TELL THE WORLD NOW! See Page 18 Here in the wildwood, at the close of day, I hear a voice beside me softly say, "Fear not the deep'ning darkness that enshrouds— Thy God is but a whispered prayer away."

His nearness sets the summer night aglow— My fears depart as shadows lighter grow; The gentle breeze consoles my weary heart As leafy boughs swing gently to and fro.

The moon is pale, half cradled in the west— A tired child that seeks but sleep and rest; Above, in heaven's meadowland, I see The blossomed stars, in robes of silver dressed.

Oh, precious hour when earth's mad tumult wanes— When day is done, and holy quiet reigns! These words, "Be still and know that I am God," The sacred presence of His love ordains! GALUMBIA UNIOI . L LIBRAR rilticoma PARK 12, MD.

MAY a In This Issue 196940 OF THE Can Christ change people's lives today? Emilio Knechtle affirms that He can and TIMES does, telling of his own spiritual rebirth in trig an interview with Barbara Hand Herrera. "The Time to Love" is a delightful con- tribution by John M. Drescher, who shows that that time is not tomorrow, nor when The World's Prophetic Monthly children are grown, but now. See page 8. A Magazine of Christian Living, Presenting Everywhere today the great teachings the Bible as the Word of God and Jesus that led to the founding of the Protestant Christ as Man's Redeemer and Coming King denominations are being eroded, and many are wondering what the future holds for these branches of the Christian faith. See Volume 96 Number 6 June, 1969 "What's Happening to the Reformation?" by Roy Allan Anderson, on page 10. Time and again the great question is ARTHUR S. MAXWELL — EDITOR raised, When did life begin? Many claim T. R. Torkelson Associate Editor that the geological record destroys the Gen- esis story. See the answers by Harold W. Howard C. Larkin Art Director Clark on page 12. Many critics of the church claim that Paul B. Ricchiuti Layout Artist the population explosion makes it impos- A. R. Mazat Circulation Manager sible for the message of Christ's return to reach every living soul today. But they for- INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENTS : W. L. Emmerson, En- gland; Karl Abrahamsen, Norway; Robert H. Parr, Australia; get God's marvelous provisions for swift Daniel R. Guild, Singapore. communication. See James J. Aitken's excel- lent contribution, "Tell the World Now!" on page 18. Telstar has arrived on time. CONTENTS Continuing his series on "Our Sick So- ciety," T. R. Torkelson, on page 22, tells how only God can satisfy the soul hunger ARTICLES of man in these difficult days. Christ Made the Difference 5 Barbara Hand Herrera Drug addiction and its sad consequences The Time to Love 8 John M. Drescher are front-page news today. Hence Harold What's Happening to the Shryock's article, "What Makes a Drug Ad- Reformation? 10 Roy Allan Anderson dict?" Here is valuable advice on how to When Did Life Begin? 12 Harold W. Clark avoid this costly calamity. See page 26. Facts About Heaven 16 J. R. Spangler Looking forward to our July issue, we Tell the World Now! 18 James J. Aitken are happy to announce the following val- Not by Calories Alone 22 T. R. Torkelson What Makes a Drug Addict? 26 Harold Shryock, M.D. uable contributions: "Is the Grand Canyon The 51/2 th Commandment 29 Russ Spangler, Jr. Really Old?" by Harold W. Clark, "My Prodigal Playboys 34 Raymond L. Cox Catholic Friends ( Continued)" by A. J. Campbell, "He Gave Away a Nightclub" by Max Phillips, "Those Terrible Tensions" POEM by T. R. Torkelson, "Who Will Enjoy Peace at Twilight 2 Dan H. Reese Heaven?" by J. R. Spangler, "You Can Trust the Bible" by A. Graham Maxwell, "Con- science in Conflict" by Roy C. Naden, "The REGULAR FEATURES Price of Free Love" by Harold Shryock, M.D., "Lest We Forget" by Mary J. Vine, What's Going On? 4 Lorna Tobler Test Your Bible Knowledge 17 "Your Choice Today" by Sanford T. Whit- Can You Answer This? 24 C. Mervyn Maxwell man. Your Bible Questions Answered 32 Charles D. Utt

Rates in U.S.A., its possessions, and Canada: A publication of the Seventh-day Adventists, the SIGNS OF THE TIMES is printed and published monthly (twelve issues a year) by the Pacific Press One-year subscription $5 50 Publishing Association at 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View, California 94040, U.S.A. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California. Single copy 50 Form 3579 requested. Allow thirty days in requesting change of address; give To other countries requiring extra postage: both old and new addresses and zip numbers. In placing orders for your personal and gift subscriptions, please include zip code numbers. The post One-year subscription $5 90 office requires this on all second-class mail. Only paid-in-advance subscriptions entered. Member of Associated Church Press and Religious News Service. Copyright, 1969, by the Pacific Press Publishing Association.

Signs of the Times, June, 1969 3

ER: ARTIST: JOHN STEEL; ©P.P.P.A. IE 2; HAROLD M. LAMBERT STUDIOS !ho in U.S.A. "Nobleman of Jerusalem" Dr. William F. Albright, one of the world's leading archaeologists and Old Testament scholars, recently became the first non-Jew to be named "Nobleman of Jerusalem." Persons over seventy who have contributed greatly to the city may qualify for the honor. Dr. Albright, son of a Methodist missionary to Chile, was director of the American School for Oriental Research in Jerusalem from 1921 to 1936. The scholar and re- searcher was responsible for the development of many WHAT'S GOING I methods now widely used in the study of archaeology relevant to the Old Testament period in the Middle ON? East, and was one of the first to identify the impor- by Lorna Tobler tance of the Dead Sea Scrolls found in the late 1940's. At the award presentation Professor Nachman Avigad, Imprimatur for "TEV" head of the Hebrew University department of archae- ology, said: "If today the historical accuracy of the The American Bible Society has announced that Bible is beyond question, it is due in no small measure Richard Cardinal Cushing of Boston has given his to the work of Professor Albright." official approval to its contemporary English version of the New Testament, known popularly as Good News "Root of All Evil" for Modern Man. The Roman Catholic prelate's im- Money, marked invisibly by atomic methods, may primatur means that the translation is endorsed for prove to be a further legal means of tracking down Catholic readers. An initial printing of 100,000 bearing criminals. By aiming a beam from a source of radioiso- the imprimatur will be issued. There will be no text tope Californium-252 through various apertures, the changes. Since it was published in 1966, the TEV ( To- money can be made ever so slightly radioactive in an day's English Version) has sold more than 14.9 million infinite variety of patterns. The resulting nuclear copies and has topped the best-seller list for several markings can be read only through use of special years. It was conceived as a New Testament for per- photographic films placed in contact with the material. sons for whom English is a second language. A Bible According to the Atomic Energy Commissions' Ar- Society committee is currently working on an Old gonne, Illinois, National Laboratory, this technique Testament TEV. could be used as a nuclear invisible ink to encode doc- Smoke Hazard Reduced uments, identify ransom money, or secretly mark al- most any material. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans smoked 1.3 billion fewer cigarettes last year than in 1967—the first reduction in domestic cigarette consumption since 1964. Estimated domestic cigarette consumption in 1968 was 526.5 billion, compared with 527.8 billion smoked the year before. Battered Children Today more children under five die of injuries in- flicted by adults—cracked skulls, ruptured organs, and other injuries—than from ten major diseases com- bined. That's one of the brutal facts of the problem of the "battered child" reported by Dr. Phillip Benaron, assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine, who has been working in the field of the "battered child" for more than ten years. Dr. Benaron said recent studies indicate that at least 30,000 children each year are abused severely enough by adults to require medical attention. These are only cases in which the cause of the injuries has been identified and reported. Child beating is rarely the result of deliberate cruelty, but more often the result of pressures and tensions with which the parent cannot cope, he said. However, abusing parents are reluctant to face the problem openly and seek help unless they are forced to do so by law. The range of child abusers cuts across all cultural and economic lines, he said, including lawyers, doctors, engineers, and the poor. UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL

4 Signs of the Times, June, 1969 CHRIST MADE THE DIFFERENCE

petitive, ulcer-breeding world of God and to the salvation of men? big business. What had happened to Emilio Emilio had done well since he during the three years he had spent arrived in New York City four years in the Dominican Republic? He before, an immigrant from Switzer- had met Jesus Christ. land. His background in banking It began when Ann introduced and business administration had led him to Dick Johnson, a Methodist him to an executive position with missionary. Dick's life deeply im- a large drug company. A creative pressed Emilio. The young mis- man with a driving determination sionary carried the message of re- to succeed, he was now on his way demption to the poor people of the to represent his company in the country, traveling on a motorcycle West Indies. He desired above ev- from village to village, entering the erything in life to achieve high straw huts, visiting the Negro fam- income, social standing, and busi- ilies, eating with them, loving them ness success. Just a few weeks be- as if they were his own family. fore, he had won the most cher- Emilio decided to help out with ished prize of all when he married donations of drugs and money. He the loveliest girl he had ever known, played the organ and sang at Dick's an attractive brunet who had a meetings. He realized that Dick beautiful singing voice. He consid- had a first-class mind and wondered The ered himself very fortunate. why he didn't get himself a job in Now the company had asked business so that he could make Rebirth Emilio to live in the Dominican Re- more money. Then Emilio began to public and to find ways and means understand, gradually, that this of to increase sales of their line of man, empowered by his love for drugs. The job would not be easy, Christ, could do no other than pro- Emilio for every major American and Eu- claim the gospel. When Emilio ex- ropean drug company was attempt- pressed a desire for that power in Knechtle ing to do the same. The Dominican his own life, Dick opened the Scrip- Republic was an attractive market, tures and led him to Christ. by Barbara Hand Herrera for it had no restrictions on transfer Once back in New York City, of dollars to the United States. Emilio changed jobs. As head of a About three years passed before Swiss import company he could On a bright October morning in Emilio and Ann boarded a home- better witness for Christ, for he 1950, Emilio Knechtle and his wife, ward-bound jet for New York City. was his own boss. In 1957 Billy Ann, took off from Kennedy Airport They were leaving behind the Graham held a Crusade in New aboard a Pan American airliner beautiful Caribbean islands, along York. Being a personal friend of bound for the Caribbean islands. with a new distributing organiza- Ann's, Billy asked one of the mem- A feeling of exhilaration swelled tion whose sales had been trebled. bers of his team to study the Bible within Emilio as the plane soared But success, social prestige, and further with Emilio and teach him through a misty sea of white clouds income no longer meant as much how to win souls for Christ. Emilio to the clear blue sky above. He felt to Emilio. The young businessman began Bible classes for a number he was sitting on top of the world. was dreaming dreams of a different of executives over weekly luncheons Not the conventional split-level, nature now. As the big plane car- in his office. With Ann he started two-car, color-TV world that most rying him home neared New York, a Bible class in their New Canaan, young men dream of, but Emilio's his most urgent concern for his Connecticut, home; and together special world—the complex, corn- job was this: How could he most with four other families they estab- effectively use it to the glory of lished a Presbyterian church. In

Signs of the Times, June, 1969 5 1960, as cochairman of a Billy Gra- Q. Have you found your new life tically change their way of think- ham Crusade for the Spanish-speak- in Christ more rewarding than your ing and living. ing people of New York City, former way of life? Emilio coordinated a drive which Q. How would you present A. Yes indeed. The joy and peace raised $100,000. Christ? The pragmatic life of Emilio that daily fellowship with Christ brings is infinitely more satisfying Knechtle came to an abrupt end A. As God in human form, the than all the material prosperity I when he gave himself to Jesus greatest Lover of man. I tell young Christ. Today his efforts center have enjoyed or could enjoy if I still people that when Christ walked the around a desire to bring this change devoted all my time and energy to dusty roads of Palestine He dem- making money. to as many other lives as he can onstrated with every word, every reach. Now a member of the Sev- act, what God is like. He left whole Q. The momentous problems fac- villages without pain or sorrow, for enth-day Adventist Church, which ing the world today cause fear he joined in 1963, he travels fre- He healed their diseases and resur- among people almost everywhere. rected their dead. He fed the hun- quently as an ambassador for Christ Many young people, particularly in response to invitations from teen- gry multitudes. When He was affected by the seemingly unsolva- dying in our place on the cross, He agers, lay members, and leaders of ble problems, take radical, activist his church. His constant theme is was saying to all of us, "I love you positions. What could Christ do for so much that I want you to be one always Christ's love for man. them? In his professional life, Emilio is day where I am, never to be sep- now co-owner and president of St. A. Christ offers young people a arated. This is why I am dying for Luke's School in New Canaan, new purpose in life. This purpose you." This and more is the picture Connecticut, a college preparatory is to live for the glory and honor of that I would present to youth to- school with about 250 students. He God and the well-being of their day, together with a practical dem- teaches French and a voluntary Bi- fellowmen. Christ offers to repro- onstration of the love of God. ble course at the school, and about duce the divine character in them 150 of these students who go on to through the power of the Holy Q. How can we demonstrate the leading colleges have enrolled in Spirit. I know that drastic transfor- love of Christ in our lives? the Bible course. Many have ac- mations have occurred in me dur- A. When a man surrenders his cepted Christ and remain faithful ing the past fifteen years. Some- life to Christ, he not only receives Christians today. times I hardly recognize myself. forgiveness of sins, but Christ During an interview in New Character traits such as limitless comes to live in that man through York City for Signs of the Times, love for others, peace of mind un- the Holy Spirit. From that moment Emilio explained more fully his der difficult circumstances, victory on you live life in new dimensions; reasons for turning to Christ, what over damaging habits, joy and con- you will love God with a love pre- Christ has meant to him, and what tentment regardless of conditions, viously unknown to you. Similarly, He could mean to the entire world. and many others are mine only you will love your fellowman to the Part of that interview follows: since Christ lives in me through the same extent that God loves him. Holy Spirit. Q. How did your attitudes and Methods of making Christ known general outlook change after you Q. What concept of Christ do to man, ways and means of helping met Christ and accepted Him as you think young people have to- others in their need, will develop your Saviour? day? because your heart will pulsate with the same concern that moti- A. All the worldly things which A. Many young people think of vates God. This divine love which I had been living for no longer held Christ as another great philosopher is yours now "has good manners a preeminent position in my life. and moral teacher. Some think he and does not pursue selfish advan- Self was dethroned and materialism is equal to Plato, Moses, Buddha, tage. It is not touchy. It does not faded out of my life. Christ changed Mohammed, and others. They do keep account of evil or gloat over all my values. The love of Christ not know that He is God, our Crea- the wickedness of other people. On growing in my heart gave me dif- tor, that He is upholding the uni- the contrary, it is glad with all ferent attitudes toward people. I verse by His mighty power. They good men when truth prevails. Love changed my attitudes toward races. do not know that after taking on knows no limit to its endurance, no What prejudice there was gradu- human form, He became the only end to its trust, no fading of its ally disappeared. My heart and my man who never sinned; that He hope; it can outlast anything. It is, home were open to people of all died in place of a sinful and con- in fact, the one thing that still races. Up to the time of my con- demned humanity in order to give stands when all else has fallen." version I was not opposed to a us a chance. They do not know that [1 Corinthians 13:4-8, Phillips.] business transaction that contained as a result He is the only one Why? Because it is God's love radi- certain elements of untruthfulness. through whom there is forgiveness ating to others through you. It will Christ changed my concept of do- of sins and reconciliation with God. bring harmony into your home, ing business completely. His influ- If the young people of today would your office, your neighborhood, ence entered every phase of life. know these facts, it would dras- your church. It will lead you to take

6 Signs of the Times, June. 1969 a bold stand for what is just, true, ness of sins but refuses to let Christ years. The longer I studied with honorable, pure, lovely, and gra- rule his life does not have the right this man, the more I became con- cious. You will strive for peace relationship with Him. We cannot vinced that the Holy Spirit had among all men. accept Christ as a Person but reject sent him to me. I found that every His teachings. Believing in Christ teaching of the Adventist Church Q. How successful do you feel not only means believing that He is anchored in the Holy Scriptures. Christians have been in doing this died for our sins but also believing sort of thing? Q. In other words, you now saw that He has sufficient power to Christ in each of the doctrines you A. enable us to obey Him. A genuine Quite poorly. The majority of at one time considered legalistic? Christians are satisfied with much follower of Christ is willing to live less than God is willing to do by every word that proceeds from A. Yes. After five years of prayer through them. There are a number the mouth of God. The Holy Spirit and intensive searching of the of reasons for this. Genuine Chris- will supply the power for it. Some Scriptures I find that what the Sev- tianity is rare. For example, to Christians put all the emphasis on enth-day Adventist Church teaches some, believing in Jesus means grace while neglecting truth; others comes closest to what Christ and staking your life on the credibility put the emphasis on truth while the disciples taught. Christendom of certain theological tenets rather neglecting grace. But of Christ it is deviated over the centuries from than on a spiritual love relationship said that He was "full of grace and the original teachings of Christ and with Jesus Christ. They present truth." So must we be. There must the disciples. The Protestant Refor- Christianity as a set of doctrines be a balance in our spiritual life mation did not succeed in fully rather than a new life in Christ. between grace and truth, between correcting the errors of interpreta- This leads to legalism, fanaticism, growing more like Christ in char- tion that had crept into the church a cold, loveless religion which is acter and believing all His teach- over the centuries. We must all not what Christ desires for us. ings. continue to search the Scriptures, Whenever man chooses to deviate as the Adventists do, to rediscover from the Bible, he develops a wrong Q. Mr. Knechtle, you are a mem- the purity and radiance of the origi- relationship with Christ or mis- ber of the Seventh-day Adventist nal teachings of Christ, the proph- represents His teachings. I repeat: Church. But I understand that as a ets, and the disciples. Genuine Christianity is very rare young man you rejected the teach- Q. How can we all come to know today. We have plenty of religion ings of this church and continued to Christ better and understand His do so even some years after your but little authentic Christianity. will for us? conversion to Christianity. Why did Q. How can we combine these you finally join this church? A. Through constant, intimate two essentials—a presentation of union with Him. Christians do not Biblical truth together with a dem- A. I became an Adventist in an- always give Christ the best of their onstration of the love God? swer to prayer. The Holy Spirit led time and energy each day. Many me into this church. God admon- become too much entangled in the A. By living and teaching the ishes us to grow in grace and in the affairs of the world, in intellectual way Jesus Christ did when He knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. pursuits, in excessive church activ- walked among men. He never de- Through daily prayer and Bible ities, at the expense of precious viated from the words of Scripture, study I came to know Jesus Christ time at the feet of Jesus. How can and at the same time He lived mo- better and better. The more I knew Christ remain your first love if you ment by moment totally controlled Him the more I wanted to become hardly have any contact and fellow- by the Holy Spirit. The fullness of as He is in character. The Holy ship with Him? The purpose of our God dwelt in Him. A true Christian Spirit gradually helped me over my lives is to be betrothed to Jesus will likewise follow the guidance character defects and sinful habits; Christ. He desires to have a con- of the Holy Spirit in all matters; but He also enlightened my mind tinuous romance with us, a spiritual he will be willing to die to self better to understand Christ's teach- love affair. He said so. "I will be- and live for the salvation of others; ings. There were many unanswered troth you to Me forever; yes, I will he will give his time, his energy, questions in my mind regarding betroth you to Me in righteousness his money, everything, in the ser- specific Bible texts which other and justice, and in steadfast love, vice of God and man. Christians were unable to answer to and in mercies." Hosea 2:19, Am- my satisfaction. Prayer was the only Q. Do you feel that acceptance plified Bible. "My son, give Me recourse. God answered by sending of Christ as our Saviour is enough your heart," He says, "and let your an Adventist pastor to me, but I for salvation? eyes observe and delight in My refused the explanations he had on ways." Proverbs 23:26, Amplified A. Christ wants more than to these texts; not because I could not Bible. When you continue to live forgive our sins. He wants to be our understand him but because I had that close to Christ, you will know Lord and Master as well. Jesus said made up my mind beforehand that Him intimately; and you will also to some who followed Him, "Why the light of the Holy Spirit could discover His will for your life. do you call Me, Lord, Lord, and not possibly come through an Ad- Nothing in the world will ever be do not [practice] what I tell you?" ventist. Later I returned to this pas- able to separate you from Him. A person who only wants forgive- tor and studied with him for two [END]

Signs of the Times, June, 1969 7 A Father's Day Message

it 0 addy, I want to be with you." This statement from my three-year-old son was said three times before I looked up. I had urged him several times to go to bed. Each time he had simply said, "Daddy, I want to be with you." Then to get my attention he had asked a dozen questions. When I stopped writing, he asked, "Daddy, why did you stop writing?" or "What are you think- ing about now, Daddy?" When I started to write, he asked, "What are you writing, Daddy?" Finally, when he saw my real thoughts ignored him and that I was somewhat annoyed by his in- terruptions, he slowly climbed down from his stool beside me and said quietly, "Daddy, I guess I'll go to bed now." Then it hit me. My son was say- ing in his own way: "Won't you take time for me, Daddy? Please, Daddy, talk to me." Just as he rounded the corner to the stairs I called after him, "Joey, come let Daddy hold you before you go to bed. I want to talk to my boy a little while." With a broad smile he came. I lifted him up and held him close. Then as he pattered off to bed a few minutes later I wondered how often my busyness caused me to miss golden opportunities to share my love with my children. I re- membered those recurring state- ments I heard as a pastor: "If only I had taken more time to enjoy my children." "If I had my family over again, I would certainly take more time with them." Now is the time to love. Tomor- row the baby won't be rocked, the THE TIME TO LOVE

Not Tomorrow; Not When the Children Are All Grown Up; but NOW. by John M. Drescher

toddler won't be asking, "Why?" Mother's cooking for company, so run yond the time of persuasion and the schoolboy won't need help with out and play. punishment, said, "I planned to go his lessons, nor will he bring his Maybe tomorrow," she said with a sigh, out with my boy and be his com- school friends home for some fun. And Johnny went out almost ready to panion—when I had time. I resolved Tomorrow the teen-ager will have cry. to attend church services with him made his major decisions. —when I had time. I hoped to inter- Creating an atmosphere of love "I love you, Johnny," again she said As she washed his face and sent him est him in young people's activities in the home is the first step in to bed. —when I had time. I promised I teaching our children what love is Now how do you think that Johnny would talk to him like a father— and how to share love. And this guessed when I had time. But for over takes time. Whether 'twas he or the house that twenty years for every one thought she really loved best? But how do we take time? With- of my son I had a hundred thoughts out a doubt it is more difficult today Used by permission of author. of my business. than it was in the slow pace of past We must guard against substitut- "Do not pity the child who does centuries. It is also more neces- ing things for ourselves. We may not have a bicycle or whose par- sary in light of present strains and provide our children with comfor- ents cannot afford an encyclopedia. and pressures. Here are a few sug- table and convenient homes. We Pity the child whose parents do not gestions which may serve as a may provide them with books, toys, have time to live with him, to teach start: sports equipment, fun, clothes, and him, to play with him, to express Seek for more simplicity in liv- everything else they need. But un- their love for him in many, many ing. We must guard against allow- less we give ourselves also, these ways. The child without the bicycle ing the common concerns and ac- things are worth little. and other material possessions, but tivities of home, community, and Even amid an abundance of with the warmth of parental love, even church life to rob us of the things many children feel unloved. is far happier than the poor rich things most needful. A friend of Why? Because love grows by the child who has everything money mine turns the poem, by Joy Alli- giving of ourselves. Too many times can buy but lacks the needed secu- son, "Which Loved Her Best," on Mother goes out to work to earn rity which comes through being parents and writes it this way: more money to buy more things, loved 'in deed and in truth."' "because she loves her children." Some time ago a judge shared "I love you, Johnny," said Mother one Father feels he must moonlight to the answers he received from a day. lawbreaker. The judge reminded "I love you more than I can say." make more money to buy more of Then she answered his questions with, everything because he "loves his the youth of his fine, respected "Don't bother me now," family." But by so doing, they father. "I've often heard that my And just didn't have time to show many times deprive the children of father was a fine man," said the him how young man. "But I never knew him. To tie his truck to his tractor and the very thing they need most— plow. love. The danger is that we buy He didn't have time for me." But she washed her windows and things to show our love but don't Spotless floors, a multiplicity of scrubbed the floor have time to do things which are things, and a round of social activ- And baked and cooked and cleaned ities aren't nearly as important some more. the natural expression of our love in language children understand. as we sometimes think they are. "Bring the neighbor in? Well, I should It is much easier to give money Wisely did King Solomon say, "Bet- say not. or things than to give ourselves, just ter is a dinner of herbs where love You'll track up my floors, and I don't as it is easier to send a card than to is than a fatted ox and hatred with want a spot. it." Proverbs 15:17, RSV. No, we won't have time for a story pay an unhurried visit. today. One father, after his son was be- (Continued on page 30)

Signs of the Times, June, 1969 9 WHAT'S HAPPENING TO THE REFORMATION?

It was a bright, sunny afternoon castles, cloisters, universities, ev- in October when a brilliant young erywhere. Erasmus and Reuchlin, university professor seemed to be as well as other scholars, applauded acting strangely. Those who Luther for his courage in attacking watched him could not understand established religion and exposing what was going on, for the words abuses in the church. on the paper he was nailing to the The Reformation was real. But church door were all in Latin. was it just an event in history, or Scholars, however, understood, for does it have significance for us to- this was Martin Luther's challenge day? Was it needed, or was it, as to the leaders of Christendom. The some say, a big mistake? year was 1517. Not long ago a group of Protes- The world has moved a long way tant ministers were discussing the since then. But the spirit of revolu- question of mergers among differ- tion is just as real in our day. The ent churches—a popular topic these generation he represented could days. Many spoke of the advantages well have been called "The Now of the ecumenical movement, which Generation." The blows of his ham- aims at getting all the churches mer were soon heard in every coun- together to make one worldwide try of Europe, for what he nailed church. This naturally led to the there was not merely a list of aca- question of disunity, which most demic questions. These theses rep- declared was really sin. Soon some resented the deepest convictions of were wondering if the Reformation his heart. was also a sin. Some hesitated to He had been stirred by the sell- call it a sin, but the majority de- ing of indulgences. "It is a travesty cided it was at least a grave mis- on the gospel," he said, "to claim fortune. This, of course, is exactly that for a price a sinner could be the position Rome has taken for assured of forgiveness not only tem- over four hundred years. porarily but eternally, and that an But was the sixteenth-century indulgence was effective even in Reformation a misfortune or mis- purgatory." "This," declared Luther take? Perhaps we should ask what "is corruption of the highest sort." caused this great upheaval in the Forgiveness of sins, he said, "could church. Was it just a desire to be not be bartered about, bought and different? No. It resulted from the sold" like a loaf of bread. rediscovery of great truths. Clear- Luther handed a few copies of his document to his academic friends, and one fell into the hands of a printer, who forthwith pub- Erosion of the Great Teach- lished a German translation. Soon ings That Led to the the whole country was aware of Founding of the Protestant his challenge, for it was read in Churches

by Roy Allan Anderson

ROBERTS

10 Signs of the Times, June, 1969 thinking, consecrated men and Social questions are being Whence Do the Holy Scriptures women rediscovered the gospel of equated with the gospel. Some in- Derive Their Dignity and Author- grace. They found it to be "the sist that social reform is the gospel. ity? Article V says: "We receive power of God unto salvation." "The True, the gospel has social implica- all these books [the sixty-six canon- Bible and the Bible only" became tions. James in his classic epistle ical books] . . . for the regulation, their watchword. Philip Schaff, the on "true religion" stressed the im- foundation, and confirmation of our distinguished church historian, de- portance of supplying the needs of faith; believing, without any doubt, clares that the Protestant Refor- those in want, for "faith divorced all things contained in them, not so mation was the greatest event in from deeds is lifeless as a corpse." much because the church receives history, next to the birth of Chris- James 2:26, NEB. But he empha- and approves them as such, but tianity itself. sized the basic truth of the gospel more especially because the Holy In many countries of Europe when he said that "He [the Father Ghost witnesseth in our hearts that earnest students gathered around of lights] gave us birth by the word they are from God whereof they God's Word, comparing scripture of truth, so that we might be a kind carry the evidence in themselves." with scripture; and the light of of first fruits of His creatures." It is the witness of the Holy Spirit truth broke in upon their souls. Not James 1:18, Berkeley. in a man's heart that convinces him all saw the same light at the same Like all the writers of Scripture, that the Bible is indeed the Word time. As time went by, others dis- James recognized the absolute au- of the living God. Unless that wit- covered increased light on certain thority of God's Word. The apostle ness is set in a man's soul, then no beliefs. It was this that led to the Paul spoke of some "which corrupt arguments, however sound, will many different denominations of [margin, "deal deceitfully with"] convince him. The real issue then Protestantism. But the guidelines the Word of God." 2 Corinthians is: Can we believe the Bible today? for each group were the Old and 2:17. He also wrote that some "pro- If so, how much of it? Are the New Testaments. Every Reformer fess that they know God; but in Scriptures authoritative in this recognized the authority of God's works they deny Him." Titus 1:16. space age? Word. Luther's constant appeal This points up the basic problem Liberal theologians speak of the was, "Show me from the Scriptures in many Protestant pulpits today. Bible as an earthen vessel which that I am wrong." It is not just a different interpreta- contains some treasure. They sug- Today Protestantism is facing a tion of certain passages of Scripture gest that somewhere in the Scrip- new crisis. In one sense it is not but a denial of the very authority tures the true Word of God can be really new, for the Reformation of the Scripture itself. In many found, but that it is intermingled sprang from one basic question: circles the Bible is a fallen oracle. with so much folklore and legend How does a sinner make peace with This is the fruitage of the instruc- that it cannot be taken at face God? The Scriptures answered, tion in many seminaries whose value. But the figure of the "The just shall live by faith"—faith teachers regard the Bible, not as "earthen vessel" is taken from the in Christ's atoning sacrifice, faith the work of God, but as the work writings of the apostle Paul, who in the Word of God. The great of man. said, "We have this treasure in apostle's message, "By grace are A new generation of preachers earthen vessels." He applied this ye saved through faith," rang out has arisen shorn of the authority of figure not to the Bible but to the above the clang and clamor of op- a "Thus saith the Lord." The Belgic preacher. posing voices. Rome had taught or Netherlands Confession of Faith It has been well said that to re- that men are saved through faith sets forth the doctrine of the Word gard the Scriptures as a kind of and works, but Luther wrote in the of God clearer than perhaps any museum, a collection of ancient margin of his big Latin Bible, sole other confession or church creed. legends and folklore, is to reduce gracia, "grace alone." His message Under the heading Of the Written Bible study to a kind of mining op- was clear: We are saved without Word of God, Article III declares, eration. Iron ore to be useful must the addition of any works or human "We confess that this Word of God be crushed, screened, and smelted; merit. was not sent nor delivered by the it must be purged of all impurity. Many leaders in so-called Protes- will of man, but that holy men of Only what remains is of value. And tant circles today have ceased to God spake as they were moved by that is how liberal theology treats preach individual and personal sal- the Holy Ghost, as the apostle Peter the Bible. But if the Bible is to be vation. They insist that the work of saith. And that afterwards God, treated that way, then, we ask, who the church is to bring about socio- from a special care which He has is to determine what is truth and economic reform rather than to for us and our salvation, com- what is legend, what is to be re- bring sinners to Christ. Man does manded His servants, the prophets tained and what is to be discarded? not need to be saved, they say, but and apostles, to commit His re- If the Bible cannot be relied society needs to be reformed. vealed Word to writing; and He upon, if it is not absolutely trust- Himself wrote with His own finger (Continued on page 31) the two tables of the Law. There- fore we call such writings holy and divine Scriptures." Again, under the heading

RICCHIUTI, SCHNEIDER

As I stepped into his office, Dr. Daniel, my major professor at the university, looked up from his desk and greeted me. "Well, Clark," he queried, "what did you think of the lecture last night?" He was an ardent Darwinist, and the lecture, by one of the world's outstanding research workers on evolution, had raised several points against the commonly accepted views, especially in regard to Dar- winism. "Oh, it didn't bother me very much," I answered. He knew that I was a creationist and was open- minded enough to discuss ques- tionable views fairly. So we talked awhile about the ins and outs of evolution. Then he spoke very seriously. GEOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION (European)

Cenozoic Quaternary Recent Does the Geological Record Destroy Genesis? Pleistocene Tertiary by Harold W. Clark Pliocene Professor Emeritus of Biology, Pacific Union College Miocene Oligocene canal engineer, William Smith, Walcott, who for many years was Eocene found that certain formations con- connected with the National Mu- Paleocene tained certain fossils. He claimed seum in Washington, D.C. On the Mesozoic that any outcrop of rock could be high slopes of Mount Wapta, near identified by examination of its fos- Field, British Columbia, he found Cretaceous sil contents. A few years later, in a dark gray shale from which he Jurassic the 1830's, Adam Sedgwick, of took 36,000 specimens. This Bur- Triassic Cambridge University, and Sir Rod- gess shale fauna, classified as Cam- Paleozoic erick Murchison, of the British brian, is a truly remarkable assem- Permian Geological Survey, went into Wales blage. It consists of about seventy Upper Carboniferous and western England to make an genera and 130 species. A large Lower Carboniferous application of this newly discov- number of the species belong to Devonian ered principle to a series of rocks the same groups that are alive to- Silurian that had never been classified. ( A day and are in every way as com- Ordovician current table of classification of the plex as those now living. To at- Cambrian rocks is given herewith so that the tempt to describe them in detail reader who is not familiar with it would be far beyond the scope of Precambrian can see the relation of the various this article, but a few of the out- Algonkian systems. This classification is valid standing ones must be mentioned. Archaean no matter what view one may hold Probably the most prominent are as to the origin of the strata. ) the trilobites, so called from the These rocks Sedgwick examined three lobes into which the body is lay at the very bottom of the se- divided. As I write, I have before quence, next to the basement gran- me a piece of shale from Mount ites. He named them Cambrian, Wapta with a specimen on each after an ancient Welsh tribe. It has side. Each one is about four inches "You may have some good points since been estimated that they were long and makes a clear print in the there, but what are you going to do laid down about 500 million years dark shale. The head has a com- about the geological record?" ago. This same series of rocks, with pound eye on each side. The mid- That is the question creationists similar fossils, has now been found dle section, the thorax, consists of invariably face when they suggest to be present all over the world. about twenty segments ( there may that the record of Genesis is valid. Not long after this study was be all the way from two to forty- The geological record is supposed made, geologists began to realize four in different species ), and lastly to give incontrovertible proof of that these lowest rocks presented there is a short tail. long ages of time in which life almost insurmountable problems. The head has four pairs of progressed from simple to complex, Naturally, lying at the bottom of appendages, the largest being the from primitive to advanced. the geological column, they would long, slender, many-jointed anten- But is this true? In the next few be expected to contain extremely nae on the sides of the mouth. Each months we shall investigate several simple fossils representing the be- segment bears a pair of two- supposed evidences for ages of ginning of life upon the earth. But branched appendages. The inner geological history. In this article they did not. Instead, the fossils branch is a jointed leg, and the we will go to the bottom layers of were found to be complicated in outer carries a fringe of stiff bris- the stratified rocks—assumed to be structure. This complexity has tles. the oldest on earth—and see what given scientists one of their biggest Trilobites are the most numerous we learn about this problem. puzzles. of all animals in Cambrian rocks. When geological classification To appreciate this situation, let Over 600 species are known from was being worked out about 150 us take as an example the discovery the rocks all over the world. They years ago, an English surveyor and made in 1910 by Dr. Charles D. do not exist today, but are found

Signs of the Times, June, 1969 13 only in the lowest stratified rocks. have required millions of years of right for fossilization. But again the They are related to the crustaceans development for them to reach the shales in the Algonkian are of such —crabs, lobsters, and shrimps. complexity they possess. How any- a nature that we can discover no They lived in sandy or muddy one can believe that these Cam- satisfactory explanation for the ab- bottoms. This seems to explain why brian forms are in any way primi- sence of fossils, except that there they were entombed in such large tive is hard to understand. True, never were any living creatures numbers and preserved so per- many of them differ from modern present when these layers were fectly, for they apparently were not species; but they all belong to produced. acted on by violent currents of major groups that are well known Studies on Cambrian deposits in- water, but died in the muddy bot- today; and every major group ex- dicate that they were likely laid tom on which they lived. cept the vertebrates is represented. down in stagnant water, possibly The brachiopods, or lamp shells, Of course when we line up a series like that found on the bottom of comprise about 20 percent of Cam- of such forms, such as brachiopods, such quiet seas as the Baltic. brian fossils, and are divided into from the Cambrian to the present, When we suggest that the burial 7,000 species. A brachiopod shell we can see some variations, and we by the Genesis Flood would be a consists of two valves, but on the can assert that this variation is an reasonable explanation, some peo- top and bottom, not on the sides evolutionary line of succession. But ple object, for, they say, the Flood as in the clams. The shells vary that assumption is purely hypo- would have stirred everything up in size from one eighth of an inch thetical, and it is just as reasonable together and brought down mate- to over six inches in length. Ex- to believe that they all lived con- rials from the land to mingle with ternally they resemble shells of temporaneously and that the ob- the deep-sea material, and there mollusks, but internally their struc- served variations are no more than would be none of the stratification ture is quite different. Brachiopods can be seen in almost any living such as we now find. But perhaps are known all the way up through type today. they have formed a wrong concept the geologic column, and many Geologists are frankly puzzled at of the Flood action. It is easy for species exist today. Most of them this situation, and several attempts us to form preconceived opinions live below the continental shelf, have been made to explain it, but and then refuse to believe the rec- where no deposits of sand or mud without much success. ord because it does not conform to are being produced. It has been suggested that the our ideas. Many other Cambrian fossils ancestors of the Cambrian animals In Genesis 2:10-14 we read of might be described, some of which may have been unable to build limy rivers that issued from Eden and are extinct, others living today. skeletons, and thus left no remains. spread out over the earth. In geol- Cystoids and crinoids, related to This theory is not supported by the ogy we learn of great waterways the starfishes, bore the main body evidence; for many of the Precam- extending over the earth. Then we on the top of a long stalk. A num- brian rocks are rich in lime, and are told in Genesis 7:11 that "the ber of relatives of the squid and there is no good reason why ani- fountains of the great deep" were octopus occur as fossils. Among the mals living when these rocks were broken up. While this breakup may most interesting of these are the formed, if there were any, could have affected other parts of the ammonites, so called because they not have built limy skeletons. crust of the earth, certainly the first had a curled shell like a ram's horn. Some have thought that possibly place we would expect to see its ( The Greek god Ammon had the Precambrian specimens have been results would be in the depths of horns of a goat.) They vary in size so badly metamorphosed that all these ancient troughs, or "rivers," from one or two inches across to evidence of them has been lost. as the Bible calls them. Turbulence three feet or more. Similar types While it is true that the lower re- set up by early disturbances in the known as orthoceras ( straight- gion of the Precambrian, the Ar- waters of the earth would spread horn ) had the shell straight instead chaean, has undergone much meta- out the muds and entomb the crea- of curled and were as much as five morphism, yet the upper part, the tures living in and on them. And to six feet long. Many reef builders Algonkian, shows no good reason this could readily have taken place such as corals and bryozoa (moss why any life that may have been before the disturbance began to animals) were abundant also. deposited in it, if there ever was bring down sediments from the As we examine the structure of any, should have been metamor- land. It should be kept in mind these animals, it is easy to see that phosed beyond recognition. that the Flood picture is that of they were not at all simple. If evo- Still another suggestion has been action so much different from any- lution had taken place, it would that conditions might not have been thing now going on that it is diffi-

14 Signs of the Times, June, 1969 cult to form a mental image of what did take place. The whole Cambrian, as well as the two or three systems lying above it, seems to be made up of marine life buried in soft sediments deposited under fairly quiet con- ditions, quite in contrast with the violence shown in materials higher up in the column. We come back now to the ques- tion: What are you going to do with the geological records? Let us face the facts: We can follow the fossil evidence down through the geolog- ical systems until we get to the bottom of fossiliferous rocks, the Cambrian. Here it is cut off ab- ruptly, with no evidence of how or where the complex assemblage within it originated. The Precam- brian rocks are all devoid of com- plicated life of any kind. All they ever have is a few simple algae and some worm tubes and such—noth- ing that in any way solves the puz- zle of the origin of the complex fossils of the rocks above them. The trouble with the whole prob- lem is that geologists 125 years ago assumed, without proof, that the earth was very old; therefore these lowest fossil-bearing rocks must represent the beginning of life on the earth. Strangely, as more and more evidence has been accumu- lated, geological theory has not kept up with it. Geologists persist in following an out-of-date theory laid down when geological data was extremely meager. With all these facts in mind, it seems to me that anyone who be- lieves in the validity of the Gen- esis record of the Flood has a wealth of scientific evidence on his side. Surely the facts demand that "Flood geology," or diluvianism, as perhaps it might better be called, be given a fair chance to present its case alongside that of the pop- ular theory of long ages of time. [END] Y.S. •EOLOSICAL SOCIETY H. LARKIN Bible Dialogue FACTS ABOUT HEAVEN

Panel Members: Jesus, Abraham, Isaiah, John, Micah, Paul, Peter, Stephen

Rumors are abundant as to what heaven is really the Holy City, New Jerusalem, which comes down like. Many deny the existence of a literal place called from God out of heaven at the end of the millennium? heaven. Others describe it in such nebulous terms as "Fire came down from God out of heaven, and de- to make it a repulsive, boring, undesirable place to voured them." Revelation 20:9. spend eternity. All too few take time to study the Peter, does this devouring fire do anything else be- Bible statements relative to the future home of the sides destroy the wicked? saved. "The heavens shall pass away with a great noise, First of all, we should establish the location of and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the heaven. My first question is directed to the patriarch earth also and the works that are therein shall be Abraham. burned up." 2 Peter 3:10. What did the Lord instruct you to do, and what did Peter, if the whole world and all its evil works, He promise you? which includes wicked people, are burned up, how "Lift up your eyes, and look . . . ; for all the land can the meek inherit this earth? which you see I will give to you and to your de- "Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look scendants forever." Genesis 13:14, 15, RSV. for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth We are happy to have the deacon Stephen, the first righteousness." 2 Peter 3:13. Christian martyr, in our midst. That clears up the situation. This devouring fire Just before you were killed, you were preaching a purifies this present earth. sermon to the church leaders, and you stated just how We welcome the prophet Isaiah to our panel again. much land Abraham really received. Please repeat I believe you are an expert on this subject. that for us again, will you? Do you have any additional information to give us, "Yet God gave him no part of it as an inheritance, Isaiah? not a foot that he could call his own." Acts 7:5, Phil- "For, behold, the Lord will come with fire, . . . to lips. render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with Rather strange, isn't it, that all the land that Abra- flames of fire." "For as the new heavens and the new ham could see was promised him, yet he never re- earth, which I will make, shall remain before Me, ceived enough to put his foot on for his own. saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name re- Master, do you have any comment on this point? main." Isaiah 66:15, 22. "Blessed are the meek: for, they shall inherit the The prophet Micah is new as one of our panel earth." Matthew 5:5. members. How remarkable! Everyone but the meek owns the Micah, how did you word your prophecy regarding earth now. Your statement, along with the remarks of. this complete restoration of a new earth? Abraham and Stephen, makes it evident that there "0 Tower of the flock [Christ], . . . unto Thee shall will be some future time when this earth will become it come, even the first dominion." Micah 4:8. the possession of the righteous. In summing up these thoughts we can definitely Last month we learned that the earth from the time conclude that the place and location of heaven will of Christ's second coming will lie in a desolate, chaotic be the very world we are living on now, only com- state for one thousand years. pletely renovated by fire. This new earth, the home John, would you describe what happens at the end of the redeemed, with the New Jerusalem as its capi- of this time when all the wicked are resurrected and tal city, will be restored to its Edenic beauty just as Satan attempts to lead them to battle against God and it was before sin entered in the days of Adam and

16 Signs of the Times, June, 1969 Eve. This is why Micah calls it "the first dominion." "And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon Let us now turn our attention to what the new earth to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall will be like. all flesh come to worship before Me, saith the Lord." I'm wondering if you, Isaiah, can tell us what type Isaiah 66:23. of buildings we will live in, or will we just drift around Thank you, Isaiah. You certainly have made heaven on clouds? a most enticing place for us to contemplate. "They shall build houses, and inhabit them; and Now, John, can you tell us about cemetery facil- they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. ities? And will there be trained morticians? They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; not plant, and another eat." Isaiah 65:21, 22. and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor Do you mean to tell us that everyone will own his crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the own home? How wonderful that will be! former things are passed away." Revelation 21:4. Will there be any violence, crime or riots? John, that is a wonderful promise. There is not a "Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wast- soul on earth who has escaped sorrow and heartbreak. ing nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt Heaven would be cheap at any price! call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise." Isaiah Can you briefly tell us, John, just how the Lord 60:18. said a person is to be admitted to heaven? That sounds almost too good to be true. "To him who is victorious I will give the right to Will there be any illness in our new-earth heaven? eat from the tree of life that stands in the Garden of "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and God." Revelation 2:7, NEB. the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall Just what does the Lord mean by being "vic- the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the torious"? dumb sing." Isaiah 35:5, 6. "And the inhabitant shall The one who is victorious is the one "who perse- not say, I am sick." Isaiah 33:24. veres in doing My [God's] will to the end." Verse 26, By the way, Isaiah, what about animals in the new NEB. "And this is the victory that overcometh the earth? How will they get along with each other? Will world, even our faith." 1 John 5:4. people need protection from them? I see what you mean. In other words, being vic- "The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and torious involves perseverance in doing God's will, an the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust experience in triumphant living made possible through shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor faith in Christ. destroy in all My holy mountain, saith the Lord." Paul, how would you say it is possible to have this Isaiah 65:25. kind of victory in our present lives? I presume that all the various church organizations "All thanks to God, then, who gives us the victory will be represented in heaven, or will we have a true over these things through our Lord Jesus Christ!" ecumenical spirit? 1 Corinthians 15:57, Phillips. [END]

TEST YOUR BIBLE KNOWLEDGE Bible Dialogue Quiz

The quiz below is based on the Bible Dialogue on also find it helpful to study the texts accompanying these pages. If you have not already read this unique each question. Check the phrase which accurately com- presentation of the Holy Scriptures, we suggest you pletes each sentence. read it before beginning to answer the quiz. You will

1. The place and location of heaven will be ( ) "spiritual" rather than "physical" WHAT TO DO NEXT ( ) the earth we now live on (Matthew 5:5; 2 Peter 3:13) When you have answered the quiz, cut ( ) in some other galaxy it out, fill in your name and address below, 2. Those who live there will and mail it to "Signs of the Times," 1350 ( ) play harps continually Villa Street, Mountain View, California ( ) answer sinners' prayers (Isaiah 65:21, 22) 94040. We will return it to you duly ( ) have projects like building and planting marked, together with additional material 3. Problems like disease, crime, and death will be on the same subject—all free, of course. ( ) gradually controlled This offer limited to the U.S.A. and Canada. ( ) totally eliminated (Revelation 21:4) ( ) part of the evolutionary process Name 4. The sort of people who will go to heaven are ( ) prominent church leaders Street ( ) fundamentalists (1 John 5:3, 4; Revelation 2:7) City State Zip ( ) those who love and obey God TELL THE WORLD NOW! Let Them Hear; Let Them See! Supreme Task of the Church in Time's Last Hour Voices from space are no longer viewers to see, telling everyone to a mystery. Mankind is now enter- "keep those cards and letters com- ing a new era of communications ing in." such as the human mind never Well, no one was able to deliver dreamed of in bygone centuries. cards and letters to these valiant Last October, Apollo 7 splashed men in space, but an avalanche of down after eleven days in space. mail did come in to the Houston Captain Walter M. Shirra, Jr., Control Center in appreciation of commander of the ship, with his what they accomplished. crewmen Don Eisele and Walter General Sarnoff, chairman of Cunningham, crawled out of their RCA, said recently, "We are in a capsule looking hale and hearty as new era of communications in they completed what scientists which the physical barriers of space termed a perfect mission. and time are crumbling and in All the world learned to know which a global system of sight and these three heroic pioneers as they sound is linking people every- spoke from space and put out even where. This new unfolding system a humorous television show from will ultimately enable the commu- the "lovely Apollo room high atop nications media and the business- everything." We all remember how men who use them to reach simul- they held up a card for television taneously and for the first time, a massive and productive audience— the entire population of the earth." These were prophetic words from a communications director who has probably affected our daily lives more than anyone else since Edi- son. Speaking of Satellite Commu- nications, General Sarnoff contin- ued, "To the international business community satellite broadcasting will open broad new avenues for direct sharing of information and ideas. To the developing nations they will provide instruments of God so loved the world, that He tremendous power for education, gave His only-begotten Son, that knowledge, and self-expression. whosoever believeth in Him should There is challenge enough here for not perish, but have everlasting all who generate and disseminate life." John 3:16. He also said, "I am ideas—for one of tomorrow's great come that they might have life, and tasks will be to develop maximum that they might have it more abun- clarity and simplicity of expression dantly." John 10:10. when speaking simultaneously to Communicating this good news by James J. Aitken the full spectrum of humanity." of everlasting life to every soul on Director, Department of Radio What a tremendous challenge is earth is the best possible use for and TV, General Conference of this for Christians! The greatest modern means of worldwide com- Seventh-day Adventists message ever communicated to man munications and the basic reason came from the lips of Jesus to a for their invention. wise man named Nicodemus: "For In February, 1966, a group of

18 Signs of the Times, June, 1969 \

scientists of the American Astro- nautical Society met for dinner in San Diego. The purpose of their meeting was unique and specific: "The utilization of space technology to satisfy the needs of mankind." Here were the best technical brains in the world gathered to- gether to help the church fulfill its supreme task of giving universal coverage to the great commission of Jesus Christ. Said Jesus, in words that revealed amazing foresight, "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in TELL THE WORLD NOW! all the world for a witness unto all what they need. Divorce, broken art of printing. They had an expres- nations; and then shall the end homes, crime, sickness, lawlessness, sion: Papier ist geduldig. Paper is come." Matthew 24:14. poverty, ignorance, war, and blood- patient. You can write anything on It would be difficult to exagger- shed could all be wiped out if men paper—the filthiest immoral paper- ate the importance of these words. would believe in the Lord Jesus backs the human mind can devise They suggest that the length of the Christ." or the sweetest story ever told. history of this world depends upon These words jolted me. The In the same way radio and tele- how seriously Christians believe church should indeed come out of vision are patient. They can be used them and act accordingly. They de- its shell in these dark and dan- for the gradual destruction of man- clare that the first business of the gerous days. It should be commu- kind, or for the salvation of men church is to let the entire popula- nicating to the multitudes every- everywhere. tion of the world know the joys of where the one and only solution to Not long ago I was in Canada the Christian message. life's problems. televising Christian activities for Today radio and television have Recently I stood at the tomb of three days. As we came to the end provided the church an open door Christopher Columbus inside the of the programs, the operator of whereby it can reach people every- Cathedral of Santo Domingo in the the camera, taking off his head- where instantaneously, with the Dominican Republic. As I looked phones and pushing his camera to good news of the gospel. For the upon the small lead casket contain- one side, came over and talked first time in history it can finish the ing the remains of the great dis- with me. "You know, pastor, I am work Christ envisaged nineteen coverer, I noticed the words that bugged!" he said. "I have been lis- centuries ago. were written above the date, 1492, tening to your reports, and it seems Recently Congressman Don Clau- Descubrir e ganar, which means to me that the church is on the sen of the first district of California "To discover is to gain." Truly, the march, doing so much good for gave me something to think about. greatest discovery in this world is humanity and communicating great As a Seventh-day Adventist min- to find the true solution to life's things that everybody everywhere ister I have long been interested in problems. Said Jesus, "What shall ought to know. It is thrilling to see the use of the airplane to open up it profit a man, if he shall gain the what you are doing. It gets monot- the jungles of the upper Amazon whole world, and lose his own onous behind that camera when in Peru to the gospel message. Con- soul?" Many are losing their souls you don't see anything useful going gressman Clausen, who is a pilot because they do not know Him and on; but this is something that will and president of the Congressional His solution to life's problems. really lift humanity. Everybody Flying Club in Washington, is also As I left the cathedral, I saw a ought to know about it." interested in using the airplane as man sitting on the steps with a What marvelous instruments God a positive instrument for the good transistor radio held to his ear. He has provided for these last days of of humanity in the rapid transport wasn't interested in Christopher earth's history! I am convinced that of doctors, nurses, and teachers, Columbus or how he discovered not only paper but radio and tele- and of the sick to mission clinics. the Americas. He was in contact vision have been invented by bril- As we were flying over Pennsyl- with the world of today, an exam- liant minds to speed the greatest vania on our way to an appoint- ple of this transistor age. story ever told to every man, ment at the Blue Mountain Seventh- I asked him how he liked the woman, and child on the face of day Adventist Academy, Congress- Spanish program called La voz de this earth. man Clausen tapped me on the la Esperanza, which is translated A few years back, while traveling shoulder and said, "I want to tell The Voice of Hope. This famous on the Amazon far from civiliza- you something. The more I learn Adventist program is heard every tion, I experienced one of the mar- about your church and the full Sunday on approximately 700 sta- vels of the transistor age. We were gospel in Jesus Christ, the more I tions from Mexico to Punta Arenas sitting on the afterdeck of the med- am convinced that you really have at the southern end of South Amer- ical launch Luzeiro V, watching the something that would shake the ica. scenery slip by. The sun was set- whole world." He added, "As I see "Voice of Hope!" he replied. ting in a blaze of golden splendor. it, the church with Christ as its "Why, I always listen to this pro- No sound broke the stillness except head has all the solutions to the gram because it means so much to the call of the jungle birds as they basic problems tormenting our so- me. It has helped me to discover swooped over the river and disap- ciety today." Jesus Christ." peared in the moss-laden trees at Then he continued, "Jim, why This is indeed the greatest dis- the river's edge. With the cool don't you come out of your shell? covery of all time. breeze of evening and the soft Christians should quit talking only When I was in Germany, I used spray from the launch on our faces, to Christians and let the world to hear the professional descend- we settled down to enjoy the en- hear and see that you have just ants of Gutenberg talk about the chanting moments of sunset. I

20 Signs of the Times, June, 1969 UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL switched on my transistor radio to back to Saigon. My friends told me looked at I didn't think were worth get the regular Voice of America that one evening, when mortar fire too much. But this program was broadcast, and we listened with rained down from the northern hills worth something. It brought us a awe to the description of John and shells were exploding in the faith to live by every day. So here Glenn's first orbit around the world. city, little groups gathered in im- we are serving God overseas, and Here, with tropical birds overhead provised bomb shelters. In one such it is really thrilling." and crocodiles in the murky waters group a man had a transistor radio. In Fullerton, California, which below, far from every vestige of Suddenly over the airwaves came is not far from the Voice of Proph- civilization, we watched the dimly that thrilling, reassuring message of ecy headquarters in Glendale, I lighted thatched huts on the river- the Voice of Prophecy radio pro- asked a distinguished-looking gen- banks slip by as we reached out gram: "Lift up the trumpet and tleman and his wife, "How did you into the unknown realms of space loud let it ring, Jesus is coming come to the knowledge of Jesus where a man was pioneering sci- again." It came from a Vietnamese Christ?" entific history. bringing hope and courage to those "Well," the husband told me, Recently Mr. Maurice Mitchell, filled with fear and despair. "I came through radio and my now president of the Encyclopedia Recently, while in Jamaica, I wife through television. She had Britannica, Incorporated, made this asked a young professor at the been watching the program Faith statement concerning radio. He West Indies College in Mandeville for Today, but I was not interested said, "It is the primary communica- how he and his wife were enjoying in religion. Then something hap- tions medium. It has the unique their work. "Oh," he said, "this is pened in the Los Angeles post of- ability to penetrate every crack and the greatest work on earth. This is fice that really gave me a new crevice of society. It is the greatest really God's peace corps." I asked lease on life. I used to have the communications instrument avail- him where they had caught their tedious job of sorting and throwing able until they change the human vision to serve in such a Christian the bags of mail into their proper race—every word you say is on the institution. He said, "Well, at one corners. I kept noticing that a good front page." time we had no purpose in life number of those large bags of mail While touring the battlefronts of whatsoever. We used to live in always bore the address, Voice of Vietnam a few months ago, I spent Canada, and one day we saw that Prophecy, Box 55, Los Angeles, a night in the city of Da Nang. In marvelous program on television California. I said to my wife one fact, I stayed up all night with our called Faith for Today. My wife day, 'I sure wish I knew what kind boys at the airbase while waiting was always a television fiend, and of a racket that is.' 'You ought to for a transport plane to take me most of the programs that she (Continued on page 31)

Signs of the Times, June, 1969 21 Soul Hunger "In the next fifteen minutes 420 That Only God He perhaps had in mind the persons will have died from the Can Satisfy same connection mentioned in the effects of malnutrition." Thus Bruce report by the Citizens Crusade Munn, United Press feature writer, Against Poverty, Hunger, U.S.A., played up the world's food crisis published last year. Inadequate not long ago. Likewise, with in- nutrition, it pointed out, can ac- creasing frequency a lot of other count for "organic brain damage, people also are talking about hun- retarded growth and learning rates, ger and a coming famine. They by T. R. Torkelson increased vulnerability to disease, even predict a date-1980 or so, withdrawal, apathy, alienation, frus- give or take a few years. A current vice-president for research, State tration, and violence." book carries the title Famine 1975. University of New York. Anthropologist Oscar Lewis The cumulative impact of Wait a minute! we say. What wraps this viewpoint up in a phrase, speeches and articles by world about the hydrogen bomb; isn't "culture of poverty." He means that leaders such as Dr. B. R. Sen, Sen- that bigger? "No," they say, "the impoverished people develop a ator McGovern, and C. P. Snow mathematics of hunger is only the characteristic type of personality, leaves us with a guilty conscience beginning of a geometric progres- one trait of which is that they live about even throwing away a ba- sion that makes atomic weaponry only for the day and fail to plan nana peel. A haunting voice re- modest in comparison with the for the morrow. minds us of Mother's preachment world hunger time bomb." In the Another anthropologist, Dr. Allan about thrift: "Willful waste makes crisis ahead, possession of food, not Holmberg of Cornell, two decades woeful want, and you may see the missiles, will offer a nation the ago described this personality in day you will wish you had the greatest strategic value. greater detail, basing his conclu- crust that once you threw away." As for student unrest, racial con- sions on a study of the Siriono In- Right now half the world's pop- flicts, disaffection of the young, dians of eastern Bolivia. He lived ulation and two thirds of the chil- "much more important than all the among these people for nearly a dren do not get enough to eat. things which fret us in Western year, a tribe with but one obses- But we haven't seen anything society," declared C. P. Snow, Brit- sion—a fierce yearning for food. yet, the graph-makers tell us. The ish author and statesman, is "a sea "Anything but cooperative, gen- world is on a collision course with of famine, involving hundreds of erous, submissive, or kind," he mass starvation. "The problem is millions of human beings." He too summed them up. When the pri- much more serious than most peo- cited this 1975-80 dateline as the mary desire of hunger dominates ple realize," says Dr. W. Henry time of possible crisis, but consid- all other basic drives, he pointed Sebrell, Jr., professor of public ered a later date more likely. out, the individual becomes selfish, health and nutrition, Columbia What does hunger have to do stubborn, and completely uncon- University. And others chime in with a sick society? Doesn't this cerned with others, and usually re- with equally sobering judgments. problem belong to a different cate- fuses to help anyone in trouble. These people must know some- gory from immorality, hate, and So there is a connection. Hunger, thing we don't. The language they violence? In a sense, yes. In per- though strictly not a behavioral use frightens us, and seems in- haps a larger sense, no. As Lord disease, does contribute to the sick- tended to do so. They reel off ter- Snow correctly analyzed it, "There ness of society. Malnutrition of rifying superlatives. "This is the is an invisible connection between body can predispose to impairment biggest, the most fundamental, and our local problems and the catas- of soul health. It happens through most nearly insoluble problem that trophic world one"—meaning by atrophy of the will, says one re- has ever confronted the human this latter expression a world fam- searcher, an observation which led race," declares Dr. Raymond Ewell, ine. Curtis C. Shears, chairman of the

22 Signs of the Times, June, 1969 some experts in nutrition, contrib- ute their full share to their coun- try's moral betterment. Now we plunge into a parallel observation startlingly significant from the viewpoint of social pa- thology. We shall pursue this clin- ical discussion on physical malnu- trition into the area of the spiritual —an area in which preventive med- icine similarly plays a vital role in the maintenance of sound health. Imagine yourself run down in spiritual health and unable to make a comeback. You are sitting across the desk from your Specialist, the Doctor upstairs with whom we have now become pretty well ac- quainted. He goes right to the heart of your problem, even as He did with Nico- demus and with countless others since then, cases which are all in- dexed in His files. "You must be born again," He prescribes. "You need a new life transfusion, which I shall arrange at once, provided you consent to follow my directions implicitly." In a manner characteristic even of earthly patient-physician rela- tionships you agree, submitting your judgment unquestioningly to His. "You're the Doctor," you say. And He is, the only one of His kind. Religious Life Committee of the A Federal study conducted last And so a wonderful transforma- District Commissioners Youth year revealed that 9 percent of tion takes place. New life surges Council of Washington, D.C., a even high-income families in the through your being. You are well few years ago to blame faulty diet United States eat nutritionally poor again. Evil propensities give way to for much of the nation's current diets. In effect, they belong among pure and noble desires; love takes juvenile delinquency. the 10 million Americans who go the place of hate; generous thoughts But, interrupts the reader quick to bed hungry every night—not crowd out malice and greed. You to shoot our logic full of holes, how "belly hungry," but nutrient hun- now find it easy to be good. You can this argument have any pos- gry. They get enough calories, but are not like your old self anymore. sible application in an affluent not of the right quality, not those All goes well for a while. But country like the United States? from foods high in vitamins, pro- then you suffer a relapse. Oh, no! How could malnutrition be a fac- teins, and minerals. They go in for you groan, not that again. tor here? Partly because man does sweet rolls, sauces, fried stuff, and Yes, that again. What happened? not live by calories alone. carbonated soft drinks. Flavor Rejection of the implanted new What do we mean? You see, hun- rather than nutrition governs their nature? Something wrong with the ger is not all a matter of the number choice. Thus their diet lacks essen- cure? No. What then? You didn't of calories, but of the source of tial elements, a lack which leaves follow directions. calories; not of amount, but of them vulnerable to infection, re- You see, life on any plane has to quality. ducing them to "virus fodder," as be nourished. And on this plane, The National Research Council's the nutritionists put it. too, a basic law of nutrition dic- Mr. Reference Man and Mrs. Ref- So personal choice figures large tates that man shall not live by erence Woman need 2,800 and in malnourishment, in some cases calories alone. He has to have vita- 2,000 calories a day respectively. as much as nonavailability of food. mins, proteins, and minerals—ele- But a person may get his daily And because it does, many need- ments God has provided and pre- quota and still not be properly lessly famish. And because they scribed. nourished. famish, they cannot, according to (Continued on page 33)

Signs of the Times, June, 1969 23 Can You Answer This?

Questions Youth Are Asking Today

by C. Mervyn Maxwell Chairman, Department of Church History Andrews University

TALKING TO GOD destroy in all My holy mountain, says the Lord." Q. I'm ashamed of your column! You're training the Isaiah 65:25, RSV. youth to be irreverent. I have raised two generations CHURCH STANDARDS of teen-agers, and I have never felt it necessary to teach them to start their prayers with "Hello, God." O. I belong to what you'd call a rather strict church. Young people should be trained to speak respectfully Some ways it's OK; I suppose I'll keep on belonging to God. As a university professor, you ought to know to it. But it does seem that the church fathers do peer better! down your neck a lot. I mean they keep judging you by the standards of the church, when actually what A. I appreciate your concern for reverence. God is really matters is your personal relationship to God. the Creator of heaven and earth and not merely a Why do they do it? What can I say to them? chum who lives next door. Just the same, He has in- A. Some denominational regulations are man-made. vited people of all ages and races to approach Him "boldly" ( Hebrews 4:16), and Jesus, when on earth, In Puritan Boston, once upon a time, a man was ar- rested for kissing his wife on Sunday. Catholics today invited children even to climb on His lap. are officially forbidden to use contraceptives. Such My suggestion in the April issue was made to a rules can be broken—but a real Christian will break young person who found that her attempts to pray in them only in a courteous way that reveals his respect conventional phrases failed to communicate and so for the rights of others, including church leaders, to seemed meaningless to her. I believe that prayer ought believe the way they feel they should. to be "the opening of the heart to God as to a friend." But church standards that look for morality and Since young people spend a lot of time talking to their honesty and for a reverence for the times and places friends on the telephone, I suggested that this girl which the Bible describes as holy are surely in har- pray to God as if she were talking to Him on the mony with God's will. What good is your relationship phone. Since I suppose that even if the President were with God if it doesn't make you a better man? How on the other end of the line she would address him good is your relationship if it doesn't produce good with "Hello, Mr. President," without any impropriety works? What right do you have to claim membership or sense of disrespect, it seemed to me that there is in a society if your personal conduct tarnishes the rec- nothing innately offensive in addressing God in the ord the other members cherish? same way. It was Jesus Himself who said, "By their fruits ye shall know them." Matthew 7:20. He also said, "Let HAMBURGERS IN HEAVEN? your light so shine before men, that they may see your Q. Will people eat meat in heaven? I hope not. good works." Matthew 5:16. I've always disliked the fact that our innocent animal friends are killed to make food for man. THE "LEFT OUT" BOOKS

A. People will certainly eat in heaven. In fact, one O. Who decided which books should go into the of the first things the redeemed will do will be to take Bible? Other books have been left out that are just as their places at the great "marriage supper" Christ is good as the ones that got in. Since this is so, how can now preparing. Revelation 19:9. anyone believe the Bible to be uniquely inspired? But they evidently won't eat meat. The Bible says A. Some of the books "left out" of the New Testa- that in the better life there shall be no more death. ment have titles like The Acts of Paul, The Gospel of Revelation 20:1, 4. Indeed, "they shall not hurt or Peter, and so on. But the resemblance doesn't extend

24 Signs of the Times, June, 1969 far beyond their titles. Compared with the books that call it "going over fool's hill." Doctors call it "adoles- are in the Bible, they are mighty poor stuff. cence." I'm sure you've heard about it. I wonder if you have ever read "The Tale of the Adolescence is nice in a lot of ways. A girl, like Baptized Lion" in The Acts of Paul or the one about your sister, finds she is beginning to look pretty in a "John and the Obedient Bed Bugs" in The Acts of womanly way and that boys have suddenly become John. wonderful to dream about. After devoting a scholar's lifetime to the New Testa- But it has its difficult side also. A person's nerves, ment apochrypha, M. R. James once said that if a per- muscles, bones, glands, and mind don't all grow up son will read the books for himself he will quickly at the same rate of speed! Oh, in time they do catch see "that there is no question of anyone having ex- up with each other, I'm glad to say; but in the mean- cluded them from the New Testament; they have done time a boy fumbles a baseball because his slowly that for themselves." growing nerves cannot coordinate his quickly grow7 If you will read the books, I think you will agree ing muscles, and he is embarrassed to tears. His skin with him. glands work too hard, and he gets pimples and is embarrassed some more. GIVING "HEARTS" TO JESUS All of this makes an adolescent feel awkward, trou- Q. There's this preacher. He really bugs me. He bled, irritable. Half of him says, "Treat me like a keeps asking us to "give our hearts to Jesus," or to grown-up," while the other half says "No, I'm not "let Jesus come into our hearts." I did that when I was ready yet." a primary in Sunday School. Why do preachers have Be patient with your sister. In a year or two she to keep on asking us to do the same thing over and will feel more calm at home. Besides, in a few years over? you may feel like she does now. Can you believe it? A. It would be nice if some ministers would vary their sermons more. But let's try to see what they CAN ONE BE SAVED TOMORROW? mean, if we can. Q. I was brought up on "Uncle Arthur's Bedtime People change all the time. You gave your nine- Stories. (Am I glad! I'm reading them again now to year-old heart to God; have you given Him your six- my children.) Since your father wrote them, perhaps teen-year-old heart? you could explain one of them to me. It's the one People are complex. Many churchgoing young peo- where a street preacher uses the text, "If thou save ple have accepted Christ into their hearts but still not thy life tonight tomorrow thou shalt be slain." reserve for themselves "private rooms" inside their The boy in the story makes sure he's a Christian before hearts. They make Jesus comfortable in an easy chair He goes to sleep, and I tried to do the same the night in the living room of their hearts, then sneak off into my mother first read it to me. But I soon noticed that their private "Purple Rooms," for example, where they other children who weren't especially trying to be nurse their anger against their parents and think out good weren't dying off! Years have passed, and I still great plots for revenge. Suddenly Jesus knocks on the don't understand the text. door of these rooms and offers to come in and repaint A. How interesting! I had the very same experience them. Are we willing to let Him come into these re- with this story when I was small. cesses of our hearts and have Him help us turn our anger into love? The words occur in 1 Samuel 19:11. They were Other people have "Green Rooms," where they nurse spoken by David's wife, Michal, warning David to envious, jealous thoughts about young people who escape King Saul by climbing out the window. are a little bit smarter, or richer, or better looking than A precise theologian would say that the evangelist they are. Jesus wants to enter these rooms and change in the story misused the text by taking it out of its our envy into warm appreciation and friendship. context. Strictly speaking, the verse does not refer to There are many other rooms like these, such as the salvation of one's soul but to the ordinary saving those where we make our decisions about sex, our life of one's life from danger. Still, the words as they stand ambitions, and our friends. do carry a deep religious meaning. No one can count Do you have any "rooms" in your heart that you on living until tomorrow. Fatal accidents occur sud- are keeping Christ out of? If so, why not let Him enter denly, as you know. Even more seriously, if we do not every one of them? accept a solemn appeal by a minister today, we cannot count on doing it later on. Thousands of people have WHAT'S WITH MY CHANGING SIS? left a religious meeting fully intending to return and Q. I guess your column is for bigger kids than me, accept Christ at the next meeting, but have failed to but then my question is not about me. It's about my return the next night on account of something un- sis. It seems like she's always scrapping with Mother. expected. They have also failed to return the night Last night she had it out with Daddy too. I can't figure after that. And so it has gone on till they have lost all it. She used to like everybody at home, but not lately. inclination to be Christians. She's a sophomore in high school. What's with her? The Bible says, "Today if ye will hear His voice, A. Somewhere between thirteen and eighteen some- harden not your hearts." Hebrews 3:15. "Behold, now thing important happens to people, a change from is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salva- being a child to being an adult. Parents sometimes tion." 2 Corinthians 6:2.

Signs of the Times, June, 1969 25 DE NYS INC. How to Avoid This Costly Calamity

Some people claim to be able to spot drug addicts provided they feel certain they will have no difficulty on the sidewalk or in a crowd just by their supposed in obtaining the next few doses. unusual facial expression and general appearance. I The heroin addict, for example, may have good doubt if this spotting can be accurate, but surely we reason to worry about how he will obtain his next all see addicts more commonly than we realize. At dose of the drug. To obtain the drug in the amounts least three in every thousand people in the general he requires may cost as much as $75 per day. Usually population are confirmed heroin users, and who knows he knows where he can get the drug, but getting the how many more are addicted to morphine, barbitu- money with which to purchase it may not be easy. rates, tranquilizers, "pep pills," LSD, and marijuana? In most cases the heroin addict does not have the Anyway, addicts, for the most, were perfectly nor- personal abilities to earn by honorable means the mal people before some combination of circumstances money it takes to support his habit. So, short of plus the drug to which they are now addicted set experiencing a cure, he has no recourse but to obtain them apart as different—different because they have the money day by day in ways that are dishonest or become dependent on the use of a drug. And even indecent. Thus it is that heroin addicts are usually now their conduct is reasonably normal provided they involved in shoplifting, burglary, prostitution, procur- have been taking their usual doses of the drug and ing, or drug peddling. Obtaining money in sufficient by Harold Shryock, M.D. quantities and then obtaining the drug becomes the member of the narcotic group for smuggling and use addict's way of life. His first thought as he wakens in by addicts. the morning pertains to his need for the drug. His last 2. Sedatives. Sedatives have the effect of relieving thought at night centers around his plans for securing tension and promoting calmness. The sedative drugs another dose when he awakens. prescribed commonly by physicians are the barbitu- Addicts realize their plight and regret that they rates and the tranquilizers. Alcohol is a definite seda- have become dependent to the extent that they are tive, but its effects and its influence on the personality helpless without the drug. But any good intentions of the user are beyond the scope of the present article. they may have for quitting their addiction are quickly 3. Stimulants. The chief items in this group are the dispelled by the ever-present dread of the suffering amphetamines. These have very limited medicinal they will pass through should they fail to get the next value. Their use is forbidden by law except by a physi- dose on time. cian's prescription. There is an enormous black-market With heroin the symptoms of withdrawal begin distribution, however, as "pep pills." after about eight hours of privation and continue to 4. Hallucinogens. LSD and marijuana are the pop- be progressively more severe for the next three days. ular examples here. They have no value in treating The symptoms begin mildly with a running nose and those who are sick. In recent years they have become unnatural watering of the eyes. Gooseflesh then ap- popular among drug users because of their influence pears, along with profuse perspiration. Later muscle on the perceptive functions of the brain. Their effect twitchings and severe muscle cramps are added. The is to distort the sensory experiences so that things are victim cannot sleep, partly because of his irritability seen and heard differently from normal. and partly because of vomiting and diarrhea. In order to understand how a person may form a One would suppose that anyone who finds himself compelling habit which forces him against his better in such a plight would be energetic in warning others judgment to continue taking a drug, we will now against the use of habit-forming drugs lest they, too, consider the two kinds of "drug dependence." By drug should become addicted. On the contrary, however, dependence we refer to the condition of brain or body the addict actually becomes ingenious in tricking by which a drug becomes "necessary" in order for the others into sharing his experience with drugs. The individual to carry on in what he considers to be his reasons for his aggressive "proselyting" are partly preferred manner. psychological and partly monetary. By persuading Psychological drug dependence develops when a others to share his way of life, he partly assuages his drug has such an effect as to enable the drug user to self-condemnation and humiliation for belonging to an sidestep his problems of personality. When a drug unpopular minority. Then, if he can serve as the agent provides an escape from unpleasant reality, when it through whom new addicts obtain their supply, he relieves a person of his feelings of insecurity or infer- can thus get the money with which to provide his own iority, when it replaces emotional tensions and anxiety needs. by calmness, when it relieves depression and fatigue, In this article I am concerned not so much with or when it provides unusual perceptions and attitudes describing the horrors of addiction as with uncover- that seem to raise a person out of a world of stern ing the answer to the question, What makes an addict? reality into a sphere of colorful ( though false) crea- What makes a person vulnerable to drug dependence tivity, then we have a circumstance which, if coupled in the first place? with preexisting personality problems, virtually com- The fundamental conditions that set the stage for pels the one who has tried the drug once to use it addiction vary from case to case. Also, the particular again. pattern of drug dependence is different with one kind Persons of stable, mature attitudes who face their of drug from what it is with another. So, before we existing problems courageously are not easily vulner- find our answer to the question What causes addiction? able to dependence on drugs. They do not feel the we must first mention the four categories of drugs need of a crutch. They spurn the thought of tampering that are habit-forming. with their established self-reliance. But those who 1. Narcotics. The principal examples of the narcot- already feel inadequate, those who have not yet tasted ics are heroin, codeine, and morphine. Morphine is success, those who fear they may not attain their goals valuable as a pain killer and is used extensively, on in life, those who feel crowded out by competition, doctors' orders, for the relief of suffering from acci- and those who feel that life has become humdrum, dents and from the tissue destruction caused by can- become such easy victims of drug dependence that cer, and in connection with illnesses requiring sur- a single experience with a drug which provides an gery. Morphine is not dangerous when used expressly artificial shelter from the storm of their unpleasant as the physician directs. Codeine is also frequently attitudes may establish a compelling habit. The ele- prescribed by physicians for the relief of pain and in ment of psychological drug dependence operates in certain respiratory ailments. Heroin, like the other all four of the categories of habit-forming drugs listed narcotics, is derived from the opium poppy. It has no above. important use in medical practice, but it is the favorite Physiological drug dependence is a condition that

Signs of the Times, June, 1969 27 develops after a user of narcotics or sedatives has of the drugs that cause dependency, he will never become accustomed to the effects of his drug. It in- become addicted. In the experience of every addict, volves a physical dependence in which the body, not there was a first time. If there is never a first time, the brain, rebels against being deprived of the drug. there cannot be a second or third. Here we have the symptoms which appear when As parents deal with their children, helping them certain organs of the body function abnormally as to prepare for successful living, they should take when vomiting and diarrhea appear among the with- occasion to explain the dangers of experimentation drawal symptoms of heroin addiction. with any agent which is said to have an influence on Physiological drug dependence is associated with one's moods or thoughts. The child should be informed the continued use of narcotics and sedatives, not nec- that such drugs may be administered in drinks or in essarily with the use of the stimulants and the hallu- smokes as well as in tablets, capsules, powders, sugar cinogens. It is the combination of psychological and cubes, or syringes. physiological drug dependence that makes it so nearly Recalling the two kinds of drug dependence men- impossible to rehabilitate the person who uses nar- tioned earlier, it should be noted that it is psychologi- cotics or sedatives. However, psychological drug de- cal dependence that develops first and that operates pendence alone, if deep-rooted in an inadequate or in all cases of drug abuse. Physiological dependence, immature personality, may be almost impossible to when it occurs, comes later—after a person has used break. a drug long enough so that his body rebels when Even though a person who is using stimulants or deprived. This means that if psychological dependence hallucinogens may not experience symptoms of physi- can be forestalled, addiction cannot develop. The cal torture when he is deprived of his drug, the same second precaution, therefore, in avoiding the possibil- factors in his personal circumstances which made him ity of addiction, consists of solving in advance those vulnerable in the first place may easily force him to problems of personality which set the stage for psy- continue his use of the drug which has seemed to ease chological dependence on drugs. his problems. What are the personality problems which, if al- Here are some examples of ordinary persons, fol- lowed to go unsolved, set the stage for drug depen- lowing ordinary pursuits, who may be vulnerable to dence? There are many kinds, of course. But, in a drug abuse: the young man, just out of college, who word, they are the circumstances of life which cause finds that no one wants to hire him; the housewife and a person to feel inadequate, despised, unwanted, un- mother who becomes vexed with the continuing dis- loved, rejected, or thwarted. When a person feels agreements among her children; the truck driver who thus, it is easy for him to escape from his unhappiness has to drive long hours in order to meet his schedule; by recourse to drugs. Once he has tried this way out the college student with a major in political science of his dilemma, he is no longer in control of his own who becomes disillusioned and disgusted with the destiny. conditions of society both in his own country and in The ability to solve problems of personality in a the world at large. wholesome manner begins in early childhood. Then it These would not all be susceptible to the influence is that parents have a molding influence on the lives of the same drug, for their problems are different. If of their children. Parents who are themselves well the unemployed college graduate is so unwise as to adjusted can set the example of confidence. By mani- try one shot of heroin, he will discover that his trou- festing love for and trust in the child they provide the bles are forgotten while under the influence. The assurance of personal worth which the child craves. distraught housewife is an easy candidate for de- By being companionable with the child they influence pendence on a tranquilizer. The truck driver can him day by day to overlook the momentary slights and please his employer and make his schedule by re- disappointments in favor of life's long-range goals. course to the stimulating influence of "pep pills" before With Christian perspective, they can teach the child he realizes that tolerance for the amphetamines builds to have faith in God and to trust Him to overrule in up quickly and that the consequences may include life's affairs. damage to his heart, psychological depression, suicidal For the adult who may not have had the advantage compulsions, and actual insanity. The disillusioned of a favorable childhood and who now feels harassed college student can sharply curtail his chances for by life's unpleasant realities—so harassed that he is actual success by foolishly trying one "trip" with LSD. tempted to take some "easy" way out—the Christian Now that we have considered the causes of addic- perspective offers the most effective means of becom- tion, let us raise the question that is even more im- ing stable. The apostle Paul testified of this advantage portant: How can a person be spared from becoming when he wrote with self-effacing confidence, "I can do an addict? all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." First and obviously, if a person never samples one Philippians 4:13. [END]

28 Signs of the Times, June, 1969

The 5112th Commandment

Wise Counsel for Modern Parents

by Russ Spangler, Jr.

DEVAN This is not a serious attempt to their children. Even normal, loving dren when they're asleep. They are suggest the need for an addition to parents sometimes explode in an- so sweet and good when they are the Decalogue—or to say that there ger. The frustrations and tensions lying peacefully in bed. That's the should be an insertion between the of this space age are sometimes best time to sneak in and refill your- fifth and sixth commandments. taken out on the children. We self with a genuine love for them— There are already far too many scream at them or, in an unguarded a love that will sustain you through people seeking to tamper with moment, give them a blow that in all the mischief and heartbreak of God's holy law. no way reflects the love that par- the morrow. That's the time to pray However, commandment number ents should have for their children. that God will give you wisdom to 5% may be found in Ephesians 6:4. There is little doubt that we need train them in the way that they Writes the apostle Paul, in verses to remember commandment num- should go. 1-3, "Children, obey your parents in ber 5%, "Parents, love your chil- Does commandment number 534 the Lord: for this is right. Honor dren." mean that a parent should never thy father and mother; which is the I remember very well when the punish a child? The nearest library first commandment with promise; importance of this precept was im- has a large number of books on that it may be well with thee, and pressed upon me in a way that I parent-child relationships, but it is thou mayest live long on the earth." will never forget. interesting to note that these books After saying this—which every- It was one of those days! I had reflect the swing of the pendulum one recognizes as the fifth com- been cooped up in a car all day from one extreme to the other. Par- mandment—Paul immediately adds, with two hyperactive children. The ents who really love their children "And, ye fathers, provoke not your traffic was heavy, the children were will continue to discipline them in children to wrath: but bring them bouncing back and forth over the love—after the best Biblical tradi- up in the nurture and admonition seats. Finally one of them dropped tion. of the Lord." In other words, Par- an ice cream cone on the brand- Pastor David Wilkerson, author ents, love your children! new car seat. Suffice it to say that of the best seller, The Cross and Does anybody need to tell par- the hasty words I shouted in no the Switchblade, works very closely ents to love their children? Don't way reflected all the love that a with drug addicts, juvenile delin- parents automatically do so? Of father should have for his children. quents, and young people from course most parents automatically The strangely hushed silence both sides of the tracks. In the city- love their children, but we live in which followed, however, was soon wide youth crusades that he con- an age when many are "without broken by my little boy, who ducts almost every weekend in natural affection." 2 Timothy 3:3. stopped me cold with his next some part of the world, he force- Newspapers tell shocking stories words: "Daddy, would you rather fully preaches that what we need of drunken mothers and crazed not have any children?" today is a "Woodshed Revival." He fathers who unmercifully abuse Of course, we all love our chil- strongly feels that too many chil-

Signs of the Times, June, 1969 29 dren are being allowed to express when he said: "That is why that whole family prepared for a one- themselves too freely, without any stubborn, foolish, disobedient little day fishing trip not far from home. discipline whatsoever. He says: child grew up to be a minister of There were seven children in the "Nowadays, kids can order parents the gospel instead of a gang family. We would climb into the around, scream directions, tell them leader!" back of the old truck to go for a to mind their own business, and get The Bible is still the best text- day's fishing, boating, and swim- away with no more discipline than book for parents. It says in Proverbs ming and a picnic lunch. This was a request to cut out TV viewing 19:18: "Chasten thy son while there one thing which knit our home to- every third Monday night after ten is hope, and let not thy soul spare gether in love." o'clock, or be sent to the movies for his crying." Proverbs 22:15 says: Seek to build a spirit of com- without ice cream on their cake." "Foolishness is bound in the heart radeship. Love is built on relation- A few years ago, some Young peo- of a child; but the rod of correction ships. The whole social and eco- ple were having a round-table dis- shall drive it far from him." Prov- nomic trend today tends to pull cussion on a local TV program in erbs 23:13 tells us, "Withhold not families apart. This means that we Nevada. Among many other re- correction from the child: for if must watch and plan for opportu- vealing things, they said: "We'll thou beatest him with the rod, he nities when we can work and play tell you what the trouble is. Our shall not die." together. Our families need a spirit parents don't care what we do. This, of course, is not a license of comradeship. Some families set They never discipline us, they for unmerciful beatings. It is, aside one night a week which is never tell us that we can't do cer- rather, sound Biblical advice to the called home night. tain things, and so we will go the effect that correction and punish- Even when some members of the whole limit, but we don't feel right ment have their place in rearing family need to be gone from home, about it. . . . If our parents would children and teaching them to obey. a strong comradeship can still be just sit down on us a little bit, we'd Parents should remember, though, built. feel more secure." that this discipline must be given "When I am gone from home," This fact was emphasized again in love, thus fulfilling the 53ith com- said one father, "I know that my in our home just the other day. It mandment, "Parents, love your chil- family is thinking of me and pray- had been quite some time since our dren." [END] ing for me. They know I am think- little girl had received any sort of ing of them and praying for them." "physical" punishment, and she was Love and comradeship are not doing her utmost to see how far The Time to Love something we do or share only she could go. The inevitable hap- (Continued from page 9) when we are together. Love is a pened one day while I was away, Seek to make recreation more way of life. It develops the "we" but I found out about it as soon as family-centered. The family creates feeling. I got home. "I got a spanking to- the atmosphere for receiving and A child needs to be loved and day," were almost the first words giving love. Are not the most mean- know he is loved. How? By the way that I heard, and there was an un- ingful experiences you remember we talk to him, the way we cud- deniable pride in the tone of her in your childhood those which you dle him, the way we kiss away his voice. It sounded as though she was did as a family? Somehow these hurts, the way we enter his little saying in her own little way: "My linger. games, the way we enter into his mommy loves me enough to make The other evening I visited a interests, and the way we let him me do as she says." friend. I found him, with his fam- help share in the work and play of David Wilkerson vividly de- ily, in the backyard. They were the whole family. scribes what it was like in his home. enjoying a simple family barbecue. Such comradeship helps to pre- They didn't have a woodshed, but Such activities characterized his vent discipline problems. One his dad's razor strop hung on a big family and have built a great to- mother wrote about her experience nail on the way downstairs to the getherness over the years. in meeting the needs of her adoles- coal bin. His dad conducted all his Some have tried family camping. cent daughter who had become "counseling" sessions down in the The cost is small over the years. resentful and defiant. "Instead of coal bin, but they were never con- Camping affords a good chance to punishing Betty and constantly re- ducted in anger. He would always do things together. minding her of her age, I deter- wait until his anger had cooled and A day at the zoo, the art gallery, mined to give her large helpings of until young David had begun to or a historical landmark can be love and approval. I stopped order- hope that he had forgotten all family-centered. Even the plan- ing her to do certain duties, and about it. Then came the trip to the ing together, whether it be for an instead asked her to share my du- coal bin. After it was all over, evening of games at home or for ties. She had had to do the evening David had to kneel and ask God a week's vacation away, is of great dishes alone—now we did them to- to forgive his stubborness. After value. gether, chatting as we worked. that he had to put his arms around One mother shared the follow- "I made it a point to give her an his father and tell him how much ing: "From my own childhood I affectionate hug now and then, and he loved him. But Pastor Wilker- shall never forget the excitement to praise her warmly when she de- son summarized its effectiveness and pleasure each summer as our served it. Both my husband and I

30 Signs of the Times, June, 1969 laid aside our hobbies in the eve- tor, Sustainer, Redeemer, and com- the sixteenth-century Reformers. nings to play games with her. Grad- ing King. But many others look Nothing short of this can meet ually we found our child again. upon God as "a kind of trickster our need today. [END] "We all love our children," says who intervenes in human affairs in this mother, "but we forget to show a quite arbitrary way," to quote Dr. them how much—by sharing with Edmund Leach of King's College, Tell the World Now! them our time, our hobbies, our Cambridge, England. This scholar, (Continued from page 21) work; by listening to them and giv- in his article in The Saturday listen to the program,' she said, 'for ing them patient counsel or, if Evening Post of November 16, 1968, that is no racket. That is a program need be, intelligent and just pun- declares that "the scientist must be that brings you the real truth of ishment. That extra helping of love the source of his own morality." God's Holy Word.' I then listened will enable our children to become "We ourselves have to decide what to this program, and what an in- mature and happy—as we want is sin and what is virtue, and we spiration it brought to me! I found them to be." must do so on the basis of our in The Voice of Prophecy a Set aside definite times to talk. modern knowledge and not on the Heaven-sent message bringing faith It sounds strange to say that fami- basis of traditional categories." and hope, and it brought real pur- lies should talk together. But just While this man speaks as a sci- pose to my life. Today my wife living in the same house does not entist and not as a theologian, yet and I are happy. We are enjoying guarantee that we speak to each this kind of thinking has led many life to the fullest extent, and it was other. We need time to talk out ministers as well as laymen to through the marvelous media of problems. The warmth of our love regard the Word of God as the radio and television that we both as parents can be gauged by how product of a bygone age with no were able to hear the voice of God." we talk and how we listen. relevance for this generation. But Jesus said, "Blessed are your eyes, Once a day at our house we plan we ask, Has man become his own for they see: and your ears, for they a "family time." Some might call it god, making his own laws, decid- hear. For verily I say unto you, family worship. But we do more ing his own destiny? These ques- That many prophets and righteous than read the Bible and pray to- tions lead to the very heart of the men have desired to see those gether. It is also a time to talk issue today. things which ye see, and have not together about many things. We Time was when universalism seen them; and to hear those things cannot afford to do without this taught that all men are or will be which ye hear, and have not heard them." Matthew 13:16, 17. time together. saved. But the universalist of today Maybe mealtimes can be made claims that man does not need a He was talking of events con- nected with His first coming, but meaningful. As friends go out to savior at all, for he was never lost; His words take on new significance dine together to discuss common his long evolutionary struggle has concerns, so the family can use the been but an "outreach to fulfill his today as His second coming draws mealtime to build togetherness and potential." near. Marvelous indeed are the things we see and hear today. And interest in one another. Love grows Thus the great teachings that more are to come as communication where there are shared experi- brought about the founding of the by radio and television is ever more ences. [END] Protestant churches are being fully employed. eroded. The Seventh-day Adventist What's Happening to The words of Jesus have partic- Church has addressed itself to the ular relevance today. Speaking of task of communicating the "gospel the Reformation? Moses He said, "If ye believe not of the kingdom" to every soul on (Continued from page II ) his writings, how shall ye believe earth, using the most modern com- worthy, then in what can a sinner My words?" John 5:47. And again, munications media possible. Every believe for salvation? All we know "If they hear not Moses and the week there are more than 3,000 of our Lord—His deity, His incarna- prophets, neither will they be per- broadcasts from the Voice of Proph- tion, His atoning death, His resur- suaded though one rose from the ecy and local Adventist broadcast- rection, His ascension, His ministry dead." Luke 16:31. ers. Over 320 television stations at the throne of grace, His immi- The greatest Teacher of all time communicate the message of God's nent return in power and glory, the had no question about the veracity love through the Faith for Today judgment, the millennium, our eter- and authority of Scripture. "It is and It Is Written telecasts. nal reign with Him—all these and written" was His weapon against The apostle Paul wrote that if a hundred other vital truths we get the devil. And the apostle Paul people don't hear they won't be- from the Bible. Historic Protestant- declared that we shall be able to lieve. Romans 10:14. We must ism accepted "the Bible and the stand against the wiles of the devil therefore let all hear and let all Bible only" as its textbook of belief. if we "take the helmet of salvation, see. When this has been accom- To the sixteenth-century Chris- and the sword of the Spirit, which plished, "then shall the end come." tians the Bible was the authorita- is the Word of God." Ephesians Then Jesus will return in the clouds tive revelation of God. Bible-believ- 6:17. That was the doctrine and of heaven to transport all who love ing Christians today rejoice in the the defense of the early Christians. Him to His glorious world of to- same truth that God is their Crea- It was the unequivocal position of morrow. [END]

Signs of the Times, June, 1969 31 Ominscience. "The Spirit search- rinthians 12:11), testifies and wit- YOUR eth all things, yea, the deep things nesses ( John 15:26; Acts 20:23), of God. For what man knoweth may be vexed, grieved, insulted, the things of a man, save the spirit and resisted (Isaiah 63:10; Ephe- of man which is in him? even so sians 4:30; Hebrews 10:29; Acts 7: the things of God knoweth no man, 51), reproves and convicts of sin but the Spirit of God." 1 Corinthi- ( John 16:8), intercedes (Romans ans 2:10, 11. 8:26, 27). Holiness. "Cast me not away The apostle Peter declared that from Thy presence; and take not lying to the Holy Spirit was lying Thy Holy Spirit from me." Psalm to God. Acts 5:3, 4. 51:11. See also Matthew 28:19. It is perfectly reasonable to Life-giving Power. "It is the speak of one person's being "filled" Spirit that quickeneth." John 6:63. with another person. If one is so Christ was begotten of the Holy fully in harmony with the other Spirit, and He was also the Son of that their ideals, purposes, and ac- God. "And the angel answered and tions are the same, one may appro- BIBLE said unto her [Mary], The Holy priately be said to be "filled" with Ghost shall come upon thee, and the other. One empties his mind of QUESTIONS the power of the Highest shall his own thoughts and preposses- overshadow thee: therefore also sions, and the thoughts of the other that holy thing which shall be born "pour" in. During the ten days fol- ANSWERED of thee shall be called the Son of lowing Christ's ascension the disci- ples had made the necessary prepa- by Charles D. Utt God." Luke 1:35. See also Mat- thew 1:20. ration for the inpouring of the The Scriptures teach that the Spirit. The Spirit did not disap- Holy Spirit is a person, not merely point them. THE HOLY SPIRIT a divine influence or emanation, The Pentecost experience was As for the "Holy Spirit," the so- not an impersonal power or active the fulfillment of God's promise, "I called "third Person of the Trinity," force. Referring to Himself, the will pour out My Spirit upon all John the Baptist said that Jesus Holy Spirit used the personal pro- flesh." Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17, 18. It would baptize with the Holy Spirit nouns "Me" and "I": "The Holy was also the fulfillment of John even as John had been baptizing Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas the Baptist's prophecy that Christ with water. Matthew 3:11. Water and Saul for the work whereunto I would "baptize" with the Spirit. is not a person nor is Holy Spirit a have called them." Acts 13:2. The Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:5. The events person. What John foretold was Spirit guides and directs ( John 16: of the Day of Pentecost fully ex- fulfilled when God caused His Son 13; Acts 16:6 ), speaks (Acts 21:11; plain what is meant by baptism Christ Jesus to pour out the Holy Hebrews 3:7; Revelation 2:7 ), with the Spirit. The disciples saw Spirit on the apostles and disciples teaches ( John 14:26 ), wills (1 Co- and felt the manifestation of the during the Day of Pentecost, so that Spirit, and they were completely "they were filled with Holy Spirit." surrounded by His presence. In Were they filled with a person? this sense they were immersed in, The Holy Spirit is a power or active INTERNATIONAL SERVICE or "baptized" with, the Spirit. This force. M. P. is not the first use of the word bap- To meet the needs of the mil- tism in a figurative sense. Jesus We will first examine the Scrip- lions in the United States and Canada who speak languages spoke of His sufferings as a "bap- tural teaching respecting the na- other than English and prefer to tism." Matthew 20:22; Luke 12:50. ture and work of the Holy Spirit. read magazines in their own In view of all we are told about His attributes are the attributes of mother tongue, the publishers of the nature and work of the Holy Deity: the "Signs of the Times" issue similar journals in the following Spirit, the only reasonable way to Omnipotence. "The Spirit of God languages: understand such expressions as "full moved upon the face of the wa- of the Spirit" and "pour out the ters." Genesis 1:2. "Thou sendest French: "Mieux Vivre" Spirit" is that they are figurative forth Thy Spirit, they are created." German: "Zeichen der Zeit" language. Pouring and filling both Psalm 104:30. Spanish: "El Centinela" express the thought of great abun- Omnipresence. "Whither shall I Ukrainian: "Oznake" dance. They are an attempt to de- go from Thy Spirit? or whither Should you wish a free copy of scribe or express a spiritual truth shall I flee from Thy presence?" "If one of these journals, either for within the limitations of human yourself or for a friend, address I take the wings of the morning, your request to Frank L. Baer, language. It would be impossible and dwell in the uttermost parts of Manager, Foreign Language Di- to find more apt figurative lan- the sea; even there shall Thy hand vision, "Signs of the Times," guage than this to describe God's lead me, and Thy right hand shall Mountain View, California 94040. giving and man's receiving the hold me." Psalm 139:7, 9, 10. promised gift of the Spirit.

32 Signs of the Times, June, 1969 international hunger problems: calories. They cannot supply the Not by Calories Alone "One of the biggest roadblocks to vitamins and energy-giving, pro- (Continued from page 23) easing world famine is that some tective elements needed to sustain But what did you do? You went people would rather die than the new life God gives at the time to bed hungry too many times. change their eating habits." of new birth nor prevent its deter- You didn't have to. You were sur- And then this: In the United ioration and eventual loss. rounded with plenty. But you States, findings of the House Agri- To ward off such a tragedy the joined thousands of others in mak- culture Committee led to the un- divine prescription includes specific ing an unwise selection of nutrients mistakable conclusion that "there direction on the Christian's mental for your spiritual life. is very little actual hunger in the diet. We find it in Philippians 4:8: Like the foolish rich man of United States, but widespread mal- "Finally, brethren, whatsoever Christ's parable in Luke 12:16-21, nutrition caused largely by igno- things are true, whatsoever things you thought you could feed your rance as to what constitutes a bal- are honest, whatsoever things are soul on corn. anced diet." just, whatsoever things are pure, But, someone may ask, how does Do you catch the implications of whatsoever things are lovely, what- one feed his soul on anything? these statements as they relate to sover things are of good report; if Scientists now understand more the sustenance of one's spiritual there be any virtue, and if there be clearly what God, the Creator, has life? Do you begin to see why you any praise, think on these things." known about us all along. Man con- might have suffered a relapse? This does not mean, of course, sists of closely integrated psycho- What happens when the born- that anyone can generate new life logical and physiological entities. again Christian, ignorant or indif- in his being by concentration of Built right into the cells of human ferent as to what constitutes a bal- thought merely, or by "meditation," beings, by divine arrangement, is a anced diet for his new nature, or as some teach. The new life from basic desire for goodness. People perhaps rebellious against chang- above is always and only an "ob- "are born with a spiritual urge as ing his eating habits as prescribed tainment," not an "attainment"; a strong as their instincts of sex and by the Doctor, persists in getting gift, not an earned dividend. hunger," declare psychologists like his calories the same old way? But once it is received, the re- Dr. Viktor Frankl. This craving has What happens if he is not careful cipient shares responsibility for its to be satisfied with nutrients suit- of what he views on television? Or maintenance by cooperating with able to it, else a condition known if he fails to discriminate between the Giver in carrying out directions as "heart hunger" results. These nu- good and bad literature? pertaining to its care. trients are supplied through the A report on the "Video Boy" in Partly for this reason God gave intellect. We feed the soul on what Time last year ( January 26) helps us the Bible, the study of which we see, hear, read, and meditate to answer the question. It described strengthens and invigorates man's upon. the typical Video Boy as one who moral nature. Something happens Many make the mistake of trying "doesn't do anything. He just sits to the soul as one repeatedly reads to keep their new spiritual life func- there, sucks his thumb, and stares the Bible, seeking with prayer to tioning normally without Heaven- at the tube." understand God's will. A condi- prescribed vitamins and proteins. What kind of soul nourishment do tioning takes place, a development They spend very little time at he and his elders receive as they of attitudes, biases, strengths. It's church or in personal study of the stare? Dr. Isidore Ziferstein, M.D., a qualitative change like that which Bible. They choose instead spicy psychiatrist, presented an authori- happens to a student under the in- delicacies dished out at the theater, tative viewpoint in the Spring fluence of a great teacher. served up in novels, or channeled 1966 issue of Better Radio and The Bible is all that its advocates into the home via television. They Television, in which among other say it is, and much more. It is heav- spend hours on these diversions. things he said, "A large proportion enly manna, without which in the Calories they get aplenty, but not of television programs . . . consists truest sense man cannot live. the right kind—not the kind that of dramatized violence, crime, mys- The all-wise Creator, our divine feeds their Heaven-born nature and tery, and brutality." Physician, knew our dependence on keeps it strong and healthy. No wonder former President proper spiritual nutrition from the In discussions of physical mal- Johnson, in setting up a commission beginning. He made us with a nourishment, Dr. Linus Pauling, the in June, 1968, to study crime in built-in hunger that could be satis- Nobel-Prize-winning chemist from America, cited such programs as fied only by communion with Him- the University of California at San one possible source of the trouble. self. So He gave us the Bible. to Diego, pointed out that deficien- What does a steady diet of cru- supply this basic need of the soul. cies in vitamins and other chemical elty, seduction, pornography, and Jesus therefore spoke for all man- substances may render the body violence do to one's moral nature? kind, as well as for Himself, when vulnerable to a sort of "cerebral Do we need a Dr. Pauling to tell He declared to Satan in the wilder- scurvy or cerebral pernicious ane- us? Can we not see for ourselves ness of temptation: "Man shall not mia. how very soon we could develop, live by bread alone, but by every Along with his observation, add "spiritual scurvy" or "spiritual per- word that proceedeth out of mouth this one by experts grappling with nicious anemia"? These are empty of God." Matthew 4:4. [END]

Signs of the Times, June, 1969 33 reply, "I am going to treat him as if he had never been away!" That prodigal playboy hardly hoped for such a reception. On the homeward road he thought up a plan that he would use, and may well have muttered over and over again: "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired ser- vants." Luke 15:18, 19. The father permitted the distraught youth to make his confession, but no sooner had the son sobbed, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son," than the father commanded, "Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him." The father was determined to treat his boy as if he had never been away. Only the best robe would suffice. "Put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it," he ordered. The reception given to the returning prodigal illus- trates God's welcome for any returning sinner. "I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgres- sions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins," He says. Isaiah 43:25. The words "for Mine own sake" only hint at the immense pleasure He takes in the redemption of His people. God receives rebels as if they had never rebelled. He receives sinners as if they had never sinned! But in order for God to receive us, we must return to Him. "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the ZINGARO, ARTIST; ©PPPA unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon," declares the divine invitation. Isaiah 55:7. PRODIGAL A wretched man shivered in the London fog one day in 1877. He had been a fugitive for years, scared by his own shadow. Suddenly he spied a large placard. PLAYBOYS His whole appearance changed as he read: BY THE QUEEN by Raymond L. Cox A Proclamation For extending pardon to soldiers who may have deserted from our land forces. During the War Between the States, President Lin- The proclamation declared that Queen Victoria, to coln was often asked "When the fighting ends and mark the completion of fifty years of her reign, ex- the Southern States are forced to return to the Union, tended pardon to all her soldiers who might have how are you going to treat those rebels?" deserted, providing they would report within two Without hesitation Lincoln replied, "I am going to months. A list of commanding officers and their ad- treat them as if they had never been away!" dresses followed. Deserters were urged to contact Mr. Lincoln did not live to implement that inten- one of these officials at once. The proclamation ended tion. Had his generous and forgiving attitude pre- with the words, "And we do hereby make further vailed, no doubt the wounds which date back to that declaration that every offender herein referred to who time would have been healed much sooner. shall not avail himself of the pardon we now gra- The fifteenth chapter of Luke—which, incidentally, ciously offer shall be held amenable to all pains and might be termed the Bible's "Lost and Found Depart- penalties provided under the Army Act. Given at our ment"—relates how a young man left his family and court at Windsor, the 17th day of June, 1887, in the squandered his inheritance in fast company. The day fiftieth year of our reign." dawned, however, when this youth came to his senses God proposes to treat sinners as if they had never and decided to return home. "I cannot go as a son," sinned. But in order to receive this redemption, sin- he mused, "for I have disgraced the family; I will seek ners must accept it. And they must accept it while to return as a servant." it remains available for them. "Behold, now is the "How are you going to treat your younger son when accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." he returns?" someone no doubt asked the father. His 2 Corinthians 6:2.

34 Signs of the Times, June, 1969