Ellen White a Spokesperson The Assumptions Dominating for the “Emerging Church”? Behind 1844 the World

summer 2011 • www.atoday.com AdventistToday

Is Ellen White REALLY a Lesser Light? deinsidepartvolm. 19 no.e 3nt AdventistToday Editor J. David Newman Copy Editor Debra J. Hicks Contributing Editors Nathan Brown, James Walters Art Director Chris Komisar Online Editors cover story Blogs: Clive Holland Columns: Timo Onjukka Features: Helen Grattan 12 Is Ellen White REALLY Forums: Eric Eckhart a Lesser Light? Reviews: Edwin A. Schwisow Facebook: Steve Lescanec by J. David Newman Executive Director of Development Edwin A. Schwisow F o u n dat i o n B oa r d Clive Holland – Board Chair, Mark Gutman – Treasurer, Larry Downing, Elwin Dunn, Edmund Jones, Chuck Mitchell, Jim Nelson, Nate Schilt, J. Gordon Short, James Stirling, Ervin Taylor, David Van Putten, John Vogt Senior Lifetime Advisors ($25,000+) Beth and Elwin Dunn, Patricia and Douglas Ewing, Kathi and Richard Guth, Judy and John Jacobson, Betty and Al Koppel, Joan Ogden, Lori and Thaine Price, Judy and Gordon Rick, J. Gordon Short, Marilynn and Ervin features Taylor, Nancy and John Vogt, Priscilla and James Walters 6 The Assumptions of the Daniel 25 Tonstad Answers Thompson L i fe t i m e ad v i so r s ($10,000+) Susan and Hernan Barros, Kelli and Robert Black, Pat and Revelation Committee in by Sigve Tonstad and Ron Cople, Kathryn and James Dexter, Rosemary and Merlyn Duerksen, Patricia Hare, Mariellyn and Defending 1844 Edwin Hill, Carmen and Clive Holland, Carmen and Yung by Roy Ingram departments Lau, David T. Person II, Patricia Phillips, Judith Rausch, James Stirling 3 Editorial Underwriting advisors ($2,500+ during last two years) Stewart Bainum, Arleen and Larry Downing, Erika and 4 Letters Brian Johnson, Dee Dee and Nate Schilt General advisors ($500+/year plan) Donald Ackley, Cherry Ashlock, Charmaine Bainum, 20 Alden Thompson Almon J. Balkins, Hernan and Orfi Barros, Diana Ellen White: An “Emerging Church” and Ken Bauer, Galeta Brewer, Ginny and Todd Spokesperson? Burley, Ruth Christensen and Glenn Henrickson, Beverly Christiansen, Sid Christiansen, L. Humberto Covarrubias, Anders Engdahl, Dan Engeberg, Paul Eun, Galen Fillmore, Beth and Charles Freidline, Annette 6 30 Remnants and Gary Frykman, Karita and DeWitt Goulbourne, 7 Questions for … Clive Holland Jackie and Thomas Hamilton, Dolores and Robert 22 What Should We Know About Hasse, Jackie and Jim Henneberg, John Hoehn, Sarah and Greg King, Lloyd Janzen, Marga and Elton Kerr, Muslim Radicals? Case Ketting, Barbara and Kenneth Konrad, Doreen 31 Adventist Man and Irvin Kuhn, Felix Lorenz, Jr, Donna and Leroy by David A. Pendleton Lowrie, Richard McCluskey, Joan and Chuck Mitchell, Phyllis and J. David Newman, Ron Nielsen, Susan and Dan Paulien, Claudia and Kenneth Peterson, Howard 24 Thompson Critiques The Lost Pires, Ruthe-Marina and Gary Raines, Tracy and Craig Meaning of the Seventh Day Reynolds, Ruth and Beryl Rivers, Gary Russell, Thais and James Sadoyama, David Sandquist, Barbara and by Alden Thompson Eldon Stratton, Robert Tandy, Jackie and Hal Williams As an independent press, Adventist Today relies on Adventist Today brings contemporary issues of importance to Adventist Church members and is a member of The Associated Church Press. Following the donations to meet its operating expenses. To make basic principles of ethics and canons of journalism, this publication strives for fairness, candor, and good taste. Unsolicited submissions are encouraged. a donation, go to www.atoday.com or mail Adventist Payment is competitive. Send an email to [email protected]. Annual subscriptions $29.50 ($50/2 years) for individuals. $19.50 for new subscribers. $40 for Today, PO Box 1135, Sandy, OR 97055-1135. Thanks for institutions. (Payment by check or credit card. Add $10 for address outside North America.) Voice: (800) 236-3641 or (503) 826-8600 Email: atoday@atoday. supporting Adventist Today with your regular tax- com Website: www.atoday.com or mail to: Adventist Today, PO Box 1135, Sandy, OR 97055-1135. deductible donations. Adventist Today (ISSN 1079-5499) is published quarterly by Adventist Today Foundation, PO Box 1135, Sandy, OR 97055-1135. Periodical postage paid at Portland, Oregon and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Adventist Today, P.O. Box 1135, Sandy, OR 97055-1135. Copyright © 2011 by Adventist Today Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering open dialogue in the Adventist community.

2 adventist today • summer 2011 editorial

Slanting the Truth J. David Newman

“It is difficult to create an environment in which conference for him to be transferred to a new individuals are expected on the one hand to obey district. His wife is seeking a new job, and the ideal orders unquestioningly and on the other to speak one opens up in that location. His wife’s job need is their minds freely.” So wrote William J. Crowe, former given as the reason for moving, which is certainly chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, near the end of true. But the real reason is left out. his Ph.D. dissertation. No lies have been told, yet certain omitted facts When Crowe left Princeton after completing distort the truth. If they were given, these facts might a doctorate in politics, he determined always to prevent the planned move. speak his mind. However, he soon discovered that Another example could be an executive committee independent thinking isn’t always appreciated. discussing a large financial item. No money can In 1967 Crowe headed the East Asia Pacific be spent until the committee authorizes it. The Branch, the U.S. Navy’s politico-military division. comments and questions of the committee members Asked by a senior officer to prepare a memo seem to indicate that if the motion is put to a vote, it on why a particular Air Force position was full will fail. The presenter finally is forced to admit to the of holes, Crowe studied the matter and wrote a group that a subcommittee has already contracted paper concluding that the Air Force argument was with a certain party to do the work, and therefore acceptable. they are morally if not legally bound to pay the Crowe’s boss told him, “We didn’t send you up amount. “Even facts there [to Princeton] to come back with new ideas. If the members had voted in favor without any We sent you up there to learn how to write and questioning, no one would have known of the may be so represent the ideas we’ve got. If we want you to do unauthorized action. And in presenting the need stated as to original thinking, we’ll let you know about it.” for the money, no lies were told. But neither was the We like to think that what we preach, write, or whole truth told. The truth was slanted. Naturally, convey a false publish represents the whole truth about the church. the presenter felt embarrassed to admit that a impression.” Yet, like Admiral Crowe, we feel pressure to always mistake had been made. But how much better to paint the organization in the best possible light. have been candid from the beginning. When we ­—Ellen G. White Our reports may be factual but slanted and even slant the truth, many people wonder whether other misleading as far as the truth is concerned. It is not actions taken may not be as pure as they seem, either. always what we say that is most important, but what Ellen White, in commenting on the words of Jesus we leave out! that our yea be yea (Matt. 5:37), says: “Even facts For example, a pastor has a history of making may be so stated as to convey a false impression. And sexual advances to the women in his congregation. ‘whatsoever is more than’ truth, ‘is of the evil one.’ He may not have acted unwisely enough to warrant “Everything that Christians do should be as dismissal from the pastorate, but he certainly has transparent as the sunlight. Truth is of God; worn out his welcome in that congregation. So deception, in every one of its myriad forms, is of the conference leadership arranges with another Satan.”1

Editorial Philosophy Telling the Whole Truth The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily So how should a pastor or church executive act when reflect the views of the editor or the editorial board. One of the faced with the question of whether to slant the truth? purposes of this magazine is to encourage dialogue between Admiral Crowe faced that issue many times. He was those of differing viewpoints within the Adventist Church. Thus, asked to write a paper for the secretary of defense we will publish articles ranging throughout the conservative- liberal continuum. Continued on page 27

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and Abel. What, then, is the explanation Desmond Ford Replies to of the text in Genesis 2:5, which states that Darrel Lindensmith “there was not a man to till the ground”? Darrel has favored us with a very This before Adam was created. If there interesting article (Spring 2011), but it were other humans in another part of the will prove puzzling for many readers. In earth He had created, God didn’t seem to the first paragraph, three times he indicts be aware of them. me for departing from the traditional Jodi Patterson Ooltewah, Tennessee Adventist historicist mode of interpreting prophecy. Yet his article from start to finish deviates from traditional Adventist Political Injustice prophetic positions in amazing ways. I was surprised that you published For example, nowhere is the the article “Social (In) Justice” by investigative judgment seen by Darrel as William Noel (Spring 2011). Adventist the fulfillment of Daniel 8:14. Second, he Today is a magazine on religious agrees with me that Christ did not have Where Is Wilson Leading Us? subjects that concern Seventh-day a first-apartment heavenly ministry but When I read the lead article in the Spring Adventists. Noel’s article is a blatantly went directly into the presence of God. 2011 issue by Larry Downing, I was political piece. as typified by the sanctuary’s second disappointed, disturbed, and disgusted! True, he has made some religious apartment and as clearly set forth in Why so many negative opinions of our references. But the whole thrust is Hebrews 6:19 as well as, recurringly, new world church president, Dr. Ted promoting a conservative Republican in Hebrews chapters 9 and 10 (thus N.C. Wilson? (I understand he earned his right-wing viewpoint. From the article, I informing us that the sacrifice on doctorate at New York University.) gather that capitalism is God’s preferred Calvary was the antitype of the Day Do we still believe in ethical principles, form of government. I thought God was of Atonement, not the investigative academic integrity, and spiritual above politics. I also notice that God has judgment). Third, he interprets the little maturity? I am cognizant of your editorial special concern for the rich and does horn of Daniel 8 as papal Rome only, right to publish this rude, crude, and not want them to have to give up their whereas for over one and a half centuries unchristian attitude toward a leader of fortunes to aid the poor. That is not the Seventh-day Adventists have taught that the church. I don’t subscribe to Adventist way I read my Bible. it embraces both pagan and papal Rome. Today, but I read it at La Sierra University Please note that I am not objecting Fourth, instead of seeing punctiliar Heritage Library. to the article because I disagree with prophetic fulfillments precisely in 1798 Please, David, use your God-anointed the content (although I do). It would and 1844, he spreads what he considers editorial talents for compassion, fairness, be just as improper to defend socialism the real fulfillment over two centuries. and justice. or any other -ism. I expect Adventist Fifth, he states that the sanctuary of Keith R. Mundt (retired minister) Today to publish articles with different Riverside, California Daniel 8:14 is on earth, whereas the opinions. Lively disagreement is church has always taught that it is the healthy. But I expect it to stick to religion heavenly sanctuary. Sixth, the cleansing Cain’s Wife and not politics. While we each have for Darrel is something accomplished My husband receives your magazine, our own viewpoints, I understand that by earthly powers, not by our Judge- Adventist Today. In your Winter 2011 issue, Christians are citizens of the kingdom Advocate in heaven. Should Darrel really I was disturbed by the article titled “Whom of heaven and will not promote strictly be indicting me for a departure from Did Cain Marry?” by Richard Coffen. political causes or champion political traditionalism, when his deviations are The author states a belief that Genesis parties. more numerous and indeed more flagrant has an implicit supposition that other I do enjoy the journal. than mine? human beings may have existed Roger L. Dudley Darrel, at the commencement of his contemporaneously with Adam, Eve, Cain, Berrien Springs, Michigan piece, writes that he believes my exegetical

4 adventist today • summer 2011 failures are partly “epistemologically Bible indeed contains history, but that is not so interpret this prophecy. Again, I tied.” I doubt that epistemology is not what Adventists mean by historicism. invite him to look and see. customarily linked with exegesis. Perhaps They mean that you can find current It is exceedingly strange that Darrel one day Darrel will explain it to me. It events, empires, and specific dates in the should base his whole exegesis on a text is a philosophical term concerning the book of Revelation. In fact, Revelation is he obviously has not closely examined. grounds of knowledge. a book of signs and symbols and reveals The Hebrew word for “day” (yom) is not My dereliction is further explained global principles, which keep recurring found in Daniel 8:14 (though it is found by the charge that I am a preterist, until the final end. elsewhere in Daniel.) Therefore, recent thereby sinning in a somewhat similar Of greater importance than any of the translations use “evening-mornings,” fashion to Calvin when he set forth foregoing are the following observations: because most exegetes understood the predestination. But I am not and Darrel never attempts to prove from Hebrew as referring to the evening never have been a preterist, limiting Scripture that in prophetic symbolism a and morning sacrifices. See verse 26 the meaning of the prophetic word to day is given to represent a year. That view of the chapter, and note the repetition those who first received it. (Though I was a providential crutch for the church of the article, thus making it plain that do believe that the meaning understood over long centuries before eschatology the evening and morning sacrifices are by the first recipients of messages from was understood and principles of biblical intended. Raymond Cottrell often stressed the prophets is where we should start.) exegesis formulated. I challenge Darrel, this point in his talks and writings. In 1979, in the summer prior to the as I have my friend Jon Paulien, to name Typical of Darrel’s misunderstanding October Forum that led to Glacier View, non-Adventist biblical scholars of our of the biblical text is his quotation from I wrote my main work on prophecy time who believe that the Bible teaches a noted historical figure employing the (Crisis!—A Commentary on the Book of the year-day principle. Only Jehovah’s wording of Revelation 13:3 about “the Revelation). In it I critiqued and rejected Witnesses and Seventh-day Adventists deadly wound.” Traditionally, we have preterism. When F.F. Bruce kindly wrote cling to this outmoded and inaccurate applied this to events in 1798 when introductions to my commentaries use of Scripture. Christ’s words in Acts the pope was made prisoner. But this on Daniel and Revelation, his main 1:7 clearly warn us against all attempts is not the meaning of the passage. The complaint was that I was not a preterist. at date setting. Furthermore, as the SDA wounding of the beast’s head is well- Neither, might I add, am I a futurist, of Bible Commentary emphasizes, the New known biblical symbolism originating which I have also often been accused Testament makes it clear that there need in Genesis 3:15 and later alluded to in because Professor Bruce supervised my not have been a long delay between the Romans 16:20, Hebrews 2:14, Colossians dissertation (again, note that he was a two advents. In God’s ideal plan, there 2:14, and Revelation 12:7-10. The preterist and not a futurist). Concluding never was to be an 1844 or a 2011 (Matt. word translated “wound” is elsewhere the preterist charge, does Darrel know 24:34). See page 729 of the SDA Bible translated “plague,” and it should be that I have written 10 books on prophecy, Commentary, Volume 7. Paul expected noted that the meaning is a plague that each of which rebuts his charge as false? some of the Thessalonians to be alive brings death, not what we mean when we Before I wrote Crisis! I spent a week in when Jesus returned (see 1 Thess. 4:14). talk of a wound sustained by someone the Library of Congress in Washington, Has Darrel read and understood who remains alive. D.C., perusing the commentaries on John 10:22? Christ attended the feast In my book For the Sake of the Gospel, Revelation. I found that through the celebrating the cleansing of the sanctuary I have given abundant evidence that centuries, scholars had used historicism in 164 B.C. from the defilement by neither A.D. 538 nor 1798 have anything to apply events in the Book of Revelation Antiochus Epiphanes. The vast majority to do with Daniel’s predictions. The year to their own times. In the 19th century, of interpreters for more than 2,000 538 was one of the worst years the papacy Seventh-day Adventists did the same, so years have understood Daniel 8:11-14 ever had. It certainly did not mark its that important “last day” events occur as applying primarily to the dastardly supremacy. Furthermore, the papacy was in the 19th century. The problem with work of the wicked Antiochus IV. Darrel never supreme for 1,260 years, only for this method is that, as time passes, the would be very hard pressed to find any 200 at the most. May I challenge Darrel interpretations become redundant. The respected scholar of our day who does Continued on page 27

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2300-day prophecy of Daniel 8:14. A number of writers highlight the problems in understanding this passage, because of “the difficulty of the text and the multiplicity of interpretations.”10 It should be of great concern to us that this passage is “one of the most controversial in the entire OT” and that “extreme divergency” “exists on the question of the beginning … and end” of the 70-weeks prophecy.11 Adventist biblical scholar Gerhard F. Hasel states that the Historicist School, along with the other schools of prophetic interpretation, “has certain weaknesses.”12 Determining the commencement date The Assumptions of the Daniel and Revelation By Roy Ingram Committee in Def ending 1844

No one who is familiar with the Adventist scholars, as well as from within for the 70-weeks prophecy “has been one Seventh-day Adventist Church would our own ranks.4 of the questions to challenge students of question that 1844 is a significant date in In 1981 the General Conference of prop h e c y.” 13 the history and thinking of the church. Seventh-day Adventists established If it is our one “unique” doctrine and The year 1844 was established from the Daniel and Revelation Committee rationale for our existence, it is vitally the prophecies of Daniel 8 and 9 using (DARCOM) to investigate these criticisms important that we give an absolutely clear the historicist method of prophetic and to establish whether the teaching and unambiguous defense from the Bible interpretation. Our pioneers were greatly is truly biblically based. This included of this teaching. “Although the writings of disappointed when Jesus did not return questions raised by Dr. Desmond Ford at Ellen G. White were carefully considered,” on October 22 of that year. Out of the pain Glacier View (1980).5 it is commendable that DARCOM was “to of that great disappointment developed DARCOM met between 1981 and 1992, focus on the Scriptural basis for belief.”14 the view that the event foretold was not producing seven volumes6 said to be “the The central issue of this teaching is the the Second Coming, but rather Jesus finest studies on sound ways to interpret establishing of the “correct commencement moving from a first-apartment ministry the great apocalyptic prophecies.”7 These date” for the 70-weeks prophecy (Daniel 9), in the heavenly sanctuary to a second- volumes are said to have “confirmed the which gives the starting date for the 2300- apartment ministry in the Most Holy Place, historic Adventist understanding of the days prophecy (Dan. 8:14).15 This central commencing an investigative judgment of biblical material”8 “on exegetical and issue involves the relationship between the professed believers. theological grounds,” 9 providing biblical two prophecies and the 70 weeks being This teaching is said to be our one answers to the critics. “cut off” from the beginning of the 2300 “unique” doctrine1 that gives Adventists days; the year-day principle being biblical; their “self identity”2 and “validates” their DARCOM Series, Adventist Identity, and the word “vision” (Dan. 8:13) applying presence “in the world and … in the and the Central Issue to the entire vision (verses 3-14), not just 3 Christian Community.” As such, this The prophecy of Daniel 9:24-27 is a to the activities of the “little horn” (verses teaching has drawn criticism from non- key passage in our interpretation of the 9-12).

6 adventist today • summer 2011 This paper is an examination of these Jerusalem” (Dan. 9:25). This is despite the commences the 490-years prophecy. It books, along with subsequent articles fact all writers agree it does not mention is assumed this finds fulfillment in the related to this central issue. Of the more rebuilding Jerusalem.17 decree of Artaxerxes I (Ezra 7).24 than 2,400 pages in the DARCOM Adventist archaeologist William H. 6. That the date for the issuing of the volumes, only about 3.5% deal with the Shea suggests three “possibilities” for decree of Artaxerxes is 457 B.C.,25 when central issue. The rest, while containing this: (1) Ezra was given permission orally; the decree is actually undated.26 some excellent material, deal with (2) He received a supplementary decree Correlations used to calculate the date peripheral issues. not recorded in the Bible; and (3) Ezra of Artaxerxes’ 7th year are incorrectly What is most disturbing is that at every understood he had authority to build.18 presented as evidence the decree was stage in dealing with the central issue, One could speculate at length about the issued in that year, by both Shea and writers use conjecture, speculation, and “possibilities” of what is “not recorded in Hasel.27 As spring was the best time for assumption rather than clear biblical the Bible” or anywhere else. Ezra’s journey to Jerusalem, and Josephus exegesis. Terms such as “assuming,” 3. That the decree of Artaxerxes to says a copy of the decree was sent to Jews “appears,” “circumstantial,” “suggests,” stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem (Ezra 4) in Media, many of whom responded,28 “deduce,” “favor,” “possibilities,” “if,” occurred after Ezra 7. It is then suggested it could have been a considerable time before Artaxerxes’ 7th year (even a year or more earlier). 7. That the 70-weeks prophecy begins when the decree of Ezra 7 goes into effect The Assumptions of the Daniel and Revelation 29 in the fall of 457 B.C. By Roy Ingram This contradicts Daniel 9:25 and point 5 Committee in Def ending 1844 above, that it was the issuing of the decree to “restore and rebuild Jerusalem” that commenced the 70-weeks prophecy. What “probably,” “it is only reasonable to that Artaxerxes’ decree (Ezra 7) must happened in the fall of 457 B.C. that conclude,” “it seems reasonable,” “supports have included authorization to rebuild we use that as the starting point of the the idea,” “seems most likely,” “the only Jerusalem, even though it did not specify 2300 days/years, other than it fits in with logical conclusion,” “do not fully prove,” that. The problem is, Why would he stop October 22, the fall of 1844? “seems to be,” “an unexpressed but the rebuilding he has authorized?19 Ellen Shea, more recently, admits that “it is understood relationship,” etc. are used White, on the other hand, called the still awkward that the decree does not extensively. What is even more disturbing Artaxerxes of Ezra 4 the False Smerdis specifically authorize the rebuilding of is that the matter is treated as though it (522 B.C.).20 the city of Jerusalem.” He then postulates has been proved from the Bible. Perhaps, Arthur Ferch acknowledges that the it was Ezra who issued the decree in the because most of the articles are on restoration of the city, as well as the temple, summer/spring of 456 B.C. after dealing peripheral issues, writers were not aware began in the time of Cyrus.21 This is in line with the problem of foreign wives.30 of how much conjecture is used when with Isaiah 44:28 and Haggai 1:4 (520 I’m not sure if Dr. Shea understands dealing with the central issue? B.C.).22 the implications of this so-called DARCOM and subsequent writers 4. That Ezra used the Jewish fall-to-fall “supplementary evidence!” This have failed to establish clearly and calendar, rather than a Persian/Babylonian completely undermines our traditional unambiguously from the Bible the 1844 spring-to-spring calendar in identifying position (that Artaxerxes’ decree is the investigative judgment. Assumptions, Artaxerxes’ 7th year, because Nehemiah, one fulfilling Daniel 9:25). It also renders speculations, and conjectures have been Ezra’s contemporary, appears to use invalid the view that Artaxerxes’ decree made at both of the following crucial the Jewish calendar. This assumption went into effect in the fall of 457 B.C., steps: puts Ezra’s journey to Jerusalem in 457 commencing the 2300 years. 1. That Artaxerxes of Ezra 7 is B.C.23 and not in 458 B.C., as most non- 8. That Jesus was baptized in A.D. 27,31 Artaxerxes I.16 Adventist scholars date it. when the specific date of Tiberius’ 15th 2. That the decree of Artaxerxes I (Ezra 5. That it is the issuing of the decree year is unknown.32 7) is the “decree to restore and rebuild to “restore and rebuild Jerusalem” that 9. That the word “decreed” (Dan. 9:24)

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means “cut off” and that the 70 weeks 10. That there is a biblical year/day in the question” of verse 13 is also used as are “cut off” from the beginning of the principle that applies to apocalyptic time “evidence.”41 2300 days, giving its starting date,33 when prophecies in Daniel and Revelation. Firstly, if there are two alternative Daniel 9:24, as well as being Messianic, Shea presents 23 so-called biblical interpretations, we cannot be dogmatic applies the 70 weeks as probationary time reasons for the year/day principle.36 about one of them. Secondly, to build “for your people and for your holy city” That there is a day-year relationship in a case on what is “not explicitly cited” and not to the 2300 evenings-mornings. the Bible is evident. (There is also a day- is eisegesis, not exegesis. And thirdly, if The 70 years of captivity was one-seventh 1000 year relationship—see Psa. 90:4 we need to go into elaborate, intricate of a previous 490 years (2 Chron. 36:21). and 2 Pet. 3:8.) What is not presented is arguments to establish our doctrine, then In an extended, highly speculative, a clear, unambiguous year/day principle something is wrong. The meaning of the intricate discussion on the meaning of that applies to apocalyptic prophecy. ram and the goat in Daniel 8 need no hatak (“decreed,” “cut off”), Shea refers to The fact that Shea refers to establishing elaborate explanation. the “possibility” that “the masculine plural this “through reasonable interpretations 12. That, after arguing that the 2300 ending of the word ‘weeks’ in Daniel … of Scripture” indicates there is no clear evenings-mornings apply to the entire was used to designate unexpressed but principle! This is in agreement with the vision, in contradiction, this period is then understood relationships to the evening- Glacier View Consensus Statement.37 said to apply to part of the vision from 457 A very long bow, indeed, is drawn to B.C. on and not from the beginning in Yet other Adventists make some passages, such as Leviticus 539 B.C., when Medo-Persia conquered 25:1-8 on the sabbatical year and the year Babylon.42 have charged of jubilee, teach a year-day principle.38 The It seems our scholars, in their most obvious problem with applying a day enthusiasm to defend the traditional “that Hebrews for a year in Daniel 8:14 and Daniel 9:24- position, have overstated the evidence. 2739 is that the word “day” does not occur. Hasel correctly criticizes dispensationalists denies the Adventist William G. Johnsson, seeing the for basing their views on assumptions.43 connection between the 70 years of belief that Christ captivity (Dan. 9:2) and the 70 weeks The New Testament mediates in a two- (verse 24), says that the time allocated Perhaps the greatest problem with “would amount to seven times ‘seventy the doctrine of the 1844 investigative phase priestly y e ar s ,’ of which Jeremiah spoke.”40 judgment is that it is not taught in the New This contradicts the view that the time Testament. The New Testament interprets ministry. period should be interpreted as 490 days the Old Testament, not the other way symbolic of 490 years. around, as dispensationalists would have it. mornings of” Daniel 8:14.34 One could 11. That the word “vision” in the The book of Hebrews is the main speculate at length about “unexpressed question in Daniel 8:13 applies to the New Testament book that explains the but understood relationships,” but if it is whole vision and not to part, namely, the sanctuary. In pointing to Christ’s ministry unexpressed, how can we know what it is? activities of the “little horn.” This avoids in the heavenly sanctuary, it helped We surely need to establish our doctrine the application, made by non-Adventist our pioneers “to resolve the dilemma on better evidence than this. scholars, to Antiochus Epiphanes. of the 1844 disappointment.” Yet other Hasel says: “Based on Daniel 9:24, 25, This is no small matter! Our entire Adventists have charged “that Hebrews where it is stated that the ‘seventy weeks’ view of the 2300 day/year prophecy denies the Adventist belief that Christ or 490 years began in 457 B.C. and were depends on their being only one mediates in a two-phase priestly ministry.” ‘cut off’ from the 2300 years, it follows unambiguous meaning for the word DARCOM concluded that Hebrews that the 2300 years also commence in 457 “vision.” Yet, it is stated there are two neither affirms nor denies “Christ’s two- B.C.”35 Where is this stated in Daniel 9:24- alternative interpretations and the one phased priestly ministry.”44 For Hebrews 25? It is very disturbing to find blatantly adopted applies it to the whole vision. to not affirm this teaching is to deny it. incorrect dogmatic statements being used Quite an elaborate argument is used to Johnsson says Hebrews “does not deny to support our doctrines! support this. What is “not explicitly cited the SDA sanctuary doctrine, because

8 adventist today • summer 2011 basically it does not address the issue.” rationalize and say, “I’ll put on weight if I don’t suit us. After saying it does not deal with Christ’s stop smoking.” William Shea, at a later Bible work in the heavenly sanctuary “from a To admit that this “unique” doctrine Conference, disagreed that Revelation 9 time perspective,” in contradiction, he says is not true, after investing so much in applied to the fall of the Ottoman Empire, “the apostle’s emphasis [is] on one point in defending it, would be embarrassing. as Ellen White asserts.50 He applied it to a time—the once-for-all sacrifice of Calvary” Instead we have rationalized the later event. He then asked, “What do we (emphasis mine).45 Again, for Hebrews “uniqueness” of this doctrine (“because no do with Ellen White?” His answer: “She not to address the SDA sanctuary doctrine one else teaches this”) into “evidence” of was reflecting the popular view of her day.” is to deny it. our “special calling.”47 Ellen White’s view of the investigative What is true is we must not “dilute the judgment is not the view the church apostle’s emphasis on one point in time— Spiritual Gifts promotes today. The view presented in The the once-for-all sacrifice of Calvary.” (See The integrity of Ellen White is under Great Controversy gives no assurance of Heb. 9:6-14, 22-28; 10:10-14, 19-22, etc.) threat only if we have an incorrect view salvation until our lives pass the scrutiny The New Testament does, of course, of inspiration and fail to recognize the of the judgment and we are perfected by affirm judgment: at the cross (John 12:30- limitations of the prophetic gift. the atoning work of Jesus. And, to add to 33), at the preaching of the gospel (John 1. Prophets are not infallible. Nathan the uncertainty, we don’t know when our 3:16-18; 5:22-25) and at the end (Acts was wrong to tell David he could build names will come up in the judgment.51 17:31; John 5:28-29; Rom. 14.10; 2 Cor. the temple (2 Samuel 7). John the Baptist What is said by DARCOM and others 5.10).46 doubted Jesus was the Messiah (Luke is quite different. But there is still an 7:18-28). Paul was wrong in rejecting endeavoring to marry what God has not Enormous Resources Expended John Mark (see Acts 15:36-41; 1 Pet. 5:13; joined together: completed atonement at Why have we expended enormous Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11). “Ellen White the cross and a special cleansing work of resources to defend a position that can was not infallible, and she never claimed Jesus during the investigative judgment— only be substantiated by a series of infallibility. She grew, changed her mind on grace and end-time sinless perfection.52 presuppositions? While the “focus” was issues, and was constantly open for more “The atonement, or reconciliation, was to be “on the Scriptural basis for belief,” light.”48 “In regard to infallibility,” Ellen completed on the cross …” (emphasis one can only conclude that writers instead White in a letter written in 1895 said, “I mine).53 Atonement by judgment will, followed Ellen White, who endorsed this never claimed it; God alone is infallible.”49 therefore, bring about a fully reconciled teaching. We want to defend the integrity of 2. Prophets are products of their times. and harmonious universe” (emphasis our prophet. I believe she had the prophetic The disciples, following the popular view mine).54 In 1844 Jesus “would begin His gift and treasure her writings. Some of her in expecting a political kingdom, were special work of cleansing and judgment statements on substitutionary atonement shattered by the death of Jesus (Luke in addition to His continual intercessory and the imputed righteousness of Christ 24:21). They still expected this after the ministry” (emphasis mine).55 are as clear as can be found anywhere. But resurrection (Acts 1:6). Peter, following 3. Spiritual gifts must be tested by the spiritual gifts are subordinate to the Bible. Jewish customs, separated himself from Word (see 1 Thess. 5:19-21 and 1 John Gentile believers (Gal. 2:11-14). 4:1). “As Seventh-day Adventists, we Cognitive Dissonance Ellen White also was a product of her believe in the gifts of the Spirit, including What we have here is a classic case of time. She said the Artaxerxes of Ezra 4 was prophecy, but we also believe that cognitive dissonance, which occurs when the False Smerdis (522 B.C.). DARCOM everything should be tested by the Word 56 we hold two conflicting thoughts in the has a different view (see point 3 above). of God.” “The Spirit was not given—nor mind at the same time. For example, She reflected Usshur’s chronology (printed can it ever be bestowed—to supersede believing smoking is unhealthy and in the margins of many Bibles) on the age the Bible; for Scriptures explicitly state continuing smoking. Something has to of the earth. Siegfried Horn, at a 1970s that the Word of God is the standard by change to eliminate the discord and bring Bible Conference, said archaeology shows which all teaching and experience must be 57 psychological harmony. Usually attitudes the world is older than 6,000 years. We tested.” accommodate behavior. Smokers, for cannot use archaeology to prove the Bible 4. The Bible is the only rule of faith example, knowing it is unhealthy, will often and then reject its findings when they and practice. The preamble to our

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fundamental beliefs states: “Adventists ours, and we become citizens of heaven say that because of grace we do not have have but one creed: ‘The Bible, and the (see Heb. 2:14; Rom. 8:37; 4:6; Col. 1:12- to obey God’s commandments (or who Bible alone.’”58 13; Eph. 2:19-22; Phil. 3:20-21). are careless about obedience) is just as Gerhard Pfandl’s comments on Ellen With the gospel at the center, we have destructive of the gospel as legalism. White are relevant: “Her writings are not something very important to share with Ministers can believe quite aberrant, another Bible, nor do they carry the kind the world; but without the gospel, we are perfectionist views of the gospel and still of authority found in the Bible. In the just another sect. retain their credentials. Some hold that end, the Bible and the Bible alone is our Ellen White herself wrote: “Of all Christ had a sinful human nature but did ultimate authority. … The crucial point to professing Christians, Seventh-day not sin through the power of the Holy remember is that our church’s doctrines Adventists should be foremost in uplifting Spirit. They reason that if he could do it, are based solely on the Bible. They are not Christ before the world. ... The sacrifice then so can we. They see Jesus primarily as dependent upon Ellen White’s writings, of Christ as an atonement for sin is the our example rather than as our substitute. however helpful she has been in clarifying great truth around which all other truths The last generation, some claim, will be some of those teachings. … Ellen White’s center” (emphasis mine).62 “Hanging upon without sin through the final atonement of writings are never to be used in place of the cross Christ was the gospel.”63 “Christ’s Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, where he the Bible.59 sacrifice in behalf of man was full and perfects the saints. Ellen White said of the Scriptures: “In complete. The condition of the atonement This was the 1960s view of Robert our time there is a wide departure from had been fulfilled” (emphasis mine).64 Brinsmead’s Sanctuary Awakening their doctrines and precepts, and there is “The great work that is wrought for the offshoot. It still is the teaching of some need of a return to the great Protestant sinner who is spotted and stained by evil, independent groups today. Ministers can principle—the Bible, and the Bible only, is the work of justification. By Him who believe these unscriptural views and retain as the rule of faith and duty.”60 And she speaketh truth He is declared righteous. their credentials, but if they question the added, “The Testimonies are not to take The Lord pronounces him righteous 1844 investigative judgment, which is not the place of the Word.”61 before the universe. [Could we instead a salvation issue, they could be dismissed. say: This is the pre-Advent judgment The Everlasting Gospel that “reveals to heavenly intelligences” An Appeal for Reassessment It is an overstatement to say that the (Fundamental Belief 23, 1988 version) Ellen White has said: “Error is never relevance of our message and our right what takes place at the time when a harmless. It never sanctifies, but always to exist are diminished or denied if we person accepts Jesus (emphasis mine)?] brings confusion and dissension. It is always admit that the 1844 investigative judgment He transfers his sins to Jesus, the sinner’s dangerous” (emphasis mine).66 “Every is not biblical. The Sabbath, God as representative, substitute, and surety. ... position we take should be critically Creator, the Second Coming, the state Christ made satisfaction for the guilt of examined and tested by the Scriptures.”67 of the dead, the health message, Christ’s the whole world, and all who come to God “There is no excuse for anyone in taking intercession, salvation by grace through the in faith, will receive the righteousness of the position that there is no more truth to substitutionary atonement, etc. are all still Christ.”65 be revealed, and that all our expositions true and relevant today. The two greatest threats to the gospel of Scripture are without an error. The fact The heart of the gospel is the death, are legalism on the one hand and that certain doctrines have been held as burial, and resurrection of Jesus (1 Cor. liberalism on the other. Crudely put, truth for many years by our people, is not 15:1-4). Since he is our substitute and legalism is the view that we can earn a proof that our ideas are infallible. Age representative, everything that happened salvation by what we do. A more subtle will not make error into truth, and truth to Jesus—his death, burial, resurrection, form (what the Council of Trent did) is to can afford to be fair. No true doctrine will ascension, and enthronement—is substitute the ongoing work of the Holy lose anything by close investigation. … provisionally counted as happening to the Spirit for the finished work of Christ, as “Long-cherished opinions must not whole human race. This becomes a reality the basis of salvation. be regarded as infallible. … We have for the believer by faith in Jesus (2 Cor. With liberalism, some turn the liberty of many lessons to learn, and many, many 5:14; Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 3:1; Eph. 2:6)! His the gospel into license to do as they please to unlearn. God and heaven alone are victory and righteousness then become (e.g., Gal. 5:13). The position of those who infallible. Those who think that they will

10 adventist today • summer 2011 never have to give up a cherished view, 5Rodríguez, “The Sanctuary,” pp. 405-406. Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, edited by 6Edited by Frank Holbrook and published Francis D. Nichol (Washington, D.C.: Review and never have occasion to change an opinion, by Biblical Research Institute. They will be Herald, 1955), Vol. 4, p. 1076. will be disappointed. … We should never subsequently referred to by article author, article 23Rodríguez, The 70 Weeks and 457 B.C. (Silver allow ourselves to employ arguments that title, DARCOM date, volume number, then page Spring, MD: BRI, April 1994), p. 7; Shea, “The number. Prophecy of Daniel 9:24-27” (DARCOM 1986), Vol. 68 are not wholly sound.” 7http://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/ 3, pp. 100, 101; Shea, “When Did the Seventy Weeks Can we claim to be “people of the bookshop.htm of Daniel 9:24 Begin?” (DARCOM 1991), Vol. 6, 8Richard M. Davidson, “A Song for the Sanctuary,” p. 390; Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary Book” and heirs of the Reformation’s sola Adventist Review, July 2, 1992, p. 9. (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald, 1955), Vol. scriptura while we “go beyond what is 9Rodríguez, “God’s Presence in the Sanctuary” 3, p. 365. 24 written” in Scripture (1 Cor. 4:6)?69 This (n.d.); Rodríguez, “Response To: ‘The Investigative Hasel, “Interpretations of the Chronology of the Judgment: A Bible Based Doctrine?’ The Seventy Weeks” (DARCOM 1986), Vol. 3, p. 49; one “unique” doctrine undermines our Watchtower, July 15, 1997” (Silver Spring, MD: Ferch, “Commencement Date for the Seventy Week credibility as “Bible-believing Christians.” Biblical Research Institute, Nov. 1997), p. 1 Prophecy” (DARCOM 1986), Vol. 3, p. 65; Shea, (see http://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/ “The Prophecy of Daniel 9:24-27” (DARCOM 1986), By far the great majority of Adventists documents/). Exegesis is the act of drawing the Vol. 3, p. 88; Shea, “When Did the Seventy Weeks of have no understanding of these issues, and meaning out of the text itself, while eisegesis is Daniel 9:24 Begin?” (DARCOM 1991), Vol. 6, pp. reading into the text one’s own ideas and meaning. 377, 384-385; Rodríguez, The 70 Weeks and 457 B.C. few could give an intelligent Bible study 10Jacques Doukhan, “The Seventy Weeks of Daniel (Silver Spring, MD: BRI, April 1994), p. 8. on these prophecies. They just accept the 9: An Exegetical Study, in The Sanctuary and the 25Shea, “When Did the Seventy Weeks of Daniel church’s teaching on the subject. How will Atonement, edited by A.V. Wallenkampf and W.R. 9:24 Begin?” (DARCOM 1991), Vol. 6, pp. 389, 392, Lesher (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald, 393; Shea, “Supplementary Evidence in Support of they feel when they eventually discover 1981), p. 251. 457 B.C. as the Starting Date for the 2300 Day-Years that this doctrine we make so central is 11Gerhard F. Hasel, “Interpretations of the of Daniel 8:14,” Journal of the Adventist Theological Chronology of the Seventy Weeks” (DARCOM Society, Vol. 12, No. 1 (Spring 2001), pp. 89-96; unbiblical? By allowing this unscriptural 1986), Vol. 3, pp. 5, 7, 62-63. Hasel, “Interpretations of the Chronology of the teaching to prevail, we detract from the 12ibid. Seventy Weeks” (DARCOM 1986), Vol. 3, p. 49; 13 once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus and the Arthur Ferch, “Commencement Date for the Ferch, “Commencement Date for the Seventy Week Seventy Week Prophecy” (DARCOM 1986), Vol. Prophecy” (DARCOM 1986), Vol. 3, p. 69. completed atonement at the cross. We 3, p. 65. 26Shea, “When Did the Seventy Weeks of Daniel also undermine assurance of salvation for 14W. Richard Lesher and Frank Holbrook, “Final 9:24 Begin?” (DARCOM 1991), Vol. 6, pp. 384- Report” (DARCOM 1992), Vol. 7, p. 452. 5; Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary many Adventists who believe they have 15Frank Holbrook says that this prophecy “finds (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald, 1954), Vol. to reach a certain level of holiness before genuine meaning only if its correct commencement 3, p. 97 (footnote). date can be established” (DARCOM 1986), Vol. 3, 27Shea, “The Prophecy of Daniel 9:24-27” they are ready for heaven. p. 64. (DARCOM 1986), Vol. 3, p. 101; Hasel, “Divine While this situation remains, we sap the 16Ferch, “Commencement Date for the Seventy Judgment,” in Handbook of Seventh-day Adventist energy and morale of pastors who know Week Prophecy” (DARCOM 1986), Vol. 3, p. 68. Theology, edited by Raoul Dederen (Hagerstown, 17Hasel, “Interpretations of the Chronology of MD: Review and Herald, 2000), p. 839. that this doctrine is unscriptural. This, I the Seventy Weeks” (DARCOM 1986), Vol. 3, 28“Antiquities of the Jews,” Book 11, Chapter 5, No. 2. believe, is stifling our mission—especially pp. 51, 57; Ferch, “Commencement Date for the 29Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary Seventy Week Prophecy” (DARCOM 1986), Vol. (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald, 1954), Vol. in Western countries among thinking 3, pp. 65, 69, 74; William H. Shea, “When Did the 3, p. 365; Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, people. Seventy Weeks of Daniel 9:24 Begin?” (DARCOM (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald, 1955) Vol. This article is an appeal to the church 1991), Vol. 6, pp. 383-384; William H. Shea, 4, p. 853; Siegfried H. Horn and Lynn H. Wood, The “Supplementary Evidence in Support of 457 B.C. as Chronology of Ezra 7 (Washington, D.C.: Review to reassess this teaching in the light of the Starting Date for the 2300 Day-Years of Daniel and Herald, 1953), p. 4. Scripture. 8:14,” Journal of the Adventist Theological Society, 30Shea, “Supplementary Evidence in Support of 457 Vol. 12, No. 1 (Spring 2001), pp. 89, 94. B.C. as the Starting Date for the 2300 Day-Years of Roy Ingram is a pseudonym. 18William H. Shea, “Unity of Daniel” (DARCOM Daniel 8:14,” Journal of the Adventist Theological 1986), Vol. 2, p. 287. Society, Vol. 12, No. 1 (Spring 2001), pp. 89, 94, 96. 1Clifford R. Goldstein, “The Gospel, 1844 and the 19Hasel, “Interpretations of the Chronology of the 31Shea, “The Prophecy of Daniel 9:24-27” Judgment,” Adult Teachers Sabbath School Bible Seventy Weeks” (DARCOM 1986), Vol. 3, p. 51; (DARCOM 1986), Vol. 3, p. 102. Shea cites Study Guide, April-June 2006, p. 2. Ferch, “Commencement Date for the Seventy Week J. Finegan, Handbook of Biblical Chronology 2Angel Manuel Rodríguez, “God’s Presence in the Prophecy” (DARCOM 1986), Vol. 3, pp. 69, 71, (Princeton, 1964), pp. 259-73, to support A.D. 27. Sanctuary,” BRI Documents (on CD), (n.d.), Vol. 74; Rodríguez, The 70 Weeks and 457 B.C. (Silver Hasel, in a footnote in his “Interpretations of the 1-2, p. 1. Spring, MD: BRI, April 1994), p. 4 (see http:// Chronology of the Seventy Weeks” (DARCOM 3Angel Manuel Rodriguez, “The Sanctuary,” in www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/documents/); 1986), Vol. 3, p. 49, also cited Finegan, who gives Handbook of Seventh-day Adventist Theology, edited Shea, “When Did the Seventy Weeks of Daniel 9:24 either A.D. 26 or 27. by Raoul Dederen (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Begin?” (DARCOM 1991), Vol. 6, p. 382. 32Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary Herald, 2000), pp. 405-406. 20Prophets and Kings, pp. 572-573. (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald, 1955), Vol. 4Arnold V. Wallenkampf, “Challenges to the 21Ferch, “Commencement Date for the Seventy 5, pp. 235, 244. Doctrine of the Sanctuary” in Doctrine of the Week Prophecy” (DARCOM 1986), Vol. 3, p. 70. 33Hasel, “A Study of Daniel 8:9-14” (DARCOM Sanctuary: A Historical Survey, edited by Frank 22“God rebukes the Jews for allowing their 1986), Vol. 2, p. 438; Shea, “The Prophecy of Daniel Holbrook, (Silver Spring, MD: Biblical Research comfortable living in well-appointed houses to Institute, 1989), Vol. 5, pp. 197-224. blind them to the need of rebuilding the Temple,” Continued on page 28

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Ellen White and her relationship to the Bible have come under great attack by Dale Ratzlaff. A former Seventh-day Adventist pastor, he wrote The Cultic Doctrine of Seventh- day Adventists, which has received wide circulation.1 In this book Ratzlaff says that “Ellen White has misinterpreted and misapplied Scripture on numerous occasions”2 and that the Adventist Church should “drop the writings of Ellen White as a source of authority.”3 Ratzlaff portrays her as a plagiarist who unashamedly copied other people’s writings, not giving credit; who covered up what she had done while saying that the Bible was the only standard for truth; and who also, at times, made it clear that she had the last word from God. He says that in addition to her copying, she also contradicted the Bible, taught doctrines that were against the gospel, changed her views many times, and was harsh to others while wanting great consideration for herself. What role does Ellen White play today, almost 100 years after her death? Is she a “continuing and authoritative source of truth,” as Fundamental Belief #18 states? And if so, does that make her equal with the Bible, which is also a continuing and authoritative source of truth?

Our Historical Position Ellen White herself called her writings a “lesser Is Ellen White light” to lead people to the greater light— the Bible.4 There is a growing trend in the Adventist denomination today to make Ellen White the infallible interpreter of Scripture. See, for example, The Remnant Study Bible, in which the words of Ellen White are interleaved with the words of the Bible.5 In our early years, Adventists were content to leave her precise role undefined. It was REALLY not until 1931 that the church developed a statement of fundamental beliefs printed in the Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook. These a Lesser Light? beliefs were not voted by any authoritative By J. David Newman committee but were the work of four men: M.K. Kern, F.M. Wilcox, E.R. Palmer, and C.H. Watson.6

12 adventist today • summer 2011 The original belief on spiritual gifts The Random House Dictionary of the last days. Peter in his sermon on the day of simply said this: “God has placed in English Language defines authority as Pentecost quoted from Joel 2. “‘In the last His church the gifts of the Holy Spirit “the power to determine, adjudicate, days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit as enumerated in 1 Corinthians 12 and or otherwise settle issues or disputes; on all people. Your sons and daughters will Ephesians 4. .... These gifts operate in jurisdiction; the right to control, prophesy, your young men will see visions, harmony with the divine principles of the command, or determine.”10 The Shorter your old men will dream dreams. Even on Bible, and are given for the perfecting of Oxford English Dictionary, while agreeing my servants, both men and women, I will the saints, the work of the ministry, the with this definition, adds “moral or legal pour out my Spirit in those days, and they edifying of the body of Christ”7 supremacy.”11 will prophesy’” (Acts 2:17-18, NIV). It was not until 20 years later that Now, we cannot have it both ways. The This passage is listed as one of the the following words were added to the Bible cannot be the “standard by which all references to Fundamental Belief #18 on statement in the 1951 Year Book of the teaching and experience must be tested” Ellen White and the gift of prophecy, yet Seventh-day Adventist Denomination: “The if the writings of Ellen White have “the the passage clearly states that more than gift of the Spirit of Prophecy is one of the power to determine” or to “settle issues or one person will have the gift of prophecy. identifying marks of the remnant church. disputes.” There is only one final authority. Why do Adventists limit this gift to one 1 Cor. 12:1, 28; Rev. 12:17; 19:10; Amos The suspicion that the denomination person? 3:7; Hosea 12:10, 13. They [Adventists] was trying to advance the supremacy of Furthermore, the Bible stresses the recognize that this gift was manifested in Ellen White through the back door is importance of gifts that the Holy Spirit the life and ministry of Ellen White.”8 strengthened when we see the changes has given to the church. In Romans 12, 1 This definition stood for 29 years until, that took place in Fundamental Belief #1, Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4, the gift at the 1980 General Conference Session which deals with the role of the Bible. of prophecy is listed as one of the gifts. It is in Dallas, Texas, this part of the statement Prior to the revisions of 1980, this not limited to one person or to one time. of fundamental beliefs was officially fundamental said in part that “[the Holy There is not the slightest hint that while revised and made more authoritative. It is Scriptures] are the only unerring rule of all of the other gifts could be manifested reproduced below as printed in the 1981 faith and practice”12 (emphasis added). in many people, this gift would only be Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook. In the new statement of 1980, the word manifested in the life of one person. “One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is “only” was dropped and we now read that prophecy. This gift is an identifying mark “The Holy Scriptures are the infallible Personal Struggles of the remnant church and was manifested revelation of His will ... .” With the word I grew up believing that Ellen White in the ministry of Ellen G. White. As “only” dropped, we left the door open was perfect, that she never sinned, that the Lord’s messenger, her writings are for other “infallible revelations.” Yes, we she never had to struggle. But one day I a continuing and authoritative source still believe in the infallibility of the Bible, came across this statement where she was of truth which provide for the church but we no longer believe that it is the only describing her struggle to give up meat. comfort, guidance, instruction, and infallible revelation of God. “I suffered keen hunger, I was a great correction. They also make clear that the meat eater. But when faint, I placed my Bible is the standard by which all teaching Ellen White Unique arms across my stomach, and said, ‘I and experience must be tested. (Joel 2:28, While we dismiss Joseph Smith and will not taste a morsel. I will eat simple 29; Acts 2:14–21; Heb. 1:1–3; Rev. 12:17; Mary Baker Eddy as counterfeits, we food, or I will not eat at all.’ Bread was 19:10.)”9 say that Ellen White is the only prophet distasteful to me. I could seldom eat a If you look at this statement, you will God has appointed since New Testament piece as large as a dollar. Some things in find that we have tried to have it both times and that she holds a unique place the reform I could get along with very ways. We have tried to make the Bible in human history. I am not aware that our well; but when I came to the bread, I was supreme, the final authority, and we have church has ever considered anyone else— especially set against it.”13 also tried to make Ellen White supreme, even men like Martin Luther and John Then I learned that she and her husband the final authority. This statement says Calvin—to have the prophetic gift. used to fight in their marriage. They did that “her writings are a continuing and It is quite incredible that we could come not battle physically, but they certainly authoritative source of truth.” What does up with this understanding considering did not mince words to each other. There “authoritative” mean? what the Bible says about prophets in the was a time when James White was living

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in Michigan and Ellen was living in me. That she went through her struggles. once they become Adventists, we often California. Each one believed the other But others were not so forbearing. Men reverse ourselves and refuse to recanvass should be the person to relocate. like Walter Rea (author of The White Lie) what we have been taught. Ellen wrote some letters to a friend and Dale Ratzlaff have written scathing Again on the same subject, Ellen White named Lucinda Hall. Here is part of what books condemning Ellen White as a counsels us: “Truth is eternal, and conflict she wrote: plagiarizer, as deceptive, as arrogant, and with error will only make manifest its “Should I come east, James’s happiness as a liar. strength. We should never refuse to might suddenly change to complaining They have pointed out issues examine the Scriptures with those who and fretting. I am thoroughly disgusted concerning her that the church has no [sic] we have a reason to believe desire with the state of things, and do not easy answer to offer. Adventists have spent to know what is truth as much as we mean to place myself where there is millions of dollars in research to try to do. Suppose a brother holds a view that the least liability of its occurring. ... I prove the infallibility of Ellen White, and differs from yours, and he comes to you, Those who think that they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion to change an opinion, will be disappointed.

must work as God should direct. ... God we still have not satisfied the critics. proposing that you sit down with him and in his providence has given us each I believe there is an easier way—one investigate that point in the Scriptures; our work, and we will do it separately, that cuts to the heart of the issues and should you rise up filled with prejudice, independently. He is happy; I am happy; solves most of the problems. I believe that and condemn his ideas, while refusing to but the happiness might be all changed our published fundamental doctrine about give him a candid hearing? The only right should we meet. ... A great share of my the authority of Ellen White is wrong and way would be to sit down as Christians life’s usefulness has been lost. ... I cannot that we need to change it. Ellen White and investigate the position presented in have confidence in James’s judgment in herself reminds us that just because we the light of God’s word, which will reveal reference to my duty. He seems to want have taught some things as truth for many truth and unmask error. To ridicule his to dictate to me as though I was [sic] a years does not make them truth. ideas would not weaken his position, child.”14 though it were false, or strengthen your In another letter to Lucinda, Ellen Truth May Not Always Be Truth position, though it were true. If the penned: “I sometimes think he is not a “There is no excuse for anyone in taking pillars of our faith will not stand the test of sane man, but I don’t know. May God the position that there is no more truth to investigation, it is time that we knew it, for teach and lead and guide. His [James’s] be revealed, and that all our expositions it is foolish to become set in our ideas, and letter has fully decided me to remain this of Scripture are without an error. The fact think that no one should interfere with our side of the mountains.”15 that certain doctrines have been held as opinions. Let everything be brought to the James White was just as strong in truth for many years by our people, is not a Bible; for it is the only rule of faith and writing back: “I shall use the good old proof that our ideas are infallible. Age will doctrine” (emphasis added).18 head God gave me until He reveals that not make error into truth, and truth can Ellen White also reminds us that we I am wrong. Your head won’t fit on my afford to be fair. No true doctrine will lose may even need to reverse ourselves on shoulders. Keep it where it belongs, anything by close investigation.”17 some things we had considered to be true: and I will try to honor God in using my Now that can be a very scary statement “We have many lessons to learn, and own. I shall be glad to hear from you, to some people, but it’s true. We should many, many to unlearn. God and heaven but don’t waste your precious time and always keep an open mind. We tell people alone are infallible. Those who think that strength lecturing me on matters of mere from Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, and they will never have to give up a cherished opinion.”16 other religious backgrounds to keep an view, never have occasion to change an These insights and many others like open mind when we get ready to tell opinion, will be disappointed. As long as them actually did not discourage me about them about the Seventh-day Sabbath and we hold to our own ideas and opinions Ellen White. For the first time, I began to other Bible doctrines. We want them to with determined persistency, we cannot see that she was human. That she was like investigate ideas that are new to them. Yet have the unity for which Christ prayed.”19

14 adventist today • summer 2011 The Bible Only have advanced speculative opinions in a direct word from God to King David (2 There is little doubt as to the mind of various lines, and when the Holy Spirit lets Sam. 12:25). Prophets spoke with authority, Ellen White concerning the primacy and light shine into human minds, it does not reminding Israel of the terms of the authority of the Bible. In an address to respect every point of man’s application of covenant and the penalties for disobedience church leaders, she said: “How can the the word. God impressed His servants to (Jer. 7:25; 2 Chron. 24:19; Neh. 9:26). Lord bless those who manifest a spirit of speak the truth irrespective of what men The prophets’ role was to speak the 22 ‘I don’t care,’ a spirit which leads them to had taken for granted as truth.” very words of God. “Now go; I will help walk contrary to the light which the Lord you speak and will teach you what to has given them? But I do not ask you to Definition ofP rophet say” (Ex. 4:12, NIV). “I will raise up for take my words. Lay Sister White to one So what exactly is a prophet? The earliest them a prophet like you from among side. Do not quote my words again as long mention of the term prophet in the Bible their brothers; I will put my words in his as you live until you can obey the Bible. … is found in Genesis. God is speaking to mouth, and he will tell them everything I When you make the Bible your food, your Abimelech, king of Gerar, who had taken command him” (Deut. 18:18, NIV). “‘Well, meat, and your drink, when you make its Sarah, Abraham’s wife, to be his wife. “Now I have come to you now,’ Balaam replied. principles the elements of your character, return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, ‘But can I say just anything? I must speak you will know better how to receive counsel and he will pray for you and you will live. only what God puts in my mouth’” (Num. from God. I exalt the precious Word before But if you do not return her, you may be 22:38, NIV). you today. Do not repeat what I have said, sure that you and all yours will die” (Gen. Sometimes the prophet delivered saying, ‘Sister White said this,’ and ‘Sister 20:7, NIV). messages from God using the pronoun White said that.’ Find out what the Lord Persons with a wide range of “I,” but it would be clear to the people that God of Israel says, and then do what He associations were called prophets the prophet was not speaking for himself commands.”20 because each in some way claimed to but for God. “I am the Lord, and there is In an earlier letter, she wrote: “In public be communicating a divine message. no other; apart from me there is no God. I labor do not make prominent, and quote The patriarch Abraham spoke for God will strengthen you, though you have not that which Sister White has written, to Abimelech as a prophet. Aaron, the acknowledged me,” (Isa. 45:5, NIV). as authority to sustain your positions. brother of Moses who would become If the people disobeyed such a message To do this will not increase faith in the the first high priest, was likewise called a from the prophet, they were in actuality testimonies. Bring your evidences, clear prophet (Ex. 7:1), and the singer Jeduthun disobeying God. “If anyone does not listen and plain, from the Word of God. A ‘Thus (1 Chron. 25:3) was also called a prophet. to my words that the prophet speaks in my saith the Lord’ is the strongest testimony Some individuals—such as Jeremiah, name, I myself will call him to account” you can possibly present to the people. Isaiah, and Samuel—are recorded as (Deut. 18:19, NIV). Let none be educated to look to Sister receiving specific calls to the prophetic When a prophet spoke in the name of White, but to the mighty God, who gives office. The primary role of the prophet God, no one questioned whether or not instruction to Sister White.”21 was to speak directly for God. This the message was true. If what the prophet speaking was for encouragement, said did not come true, then he was a false Truth to Unfold More and More exhortation, or reproof, and it was rarely prophet. “If what a prophet proclaims in God expects us to think and study for predictive. The root meaning of prophet the name of the Lord does not take place ourselves, and some of us may come to new is “to see, perceive, understand.” That is or come true, that is a message the Lord insights that need to be shared with the why sometimes the word for prophet is has not spoken. That prophet has spoken larger church. Ellen White says: “But the translated as seer (1 Sam. 9:9). presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him” Holy Spirit will, from time to time, reveal (Deut. 18:22, NIV). the truth through its own chosen agencies; Old Testament Prophets When delivering a divine message, a and no man, not even a priest or ruler, has Old Testament prophets served as direct true prophet never spoke some of God’s a right to say, You shall not give publicity messengers from God, sent to speak to men words mixed with some of his own words. to your opinions, because I do not believe and women the very words from God. For His message was either completely true them. That wonderful ‘I’ may attempt to example, we read of the prophet Haggai: or else it was false. For example, Micaiah put down the Holy Spirit’s teaching. Men “Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, gave was willing to stake his reputation on the may for a time attempt to smother it and this message of the Lord to the people: ‘I fulfillment of just one prophecy when he kill it; but that will not make error truth, am with you,’ declares the Lord’” (Hag. said to King Ahab, “‘If you ever return or truth error. The inventive minds of men 1:13, NIV). Likewise, Nathan came with safely, the Lord has not spoken through

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me.’ Then he added, ‘Mark my words, all those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thess. said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, you people!’” (1 Kings 22:28, NIV). 4:15, NIV); “If anyone does not obey our lazy gluttons’” (Titus 1:12, NIV). The Old Testament was written by instruction in this letter, take special note 3. A new term for Christ’s prophets—Moses, Samuel, David, Isaiah, of him. Do not associate with him, in representatives. God established a new Jeremiah, Daniel, etc. However, some order that he may feel ashamed” (2 Thess. order after the death and resurrection of prophets such as Iddo (2 Chron. 13:22) 3:14, NIV). Jesus. While much remained the same, wrote books that never appeared in Holy yet there were some crucial differences. Scripture. Others—like Nathan and Elijah, Why Apostle Rather Than Prophet? God may have decided that he wanted a who spoke fearlessly to the reigning king If the New Testament apostle is so similar new term to designate his authoritative on several occasions—delivered God’s to the Old Testament prophet, why didn’t leaders—those who would write the New messages but never wrote a book. God use the same title? Grudem gives three Testament—and so he chose the term reasons. apostle. It tied in with prophet because Prophets in the New Testament 1. Joel’s prediction of prophecy for all its root meaning is “one who is sent.” In Wayne Grudem, a Protestant theologian, God’s people. Joel predicted an outpouring this case, it means one who is sent from wrote his doctoral dissertation on the gift of prophecy that would fall on many God just as the Old Testament prophet of prophecy. He makes a careful distinction people, not just on a select few as in the was sent by God. It was not a common between the writers of the Old Testament Old Testament. “And afterward, I will pour term before the New Testament, so it and the writers of the New Testament. He out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and would not be confusing to people and states that the Old Testament was written daughters will prophesy, your old men will was a word that was free from misleading by prophets but that the New Testament dream dreams, your young men will see implications, both from the Old was written by apostles. The apostles are visions. Even on my servants, both men Testament and from the secular world.24 not normally called prophets; prophets and women, I will pour out my Spirit in and apostles were two separate offices in those days” (Joel 2:28-29, NIV). Prophet Defined the New Testament. However, the apostles Prophets in the Old Testament wrote There are three major passages on spiritual spoke the direct word of God as the down the very words of God, and their gifts in the New Testament (Rom. 12:3-8; 1 prophets did in the Old Testament.23 writings became the unique Word of God, Corinthians 12; Eph. 4:11), and they all list Old Testament and New Testament the Holy Scriptures. In the last days, when prophecy as one of the gifts the Holy Spirit inspired writings are connected by Peter. God pours out his spirit in a special way gives. There is no indication that this gift is “I want you to recall the words spoken on people (just about everyone receiving limited to a very few select persons. On the in the past by the holy prophets and the the gift), he wants to make a distinction contrary, Paul wanted everyone to prophesy. command given by our Lord and Savior between their gift and the gift as given in “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire through your apostles” (2 Peter 3:2, NIV). the Old Testament. spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy” Prophets gave the word of God in the Old 2. Meaning of the word “prophet.” By the (1 Cor. 14:1, NIV). The primary purpose Testament, and apostles gave the word of time of the New Testament, the meaning of New Testament prophecy, he says, is for God in the New Testament. of the word prophet had changed in the strengthening, encouragement, and comfort Paul as an apostle insisted that his world as a whole. It had come to mean (verse 3, NIV). message came directly from Christ. “I “one who has supernatural knowledge Paul says, “I would like every one of want you to know, brothers, that the without any connotation of divine you to speak in tongues, but I would gospel I preached is not something that authority.” It had lost its meaning of rather have you prophesy. He who man made up. I did not receive it from any prediction, foretelling the future. The title prophesies is greater than one who man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received prophet no longer automatically meant speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, it by revelation from Jesus Christ” (Gal. one who spoke the authoritative words of so that the church may be edified” (verse 1:11-12, NIV). This is in the tradition of God. The term had become too watered 5, NIV). Prophecy is something special, the Old Testament prophets (Deut. 18:20; down to have any authoritative meaning. something important for God’s people. Jer. 23:16ff). The Jews had accepted much of this It is for their encouragement, their help, Paul many times emphasized that he modern meaning and no longer used the their joy. spoke directly for God. “According to the word prophet in the way it was used in Paul then says something interesting Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who the Old Testament. Paul employed this about how to deal with prophets, which are still alive, who are left till the coming general use of the term when writing to is very different from the Old Testament. of the Lord, will certainly not precede Titus. “Even one of their own prophets has He says, “Two or three prophets should

16 adventist today • summer 2011 speak, and the others should weigh of this belt and will hand him over to the that everything is to be judged by the Bible, carefully what is said. And if a revelation Gentiles”’” (Acts 21:10-11, NIV). and that she is a lesser light to lead people to comes to someone who is sitting down, Agabus got some of his details wrong. the greater light. Now a lesser light cannot the first speaker should stop. For you can First, he predicted that Jews in Jerusalem be equal to a greater light. And if Ellen all prophesy in turn so that everyone may would bind Paul. But later on, in verse 33, White is to be tested by the Bible, we cannot be instructed and encouraged. The spirits Luke tells us: “The commander came up then turn around and make Ellen White the of prophets are subject to the control of and arrested him and ordered him to be determiner of what Scripture means. prophets. For God is not a God of disorder bound with two chains. Then he asked who But if we see Ellen White as a New but of peace” (verses 29-33, NIV). he was and what he had done.” So it was the Testament prophet, things become much The congregation in Corinth contained Romans who bound Paul, not the Jews. clearer. She is a prophet of God. God gave several prophets. They should speak one Second, Agabus predicted that the Jews her gifts that would apply to the Seventh- at a time. One prophet could interrupt would deliver Paul into the hands of the day Adventist Church worldwide. This gift The Old Testament prophet would have been stoned to death if he had made these kinds of mistakes. But the prophet is a different kind of person in the New Testament. another prophet (unheard of in the Old Romans. Instead, the Roman centurion was not universal, like the Old Testament Testament). Furthermore, the people were had to rescue Paul from the Jews who prophetic gift that applied to all people no longer to assume that what a prophet were trying to kill him. worldwide. Ellen White was given just to said was the absolute authoritative word of An Old Testament prophet would have the Adventist Church. God. Listeners were to compare what the been stoned to death if he had made Ellen White when using Scripture is prophet said with the revealed will of God these kinds of mistakes. But the prophet mostly “homiletical” and “evangelistic,” in the Bible. Everything was to be judged is a different kind of person in the New says Robert Olsen, former secretary of by the Bible. Testament. The Old Testament is full of the Ellen G. White Estate. “We cannot Let us summarize what Paul is saying prophecies in which the smallest details use Ellen White as the determinative about this spiritual gift. It involves a always came to pass exactly as foretold, final arbiter of what Scripture means. If specific revelation (verse 29) that God whether it was the dogs eating Jezebel we do that, then she is the final authority gives to someone whom he chooses, (2 Kings 9:35-36), Elijah promising that and Scripture is not. Scripture must be and the revelation is to be given publicly the meal and oil would never run dry permitted to interpret itself.”25 (verses 29-31) for the “strengthening, (1 Kings 17:16), or Elisha predicting in Here is but one example. In Genesis encouragement, and comfort” as well as famine-stricken, besieged Samaria that 3 we have the story of the temptation of instruction of another individual (verses one day later, about the same time of day, Adam and Eve. Ellen White says of Eve 3, 31). When the prophet speaks declaring a measure of fine meal would be sold for that “absorbed in her pleasing task, she that he or she has a revelation from God, a shekel and two measures of barley for unconsciously wandered from his side. those hearing it are to judge whether it a shekel, at the gate of Samaria (2 Kings On perceiving that she was alone she felt indeed has come from God. If they agree 23:16). an apprehension of danger” as she studied that it is God’s words, then they are to It seems that Agabus had a general the tree of the knowledge of good and listen and follow what the prophet says. revelation from God about Paul’s capture evil.26 After Eve took and ate the fruit, “she that was not given in great detail. And sought his [Adam’s] presence, and related New Testament Prophets apparently Agabus decided to throw in all that occurred.”27 Could Be Mistaken some extra details, which were correct in However, the Bible says that “she took of “After we had been there a number of days, general but not in detail. its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to a prophet named Agabus came down from her husband who was with her, and he ate” Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul’s Application to Ellen G. White (Gen. 3:6, ESV). belt, tied his own hands and feet with it How does this apply to Ellen G. White? We When I have discussed this difference and said, ‘The Holy Spirit says, “In this way have seen that she makes it clear that the with conservative Adventists, they have the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner Bible is the sole rule of faith and practice, always come down on the side of Ellen

www.atoday.com 17 COVER STORY

White and not the Bible. Ellen White has Unfortunately, our denomination has all countries?), ethnic balance and makeup now become the greater light and not the too often acted as if both lights were of the General Conference, and more. lesser light. equal. If Ellen White is the lesser light, We must return to the Bible, find the As counseled in 1 Corinthians 14, we then she can never be as important or principles there, and then apply them to are to study the prophet’s words, see if as authoritative as the greater light. The our day. they agree with Scripture, and—if they purpose of her writings was not for us to do—accept them as from God. And if not, study them in every detail, but to cause us Ellen White’s Personal Growth then we go with the Bible. We do not need to go back to the Bible and find in it the Ellen White grew in her understanding to make Ellen White infallible, which she great and eternal truths God gave. of truth. In her early years, she talked a did not claim, or to use her as the final According to T. Housel Jemison, a lot about perfection and becoming sinless authority in any argument. former Andrews University professor, before Jesus comes. In her first book, she Given this understanding of the word Ellen White wanted: (1) to exalt the Bible, wrote: “I saw that none could share the The Adventist Church has, in practice, already determined that everything that Ellen White spoke was not authoritative, not a direct word from God for all time. prophet, we no longer must defend (2) to attract minds to the Bible, (3) to call ‘refreshing’ unless they obtain the victory everything that Ellen White said. We can attention to neglected truths, (4) to further over every besetment, over pride, selfishness, say that she was fallible and even wrong at impress truths already received, (5) to love of the world, and over every wrong times, period. If we would teach this, we awaken minds, (6) to simplify truths, (7) word and action. We should, therefore, would take away a huge argument from to bring out principles and help apply be drawing nearer and nearer to the Lord the critics of the Adventist Church. them, and (8) to instruct in details.29 and be earnestly seeking that preparation But greater and more important necessary to enable us to stand in the battle Ellen White’s Role than the above was her consuming in the day of the Lord. Let all remember that In the New Testament, the role of the desire to see people enter into a vibrant God is holy and that none but holy beings prophet changed. The church no longer relationship with Jesus. She took the can ever dwell in His presence.”30 lives under a theocracy. Everyone has direct principles of the Bible and applied them By contrast, in 1911 she wrote: access to God. The role of the prophet is to to situations in the 19th century to help “Sanctification is not the work of a encourage people in their relationship with us in our walk with Jesus. But the farther moment, an hour, a day, but of a lifetime. God. It is no longer an emphasis on rules, away we get from the 19th century, the It is not gained by a happy flight of feeling, but on relationships. less helpful Ellen White becomes. but is the result of constantly dying to sin, It is clear that Ellen White was essential We cannot receive direct counsel from and constantly living for Christ. Wrongs to the founding and establishing of our her on the following issues: abortion, cannot be righted nor reformations denomination. It is also clear, through the nuclear disarmament, environmental wrought in the character by feeble, many visions she received and the kind of pollution, gay rights, the almost intermittent efforts. It is only by long, life she lived, that God was with her. No universal tolerance of divorce under any persevering effort, sore discipline, and scandal erupted concerning her, nor did circumstances, running hospitals in our stern conflict that we shall overcome. We her contemporaries question her morality extremely competitive environment, know not one day how strong will be our and ethics. institutionalization of the church, conflict the next. So long as Satan reigns, Ellen White described her role as one reorganization of the church given its we shall have self to subdue, besetting sins of encouraging people to study the Bible. growth and size, tithe and the storehouse, to overcome; so long as life shall last, there “The Lord has sent his people much ordination of women, celebration worship, will be no stopping place, no point which instruction, line upon line, precept upon whether or not the KJV is the superior we can reach and say, I have fully attained. precept, here a little, and there a little. translation (as some advocate), videos Sanctification is the result of lifelong Little heed is given to the Bible, and the and computers, how to change standards obedience.”31 Lord has given a lesser light to lead men as culture changes, the organization of a In 1915, the year of her death, she and women to the greater light.”28 universal church (should it be the same in wrote: “I do not say that I am perfect, but

18 adventist today • summer 2011 I am trying to be perfect. I do not expect important to the Seventh-day Adventist begun much earlier. others to be perfect; and if I could not Church, but they are not the Bible. She Furthermore, Ellen White specifically associate with my brothers and sisters was inspired of God, but her writings are says that we should pay minister’s wives who are not perfect, I do not know what I not the Bible. We are to check her out by from tithe,39 yet we ignore that counsel, should do. ... No one is perfect.”32 the Bible, just as the church in Corinth saying that we do not have enough tithe to had to check on the prophets in its midst do that. Of course not, since we are paying God and Children as to the veracity of their statements. teachers from tithe! In 1864 Ellen White wrote: “God loves Ellen White was given messages from I could give scores more examples, but honest-hearted, truthful children, but God to help start this denomination. She these are enough to help you see that it is cannot love those who are dishonest.”33 was given divine messages to counsel and too easy for the denomination to speak “The Lord loves those little children who help the church leadership. Her visions out of both sides of its corporate mouth try to do right, and he has promised that helped to establish a strong educational when it comes to the authority of Ellen they shall be in his kingdom. But wicked and health emphasis for the Seventh-day White. When it suits our purpose, we children God does not love. He will not Adventist Church. But she is the lesser declare that we must follow exactly what take them to the beautiful City, for he only light to lead us to the great light: the Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy says, but when admits the good, obedient, and patient which tells us of the Light, Jesus Christ. economic and other pressures bear upon children there. ... When you feel tempted to us, we become pragmatic and find a way speak impatient and fretful [sic], remember Church Has Ignored Ellen White to rationalize her counsels. the Lord sees you, and will not love you if The Adventist Church has, in practice, you do wrong.”34 already determined that everything that Prophecy at the Local Level Twenty-eight years later, in 1892, she Ellen White spoke was not authoritative, Should we look for the gift of prophecy to wrote: “Do not teach your children that not a direct word from God for all time. be evident in the local church? Yes, if we God does not love them when they do The 1989 General Conference Spring are to follow the clear teaching of Scripture wrong; teach them that he loves them so Meeting of the Executive Committee voted regarding the outpouring of God’s Spirit in that it grieves his tender Spirit to see them to remove the administrators of Adventist the last days and the giving of spiritual gifts. in transgression, because he knows they hospitals from the denomination wage The gift of prophecy is the divine are doing injury to their souls.”35 scale and to allow them to set much higher enablement to reveal truth and proclaim salaries than had been previously allowed.37 it in a timely and relevant manner for Growth in Prophecy This was in direct opposition to the understanding, correction, repentance, or In the first edition of The Great Controversy, counsel of Ellen White, who was very edification. There may be immediate or Ellen White said, “The message of specific in this area. Ellen White was also future implications. But it must come as Revelation 14 announcing the fall of specific that tithe should not be used for a direct revelation from God. People with Babylon … must be given in the last days, paying teachers in our schools—especially this gift have a unique ability to expose sin therefore it cannot refer to the Romish elementary schools—or for supporting or deception in others in such a way that Church, for that church has been in a fallen colporteurs. reconciliation takes place without their condition for many centuries.”36 In the “One reasons that the tithe may be feeling condemned. 1911 revision, she wrote, “The message of applied to school purposes. Still others People with this gift speak a timely Revelation 14 … cannot refer to the Roman reason that canvassers and colporteurs word from God that causes conviction, Church alone, for that church has been should be supported from the tithe. But repentance, and edification. They see in a fallen condition for many centuries” a great mistake is made when the tithe is truth that others often fail to see, and (emphasis added). drawn from the object for which it is to be they challenge others to respond. They Do you see the difference? “The pastor used—the support of the ministers. There will warn of God’s immediate or future did not rob the bank.” “The pastor did should be today in the field one hundred judgment if there is no repentance. They not rob the bank alone.” There is quite a well-qualified laborers where now there is will speak their messages in love, avoiding difference in meaning once you add just but one.”38 pride or any kind of superior attitude. one word. Yet at the 1985 Annual Council, the Others will recognize that they have this I could give other examples. The tithe-use policy was changed so that gift. The hearers will know that this person question, of course, remains this: At what elementary teachers could be paid up to is speaking for God, because God has time in Ellen White’s life is she completely 30 percent of their salary from tithe. The impressed the hearers as well. authoritative? Ellen White’s messages are payment of colporteurs from tithe had Continued on page 28

www.atoday.com 19 aldenthompson

Ellen White: An “Emerging Church” Spokesperson? By Alden Thompson

Ellen White never heard of the “emerging church,” making it nearly impossible to history department, quipped that early church.” Nor did Isaiah or Paul. Jesus affirm the good in Bell’s book. Adventism formed a movement by hadn’t heard of it either. Two key Ellen White quotations point bringing all of the old “heresies” together: So with conversations about the Adventism in a healthier direction. First: Seventh-day Sabbath, sabbatarianism, no “emerging church” raging all around us, “The Lord wants His people to follow immortal soul, no eternally burning hell, how can we appeal to “inspired” writers other methods than that of condemning no Trinity or full divinity of Christ, and no in the discussion? wrong,” she wrote, “even though the creed. That’s a crucial question to which I will condemnation be just. He wants us to But rarely does a new movement propose a simple three-part answer. But do something more than to hurl at our stay put. That was true of Adventism, first let’s explore the possibility of Ellen adversaries charges that only drive them especially in regard to the doctrine of White’s being a spokesperson for the further from the truth.”1 the Trinity and the divinity of Christ. In “emerging church.” The second quote is from an 1887 1852 James White could talk about that 3 Ellen White: An Early Rob Bell? letter to a Brother Boyd, who was headed “old trinitarian absurdity.” But in 1898, to South Africa for mission service. in The Desire of Ages, Ellen White, though Without fully vouching for its accuracy, I She advised him not to emphasize not using the term “Trinity,” affirmed would recommend the Wikipedia article our unique doctrines because they the full divinity of Christ, a key aspect on “emerging church.” It’s a good place would “often erect a formidable barrier of the Trinity doctrine: “In Christ,” she to start in trying to grasp the complexity between you and those you wish to wrote, “is life, original, unborrowed, of the movement. To summarize and reach.” Speak on “points of doctrine on underived.”4 Today Adventists still oversimplify, we could see it as a late-20th- which you can agree,” she counseled. maintain their convictions on soul and century attempt to break away from some “Give them evidence that you are a hell but believe that God used Ellen of the rigidities of traditional Christianity. Christian, desiring peace, and that you White to help us see in Scripture the Adventists should prick up their ears, love their souls. Let them see that you are full divinity of Christ. That was not an for emergent spokesperson Rob Bell has conscientious. Thus you will gain their easy change. M.L. Andreasen called it recently published Love Wins, a book confidence; and there will be time enough “revolutionary.” He actually visited Ellen that moves close to Adventist positions for doctrines.”2 White in person to see if she had written on hell and salvation for non-believers. it. He was “astonished” to see the quote in Evangelicals have criticized Adventism Adventism As an Ellen White’s own handwriting.5 for its liberal stance on these doctrines, “Emerging Church” and Bell is now getting the same Jesus, the Apostles, and treatment. We should be able to affirm I would argue that when we attack the him for the good things he says without “emerging church,” we are denying an Early Adventism being unduly preoccupied with his errors. essential part of our heritage and losing Jesus, too, was founder of an “emerging The American religious right, however, a wonderful opportunity to spread the church” movement, one that was clearly has developed a powerful negativism good news. In our early years, Adventism countercultural as far as Judaism was that attacks a long list of “evils” including was clearly an “emerging church,” a concerned. In seeking a more people- “spiritual disciplines” and “emerging countercultural movement—“sectarian” centered approach, Jesus trampled on key church.” Someone recently sent me a is the technical term. Such movements Jewish traditions, putting his new wine in YouTube link with all of the presentations begin when the dominant culture no new wineskins, as he put it (cf. Matt. 9:17). listed under the heading “Know Your longer seems able to nurture genuine His people killed him for it. Enemy.” Every entry was an attack against spiritual life. Thus Adventism became an Typically, sectarian movements are an “enemy” of Christianity. Unfortunately, “emerging church,” seeking to break loose confrontational, challenging the status many in Adventism have adopted this from orthodox rigidities. Greg Dodds, a quo. That was certainly true of the early negative rhetoric against the “emerging colleague in our Walla Walla University church. If one reads Steven’s speech in

20 adventist today • summer 2011 Acts 7, it’s not hard to see why they stoned of the people.9 She does not tell us about the logic would go, we can’t say anything him. his predestinarian theology, his brutal against them either. Adventism, too, was confrontational in suppression of the peasant revolt, and I well remember a conversation with its founding. The second angel’s message, his rabid anti-Semitism. She focused on an Adventist brother who objected to my “Babylon is fallen” (Rev. 14:8), played points on which she could agree. support for women in ministry because a key role, especially when linked with Finally, in the chapter “The French Paul said women should not teach or have Revelation 18:4, “Come out of her, my Reformation,”10 Ellen White describes the authority over men (1 Tim. 2:12). In the people.” work of several reformers, John Calvin conversation that followed, he ended up But if one takes Jesus very seriously, being the most prominent. She speaks arguing in favor of slavery, polygamy, and as Ellen White did, then a sectarian highly of his efforts to establish the blood vengeance—with proof texts for movement can begin to reflect more principles of Protestantism, but she does them all. fully the methods of Jesus. The Desire of not mention his predestinarian theology But if we take Jesus—and sin—very Ages (1898) is masterful in that respect. or his heavy-handed rule in Geneva where seriously, we can understand why we won’t Confrontation is still part of the story, but 58 dissenters were killed and 76 banished always find good key texts for everything the tone is dramatically different. Now you during his rule (1541 to 1564). She looked we want and why some key texts that we can hear the “tears” in Jesus’ voice when on the positive side, focusing on points on do find should not be used at all today. he utters his “scathing rebukes.”6 which she could agree. We start with the simplest principle Furthermore, the preferred mode In short, Ellen White was indeed a stated by Jesus: “In everything do to others has become cooperation instead of champion of the “emerging church.” as you would have them do to you; for this confrontation. As in the 1887 letter noted She felt no obligation to attack or even is the law and the prophets” (Matt. 7:12, above, Ellen White was now advising mention points of disagreement. She NRSV). Adventists to work with people on “points simply practiced what she preached: “The That’s simple, but not easy. Because of doctrine on which you can agree.”7 Lord wants His people to follow other sin has had such a devastating impact on methods than that of condemning wrong, humanity, we must constantly ponder 11 A Surprising Example: even though the condemnation be just.” how to adapt God’s message to particular people in particular situations. When we The Great Controversy Ancient Texts: Modern Issues treat them as we would want to be treated But perhaps most surprising is the way So how can we use inspired writers to if we were in their place, we must follow Ellen White followed the principle of address issues like the “emerging church”? Paul’s example of being “all things to all working with others on points of agreement Here are three steps: people” in order to “save some” (1 Cor. in the writing of The Great Controversy, First, we look to Jesus, searching his life 9:22, NRSV). one of the more “confrontational” books to and teachings for principles that can be come from her pen. Even in it, Ellen White applied elsewhere in Scripture and in our The Hazards of “Adaptation” focused on points of agreement when she modern era. But such “adaptation” is deeply troubling dealt with the various reformers. Second, we illustrate those principles for some, including many evangelical Thus Ellen White celebrates John with the applications we have found in Christians. For example, when I was Wycliffe as the “morning star of the Scripture. looking for a publisher for my book Who’s reformation” and translator of the Third, we compare the applications Afraid of the Old Testament God?,12 an Bible into English.8 But Wycliffe was a from Scripture with the situations and evangelical professor at the University predestinarian and did not believe in the circumstances in our day. of Edinburgh noted that the evangelical separation of church and state at all, points With such an approach, we may not publisher InterVarsity UK would never on which Ellen White would sharply differ find a specific text for every issue we want touch the book because I had stressed with him. But she doesn’t mention those to address. And that’s troubling, indeed “accommodation” far too strongly. distractions. She focuses on points on unacceptable, for those devout people Based on my own study of Ellen White, which she could agree. who want only clear-cut applications. I have concluded that she also did not Similarly, she praises Martin Luther for But if we insist on finding a specific text readily make peace with the idea of his teaching on righteousness by faith, for each issue, the result can be highly accommodation (or adaptation). The only his attack on papal abuses, and his work selective. The Bible, for example, doesn’t explicit statement I know of is a relatively in translating the Bible into the language say anything against tobacco or drugs—so, Continued on page 29

www.atoday.com 21 book review

What Should We Know About Muslim Radicals? by David A. Pendleton

Joel C. Rosenberg, Inside the Revolution: since the Hijra, the Middle East has September 11, 2001, death toll by electing How the Followers of Jihad, Jefferson changed in ways that Muhammad leaders espousing homicidal political & Jesus Are Battling to Dominate the never imagined. If his dream was a platforms. Middle East and Transform the World monolithic peace-loving culture united Radicals cite the Qur’an and quote (Carol Stream, Illinois: Tyndale, 2009), under Allah, what ensued is anything hadith (Muhammad’s sayings) condoning 551 pages. but. New York Times best-selling author their actions. Divine judgment and wrath Joel C. Rosenberg chronicles in some are emphasized. They credit their zealous detail the volatile situation we confront faith as key to the world’s imminent today—a complicated and fragmented end, when all human beings will find Muslim Middle East typified by radicals, themselves either numbered among reformers, and revivalists, categories Allah’s faithful or among the infidel transecting the familiar Sunni-Shiite doomed for destruction. What is striking sectarian divide. is the extent to which Islamic radicals The most visible and frightening are obsess over apocalyptic literature. the radicals. They believe that Islam is While moderate Muslims go to great the answer and violent Jihad is the way. lengths to view apocalyptic themes They covet weapons of mass destruction through the lens of Qur’anic passages for use against the “Great Satan” (United about peace, radicals dismiss them as States of America). There is reason to Westernized perversions of authentic dread such radicals and to understand faith. Qur’anic fundamentalism insists their mindset. on a literalist reading of sacred text and a In a manner redolent of Bacon’s slavish adherence to “historic” Islam. “knowledge is power,” Rosenberg In contrast, reformers accept Islam immersed himself in the literature as the answer, but they disagree that of Muslim leaders, scrutinizing the Jihad—at least violent Jihad—is the spectrum of Islamic thought. He way. For them, Jihad is interpreted as an encountered a disturbing arsenal of interior struggle, one against humankind’s Muhammad lived in a time characterized information, especially on the Internet, inner selfish and wayward inclinations. by hardship, violence, and clannish to indoctrinate prospective radicals Reformers see genuine Jihad leading to rivalry—a milieu permitted, if not of Allah’s impending annihilation of harmony among, rather than hostilities sanctioned, by numerous Arabian tribal the “decadent” West. Most disturbing between, peoples. gods. Such deities ensured the safety, for Rosenberg were the ubiquitous, Reformers are comfortable with prosperity, and ultimate triumph of the indiscriminate calls to murder men, Jeffersonian political principles. For chosen. Depictions of those venerated women, and children. Radicals salute instance, former Iraqi Prime Minister even included Jesus and Mary, but such violence as not just permissible but Al-Maliki professed a Lockean “belief in this pantheon of gods was not for commendable. the rights of every individual … so that Muhammad. Convinced of the superiority Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iranian future Iraqi generations can live in peace, of monotheism sans graven images, he President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad prosperity, and hope.” And he linked the incurred the ire of Arabian tribal leaders are self-styled radicals. Apparently not West’s involvement in the region to the and fled to Medina in A.D. 622. With this entirely backward in all things, their preservation of human rights worldwide. decisive migration (known as the Hijra, or electoral victories demonstrate not If democracy were “to fail in Iraq and Hegira), Muhammad established not just a only their sophistication but also the terror permitted to triumph, then the war new religion but the Muslim Middle East. persistence and pervasiveness of tribal on terror will never be won elsewhere.” In the nearly millennium and a half prejudices. Radical voters extolled the Such reformers see no contradiction

22 adventist today • summer 2011 between core democratic principles and civilization. In this nuclear age, to tarry With all that Rosenberg says, he the Qur’an. Indeed, they reject Islamic for even a generation may be too long. sidesteps the question of the eclipse states as 20th-century innovations. Within years, not centuries, radicals in of Christianity. Whereas historians Where radicals indict reformers as Iran, Afghanistan, or Iraq may be able to report the statistical eclipse of Judaism traitorous collaborators, reformers see manufacture or illicitly procure weapons by Christianity, some demographers enlightened Islam as under threat of of mass destruction. It’s not whether, but forecast the inevitable displacement being hijacked by radicals. A Hegelian when. Because the time within which to of Christianity by Islam as the world’s might construe a reformer’s version of pursue peace is not limitless, a laissez- largest religious community. Just as Jews progressive Islam as the synthesis of faire approach is not only dubious but once far outnumbered Christians, only Muslim East encountering Christian West. also dangerous. to be numerically superseded with the The revivalists believe Islam is not the passage of time, so too will Christians answer and that Jihad (however benign) be outnumbered by Muslims. This is is not the way. Rather, Jesus is the way. Within years, neither superstitious numerology nor a Recounting a remarkable number of Malthusian pessimism. converts to Christianity from radical not centuries, Fifteen hundred years ago, there were Islam, Rosenberg posits that essential to no Muslims. Thirteen hundred years Middle East peace is a critical mass of radicals in Iran, ago there were at least 99 Christians for erstwhile Jihadists who embrace the peace Afghanistan, or every Muslim. Encyclopedia Britannica promised by Isa, which is the Arabic (2003) reported Christians worldwide name corresponding to Jesus in English. Iraq may be able at 2 billion. World Almanac (1997) These will shed differences rather than estimated Muslims at 1.1 billion. Today blood and engage in random acts of to manufacture the ratio of Christians to Muslims is fast kindness rather than violence. approaching 60-40. Within a century it Having showcased former radical or illicitly procure may well be 1-1. A below-replacement Muslims turned Christian peace activists, birth rate in the West contrasted with Rosenberg proposes peace through weapons of mass burgeoning Indonesian and African proselytism, the active and systematic destruction. families is only partly responsible for conversion of Muslims to Christianity. this population trend. Regardless of the Until theologians of Islam consistently It’s not whether, cause, more important is the consequence condemn violence, he implies, adopting of such demographics. What would this a peace-oriented Christianity may be the but when. mean for Western democracy, evangelical only immediate means to attain harmony proselytism, or Christian eschatology? among Middle East peoples. According to “Wise criticism,” Abraham Joshua God only knows. Rosenberg, wholly secular efforts within Heschel once wrote, “always begins But what this mortal reviewer knows Islam to achieve a permanent peace have with self-criticism.” And perhaps is that Rosenberg’s critical survey of the proven to be ephemeral. rather than proposing mass conversion Middle East is perceptive and prescient, Christianity took two millennia to to Christianity as the panacea to the if not a little provocative. While his leave behind the Crusades, Protestant- Middle East problem, exploration of the proposal for peace will offend some, his Catholic warfare, forced baptisms, underlying catalysts that precipitated analysis will intrigue most, and his goal of denominational strife, and ancient a more peaceful Christianity would be peace in the Middle East will be shared by animosities—and it still has a way to worthwhile. The expanse from violent all people of good will. go. The West may not have the time Islam to peaceful Islam may be easier David A. Pendleton, a workers’ to permit the Middle East to evolve to bridge than from violent Islam to compensation appeals judge, is a former incrementally to a more peaceful Christianity. Hawaii state legislator.

www.atoday.com 23 book review

Thompson Critiques an unshakable conviction that in but I have called you friends,” says Jesus Jesus we see a powerful testimony to (John 15:15, NRSV). But even Jesus gives The Lost Meaning of the God’s faithfulness. The whole book is us another view: “So you also, when you driven by Sigve’s conviction that we are have done all that you were ordered to Seventh Day called to speak well of God. A buoyant do, say, ‘We are worthless slaves; we have By Alden Thompson commentary on Psalm 92, which was done only what we ought to have done!’” called a Song for the Sabbath Day, (Luke 17:10, NRSV). In the Epistles, Paul Sigve K. Tonstad, The Lost Meaning of the carries the reader through to his vibrant is even more brutal, offering the wayward Seventh Day (Andrews University Press: conclusion. Passionately melding the first Corinthians a choice of stick or gentle Berrien Springs, Mich., 2009), hardback, and the last books of the Bible together, love (1 Cor. 4:21), and urging, “Drive out 575 pages. he declares in his very last sentence: “We the wicked person from among you” (1 will have to set out for the sound of God’s Cor. 5:13, NRSV). Whatever happened singing if we wish to know the spirit of to 1 Corinthians 13, where love is patient the seventh day and the reality to which it and kind (1 Cor. 13:4)? points” (p. 515). “There is no fear in love, but perfect Intending to give us a cradle-to-the- love casts out fear,” John declares (1 John grave vision of the Sabbath’s meaning 4:18, NRSV). But does God’s love also within the context of a cosmic conflict, include bone-shattering fear, Sinai-style? Tonstad surveys the biblical scene “If we hear the voice of the Lord our in both testaments. He explains gaps God any longer, we shall die,” exclaimed in the historical data, interprets key the people (Deut. 5:25, NRSV). “You talk passages, and in the Old Testament to him,” they implored Moses. “We can’t explicitly privileges Isaiah over take any more” (cf. Deut. 5:27). Nehemiah as he builds his case for God’s response? “They are right in all recovering the meaning of the Sabbath. that they have spoken,” he told Moses. “If He is thorough in his treatment of the only they had such a mind as this, to fear Gospels and of controverted Sabbath me and to keep all my commandments My response to Sigve Tonstad’s book passages in the epistles. always, so that it might go well with them has been shaped by a unique twofold In the post-biblical era, he documents and their children forever!” (Deut. 5:28- exposure, first by the ear, then by the eye. the swift demise of the Sabbath within 29, NRSV). In this context “fear” is clearly Because my wife, Wanda, reads significant Christianity, arguing that an intense raw terror, not just gentle respect and books out loud to us while I do the kitchen hostility toward Judaism and a dominant reverence. And the Lord said the people cleanup after meals, I first heard the entire preference for Greek otherworldliness were right. book by ear. Both of us were astonished at combined to ensure that the Sabbath would Why is it that Sigve never mentions how readable this scholarly tome actually virtually disappear from Christianity. The that vivid Sabbath incident where the is. And we marveled at Sigve’s beautiful soul was important; earthy people and an Lord himself commands the death prose, not written in Norwegian, but in earthy creation were not. Here Tonstad penalty for picking up sticks on the English! Its soaring, lyrical vision was is thorough, vivid, almost polemical, and Sabbath? “The man shall be put to death; inspiring and exciting. devastatingly effective. all the congregation shall stone him Because of the powerful devotional In terms of content, I hope our outside the camp” (Num. 15:35, NRSV). experience triggered by hearing the book, conversations will take seriously what I am in wholehearted agreement with when I sat down to read it critically in he leaves out and explore his reasons for Sigve’s overall thrust and his theological a more traditional academic manner, doing so. He clearly wants to overwhelm perspective. A cosmic conflict where I almost felt that I was committing the shadow side of Scripture with God doesn’t just smash his enemies, but a sacrilege. The book throbs with a irresistible goodness as seen in Jesus. “I wins the hearts of his created beings, is deep-seated love for the Sabbath and do not call you servants any longer, ... Adventism at its best, the gospel in its

24 adventist today • summer 2011 purest biblical form. But I do think we divine sovereignty is precisely what they and before the Lamb, robed in white, need to take more seriously the role of need. And that is the apparent reading of with palm branches in their hands,” “fear” in winning broken people to God much of Scripture. celebrating the good news that “Salvation in a world where evil still reigns. Sigve’s view is closer to ultimate belongs to our God” (Rev. 7:9-10, NRSV). In chapter 26, “Confrontation of truth, I believe. But it can win its way I am grateful that Sigve has done such Signs,” the next to last in the book, only through much hard work. In other wonderful work in sharing his vision, Sigve painstakingly develops the words, until the Lord returns, pastors and God’s vision, with us. story of the cosmic conflict, focusing university teachers will never run out of primarily on the book of Revelation. work. We cannot simply solve the riddle Alden Thompson is professor of biblical Contrasting “God’s Story” and “The once and for all and expect the world to studies at Walla Walla University. An Dragon’s Story,” he admits that a first see it clearly. ordained minister and a prolific writer, reading of Revelation is not likely to In the end, however, I would affirm he is a frequent speaker and seminar yield the message he believes God wants the importance of a book like this, presenter. us to hear. “Only on the second or indeed this very book, where goodness subsequent passage through the text,” overwhelms evil. And there are clear he concedes, “will the reader be attuned biblical precedents for such deliberate Tonstad Answers to the panoramic character of the shaping of the message. When the author’s story-telling ways” (p. 470). Is it Chronicler retold the history of God’s Thompson providential that the more gentle picture people, for example, he simply left out By Sigve Tonstad wins only through hard work and much all of the sordid incidents that marked effort? We wrestle not against human the lives of David and Solomon, Israel’s The implied reader of The Lost Meaning forces only, declares Paul, but “against great kings. Even the story of Bathsheba of the Seventh Day is not a Seventh-day the cosmic powers of this present disappears without a whimper. Why? Adventist. I intended it that way from the darkness, against the spiritual forces Because the people needed a good- beginning. My goal was not to weigh in of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph. news version to shake them out of their on debates internal to Adventism, even 6:12, NRSV). It may be that because discouragement and lethargy. though there are chapters that take the the Dragon is such a clever character, So Sigve’s good-news version of the meaning of the Sabbath to be quite different the cosmic conflict is not at all obvious, Sabbath is following a clear biblical from traditional Seventh-day Adventist especially in much of the Old Testament. pattern. And I will continue to revel in affirmations. Where I deal with Bible texts, The story of Satan’s rebellion “has been the power of his vision and the beauty I have meant to do serious exegesis, but I repressed rather than destroyed,” Sigve of his prose. But by God’s grace a chorus do it, of course, in the context of a project quotes approvingly (p. 51). I would go of voices with differing perspectives that has an apologetic character. I am further and argue that the absence of and emphases will complement his, so not ashamed to be seen as an apologist. Satan is providentially linked with the that the church can indeed reach every However, my objective is not to be an needs of fallen people. Sigve does not “nation, kindred, tongue, and people” apologist for the Sabbath or for Adventism, want “divine sovereignty” to control the (Rev. 14:6, KJV) and every shape and for the defense of the brand name. In an interpretation of “God’s Story.” I don’t flavor of people among them. Those important and deliberate sense, my project either. But given the ravages of sin, who cherish the Sabbath can expect is a generic apology for hope. rebellious creatures may need a strong to nurture that kind of diversity. Thus I say this in response to Alden dose of divine sovereignty to get them Isaiah’s prophecy and John’s vision will Thompson and the sins of omission he started on the path toward the kingdom. both become a reality. “My house shall be has pointed out, of which I think only A great multitude in our world cannot called a house of prayer for all peoples,” one needs a comment. In my book, read, and a host of others will not read. exclaims Isaiah in one of Sigve’s favorite I attempted a comment on the death Such people may be the ones most likely prophetic chapters (56:7, NRSV). In penalty for Sabbath violation in Exodus to respond to a fear motivation, the kind Revelation, a great multitude from all 31, but I did not write the long chapter that was so effective at Sinai. A vision of nations are “standing before the throne that would have to be written about

www.atoday.com 25 book review

the stoning of the person for picking the other way around. Whatever remedial There are apples and oranges in sticks on the Sabbath. This is a necessary virtue stoning may have had in Old Scripture. The text on friends and sin of omission for reasons of space Testament times, in the New Testament servants (John 15:15) does not negate and also for reasons of theology. My stoning has lost its theological luster. other texts, or vice versa. When project is to sketch a path to hope and For the difficult story at hand, it is I highlight this particular text in to a sense of God’s presence at a time possible to postulate a situation with my chapter “The Sabbath and the and in a culture where a sense of God’s significant aggravating factors: (1) a Imperial Ideal,” it is partly because it absence is the predominant sentiment. brazen disregard for a well-known is a stupendous text and partly because The reader context assumed by my ordinance, (2) the prospect that the Christian theology and Christian book does not reside in texts where attitude of the dissident would quickly institutions bear the imprint of a God seems to be doing too much or attract others to its cause, and (3) even monarchial and imperial paradigm, doing the wrong thing, but in a reality the possibility that the whole project of construing an imperial relationship where God seems to be doing nothing. the exodus might unravel. In the most between God and the believer. My My task is not to address every difficult radical version of this scenario, the man suggestion that there is an anti-imperial text in the Old Testament; that has gathering sticks on the Sabbath represents texture to the Sabbath from the very long been Alden’s territory. The post- a formidable existential threat—a clear beginning, a sphere of tranquility within Holocaust awareness of my project is and present danger to the creation of a which God relates to humanity not as to meant to be taken seriously and is not liberated people of God. servants but as to friends, is crucial and an opportunistic claim. The stoning But my preferred explanation for Alden’s quite easy to defend. What Jesus says on of the man who gathered sticks on the difficult text, I suspect, might be to take this point belongs to his Sabbath script in Sabbath is descriptive of something, but recourse to the book in the New Testament the creation story in Genesis (Gen. 2:1- it has—and I mean this respectfully—no that is most intimidating to the Sabbath but 3) and is one of the lost meanings of the prescriptive or explanatory power for a also most radical with respect to the stories seventh day. post-Holocaust reality or for a path to in the Old Testament. In Galatians, Paul is The lesser voices in Scripture become hope in a post-Holocaust reality. engaging opponents who claim to read the more muted and marginal as God’s Does it have explanatory power for fine print of the Old Testament and who story turns to the revelation of God in anything? If it does, how should we thereby map a more tortuous path to hope. the singular seed of Abraham. There explain it? In the New Testament, there Paul says, pounding the table, that “the are even complete reversals. In 1 Kings are several conspicuous stonings or promises were spoken to Abraham and to 18, the true God is authenticated by fire attempts at stoning. In John, two attempts his seed. The Scripture does not say ‘and coming down from heaven in response to stone Jesus are aborted (John 8:59; to seeds,’ meaning many people, but ‘and to Elijah’s prayer. In the New Testament, 10:39), both happening downstream from to your seed,’ meaning one person, who is however, Elijah and Moses are found Jesus’ alleged violation of the Sabbath. Christ” (Gal. 3:16, NIV). In this text, Paul in deep conversation with Jesus on the One stoning Jesus aborts—the one of suspends the significance of the physical subject of the departure Jesus was to the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1- lineage of Abraham; he suspends the accomplish in Jerusalem (Luke 9:30-31). 11). A fourth stoning is completed, the entire history of Israel between Abraham What do these muscular, testosterone- stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58-8:1). In a and Jesus; he suspends the significance filled messengers of power and might subtle telling of the conversion of Paul, of the man who gathered sticks on the know about the way of Jesus? What this stoning is more than incidental. In Sabbath and the instruction to stone him; common ground is there between Jesus the Old Testament, a “bad” and obstinate what matters in this simplified vision is and these condoners of stonings and person is reportedly stoned by the people to understand Abraham and his singular slayings, the former soon to be crucified of God. In the New Testament, the “good” seed. In Paul’s argument with the Teachers, by people who will draw their warrant people are stoned by the people of God. Abraham is a punctiliar figure, not a linear from Moses? What can these towers Indeed, in the New Testament there is not one. Unlike the Teachers’ Abraham, Paul’s of strength contribute to the One who a single reported instance of stoning of Abraham has “seed,” not “seeds,” and is soon to be crucified in weakness (or bad people by good people. It is always Abraham’s singular seed is Christ. even “crucified a weakling”—cf. 2 Cor.

26 adventist today • summer 2011 13:4)? We need to read the fine print in Editorial continued from page 3 26, 44; and Rev. 19:10. Not only Moses, the Old Testament to see this reversal concerning Geneva Accord violations but also Daniel and all of the prophets in the making, and we need to read arising out of the Vietnam War. He wrote wrote of Christ and his redemption (Acts it with lenses quite different from the what he considered a balanced paper, 10:43). In the chief prophetic work of the way Jesus’ critics read the fine print, pointing out that while North Vietnam New Testament, the book of Revelation, beginning with Moses’ encounter with had certainly violated some of the accords, all of the church’s coming experience is God in the cave at Horeb (Ex. 33:21-23) so had the United States. seen through the lens of the cross. Christ’s and then with Elijah’s encounter with His immediate superior reacted passion week is a miniature of the plan God in the same or a similar cave some furiously. In fact, he was so angry that he and the counterplay of good and evil at 700 years later (1 Kings 19:9). It is hardly called together all of his staff and lectured the end of the world. (See my book The possible to overestimate the significance them on how a junior officer had written Coming Worldwide Calvary.) Too often the of the divine choreography in the latter many misconceptions about Vietnam. church has embarrassed itself by invoking story. “Now there was a great wind, so He ordered Crowe to submit a rewrite, local contemporary “fulfillments,” such as strong that it was splitting mountains leaving out any culpability on the part of the demise of Turkey, World War 1, and and breaking rocks in pieces before the the United States. Armageddon with the Oriental hordes. The Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; This left Crowe with a moral dilemma. General Conference tried unsuccessfully and after the wind an earthquake, but He had to obey his superior officer, but he for years to find historical support for their the Lord was not in the earthquake; and also had to tell the truth. His solution was traditional view of the French Revolution after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord to blur his writing. After he turned it in, and Revelation chapter 11. Today, top was not in the fire; and after the fire a he never heard about it again. Adventist scholars reject that view, as well sound of sheer silence” (1 Kings 19:11- We may believe that slanting the truth as the idea that the United States appears in 12, NRSV). benefits the organization, but the end Revelation chapter 13. In Revelation, the significance of fire never justifies the means. Credibility Our great need is not to be able to from heaven takes a new twist. The is also important to an institution, its use Scripture so as to condemn the calling card of God on Mount Carmel is leaders, and its members. Better not to Roman Catholic Church, or to find in now the calling card of the opposing side speak than to slant the truth. The whole the prophetic word forecasts of Islam, in the cosmic conflict, with undiminished truth must always be our goal. the French Revolution, and Karl Marx. persuasive power (Rev. 13:13). My project 1Ellen G. White, Thoughts From the Mount of We need Jesus. By beholding him we assumes that the Sabbath is the divine Blessing, 1955 [originally published 1896], p. 68. become changed, whereas even if we calling card from beginning to end of memorize the great works of history, they the story. This assumption will be valid Letters continued from page 5 will leave us as sinful as before. Let us, only when it is accompanied by hard like the disciples, see no man but Jesus choices as to what is, and what is not, the again? This time it is to find any historical only (Matt. 17:8). “Looking unto Jesus, meaning of the seventh day. I hear my work of note that says the papacy was the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. much beloved friend Alden, somewhat supreme in the world for more than 12 12:2, KJV), we will successfully fight to my surprise, say “this” and “that” for centuries. It cannot be done. Has Darrel the good fight of faith. When the Word his view of God and the meaning of the never heard of the Eastern Orthodox is made flesh in us, then the world will Sabbath. You should hear me say, and say Church? At no time was it subservient to wonder, adore, and listen. emphatically, “this” and not “that.” the papacy. (If Darrel wishes to read my positions Now may I venture to enunciate my on Daniel and Revelation and their key Sigve Tonstad, Ph.D. and M.D., is a chief concern with such positions as passages, I would be happy to send him as professor in the School of Medicine and Uriah Smith and Darrel Lindensmith a gift some of my 10 books on prophecy, in the School of Religion at Loma Linda take? Prophecy, as with the rest of available through Good News Unlimited University. A native of Norway, he is an Scripture, is about Jesus and the gospel. in both Australia and USA.) ordained pastor and a specialist in internal Christ, Paul, and John tell us this Desmond Ford Shelly Beach, Queensland, Australia medicine. repeatedly. See John 5:39; Luke 24:25,

www.atoday.com 27 51ibid., pp. 425-490. management. Likewise, we need spiritual Ingram continued from page 11 52 See Hasel, “Divine Judgment,” pp. 844, 845; auditors who can check the spiritual 9:24-27” (DARCOM 1986), Vol. 3, pp. 106-107; Rodríguez, “The Sanctuary,” p. 401, in Handbook Rodríguez, The Sanctuary and Its Cleansing(a of Seventh-day Adventist Theology, edited by Raoul pulse of the church—people who are supplement to Adventist Review, September 1994); Dederen (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald, known for their high spirituality and Rodríguez, “The Sanctuary,” in Handbook of 2000). Seventh-day Adventist Theology, edited by Raoul 53Seventh-day Adventists Believe… (Hagerstown, deep devotion to God. Without such Dederen (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald, MD: Ministerial Association, 1988), p. 315. individuals, members believe what they 2000), p. 396. 54ibid., p. 319. 55 want to believe about the condition of the 34Shea, “The Relationship Between the Prophecies ibid., p. 322. (See also pp. 323-325.) of Daniel 8 and Daniel 9,” in The Sanctuary and the 56Pfandl, “The Prophetic Gift,” Adult Teachers Sabbath church. Leadership laments the lack of Atonement, edited by Arnold V. Wallenkampf and School Bible Study Guide (Jan-Mar 2009), p. 29. true spirituality but does little about it. W.R. Lesher (Washington, DC: Review and Herald, 57White, The Great Controversy, p. vii. 1981), pp. 241-248. 58Seventh-day Adventists Believe… (Hagerstown, Let’s begin to look for and practice the 35Hasel, “Divine Judgment,” in Handbook of MD: Ministerial Association, 1988), p. viii. biblical gift of prophecy. Let us look for Seventh-day Adventist Theology, edited by Raoul 59Pfandl, “The Prophetic Gift,” Adult Teachers Dederen (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald, Sabbath School Bible Study Guide (Jan-Mar 2009), those people whom Joel says will, in the 2000), p. 839. pp. 98, 113, 152. last days, “prophesy and have visions and 36Shea, “Selected Studies on Prophetic 60 White, The Great Controversy, pp. 204-205. 61 dream dreams.” If we are in the last days, Interpretation” (DARCOM 1982), Vol. 1, pp. 56-88. White, Evangelism, p. 256. 37“Consensus Document: Christ in the Heavenly 62White, Gospel Workers, pp. 156, 315. we should be experiencing this reality. If 63 Sanctuary,” Ministry, October 1980, pp. 16-19. Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, we lack faith, God will pass us by. Reprinted in DARCOM 1989, Vol. 5, pp. 225-233. p. 1113. 38Shea, “Selected Studies on Prophetic 64White, Acts of the Apostles, p. 29. As Paul said, “Follow the way of Interpretation” (DARCOM 1982), Vol. 1, pp. 69, 65White, Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 392. love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, 71, 74-75, 77, 79. 66White, Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 292. 67 especially the gift of prophecy” (1 Cor. 39ibid., pp. 61-62, 64, 80. White, Evangelism, p. 69. 40William G. Johnsson, “Biblical Apocalyptic,” 68White, Counsels to Writers and Editors, pp. 35-37, 40. 14:1, NIV). in Handbook of Seventh-day Adventist Theology, 69See Frank M. Hasel, “Presuppositions in the edited by Raoul Dederen (Hagerstown, MD: Interpretation of Scripture,” in Understanding Review and Herald, 2000), p. 798. Scripture, edited by George W. Reid, (Silver Spring: Gifts and Grace 41Shea says, “The reverse order of these elements MD: Biblical Research Institute, 2006), p. 36. The purpose of spiritual gifts, including cited in the question leads naturally back into those elements of the vision which were not the gift of prophecy, is to lead people to explicitly cited in the question, and … the word for Jesus, to understand his great Gift. The vision becomes a summary of all of them” (from Newman continued from page 19 “Selected Studies on Prophetic Interpretation,” pp. Greek inextricably links spiritual gifts 80-81, emphasis mine). See also Hasel, “A Study I believe that part of the reason and grace. The word for “spiritual gift” is of Daniel 8:9-14,” (DARCOM 1986), Vol. 2, pp. so many independent ministries are charisma. The word for grace is charis. So 433-434. 42Shea, “The Relationship Between the Prophecies springing up to reform the church is God has given to his church gifts (plural) of Daniel 8 and Daniel 9,” in The Sanctuary and the because we have not allowed any kind to help people lead the unsaved to the Atonement, edited by Arnold V. Wallenkampf and W.R. Lesher (Washington, DC: Review and Herald, of prophetic gift to continue operating Gift (singular). And these gifts are to be 1981), pp. 249-250; Rodríguez, The Sanctuary and in the Adventist denomination. These exercised with joy since when a person Its Cleansing (a supplement to Adventist Review, independent ministries believe that they understands that God’s salvation is free, September 1994); Hasel, “Divine Judgment,” in Handbook of Seventh-day Adventist Theology, have been called to interpret Ellen White that it requires no works of mine, that I edited by Raoul Dederen (Hagerstown, MD: and sound the call back to the “blueprint.” am totally accepted by God just as I am, Review and Herald, 2000), p. 836. 43Hasel, “Interpretations of the Chronology of the Places like Hartland Institute and and that he longs for me to possess this Seventy Weeks” (DARCOM 1986), Vol. 3, pp. 14-15. Our Firm Foundation exist because the precious gift, that person will be filled with 44Frank Holbrook, ed. (DARCOM 1989), Vol. 4, p. 64. 45 Johnsson, In Absolute Confidence (Nashville, TN: church has in many ways ignored the inexpressible joy and peace. Southern Publishing Assoc., 1979), pp. 115-116. counsels of Ellen White without giving The accent is always on the Gift, God’s 46 See Jon Paulien, Elders Summer School compelling reasons for differing. Too grace, never on the messenger. Let us (Melbourne, 2002), on CD. 47Clifford R. Goldstein, “The Gospel, 1844 and the often the changes have occurred because keep our focus and our energies bent on Judgment,” Adult Teachers Sabbath School Bible of financial pressures. sharing God’s Gift through the gifts he has Study Guide, April-June 2006, p. 2. 48Gerhard Pfandl, “The Prophetic Gift,” Adult In the financial world, we have auditors given us. “Each one should use whatever Teachers Sabbath School Bible Study Guide (Jan- who check to see that management has gift he has received to serve others, Mar 2009), p. 110. been faithful in following the rules, faithfully administering God’s grace in its 49Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 37. 50See Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, pp. laws, and procedures of wise financial various forms” (1 Pet. 4:10, NIV). 334-335.

28 adventist today • summer 2011 J. David Newman is editor of Adventist 33White, An Appeal to the Youth, p. 42. have required to come up to the present 34ibid., p. 62. Today and senior pastor of the New Hope 35White, “Ye Are Complete in Him,” Signs of the advanced state in reform, we would be Adventist Church in Fulton, Maryland. Times, Feb. 15, 1892. very patient with them, and allow them 36 White, The Great Controversy, 1888, p. 383. to advance step by step, as we have done, 1Dale Ratzlaff, The Cultic Doctrine of Seventh- 37See report in Ministry, August 1989, pp. 22-26, day Adventists (Glendale, AZ: Life Assurance for the relevant passages from Ellen White. until their feet are firmly established Ministries, 1996). This book is now in its second 38White, Gospel Workers, 1915, p. 226. upon the health reform platform. But we printing. Ratzlaff also publishes the magazine 39White, Letter 137 (to “Dear Brothers Irwin, Proclamation! which encourages Adventists to Evans, Smith, and Jones”), April 21, 1898, p. 9. should be very cautious not to advance leave the denomination and find real grace and too fast, lest we be obliged to retrace our peace. 2ibid., p. 344. steps. In reforms we would better come 3ibid., p. 355. This book is only the latest in a one step short of the mark than to go series of books such as Walter Rea’s The White Lie, one step beyond it. And if there is error published in 1982, and D.M. Canright’s Life of Mrs. Thompson continued from page 21 E.G. White: Her Claims Refuted, published in 1919. at all, let it be on the side next to the 4 Ellen G. White, Colporteur Ministry, p. 125. late one (1890) commenting on the p e op l e .” 15 5The Remnant Study Bible (Coldwater, MI: Remnant Publications, 2009). custom of blood vengeance, which The “emerging church” is seeking to 6LeRoy Edwin Froom, Movement of Destiny required the next of kin to redeem the do a noble work, but the results will (Washington, D.C.: Review & Herald, 1971), p. always be erratic and partial. That’s 413. family’s honor by tracking down a killer 71931 Year Book of the Seventh-day Adventist to even the score. The cities of refuge inevitable when the Spirit leads his Denomination, prepared by H.E. Rogers were established as a kind of halfway children to break new ground. But let’s (Washington: Review and Herald, 1931), pp. 379. 81951 Year Book of the Seventh-day Adventist house, blunting some of the more not attack them for their errors. Let’s Denomination, p. 6. horrific aspects of the custom (cf. Num. rejoice with them on points on which we 91981 Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook, p. 7. 10The Random House Dictionary of the English 35:9-34). Ellen White called this plan a can agree. That’s what we can learn from Language, Second Edition, Unabridged, p. 139. “merciful provision” that would “insure Ellen White, that notable spokesperson 11 Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, p. 125. for the “emerging church.” 121980 Year Book of Seventh-day Adventists, p. 5. the safety of those who should take 13 White, Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 483. life unintentionally.” But perhaps more 1 14 Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, Quoted in George R. Knight, Walking With Ellen revealing are these words: “The Lord did 1901, p. 121. White: The Human Interest Story (Hagerstown: 2 not see fit to abolish this custom at that E.G. White, Gospel Workers, 1915, pp. 119-120; Review and Herald, 1999), p. 75. Evangelism, p. 200; cf. “Letter to a Minister and 15ibid. t i m e .” 13 16 His Wife Bound for Africa” [June 25, 1887 = ibid., pp. 75-76. Letter 12, to Elder Boyd; almost verbatim “origi- 17White, Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 35. She does not explain why the Lord 18 nal” of the Gospel Worker quote] is published in White, “The Blessings of Bible Study,” The Signs of could not abolish such a deadly custom Testimonies to Southern Africa, pp. 14-20. the Times, Feb. 6, 1893. 3 19 immediately. But if God is going to James White, The Advent Review and Sabbath White, Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 37. Herald, Aug. 5, 1852, p. 52, as cited by George R. 20White, Manuscript 43, 1901, p. 10. be “all things to all people,” change 21 Knight, A Search for Identity (Hagerstown, MD: White, Letter 11, 1894. Published in Selected cannot come immediately. He must win; Review and Herald, 2000), p. 17. Messages, Vol . 3, p. 29. 4E.G. White, The Desire of Ages, 1898, p. 530. 22 he must convince. He cannot simply White, Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel 5George R. Knight, A Search for Identity: The Workers, 1896, p. 70. overpower. 23 Development of Seventh-day Adventist Beliefs Wayne Grudem, The Gift of Prophecy Ellen White’s superb explanation (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald, 2000), pp. (Eastbourne, U.K.: Kingsway Publications Ltd., 116-117. 1988), pp. 25-27. of that principle is based on her own 6 24 E.G. White, The Desire of Ages, 1898, p. 353. ibid., pp. 32-39. 7 25 experience with health reform. “We E.G. White, Gospel Workers, 1915 [originally Robert Olson, “Olson Discusses the Veltman published 1892], p. 120. Study,” Ministry, December 1990, p. 17. must go no faster,” she argued, “than 8 26 E.G. White, The Great Controversy, 1911, pp. 79-96. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 54-54. we can take those with us whose 9 27 ibid., pp. 120-170. ibid., p. 56. 10ibid., pp. 211-236. 28 consciences and intellects are convinced Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Jan. 20, 1903, 11E.G. White, Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 15. of the truths we advocate. We must 29 1901, p. 121. T. Housel Jemison, A Prophet Among You meet the people where they are.”14 Some 12Alden Thompson, Who’s Afraid of the Old (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press, 1955), pp. Testament God? (Paternoster Press, 1988; 367-371. have required “many years” to grasp 30 Pacesetters, 2003). White, Early Writings, 1882, p. 71. 13 31 an advanced understanding of health E.G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, 1890, p. 515. White, The Acts of the Apostles, 1911, p. 560. 14E.G. White, Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, 32 reform, she continued. “If we should White, Pacific Union Recorder, April 29, 1915, 1872, p. 20. quoted in Review and Herald, July 23, 1970, p. 3. allow the people as much time as we 15ibid., pp. 20-21.

www.atoday.com 29 r e m n a n ts Questions 7 for…clive holland by J. David Newman Clive Holland is part of the Adventist Today You have become more involved than just chairperson of several, has given me experience to administration and chair of the board for leading the board. What else have you been cover nearly all happenings. A strong background in Adventist Today Foundation. He is functioning doing at Adventist Today? editing and writing is something I’ve not had time to as interim editor of blogs until a suitably Business issues were handed to me as the biggest utilize for Adventist Today yet, but it is providing me qualified and willing individual is located to challenge, with these requiring firm management, a solid basis for judgment calls on incoming content become the permanent editor. so an early step was to form a team2 to share this for web publication. Recently retired from a 25-year burden. I lead this team, and we meet regularly for management role in a commercial plant discussion and approval of all business matters. What do you like most about being involved genetics company, Part of my goal for Adventist Today is make sure with Adventist Today? Clive held global it remains relevant in 2025. At the forefront is the As an individual who recognizes stress only responsibilities for challenge of making a significant paradigm shift academically, I absolutely thrive on challenges the development from a paper magazine, read in an armchair by a and creating results. I’m not easily daunted by tall and production senior retiree, into a whole new web environment. mountains, be it person or issue, but have found of various crops. Change doesn’t come readily to many, but readers 5over the years that an extreme focus on any issue Prior to this he in 2025 are expected to demand paperless reading provides the greatest boost to solutions. Adventist spent a number of and to consider today’s Kindle as we now view Today has provided me with all of the challenges I years in academia 8-track tapes. could want—and even a few I didn’t expect. at Michigan State, A new design for the Adventist Today website Florida State, will allow us to add features for years to come, with What do you like least about being involved and South Dakota new and different modules, without disruption to with Adventist Today? State universities as a researcher and lecturer the established electronic base. I have been very I dislike always scrambling on busywork activities, in plant physiology and crop production focused in directing this development and will without enough time to focus on the core business specialties. continue to oversee our web operations for the of communications. I keep reminding myself that a He has long-term relationships with the near term. core focus is paramount, so I must delegate.6 Then the United States Department of Agriculture paucity of volunteer assistance becomes apparent. Agricultural Research Services and for 14 What have been your biggest challenges? Time to cultivate and mentor writers is the luxury I’m years has been chairman of the U.S. Dairy Choirs of senior citizens may produce beautiful hoping to experience at some early time. Forage Research Center advisory board. He music, but for a more lasting legacy, we must also What are your dreams for the future of also participates in short-term consulting encourage and train younger singers to join their Adventist Today? assignments for the U.S. Agency for ranks. Comfort zones are not always easily tweaked My dreams for Adventist Today have also, in a International Development, to numerous or changed, but I see a growing acceptance of my 3vision and direction for Adventist Today. This is to special way, been my biggest challenges. I have developing countries. been immersed in the corporate world, where we Clive resides with his wife, Carmen, on the expand its horizons to include younger, inquiring do constant revisions of five-year plans spanning northern outskirts of Kansas City, Missouri. minds while also addressing more directly issues of 7 the next 20 years. Positioning a 15-year vision to The Hollands are native-born New Zealanders, greater relevance to younger Adventist families. A my new Adventist Today colleagues hasn’t been having lived in the United States for more than good discussion on one’s mortality is always helpful the most readily digestible meal placed on the half their lives. in bringing clarity to forward-thinking concepts, but it’s challenging nevertheless. board table. I like to think of mortality and diversity You recently became the chair of the board for discussions in this process as the condiments of the Adventist Today Foundation. What led you to Tell us a little about your background. What long-term-planning meal, which we have chewed on accept that assignment? in your background has prepared you for your rather well now. I have been a friend of Adventist Today for many role at Adventist Today Foundation? My dreams are simple and realistic. The electronic years and initially demurred at the invitation to join Perhaps the most recent 25 years in the middle age has taken over, and we must be nimble to the organization administratively. Adventist Today of commercial corporate operations, rather than keep up with the mass appeal and trends. Taking 1Foundation has existed for 18 years now, and the nothing away from our current print offering, while my earlier years in academia, has given4 me the core individuals who created the organization were knowledge and experience I’ve used most since putting all new increases and efforts into digital extremely persistent to make this happen. It is their coming to Adventist Today Foundation. I was communications, is to be our focus. Personally, I want persistence that won me over. Challenges were not queried on my theology prior to joining the to help develop a wider range, in age and interests, presented, and these were perhaps the defining organization, but the questioning was intense for a more diverse readership from within the ranks stimulus to my acceptance. It also helped that I had on business management issues. My 30-year of Adventism. To be a relevant and recognizable voice very recently stepped out of a very active career involvement with various scientific and professional for Adventism in 2025. To be successful in this, all and felt I could devote time to give something back organizations, all non-profit entities, has positioned other planning and development must fold neatly in life for the many abundant blessings received me with a strong background for issues in this under this vision/dream. over the years. area. Serving on many boards, and as national

30 adventist today • summer 2011 Adventist Man A satirical look at Adventist life First, after months of painstaking Scriptural issue. Readers, please email him directly with your exegesis, I have determined that the book of encouragement. Revelation does not allude to Sarah Palin. I am sure So what prompted my return? Two things. First, she has many good qualities, for which she might the prospect appalled me that my beloved Adventist well be Revere’d, but I was especially relieved to see Today page might be taken over by the drawings that she does not figure in any end-time scenarios of my distant cousin, the supposed cartoonist I can discover. (The thought briefly crossed my Heinrich. He means well, but in a contest between mind that she may be the King of the North, but the the printed word and the printed doodle, I win, gender didn’t match.) hands down. Another slice of my time away was spent in The second reason I’ve returned is that one genealogical research to see if Ted Wilson is related desperate twilit evening, David Newman ascended to the people who make Wilson baseball gloves. the battlements of the Adventist Today building If so, this might signal a future willingness to and, using a military-surplus searchlight, projected catch and deal with hardball questions thrown by my uniform’s logo against low-lying clouds. I’m back. Adventist Today Editor David “Cardinal” Newman. Glancing up bleary-eyed from the ink-stained Print isn’t audible, of course, so you’ll have to trust (The “Cardinal” refers not to anything papist, but to worksheet on which I had been trying to make me when I tell you that your caped crusader has the T-ball team Dave played on as a child). P-A-L-I-N add up to “666,” and each time getting been practicing those two words out loud, trying to Still more anxious months were spent in trying only as far as 51, I saw the shining symbol in the sky. sound as gritty and Schwarzeneggerian as possible. to convince Editor Newman to help me promote David needs me, I murmured, rocketing from my I even tried a thick Austrian accent, but it came out my longtime dream of training church greeters window, my cape fluttering behind me. I’m back. as “I’m Beck,” which not only would have redirected to customize the traditional Sabbath greeting to the tenor of this column at least 180 degrees, but fit various kinds of visitors, such as basketball Do you have a tough question? Adventist would have necessitated investing in a whiteboard. players (“Hoopy Sabbath”), Native Americans from Not goin’ there. man has “the answer.” As a former member Arizona (“Hopi Sabbath”), aging flower children of “the remnant of the remnant,” Adventist There are several reasons why Adventist Man has (“Hippie Sabbath”), advertising executives (“Hype-y Man was ranked 8,391 of the 144,000—and not been in your midst of late. This hiatus (in most Sabbath), and even owners of comfort rabbits working his way up. Now he relies solely on cases, a low-atus) has not been an easy one, but I’m (“Hoppy Sabbath”). Despite my incessant badgering, grace and friendship with Jesus. You can happy to report that it has not been spent in vain. David informs me that the jury is still out on this email him at [email protected].

Articles Needed Please consider submitting articles in n Mission of the Adventist n What Defines an Adventist? the following areas for publication in Church Today How much do you need to believe to be Adventist Today: Is our mission still the same as it was in an Adventist? The 28 fundamentals? The n Epistemology—How Do We the 19th century? If it is, then why? If it 13 questions in a baptismal certificate? Know What We Know? is not, then what is our mission today? Believing the Apostles’ Creed? How far What is the role of presuppositions in n Hermeneutics—How Should We can a member stretch the Adventist our beliefs? Understand the Bible Today? boundaries and still be an Adventist? n Beliefs—Can Thinkers Believe? What are the key principles or n What Does an Experience Can Believers Think? interpretive tools for making sense in With God Look Like? How do we decide what is by faith today’s culture? What part does culture How do you tell a Christian from a non- and what is by evidence? Must we play in understanding the Bible, in Bible Christian? have concrete evidence for everything times, today? we believe? What is the role of science n Social Justice and faith? Are the Bible and science Today How involved should the Adventist Adventist interrelated, or are they separate Church be in social issues? realities—neither of which directly informs the other?

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