The Journal of the Association of Adventist Forums

Those Hardy Vegetarians Their ucculent Cuisine

HARVARD PROFESSOR APPLAUDS POSITIVE VEGETARIANISM MOST VEGETARIANS LIVE SIX YEARS LONGER (AT LEAST} BEST OF THE VEGETARIAN COOKBOOKS

SHORT STORY: SDAs IN CHIAPAS, MEXICO

PURGES AT WALLA WALLA? e Aamodt® 1997 Commission • Patzer e Watts

SCRIVEN, PIPIM DEBATE FUNDAMENTALISM

September 1997 Volume 26, Number 3 Spectrum Editorial Board Consulting Editors Editor Beverly Beem Karen Bottomley Edna May• Lovel..,. English, Chair History English Roy Branson Walla Walla College Canadian Union College La Sierra University Bonnie L. y Edward Lugenbeal Roy Benton c ... Anthropology Malbematical Sciences Writer/Editor Atlantic Union College Senior Editor Columbia Union_ College Washington, D.C Donald R. McAdamo TomDybdahl Roy Branson Raymond Cottrell President Etbics, Kennedy Institute Tbeology McAdams, Faillace, and Assoc. Georgetown University Lorna linda, California ClarkDavlo Ronald Numbers Assistant Editor Joy c-ano Coleman History of Medicine Fteelance Writer History Chip Cassano University of Wisconsin Federalsburg, Maryland La Sierra University Lawrence Geraty Benjamin Reaves MolleurUiii Couperus President P!Jysiclan President Book Review Editor Oakwood College St. Helena, California La Sierra University Gary Chartier Fritz Guy Gerhard Svrcek..Seiler Gene Daffern Psychiatrist P!Jysiclan Tbeology Vienna, Austria Frederick, Maryland La Sierra University Production Helen Ward Thomp&On Bonnie Dwyer Karl Hall Educational Administration Journalism Doctoral Candidate Chip Cassano College Place, Washington Folsom, California Harvard University F. E. Harder Loui&Venden TomDybdahl J. Religion Student Educational Administration Editorial Assistants Lorna linda University University of Pennsylvania Law School College Place, Washington Alita Byrd Norman Young Gary Land David Larson New Testament Mitch Scoggins History, O!air Director, Ethics Center A von dale College Andrews University Lorna linda University Rennie SchocpOin History, O!air La Sierra University Charles Scriven President Columbia Union College Association of Adventist Forums Officers Directors Regional Representatives

President Of Campus Relations Atlantic Lake Leo Pitton Kendra Haloviak Gary Gilbert Donald Gillespie Vice President Doctoral Candidate lnslructor Heallbcare Administrator Adventist Healtbcare Mid-Atlantic Graduate Tbeological Union Harvard Medical School Berrien Springs, Michigan

Vice President Of Development Canadian (East) Northern Pacific Brent Geraty Ronald M. Smith Todd Coupland Soolbem Attorney Development Investment Analyst Robert Hale Boston, Massachusetts Portland, Oregon Toronto. Canada Certified Public Accounlant Executive Secrerary Of International Relations Canadian (West) Atlanla, Georgia Mary Hal

SPECTRUM is a journal established to encourage Seventh-

Litho USA Vol. 26, No. 3, September 1997

FROM THE EDITOR Those Hardy Vegetarians 2

ARTIClES Conway's Concelebrant 3 John C. Kelley's forthcoming murder mystery tells of Adventist coffee farmers in Chiapas, Mexico.

Walla Walla College Under Fire 11

Rosemary Watts explains how the faculty of religion at Walla ------Walla College came under fire, and the board's response.

Why Investigate Walla Walla Now? 16 Jere Patzer, union president, discusses scrutinizing Walla Walla's religion faculty, and the special commission reports. The Walla Walla Witch Hunt of 1938 18 Terrie Aamodt describes how American fundamentalism cost Walla Walla three religion professors and its president.

Embracing the Spirit 28 Charles Scriven, decrying a drift toward fundamentalism, embraces "life in the Spirit." In the Spirit of Truth: Pipim Responds 38 Samuel Koranteng-Pipirn asks if Charles Scriven is advocating a drift away from Adventism.

SPECIAL SECTION: THOSE HARDY VEGETARIANS The Vegetarian Diet Comes of Age 45 Rosemary Clandos introduces the Third International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition at Lorna Linda University. Vegetarianism-Negative to Positive 48 Chip Cassano reports on the keynote address by Walter Willett, chair of the nutrition department, Harvard University. Adventists and the New Vegetarians 52 Patricia Johnston surveys the growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating the benefits of a vegetarian diet. Best Vegetarian Cookbooks 58 Bonnie Dwyer reviews her favorite vegetarian cookbooks.

DEPAR1MENTS News Updates 62 Eighth Adventist woman ordained; Adventist colleges in U.S. News rankings; Rwandan conference president assassinated. FROM THE EDITOR

Those Hardy Vegetarians & Their Succulent Cuisine

dark, upstairs room, redolent with the vegetables (and fruits, grains, and nuts). The ripe smell of wheat germ; servings of greatest importance of the vegetarian diet is not A pureed vegetables without a whisper of what it cuts out of our lives, but what it adds. seasoning. That is what first wafts into my mind As the child of missionaries working in Egypt when someone utters the word vegetarian. and Lebanon, I never identified a vegetarian Soon after my 12th birthday, my family visited diet with a warm salad of fava beans drenched Bern, the heart of the most orderly, German­ in olive oil, lemon juice, and spices; or with a speaking part of Switzerland. On the recom­ pita sandwich filled with falafel (deep-fried mendation of some devout Adventists, we garbanzo and parsley patties) surrounded by bravely went where our family had never gone tomatoes, land cress, and sesame sauce, sea­ before-a vegetarian restaurant. Forever after, soned with lemon and garlic. I had no idea that we felt righteous for remaining at our table and the Mediterranean diet was one of the healthi­ swallowing all the medicine set before us. est-only that it was the tastiest. Since then, I Very, very few Adventists are vegetarians, have realized that Adventists, belonging to the even by the permissive definition of Lorna Linda world's second most international church, enjoy University researchers (eating meat less than the widest possible range of zesty, vegetarian one day per week). Even in California, one of dishes. Who knows, maybe Adventist vegetar­ the oases of Adventist vegetarians-along with ians live a long time, not because they give up Scandinavia, Australia, and New Zealand­ so much, but because their pleasures are so investigators estimate only half the Adventists varied and vast. are vegetarians. Some 90 percent of Adventists The positive vegetarianism Willett urges is live elsewhere, and are overwhelmingly not not only true scientifically-it is true theologi­ vegetarians. cally. The vegetarian diet does not have to be Why? Basically because members regard the one more means of purifying our lives, or yet vegetarian diet as one more restraint, one more another law. The vegetarian diet can be a requirement of law-observing vegetarianism as cornucopia of the pleasures and benefits given a form of salvation by works. In this issue, to us by God. The healthier, longer lives veg­ Professor Walter Willett of Harvard urges us to etarians enjoy are a foretaste of the New Earth move from negative to positive vegetarianism. and eternal life. Scientifically, he says, giving up meat is not as crucial as enjoying the benefits of eating more -Roy Branson

2 VoLUWE 26, NuMBER 3 ARTICLES

Conway's Concelebrant

A coffee-growing, dedicated Seventh-day Adventist mayor in Chiapas, Mexico, is a suspect in a forthcoming murder mystery. by john C. Kelley

his piece is an excerpt from Conway's Passion Play. 1be otherprotagonists are town T Cross, a mystery set in Mexico in the mid- leaders representing various factional groups. 1990s. It tells a story about traditional Catholics, FatherConway, thetownpriest, is murdered reform Catholics, and Seventh-day Adventists while playing the role of Christ on the cross. in a small highland town in the southernmost One ofthe suspects is Don Roberto Mendez, the state of Chiapas. Ibis region nurtures two Seventh-day Adventist mayorofthe town. What seemingly contradictory tren~fast growth follows is Padre jake'sfirst interrogation ofthe ofthe Adventist Church, and a political rebel­ suspect. lion known as the Zapatista revoli 1be Zapatistas represent one response to the region's walked back through the rectory to where problem of rural poverty, while the Adventist Nicolas sat in the garden. "I need. a guide, Church offers another path. I Nicolas." 1be main character is Fatherjacob O'Malley, "Where are we going?" he asked, as we also known as Padre jake-a jesuitpriest with walked toward the plaza. a past. Padre jake, along with an American "To visit the people from the Passion Play­ academic, a Mexican professor, and a num­ Don Roberto, Don Simon, Don Mateo, and ber ofother visitors, are in town for the annual then the Lieutenant." "The first two are in Barrio Abajo. We can john C. Kelley, vice president ofDiplomatic Resolutions, Inc., cross the new bridge." Washington, D. C., is the author ofseveralforthcoming novels .All "It's finished? Last time I was here, it didn't are set in Mexico, where Kelley was born. A graduate ifAndrews University, Kelley returned to Chiapas, Mexico, the setting for look like they'd ever finish it." his novels, to research his Columbia University doctoral disser­ "Pure politics, Father. They wanted to put tation. Kelley's varied career includes pastoring a Spanish­ Salinas' name on it, so they worked real fast to speaking Seventh-day Adventist congregation in New York City, teaching cultural anthropology at Columbia, and serving in inaugurate it before December." Honduras and D.C., as a foreign service officer. The term of office for ex-President Carlos

SEP1EMBER 1997 3 SPEc.rnUM------

Salinas de Gortari ended in December 1994, ing ever got done. The architects and engi­ when Zedillo was inaugurated as his succes­ neers finished the plans back in 1976. But sor. Public works in Mexico, like public works Father Conway moved everything and finally everywhere, are monuments to the regime; got it approved for the Fund. It still wasn't bridges and highways and buildings seem to started until after the Zapatistas ... " be completed on a six-year cycle. "The Zapatistas? What did they have to do "I guess it will be easier to get there than with it?" when you took me last time." It was a 20- "Nothing, really. But the government started minute walk from the Cathedral to Barrio doing lots of things after the big revolt in Abajo, on the other side of Rio Hondo. While January of last year. And that's when Father it was less than 300 meters as the crow flies, Lupe finally got the project approved." you had to walk down a narrow path, a A clever man, my Jesuit brother. I vaguely switchback down one side of the ravine, and remembered him telling me, on my visit last then up another switchback on the far side. year, that a bridge was essential to bring the

Politicians had promised the bridge since the two halves of this community together. The ------19th century. river dividing "Barrio Abajo" from the rest of We approached the bridge, a small suspen­ San Marcos, he said, was a social barrier as sion span across the Rio Hondo. On the effective as the Berlin Wall. concrete pillar anchoring one of the cables, I saw a large plaque-"Puente Salinas," in large n the other side of the bridge we walked letters. Underneath, the inscription said it was 0 down a steep trail, a shortcut to Barrio built by the "H. Ayuntamiento Municipal"­ Abajo. Houses on this side of the river are of the Honorable County Council--of Simon recent vintage, built in the last 50 years as San Vazquez, Mayor; below that, it acknowledged Marcos outgrew the plateau. financing from the "Social Development Fund" We came to the Mendez home, a substantial of the federal government, under President house only recently completed, with a plas­ Carlos Salinas de Gortari. tered front and painted cement block sides. We started across the bridge. "So," I said, The porch was furnished with a hammock, "it's the Salinas Bridge." rocking chair, and a small table and chairs. We "Nobody calls it that," said Nicolas; "they climbed the steps. call it Puente Conway." One doesn't knock in this kind of town. A "Oh?" I remarked. I stopped at the center of visitor stands at the door, clearing his throat the bridge to take in the spectacular view. To loudly. If he's not heard, he calls out the name, my left, the Cerro Calaveras rose against the but not too loudly. If that doesn't work, he green backdrop of the rain forest. I leaned walks around the side and repeats the steps. over the parapet and looked down at the Rio If, by then, his presence is not acknowledged, Hondo, 100 feet below. In April it's a placid he leaves. His visit is unwelcome. mountain stream, but a month later it will be Today I was spared this ritual. "Welcome, raging, swollen by the first rains of the season. Father Jake," said Mendez, as he deftly extri­ Nicolas hung back. "I get dizzy if I look cated himself from the hammock. down," he said. "Pardon me, Don Roberto, I don't mean to "Why is it called Puente Conway?" I asked. interrupt your ..." "Everybody knows that if it wasn't for the "Father, it is a pleasure to receive you in my Father, the bridge never would have been humble house. Please sit down." He turned his built. We had promises and projects but noth- head. "Melissa!"

4 VoLUME 26, NuMBER 3 ------THEjOURNAL oF mE AssociA710N OF ADVENI1ST FoRUMS

As he seated us around the table a young eldest daughter's clothes. girl of about 13 years came out the front door. "Good afternoon, Father Jake. You too, "Si, Papi?" Nico." She spoke to us in English, which she "Say hello to Father Jake." taught in San Marcos' secondary school. When The girl, with lustrous black hair in long I'd come to visit before, she and Roberto had braids, a gingham dress, and plastic sandals, insisted that we speak English because they looked at me with her big, black eyes. "Buenas had so few chances to practice. They learned tardes, Padre." She curtsied. the language in a parochial boarding school in "Buenas tardes, Melissa." the center of Chiapas called "Linda Vista." "Tell your mama to bring some tamarindo They'd finished college in the north of Mexico, punch." at the Universidad de Montemorelos, then "Si, Papi." She walked back inside. lived in Texas for three years before moving Two years earlier, on a visit to San Marcos, back to their home town. Father Conway brought me to visit the Mendez Nicolas and I stood up. "It's a pleasure to see home. We were served tamarindo, a very you again, Dona Julieta." refreshing tropical fruit. I'd suffered some She poured the tamarindo. "Please, sit embarrassment, on that occasion, when down. I am sorry for my, how do you say, my Mendez asked what I wanted to drink. I asked outcry this morning. Father Jake is very dear to for coffee, and he told me they didn't have me." any. Curious, I'd asked why the head of the "Please, you have no need to apologize." coffee cooperative had no coffee. It was a "My son called by telephone some few matter of principle, he said. Seventh-day Ad­ minutes ago. He is still looking for the coroner. ventists don't drink coffee, and he and his Why does he need an autopsy?" family were Seventh-day Adventists. So I had "He is doing the correct thing. To avoid any tamarindo instead. suspicions." "You've finished your house, Don Roberto." "How is feeling the Senorita Luisa Maria?" On my last visit, this house was a jumble of asked Don Roberto. rebar and blocks. "The coffee price was high last year. So, I had the housewarming at Christmas." "Don Roberto, I'm still curious about that coffee business." "I remember that," he laughed. "If it's against your religion to drink it, how can you grow and sell it?" "It's an interesting question. The answer is simple. The Bible doesn't prohibit coffee, but our prophet Ellen White wrote that we should avoid stimulants for health reasons. It's not a sin, though, so we can grow it and sell it." A strikingly beautiful woman, classic Maya profile, came out on the porch with a pitcher and four glasses. She wore a loose blouse and designer jeans. Even after seven daughters and on~--~QI?-2 J~li~~a. d~-M~ndez wore her

SEPTEMBER 1997 5 SPEdrnUM------

"She is a very strong woman. She is fine." "Casuistry." "You have a--how do you say it--a dicho "What is this?" asked Julieta . . . ." said Julieta. "It's a very subtle way of deciding what is "An adage." right and wrong--a subtle way which is not "... an adage about women like her. It is always correct, but sounds good. Like Jesuits something like this: 'Calm water is very deep."' are good at it." "'Still waters run deep,' Dona Julieta." "Can you explain?" she asked. "What is mean that?" Nicolas asked proudly. "Let me give you an example. I see a beggar "Nico, querido, how many times have I said on the street. I steal a piece of meat from the to you? When you make a question in English, supermarket to feed him. I say to myself that you must use the auxiliary verb." it is okay to steal because it is not for me, but "Yes, Teacher. Okay. What does mean to feed the poor and hungry. That's an ex­ that?" ample of casuistry." Julieta shrugged in resignation. "You do not believe in Chucho el Roto, "It means, Nicolas, that a person looks very Father?" Roberto asked, referring to Mexico's peaceful, but inside she may be very hot." Robin Hood. "That is the very truth for that woman. I have "Exactly." to see it with my own eyes." Nicolas beamed. "We as Adventists," said Julieta, "would not "I have seen it, Nicolas. Conjugate the verb." do what you say in that example." She looked "I have seen it." at me expectantly. "Good." "Why not?" I asked, humoring her. "What did you see, Nicolas?" "We would never steal meat." A pause. "We "Many time ago, I think it is day after she are vegetarians." come here now, she cry very much in her We laughed. "But you would raise and sell room." cattle, right?" Julieta turned to me. "Don Roberto says she "Nos agarro en curva," she said. You got us is, how to say it, a cold fish. I tell him no, there. "You remind me of the other Father." underneath she is a real woman. And she is in "I do?" love ... " "Yes. We could talk with him like a real "Julieta, porfavor, lay off the tales, please." person." Don Roberto turned to me. "Dona Julieta "But that's what we priests are." sometimes believes too much the, how do you "That's not what I learned when I was little," say ..." said Julieta. "Gossip." Julieta supplied the missing word. "It's not?" "Thank you, amor. She sometimes believe "My mother said priests had long tails and the gossip of the women in the market." hoofs, like little devils. We learned in high "It is no gossip. I hear it direct from Dona school that the Catholic Church is Babylon. Marta." The Pope is Antichrist." "We should not trouble our visitor with "My goodness. If that's what you were these stories," said Don Roberto, with a pointed taught, how did you agree to take part in the look to his wife. Passion Play, this Catholic ritual?" "Don Roberto," I put in quickly, "back to our "Father Conway convinced me," said Julieta, discussion about selling coffee .... " as she refilled our glasses. She stood up. "I "Yes. I still try to understand what means must get some more tamarindo." cashewis tree." "Could I trouble you for some coffee?" I

6 Vorrnm 26, NuMBER 3 ------THE jOURNAL OF mE AssociATION OF ADVEN71ST FoRuMs

said. "We could say he 'made an offer I couldn't She looked at me, not quite sure. I laughed. refuse."' "I make joke." "Don Roberto, you know a lot of sayings in "I am joking." The inveterate English teacher. English. Where did you learn that one? It She turned quickly, trying to hide her smile, comes from the movies and you are forbidden and walked back into the house. I watched her to go to the movies, aren't you?" go. I have heard men complain that Latin "You are correct, Father Jake." We looked women lose their figures as soon as they are up as Julieta returned. "But we watch movies married; those men, I am sure, had not met on our Betamax." Julieta de Mendez. She was as slim as any of "But it's still a movie, isn't it? How can you her teenage daughters, and more graceful. justify it?" "Father Conway convinced me," Don "It is easy," said Julieta. "We can't go to the Roberto reiterated. "It was simple. He say to movies because of the bad influence of the me, first, Christ is dying for all sinners, not just place. You meet bad people there. Right, Don Catholics. Second, every Christian believe in Roberto? That is what my mother said. She also the death and the, uh, I ---.---.- said guardian angels say it in Spanish, resur- Roberto pulled outThe Bible cannot go inside. You recci6n ofJesus Christ. are not with protec- And,third,hetalkabout Story, Vol. 1, by Arthur Max- tion." the Concordat. He say well. I opened it. A brightly "I think your mother all Christians must unite knew what I would do together for to bring illustrated story of the Cre- if we were alone in the peace again in San ation, written in plain En- dark theater." Marcos." Don Roberto l h fi ll d b h "Beta, please. Re- seemed proud of this g iS ' O OWe ~ Ot er StO- spect the Father." long speech. riesfrom Genesis. "We teach "My friends," I said, "That'sallheneeded our childrenfirom the Bible "this is a perfect ex- to say to convince you?" ample of casuistry." "No. Also he offer and English at the same "What is?" me to become a time, "Julieta said. "Going to the mov- concel-how he say?- ies is a sin, right? But concelebrant of the mass. He say if I bring my seeing a movie in your own house is not a sin church to the Holy Week services, he will put because you are not exposed to bad influ- us to be responsible for the services on ences." Saturday following the Adventist way." "That's what we say." "The Saturday mass?" "That's a subtle way to justify something "Yes." which is not correct. I would think that the real "So tomorrow you will do the mass?" sin in movies, according to whoever made this "We are having a church service the Advent­ rule for your church, is being exposed to the ist way in the Cathedral, for us and the bad influence of the thing you see." Catholics. Maybe should I say we were going Don Roberto grinned at me. "Please, Father to, if Father Conway did not die?" Jake, do not say this to our pastor. Because "But, my dear Don Roberto, I honor what he then he will make a sermon about it and we said. We must admire what Father Conway might have to give up the Betamax." He did." looked at "That makes me to remem-

SEPTEMBER 1997 7 SPEC-mUM------ber. Did you check on them?" We went into the next room. Five girls and "I did. No problem. But it might be a good Nicolas watched "Beauty and the Beast" on a idea if you take Father Jake. Pretend you big screen television equipped with a demonstrate the equipment. That way Betamax. Alejandra and Nicolas will be more scared." "Nifias, saluden at Padre Jake." At their I looked around. "Nicolas? I didn't notice mother's conunand, the five girls stood and when he left." said, in unison, "Good afternoon, FatherJake." "He likes to visit us with any excuse. That The youngest one came up to me, her hand way he can see Alejandra. He has a-what do outstretched. "I'm Clarissa." She solemnly shook you call it, Julieta?" my hand. "A crush." "I am pleased to meet you, Clarissa." "I always forget that word. It does not have "I am Melissa," said the next one. I went sense ..." through the same ritual with Yanet, Claudia, "Make sense." and Alejandra. "Si, mi amor. It does not make sense." "Please, young ladies, do not let me inter­ Roberto stood up. "Let me show you my new rupt your movie." house, Father." "Thank you, Father We walked inside. "Father, "said Don Roberto, Jake," they said, in uni­ The living room had son. They sat. two couches, uphol­ "he received himselffirst in We walked out to stered in dark blue ve­ his class from the Monte­ the back porch, a wide lour, covered with plas­ area under the over­ tic. A coffee table with more/as medical school. Ifit hanging roof of tile and a vase of paper flowers was possible to do anything tin. It held the family was in the center of the dining table. In a "sell" room, and a bookcase to save Father Conway, my to the main house was with four shelves of son will do it. " the kitchen. Julieta led hardbacks stood in the the way in. She proudly corner. displayed her possessions-a refrigerator, elec­ They led me over to the books. Those on tric stove, and breakfast table. the top row had brightly colored blue backs. "Your kitchen is very modern." Roberto pulled one out-The Bible Story, Vol. "But I cannot convince our cook to use this 1, by Arthur Maxwell. I opened it. A brightly stove. She still uses the hearth in the old illustrated story of the Creation, written in kitchen." plain English, followed by other stories from "What did you do with the old house?" Genesis. "My son lives there while he is performing "We teach our children from the Bible and his year of social service in Simojovel." English at the same time," Julieta said. "I met him this morning. He took Father "A very good idea." Conway's body down to Simojovel." "We hope they put these stories on Betamax. "Father," said Don Roberto, "he is a young Then we can invite the neighbor children to doctor but he is very good. He received see." himself as the first in his class from the "And, as a bonus, no pastor can tell you to Montemorelos medical school. If it was pos­ get rid of your Betamax." They laughed with sible to do anything to save Father Conway, me. my son will do it."

8 VoLCME 26, NuMBER 3 ------THEjOURNAL OF mE AssociATION oF ADVENTIST FoRuMs

"I'm sure he did, Don Roberto. In fact, Father the Professor Prescott; he was supposed to be Conway was very proud of him. He wrote me on the cross. He has many enemies." a few months ago about this excellent young "He does?" I was surprised. doctor Mendez who cured his gout. He had "Many, many enemies." only good things to say about him." "Who are these enemies?" "Thank you, Father. We will not want you "Oh, his enemies are everywhere. He has to worry what if a doctor with more experi­ argument with everybody." ence is there." I knew, from experience, Roberto would We walked back to the rear porch. Julieta say no more. "Don Roberto, I won't take any said, "Father, if you will excuse me, I must go more of your time." where my cook is working. I need to help in "Nicoh1s," I called. A moment later, my guide the preparations for the Sabbath." came out on the back porch and we walked "Please," I said, "I have already taken too down the street toward the Vazquez home. much of your time. It has been a pleasure "So, Nicolas, you like the Mendez girl?" We visiting your home. I congratulate you." were back to Spanish. Julieta smiled as she took her leave. Don "Yes, very much." Roberto showed me back to the front porch "But she is of a different faith." and motioned for me to sit down, . but I "Yes, Father. I already talked about it with repeated that I had already taken too much of Father Conway." his time. "And what did he say?" "It has been an honor to receive your visit, "He was against it. I told him we were both Father. You are in your house." Christians, and anyway he is in favor of "Thank you." ecumin . . . ecumenical . . . you know, of "Father, pardon the imprudence, but you getting the churches together. I said that's seem to be-how do you say it?-worry. If I what I was doing." can do anything ..." Clever boy, I thought. "And what did he say "It's Father Conway; his death just does not to that?" seem right. I didn't think he was that weak." "He asked me, Will your children go to "You can speak to my son, who has at- catechism or Sabbath school?" tended him." "And your answer?" "Don Roberto, can I be frank?" "Catechism, of course." "It is as you wish." "Is that what Alejandra wants?" "Did Father Conway have any enemies in "Did you talk to Father Conway about this?" San Marcos?" "No. Why?" He looked at me, eyebrows raised. "En­ "Because he asked me the same question." emies? No. All loved Father Conway. Why you "Perhaps they are the right questions to think he has enemies?" ask." "I'm not convinced it was a natural death." "Well, I talked to Doctor Prescott, and he "No, it is impossible. All loved him. Even I, told me I was doing the right thing." the leader of a. different religious group, he "Really? Did he say why?" made himself a good friend of me." "Yes. He explained that the churches were "What if the coroner discovers in the au­ important, but they are a thing of the past. We topsy that he was killed?" I persisted. "Do you are in the future, he said, and we make our have any idea who could do it?" own future. He said I should keep on with "I insist. It is not possible. Perhaps it was for Alejandra."

SEPTEMBER 1997 9 SPECJmUM ______

"What temple will you get married in? The thought, gtvmg this sort of advice to an Catholic one or the Adventist one?" orphan, to Conway's protege. "The important "Neither one." matter, Nicolas, is what Alejandra's parents "Neither? Where, then?" think. How do they feel?" "Doctor Prescott had a good idea. 'Get "They are very happy we are in love, Father. married in the temple of the future,' he said." They give me many chances with her. Usually "Temple of the future? Where is that?" a father chases boys away; you have to hide "The temple of learning. Our school. There behind his back. But Don Roberto and Dofia is the temple of the future." Julieta make me feel very welcome at their Small wonder Prescott has enemies, I house."

10 VoLUME 26, NuMBER 3 Walla Walla Religion Faculty Under Fire

How the religion faculty at Walla Walla College has come under fire, and what the board is doing about it.

by Rosemary Bradley Watts

he special committee appointed to ex­ familiarity with years of misunderstandings, amine the Walla Walla School of Reli­ rumors, and the occasional outright false­ T gion will announce its recommenda­ hood. tions at the November meeting of the college board. Appointed May 5, the nine-member he Walla Walla College faculty of religion committee, composed of members of the Tis widely recognized as one of the most board of trustees (see "Board Appoints Com­ respected and well-credentialed in Adven­ mittee to Examine WWC School of Religion," tism. Its members regularly publish articles Spectrnm, Vol. 26, No. 2), was charged with and books. Several, including John Brunt and the responsibility of finding ways to bring Alden Thompson, have had books reviewed together the college theology department by reading committees, published by Advent­ and the wider Adventist community. Jere ist publishing houses, and circulated through Patzer, president of the North Pacific Union the Adventist Book Centers. Their ideas have Conference, and W. G. Nelson, president of hardly been kept secret, including Thompson's Walla Walla College, agreed that the commit­ views on the nature of Scripture. Over a period tee would be allowed the widest latitude and of years, Thompson's work, in particular, has flexibility in its work. The committee itself prompted vigorous discussion and criticism. selected Bryce Pascoe as its chair. Committee However, it wasn't until Jere Patzer became members face a daunting task, requiring a president of the North Pacific Union Confer­ ence and chair of the Walla Walla College Rosemary Bradley Watts, a graduate ofAtlantic Union Col­ board, in 1996, that criticisms of Walla Walla's lege, seroed for several years as an assistant editor at the school of religion coalesced and received Adventist Review. She now lives in Richland, Washington, where, until her recent retirement, she worked as an editor official attention in denominational and col­ and writer. lege committees.

SEPTEMBER 1997 11 SPEC,mUM------

atzer came to the union presidency by Adventist, by the Walla Walla College School Pway of the Upper Columbia Conference, of Theology Faculty," and listed among the where he served for 11 years as president. questions for discussion, "What is it that keeps During his tenure in Upper Columbia, Patzer professional theologians in the Seventh-day took steps to distance himself, ceremonially Adventist Church?" and "How might we, pro­ and substantively, from Walla Walla College. fessional or not, help shape a vision ofthe SDA He did not invite the chair of the school of Church of the future?" religion to observe the monthly conference Each of the faculty members had preached executive committee meetings, thereby break­ a morning sermon; however, they understood ing a long-standing precedent. He did not this afternoon meeting to be a time for per­ invite faculty to speak at the annual Upper sonal testimony--for discussion of individual Columbia Conference camp meetings, held journeys and commitment to Adventism. The on the college campus, nor did he invite them Spokane Area Ministers Association (SAMA), to speak at the pastors' meetings. On those however, saw the flyer and took it to mean that rare occasions that he attended the annual faculty members were finally coming to ad­ weekend of meetings when the faculty of dress presumably widespread theological con­ religion met with the conference presidents in cerns. As one pastor put it, "Some of us had a relaxed atmosphere of study and fellowship, heard they were teaching stuff that wasn't he typically stayed for just a few hours. When even Christian, so this would give us a chance Patzer became chair of the Walla Walla Col­ to hear them clear the air and set the record lege. board, he again broke precedent by straight." rescinding the standing invitation to the theol­ Those who attended with this purpose in ogy department chair to observe the union mind were, no doubt, disappointed. Darold executive meetings. This was a doubly curious Bigger spoke of the Advent hope in the thing to do, since any church member in the context of his daughter's tragic murder, and union may, by constitution, observe the open Bruce Johanson told the story of returning to meetings. the church after leaving it years before. Others Nevertheless, the faculty of religion was spoke of the Creator and the importance of taken by surprise when, in the early part of joyous Sabbathkeeping. In the discussion pe­ 1997, what had seemed like random attacks riod after the presentations, faculty members began to resemble a full frontal assault. Just fielded questions about what made them pecu­ five months after Patzer became union presi­ liarly Adventist; one listener wanted to know if dent, an October 12, 1996, meeting provided the church still believes the Catholic Church is the catalyst. the Beast (as announced in the Spokane Spokes­ man Review some weeks before). Responses he Walla Walla College alumni associa­ were subdued and philosophical. Everyone Ttion had been planning the meeting for was tired after a long day. Although audience more than a year. It was intended to draw response was uniformly positive, when asked alumni from throughout the Spokane, Wash­ about the event, Ernest Bursey, professor of ington, area. S~hool of religion faculty were an New Testament, chuckled. "It wasn't terrible, obvious choice to represent the college: The but it was not our finest hour." department is one of which the school is The two pastors from the Spokane area who proud, and the faculty's Sabbath Seminars had attended the meeting evidently agreed. One yet to visit the Spokane area. Flyers went out week after the meeting, the president of under the headline, "Why I Am a Seventh-day SAMA, Richie Pries, who had not attended,

12 VoLlh\1£ 26, NuMBER 3 ------THE jOURNAL OF mE AssociATION oF ADVEN71ST FoRUMS called the members of SAMA together to listen One administrator in the North Pacific to a tape of the afternoon meeting, and to air Union began collecting and studying the concerns about where the faculty fell in main- doctoral dissertations of the faculty mem- stream Adventism. The faculty's failure to bers, with an eye toward the "Rio Statement" mention any of Adventism's "distinctive doc- of 1986, which declared the historical-critical trines" in responding to questions about what method of Scriptural study unacceptable for made them uniquely Adventist was particu- Adventist scholars. larly disturbing. At the Upper Columbia Conference pastors' After seeking counsel from "higher up"-a meeting, a vaguely worded letter was drafted, source close to the story, who spoke on urging the board to note that the undersigned condition of anonymity, affirmed that this held "deep concerns" about the college. Forty- meant from the General Conference-the two individuals signed the letter. Though members of SAMA drafted an eight-page letter addressed to members of the board, it was of complaints, accompanied by a marked-up sent only to Patzer, McClure, and Falkenberg. transcript of the ques- Jim Reinking, an evan- tion-and-answerperiod "Could someone getft'red as gelist who circulated of the October 1996 the letter for signatures, meeting. Theletterwas a result ofthis process? I can't wasuntroubledbythis, addressed to Patzer, make a guarantee that it and explained that it with copies to Elders had been sent only to Alfred McClure, presi- couldn't happen. My senti- Patzer, chair of the dent of the North mentisthatwe'reafongway board,sothat"hishand American Division; could be strengthened Robert Falkenberg, past that." indealingwiththedeep president of the Gen- concerns." eral Conference; and -W. G. Nelson, President Sensing an impend- W. G. Nelson, presi- Walla Walla College ingcrisis, W. G. Nelson dent of Walla Walla College. When asked urged a meeting of union officials and the what he hoped to accomplish by sending the religion faculty. The union administration pre- letter, Pries responded, "I want to know if the pared for the meeting by arranging a telecon- members of the staff believe the world was ference with Richard Davidson, chair of the created in six 24-hour days. I want to know department of Old Testament at the SDA Theo­ where they stand on the providential rise of logical Seminary, Andrews University; Samuel the Adventist Church. Is it just a sociological Koranteng-Pipim, a doctoral student at the thing or genuinely led by God? [I want to seminary; George Reid (director), Angel know] where ... they stand on the 2300 days Rodriguez, and William Shea, of the General and 1844? Can we be passionate about preach­ Conference's Biblical Research Institute; and ing it or do we have to sort of apologize for it?" the presidents of conferences in the North When asked whether he had voiced his con- Pacific Union. During the meeting, the admin­ cerns to members of the .faculty, he replied, istrators were briefed on research into the "No, they are the teachers, and I am the contents of the dissertations written by Walla student." His responsibility lay elsewhere. "I Walla College religion faculty members. " have no authority to talk with them1 he said, On January 23, 1997, Patzer convened a "and I took it to .those who have authority over meeting of the conference presidents; the , ..union.treas.urer; ..BryceJ~asc.Q,.lhe.umQn.§~cr~:- ....

SEPTEMBER 1997 13 SPEC-mUM------tary; and Bill Knott, pastor of the college $25,000 check to Nelson, along with an church; with Nelson and members of the impassioned speech praising the faculty of faculty of religion. Conference and union religion and designating the funds (collected administrators took up most of the meeting from alumni) for their exclusive and unre­ voicing a variety of concerns about the entire stricted use. During the Sabbath sermon, Dan faculty of religion. One conference president Mathews, director and host of Faith for To­ even made an apparently offhanded reference day, expanded on the weekend theme of to a party, attended by members of the religion "Friends" by describing how Christian friends faculty, where alcoholic beverages were con­ should behave, particularly when involved in sumed. Subsequent to the meeting, the rumor disputes. Many took it as a gentle rebuke to was traced to a 1994 birthday party for Beverly the parties involved in the dispute surround­ Beem, chair of the English department and ing the religion faculty. At the Sunday morn­ then head elder of the college church. When ing business meeting of the alumni associa­ her pastor, Bill Knott, mistook bottles of tion, members unanimously voted a specific Martinelli's sparkling apple cider and action voicing their complete support for the Rothschild's sparkling grape juice for wine, he Walla Walla College religion faculty and reported his consternation directly to Patzer. administration. (Knott later acknowledged his error and a polo­ By the time the college board finally met on gized to members of the faculty.) May 5, 1997, many thought the meeting would be anticlimactic. Several earlier meetings had eanwhile, religion faculty began feeling aggressively addressed some of the more M concretely the displeasure of the North specific concerns. But the meeting was far Pacific Union administrators. Alden from mild. At one point, a board member Thompson's regular column in the union veered from discussion of the faculty of reli­ news magazine, the Gleaner, was canceled gion to charge that a sociology textbook because of alleged budgetary constraints. An contained "pornography," and to present proof. advertisement featuring Pedrito Maynard-Reid's It seems the book included information on picture was pulled from the Gleaner for un­ rape. It was a poor note on which to end. specified reasons.. Ernest Bursey offered to when the board went into executive ses­ cancel a speaking engagement at the Wash­ sion, faculty members were startled to learn ington Conference camp meeting, in the inter­ that John Brunt, vice-president for academic est of avoiding embarrassment to conference affairs, and Manford Simcock, vice-president officials; his offer was accepted. Taken to­ for finance, both of whom regularly partici­ gether, these actions lent weight to the rumors pated in executive sessions, were dismissed. that were circulating about the crisis at the Again, though, voices of support were heard. school of religion. While the board was in executive session, students circulated a statement affirming sup- ronically, the rumors themselves may have port for the faculty of religion. They collected I served to calm the frenzy. As people be- 400 signatures, and presented them to Nelson. came aware of the variety of allegations and Before dispersing, the board took action, threats circulating, more came forward to forming the nine-member committee currently express their support for the religion faculty. examining the school of religion. At the annual Alumni Homecoming Banquet, At a meeting with the faculty that night, Dr. Bruce Hamm, of Moscow, Idaho, took Patzer and Nelson both described the results ~Y-~!YQP_~_QY_~~~P!~~--':"J1_~11~ll~_p_~~~!l:!~cl.~. _____()f._th_~_QQ.~~cl __ !!!~~~il!g__ ~L~~~Q!()~l?h2_~_s_:, .... In

14 VOLrnfE 26, NUMBER 3 THE joURNAL oF mE AssoCIA110N OF ADVEN11ST FoRuMs addressing questions after the opening state­ they'd have to come back with a recommen­ ments, Patzer was conciliatory. "Administra­ dation .... There would have to be some basis tors and pastors are the same," he said; "aca­ to that recommendation, and in fact [there are] demics are different-no question." Nonethe-:­ legal specifications as to how we deal with less, he affirmed that all three groups shared things in our office. . .. The substance of that similar goals, and acknowledged the ground­ fact would have to have been substantiated. lessness of many of the rumors: "We all want We have due process." to strengthen the church in the Northwest," he "We've come a long way," Nelson contin­ said, and continued, "Had discussions hap­ ued. "The only thing I can tell you is that I pened over the last 10 years, we wouldn't be believe in the goodwill of the people. I believe where we are now." they are committed to looking at more than After Patzer left the faculty meeting for simply the issue of a particular person. Be­ another appointment, Nelson struck a hopeful yond that, my real expectation is that what note. "Could someone get fired as a result of they will come back to us and do is to say, 'We this process?" he asked rhetorically. "I can't think there are some statistics in the constitu­ make a guarantee that it couldn't happen. My ency about certain issues.' I can conceive that sentiment is that we're a long way past that. I they will tell us how they believe that commu­ don't know what to tell you except this: The nication could be set up to avoid these prob­ very first thing that would happen is that lems in the future."

SEPTEMBER 1997 15 Why Investigate Walla Walla Now?

The North Pacific Union president discusses scrutinizing Walla Walla's religion faculty; the special commission reports.

From the Board Chair: we do have a responsibility to foster the re­ A Statement establishment of credibility as it relates to our constituents in the Northwest. We are optimis­ tic that upon the completion of this process n recent years, there has been an increasing the college, the North Pacific Union, and our I number of former students, parents, pas­ membership at large will be in a stronger tors, constituents, and church leaders voicing position for having invested considerable en­ concern regarding the theology department of ergies to address these issues. Walla Walla College. When I came to this office in the spring of 1996, the files validated what I Jere D. Patzer, D.Min., M.B.A. already knew-that my predecessor had been President, North Pacific Union Conference addressing what by then had become a serious situation. Concerns regarding issues that most mainline Adventists considered basic and non­ From the Commission: negotiable were being raised, including-but An Interim Report not limited to-a literal, six-day Creation week; eschatology; atonement; inspiration; and the September 8, 1997 authority of Scripture. Upon the recommendation of President W. he WWC Commission was established by G. Nelson and myself, the college board voted Tthe College Board on May 5, 1997, to to establish a commission to address the examine and assess the growing tensions current situation and make recommendations arising out of concerns expressed by some to the board (see interim report, below). graduates, parents, pastors, and others regard­ While we recognize that we cannot resolve ing the Theology Department. all ~~~-t:ll~()_l()gic:£lll~s!'~~ i!l_t:ll~ c:h~_rc:l1~atJ£1!g~,-~··· .. ___ Ill~ ~9Ql!!ll~~iQDhas !!!~1f<2l1IJim~~-dl1I!t1g 16 VoLUME 26, NuMBER 3 THE joURNAL OF mE AssociATION oF ADVENTIST FoRuMs the summer. Two meeting were held in Port­ ships and confidence restored. land and two were held on the WWC campus. To this point the Commission has forged The last three have each involved meeting itself into a cohesive working unit, displaying over a two-day period. All members of the various and independent points of view. It has Commission have been present for all the interviewed approximately half of the theol­ meetings. An additional teleconference was ogy faculty, and is scheduled to interview the held more recently. other half in September. The Commission is in The Commission, after long deliberation, the process of listing the elements contribut­ decided against electing a Chairperson, choos­ ing to the tension that it has found to date and ing rather to appoint Bryce Pascoe as facilita­ expects to be able to provide a list of recom­ tor to handle logistic and organizational con­ mendations at the time of the November 10 cerns, and David Thomas as Secretary to meeting of the College Board. record process and findings. Chairmanship of Two more meetings of the Commission are meetings has been shared by various Commis­ planned, one for September 27 and 28 on the sion members. campus of the College, and one for November The Commission understands its task to be 1 and 2 off-campus, which hopefully should that of identifying various issues related to the conclude the meeting of the Commission. constituent concerns and, after assessment, to make recommendations to the Board as to Respectfully submitted, how resolution can be found and relation- David E. Thomas, Secretary

SEPTEMBER 1997 17 The Walla Walla Witch Hunt of 1938

How American fundamentalism of the 1930s swept away three Walla Walla religion professors and President William Landeen.

by Terrie Dopp Aamodt

NE OF THE FIRST GREAT ADVENTIST ACA­ Are witch hunts cyclic? demic purges occurred at Walla Walla The answers lie in the way people and their 0 College in 1938. After intense ques­ institutions respond to change. In 1938, church tioning by the board of trustees, three theol­ leaders became more specific than their own ogy faculty resigned "under fire," and the recently articulated fundamental beliefs as college president, William Landeen, also re­ they uncovered real and perceived deviance signed. Its prelude and aftermath both invite at Walla Walla College (WWC). While part of and defy interpretation. How do people who the 1938 context was uniquely Adventist, the have been doing the same job year after year denomination was not immune to the funda­ suddenly qualify as heretics? Should it be mentalist fervor that swept through American surprising that probing for heterodoxy in one religion in the 1920s and 1930s. place reveals it in some other, totally unex­ Although the exit of some theology teachers pected place? When a trusted professor winds seemed to assuage momentarily the fears that up in the pulpit of another denomination, did created the purge, the underlying issues were he get there because in his heart he was an never really resolved; retirements, the onset of Episcopalian, a Methodist, or a Unitarian all World War II, and short institutional memory along, or is there some other explanation? explain the relative tranquility that followed. How does a purge begin? What makes it end? f the purge of 1938 was a morality play, Terrie Dopp Aamodt, a graduate of Columbia Union College, I church officials and theologians made up received her MA.from the College of William and Mary, and the dramatis personae. her Ph.D. in American studies from Boston University. She is prqfessor of English and history at Walla Walla College, and wrote the college's centennial history, entitled Bold Venture: JAMEs LAMAR McELHANY, president of the General A History of Walla Walla College. Conference since 1936, and author of the

18 Vouhl1E 26, NuMBER 3 THE jouRNAL OF mE AssociATION OF ADVEN11ST FoRuMs

first version of denominational fundamen­ about to follow suit, union officials and the tal beliefs, published in 1932; Western Washington Conference president .MALcoLM NEAL CAMPBELL, vice president of the preached three sermons there one Sabbath General Conference for the North American and then asked the members who could Division; support the denomination to stand. Forty-three EDWIN K. SLADE, president of the North Pacific did, and the 10 who did not were dis­ Union Conference (NPUC) and chair of the fellowshipped. Not about to be defeated, the WWC Board of Trustees; Rogers brothers obtained a printing press from WILLIAM LANDEEN, Reformation historian and wealthy supporters, and Slade feared they president of Walla Walla College since 1933; would spread their heresy worldwide.1 FREDERICK ScHILLING, evangelist, church histo­ One of Slade's chief responsibilities was rian and theologian, a 15-year veteran of chairing the board at Walla Walla College. The denominational employment, and dean of school appeared to be thriving-enrollment the WWC School of Theology since 1932; was growing steadily, and 10 percent of the HoMER SAXToN, religion teacher for 17 years, at student body were theology majors. The col­ WWC since 1933; lege had just achieved accreditation in 1935, HARoLD BAss, missionary, academy principal, shortly after Pacific Union College became the and pastor for nearly 20 years, added to the first accredited Adventist college. The board WWC theology faculty in the fall of 1937. chairman did not see eye to eye with his college president, however. At a meeting of General ames McElhany presided over a newly Conference officers in March of 1937, Slade diverse worldwide church whose mission reported that all of the faculty had been reap­ Jprogram added many new members. The 22 pointed at the regular February board meeting. fundamental beliefs he authored at the request Departing from the usual practice, though, the of the General Conference Committee in 1932 board directed that Landeen and the college would become increasingly important in bring­ business manager, F. W. Peterson, would not ing unity and uniformity of practice around be reappointed until the union conference the world. It had been almost 25 years since session in the summer, when union administra­ Ellen White had died, and he wanted young tors were likewise up for re-election. He stated people born after her death to understand that that Landeen had complained about the insuf­ she was still central to the Adventist message. ficiency of his salary to support his family, Things to be avoided at all costs were skepti­ which was encouraging other faculty to ask for cism, infidelity, and worldliness. special financial favors. In addition, said Slade, His lieutenant in the Northwest, Edwin "the university spirit which he has engendered Slade, had his hands full. Heresy seemed to be in the school is really detrimental to the highest breaking out everywhere in the North Pacific objectives." All the while, Slade observed, Union. Two young men, the Rogers brothers, Landeen appeared to show disdain for the who had studied for a time at Walla Walla industrial program of the school, which was College, took their intense righteousness by encouraging Peterson to look for employment faith message to the Enumclaw, Washington, elsewhere.2 church and proclaimed the church organiza­ Landeen was very comfortable moving in tion was in error because it did not focus on worldly circles, which concerned Slade. this message. When the entire congregation Landeen was vice president of the local Rotary supported them, it was disfellowshipped in club, and he participated in a speakers' bureau 1937-~_When~ J~he __ !\!!Q1!1J!~fhl!f<:::h~

SEPTEMBER 1997 19 SPEGmUM------the western half of the U.S. He was in demand president, M. E. Kern, hoped eventually to lure as a speaker, particularly because his Euro­ Landeen and Schilling away from Walla Walla pean travels had made him knowledgeable on College to teach at the seminary full-time. the rising power of Adolf Hitler. Slade, the Conference and union presidents, concerned board chairman, later reflected that Landeen with rapid developments on college cam­ had "hobnobbed with the outside men not of puses as they responded to accreditation re­ our faith who were pronounced haters of the quirements, pressed McElhany to gather North denomination. He received, with seeming American Adventist educators for instruction pride, the commendation of outsiders that he in unity. The result was a 10-day conference in and his policies at the college was [sic] becom­ West Virginia in August of 1937, the Blue ing so exceeding broad. "3 The close ties Lan­ Ridge Educational Convention. Church offi­ deen had developed with key educators at the cials, college presidents and department chairs, University of Washington and Washington and academy principals heard presentation State College had helped Walla Walla College after presentation urging doctrinal unity and achieve accreditation promptly. continued allegiance to Ellen White. Landeen may have taken pride in the In his opening address to the convention, college's recent accreditation, but not all church McElhany stated a rna jor problem in Adventist officials saw that status as a blessing. Although education: it was an inevitable step once Ellen White instructed that the denomination should edu­ I have had parents come to me and tell me of their cate fully qualified physicians, accreditation difficulties in maintaining the faith of their sons and daughters even while attending our own sparked fears that accreditors would secular­ schools, with the feeling that in some cases the ize Adventist education by telling colleges teacher had not been as positive in his Christian what they could and could not teach in their teaching and influence as he should have been, religion courses or that advanced graduate and that there were modernistic tendencies mani­ education, necessarily done at "outside" col­ fest. I do pray that something may come to us during this council that will help us to set our­ leges, would inevitably coarsen and weaken selves solidly against such influences.4 the Adventist fiber of faculty members. Partway through the convention, McElhany he first concrete response to the accredi­ delivered a Sabbath sermon that zeroed in on Ttation movement was to implement ad­ denominational concerns about Adventist vanced denominational training for Adventist higher education. His theme was Saduceeism, religion professors and ministers. Given the and he was particularly interested in examin­ pace of institutional change today, the new ing why so many Jews in Jesus' time did not school took shape quickly. Seeking to distin­ recognize the authenticity of Christ's mission. guish its institution from worldly seminaries, According to McElhany, the church gave it the name "Advanced Bible School." It camped at Pacific Union College for The great difficulty, as I see it, was that as the three summers before a permanent home was coming of the Messiah drew near, as those great found for it in Washington, D.C., and a more lines of prophecy that pointed to His coming were prestigious name was created: Seventh-day being fulfilled, the religious life and thought of Israel was being poisoned-poisoned by contact Adventist Theological Seminary. The summer with heathenism and paganism all around them. version employed three Walla Walla College faculty: William Landeen, Frederick Schilling, Only exposure to Greek philosophy and and George McCready Price; the seminary other forms of paganism would lead the Jews

20 VOLlhWE 26, NUMBER 3 THE jOURNAL OF THE AssoCIA110N OF AnVEN11ST FORUMS to shout, "We have no king but Caesar!" umes from the shelves. Schilling and Saxton McElhany contended. Furthermore, Advent­ were perceived to be lax on Ellen White, and a ists were in peril of being as unprepared for few students, encouraged by union officials Christ's second coming as the jews were for waiting in the wings, plied their teachers with his first advent. "Many of our young people hypothetical questions. such as, "If you were are confused and their faith broken down by stranded on a desert island and had only pork what they see and hear," said McElhany. to eat, would you eat it?"6 "Many of our young people today do not Along with the interest in anecdotal specif­ believe in the Spirit of prophecy [sic] because ics, the heresy accusations at Walla Walla of the inconsistency that they see in the lives College in 1938 were characterized by inter­ of those who ought to be their leaders. "5 pretations of doctrines unspecified in the Fundamental Beliefs of 1932. This subset of he concerns that led to the founding of the Adventism shared many qualities with the TSeventh-day Adventist Theological Semi­ fundamentalist movement in general in the nary and the Blue Mountain Educational Con­ 1920s and the 1930s. Although the Fundamen- vention help to pro- tal Beliefs did not men­ vide the general con­ tion the Spirit of Proph­ text of the theological In spite ofdespair over being ecy at all, many church purge at Walla Walla shoved out of the Adventist leaders routinely ex­ College in 1938, but pected their members what were the specific, community, the Schillings, to view Ellen White's local issues? Other than Basses, and Saxtons were not writings as inerrant. As animosities between Esteb said to Harold Landeen and Slade, a led to abandon their Chris- Bass during one break specific answer is diffi­ tianfaith. Landeen, after an in the February board cult to determine. After meeting, "'Harold, if it was over, Campbell illustrious teaching career at Mrs. White had written commented to Slade a state university, taughtfor that your black hat is that the situation would severalyears atLa Sierra Uni­ white, it would be white have been resolved to me. "'7 If there was a more than a year ear­ versity, and seroed as its in­ litmus doctrine of lier if church leaders terim president. ultra-conservative Ad- could have taken a uni- ventism, it was a par­ fied stand then; in other words, it had been ticular interpretation of the sanctuary belief. brewing for some time. Much of the initial Although three of the 22 Adventist fundamen­ agitation seems to have been fueled by innu­ tals addressed the cleansing of the heavenly endo. Sermon after sermon in the college sanctuary and the investigative judgment, many church by union officials and other ministers church leaders seemed most concerned about included shadowy assertions that teachers at another issue-the literal existence of a sanc­ the college could not be trusted theologically. tuary in heaven that included each item of One board member, NPUC home missions furniture found in its Old Testament replica, secretary Lemuel Esteb, after reviewing with something that was not addressed in the 22 alarm the publications of theology faculty mem­ fundamental beliefs. ber George McCready Price, instructed the As the February 2 board meeting approached, college.librarian.toremo:ve.. the-offending.vol,. .. Campbell.wmte.to_McElhany. .that~'the.J'-l._orth

SEPTEMBER 1997 21 SPEGmUM ______

Pacific folks feel they must let out Elder Saxton the young people are getting nothing out of their for heretical teachings and Prof. Landeen for a Bible work. 8 long list of misdeeds. " Slade told Kern, "I Professor Schilling passed in his resignation. He certainly think you are wise in passing up both was called before the board and quizzed, and I Professor Landeen and Professor Schilling. The guess he realized that the unsatisfactory answers Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary he gave meant his dismissal, so he passed in his has been organized to combat the very things resignation. It has been accepted. which these men stand for and that is scholas­ I understand that Professor Landeen has decided ticism in education minus the distinctive to pass in his also. I do not know just what action Seventh-day Adventist views. . . . Professor the board will take in his case. I am rather inclined Schilling ... is altogether out of his place as a to advise caution, requiring him to drop his connection with the lecture bureau and a decided Bible teacher in our schools until he has had reform on some other points.11 some actual experience in teaching this mes­ sage in connection with an evangelistic effort. "9 Although it is not clear in this letter, there Apparently more concrete information were varying degrees of treatment. Bass and emerged as the college board interrogated Saxton were dismissed immediately and paid faculty members. After the fateful board meet­ through the end of February. Schilling was ing had stretched into its third day, Campbell told that he would be paid until the end of the cabled McElhany, "GRAVE SITUATION EX­ school year, and he might have been allowed ISTING THEOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT COL­ to remain in his position until then, but he LEGE HERE. THREE TEACHERS RESIGNED requested to be relieved of his responsibilities UNDER FIRE FOR TEACHING SUBVERSIVE at the end of the winter quarter in March. VIEWS ON TESTIMONIES, SANCTUARY, AND Landeen, the last of the group to hand in his THE LAW. "10 In a letter written that same resignation, carried his presidency through to Friday night (the board meeting had gone on the end of the school year. until nearly sundown), Campbell filled in the details: mmediately upon hearing from Campbell, I McElhany responded: "I think back to Blue There have been strong protests come in from Ridge. Some thought we were hard on the every conference in this union over the teachings of those who were acting as instructors in the educators, but Bro. Campbell, there is a cursed theological department. The young men graduat­ thing in our midst, and we must purge our ing from . it fmd themselves entirely unable to schools of it. "12 Two days later he was even preach the message. They are perplexed and in more emphatic: "Your recent experience at doubt concerning the fundamentals. We called in one teacher after another. Professor Bass, who Walla Walla illustrates the imperative need of 1 carries a doctor's degree, openly declared that he our purging our teaching ranks of heresy. " 3 did not believe in the testimonies. He had some Some anxious moments followed in the misgivings in regard to the binding obligation of next few weeks as Slade and Campbell awaited the ten commandments and the Sabbath, and he reactions to the purge, and they received cannot accept our views on the sanctuary ques­ tion. vigorous criticism of their actions. Even mem­ bers of the General Conference staff said they Elder Saxton when questioned before the board, had overreacted, and one colleague called straddled on every point of faith. He couldn't them "a group of old grannies. "14 Their seem to be able to take a positive stand on the self-defensive statements were beginning to Spirit of prophecy, the reality of the heavenly sanctuary, and a number of other points. Really, sound shrill when Schilling did them a favor. ···~··~iLwasaremarkable~situation,~and.itis~no:w:ondec~ ~ ·~··· ~Q~n.Erld~y,M~IC:lt15,~~h~!1t:h~~~i11~LQ!!~rter

22 VoLChWE 26, NuMBER 3 ------THE joURNAL oF mE AssociATION OF ADVEN77ST FoRuMs ended, he turned in his credentials, and he and to be altar boys? Or was it because, as an his wife resigned their church membership. Episcopalian dentist in Walla Walla told one of On Friday and Sabbath, they moved to Pasco, his Adventist patients, that Schilling had been Washington, and on Sunday morning he be­ considering such a call for over a year? gan his career as an Episcopal clergyman. The Schilling passed away in 1973 without leav­ officials who had engineered his resignation ing a dir~ct answer, but some clues are avail­ as theology dean were infuriated, but they able. His actions were marked by a combina­ were also able to use the incident to prove the tion of indignation, impulsiveness, and despair. extent of what they perceived as the poison of As he watched various doors of other denomi­ heresy. national employment closing, due to diligent Campbell commented, "It is a lucky thing behind-the-scenes work by Campbell and Slade, we dismissed him when we did. It certainly is he clearly made a decision to keep heeding his time that some thoroughgoing house cleaning call to the ministry. Landeen, who probably be done among some of these folks who are knew Schilling better than any other Adventist only half Adventists. "15 in the United States, said that his friend believed "I do not believe that he is any more of an that the Seventh-day Adventist Church was Episcopalian than he was weeks ago, or preventing him from following his God-given months ago," Slade told Campbell. "If he was calling of theology. He did not want to be a an Adventist in any true sense whatever, he history teacher somewhere, and he did not has given us a demonstration of a very precipi­ want to spend the rest of his academic life tous change." From this conclusion it was not teaching Greek. The Episcopalian Church offi­ difficult to proceed to a conspiracy theory: cials told him he was free to believe what he wished as long as he followed the appropriate ... there was a sort of grouping or organization church ceremonies.17 When he first made the here, including a n1,1mber of these faculty mem­ William Landcen, W•lla Walla ColleJle President, 193;!,-1938 bers and a number of other vety questionable people who seem to have set out to modernize or liberalize Walla Walla College. They were so skillful in covering up, that it had many of our men deceived and few of us had to fight along for many months, but we continued our fight be­ cause we kept having more evidence coming to us of disloyalty. And now this crowning act of Schilling comes as a shock, but as a vindication of the Board as well. ... We have tried for many months to make corrections here. In those earlier months we knew not the severity of the situation. We only saw here and there evidences of disloy­ alty and error, but now we are permitted to see something of the depths of that which was indicated by those surface manifestations.16

Why did Schilling make such a precipitous move into the Episcopal clergy? Was it be­ cause, as some of his former students later alleged, that while he was teaching at Walla Walla College he had an Episcopal altar set up in m~;~o;:ts€~m~enl[-at1a~w

SEPTEMBER 1997 23 SPEGrnUM ______

move, he may not have realized how wide the scholar. "19 A student, Richard Hammill, re­ gulf would grow between him and the called coming to the college as a non-Adventist Seventh-day Adventist Church. and complaining that the upcoming Week of Landeen was distressed by Schilling's ac­ Prayer meetings would interfere with his study tion, but he continued to maintain a friend­ time. An amused Landeen excused Hammill ship with the man. This alienated church from all assignments in his history class on the officials, and soon their only concern for condition that he attend the meetings. Hammill Landeen was finding a way to ease him out did, and learned to his surprise that Landeen of town quietly. That was difficult, because himself was the speaker. After the "powerful the senior class called him "Dad," dedicated presentations," Hammill recalled, "I decided the 1938 Mountain Ash to him, and chose to become a Christian. "20 him as their commencement speaker. Landeen was too proud to accept the only job the any students also testified to the sterling denomination offered him--a temporary spot M Christian character of Homer Saxton. created for him in the history department of The fact that Saxton was caught up in this Emmanuel Missionary College, which had no controversy is curious. He was a gentle soul vacancies. 18 Instead, he completed his disser­ who had had health problems for some time. tation at the University of Michigan and He had found the task of heading the Bible began teaching history at Washington State department at Union College very stressful, College in early 1939. and it had taken him years to recover his Meanwhile, Walla Walla College students health after he left that school. Now, caught up noted the positive impact Landeen had on in this "revolution" (as one General Confer­ their lives. One Collegian profile described ence officer called it), the frail, aging teacher him as "an outstanding and dynamic charac­ once again felt those physical stresses. Be­ ter," one who "revels in history," "a real cause his health forced him to eat foods such as soda bread that had been proscribed by Ellen White, he be­ came the target of unusual questions, such as the "pork on a desert island" one. One student reported to Esteb that Saxton said that there was no ark of the covenant in heaven, and that was used as damning evi­ dence against him in the February board meeting. According to

Theology faculty and students in 1935-1936. First row: Raleigh Garno:, F. M. Burg, G. M. Price, William I.andeen, F. A. Schilling, H. F. Saxton; Saxton's daughter, the Second row: Uoyd Reile, Ashley Emmer, Byron Miller, Richard Hammill, Walter Specht, Harry Jordan, Harold Jewkes; Third row: Oral Garno:, b d b Lester Hallsted, Dorothy Hammill, Mrs. Robertson, Alice Furber, Beverly McNeil; Fourth row: Rolland Dockham, Emil Knauft, Vrrgil Larson, Oar mem erS gaVe William McGhee, Marion Mohr; Flftlt"row: StanleyJolmson, HaroldJenks, Howard Hamel, Harold Huey, P. W. Marta; Sixth row: Forest Steward, h Chester Green, Raymond Michel, Keith Holman, Gilbert Krick, James Vetto:; Seventh row: Paul Featho:ston, Joseph Horniachek, Shigeru im an OppOrtunity tO ~:,ik:.;;,::~~~a~::~am Lowe, Paul Alderson; Eighth row: Albert Hudson, Rudolph."Knauft, Halvard Thomsen, Go:ald Christensen, retraCt hiS UeStiOn- ·-- ··-·-·------~------· ------·--·----·--·------~------~------~-----·--·-··---- ···------~------~---~-~q ______24 VoLChl!E 26, NuMBER 3 THE jOURNAL OF mE AssociA770N OF ADVEN11sr FoRuMs able statements, and he replied, "I just want where college personnel were dealt with this out. This makes me feel physically ill." Saxton way. 23 George McCready Price, already past sometimes attended Adventist church services retirement age, also decided to leave at the after he left WWC, but he was periodically end of the 1937-1938 school year. Slade, for shunned. Eventually, he pastored a Methodist one, breathed more easily as a result: "We will church for awhile. When his wife passed be glad when school ends, for then we will be away, he married an Adventist college class­ relieved of Professor Price, who is about as mate and made donations to Faith for Today. lame as any of these men doctrinally. "24 Harold Bass was the faculty member the board least suspected of heresy. He had been where did the purge of 1938leave church a favorite of the Upper Columbia Conference leaders? Puzzled, frustrated, and angry. and the NPUC for years. Bass had worked for Walla Walla College was only one of a host of the denomination for 16 years before he places with similar problems, and Campbell joined the Walla Walla College faculty, serving told Slade that the aftermath of the Walla Walla as a missionary to Korea, a pastor of numerous purge was "only the beginning of a movement churches, and the principal of two North to either clean up on this weak-kneed attitude Pacific academies. The Upper Columbia Con- on the part of educators, or else surrender to ference supported him for his doctoral study them.... I, for one, am ready to ... eliminate in Asian history at Washington State College. from our educational system men whose ten- When he began teaching at Walla Walla Col- dencies are leading straight to modernistic lege in 1937, he also took up the pastorate of teaching."25 Perhaps church leaders were an- the Milton Seventh-day Adventist church. griest at the sniping that came from within According to Bass himself, the college board their own ranks: "It is too much like a group was eager to place him on the School of of firemen fighting one another and tying each Theology faculty as a counterweight to the others [sic] hands when an attempt is made to outsider, Schilling. 21 The board did not know, put out a burning building."26 but Landeen soon discovered, that Bass him- Why did the purge remain confined to self had serious questions about Adventist Walla Walla College? First, M. N. Campbell doctrines. Landeen later recalled that Bass had retired in 1939. In addition, a combination of "come under the influence of the philosophy lowered profiles and the onset of World War of Washington State" and no longer held II diminished interest ih this issue. Seventh-day Adventist beliefs. He talked pri- Could the purge of 1938 happen again? vatelywith Bass and suggested that the teacher No, yes, and maybe. resign and continue to receive pay for several No-the King of the North, the literality of months. According to Landeen, Bass at first the heavenly candlestick, and the inerrancy of agreed to do this and then said the next day, Ellen White no longer generate the rhetorical "I changed my mind. I'm going to fightthem."22 passion they once did. The subject matter has Bass lost that fight and all but a few days' changed; Adventist fundamentalism of the severance pay. 1990s revolves around how we read the Bible. The people who resigned and left Walla And because of institutional safeguards man- Walla College were not the only ones affected dated by worldly accrediting bodies, it is no by the 1938 purge. Harry G. Reinmuth of the longer possible to pack a college board with modern languages department left at the end non-board members who are allowed to vote of the school year, commenting that it wasn't and to overrule institutionally adopted poli- safe JoLa llli!J1~s_ _$_Q1l]JQ~stay~t~_flill:g~~~i<:)£1~ ____ -~i<:_~i~~ ~er~?~ ting tenured faculty members.

SEPTEMBER 1997 25 SPEGrnUM------

On the other hand, yes-the more things on Anne Hutchinson, lapsing into the somno­ change, the more they stay the same. Rumor, lent irrelevance of the Halfway Covenant, or innuendo, character assassination, and slan­ finding a witch in every woodpile? Surviving der are eternally vital practices, and the eager­ the fires of a heresy trial can clarify and focus ness to believe such information has not faded one's priorities, which is what happened to over the years. Within the microclimate of William Landeen. Unlike his friend and fellow Adventism (the only place where our distinc­ German scholar Schilling, Landeen remained tions have a difference), vehemence some­ an Adventist. Since he was a historian, not a times seems to be equated with religious zeal theologian, Landeen could continue in his and doctrinal purity. "Nice" people are that profession outside the denomination while way only because they don't care very much remaining an Adventist. After he retired from about what they believe. McElhany may have an illustrious teaching career at a state univer­ seen Saduceeism sprouting everywhere within sity, Landeen taught for several years at La his church, but the mainline between Ad­ Sierra College and served as its interim presi­ ventist Christianity and Pharisaical Judaism is dent. Near the end of his post-retirement much better tended and far more robust. encore in Seventh-day Adventist education at Furthermore, the Scylla of Saduceeism and the La Sierra, he reflected on what his continuing Charybdis of Pharisaism are equally distract­ connection with the denomination meant to ing and equally antithetical to the message and him: ethics of Jesus Christ. In their despair over being shoved out of the Adventist community Some members of the church ... treat it purely as in Walla Walla, watchingtheirchildrenshunned a haven, that is, a place to rest or to hide. But my church is not that kind of quasi-secret society. My at Adventist schools, enduring the. silence of church is a dynamic body of saints who have fearful Adventist neighbors, and seeing their heard the command, "Go ye into all the world, Adventist relatives all over the Northwest put and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark on trial for possible heresy, the Schillings, 16:15) .... My church has given me everything­ Basses, and Saxtons were not led to abandon a high concept of personal honor and personal values, a Christian calling to serve, high aims, a their Christian faith. And their children remain fine profession, and spiritual gifts. 27 active Christians; some even confess to hang­ ing on to a few vestigial Adventist peculiari­ If Seventh-day Adventists are looking for a ties. But they have no time for the Seventh-day source of renewal of their spiritual gifts, per­ Adventist faith. It did not reveal the spirit of haps Micah 6:8 would be a good place to start. Jesus Christ to them. For Landeen, the definition of church was Is it possible that some alternatives exist generous enough to include personal respon­ between gouging out each other's spiritual sibility and freedom as well as institutional eyes in the spirit of John Winthrop's attacks cohesion and progress.

NOTES AND REFERENCES 1. E. K. Slade to M. N. Campbell, May 26, 1937, 4. ]. L. McElhany, "The Role of Our Schools in (General Conference Archives NA 11 [MNC] '37- Finishing the Task," August 18, 1937, ReportoftbeBlue Slade). General Conference Archives is hereafter abbre­ Ridge Educational Convention August 17-25, 193 7 viated GCA. (Washington, D.C.: General Conference of Seventh-day 2. Minutes of Officers meeting, March 10, 1937, 2-3 Adventists, n.d.), p. 33. (GCA 2152, 2153). 5. ]. L. McElhany, "The Peril of Worldly Trends: 3. E. K. Slade to]. L. McElhany, Sept. 28, 1938. 11 Sermon at the Blue Ridge Educational Convention, 1938-S GCA. August 21, 1937," GCA, 11 1937-Articles, Sermons,

26 VOLUME 26, NUMBER 3 THE jOURNAL oF mE AssociA110N OF ADVEN11ST FoRuMs

Transcripts of Meetings. GCA NA 11 (MNC) '38---Slade. 6. Halvard Thomsen, interview by Terrie Aamodt, 17. William Landeen, interview by Lome Glaim, 1978 August 29, 1990, WWC Archives. Myra Saxton Kearney, (WWC Archives). interview by Terrie Aamodt, April 15, 1997. 18. W. M. Landeen to E. K. Slade, August 18, 1938; 7. Harold]. Bass, Orihodo.xy, Heresy, and the Faith E. K. Slade toM. N. Campbell, August 19, 1938, GCA NA for Today (New York: Carlton Press, 1969), p. 55. It is 11 (MNC). interesting to note that this line of reasoning closely 19. Collegian (June 26, 1931), p. 1. follows that established by St. Ignatius of Loyola, a 20. Richard Hammill, "Why I Am a Seventh-day Jesuit leader of the Counter-Reformation, who stated, "I Adventist," Adventist Review (March 21, 1991), p. 16. will believe that the white I see is black, if the 21. Bass recalled later that "some liberalizing influ­ hierarchical Church so defines it" (The Spiritual Exer­ ences were being felt in the Department of Religion of cises of St. Ignatius, trans. Anthony Mottola [Garden the College. Dr. Frederick Schilling and Elder Homer City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 19691, p. 141). Saxton stirred up some concern on the part of conser­ 8. M. N. Campbell to]. L. McElhany, January 24, 1938, vative ministers, who felt that those two teachers were GCA 11 '38-Campbell, M. N. failing to hold strictly to old line Adventist interpreta­ 9. M. N. Campbell toM. E. Kern, February 1, 1938 tions. I discovered, much to my dismay, that I was GCA NA 11 (MNC) '38---ABS. expected to be a counterbalance to this" (Orlhodo.xy, 10. M. N. Campbell to]. L. McElhany, February 4, Heresy, and the Faith for Today, p. 49). Bass family 1938, GCA NA 11 (MNC) '38---McElhany. members recall that Harold Bass was seen as a counter­ 11. M. N. Campbell to ]. L. McElhany, February 4, weight to Schilling because Bass had had extensive 1938, GCA NA 11 (MNC) '38---McElhany. experience in evangelism. (Ethel Bass and Doreen Bass 12.]. L. McElhany to M. N. Campbell, February 7, Amoroso, interview by Terrie Aamodt, October 9, 1990 1938, GCA NA 11 (MNC) '38---McElhany. [WWC Archives]). 13. ]. L. McElhany to M. N. Campbell, February 9, 22. Landeen interview, WWC Archives. 1938, GCA NA 11 (MNC) '38---McElhany. 23. Rudy Knauft, interview by Terrie Aamodt, May 14. This phrase was referred to in E. K. Slade toM. N. 19, 1991. Campbell, March 22, 1938, GCA NA 11 (MNC) '38. In one 24. E. K. Slade toM. N. Campbell, April17, 1938, GCA letter, E. K. Slade referred to three individuals who had NA 11 (MNC) '38---Slade. stated that the board acted hastily: L. E. Froom, M. E. 25. M. N. Campbell to E. K. Slade, April22, 1938, GCA Kern, andL. H. Wood. See E. K. Slade toM. N. Campbell, NA 11 (MNC) '38---Slade, E. K. September 19, 1938, GCA NA 11 (MNC) '38---Slade, E. K. 26. E. K. Slade to]. L. McElhany, March 22, 1938, GCA 15. M. N. Campbell to G. S. Belleau, March 20, 1938, NA 11 (MNC) '38---S. GCA NA 11 (MNC) '38---B. 27. William Landeen, "My Church and I," Review and 16. E. K. Slade toM. N. Campbell, March 22, 1938, Herald (July 24, 1969), pp. 3, 4.

SEPTEMBER 199 7 27 Embracing the Spirit

The president of Columbia Union College, decrying a drift towards fundamentalism, embraces "life in the Spirit."

by Charles Scriven

"I have wept over the laxity of the church." hostility to truth-hostility, indeed, to the -Martin Luther King, Jr. Spirit of the risen Christ-that is, at this mo­ ment, pulling Adventism toward the mael­ HETHER AS A TEACHER, PASTOR, OR COL­ strom. It is with all my heart and mind, lege president, I have wanted to moreover, that I oppose the effort of a few in W assist in the making of a faithful our circle to align the rudder of the church community, a people who radically conserve, with the direction of the drift. As I will show, in both word and deed, the truth of the this effort drags us toward fundamentalism everlasting gospel. 1 and goes against the grain of Scripture, strew­ In this light I have resisted the seductions of ing harm along the way. Antagonism to the fundamentalism on the one hand2 and of adventure of truth subverts the ideals of the liberalism on the other. 3 Each throws obstacles Remnant. It damages the energy and imagina­ onto the path of faith; each frustrates the one tion-and the hearts and minds-of the church. wish proper to all disciples: that, by God's As God's grace allows, it must surely cease. grace and against every inducement to the Across North America many leaders, both contrary, we may uphold and live by the lay and ordained, are offering energetic and reality of the risen Christ. visionary guidance to Seventh-day Adventist So I speak neither lightly nor recklessly conferences and congregations; they open when I take exception to the drift toward their lives to the adventure of truth. We may all be deeply grateful to them. But those few who Charles Scriven, president of Columbia Union College, is the are stifling the church's quest for deeper author of several books, including The Transformation of understanding injure faithfulness and thus Culture (Herald Press, 1988). A graduate of Walla Walla College,ScrivenreceivedhisPb.D.intheologyfromtheGradu- bring injury to the body of Christ. The effect .. _ e~_t!!_'!!!_e!!!O.g~(j! _f!tz_i()!!~_!!~~Jfiz,_ ~Cjli[o__'!':.U!~ __ ·- -··········-- ··~- .. ~yJ~~-:t:I!li!.l~~!l.<:f_~<:L_Q:t:~!JJJ~.X~11LI1~v~@~!~ss.

28 VoLrnm 26, NuMBER 3 THE jOURNAL oF mE AssociATION oF ADVEN7IST FoRuMs

This is nowhere more evident than in the as his ire, and he leaves the unmistakable Pacific Northwest, where a tumult of suspicion impression that the attempt at refining and against Walla Walla College faculty-in par­ renewing belief is what he objects to, what he ticular, religion faculty-is spreading dismay finds simply unacceptable. that reaches beyond the campus to the church's This attitude to renewal of understanding wider precincts. 4 As is widely known, the profoundly contradicts the spirit of the Bible. energy behind all this is supplied in part by an Because it is an attitude that appears to be Andrews University graduate student who, it spreading, I am inviting us all to rejuvenate turns out, illustrates and reinforces the church's our interest in the Holy Spirit. The drift toward current drift. His writings, which have found a hostility to the adventure of truth, illustrated in larger-than-expected readership, lean precipi­ the book, moves the church ever closer to tously toward anathematizing the adventure religious fundamentalism. This is a grave dan­ of truth and nullifying the work of the Spirit. ger. The danger admits of one protection only: This writer is Samuel Koranteng-Pipim; of the embrace the Holy Spirit. That alone can the two books for which he is known, the one help us conserve-radically conserve-the now in the forefront is Receiving the Word. Not truth we are called to live and share. just in the Northwest but also outside of it, this book has become a rallying point for those who (effectively, if not deliberately) are sti­ The Temptation of fling the adventure of truth within Adventism. Fundamentalism I may focus my concern, indeed, by saying that it is persons with the outlook and attitude with the church's older strongholds suf- expressed in Koranteng-Pipim's writings who fering from flat or declining enthusiasm belong to the circle from which I am respect- and faithfulness, the temptation of fundamen- fully dissenting. I have no others in mind. talism should perhaps be no surprise. Funda- Published in 1996, Receiving the Word calls mentalism has an appeal that touches both admirably for a church with "courage" to live current and potential members, and so offers, "by the Word" and to cast off "sophisticated in some eyes, the prospect of church growth. Laodiceanism. "5 I agree enthusiastically with Equally important, those drawn to fundamen- this call, but for the author it is, unfortunately, talism have a low tolerance for the kind of a side trip, not the main journey. Koranteng- learning that invites substantive change either Pipim's chief concern is to characterize some of themselves or of the church authorities with of the best-known Adventist efforts to refine whom they are aligned. To leaders who iden- and renew the church's understanding as not tify with religious fundamentalism, and antici- simply fallible (which they surely are) but as pate growth of the similarly minded, funda- pure threat: They undermine the Bible, they mentalism thus holds out the prospect of a demean historic teaching, they accommodate dutiful following. secularassumptions.6 Koranteng-Pipim'spoint, Nevertheless, fundamentalism is a snare. indeed, is not so much conversation as indict- Although it may here and there abet growth in ment. The authors he names and writes about numbers, it cannot build the full-bodied spiri- have in many cases devoted a lifetime of tual strength that makes a constructive differ- loving attention to Scripture, yet he dismisses ence in the wider world. It may even fail to them, all too easily, as "Bible doubters" and build extended commitment to a faith commu- purveyors of (naturalistic) "higher criticism. "7 nity. Often, as with the Jehovah's Witnesses, They-seemHoHoengage-his-curiGsitysGmuch~-- .. __ fundamentalismsimply_creates__ congregations ..

SEPTEMBER 1997 29 SPECffiUM------

of poorly educated members who win con­ tian religious communities. The point is nei­ verts, it is true, but have great difficulty passing ther to oppose the 1920s movement in all of its their vision to succeeding generations and particulars, nor to embrace the movement's make little if any transformative difference in liberal opponents, who at important points their surrounding cultures. 8 Over the long run, were misguided themselves. Nor do I suggest fundamentalism tends, indeed, to generate as that persons in the circle I dissent from are much listlessness as enthusiasm. And even pure fundamentalists. Although Koranteng­ when fundamentalism succeeds in generating Pipim, for example, shows a certain sympathy enthusiasm, the enthusiasm is to one degree for fundamentalism, he does not, to my knowl­ or other misguided and unfaithful. edge, support it unequivocallyY Still, to the In trinitarian terms,9 the chief difficulty with degree that the church is drifting in the funda­ fundamentalism, and the reason for its un­ mentalist direction, he is abetting the drift, and happy effects, is resistance to the Holy Spirit­ so are those who endorse his writing. in particular, resistance to the Holy Spirit's By fundamentalism, then, I indicate three teaching function. The tendencies.12 First is the suspicions and distrust tendency toward a .flat, that now trouble Ad­ Fundamentalists rend their mechanical reading of ventism ensue, I am garments easily, their hearts the Bible. Here, every suggesting, precisely less easily. Authentic separa­ part of Holy Writ-ev­ from such resistance. ery text, every book­ The healing that we tion degenerates into mere is said to have equal need must come about separatism. Fundamentalism sway over Christian through deliberate and thought and life. One confident embrace of jeopardizes the spirit of ad- count against this view the Holy Spirit as the venture and hope, joy and is that it cannot be up­ teacher of the church. held consistently: Few If problems such as generosity, that is at the cen­ fundamentalists, for resistance to the Holy ter of the biblical vision. example, consider the Spirit follow from Ad­ earth flat, or promote ventist movement in the fundamentalist direc- death by stoning as a fit punishment for tion, we must be clear about fundamentalism's rebellious sons. 13 Another, more important, defining traits. The term itself goes back to a count against this view is its failure to see that conservative Protestant effort, culminating in the Bible story ascends toward Jesus, who is the 1920s, to stave off the dangers associated thefinal"Word" of God and theflnalauthor- withmodemthinking,especiallymodemthink- ity for thought and life. 14 The failure, more- ing about evolution and the critical study of over, to notice the subtleties of the story plays the Bible. out in the additional failure to notice the The effort of these conservative Protestants subtleties of the poetry, of the images, that is, was by no means entirely misguided, and has which point beyond themselves to deeper often been ridiculed unfairly. 10 By now, how- understanding. Fundamentalists read the Bible ever, fundamentalism has acquired connota- literalistically, and their literalism, though meant tions of group-think, fear of knowledge, and to protect the Christian message, may simply hostility to innovation. I use it here with this divert attention from it: Often, for example, development in mind and with specific refer- the fundamentalist focus on the arithmetic of ~nc:g_tQID~~~~Jl~P~_g£J1tnQ~-m~~m~u~mJn_Cb.x1s::~~·~··~· . th~ __C:r~~liQn_~~mY~~gQ_~~hand_in~h~_mLwith

30 VoLlhWE 26, NuMBER 3 THE jOURNAL OF THE AssociATION OF ADVENTIST FoRUMS negative (and essentially pagan) feelings about tive community; it reflects the biblical tradi­ the material world. The potential for such tion, the biblical sense of how God's people, failure of insight is no doubt why Jesus him­ by refusing to be ordinary, can be a blessing self, though committed to the realism of God's to the wider world. The trouble is preoccupa­ message, resisted literalism. When he saw tion with difference to the neglect of sub­ Nicodemus and then the woman at the well stance. Fundamentalists tend to focus on missing the truth he told because they literal­ distinctives-in language, customs, and be­ ized his poetic images, he nudged them gently havior-that mark them off from others. All toward more imaginative-and more redemp­ too often, these markers-sometimes highly tive-understanding. 15 contestable, often merely external-have little Second is fundamentalism's tendency to­ to do with the mind of Christ and the soul of ward rigidity and arrogance with regard to discipleship. Adherents of fundamentalist com­ customary understanding. For fundamental­ munities tend to digress into the legalism their ists, the knowledge of God's will and way is preoccupation with difference calls forth, and not so much a quest as an achieved state, and to attend more to possibilities for impurity and the Bible not so much a life-changing story as defilement than to possibilities for compas­ a catalogue of proof texts: It does not chal­ sion and justice. They rend their garments lenge present thinking but only validates it. easily, their hearts less easily. Authentic sepa­ The object of study is to learn a sacrosanct (as ration, rooted in the core meanings of the opposed to sacred) tradition or to fend off gospel and meant to transform surrounding criticism of that tradition, rather than to open culture, degenerates into mere separatism. the heart and mind to a God who is always To one degree or other, these three tenden­ ahead of us and always inviting us to take the cies appear in Receiving the Word. All three next step of the journey. For believers at tempt the Adventist community as a whole, Pentecost, the "common life in Christ," James just as they tempt other Christian communi­ McClendon remarks, "was by nature adven­ ties. All of them jeopardize the spirit of adven­ ture, daily discovered, daily risked."16 Funda­ ture and hope, joy, and generosity that is at the mentalism shies away from the ethos of Pen­ center of the biblical vision. But they can all be tecost, afraid of the openness, courage, and overcome through renewed attention to the passion for learning that are basic to genuine gift of the Holy Spirit, and to the journey into spiritual growth. All too often, the result is the truth that goes along with that gift. blinkered outlook of hyperorthodoxy: lim­ ited, unaware, self-satisfied, yet eager to track down and penalize every effort at constructive The Spirit and the Truth innovation. Tbird is the tendency toward reactive, in- It is a commonplace in Christian piety that ward-looking separatism. Fundamentalism the Holy Spirit has the power to change began as a reaction to perceived evil in the lives. But the Spirit also has the power to wider society. Fundamentalist communities change minds, and to change them toward still define themselves as enclaves of right fuller comprehension of Christ. This is a point organized against a world of wrong. They see we Adventists consider little, and need very their antagonists as hostile, and tend to regard much to consider more. The Bible says that the "separation" from these antagonists as their Spirit's work, in large part, is to uphold Christ main reason for existing. There is much right, as the Word of God and to guide the church, ofcourse,-about-thesense:ofbeinganalterna""'------~-now--and-always,-jnto_deeper_understanding,_

SEPTEMBER 1997 31 SPEc.ffiUM------

morefaithful common life, more transforma­ things during his public ministry; he lived a tive mission to the wider world. The Spirit dramatic, unconventional life, full of grace precisely subverts, in other words, the three and truth. From the standpoint of the gospel, tendencies of fundamentalism, and does so to have seen him was to have seen God.18 Yet, precisely to enhance the energy and authen­ according to John, Jesus told the disciples they ticity of the church. could not yet bear to know the full meaning of According to John's Gospel, Jesus and his his vision and life. Thus, even the original disciples ate supper together the day before disciples could not claim complete under­ Passover. The festival that had brought them standing of the truth of Christ. to Jerusalem took place in remembrance of But as part of the promise about his own Israel's liberation from Pharaoh. Jesus had continued presence through the Spirit, Jesus come to be associated with the possibility of went on to say: "'When the Spirit of truth liberation from Israel's current oppression, comes, he will guide you into all the truth'" and the air around him and his band of Oohn 16:13, NRSV). In Jesus' absence, minds followers was crackling would change, under­ with excitement and standing would grow. danger. Against the destructive ten­ And as the gospel im­ John tells us that dencies of fundamentalism mediately makes clear, during the meal, Jesus the Spirit's guidance washed the disciples' in our own Adventist com­ would center on Christ: feet, embodying the munity, we must pray for To gain deeper Chris­ humility and service he tian understanding hoped they would that Spirit-filled life, that con­ means precisely to gain emulate. Even so, Ju­ nection with the risen Christ, a deeper understand­ das, one of the Twelve, ing of Christ. 19 The un­ left the room in order thatfull-hearted openness to mistakable implication to betray Jesus to the the adventure of truth. is that new insight, in­ authorities who feared sight yet to enter Chris- his movement and wanted to arrest him. The tian minds, would sometimes entail a difficult meal continued, nevertheless, and Jesus as- departure from the customary. It would be sured the disciples that neither the lethal harm insight the disciples themselves were not that lay before him, nor the hatred of his ready, at that moment, to bear. (Down the followers that would grow up once he was centuries, minds indeed would change in gone, should cause them to lose heart, dis- ways unforseen by the disciples: Christians avow their love for one another, or cease their would come to favor complete abolition of witness in the world. slavery; they would defend liberty over des- Twice during his remarks Jesus promised potism; they would further weigh, and further the disciples that the Holy Spirit would come, support, equal rights and opportunity for keeping his own presence alive on earth and women.) helping his followers remember, and more Nothing in the gospel suggests that any deeply understand, all that he had taught disciple or community of disciples would them. 17 In a startling sentence, he declared: "'I arrive, in this life and age, at complete under- still have many things to say to you, but you standing. Before Christ's return, no one fully cannot bear them now"' Oohn 16:12, NRSV). comprehends the truth of God, or the true . ~---J~-~t!§_§<:l!ct..!lJ!!DY ..§ll!p_t:i.~ing__<:lllc:l ..in~!gh!fuL __ .. Nill"~h!p_oLG9d.?.~NoLonlyJocJohn~huLalso

32 VoLCME 26, NuMBER 3 THE jOURNAL oF mE AssociA110N oF ADVEN71ST FoRUMs

for other Bible writers, God is in heaven and perhaps jarring) insight, and if it cannot see we are on earth, and that relation remains beyond itself to the full-blooded adventure of intact even for believers: God's "thoughts" and mission, its conversation will be bland and "ways" are not identical with ours, but "higher," spiritless. Learning will be the absorbing and said the prophet to the Jewish exiles (Isaiah collating of information-texts, catechisms, 55:8, 9); our knowledge, including our proph­ creeds-and not the far more riveting busi­ ecy, is merely "partial" and will come to an ness of acquiring wisdom, including wisdom end; we only "see in a mirror, dimly," said Paul to transcend customary prejudice. to the believers in Corinth (1 Corinthians Such refusal of adventure goes a long way 13:10, 12, NRSV). What Scripture assures us of, toward explaining the alarming tedium (and in other words, is growth; there is no promise, non-participation) associated with many Sab­ nor even the prospect, of perfect knowledge. bath schools of North America and other older We hope for that, and work toward it, but we strongholds of Adventism: Nothing excites the do not now have it. Our "thoughts and words" mind once the initial excitement of new vision about God, Karl Barth rightly declares, are is past. Listlessness results, too, from the "eschatalogical"-they point to a God we dissatisfaction that emerges when, as a result cannot fully grasp until the Christian hope is of stunted understanding, a community's prac­ fully realized. 21 tice of faith is also stunted. All human commu­ nities are flawed and displeasing, but the prospect of growing together, and of expand­ The Church Resisting the ing the meaning and scope of mission, keeps Spirit boredom and discouragement away. When refusal of the Spirit's power to change minds ll this should constitute the death knell for strikes a blow against that prospect, and the A fundamentalism. Failure to accept and practice of faith-the quality of spiritual life- celebrate the ultimacy of Christ relative to ceases to improve, the impact is deadly. 22 otherauthorities-includingotherprophets - If listlessness is one ill effect of fundamen- flies in the face of the Spirit through ·whom talism, misguided passion is another. Not all Christ now works. So does failure to accept fundamentalists are bored. Mechanical read- and celebrate the believer's adventure into ings of Scripture, refusal of intellectual adven- deeper truth. If authentic separation from evil ture, and espousal of mere separatism some- degenerates into mere separatism, and blurs times generate enthusiasm. But always the communal insight into the core meanings of enthusiasm is, to one degree or other, unfaith- the gospel, it, too, flies in the face of Christ's ful. Within our extended family, an egregious Spirit. Thus the root tendencies of fundamen- example was the clot of zealots, mostly talism truly imperil the Christian community: schooledinAdventism, whoassembledaround they rebuff, or even shut the door on, the Spirit the wild, ominous energy of David Koresh, a of the risen Christ. former Adventist and a devotee of apocalyptic I have mentioned listlessness as one of speculation. Whatever pretense of intellectual fundamentalism's characteristic ill effects. List- adventure Koresh may have made, he dis- lessness is the by-product of mechanical read- played little humility and little focus on the ings of Scripture combined with refusal of Christ to whom God's Spirit bears a witness. intellectual adventure and assent to inward- He had many answers and few questions. The looking separatism. If a community of believ- conclusion was madness and a fatal fire. ers sees no need or for new (and This drew the shocked attention of people

..... ·~ -~~-~-~ ·~·· ·-· .... --~···~ ···~··.

SEPTEMBER 1997 33 SPEc.mUM------everywhere. Although the tragedy was distant with intellectual leadership in the building up enough from mainstream Adventism to invite of the body of Christ. We have the right and denial of its relevance, it was close enough to obligation to require them to be faithful and leave thoughtful members rueful and per­ effective in that leadership. plexed. The point here is the lesson in Koresh' s But the body of Christ is the body of the one misguided passion: Unless we see the Bible as who promised his disciples the guiding pres­ a Christ-centered, life-changing story, and ence of the Holy Spirit. We may thus expect thus a daily challenge to present thinking, we those charged with intellectual leadership in run the risk of misguided passion ourselves. that body to nudge us toward the insights, When fearful members turn accusatory at sometimes hard to bear, that jesus said would every prospect of substantive critique and come. That is part of the job we give them, and revision ofAdventism's speech about God, the the point is that the church should find and fearful accusation signals resistance to the live out an ever-deeper authenticity and faith­ Holy Spirit; it also signals, as I keep repeating, fulness. the prospect of harm. During the Protestant Reformation some Christians--our own spiritual ancestors, it turns out24--broke with Luther and Zwingli in The Church Embracing the desire to create a still more faithful form of The Spirit loyalty to Christ. Known as Anabaptists (or "re­ baptizers"), they did not yet fully share a do not say, of course, that anything goes. I common vision when many of their leaders I do not say that any critique may be ac­ gathered on a mountainside near Schleitheim, cepted, or even tolerated. Within mission­ a town on the Swiss-Austrian border, in 1527. minded communities, limits apply, and they They knew that medieval "Christendom" was apply even to those with prime responsiblity doomed, but it was not yet clear whether their for truth, such as college and university fac­ own vision, fragile and still in the making, ulty. Institutions of higher learning have the would survive or drift away. right to stand for distinctive vision; they have A man named Michael Sattler emerged as the the right to hire teachers and researchers who, leader at Schleitheim. He and the other partici­ in their various ways, assist in promoting and pants agreed to approach their differences refining that vision. Adventist colleges and through conversation, and to arrive thereby at universities should be partisan to the mission therkind of shared understanding that would implicit in the church's calling as the Remnant. build up the life of the church and enhance its If pursued aright, this partisanship is entirely authenticity and faithfulness. The result was a compatible with the equally important re­ confession of faith--a covering letter, with quirement of intellectual accountability. 23 seven articles-that gave energy and longevity Teachers in religion departments bear par­ to the radical movement known as Ana baptism ticular responsiblity for passing the Adventist and still variously manifested in the attitude and heritage on to the next generation and for outlook of Baptists, Adventists, Mennonites, training the church's future lay and ordained and others all around the world. leaders. They also bear particular responsibil­ james McClendon calls the method the ity, through preaching, seminars, and writing Anabaptist conferees settled on "the dialogue aimed outside their traditional student bodies, ofthose concerned. "25 Those with responsibil­ for the continuing theological education of the ity for Adventist colleges and universities may wider church. We entrust them, in a word, think of this, together with a focus on Christ

34 VoLlh\fE 26, NuMBER 3 THE joURNAL OF mE AssociATION oF ADVENTisT FoRuMs and an openness to his Spirit, as the test of Ellen White poured forth when she con­ faithfulness for those entrusted with the intel­ nected spiritual decline with "the tendency to lectual leadership of the church. Their dia­ cease to advance in the knowledge of the logue must be the dialogue of those con­ truth" and to shy away (as fundamentalists cerned, those determined to build the church do) from the "new questions" and "difference and enhance its authenticity and faithfulness. of opinion" that are indispensable to spiritual Ruled out is the narrow, unimaginative growth. 27 thinking that develops from the three tenden­ Adventists who incline to fundamentalism cies of fundamentalism. Under the guidance mine our heritage, at times with seeming of the Holy Spirit, Christ is the center and a flat, success, for supporting quotes of their own. 28 mechanical approach to the reading of Scrip­ None of these, however, can gainsay the story ture is set aside. Under that same guidance, in john of jesus' last words with the disciples; arrogance with regard to customary under­ none can gainsay the biblical truth that life in standing is also set aside, and so is preoccupa­ the Spirit is a journey into ever-deeper under­ tion with customary, inward-looking marks of standing; none can gainsay the listlessness communal separation. The Bible is a daily and misguided passion that, all too often, challenge to current understanding, not just a accompany refusal of this journey. validation of it, and the object of learning is The Good News of God invites grateful wisdom, including wisdom to transcend cus­ humility. Grateful humility invites, in turn, tomary prejudice. openness to the Spirit's gifts. Openness to the Spirit's gifts invites further openness to the The Spirit and the Heritage of Christ whom the Spirit glorifies-the Christ Adventism

appily, the Seventh-day Adventist H Church's Statement of Fundamental Be­ liefs begins with the very point I am making here. Calling the Bible "our only creed," the statement's preamble declares that future Gen­ eral Conference sessions may revise the docu­ ment "when the church is led by the Holy Spirit to a fuller understanding of Bible truth or finds better language in which to express the teachings of God's Holy Word. "26 The premise, little noticed but terribly important, is the ongoing dialogue of those concerned-enliv­ ening our classrooms and Sabbath schools­ without which no such revision would ever be considered. By this language of openness to change, set forth at the 1980 General Conference, the church upheld the teaching function of the Holy Spirit, and made the point I here am only echoing. It expressed the very feeling

SEPTEMBER 199 7 35 SPECJmUM------who moves our attention toward human needs In the end, laxity is the outcome of funda­ 2 and our hearts toward generosity and justice. mentalism. Iflaxity results also from liberalism, 3 The Spirit instills, it turns out, the very ethos of the point still holds. The three tendencies of the Remnant, the faithful heeding of God in fundamentalism-toward flat, mechanical read­ the light of Christ. 29 ings of the Bible, toward theological rigidity To fill out his conception of discipleship, and arrogance, toward reactive, inward-look­ Jesus remarked that unless a grain of wheat ing separatism-all conspire to keep the church falls into the ground and dies, it "'remains just from the adventurous faithfulness that is the a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit"' earmark of the Remnant and the gift of true Oohn 12:24, NRSV). The suggestion here, put believers to all the children of God who long felicitously by Ellen White, is that the lives of for hope and joy and justice. Christ's followers "must be cast into the furrow It is life in the Spirit--the life-changing, of the world's need."30 Yet even though this mind-changing Spirit of Jesus Christ-that parable is available to every Christian, the turns spiritual laxity, wherever it is manifest, mid-century effort to bring full civil rights to into faithfulness and creative passion. Against black America, and thereby answer manifest the destructive tendencies of fundamentalism, human need, met with listlessness and, some­ and against the tilt of our own community in times, misguided passion on the part of much their direction, we must pray anew for that of the white clergy. Many Christian pastors Spirit-filled life, that connection with the risen stuck with customary understanding (and Christ, that full-hearted openness to the ad­ backed it with reassuring proof texts) in order venture of truth. to stay away from the furrow of the world's Only thus can our truth be what Ellen White need. Knowing this, and languishing in jail for called "an advancing truth. "33 And only thus his own leadership on behalf of others, Martin can the Adventist reading, understanding and Luther King, Jr., exclaimed: "I have wept over living out of the gospel be, as God intends, salt the laxity of the church. "31 and light for the world.

NOTES AND REFERENCES 1. See, e.g., my "Radical Discipleship and the Re­ the Idea of the Christian College," in Stanley Hauerwas, newal of Adventist Mission," Spectrum 14 (December Nancey Murphy, and Mark Nation, eds., Theology 1983), pp. 11-20; and my (unfortunately, pompously WithoutFoundations(Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1994), titled) "The Real Truth About the Remnant," Spectrum pp. 273-288. 17 (October 1986), pp. 6-13. 4. Conversation with religion faculty and church and 2. See, e.g., "The Case for Renewal in Adventist college administrators in North America will confirm Theology," Spectrum 8 (September 1976), pp. 2-6; and this. "Fundamentalism Is a Disease, a Demonic Perversion," 5. Samuel Koranteng-Pipim, Receiving the Word Spectrum 23 (May 1993), pp. 45, 46. (Berrien Springs, Mich.: Berean Books, 1996), p. 311. 3. See The Transformation ofCulture: Social Ethics Koranteng-Pipim has also written Searching the Scrip­ After H. Richard Niebuhr (Scottdale, Penn.: Herald ture: Women's Ordination and the Call to Biblical Press, 1988), and also these representative essays: Fidelity (Berrien Springs, Mich.: Adventists Affirm, "When the Jailhouse Rocks: A Defense of Evangelism," 1995). Spectrum 18 (February 1988), pp. 22-28; "The Reforma­ 6. See, e.g., Receiving the Word, pp. 13, 34, 60, 82, 83, tion Radicals Ride Again," Christianity Today(March 5, 132. 1990), pp. 13-15; and "The Unembarrassed Adventist," 7. See ibid., pp. 60, 69, 82, 83. Spectrum26 (January 1997), pp. 40-50, another version 8. On this see, e.g., Ron Lawson, "Sect-State Rela­ of which is forthcoming in 1999 in the journal Religious tions: Accounting for the Differing Trajectories of Education and has appeared under the title "Schooling Seventh-day Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses," Soci­ for the Tournament of Narratives: Postmodemism and ologyofReligion56 (Winter 1995), pp. 351-377.Jehovah's

36 VoLCME 26, NuMBER 3 THE joURNAL oF mE AssociA110N oF ADVEN11sr FoRuMs

Witnesses actually discourage higher education, have spirit and truth .. .'" (NRSV). There is understanding fewer "hereditary" members than Adventists and a now, but only in the hour that "is coming" will stronger "negative" image in surrounding society. They understanding be complete. have at times, it should be said, resisted evil admirably, 21. J(arl Barth, Church Dogmatics, I, 1, p. 464. Barth as during the Nazi era in Germany. relies here on such passages as 1 John 3:1f., where the 9. In the second of the 27 Fundamental Beliefs of our biblical writer says "we are God's children now; what church, we affirm the Trinity: there is, the document we will be has not yet been revealed," and then declares says, "one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit ... " See that one day we will know God "as he is." Adventist Review (May 1, 1980), p. 23. 22. Again, consult Hebrews 1:1-3. 10. For another expression of this opinion, see 23. A fuller defense of this point appears in my essay, Sydney E. Ahlstrom, A Religious History ofthe American "The Unembarrassed Adventist." People (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1972), p. 24. See my "Radical Discipleship and the Renewal of 816. Adventist Mission" for article-length treatment of this 11. Notice Receiving the Word, p. 10, where point. Koranteng-Pipim, appearing to sympathize with funda­ 25. James W. McClendon, Jr., Systematic 1beology: mentalism, says the termjundamentalistas "one of the Ethics (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1986), vol. 1, p. 270. epithets hurled at Bible-believing scholars"; cf. the 26. From "Fundamental Beliefs of Seventh-day Ad­ related footnote on p. 18. Cf. also, in the "Glossary" on ventists," Adventist Review(May 1, 1980), p. 23. pp. 363ff., his explanations of "Fundamentalism/Fun­ 27. Ellen White, Testimonies for the Church (Moun­ damentalist" and of "Historical-Grammatical Method." tain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Publ. Assn., 1948), vol. 5, 12. I rely on various authorities for this characteriza­ pp. 706, 707. tion, including James Barr, Fundamentalism, 2nd ed. 28. Koranteng-Pipim, e.g., invokes, on p. 149, a (London: SCM Press Ltd., 1981), and Martin E. Marty and reference in Ellen White to "the unerring pen of Scott R. Appleby, eds., Tbe Fundamentalism Project inspiration" (Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 370). But he fails to (Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1991-1995), counter the obvious rejoinder that this must be consid­ 5 vols. ered in the light of her insistence, fully backed by the 13. See Revelation 7:1 and Deuteronomy 21:18-21. Bible, that everything human, including inspired writ­ 14. See Hebrews 1:1-3; see also, e.g., John 1:1-14; ing, is "imperfect." Acknowledging that people often Colossians 1:15; and 1 Timothy 2:5. find in the Bible something that is "not like God," she 15. See John 3 and 4. says, "God has not put Himself in words, in logic, in 16. James W. McClendon, Jr., Systematic Theology. rhetoric, on trial in the Bible" (SelectedMessages[Wash­ .Doctrines(Nashville:AbingdonPress, 1994), vol. 2, p.1o6. ington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publ. Assn., 1958], 17. See John 14:15-25 and 16:12-15. book 1, p. 20). 18. When Philip asks Jesus to show the disciples "the 29. See Revelation 12:17 and 14:12. Father," Jesus replies: '"Whoever has seen me has seen 30. Ellen G. White, Tbe Desire of Ages (Mountain the Father'" (John 14:9, NRSV). View, Calif.: Pacific Press Publ. Assn., 1898), p. 623. 19. According to verses 14 and 15 of John 16, the 31. From King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail," Spirit "will glorify" Christ and will "take what is" Christ's published in TbeChristianCentury(June 12, 1963), pp. and "declare it" to the disciples. 767-773, and otherwise widely available. 20. According to John 4:23, Jesus tells the woman at 32. I argue this at length in Tbe Transformation of Jacob's well: "'The hour is coming, and is now here, Culture. when the true worshipers will worship the Father in 33. Ellen White, Counsels to Writers andEditors, p. 34.

SEPTEMBER 199 7 37 In the Spirit of Truth: Pipim Responds

An author and Andrews University doctoral student asks if . Scriven is advocating a drift away from Adventism.

by Samuel Koranteng-Pipim

OME SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS IN CERTAIN Yet not everyone sees this sophisticated inter­ parts of the world are facing an identity nal challenge to our Adventist belief and prac­ Scrisis. The church's most distinctive theo­ tice as a threat. The advocates of theological logical doctrines are being challenged-from change see themselves as offering "bold" and within. Uncertainty prevails over the church's "visionary'' guidance to the Seventh-day Ad­ unique identity and mission, and its world­ ventist Church by "refining" or "renewing" our wide organizational unity is being defied. beliefs and practices. In their estimation, their As a result of this identity crisis, many "adventure of truth" is veering the church off students in our institutions are confused. There the course of "fundamentalism," an overused exists a generation of church members, preach­ theological word often invoked against anyone ers, Bible teachers, leaders, writers, and pub­ refusing to embrace the spirit of the age. lishers who are unsure of some of our historic The document "Embracing the Spirit" is a beliefs. And in the areas where the situation classic example of such a use of the "funda­ prevails, vibrant church growth and church mentalist" epithet. Since this document has life have been adversely affected. been circulated as an "Open Letter to Leaders This startling development is well-known. 1 of Adventism," we shall take a brief look at it in the next section. Samuel Koranteng-Pipim, a Ph.D. candidate in systematic theology at the SDA Theological Seminary at Andrews Univer­ sity, was born and educated in Ghana, West Africa. He holds a degree in engineering from the University of Science and "Embracing the Spirit": Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.HehasservedtheCentralGhana Conference as its coordinator of campus ministries. 1he A Summary author ofSearching the Scriptures and Receiving the Word, Pipim is completing his dissertation on '7be Role of the Holy lthough the document "Embracing the Spirit in the Interpretation ofScripture in the Writings of]ames In nell Packer. "A longer version if this essay is available, by A Spirit: An Open Letter to Leaders of Ad­ request, from the author (see footnote 1, below). ventism," reads like the private opinion of its ·······-·····-·· 38 VoLUWE 26, NuMBER 3 ------THE jOURNAL oF mE AssoCIA110N oF ADVEN11sT FoRuMs author, it was written and signed in its author's to require them ['those charged with intellec­ capacity as college president, and mailed out tual leadership' in our colleges and universi­ with the approval stamp of the college's devel­ ties] to be faithful and effective in that leader­ opment office. 2 Inasmuch as this "Open Letter" ship," we must also expect them "to nudge us seeks to be treated as the official position of the toward the insights, sometimes hard to bear, college and the constituency represented by its that jesus said would come."10 development office, the document deserves a When our scholar writes about "insights, brief analysis and evaluation. sometimes hard to bear," he explains that "Embracing the Spirit" expresses concern through the Spirit's guiding presence, Chris­ over what its author describes as Adventism's tians would be led "in ways unforeseen by the "drift toward hostility to truth," "antagonism to disciples [of Christ]." He asserts: "The unmistak­ the adventure of truth," "stifling [ofl the church's able implication is that new insight, insight yet quest for deeper understanding, "3 and fearful to enter Christian minds, would sometimes accusation against "every prospect of substan­ entail a difficult departure from the customary. tive critique and revision ofAdventism's speech It would be insight the disciples themselves about God. "4 were not ready, at that moment, to bear."11 While Scriven applauds the efforts of North According to our Adventist scholar, such an American thought leaders who are "offering openness to the Spirit will rule out "the narrow, energetic and visionary guidance to unimaginative thinking that develops from the Seventh-day Adventist conferences and con­ three tendencies of fundamentalism. "12 gregations" by "refining and renewing [Sev­ Interestingly, our author suggests that Re­ enth-day Adventist] belief,"5 he denounces ceiving the Word, my most recent work chal­ those persons who are standing in the way of lenging liberal reinterpretations of traditional this "renewal of understanding," arguing that Adventist beliefs and practices, is partly re­ their alleged "drift toward hostility to the sponsible for generating "the energy"· or a adventure of truth ... moves the church ever "rallying point for those who (effectively, if closer to religious fundamentalism. "6 not deliberately) are stifling the adventure of In so many words, he repeats his opinion truth within Adventism."13 One can under­ that "the church's current drift ... toward stand our scholar's exasperation over the anathematizing the adventure of truth and book's "larger-than-expected readership,"14 nullifying the work of the Spirit"7 is evidence given the fact that Receiving the Word has that "the church is drifting in the fundamental­ been warmly embraced by very large numbers ist direction." By fundamentalism, he indicates of Bible-believing Adventists around the three tendencies: (1) a tendency toward a flat, world-church members, pastors, students, mechanical reading of the Bible; (2) a ten­ scholars, and leaders. 15 dency toward rigidity and arrogance with regard to customary understanding; and (3) a hough the author of"Embracing the Spirit" tendency toward reactive, inward-looking sepa­ Tis careful to state that those he disagrees ratism.8 with-styled, "persons with the outlook and "Embracing the Spirit" intimates that Ad­ attitude expressed in Koranteng-Pipim's writ­ ventism's alleged drift toward fundamentalism ings"16-are not "pure fundamentalists," he is a grave situation that "admits of one protec­ asserts: "Still, to the degree that the church is tion only: the embrace of the Holy Spirit. "9 For drifting in the fundamentalist direction, he our author, "embracing the Spirit" means that [the author of Receiving the Word] is abetting while the church has "the right and obligation the drift, and so are those who endorse his

SEPTEMBER 1997 39 SPEcmUM------writing. "17 dally since there are presently some within our Perceptive readers of the above comment ranks who are jumping on the wings of the will readily observe that our scholar is op­ "Third Wave of the Holy Spirit" (i.e., the con­ posed, primarily, to the theological direction temporary charismatic movement), in their of the Adventist Church, which he character­ flight from the biblical truths and practices izes as "fundamentalist." His criticism of Re­ upheld by Seventh-day Adventists. ceiving the Word, and hence of those persons He must also be complimented for recog­ who share the outlook expressed in this work, nizing that "the Bible story ascends toward stems from the fact that the book is encourag­ Jesus, who is the final 'Word' of God, and the ing readers to keep moving in the direction of final authority for thought and life" 21--despite the church's beliefs, not in the adventurous the fact that he fails to note that we cannot paths being suggested by the self-styled "en­ recognize the true Jesus Christ apart from the ergetic visionaries." written Word Oohn 5:39). Such an emphasis Those who fail to recognize this overriding would have been in order to distance our concern of the writer of "EmbraCing the Spirit" scholar's views from Barthianism or neo­ may be missing the primary thrust of his orthodoxy, a mistaken theological view that "Open Letter to the Leaders of Adventism." jettisons the authority of the Bible for some Our author has a complaint against the theo­ undefined or nebulous concept called "the logical direction of the Seventh-day Adventist final authority of Jesus Christ." Church. This is why he purposes with all his The author of "Embracing the Spirit" also "heart and mind" to "oppose the effort of a few deserves our admiration for asserting the right in our circle to align the rudder of the church of the church to "hire teachers and researchers with the direction of the drift. "18 He is dis­ who, in their various ways, assist in promoting tressed by the writings of the author of Receiv­ and refining that [the church's distinctive] ing the Word mainly because the latter "illus­ vision" --even if he fails to state what recourse trates and reinforces the church's current drift. "19 is available to the church when our institu­ tional thought leaders teach, preach, or pub­ lish works that deny or fail to be "partisan to A Brief Evaluation the mission implicit in the church's calling as the Remnant. "22 ur scholar must be commended for his Again, our scholar must be applauded for 0 stated commitment to a "full-hearted accurately describing the "listlessness," "stunted openness to the adventure of truth"20--even if faith," ~nd the "alarming tedium (and non­ he is silent on what that truth is or on whether participation) associated with many Sabbath each of the fundamental beliefs of Seventh-day schools of North America and other strong­ Adventism is to be bracketed within that truth. holds of Adventism"23--even though he mis­ He is also to be lauded for emphasizing an diagnoses the cause as "fundamentalism," and "embrace of the Spirit''--though he fails to follows it up with a wrong prescription, namely, clearly specify whether the "Spirit" he speaks an "embrace of the Spirit," including a "sub­ about is the Spirit of him who inspired the stantive critique and revision of Adventism's written Word to be the norm of all beliefs and speech about God."24 He also fails to give practices (2 Timothy 3 :15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21), evidence that his prescription will produce or whether it is another "Spirit" which is none genuine church growth, faithfulness to God's other than the spirit of our age. Such a clarifi­ written words, and vitality in "the church's cation would also have been in order, ~spe- older strongholds [which are] suffering from

40 VoLlME 26, NuMBER 3 THE jOURNAL OF mE AssociAT10N OF ADVEN11ST FoRuMs flat or declining enthusiasm and faithfulness. "25 about the health of the body of Christ: It has Finally, the author of "Embracing the Spirit" created theological uncertainty among our deserves our appreciation for calling attention people, and paralyzed the growth and vitality to the "destructive tendencies of fundamental­ of the church in the areas where the product ism"-though he fails to justify his claims to of higher criticism has been embraced. Since have discovered fundamentalism in Receiving this new approach to Scripture denies the full the Word. inspiration, trustworthiness, internal harmony, and sole authority of the Bible, Receiving the ut with all due respect, I beg to differ with Word challenges the method as unbiblical and BScriven's assessment of developments incompatible with Seventh-day Adventist be­ within contemporary Adventism, with his de­ liefs.26 batable analysis and evaluation of a work that But while opposed to contemporary higher defends the church's beliefs and practices, and criticism, Receiving the Word does not seek to with his puzzling silence on crucial issues on promote the three tendencies ofour scholar's biblical authority and biblical truth. dreaded "fundamentalism." Contrary to the There may be a place for denouncing a subtle insinuations in "Embracing the Spirit," book for abetting the we do not shy away Seventh-day Adventist Tbe author of "Embracing the from intellectual pur­ Church's alleged "fun­ suits nor seek to create damentalist" drift. But Spirit" encourages a "substan­ "congregations of negative criticisms that tial critique and revision of poorly educated mem­ fail to demonstrate ob­ bers who win converts, jectively that the posi­ Adventist theology." Is this it is true, but have great tion upheld in Receiv­ actually a clamor for tbe difficulty passing their ing the Word is vision to succeeding unbiblical or out of abandonment ofsome ofour generations and make harmony with tradi­ biblically established doc­ little if any transforma­ tional Adventist belief trines and practices? tive difference in their does not deserve seri­ surrounding cultures. "27 ous attention nor serve the cause of truth- Besides, chapters 9 and 10 of Receiving the however loudly one invokes the emotional Worddismiss any intimation that we argue for catch phrase of "fundamentalism." a mechanical or literalistic reading of the Therefore, instead of focusing on the "straw Bible. Moreover, our call for upholding the man" erected by the author of "Embracing the ideals of God's endtime "Remnant" does not Spirit," I will simply state the facts and proceed encourage the kind of "inward-looking sepa­ to identify some unanswered questions in our ratism" alluded to by our scholar. 28 scholar's work. In this way, I hope to correct The Bible-believing Adventism that is advo­ our scholar's diagnosis of, and prescription cated in Receiving the Word, and embraced by for, the church's theological condition. an overwhelming rna jority of Seventh-day Adventists around the world, is not afraid to he book Receiving the Word argues that investigate, advance in, or clarify biblical truth. Tsome within our ranks have been infected But its quest for biblical truth, the whole truth, by the virus of contemporary higher criticism and nothing but the truth, compels it to (the historical-critical method). The symptoms challenge the kind of unbiblical thinking that of this infection can be seen all"_w""""""h"__ o_"___ c_""a""_"r___e ______"__ for some has become t~~h_l'::e~"~h~~a~ll_,,lma~,~:_r~k_'::':__-'_'::~1~~~~~,~-

SEPTEMBER 1997 41 SPEcmUM------

enlightenment and spiritual insight. Adventist theology. However, he does not The Adventism encouraged in Receiving the specify which of our Fundamental Beliefs Word is a vibrant Christian movement that needs this kind of modification. Is it possible rejoices that Jesus Christ died for our sins in that the call for a change in Adventist theology fulfillment of Bible prophecy, and has called is actually a clamor for the abandonment of us to walk in his steps through a faithful, some of our biblically established doctrines obedient commitment to him. This kind of and practices? Adventism does not pander to the spirit of our The author of "Embracing the Spirit" sees the age while believing or congratulating itself Adventist Church "drifting" in the direction of that it is transforming its ambient culture or fundamentalism. Yet he fails to notice that his renewing the beliefs of the church. observation of the church comes from the Our college administrator is a scholar who vantage point of one who is riding a fast train claims to write "neither lightly nor recklessly. "29 of change called the "adventure of truth." Could Hence his "Embracing the Spirit" should not it be that those riding this speeding train are be dismissed for being more noteworthy for its rather the ones who are "drifting" away from breadth than for its depth. He indicates that he Adventism toward an unknown destination? has "considered the subject matter" and writ­ He speaks about "embracing the Spirit." Yet ten his thoughts "with all the care" that he can he is mute over whether that Spirit will ever muster. 30 Thus, he should not be faulted for contradict the Spirit who inspired the written invoking the "fundamentalist" epithet as a Word to be the test of all spirits. One is left in decoy for diverting attention from the key a quandary over whether the call to "embrace issues raised in my recent book. 31 Still, in all the Spirit" is not a proposal for a paradigm shift fairness, it must be stated that his "Embracing so that the "People of the Book" will now see the Spirit" ca~ only win the sympathy of those themselves as "the People of the Spirit"-as if who have already bought into the critical the Holy Spirit ever quarrels with his inspired heterodoxy challenged in Receiving the Word. book. Bible-believing Seventh-day Adventists have always insisted: "The Spirit was not Some Unanswered Questions given-nor can it ever be bestowed-to supersede the Bible; for the Scriptures explic­ ne cannot help but notice that, in "Em­ itly state that the word of God is the standard 0 bracing the Spirit," there is a deafening by which all teaching and experience must silence regarding major questions of biblical be tested" (TbeGreatControversy, p. vii). "To truth. A few examples will illustrate our obser­ the law and to the testimony: if they speak vation. not according to this word, it is because there Our college administrator's "Open Letter to is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20, KJV; cf. Leaders ofAdventism" speaks of"adventure to Galatians 1:8, 9). truth." But he is vague on whether that "adven­ Finally, our scholar and college administra­ ture" has a destination-i.e., a body of beliefs tor acknowledges the church's "right and that may be accepted as "the truth." One is left obligation" to require our thought leaders to wondering if the emphasis on "adventure of be totally committed to the message and truth" is not an euphemism for parrying with mission of the church. 32 Yet when the advo­ the truth. cates of theological change are called upon to He encourages the "refining," "renewing," give account of their stewardship, he charac­ and "substantive critique and revision" of terizes it as an eagerness to "track down and

42 VoLUWE 26, NuMBER 3 THE jOURNAL OF THE AssociATION oF ADVENllST FoRuMs penalize every effort at constructive innova­ debates. Space constraints will not allow me to tion. "33 Should we not expect those who take present in this edited essay the controverted upon themselves the responsibility of a "sub­ issues on biblical inspiration and interpretation. stantive critique and revision of Adventism's However, in my 50-page booklet response speech about God"34 to (a) show why the to Dr. Scriven's "Open Letter"-a response church's beliefs and practices are unscriptural, from which this current article is excerpted­ and (b) offer solid biblical basis for their new ! have identified some key questions for him "insights" or "adventure of truth"? to address (see footnote 1 for details). I trust The author of "Embracing the Spirit'; is silent that our scholar, who speaks so eloquently on the above questions. More significantly, he and admirably of the "adventure of truth," and avoids dealing with the hermeneutical issues all others who share his attempt at "refining addressed in my Receiving the Word-issues and renewing" Adventist belief will now, in that lie at the heart of Adventism's theological the spirit of truth, offer candid answers.

NOTES AND REFERENCES 1. For example, the president of the General Confer- 4. Ibid. (12:2). ence stated this concern in 1995: "In many of the more 5. Ibid. (3:4; 4:3) developed and sophisticated areas of the world, I sense 6. Ibid. (5: 1). that an increasingly secular value system is negatively 7. Ibid. (4:1). impacting many of our members. I sense a growing 8. Ibid. (6:3). uncertainty about why we exist as a church and what 9. Ibid. (5:2-8:2). our mission is" (RobertS. Falkenberg, "When Culture 10. Ibid. (5:1); cf. (6:1); (8:3-10:2). Doesn't Count," Ministry[December 1995], p. 7).Abrief 11. Ibid. (12:3-13:3). documentation, detailing the underlying causes, of this 12. Ibid. (10:1). As examples of the new insights that identity crisis may be found in chapters 4 to 6 of my entail a "difficult departure from the customary," our Receiving the Word: How New Approaches to the Bible author continues: "Down the centuries, minds indeed ImpactOUrBiblicalFaithandLifestyle(BerrienSprings, would.change in ways unforeseen by the disciples: Mich.: Berean Books, 1996), pp. 75-206. To read Christians would come to favor complete abolition of reviews of and excerpts from Receiving the Word, see slavery; they would defend liberty over despotism; they the World Wide Web page at http://ourworld.compu- would further weigh, and further support equal rights serve.com/homepages/pipim. In the U.S.A., this and opportunity for women" (ibid., 10:1). In making 368-page book is available at the various Adventist this assertion, our Adventist scholar seems to be un- Book Centers. You may also send prepaid orders aware of the fact that the Bible has never supported the ($10.95, plus $3.00 shipping and handling in the U.S.A.) practices of slavery, despotism, and denial of women's to: Berean Books, P. 0. Box 195, Berrien Springs, MI equal rights, and that many of the people who cham- 49103, U.S.A.; Fax: 616/471-4305; e-mail 105323.612®- pioned the cause of the abolition of slavery, defense of compuserve.com; CompuServe 105323,612. Because of libertyover despotism, and the support of equal rights space constraints, this essay has been heavily edited and opportunity for women, did so on the basis of truth from In the Spirit of Truth, a 50-page booklet respond- already revealed in Scripture. Readers will benefit from ing to Dr. Scriven's "Embracing the Spirit." You may the following works: John Stott, Issues Facing Chris- order your copy of In the Spirit of Truth by sending tians Today (Basingstoke, Hants.: Marshall Morgan & $3.50 to the author at the above address. Scott, 1984), pp. 2-28, 45-61; Theodore D. Weld, Tbe 2. Charles Scriven, "Embracing the Spirit: An Open Bible Against Slavery: Or, An Inquiry Into the Genius of Letter to the Leaders of Adventism" (Takoma Park, Md.: the Mosaic System, and the Teachings ofthe Old Testa- Columbia Union College, 1997). Dr. Charles Scriven is ment on the Subject of Human Rights (Pittsburgh: the president ofColumbia Union College, a Seventh-day United Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1864); cf. Adventist institution in Takoma Park, Maryland. Dale B. Martin, Slavery As Salvation: Tbe Metaphor of 3. Scriven, "Embracing the Spirit" (3:3, 4). Note that Slavery in Pauline Christianity (New Haven: Yale figures in parentheses show the page numbers and the University Press, 1990); Guenther Haas, "Patriarchy as full paragraphs in which the quotations are found. An Evil That God Tolerated: Analysis and Implications Thus, .. ~~:},~<})~~f~r_s~t()p~g~3~p~~~~~f'~.~ ~rl~i: ..... -··~X~.!ll-~~~!~?.~!r~ ~~~E~~~·~l!!.. ~11'1!l.L?£~1:J_~-~~~f!.'!.~e!i-:.

SEPTEMBER 1997 43 SPEC7RUM ______calTbeological Society (September 1995), pp. 321-326; rial Association of the General Conference of Seventh­ George W. Knight III, 1be Role Relationship ofMen and day Adventists, 1988), pp. 5-15. This work, produced Women. New Testament Teaching(Chicago, Ill.: Moody by 194 thought leaders around the world, is to be Press, 1985), pp. 7-15. received "as representative of ... [what] Seventh-day 13. Scriven, "Embracing the Spirit" (14:2). Adventists around the globe cherish and proclaim," 14. Ibid. (4:1-2); cf. 8:2 and as furnishing "reliable information on the beliefs 15. Ibid. (4:1). of our [Seventh-day Adventist] church" (ibid., pp. iv, v). 16. Koranteng-Pipim, Receiving the Word For the general Seventh-day Adventist understanding 17. Scriven, "Embracing the Spirit" (4:2). of biblical interpretation, see "Methods of Bible Study," 18. Ibid. (6:3). Adventist Review Oanuary 22, 1987), pp. 18-20, repro­ 19. Ibid. (3:3). duced as Appendix C in Receiving the Word, pp. 355- 20. Ibid. ( 4: 1) 362. "Methods of Bible Study" rejects as "unacceptable 21. Ibid. 06:2) to Adventists" "even a modified use" of the historical­ 22. Ibid. (7:0). critical method. 23. Ibid. (12:3-13:1). 28. Scriven, "Embracing the Spirit" (5:3). 24. Ibid. (11:3). 29. Ibid. (6:4-8:2). 25. Ibid. (12:2). 30. Ibid. (3:3). 26. Ibid. (5:2). 31. Ibid. (2:1). 27. An excellent exposition of the Seventh-day 32. These key issues have been summarized in Adventist position on the inspiration, trustworthiness, section 4 of In the Spirit ofTrnth as a set of 10 questions unity, and authority of Scripture is found in Seventh-day on inspiration and interpretation. Adventists Believe ... A Biblical Exposition of 27 33. Scriven, "Embracing the Spirit" (12:3-13:1). Fundamental Doctrines (Washington, D.C.: Ministe- 34. Ibid. (7: 1).

44 VoLCME 26, NuMBER 3 SPECIAL SECTION: THOSE HARDY VEGETARIANS

The Vegetarian Diet Comes of Age

Scholars from around the world gather at Lorna Linda University for the Third International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition.

by Rosemary Clandos

N MARcH OF 1997, MORE THAN 600 PEOPLE Johanes Mamahit, M.P.H., health and tem­ from 33 different countries attended the perance director of the West Indonesia Union I Third International Congress on Vegetar­ Mission of Seventh-day Adventists, was grate­ ian Nutrition, held on the campus of Lorna ful to be at Lorna Linda University, but was Linda University in Lorna Linda, California. "not completely convinced that a vegetarian Authorities from universities around the diet is necessary for a healthy life." world-including Oxford University, the Uni­ The keynote speaker, Walter Willett, Ph.D., versity of London, Harvard University, and the chair of the department of nutrition at Harvard Universities of Minnesota and North Caro­ School of Public Health, noted that the "evi­ lina-gathered to share their latest research dence accumulated in the past decade has findings. emphasized the importance of adequate con­ Zeno Gintner, Ph.D., nutritionist and mem­ sumption of the beneficial dietary factors, ber of the executive board of the Hungarian rather than just the avoidance of harmful League Against Cancer, arrived from Hungary factors." He then took advocacy of vegetarian­ wanting to hear "the truth." The old commu­ ism to a new level, explaining that a non-meat nist government had warned that a vegetarian diet not only avoided harm, but yielded mea­ diet was dangerous. surable benefits. Solveig Tonstad, an R.N. and self-avowed He expressed surprise at the outcome of skeptic from Norway, came to find "serious, some of his own research. He had expected, updated research." he said, to find a strong correlation between fat intake and breast cancer, but found none. Rosemary Clandos, a health writerfor Lorna Linda University, Also, his observations of certain health ben­ attended Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Her efits associated with intakes of fish and poultry syndicated nutrition column appears in newspapers across the country, and shefrequently writes for the San Bernardino led him to suspect that these foods contain County Medical Society Journal. components that are not consumed in optimal

SEPTEMBER 1997 45 SPecmuM------

amounts in other diets. Willett emphasized the amount of L-dopa medication needed. Fur­ need for further research. thermore, Hubbard reported that plant pro­ Skeptics--particularly non-vegetarian skep­ tein can be eaten during the day, whereas tics--breathed sighs of relief. In a culture used animal protein is normally restricted until to the cacophony of hard sell, Willett's objec­ evening because it interferes with the dopa tivity was welcome, and lent credibility to his absorption. address. Johanna Dwyer, D.Sc., RD., director of the During the next three days, more than 30 Frances Stern Nutrition Center at the New speakers, under the direction of Dr. Patricia England Medical Center and professor at Tufts Johnston, associate dean of the Lorna Linda University, offered a modulating tone, warn­ University School of Public Health and chair of ing the group against triumphalism and exces­ the congress, presented their research find­ sive assurance that our own views, dietary or ings. They showed how proper nutrition can other, are forever. correct. Dwyer advised prevent disease and help with the manage­ people to resist inflicting "dietary imperialism" ment of chronic illness. on friends and acquaintances, and stressed the Mark Messina, Ph.D., nutrition consultant at importance of maintaining an open mind and Nutrition Matters, Inc., Port Townsend, Wash­ healthy skepticism. ington, reported on his recent data that sug­ gest that phytochemicals found in soybeans everal pioneers of vegetarianism received and legumes may reduce the risk of cardiovas­ Sawards at the congress. By helping the cular disease and some forms of cancer, as scientific community maintain open minds to well as promote good bone health. According the value of a vegetarian diet, these research­ to Messina, the extremely low glycemic index ers made great advances in the study of good of beans suggests that legumes may be a nutrition. particularly important food for diabetics and One of the recipients, Mervyn Hardinge, those at risk of becoming insulin resistant. was a doctoral student in public health in the Lee Lipenthal, M.D., vice-president and 1940s when he chose to investigate the health medical director of the Preventive Medicine status of vegetarians for his doctoral disserta­ Research Institute in Sausalito, California, ex­ tion. The dean of the Lorna Linda University plained why the current dietary guidelines of School of Medicine at that time feared the the American Heart Association may not be church would be embarrassed if the vegetar­ sufficient to stop the progression of coronary ian diet was found deficient, and demanded heart disease. Regression of the disease may that Hardinge select another topic. Hardinge occur when dietary intake of fat and choles­ refused, defying the administration, and con­ terol are much lower. Since cholesterol is tinued his research. He eventually defended contained only in foods of animal origin, a his dissertation and was awarded a Dr.Ph. vegetarian diet may be extremely beneficial. When his findings were published in the Richard Hubbard, Ph.D., professor of pa­ journal of the American Dietetic Association, thology at Lorna Linda University School of they drew national attention. Hardinge later Medicine, offered surprising, favorable news went on to become dean of the school of for victims of Parkinson's disease. His research public health at Lorna Linda University, and findings showed that eating a vegan diet (one director of the health department of the Sev­ that contains no animal products--meat, eggs, enth-day Adventist Church. or dairy products) could reduce symptoms of Another award recipient, Dr. U. D. Register, Parkinson's and lower by 50 percent the found, a decade later in the 1950s, that his

46 VoLUME 26, NuMBER 3 THosE HARDY VEGETARIANS AND THEIR SuccULENT CUISINE advocacy of the vegetarian lifestyle was still not change their diet gradually. Give patients universally welcomed on the Lorna linda cam­ choices and allow them to have as much pus. Many of the medical faculty were hostile, control as possible. When they don't want to and Register found that debate accomplished eat meat, offer them dairy products or nuts. little. He turned to research, realizing, he said, "Focus on the specific benefits of eating health­ that "you can't talk back to a rat." He made it his ful foods rather than avoiding certain foods," task to change the American Dietetic Whitten suggested. "Plan ahead. Encourage Association's negative view of the vegetarian continual, incremental changes." diet and its proponents. His knowledge and As the congress drew to a close, partici­ expertise brought him wide recognition, and in pants-many laden with lecture notes and 1969 he was invited to participate in the White resource materials-were uniformly enthusi­ House Conference on Food, Nutrition, and astic. Dr. David Noga, a surgeon from the Health. In 197 4, he was chosen to write the Ukraine, was grateful for information he plans statement on vegetarian diets for the Food and to use in fighting the startlingly high rates of Nutrition Board of the National Research Coun­ heart disease in his country. Half of all Ukrai­ cil, National Academy of Sciences. nian men die of heart disease before the age of 62, thanks, in part, to a high intake of lard. or those with the necessary training in "I am also taking home the preventive medi­ Fmedicine and science, the congress of­ cine model of the vegetarian diet," Noga fered an array of technical information and added, "to help increase the immunity of the research findings. For the less technically people who were affected by the Chernobyl minded, Joan Sabat<:\ M.D., Dr.P.H., associate radiation accident." professor and chairman of the nutrition de­ Lucrecia Ponce, a registered nurse and native partment, at Lorna linda University School of of Jujuy, the smallest city in Argentina, went Public Health, introduced the vegetarian food home with renewed confidence. "The exercise pyramid, which proved to be a highlight of the and the diet of Coyos Indians," she said, "which congress. Intended to serve as a visual guide already includes many grains, legumes, and for adults, the pyramid was prepared with vegetables, is 100 percent better than the [typi­ input from vegans, vegetarians, and omni­ cal] Western diet for preventing disease." vores. It is unique because, unlike the U.S. Clearly, vegetarianism-which the general Department of AgricultUre food guide, whole public once identified as a religious practice, grains and legumes occupy the largest block, and Adventists dismissed as another of their meats are omitted, and eggs and dairy prod­ peculiar foibles-has earned the respect of ucts are optional. science. Frood Bourbour, Ph.D., returned to Application workshops, designed to ease his post as professor of epidemiology at the the transition from theory to practice, drew University of Tehran, in Iran, with plans to use large crowds. Presenters like Chrystal Whitten, the information he had gotten about the M.S., RD., assistant professor of nutrition and treatment of diabetes with soy beans and the dietetics, and Ardis Beckner, M.S., RD., C.L.E., role of soy beans in cancer prevention. In certified diabetes instructor and nutrition spe­ parting, he offered a sort of symbolic benedic­ cialist/metabolic dietician, both from Lorna tion on the Adventist health message: He Linda University, offered practical advice on would return home, he said, "with the deter­ retraining patients who must change their mination to follow the Adventist vegetarian eating habits in order to manage disease. diet, and," he added, with good humor, "with Ch~ry~~!~itten recommended that people a headache from caffeine withdrawal."

SEPTFMBER 199 7 47 Vegetarianism-From Negative to Positive

The chair of nutrition at Harvard gives the keynote address to the Third International Congress oq Vegetarian Nutrition.

by Chip Cassano

N HIS KEYNOTE ADDRESS TO THE THIRD INTERNA­ respected figure in the field of nutrition, tional Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition, having served on committees of the National I Walter Willett, chair of the department of Institutes of Health and the President's Cancer nutrition at Harvard University and professor Panel. He currently sits on the boards of seven of medicine at Harvard Medical School, was scholarly journals, and he publishes exten­ quick to acknowledge his debt to Seventh-day sively-some 300 articles and 100 reviews to Adventist pioneers of vegetarian nutrition. He date. specifically mentioned Mervyn Hardinge-an Of equal significance, perhaps, is Willett's honoree at the congress-and the late Roland reputation for candor. In introducing Willett to Phillips, stressing the contributions of Phillips, the congress, Joan Sa bate, associate professor "whose early work in nutritional epidemiol­ and chair of the nutrition department in Lorna ogy had an important impact on my own Linda University's School of Public Health, thinking and on the direction of the whole reported that Willett accepts almost no re­ field of nutritional epidemiology." Willett also search funding from the food industry, and is thanked Lorna Linda University, not only for thus "free to speak the truth." He is a vigorous sponsoring the congress, but for assuming a and vocal critic of olestra, the new "fat substi­ leadership role in examining, scientifically, tute." When asked a few years ago how much the impact of a vegetarian diet on health. red meat humans should consume, his un­ For the organizers of the congress, and for equivocal response was, "Zero." Adventists everywhere, it was a gratifying Adventists in the audience were particularly moment. Willett is a widely recognized and interested when, early in his address, Willett acknowledged religion as a valid reason for Chip Cassano, a graduate of Columbia Union College, re­ ceived his M.A. in writingfrom the johns Hopkins University. becoming a vegetarian. The way humans treat He is Spectrum~ assistant editor. our own and other species, Willett said, along

48 VOLlME 26, NUMBER 3 ------THosE HARDY VEGETARIANs AND THEIR SuccULENT CUisiNES with our ability to sustain food sources for all, cancer correlate strongly, but evidence does are two of the most important factors influenc­ not suggest that all flesh foods are similarly ing the future and well-being of humankind. associated with high risk of colon cancer. In The core of Willett's address, however, fact, Willett reported that in a number of focused on more concrete issues-the direct studies, including the Nurses' Health Study health benefits of a vegetarian diet, particu­ and Health Professionals Follow-up Study larly in affluent nations, and its connection to (which Willett oversees), consumption of lower rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease, chicken and fish tends to reduce colon cancer and overall mortality. Again, Adventists re­ risk, although not always to statistically signifi­ ceived prominent mention. In a 1980 study on cant degrees. Similarly, while consuming less mortality among California Adventists in se­ red meat seems to decrease risk of colon lected cancer sites, the journal ofthe National cancer, studies of Adventists do not suggest Cancer Institute reported overall cancer mor­ that those who eat little red meat enjoy an tality in the Adventist population is lower by equivalent decrease in risk of breast cancer. approximately one-half in men and by about The strongest association for major cancers in one-third in women, when compared to the Western populations, Willett said, is between U.S. population. animal fat consumption and risk of prostate Willett went on to categorize and qualify cancer. There was no correlation with the these findings. The most dramatic reductions, consumption of vegetable fats. for example, are seen in mortality from cancer According to Willett, since meat is the of the lung, whereas Adventist mortality rates primary source of saturated fat and cholesterol for breast cancer and prostate cancer are quite in the U.S. diet, avoiding meat is also likely to similar to the general U.S. population. While reduce risk of coronary heart disease, the colorectal cancer is less common among Sev­ country's largest killer disease. Again, studies enth-day Adventist men, this may, according of Adventist populations figured prominently to Willett, reflect lower rates of smoking, not in his conclusions. Willett referred to research just differences in dietary patterns. Similarly, published in Preventive Medicine reporting access to excellent medical care in the Advent­ that Adventist males who ate beef three or ist population might help account for lower more times a week had more than twice the cancer mortality rates. risk for fatal coronary heart disease than did their vegetarian counterparts. Again, though, the findings come with clarifications-in this Potential Hazards of Meat case, similar studies of Adventist women Consumption showed no association, a trend supported by Willett's own research. illett next explained how much of the W early discussion of diet and health in vegetarian populations focused on the poten­ Additional Benefits of tial adverse effects of consuming meat. While Vegetarian Diets international research points to strong positive associations between consumption of meat or Willett next shifted his attention to the animal fat and incidence of cancer and coro- benefits of consuming large quantities nary heart disease, the associations are not of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, always simple ones. For example, per capita and nuts-benefits he emphasized as even meat ~consumption~andJn~id~n~~---QL~~QlQ!! --~--~!J:!Q~~i1!!22t:!~~~~J:l~!1:~~~9~~-E~~!~~~~-l:ly_~c:_~():'_':_ .. _

SEPTEMBER 1997 49 SPEGmUM------ing meat from the diet. He called attention to ofMedicine published research from the Iowa a body of research currently investigating the Women's Study confirming these findings. constituents of fruits and vegetables that may These benefits, Willett said, are not sur­ protect against cancer-vitamin C, carotenoids, prising, since most of the fat in nuts is and folic acid, to name a few. According to unsaturated. Furthermore, they might have Willett, folic acid is a particularly promising been predicted by examining the Mediterra­ candidate; Annals ofMedicine, for example, nean diet, which is typically high in alpha­ published research reporting inverse associa­ linolenic acid, and appears to reduce the risk tions between folate intake and risks of colon of coronary heart disease. One study, Willett cancer and adenomas. said, showed a 70 percent decrease in coro­ Willett next referred to consumption of nary difficulties for those on such a diet, nuts, again pointing to studies conducted when compared with control groups con­ among Adventists. Although nuts, because of suming less alpha-linolenic acid. their high fat content, have been condemned Consistent with their emphasis on mini­ by some nutritionists, the Archives ofInternal mally processed foods, Willett said, vegetar­ Medicine reported research indicating sub­ ians typically eat more whole grains and, thus, stantially lower risks of both fatal and non­ consume more cereal fiber than their meat­ fatal coronary heart disease within the Advent­ eating counterparts. This is positive behavior. ist population among persons consuming more Many, however, assume all foods high in nuts. Just last year, the New England journal starch are good simply because they are A Selection of Works Cited Cancer FAT AND FmEJt W. C. Willett, D.]. Hunter, M.]. Stampfer, et al., "Dietary Fat and Fiber in Relation to Risk of Breast Cancer: An 8-Year Follow-up," journal oftheAmericanMedicalAssociation 268 (1992), pp. 2037-2044. GENERAL Dmr AND NurltiTioN E. Giovannucci, W. C. Willett, "Dietary Factors and Risk of Colon Cancer," Annals ofMedicine 26 (1994), pp. 443-452. . W. C. Willett, D. Trichopoulos, "Nutrition and Cancer: A Summary of the Evidence," Cancer Causes Control 7 (1996), pp. 178-180. D. P. Rose, A. P. Boyar, E. L. Wynder, "International Comparisons of Mortality Rates for Cancer of the Breast, Ovary, Prostate, and Colon, and Per Capita Food Consumption," Cancer 58 (1986), pp. 2263-2271. FRUITS AND VEGETABLES G. Block, B. Patterson, A. Subar, "Fruit, Vegetables, and Cancer Prevention: A Review of the Epidemiologic Evidence," Nutrition and Cancer 18 (1992), pp. 1-29. 0BESflY D. A. Snowdon, R. L. Phillips, W. Choi, "Diet, Obesity, and Risk of Fatal Prostate Cancer," American journal ofEpidemiology 120 (1984), pp. 244-250. SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS R. L. Phillips, L. Garfinkel, ]. W. Kuzma, W. L. Beeson, T. Lotz, and B. Brin, "Mortality Among California Seventh-day Adventists for Selected Cancer Sites," journal ofthe National Cancer Institute 65 (1980), pp. 1097-1107. VITAMIN E AND BETA CAROTENE The Alpha-Tocopherol Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study Group, "The Effect of Vitamin E and Beta Carotene on the Incidence of Lung Cancer and Other Cancers in Male Smokers," New Englandjournal of Medicine 330 0994), pp. 1029-1035.

50 VoLUME 26, NuMBER 3 ------THosE HARDY VEGETARL4Ns AND THEIR SuccULENT CUISINES

"complex carbohydrates" andlowinfat. Willett nated vegetable oils-appears to be more explained that intake of cereal fiber is associ­ serious than consuming too many harmful ated with a lower risk of diabetes, while the foods. Finally, vegetarian diets per se are not diet consumed by many Americans, including necessarily healthy. The vegetarian diet fa­ white breads, potatoes, white rice, and refined vored by some American teenagers consists pastas, is associated with a high glycemic primarily of Coca-Cola, pizza, and ice cream. index and increased risk of diabetes. The Although meatless, this diet is almost devoid combination of low fiber intake and high of vegetables and can hardly be considered glycemic load is particularly harmful. healthy. The keynote address was, at once, a compli­ ment and challenge to the congress partici­ Benefits of Good Diet pants-Adventist and non-Adventist alike. The idea of vegetarian nutrition, Willett explained, illett concluded his address with a sum­ has undergone a subtle but momentous shift­ W mary: First, a high intake of red meat has a tangible response to years of research-from negative health consequences; thus, vegetar­ the restrictive view of avoiding the harms of ian diets tend to have health advantages. meat eating, to the more expansive approach Second, in most diets, not consuming enough of embracing the benefits of eating greater beneficial foods-including fruits, vegetables, quantities of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, whole grains, and foods high in non-hydroge- legumes, and nuts.

Diabetes FIBER AND GLYCEMIC LoAD ]. Salmeron,]. E. Manson, M.]. Stampfer, G. A. Colditz, A. L. Wing, W. C. Willett, "Dietary Fiber, Glycemic Load, and Risk of Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus in Women," journal oftheAmericanMedical Association 277 (1997), pp. 472-477. Heart Disease ANTIOXIDANT VITAMINS L. H. Kushi, A. R. Folsom, R. ]. Princas, P. ]. Mink, Y. Wu, R. M. Bostick, "Dietary Antioxidant Vitamins and Death From Coronary Heart Disease in Postmenopausal Women," New England journal ofMedicine 334 (19%), pp. 1156-1162. FRUITS, VEGETABLES, AND CEREAL FIBER E. B. Rimm, A. Ascherio, E. Giovannucci, D. Spiegelman, M.]. Stampfer, W. C. Willett, "Vegetable, Fruit, and Cereal Fiber Intake and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease Among Men," journal of the American Medical Association 275 (1996), pp. 447-451. MEDITERRANEAN DIEr M. de Longeril, S. Renaud, N. Mamelle, et al., "Mediterranean Alpha-Linolenic Acid-Rich Diet on Secondary Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease," Lancet 343 (1994), pp. 1454-1459. Nurs G. E. Fraser,]. Sabate, W. L. Beeson, T. M. Strahan, "A Possible Protective Effect of Nut Consumption on Risk of Coronary Heart Disease: The Adventist Health Study," Archives of Internal Medicine 152 (1992), pp. 1416-1424. Stroke FRUITS AND VEGETABLES M. W. Gillman, L.A. Cupples, D. Gagnon, et al., "Protective Effect of Fruits and Vegetables on Development of Stroke in Men," journal oftheAmericanMedicalAssociation 273 0995), pp. 1113-1117.

SEPTEMBER 1997 51 Adventists and the New Vegetarians

Dramatic benefits from a vegetarian diet are substantiated by group comparisons, cross-sectional studies, and clinical trials.

by Patricia K. johnston

N THE 1970s, THE FIRST MORTALITY STUDIES ON ments around the world imply that vegetarian California Seventh-day Adventists reported nutrition deserves careful scientific investiga­ I lower mortality rates compared to other tion. A survey reported at the Third Interna­ Californians. Since approximately half the study tional Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition of the population were vegetarians, scientists evalu­ scientific literature from 1960 to 1995, found a ated the risk of dying among those who ate steady increase in published research relating meat as compared to those who did not. Even to vegetarian diets and vegetarian popula­ after controlling for cigarette smoking, the tions. The survey also found that the nature researchers found lower death rates among the and design of the studies has changed. Whereas vegetarians for coronary heart disease and earlier reports were more likely to be case major types of cancer. Vegetarian males lived histories, more recent reports describe group some six years longer than non-vegetarians. comparisons, cross-sectional studies, and clini­ Since that time, considerable attention has cal trials. been directed to the health benefits of vegetar­ ian dietary practices. The hundreds of thou­ sands of research dollars spent by govern- The Scientific Benefits Are Dramatic Patricia K.]ohnston, a graduate ofWalla Walla College, after receiving master's degrees from Loma Linda University and the University of Washington, received her Dr.P.H. in nutri- studies from around the world have demon- tionfromtheUniversityofCaliforniaatLosAngeles.Afonner strated the benefits of vegetarian diets. chair ifthe department ofnutrition ofLoma Linda University, she is currently associate dean and professor of nutrition in Researchers continue trying to learn what it is the School ofPublic Health. For more information about the about such diets that provides protection proceedings of the Third International Congress on Vegetar- against disease. One recently reported study ian Nutrition, which johnston chaired, contact her at Lama ______f!~J!.~_ii)(!TJjfty,_t,QtJ~:E.lt~,~-2c?3i~L. ·········-·············~----·- .... J!!Y.~§!!g~t~.

52 VoLCME 26, NuMBER 3 ------THOSE HARDY VEGETARIANs AND THEIR SuccULENT CUisiNE gators reasoned that if the decreased mortality This reduction in risk was greater at younger rate was due to the vegetarian diet, lower rates ages and was found only in those who had would also be found among non-Adventist been vegetarians for at least six years. Further, vegetarians in England. Some 6,000 vegetar- the researchers found that, compared to regu- ians were recruited for the study, and they, in lar meat eaters, mortality was reduced by 17 turn, recruited about 5,000 friends or family percent in occasional meat eaters, by 36 members who were meat eaters, but similar in percent in those who ate fish but not meat, by other aspects. After adjusting for smoking, 34 percent in lacto-ovo vegetarians, and by 30 body mass index, and social class, the re- percent in vegans. (Vegans consume no ani- searchers found that vegetarians had lower mal products of any kind, including dairy death rates, partially for coronary heart dis- products or eggs; some use no animal prod- ease and for all cancers. These findings are ucts in any form, including leather.) The particularly impressive because the entire study researchers suggested that a rna jor factor in group of both vegetarians and non-vegetar- the lower mortality from ischemic heart dis- ians had a mortality rate about half the general ease may be the consistently lower serum population of England and Wales. cholesterol levels found among the vegetar- Further analysis of the data showed that ians. intake of meat and cheese was positively Although the data are less clear regarding associated with higher cholesterol levels, while the relationship of meat eating to different greater intake of fiber was associated with types of cancer, evidence from a variety of lower cholesterol levels. The researchers con- different populations certainly suggests that eluded that increasing fiber and limiting meat there are health benefits from following a and cheese intake had beneficial effects on vegetarian diet. It was the desire to know more cholesterol levels. They also concluded that about those benefits that brought more than excluding meat from the diet could result in a 630 individuals from nearly 40 countries to the 15 to 25 percent reduction in risk of coronary Third International Congress on Vegetarian heart disease. When they divided subjects into Nutrition held at Lorna Linda University in three equal tiers by intake of animal fat, they March of 1997. found that subjects in the upper tier had a ThemajorityofattendeeswerenotSeventh- greater than three-fold increase in risk of day Adventists and were unaware of the dying from coronary heart disease compared history behind Adventist lifestyle practices. to subjects in the lowest tier. (Walter Willett, the keynote speaker, did un- Because all studies are necessarily limited in derscore the importance of studies by and size, one way of learning more is to combine about Adventists for his own research.) Sur- and analyze the data from several studies. This veys among the general public have found was recently done with five prospective stud- increasing numbers of persons saying that ies of different vegetarian populations. Results they are vegetarians. Others simply limit their from the combined studies showed that veg- intake of red meat. Restaurants, college cafete- etarians consistently had a lower body mass rias, and even fast food providers are encoun- index and a higher percentage of high exercis- tering more and more people who want meat- ers. Although there was no difference be- free choices. Manufacturers of vegetarian food tween vegetarians and non-vegetarians in risk products are increasing, as is their availability. of mortality from cerebrovascular disease or Vegetarian diets are no longer considered various kinds of cancer, there was a reduction hippie food or fads. in risk of from coronary heart disease. Outside of Adventism, there is an unprec-

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SEPTEMBER 1997 53 SPEcmuM------edented interest in vegetarian diets. Especially An abundant intake of fruits and vegetables, among youth, interest in the environment and consuming grains in a minimally refined state, regard for animal rights motivates an increas­ and-perhaps surprising to some--"regular ing commitment to the vegetarian diet. consumption of vegetable oils, including those Indeed, the congress, organized by an Ad­ in nuts," are included in the "beneficial dietary ventist institution, attracted outstanding speak­ factors" mentioned by Willett. The attention of ers. An example isWalterWillett, M.D., Dr.P.H., the scientific community to the importance of professor and chair of the Department of plant foods is evidenced in many recent Nutrition at Harvard University's school of publications and scientific meetings. The en­ public health. He is the principal investigator tire first day of the congress focused on this of the ongoing and widely reported Nurses' theme, with reports from individuals currently Health Study. In his address (see "Vegetarian­ investigating the topics of interest. ism-From Negative to Positive," pp. 48-51 in Greater consumption of legumes may be this issue), Willett noted that, although the one of the most distinguishing characteristics absence of red meat ofWestern vegetarians likely contributes to Vegetarian diets are no longer and one that contrib­ lower rates of coronary utes significantly to heart disease and co­ considered hippiefood orfads. their better health, ac­ lon cancer, eliminating Outside ofAdventism, there is cording to Mark Mes­ red meat from the diet sina, Ph.D., nutrition does not appear to be an unprecedented interest in consultant and sought the primary reason for vegetarian diets. Especially after speaker. Legumes the good health found are an excellent source among vegetarians. among youth, interest in the of dietary fiber and pro­ In the past, it may environment and regard for tein. With the excep­ have been appropriate tion of soybeans and to talk of the cause of a animal rights also motivates peanuts, they are also certain condition or dis­ an increasing commitment to low in fat. Because of ease. But in today's the vegetarian diet. their low glycemic in­ world, with its steady dex, legumes appear increase of understanding of physiologic pro­ to be particularly important foods for diabet­ cesses, molecular biology, biochemistry, and ics. They also have beneficial effects on cho­ immunology, it seems inordinately simplistic lesterol levels. to think that the better health observed among james W. Anderson, M.D., chief of the vegetarians is merely due to the absence of endocrine-metabolic section and professor of meat. medicine at the University of Kentucky, re­ Willett's comment, "Evidence accumulated ported to the Lorna Linda congress the results in the past decade has emphasized the impor­ of his meta-analysis of 29 controlled clinical tance of adequate consumption of beneficial studies of the cholesterol lowering effect of dietary factors, rather than just the avoidance of soy protein. These studies confirm in humans harmful factors," reminds me of Paul's counsel, what has been recognized in animal models "Overcome evil with good."1 It has long seemed for more than 80 years: soy protein exerts a appropriate to me to focus on the vast number cholesterol lowering effect and helps protect of healthful foods available to most of us, rather against the development of atherosclerosis. than on what is "wrong" with a few kinds. The accumulating evidence is strong that

54 VoLUME 26, NuMBER 3 ------THOSE llARDY VEGETARIANS AND THEIR SuccULENT CUISINE consumption of plant foods is highly benefi­ stimulate the immune system, alter platelet cial. Recent studies, summarized by joanne aggregation, modulate cholesterol synthesis Slavin, Ph.D., professor in the department of and hormone metabolism, and have antibac­ food science and nutrition at the University of terial and antiviral effects. Minnesota, found that whole grains protect Unfortunately, as soon as a compound is against cardiovascular disease, cancer, and identified as having health benefits, some diabetes. According to johanna Lampe, Ph.D., company produces it in a pill. This approach R.D., of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research fails to recognize the complexity of plant Center in Seattle, epidemiologic data support foods or the multiple potential interactions the association between a high intake of fruits among the compounds they contain. Obvi­ and vegetables and lower risk of chronic ously, no one compound produces all the disease. benefits attributed to plant foods. Comple­ Even nuts, often maligned because of their mentary and overlapping actions may be fat content, have been shown to be beneficial. inhibitory, additive, or synergistic, both within Both the Adventist Health Study and the Iowa a given food and with components in other Women's Health Study found decreased risk foods. of ischemic heart disease with increased con­ One topic that is sure to lead to vigorous sumption of nuts. A randomized, controlled discussion among nutritionists is how much clinical trial, conducted by joan Sabate, M.D., fat should be consumed. Some suggest that a Dr.P.H., from the School of Public Health at very low fat diet is necessary to prevent Lorna Linda University, found that eating wal­ disease, while others say that the total amount nuts resulted in a greater decrease in total and of dietary fat can be higher so long as the LDL-cholesterol levels than did the typical appropriate type of fat is consumed. Both Step-One Cholesterol Lowering Diet. views, along with evidence supporting them, were presented at the congress, leaving indi­ viduals to arrive at their own conclusions. The Scientific Investigation Willett stated, "The notion that fat per se is a Continues major cause of ill health has not been sup­ ported by recent data." Evidence was also ut the question remains, What is it in plant shared supporting the need for properties of Bfoods that causes the protective effects? In certain long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. response, we can add to the dietary fiber that The multiplicity of views on a given nutri­ we've all heard about, a whole list of com­ tion topic often leaves the non-scientist con­ pounds that reads like a page out of an organic fused and wondering how to relate to various chemistry textbook. In addition to being rich issues. Perhaps it would help to recognize that sources of vitamins and minerals, plant foods there are different kinds of investigations; that are equally rich in non-nutritive, biologically is, different study designs and methodologies active compounds, generally classified as are used to seek answers to the same question. phytochemicals. For example, phytic acid, The results from one may not coincide in once considered an antinutrient, may function totality with another. Second, there are many as an antioxidant and thus be protective. different investigators, who may not agree on Besides serving as antioxidants, compounds the interpretation of the results of a given in plant foods, according to Dr. Lampe, bind study. This is particularly disturbing to the and dilute carcinogens, modulate the glycemic general public, who often want absolute an­ r~~ponse, induce detoxification enzymes, swers to intricate and perplexing questions.

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Robert Heaney, M.D., of Creighton University, second cartoon shows Dennis the Menace said it well several years ago: "Nutritional answering his mother's question after his questions have about them an air of simplicity friend joey has left the table looking very sick. that often belies their inherent complexity." Dennis says, "All I did was tell him he's eating In addition to differences in study design ground-up cow." The purpose of using these and interpretation, it is important to recognize cartoons is to illustrate that how we view that we are each individually different in our another's dietary practices is a matter of our biologic make-up. As such, we may have own perspective. somewhat different nutritional needs and may It is, however, unlikely that an individual respon~ physiologically in different ways to a whose beliefs are based on a certain theologi­ given food. We certainly recognize different cal approach will be convinced by mere likes and dislikes in dietary choices. There scientific argument. As some wise sage said, may not be one absolute right answer for "A man convinced against his will is of the everyone on every nutrition topic. same opinion still." Personal viewpoints, The scientific bottom line is familiar to Ad­ whether cogently defined or not, undoubtedly ventists: Eat fruits and vegetables, legumes and have a great deal to do with how one ap­ nuts, and minimally refined grain products. proaches the issues of life. Few topics among Adventists can engender more animated discussion and downright dis­ The Theological Debates Are agreement than questions related to diet. Yet Heated often the views expressed are those of theol­ ogy rather than science. This is not to say that .I frequently introduce a discussion of veg- a religious basis for lifestyle practices is wrong, etarian nutrition using two cartoons. The but to recognize that scientific and religious first depicts a man with a parsnip nose, bases may differ. Having said that, it must also cauliflower ears, carrot feet, and hands that be recognized that there are often as many look like roots. He is responding to a child interpretations of a given research report as who apparently has asked him a question. He there are of a given biblical text. Thus, differ­ answers, "Yes, I'm a vegetarian. Why?" The ing scientific and theological views affect lifestyle practices. A representation of the new Vegetarian Food Guide pyramid created by an international committee of vegans, Jacto-ovo vegetarians, and omnivores, and intrOduced by joan SabatC:. The Civil War was raging when Ellen White saw that "it was a sacred duty to attend to our health, and arouse others to their duty. "2 Since then, Adventists have at times taken pleasure in what they knew about a certain health topic and at other times chafed under the knowl­ edge that some practices, which they were not particularly inclined to follow, were more healthful than others. Fruits Vegetables During the years prior to the "memorable vision," attention had been called to "the injurious effects of tobacco, tea, and coffee," Whole Grains Legumes to the importance of cleanliness, and to the benefits of a simple diet. 3 But it was not until June 6, 1863, that the subject of diet and health

56 VoLLME 26, NuMBER 3 ------THosE HARDY VEGETARL4Ns AND THEIR SuccULENT CUISINE was given special emphasis. Many more mes­ destroying the destroyers of the earth, "7 and sages followed, some of a more general nature "They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy and others speaking to very specific circum­ mountain. "8 What do these texts mean in stances and individuals. The compilation of today's world? Aside from giving attention to many such messages, Counsels on Diet and matters relating to diet and health, I believe it Foods, first published in 1938, has been used is time for Adventists also to consider their to encourage, and to chide, with varying responsibility to the earth and its creatures. degrees of success and frustration. For many Mervyn Hardinge, M.D., Dr.P.H., Ph.D., Adventist young people, this small volume dean emeritus, and U. D. Register, Ph.D., was enforced reading in an academy or col­ professor emeritus in the school of public lege health class. As a result, some rebelled at health at Lorna Linda University, were hon­ its messages while some simply ignored them; ored at the congress for their pioneering others followed them with rigid adherence; studies of vegetarian nutrition. Both encoun­ and some sought what they considered a tered resistance to their early research at what middle-of-the-road approach. was then the College of Medical Evangelists. Careful and broad reading from her coun­ As time went on, attitudes changed, and Dr. sels would suggest that Ellen White applied Hardinge noted, "Excessive negativism principles in different ways to differing condi­ marked by ridicule gradually gave rise to tions and that she recognized biologic indi­ tolerance, then acceptance, and more re­ viduality. Just as scientists listen carefully and cently acclaim." ask questions when colleagues report results When I was growing up, my grandmother that differ from their own, so Adventists must had a large wood stove. In the heat of the learn to listen to views differing from their summer it was stoked hot for canning the own, asking questions with respect for the green beans, corn, peas, tomatoes, peaches, other's view. Only such dialogue develops and other produce from the garden. There was true understanding. a portion at the back of the stove where the Ironically, Adventists have given little atten­ temperature was not as hot. A pot of beans tion to the moral demands of the environment often simmered there. And there was a shelf and the rights of animals. Clearly, humans just above, where the milk was left to clabber were to care for the earth. God said, "Let us for cottage cheese. Both the beans and the make man in our image," and "let them have clabbering milk were away from the highest dominion ... over all the earth. "4 After humans heat of the flame. We must be willing to put a were created and even before their diet was particular question on the "back burner" if you described, God said, "fill the earth and subdue please and let it simmer while we wait for it." 5 And when God placed man in the Garden more information. This is true in the area of of Eden, he told him to "till it and keep it. "6 nutrition. It is equally true in the area of Consider also: "Thy wrath came ... for theology. Now, more than ever.

NOTES AND REFERENCES 1. Romans 12:21, RSV. 4. Genesis 1:26, RSV. 2. Ellen G. White, SelectedMessages(Washington, D.C.: 5. Genesis 1:28, RSV. Review and Herald Publ. Assn., 1980), book 3, p. 280. 6. Genesis 2:15, RSV. 3. D. E. Robinson, The Story of Our Health Message 7. Revelation 11:18, RSV. (Nashville, Tenn.: Southern Publ. Assn., 1965). 8. Isaiah 11:9, RSV.

SEPTEMBER 1997 57 REVIEWS

c H 0 C E s Best Vegetarian Cookbooks for Quick & Healthy Cooking Sabbath Dinner

by Bonnie Dwyer

Cheryl Thomas Caviness Ao

ECAUSE I GREW UP A VEGETARIAN, AND bath Menus. Published in 1%9 by The best feature of the book, ·B have cooked and eaten that Southern Publishing Association, the however, was the section in each way all my life, cookbooks that book opened my childhood right menu titled, "Friday preparation in- spend a great deal of time and space before me. There was the Sabbath structions." "You will discover that on how to be a vegetarian don't meal that I remembered well-loaf, an hour or two of preparation on interest me. I want the authors to peas, Jell-0, rolls, a relish tray, and Friday or earlier can give you the just get on with the recipes. Cook­ pie for dessert-repeated in numer- confidence you need to invite oth- books for me are references for ous ways. Sixteen different loaf reci- ers to your home. You may even Sabbath dinner, the one meal of the pes were featured: gluten loaf, mock find your own family looking for- week which I cook in these days of salmon loaf, mock turkey loaf, lentil ward more eagerly to Sabbath din- busy schedules, microwaves, and loaf, celery loaf with gravy, cashew ner," wrote authors Jeanne R. Larson calorie consciousness. nut loaf, peanut butter loaf, tamale and Ruth A. McLin. Sometimes it is It was a recent search for inspira­ loaf, spinach and rice loaf. Each hard to remember the days before tion for Sabbath dinner that showed menu carried the name of the microwave ovens. Friday prepara- me the stories and heritage that can minister's wife who contributed to tion was the key to putting Sabbath be found in cookbooks. I turned to it, so I paged through and found a dinner on the table 30 minutes after the vegetarian cookbooks on my menu by Mrs.]. Cecil Haussler. I had church. shelf and pulled out Fifty-two Sab- taken a religion course from Dr. I picked out a Jell-0 recipe, and Haussler at La Sierra, so it was fun to put water on to boil. We were going Bonnie Dwyer, a graduate ofLa Sierra see what his family ate on Sabbath. to have an authentic Sabbath din- University, receivedherM.A. in journal- Dinner menu No. 26 was from Mrs. ner. I checked the freezer. Yes, we ism from California State University, Reuben R. Figuhr, the General Con- had frozen peas. There were olives Fullerton. Growing up in Worthington, ference president's wife. She served in the pantry. I decided to update Ohio, she regularly made the camp- mock chicken and rice for her au- the menu with Grillers rather than meeting circuit with her father, a Worthington Foods sales represenTative. tumn dinners, along with beets, Ital- loaf. I baked a pie, called my mother In 1993sheandhersister, Donna Cline, ian style string beans, strawberry and invited my parents over for col/ectedthefamily'sfavoriterecipesand gelatin fruit salad, bread and butter, Sabbath dinner. published them in a cookbook entitled and olives and dill pickles. Pumpkin Cookbooks tell wonderful sto- ···· __ .Fafi!:i!y ~~t!I:>~!!2.Il§.:. .. -· ·-····· ...... Pi~_Wl!$_ID~-g~..§~!t. . ... ··-·- ...... -····-· ti~s.ahouLour_past..Another.v.olume

58 Vozrnm 26, NuMBER 3 ------THOSE I-IARDY VEGETARIANs AND THEIR SuccULENT CUISINES thatl prize is Vegetarian CookBook, be placed on the table, or are set on so very personal. Substitutes for Flesh Foods, by E. G. with the dessert plate, being placed Vegetarian cooking school cook- Fulton, published by Pacific Press on it on a doily, and removed with books and the products of several Publishing Association first in 1910 the doily to the side of the plate, places such as Weimar Institute in and then revised in 1914, "with leaving the dessert plate in readi- California and Living Springs Re- several entire chapters intended to ness for the dessert course." treat in Putnam Valley, New York, make the book of greater value for Commercialmeatsubstituteprod- filled the shelves. Cooking to en- family use, and also for restaurant ucts were limited in 1910, so the hance health is central to these and sanitarium work." "Table Eti- entrees include recipes for making volumes. The aim of Recipes From quetteandRulesforWaiters,"isone vegetariansausagefromProtoseand the Weimar Kitchen, say the uni- ofthose end chapters that describes rice. The "Fish Pie" is made "with dentified authors, "is to offer more an Adventism I wish I had known. macaroni, cream sauce, eggs, and ways to use the natural foods of After giving rules on setting the table, onion. Both vegetarian ·beefsteak fruit, vegetables, and the whole setVing, and personal suggestions to and mock turkey are made with grains and have nourishing, appe- waiters, it concludes with tips for lentils. Croquettes are as plentiful in tizing, and well balanced vegetarian family dinnerwithoutsetVants. Imag- this book as loaves in the 1969 meals that contain no cholesterol, ine--dinner without setVants. cookbook, and there is a whole no free fat and no sugar." Some of The tip is only a paragraph long chapter of recipes for Toasts: "Bos- the unusual recipes include almond and I don't see how it helps get the ton Cream Toast, Nun's Toast, Snow- mayonnaise, tofu mayonnaise, food on the table properly, but here flake Toast, Tomato Toast, Protose cheese made from cashews and it is: "The aim of every housekeeper Toast, Pea Toast, Egg on Toast, and pimentos, millet butter, and mus- should be to set a table that will be Berry Toast." tard made from almond mayan- attractive in appearance, even naise, parsley, and spices. The em- though the food may be of the Interested in updating my cook- phasis in this book is on the food, plainest. To this end everything to book collection, I paid a visit to including a chapter on ways to make be used upon the table should be the Adventist Book Center in food attractive. scrupulouslyclean-theclothshould Angwin, California. Two large dis- Nature's Banquet, A Vegetarian be fresh and smoothly ironed, the play cases were filled with cook- Cookery and Abundant Living dishes carefully washed and pol- books. At the top were the Apple-A- Guide, by Living Springs Retreat in ished, and the silver bright. Neat- Daybooks of vegetarian cookery by Putnam Valley, New York, differs ness and order in arranging the doctors' wives, published by the from many of the other institute table. appointments are essential. Women's Auxiliary to the Alumni cookbooks in its size and graphics. Carelessness in these matters en- Association of the Lorna Linda Uni- At 8.5 x 11 inches, it is a larger book, courages carelessness in table man- versity School of Medicine. Volume and it includes some black-and- ners." Judith Martin (a.k.a. Miss 1 came out in 1967. According to the white photographs showing how to Manners), I am sure, would agree. store manager, it remains the best make bread as well as line drawings Courses, from first to fifth, are seller to this day. My food-stained to decorate the recipe pages. The outlined with serving instructions: copy of Volume 1 has lost its cover, chapters on "Abundant Living" fea- First Course-"Just before an- but it is still a cookbook to which I ture nature's eight doctors-sun- nouncing dinner, setVe the soup in refer. Mrs. Stanton Oberg's "Com- light, pure air, water (including in- plates previously heated. Place the pany Com Bread" is one of our structions on contrast baths and hot soup plate on the seiVice plate. Set family favorites. Volume 2 came out foot baths), diet, exercise, rest, tern- a plate of zwieback on the table to in 1983 with a special section on perance, and trust in divine power. be passed at the beginning of the foods for 50, microwave cooking, The use of charcoal is also ex- soup course." and recipes with reduced sugar and plained. Second Course is the roast, pota- fat. After cooking with these books Currently two of the big sellers at toes, and vegetables. Salad is the for awhile, one learns that the secret the Angwin ABC are California Third Course served on individual to finding the really good recipes is books: Vegetarian Cooking School salad plates. The Fourth Course is to figure out which contributors are Cookbook, by Danny and Charise dessert. particularly good cooks. Each recipe Vierra, who operate Lodi Health Fifth Course-"SetVe the coffee carries the author's name, and once Foods and Back to Eden Vegetarian and place the sugar bowl and tongs you find a really good recipe you go Cafe, and California Down to Earth on the table to be passed as needed. through the book finding other reci- Cookbook, A Creative Culinary Col- Individual---finger-bowls-may-then -- ·-pes-by--thesameperson.Cooking-is-----lection-of.-Meatless.. Recipes,--by ..

SEPTEMBER 1997 59 SPECTRUM------

Gertrude M. Schweitzerhof. The tips. Short notes on where she found etarianism is characteristic of the Vierra book contains their health the inspiration for the dish person­ book which begins with African lectures in addition to recipes. alize the book. She includes instruc­ Peanut Soup and ends with Yuca Schweitzerhofs book is just recipes, tions on how to make non-dairy Vegetable Chili. Cucumber salads and its 362 pages are packed, often versions of recipes and there is a come in four varieties: tangy, spicy, with two recipes on a page. To complete nutritional analysis of all minted, and pickled. The immense maintain the California flavor, reci­ the recipes at the back of the book. variety begins to seem like the edi­ pes have been given names of cities Including the analysis at the end of tors have simply included every and towns in California, such as each recipe would have been my recipe they have tried in their test "Los Banos Lentil Bake" and preference; even so, this is the best kitchens. This book is like cooking "Roseville Risotto Ala Milanese," Adventist vegetarian cookbook I have from an encyclopedia. which makes for euphemistic names seen. Dinner menus include vegetar­ A good index is key to a useful but difficulty in finding items in the ian fajitas, mazidra, Tuscany-style cookbook. Recipes need to be listed index. She has also received permis­ pasta, and potato primavera. The clos­ by more than just the creative title sion to print favorite recipes from est thing to a loaf is "Chinese Cashew the cook dreams up. Skinny French some restaurants such as "Nut Tree Casserole." She uses fresh herbs, fries need to be listed under "F" for Pineapple Sauce for Fruit Plate," grills vegetables, roasts peppers. The French fries as well as under "S" for and "Andersen's Pea Soup." Her short dessert section is filled with skinny. With listings under both Adventist heritage comes through fruit-based items such as "Tropical Potatoes and Skinny French Fries, with "Agape Feast Herbed Lentil fruit plate with papaya sauce," and this book shows a good effort to Soup," and "Soquel Nut Cutlets," a "Apricot Whip." The long drink sec­ help the cook madly searching for favorite reminiscent of the camp tion includes many different fruit­ something to make with the bowl meeting cafeteria. The winner of based iced teas, slushes, and full of plums off the backyard tree, several cooking contests, Schweitzer­ punches. This book deserves to be which need to be used soon. hof has even updated the classic a best seller. It even has coupons Moosewood Restaurant Low-Fat green bean casserole, adding arti­ from Worthington Foods. Favorites, by The Moosewood Col­ choke hearts, water chestnuts, pi­ lective(ClarksonN. Potter, Inc., 1996), mento, fresh mushrooms, and ut the world ofvegetarian cook­ gets recommended frequently by Monterey Jack cheese. Obviously B books is not limited to Advent­ bookstore clerks. My 27-year-old she is an excellent baker, as nearly ist publications anymore. A trip to niece loves the ethnic recipes. My half the book is made up of des­ the local bookstore and a short gourmet sister does not particularly serts-140 out of 332 pages. discussion with a clerk and I had a like cooking from it. At 465 pages, list of 150 vegetarian cookbooks this is another comprehensive veg- o keep publication costs in line, published in the last two years. I etarian cookbook. The authors say, Tmany of the cookbooks at the picked four to sample, two compre- "Our primary inspiration all along at ABC were in black and white with hensive volumes, and two more Moosewood Restaurant has been few or no illustrations. So Cheryl personal collections. ethnic grain-based cuisines that are Thomas Caviness' Choices, Quick& Vegetarians Times, Complete lowinsaturatedfatsandhighinplant Healthy Cooking, a 1994 cookbook Cookbook, by the Editors of Veg- foods. We have drawn from South- from the Review and Herald Pub- etarian Times (Macinillian, Inc., east Asian, Indian, Japanese, West lishing Association, commanded at- 1995). To begin their complete cook- African, and Caribbean cuisines." tention with its four-color photo- book, the editors of Vegetarian Times There are no color photographs, but graphs throughout the book. It is spend 100 pages discussing what a recipes are well designed with a full good to see the Review investing vegetarian diet is, reasons to go page given to each one. Instructions not only in the photography, but in vegetarian, menu planning, shop- are thorough. There are menu sug- a food stylist, Carmen Himes, who is ping, kitchen techniques, and how gestions and full nutritional analyses credited along with her assistant, to lower your fat intake. The recipes of the redpes. Of the recipes I tried, Kathy Walsh. Susan Harvey edited start on page 119 and go on for 400 the family favorite was "Fruit-Filled the book, Meyer Design created the pages with one or two recipes per Meringue Shells" with orange sauce. graphics, Robin Meyer served as art page. The aim here is comprehen- The instructions took two pages, but director, and Paul Poplis was the sive, so there are 11 different kinds wereeasytofollowand, mostimpor- photographer. Caviness is~ creative of stew-Indian, African, Mexican, tantly, very successful. cook and a registered dietitian. Her Irish, Brunswick, a Ia Marseilles, etc. Secrets From a Vegetarian recipesjncludemenu_ancldo,ahead_~ __ ThisintemationaLapproach-to-veg----~ KUcbenr-by--Nadine~--Abensur

60 VOLCME 26, NUMBER 3 ------THosE }-IARDY VEGETARIANS AND THEIR SuccULENT CuiSINES

(Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 1977), popular ingredient in the book­ lines such as "Careful Observation has beautiful, four-color photo­ "Filled Fennel with an Orange and of the Obvious," "Unearthing Greed," graphs that are two-page spreads Brandy Sauce," "Fennel and Walnut or "The Sincerity of Battered Tea­ interspersed throughout the book. Salad with Raspberries," and "Fen­ pots" draw one. Salads are always The book jacket succinctly sums up nel and Almond Soup with Carda­ my test of a cookbook. If an author the influences in Abensur's cooking. mom." I did a double take when I knows how to handle fresh produce She was born in Casablanca, and saw "Almond Cigars" listed in the in new and inviting ways, I am ready enjoyed a privileged French-Jewish­ dessert section. A Moroccan pastry, to trust his or her cooking. Brown's Moroccan upbringing. A sojourn in they are often served with mint tea "Corn Salad with Zucchini and India has also been influential. Cur­ at the end of festive meals--eaten, Roasted Red Pepper" uses lemon rently she is the food director of not smoked. She also has a recipe and honey for a dressing, no oil, and Crank's popular chain of vegetarian for vegetable sushi and tempura. is vibrant and delicious. It is fol­ restaurants in England. After look­ lowed by thoughts on "The Un­ ing at s6 many cookbooks oriented he most unusual and delightful wanted Guest Returns." Anger turns to health, this one was· delightful in T cookbook I examined has to be out to be the unwanted guest, and it its pure love of good food. The note EdwardEspe Brown's TomatoBless­ got Brown into trouble with the Zen at the beginning of the recipe for ings and Radish Teachings community for which he cooked. "Broiled Vegetable Brochettes with (Riverhead Books, 1997). As much a Finally he concluded, "Learning how Couscous and a Yogurt and Corian­ biography as a recipe book, the to live with anger, how to use it, der Salsa" say, "Abundance is the author who wrote Tbe Tassajara how to let go of it, is a more effective key word here. Cram as many differ­ Bread Book and co-authored Tbe strategy than either exploding all ent vegetables, cheese, tofu, even Greens Cookbook tells the story of over the place or always trying not fruit as you possibly can onto each his ascent in the world of vegetarian to be angry. Shall we slice the cu­ skewer. Be generous with mari­ cooking in a very humble manner, cumbers together?" nades, sauces, and dips and go for as he talks about what he cooks. Yes, and let's talk about Sabbath the bum. Blackened skins, blistered Leafing through the book looking dinner and how it takes the stress flesh, charred veggies--these things for a recipe, one is likely to get out of life and celebrates our rela­ make a great brochette." Fennel is a caught up reading instead; head- tionship with God.

SEPTEMBER 1997 61 NEWS UPDATES

Lorna Linda Ordains Eighth SDA Woman to Gospel Ministry

by Georgia Hodgkin

n 1987,· the Southeastern Califor­ Paul Heubach, Venden, and Love­ I nia Conference of Seventh-day less. Adventists recognized the ministry The outpouring of gratitude, ofMargaretHempe by recommend­ love, and appreciation continued ing her ordination to the Pacific after the service at a luncheon to Union Conference. Ten years later, honor Pastor Rempe. Pastor Fred on August 16, 1997, the Lorna Linda Kasischke encouraged anecdotal University Church ordained Rempe remembreances of Rempe's work to the gospel ministry. from participants in her three major As Rempe requested, the cer­ areas of ministry. Family and friends emony was a part of the Sabbath took the opportunity to thank her 11:00 worship hour, a time when for nurturing them during the turn­ the greatest number of her church ing points of their lives. family could attend. William Love­ Pastor Rempe joined the Uni­ less, senior pastor of the Lorna versity Church staff in 1966 as a Linda University Church, spoke of Bible worker. Her ministry flour­ the significant pastoral care Rempe ished as she brought the gospel to has given to members and non­ the seeking, hope to the divorcing, Ten years after the members of the church. Gerald and joy to many. Among the high­ Winslow, chair of the ministerial lights of her ministry, Rempe re­ Southeastern Cali- committee, described the process members: fornia Conference whereby the church had come to recognize what God had done so 1972 Being referred to as "pas­ recommended it, long ago when he called Margaret tor" by William Loveless, Rempe to ministry. Louis Venden and assigned the attendant Lama Linda Uni­ painted her life and work from the duties ofcounseling, groups, viewpoint of a long-time senior preaching, teaching, Bible versity Church pastor. In her response, Rempe studies, and platform duties spoke with appreciation of the right (pastoral prayer and an­ ordains Margaret people active in her life at the right nouncements) Hempe; four SDA time, some of whom were her 1973 Conducting pastoral visita­ former husband, Carl, the Duffields, tion in the hospital colleges cited by 1975 Beginning ministry for Georgia Hodgkin, a graduate ofWalla singles Walla CollegeandLomaLinda Univer- U.S. News; Rwan­ sity, received her Ed.D.from La Sierra 1976 Preaching for both services dan Adventist University. She isaformerheade/derof 1979 Being ordained as a local the Lorna Linda University Church and elder COnferenCe preSi- serves on the North American Division Officiating at weddings and d . d President's Commission on Women in funerals ········--···-··-f3..'!1l..fJ.S.S.fl.S.S.1J1_t1lfl_. ______jtfjJJ_i§.try.,. ______Participatingatthe.commun-

62 VOLLME 26, NUMBER 3 ------THEjoURNAL oF mE AssociATION OF ADVENIIST FoRUMs

ion table children and to youth might lead to love. At the center of [her] faith is a Beginning singles camping ordination as might the skills of Person who extended a challenging group those with "special preparation and commission to [her] to go preach, 1986 Baptizing the people stud­ expertise in ... counseling, study, teach, and baptize." She has ied with and brought to and support groups, music, and preached in the University Church Christ mental and physical health." (membership 6,033). She has taught 1987 Being intetviewed for ordi­ The pilot program delineates classes and seminars, and directed nation by President Gifford the steps involved prior to ordina­ Weeks of Prayer. She has led hun­ and Ministerial Secretary tion. The culminating activity is the dreds to baptism and baptized doz­ Mallery preparation of a portfolio. At age ens herself. She has conducted 30 1989 Retiring in February 75, Pastor Hempe set about to funerals and 21 weddings. Beginning summer Divorce describe her ongoing ministry in The portfolio was submitted to Recovery Groups terms called for by the document. the Lorna Linda University Church 1995 Beginning 62+ Club She wrote a resume, a goal state­ Ministerial Committee, who unani­ 1997 Being ordained to gospel ment, an autobiography, and an mously agreed she had met the ministry at the Lorna Linda experiential learning essay. qualifications for ordination. The University Church It all makes good reading. Pastor committee's recommendation for Hempe is a risk-taker whose goal is ordination was unanimously ap­ he ordination service was the "to draw people to Christ through proved by the church board. T outcome of a process delin­ eated in the document entitled, "Ministry at Lorna Linda University Four Adventist Colleges Earn Church" (copies of the document are available by writing LLUC; P.O. Coveted US. News Ranking Box 7120; Lorna Linda, CA 92354). The document, written by two LLUC by Alita Byrd pastors and two members of the congregation, discusses the mean- pour Seventh-day Adventist in- listed among the best liberal arts ing of ordination, headship, and stitutions-Andrews University, colleges in the west. Atlantic Union diversity in ministry. The steps to- Atlantic Union College, Oakwood College was ranked as one of the ward ordination are outlined as a College, and Pacific Union Col- liberal arts colleges in the north pilot program, a context in which lege-were listed this year in U.S. with the highest proportion of the Southeastern California Con- News and World Report in its classes under 20 ("small classes are ference could accept it. The Lorna rankings of America's best colleges signs of good schools"), while Linda University Church board and universities. Oakwood College was listed as a voted acceptance of the document, According to a study by Patricia liberal arts college for the southern with one dissenting vote, in April McDonough, ofUCLA, the rankings region with one of the lowest pro- 1996. The discussion at the subse- are very influential, and coveted by portions of classes under 20. quent church business meeting college administrators. "People trust Each year U.S. News and World proved rousing, with a secret ballot them," she says. They are part of Report ranks colleges and universi- vote of adoption and implementa- what is consistently the magazine's ties nationwide by placing them in tion, 89 in favor, 49 opposed. best-selling edition. Schools have one of four categories established William Loveless pointed out reported at least a 5 percent flue- by the Carnegie Foundation for the three essential elements central to tuation in application rate, which Advancement of Teaching: (1) na- the document: (1) women and men they believe is based on their U.S. tional universities; (2) national lib- are to be treated on the same basis; News ranking. eral arts colleges (both ranked in (2) the local church will have major Andrews University was listed four tiers); (3) regional universities; involvement in the preparation and in the fourth tier of national univer- and ( 4) regional liberal arts col- confirmation of candidates to min- sities. Pacific Union College was leges. All the Adventist schools istry; and (3) the establishment of a except Andrews University (listed variety of ministries within the Alita Byrd, a senior English and jour- in the national university category), church. Thus, those whose minis- nalism major at Columbia Union col- were in the fourth category-re- try is social work could be candi- lege, Takoma Park, Maryland, is gionalliberal arts colleges-among dates-for--ordination;--Ministry-to~-----Spectrum-'s-editorialassistanL------a-totaLoL423-such__ colleges._···-··-·····-··-······

SEPTEMBER 199 7 63 SPECffiUM------

Each year, U.S. News collects Linda does not offer a full under­ tions of classes under 20 students-­ data for its rankings by sending graduate program. a negative trait-but, according to extensive surveys to some 1,400 Wimbley, classes at Oakwood usu­ schools. This year, 95 percent of hile most educators acknowl­ ally average only 25 students. the schools responded. The data is W edge the influence the U.S. In a recent article for Rolling subsequently cross-checked against News rankings have, not everyone Stone, Stephen Glass, associate information provided by the Na­ is convinced of their accuracy. "I editor of The New Republic, reports tional Collegiate Athletic Associa­ wouldn't put too much stock in that that most educators believe the tion, the U.S. Department of Edu­ list," says Arlene Wimbley, who rankings are based on shoddy cation, Council for Aid to Educa­ works in Institutional Effectiveness methodolgy. The universities hate tion, the American Association of at Oakwood College. Oakwood was the rankings, Glass said, but recog­ University Professors, and other listed as one of the liberal arts nize that if they rank highly, their organizations (schools that fail to colleges with the lowest propor- schools will benefit. respond to sutveys are evaluated only on the information from these third-party sources). Seventy-five Adventist Conference President percent of a school's ranking is based on a formula using this ob­ Assassinated in Rwanda jective data. The other 25 percent comes from a reputational survey by Mitch Scoggins taken from admissions directors and administrators of other schools. he ongoing tribal violence in from the conference headquarters In the national universities cat­ T Rwanda has claimed the life of in Gisenyi to the Rwandan Union egory, U.S. News provides a de­ yet another church leader and mem­ offices in Kigali when the vehicle tailed breakdown of the data. An­ bers of his family. Pastor Rutera­ in which he was traveling was drews University had a very low hagusha, president of the North stopped at a roadblock by a gang percentage of classes with 50 or Rwanda Conference (also referred of armed men. The pastor and more students; however, other fac­ to as an "association"), was assassi­ other passengers were pulled from tors lowered its overall rank-an nated in early August just weeks the car and one of the other men alumni giving rate of 19 percent, after his daughter and three grand­ was shot and wounded. Witnesses and only 14 percent of first-year children were murdered at their say that at that time an unidenti­ students in the top 10 percent of home in Gisenyi. The fact that fied voice called out, "Shoot the their high school graduating classes. Ruterahagusha was shot and killed pastor!" Andrews scored 1.4 out of a pos­ by armed men who knew who the Ruterahagusha had been presi­ sible 4.0 in academic reputation, pastor was suggests that this was dent of the North Rwanda Confer­ which accounts for 25 percent of not a random act of violence. ence since mid-1995 when he took the overall score. Ruterahagusha was traveling over in the wake of the 1994-1995 Lorna Linda University, certainly genocide. He was an integral part Adventism's best-knownschool, did Mitch Scoggins, a senior journalism of the church's attempt at the post­ not appear in the rankings. A uni­ major at Columbia Union College, war reconstruction both of the Sev­ versity administrator reports that Takoma Park, Maryland, seroed with enth-day Adventist Church and of this is not unusual, since Lorna ADRA in Rwanda. Rwanda as a whole.

64 VouME 26, NuMBER 3 Spectrum Advisory Council

Victor F. M. Aagaard Dwight and Judy Hiscox Thomas R. Pellow Cheree and Delmar Aitken* Jerry and Ketty Holt Edmund and Barbara Peters Edward C. Allred* Eve Lou and Richard Hughes Maxine and Thomas PitUnan Terry and Jan Anderson Wilfred and Margaret Hose* Les and Joni Pitton Len and Nancy Bailey Judy and John Jacobson* Ernest and Cecilia Plata* Geneva Beatty John and Matjorie Jacobson* Zane Price* Ted and Ruth Benedict* Bemarr and Dorothy Johnson* R. Marina and E. Gary Raines Kevin and Jeanie Benfield Gail kendall Reuben A. Ramkissoon Charles and Bonnie Bensonhaver* Elton and Marga Kerr* Alfredo and Martha Rasi* Gary and Lee Blount* William and Dorane King** Robert Rausch** Michael and Shelley Boyson Wayne and Debra Knecht Gordon and Judy Rick* Bernard Brandstater Giles and Mary Koelsche Janene and Larry Rick Bruce and Betty Branson** Albert and Elizabeth Koppel** E. Arthur and Debi J. Robertson* Floyd and Mary Brauer* Ed and Bev Krick James and Thais Sadoyama* Ellen Broderson Doreen and Irvin Kuhn** Eric W. Shadle M. L. S. Brown* Alvin and Verla Kwiram** Donald and Ursula Shasky* Becky Cheng David and Diane Lim Gordon and Lovina Short* Gerald Chipeur Charles and Rae Lindsay* Donald and Susan Sickler Edgar and Teresa Cleveland Bradley and Roberta Litchfield* Hans and Donna Sjoren Glenn and Judith Coe Ewald Lonser* Grover and Bonnie Starr* Molleurus and Dos Couperus* Felix and Lucille Lorenz Walter and Lola Ann Stilson* Marilyn and Michael Crane Eino and Mary Magi Gerhard Svrcek-Seiler** Beth and Elwin Dunn* Eric and Cynthia Magi Carlene and Leonard Taylor* James and Mary Dunn* Robert and Marguerite Marsh Floris and Rob Thomson Tom and Bonnie Dwyer* Jim and Becky Matiko Lorna and Gustav Tobler PaulH.Eun Donald McAdams* Robin Vandermolen** Gerald and Joy Fuller* Mario and Virginia Mendoza John and Nancy Vogt* Gary and Sandra Gilbert Mary and Ken Moe* Harry Wang* Linda Gilbert Robert and Jacqueline Moncrieff* James and Betty Webster Sanford Graves Barton and Janet Moore Rodney and Barbara Willard* Lyndon and Linda Harder Samuel C. Pang William A. and Betty H. Woods* Robert and Sally Hasselbrack* U and Freda Zollinger

**DIAMOND Lifetime contributions of $10,000 or more. * GoLD Lifetime contributions of $5,000 to $10,000.

The Spectrum Advisory Council is a group of committed Spectrum supporters who provide financial stability as well as business and editorial advice to ensure the continuation of the journal's open discussion of significant issues. For more information, contact Nancy Bailey c/o Association of Adventist Forums Box5330 Takoma Park, MD 20912 ------~----~--~:-~-rMtrz,o-=-lf4t3~------~ ------·--·------