full-time, operates as a self- not good enough. Without bringing their If we take what Ellen G. White says, supporting distributor of Seventh-day criticism to those responsible for the that where we have one literature evan- Adventist publications. Certain rules church's publishing ministry, they set up gelist today we should have 100 (see Tes- have to be followed for self-supporting independent literature-evangelist train- timonies, Vol 6, page 315), we get an workers. However, because it is a self- ing schools, and visit literature evangel- even greater figure. Instead of 25 mem- supporting ministry, literature evangel- ists and new recruits. Yes, even telling bers engaged in literature evangelism ists are free to work as many hours per them that what they are doing in this and working five hours per week, it day and as many days per week as they God-ordained work is wrong, and what, should be 2,500 (25 x 100). That means desire, depending on how they operate in the eyes of these critics, they should be the potential number of families can- their ministry. doing. vassed per year would be one million. 3. Literature evangelists support their All this has led to great discourage- And five hours per week for 40 weeks is ministry from an earnings margin built ment among some literature evangelists, only a minimum part-time literature- into the retail price of the books, plus a even to the point that some have left the evangelist ministry. special discount based on a minimum literature ministry to take up secular Looking at this potential, it becomes quantity of purchases from the publish- work. But this God-ordained ministry quite clear why God ordained this work. ing house. The final income received de- must not be so disrupted. Because "by the canvassing work the pends on various factors, such as the Apart from starting their own training truth is presented to thousands that hours spent door to door, quality of work schools, these critics also take the pub- done door to door and type and quantity lishing of literature into their own of books sold. hands—in particular, the writings of J. T. Knopper is the South Pacific Division Publish- ing Department director. 4. The soul-winning result has been Ellen G. White. It is true that the copy-
4 RECORD February 6, 1966 right for certain Ellen G. White books brought on the market. It disturbs price. That was also done in Ellen has lapsed. But is it in harmony with church unity and brings discredit upon White's day. And it can be done today in Ellen G. White's expressed wishes that Adventist publishing houses. the South Pacific Division. such a course of action be followed? The Publishing Department calls Publishing houses naturally have An investigation of the matter shows upon church members not to support overheads to meet, as do business the opposite. Ellen White, in harmony these types of actions. But, if there is enterprises. If we feel the overheads are with Scripture, teaches order, organis- valid criticism, to bring this to the atten- inflating our book prices too much, let us ation, respect for church leaders, unity, tion of those responsible and, in a spirit get together and work on different plans. harmony and working together. To start of unity, work toward a proper sol- But to go out independently and pro- independently operating literature- ution. duce Ellen G. White books away from evangelist training schools may sound our publishng house, and then distribute nice on the surface. But when not prop- Let differences be them away from our organised, God- erly discussed in a spirit of maintaining ordained ministry, will only cause con- unity and harmony, it is not in line with brought to the place fusion and disunity and bring discredit Scripture and Ellen G. White's teach- where they can be dis- upon our own publishing house. Those ings. who advocate this approach may feel Ephesians 4:3 refers to "endeavouring cussed openly. they are doing the Lord's work. But in es- to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond sence they are violating both Scripture of peace." Ellen White often urges that The Publishing Department applauds and Spirit of Prophecy principles. we press together and preserve unity. the desire for cheaply priced Ellen G. The call of this article to all is: Let us Differences will occur. But let differ- White's writings and mass distribution join hands together. Let us strengthen ences be brought to the place where they of such material. And we invite inter- our front line in unity and harmony. Let can be discussed openly and proper ested members to come forward to dis- us work in the spirit of and according to answers supplied. cuss the matter in a practical manner. the counsel of Scripture and the Spirit of In regard to Ellen G. White books Mrs White encourages those who have Prophecy. "Let the believers heed the being produced independently, we must the means to invest in our publishing voice of the angel who has said to the say this is not in harmony with her own houses in order that literature might be church, 'Press together.' In unity is your feelings on the matter. Even in her own produced at an economical price. In strength. Love as brethren, be pitiful, be time there were some who felt that her some countries, church members pool courteous." — Selected Messages, Book books could be produced more cheaply their money and arrange for the publish- 2, page 69. outside denominational publishing ing house to print a quantity of Ellen G. What God has ordained, let no one houses. White books for the lowest-possible tear apart. ra This is the issue today as well. Certain Ellen G. White titles are too expensive, we are told. Instead of negotiating with the publishing house for a cheaper pro- THE MAN duction and larger quantity, these people take matters into their own The coin of the land was Caesar, hands. By doing so, they ignore both His sneer of cold disdain Ellen G. White's counsel on this matter Felt good in the palm of Judas, and church policy. In the early part of this century, S. N. Who betrayed a man for gain . . . Haskell suggested that one of Ellen G. White's books should be published out- The law of the land was Caesar, side Adventist publishing houses for And it really seemed no loss economic reasons and to secure a When Pilate sentenced a felon broader circulation. A contract was To die on a criminal's cross ... drawn up, and Ellen White was about to sign, when she put her pen down and re- fused to seal the document with her sig- Two thousand years have vanished nature. Later she was asked why she re- Like a sigh, to the vast unknown. fused. Her answer was that she saw an No more the invincible legions angel standing before her, shaking his Tramp out from the gates of Rome. head (see The Publishing Ministry, page 208). Her other reasons for not supporting And the sneer of proud Tiberius production of her books outside Is tarnished on Judas' gain, Adventist publishing houses included But the Man whom Pilate sentenced preserving unity in the church and not Will remain ... will remain ... will remain discrediting denominational publishing houses. Yet this is exactly what we see —Louis H. Clark. happening today where independently produced Ellen G. White books are