E n g l i s h • F r e n c h • P o r t u g u e s e • S p a n i s h

Science finds God What is the purpose of prayer? Six myths of marriage Joy: The secret of being content Marrying a non-Christian? Alcohol’s dark secrets

Vo2 l u m e 1 7 REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES EAST-CENTRAL AFRICA DIVISION PO Box 14756, Nairobi, KENYA CONTENTS Hudson E. Kibuuka [email protected] EURO-AFRICA DIVISION PO Box 219, 3000 Bern 32, SWITZERLAND ESSAYS Roberto Badenas Science finds God [email protected] 5 EURO-ASIA DIVISION All the precision found in the universe and all the complexity evidenced Krasnoyarskaya Street 3, Golianovo, in living things indicate that a Creator God is necessary. 107589 Moscow, RUSSIAN FEDERATION Heriberto Muller by Ariel A. Roth [email protected] INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION What is the purpose of prayer? PO Box 140760 8 Prayer doesn’t change God’s character or His heart. But it gives Him Miami, FL 33114-0760, U.S.A. Carlos Archbold huge new arenas to work His wonders. [email protected] Bernardo Rodriguez by Dan Smith [email protected] Six myths of marriage NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION 10 12501 Old Columbia Pike, The greatest happiness in marriage isn’t found in the early euphoria but Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600, U.S.A. Martin Feldbush in the long-term satisfaction found in a faithful partnership of many years. [email protected] by Calvin Thomsen Gerald Kovalski [email protected] Joy: The secret of being content NORTHERN ASIA-PACIFIC DIVISION Koyang IIsan, PO Box 43, It’s both our commission and our privilege to live in joy and walk in light, 783 Janghang-Dong, Ilsan-Gu, Koyang City, 13 Kyonggi-do 411-600, KOREA spreading both to the world around us. Shin, Dong Hee by Céleste Perrino-Walker [email protected] SOUTH AMERICAN DIVISION Caixa Postal 02-2600, 70279-970 Brasilia, DF, BRAZIL Roberto de Azevedo DEPARTMENTS [email protected] Erton Carlos Kohler [email protected] EDITORIAL OPEN FORUM Followers first Marrying a non-Christian? SOUTH PACIFIC DIVISION 3 27 Locked Bag 2014, Wahroonga, C. Garland Dulan Nancy Van Pelt N.S.W. 2076, AUSTRALIA Gilbert Cangy 4 LETTERS FOR YOUR INFORMATION [email protected] PROFILES 28 Alcohol’s dark secrets Barry Hill John F. Ashton [email protected] 16 Dora Bognandi SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN Roberto Vacca BOOKS DIVISION The Trinity: Understanding God’s H.G. 100, Highlands, Harare, ZIMBABWE 18 Neville Clouten 30 Tommy Nkungula Delyse Steyn Love, His Plan of Salvation, and [email protected] Christian Relationships (Woodrow SOUTHERN ASIA DIVISION ACTION REPORT Whidden, Jerry Moon, and John PO Box 2, HCF Hosur, University students meet W. Reeve) Tamil Nadu 635110, INDIA 20 Gordon Christo in Ecuador Aecio E. Cairus [email protected] Erton Kohler Prophets Are Human (Graeme SOUTHERN ASIA-PACIFIC DIVISION 30 PO Box 040, Silang, 20 Philadelphia Adventist Network Bradford) Cavite, 4118 PHILIPPINES Lakisha Hull Juan Carlos Viera Gladden Flores [email protected] 21 Adventist students active in the 31 The Battle for the Bible (David TRANS-EUROPEAN DIVISION Philippines Marshall) 119 St. Peter’s Street, St. Albans, Redentor A. Feliciano Kwabena Donkor Herts., AL1 3EY ENGLAND Orville Woolford LOGOS 33 INTERCHANGE [email protected] 22 He breathed into his nostrils: WESTERN AFRICA DIVISION God’s kiss of life FIRST PERSON 22 Boite Postale 1764, The voice He gave me Abidjan 22, COTE D’IVOIRE Larry L. Lichtenwalter 34 Japheth L. Agboka Charles Ngandwe as told to Anita [email protected] VIEWPOINT Marshall 24 Ellen White and her critics Leonard Brand INSERT A Neville Clouten Portfolio

2 DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 EDITORIAL This international journal of faith, thought, Followers first and action is published three times a year in four parallel editions. (English, Jesus’ ministry on Earth began with the calling of a group of followers to French, Portuguese, and Spanish) by the whom He would entrust His work after His ascension. The task of selecting fol- Committee on Adventist Ministry to College and University Students (AMiCUS) of lowers was an awesome one, especially since He had but a few years to prepare the General Conference of Seventh-day them for the work of carrying the good news of salvation to the world. Most Adventists. of those whom Jesus called were initially like rough-cut lumber that, without Volume 17, Number 2 the sandpaper of Jesus’ companionship, would injure or splinter others when Copyright © 2005 by the AMiCUS engaged in His service. But regardless of the condition of those Christ called, Committee. All rights reserved. learning how to follow was a necessary prelude to becoming leaders. Dialogue affirms the fundamental beliefs Jesus spent considerable time allowing His disciples to observe His manner of of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and operation prior to assigning them leadership roles. In addressing or confront- supports its mission. The views published in ing scribes, Pharisees, members of tribes or racial groups, and people of other this journal, however, are the independent thoughts of the authors. faiths and traditions, Jesus used various approaches in order to provide a broad perspective of what true and effective leadership entailed. The disciples often Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Humberto M. Rasi misinterpreted Jesus’ leadership style and purpose. But through the many expe- Editor John M. Fowler riences to which He exposed them, Jesus gently moved the disciples from the Associate Editors Martin Feldbush, rough-cut state toward the condition in which He could use them in leadership Alfredo García-Marenko roles. Managing Editor Julieta Rasi Copy Editor Beverly Rumble As students pursue their education, it is often surprising how much matura- Editorial Secretary Esther Rodríguez tion occurs in the process of observing teachers, fellow students, administrators, International Editions Julieta Rasi and others in leadership roles. Through this process, a transformation begins to International Copy Editors take place such that at some point, the student should move from a reactive role Corinne Egasse (French) Cesar Luis Pagani (Portuguese) toward a more proactive one. For this transformation to take place, students Julieta Rasi (Spanish) must begin to think of themselves in the new roles for which they are preparing. Editorial Correspondence “Anticipatory socialization” describes the process during which mental transfor- Dialogue mation occurs prior to the actual acceptance into a new role. Anticipation is an 12501 Old Columbia Pike important part of the process, but it usually does not occur by itself—it must be Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600 USA fostered by current leaders who are willing to mentor others. Thus, leaders are Telephone 301 680 5060 Fax 301 622 9627 built. Email [email protected] The Adventist Church is in dire need of leaders. Many members are comfort- AMiCUS Committee able merely following but are not willing to take the risks involved in leader- Chairman Gerry Karst ship—misrepresentation of motives, unanticipated obstacles, and mistakes. Vice Chairmen C. Garland Dulan, Martin Examples of mistakes by well-known leaders recorded in Scripture include great Feldbush, Baraka G. Muganda men of God such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Elijah, and Peter—to name Secretary Humberto M. Rasi Members John M. Fowler, Jonathan Gallagher, a few. The fact that these leaders made mistakes gives us a more balanced per- Alfredo García-Marenko, Clifford Goldstein, spective on leadership, but does not negate their important contributions to the Bettina Krause, Kathleen Kuntaraf, Vernon B. cause of God. Parmenter, Gerhard Pfandl, Gary B. Swanson During their academic careers’ students must mentally transition from being Circulation Inquires should be addressed followers to accepting that they will or may soon be called upon to lead. Christ to the Regional Representative located prepared His disciples for the leadership responsibilities that would be thrust in the area where the reader resides. See names and addresses on page 2. upon them soon after His death. Had they not learned these lessons, they would never have become effective leaders. The risk of leadership is a challenge, Subscriptions US $13 per year (three issues, airmail). See coupon on page 6 for the reward of which can only be realized in the success of seeing a job accom- details. plished. Like Christ’s disciples, leaders eventually move off the scene through retire- Website http://dialogue.adventist.org ment, changes to other positions, fatigue, burnout, or death. Thus, there is a DIALOGUE has received continual need to prepare for leadership transitions. No church organization can correspondence from readers in 117 countries around the world. Continued on next page

DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 3 afford to ignore the great need for future leaders. As you the challenge to lead. In doing so, there are not only cor- pursue your career, think about the need of your church porate benefits to the church, but personal ones as well. to fill the gaps in leadership that not only exist today but which will likely increase in the future, and prepare to become a Christian leader. God is in need of leaders who have prepared themselves by first understanding what it means to follow. Thus, when C. Garland Dulan the opportunity presents itself, they are prepared to accept Vice-chairman, AMiCUS Committee LETTERS The journal is a blessing benefit from its content. I am willing to such organizations sponsored by the I am very impressed by the con- help in translating some of the articles Seventh-day Adventist Church. tent of Dialogue. Each issue addresses and make them available to a wider read- The vice-chancellor was favorably important subjects for Adventist stu- ership. What do you suggest? impressed and remarked that the dents and young professionals. Indeed, Jakob Wieck journal indicated that the student fel- it is a blessing because it not only GERMANY lowship was a credible entity deserving nurtures our faith, but also broadens [email protected] university recognition. In addition, he our knowledge, and connects us with asked to receive himself future issues of fellow believers around the world. The editors respond: Dialogue because he was interested in Thank you! We are very pleased to know that you its content. I have already placed the Viviana Camargo appreciate Dialogue and would like to vice-chancellor in our courtesy mailing Cartagena, COLOMBIA see its articles available in German. A list, as well as the vice-presidents for [email protected] project of this nature will require con- academic administration and student siderable time and effort as well as qual- affairs. Earlier articles still interesting ity control. We suggest that you contact The AMiCUS Committee deserves I would like to know how I can the director of the Youth Department our gratitude for publishing a qual- have access to articles and interviews in your union and discuss how your ity journal that nurtures the students’ published in earlier issues of Dialogue. idea can become a reality. Consult also faith, gives credibility to our campus I believe that they maintain their fresh- with our regional representatives for the ministry, and serves as an evangelistic ness and are still interesting. Euro-Africa Division, listed on page 2 of tool as we relate to public university Carlos Olivares Dialogue. Perhaps the translated articles leaders and faculty. Talca, CHILE can be placed in a website, thus elimi- Japheth Agboka [email protected] nating the cost of printing and mailing. Abidjan, COTE D’IVOIRE We are willing to grant permission for [email protected] The editors respond: the translations, if we receive a formal Thank you for your interest in the request. Best wishes. journal. We have good news for you. Write to us! Go to the internet and log onto the Dialogue provides credibility We welcome your comments, reactions Dialogue website: http://dialogue.adven- At a public university in one of the and questions, but limit your letters to tist.org. There you will find a selection French-speaking countries of the West- 200 words, please. Write to of the best articles published since 1994, Central Africa Division, Adventists classified by language, author, issue, and were facing difficulties in having their DIALOGUE Letters department. Enjoy! student fellowship officially recognized 12501 Old Columbia Pike by the administration. I visited the Silver Spring, MD 20904 U.S.A. Dialogue in German? university vice-chancellor to discuss A few weeks ago I read my first copy of the situation. I introduced myself, FAX 301 622 9627 Dialogue and liked its content very much. showed him copies of Dialogue in its EMAIL [email protected] In my opinion, it is a very good journal four parallel language editions, and Letters selected for publication may be edited for Adventist students. If it were pub- explained that the student fellow- for clarity and/or space. lished in German, more readers would ship was part of a global network of

4 DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 Science finds God by Ariel A. Roth the origin of the universe and the nec- as it, day in and day out, makes life essary precision of the forces of physics possible, and it has been doing exactly All the precision found in in order for matter to exist. the right thing for a very long time. Flew is also impressed with find- There isn’t room for much variation the universe and all the ings in the biological world. Life is in what we find. For instance, if the complexity evidenced in liv- very complex, and he refers especially Earth were only five percent closer or ing things indicate that a to the “reproductive power” of living one percent farther from the Sun, this things, for which evolutionists have would rid our planet of all life.3 Creator God is necessary. not given an account. He further com- The precise value of the four basic ments that “it now seems to me that forces of physics is one of the stron- the findings of more than fifty years of gest scientific arguments for God. DNA research have provided material How could these just happen to have The intellectual dignitaries of the for a new and enormously powerful the right values and right domain of world were shocked! What they heard argument to design.” By “argument to action just by chance? A master Mind could not be true! On December 9, design,” Flew means the evidence for seems necessary to have planned all 2004, the Associated Press broke the a designer, and that designer would be this out. These four forces are: strong news that the legendary British phi- God. Flew was willing to overthrow nuclear force, weak nuclear force, losopher Antony Flew, who had been the dominant but restrictive naturalis- electromagnetic force, and gravity. leading the cause of atheism for more tic (mechanistic) philosophy of science Some, like the strong nuclear force, are than half a century, had changed his that excludes God, and allowed the extremely powerful; but fortunately, mind and decided that there must be data of nature to speak for itself, and that force works only within the nucle- a God. The stunning news quickly that data points to the necessity for a us of atoms, otherwise most everything spread over the world. Flew’s move was God. In Flew’s own words, he “had to in the universe would all be stuck precisely in the opposite direction of go where the evidence leads.” together. On the other hand, gravity the now-dominant secular ethos pro- is very weak but works over very long mulgated in most scholarly circles. The fine-tuned universe distances, keeping our solar system Flew’s dramatic turnaround, which A lot of evidence indicates that the and galaxies together. Experiments and occurred about a year earlier, was not universe had to be exactly the way it is, calculations indicate that change in a conversion to any traditional reli- or its existence, and especially the exis- the basic force constant of just a few gion. He believes in a God that had to tence of the life we find in it, would percent for any of these, and the whole originate what we are finding, not a not be possible. Cosmologist Hugh universe would collapse. The universe God that has produced a supernatural Ross lists 45 different items related to seems to be balanced on a knife edge. revelation of Himself such as the Bible. the physical characteristics of the uni- The relationship between some of However, he comments that he is open verse that need to be just right.2 these forces has to be extremely pre- to the possibility that God could, or Our faithful Sun provides a familiar cise. In referring to gravity and the might, have revealed Himself. example. Without our Sun, life on electromagnetic force, physicist Paul Flew is famous. He has written Earth would not be possible because Davies comments, “Calculations show nearly two dozen books on philosophy, the surface of our planet would be that changes in the strength of either and has been called the world’s most excruciatingly cold. Also, we need force by only one part out of the num- influential philosophical atheist. Why the light from the Sun to provide the ber 1040 would spell catastrophe for did such a well-known and prominent energy to the plants that keep life stars like our Sun.”4 This is an incred- thinker reverse himself and declare that going through the food chain. The ibly precise value. It means that you there has to be a God? The answer is Sun gives us energy by combining have to have a precision within just simple. He did it because of the scien- hydrogen to produce helium. This is one part out of 10,000,000,000,000, tific data. Science, which now rejects a complex process that releases energy. 000,000,000,000,000,000,000, God as an explanation for nature, is It is the same process that takes place 000,000. providing rather overwhelming data when a hydrogen bomb explodes, so Such precision happening by chance that God exists. In an interview,1 Flew we can think of our Sun as a well-con- is extremely remote, but almost pales stated: “I think that the most impres- trolled hydrogen bomb. Precise values into insignificance when you combine sive arguments for God’s existence are for the forces of physics that keep the the various improbabilities found. those that are supported by recent sci- fusion of hydrogen under control are To be mathematically correct, when entific discoveries.” Especially impor- involved. We take the Sun for granted you combine improbabilities, you tant to Flew is the Big Bang model for and seldom appreciate its faithfulness multiply them; thus you come up

DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 5 with extremely improbable figures for evolutionary process, because there is several hundred amino acids tied to what scientists are finding. Oxford no evolutionary survival value until all one another are involved, and not University physicist-mathematician the necessary parts are present. It turns much variation can occur for the pro- Roger Penrose did this and found that out that most biological systems are of tein to function properly. the precision necessary for the universe this kind, and God seems essential for Molecular biologist Herbert Yockey, was one part out of the number 1 fol- the origin of any kind of life. of the Unversity of California at lowed by 10,123 zeros.5 This is a very, The simplest form of independent Berkeley, has estimated how long it very extremely minute chance. If you life we know of is a tiny microbe called would take to produce a specific kind should try to write that number out Mycoplasma. Viruses, which are much of protein on the Earth before any life by placing a zero on each atom in the simpler, do not qualify as the first had started. He assumes this could universe you would run out of atoms form of evolved life on Earth because take place anywhere in all the oceans very soon after you got started. they cannot reproduce themselves; of the Earth, and he also assumes that they are reproduced only by the living these oceans were already well supplied How did life get started? cells in which they are found. The tiny with amino acids. His calculations The most baffling problem evolu- Mycoplasma is not simple; in fact, it indicate that it would take 1023 years tion faces is the origin of life. After a is incredibly complex. Its DNA pro- to produce one specific protein. To put century of searching and proposing vides more than half a million bits of it in another way, the nearly five bil- various kinds of scenarios, no plausible information, that, through the genetic lion years geologists commonly assign model has emerged. The problem is code, dictate the formula of nearly 500 to the age of the Earth is 10,000 bil- much more acute now than it was different kinds of protein molecules lion times too short a time to produce decades ago, because we are discover- that perform a multitude of essential one specific kind of protein molecule. ing more and more intricate systems in specific chemical functions in the Now, for life, you need lots of all kinds living things that are complex and that microbe. of specific protein molecules, all at will not work unless several other parts Just one protein molecule is incred- the same time and place. Protein mol- are present. This is sometimes called ibly complex and extremely hard to ecules are delicate, so by the time you irreducible complexity,6 and represents put together in the exact configuration might expect a second specific protein a major stumbling block to the gradual necessary for proper function. Often molecule to appear, chances are the first one would have disintegrated long before, thus making the spontaneous origin of life essentially impossible. SUBSCRIBE Proteins are just the beginning of TO DIALOGUE the problems for the evolution of life all by itself. DNA is much more com- So you want to be a thinker, not merely a reflector of other people’s thought? plex than proteins, and in cells, you DIALOGUE will continue to challenge you to think critically, as a Christian. Stay in touch need DNA to produce proteins—and with the best of Adventist thought and action around the world. Get into DIALOGUE. you need proteins to produce DNA! One year subscription (3 issues, air mail): US $13.00 Back issues: US $4.00 each To have life you need both, and to have either evolve first is not going I’d like to subscribe to DIALOGUE in ❏ English ❏ French ❏ Portuguese ❏ Spanish to provide the survival value evolu- Issues Begin my subscription with the next issue. tion needs to succeed. You also need I’d like to receive these back issues Vol. ___, No. ___ all kinds of other molecules like fats Payment I’m Enclosing an international check or money order. and carbohydrates, and many highly My MasterCard or VISA # is______specialized structures we find in living Expiration Date______cells. Furthermore, you need a genetic Please Print code. How do you produce a complex Name ______genetic code by random evolutionary Address ______changes? The code is useless until the ______DNA that dictates it and the special molecules that read it understand the Mail it to DIALOGUE Subscriptions, Linda Torske same language. 12501 Old Columbia Pike; Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600; U.S.A. After you have evolved the very first FAX 301 622 9627 life on Earth, that organism will come Email [email protected] to oblivion unless it can reproduce

6 DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 itself. Reproduction is one of the car- a scientific community that now has science is that there is good science dinal characteristics of living organ- such a strong materialistic (mechanis- and there is bad science. Discovering isms—and it is incredibly complex. In tic, naturalistic) commitment, that to the strength of the forces of physics reproduction, you have to duplicate include God as an explanatory factor is good science. Describing the fossil all the many necessary parts of a cell in science is considered to be unscien- Archaeoraptor as an evolutionary inter- or the new organism will not survive. tific. God is not now allowed on the mediate between dinosaurs and birds Sometimes the process can be quite menu of possible scientific explana- is bad science. The fossil turned out to sophisticated. For instance, when tions. This belies the usual picture we be a composite. The tail of a dinosaur DNA is copied for a new cell or organ- have of science as an open search for had been so skillfully attached to the ism, errors in copying the information truth that follows the data of nature body of a bird by a fossil collector that can occur. These errors are common wherever it may lead. This strong secu- it even fooled a number of scientists enough that life would not be pos- larism in science exists in spite of the who, however, were very anxious to sible if it weren’t for a proofreading fact that 40 percent of the scientists demonstrate that birds had evolved and editing system. In the cell, there in the United States believe in a God from dinosaurs.8 We don’t want to is a set of proteins that checks the new who answers their prayers, 45 percent miss the good science, which is very DNA that has been produced, and if do not, and 15 percent are not sure.7 important; but we don’t want to be an error in copying has occurred, it It appears that what some scientists deceived by the bad science. is removed and replaced with a cor- believe in and what they publish when How can we tell good science from rected version. Complexity is even they take science’s secular stance can be bad science? Unfortunately, you can- more abundant in advanced organ- very different. not always trust what scientists say. isms. Organs like your eye, which has In past centuries, science was not a For instance, if nature is saying that complex accommodating systems, and secular philosophy. Some of the great- it looks like there has to be a percep- your brain, with its 100 million times est scientists of all time, such as Sir tive God to explain the complexities a million connections, also need to be Isaac Newton, included God in their discovered, some scientist may yield to accounted for. Through all the evo- explanations about nature. Other lead- the secular ethos and sociological pres- lutionary process, many thousands of ing scientists who helped establish the sure of the scientific community and new kinds of proteins are needed. But foundations of modern science, such as not report that. Such biases require at present, on an average, the billions Kepler, Boyle, Galileo, Linnaeus, and that we dig deeper into questions to of years proposed for evolution are way Pascal, all believed in a God who was try and find out what is really going too short a time to produce even one active in nature, and they occasion- on. This can be laborious, so many specific protein molecule! God seems ally referred to God in their scientific do not have time to do it, but at least absolutely essential. writings. They saw no conflict between one can be cautious about accepting God and their discoveries, because scientific pronouncements. If one has A paradox! they believed that God is the one who the opportunity to study further into In view of such overwhelming established the laws and consistency a topic, some of the characteristics of evidence of the necessity for God, of nature that make scientific studies a sound scientific conclusion are (1) it why isn’t the scientific community possible. They demonstrated how good agrees with all available data; (2) the proclaiming this? Instead, we find a science and God can work together. idea is testable, especially by repeatable significant number of scientists fer- Now the rule is that you must try to experiments, and it can be disproved; vently trying to demonstrate how life explain everything materialistically (3) it can predict unknown outcomes; could have arisen all by itself. Other without God. (4) the conclusion is not enshrouded scientists claim that all the fine-tun- It needs to be kept in perspective by theory and controversy. Many sci- ing we find in the universe is just one that over the centuries, humanity’s entists do not realize how difficult it is case of good luck after another. Still thought patterns have changed dra- to demonstrate a simple scientific fact, many other scientists who believe in matically. The intellectual priorities and unfortunately, too much of what God remain silent when the question during antiquity were different from is published in science is speculative. of His existence comes into focus. God those during the Middle Ages, and is essentially excluded from scientific those differ from our present scientific Conclusion textbooks and journals. As presently age. We can expect more major chang- In summary: All the precision we are practiced, science is the peculiar com- es in the future. This raises the impor- finding in the universe, and all of the bination of a search for truth about tant question: Is science good or bad? nature and a secular philosophy that It is both. One of the most important excludes God. We are dealing with lessons we can learn in this age of Continued on page 15

DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 7 What is the purpose of prayer? by Dan Smith to come before we prayed. Surely He accuse Him of holding back divine was already trying to get everybody to resources. God has already thrown Prayer doesn’t change come. Surely He wasn’t going to make everything He has into the battle! people come against their will. So what 3. Prayer serves to change us, not God’s character or His exactly was the purpose of our prayer? God. If God is the constant, then we heart. But it gives Him huge So, for the past 30 years I have been must be the variable. If prayer can’t new arenas to work His wrestling with an answer to all of my make God better or wiser or more own questions, and the thousands of aware or work harder, and if prayer wonders. questions asked by my church mem- “works” and changes things, then bers while standing around hospital prayer has to change us. We are the beds in intensive care units, around variable. So prayer makes us more will- caskets at wakes, and after every disas- ing, more aware, and more involved. Jim Thomas seemed sure that prayer ter. Here are some of the conclusions I And those of you from my own faith didn’t work. have hammered out. tradition will recognize these famous Jim was a high school senior. Every 1. Prayer serves primarily to build lines: “Prayer is not to work any day he prayed, and he prayed for two our relationship with God. Prayer is change in God; it is to bring us into long years. He prayed specifically for not like putting quarters into the heav- harmony with God.”1 “Not that it is something. He prayed with great faith. enly juke box, or asking God as the necessary in order to make known But nothing happened. So Jim came heavenly “genie” to do magic for us. to God what we are, but in order to to the fatal conclusion—prayer just God is all about relationships (“I have enable us to receive Him. Prayer does doesn’t work. And he stopped praying. called you friends,” John 15:15, NIV). not bring God down to us, but brings No matter how I tried, I couldn’t make Prayer is for praise, worship, commu- us up to Him.”2 him pray again. nication, listening, and “being” with 4. Prayer dials us in to God’s wis- What would you have said to Jim? God. I turn off all the media in the car dom and power. Jesus said that He The hardest questions about God and just pray, or hang out cocooned in sends the sun and rain on the just and have usually been about prayer: the shower, being with God. the unjust (Matthew 5:43ff.). But the If God already knows, then why tell 2. God is a constant. Whatever our sun would be worthless if you didn’t Him what we want or need? theology of prayer, it cannot undo all go out and enjoy it! God’s grace is a If He’s already good, then why do our other beliefs about God. God is constant—prayer opens up our heart we need to pray to persuade Him to do infinitely, perfectly good. Prayer can- and soul to receive it. Praying for something? not persuade Him to be better than people opens us up to become chan- If, in the Great Controversy, He has He already is. He knows the best, and nels of grace and power to others. We already decided that He has to allow a wishes the best for us. And, within hear God’s whispers, His suggestions certain amount of evil, why should we the limits of the Great Controversy, to call someone, to go spend time with try to argue Him into changing that He is already doing all He can for the someone, or to send some money to a “line”? good. He came to give life, life more mission project. Why aren’t more miracles and answers abundantly. He is not a thief, stealing Let me tell a story about a Doug to prayer happening? Is it because we or taking away life (John 10:10). God Coe, who teaches people to pray. He aren’t praying enough? With enough faith? is the king who extended the scepter to told Bob, a brand-new Christian, and Or don’t have enough people praying? Esther. He is the waiting father of the new to prayer, to pray for something I had wrestled with these questions prodigal son. The One who told the every day for six months, and if noth- for years, but they crystalized for me woman caught in adultery, “Neither ing happened, he would pay him during my first summer after college. do I condemn you…. Go now and $500. Bob tried it, decided to pray I was a new, young pastor in Portland, leave your life of sin” (John 8:11). His for a country, and Kenya popped into Oregon, helping with a series of evan- love, grace, and forgiveness are con- his mind. After several months he sat gelistic meetings. The meetings did not stants (Romans 8:38-39; Malachi 3:6; next to a woman at a dinner, asked her start off well. Almost nobody came. Hebrews 13:8). what she did; she ran an orphanage in Every night we had to take out more One of my earliest decisions was Kenya. Right then he knew the $500 chairs so the place wouldn’t look so that God didn’t go into a higher gear was gone! He ended up flying over empty. Every morning we would pour because of prayer. John 5:17ff. says there, helping them, then got involved out our souls to God, begging Him that God and the Son are constantly collecting supplies from drug and to send people. And I got stuck there. working. They never rest, really. No medical supply companies for them. Surely God already wanted everybody one can ever come back at God and He met with the president of the

8 DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 country and other officials, and had But it can change the human, when God can change one person’s life a huge impact on Kenya! That’s how earthly part of the equation! When we through prayer! (3) The World-Wide prayer works! pray, we open our hearts and wallets Web: The web is made of thousands 5. Prayer draws our will into and time and energy to His will. Now of servers. The more servers there are, agreement with His will. God’s will is God has huge new resources that were the faster messages can spread all over perfect; we are still growing. Therefore unavailable to Him before! As 1.5 bil- the world, almost instantly. When big God is the constant and we are the lion Christians get involved, and get servers go down, messages move more variable. Prayer is how we allow God excited and passionate about building slowly or can’t get through at all. Every to work in our hearts to realign our the kingdom of God “on earth as it is Christian is a node, a server. The more thoughts and choices with His will. in heaven,” the world changes! Forces Christians are praying, the greater the “Delight yourself in the Lord and of evil are pushed back. We partner network God has to match up donors he will give you the desires of your with God to “move mountains.” and recipients, miracles with people heart” (Psalm 37:4). God recalibrates Generous offerings are given, people praying for help. our desires, and then we can pray for refuse to accept the status quo, they go There’s the famous story that Tony whatever we want, knowing we are on mission trips, they form task forces Campolo tells. He was to speak at a praying for what He wants to give us to energize their church, they find Pentecostal college. Before he spoke, (Philippians 2:12-13). answers for the problems of the poor a group circled around him, laid their 6. We can never use prayer to or needy in their area. They fight for hands on his head, and prayed. One redefine the great controversy social justice. And the world changes. young theology major prayed for a between good and evil. Revelation Does prayer change God? Yes! It long time about a family he had met 7:1-4 makes it clear that God has doesn’t change God’s character or His that morning. The husband was leav- defined a line where He limits evil, but heart. But it gives Him huge new ing his family. He described the trailer in the last days He will begin to move arenas to work His wonders. The where he had spoken with them, that line, to allow the whole universe world is a better place, and people the address, everything. Campolo to see the consequences of evil. We see the effects of God’s actions. And wanted him to get to the point! After would not want to use prayer to try to the “Stone” of Daniel 2:44, 45 begins his sermon, Campolo was heading make God re-think that line, as if we to grow, and the Kingdom of God home, picked up a hitchhiker, asked know better where it should be. “The becomes mighty and powerful locally his name. “Charlie Stolsis,” was the Lord our God is righteous in every- and all over the world. That’s what answer The very name mentioned that thing He does” (Daniel 9:14). prayer can do! morning in prayer! Campolo drove off 7. God works through people to I have three analogies that have the freeway. Stolsis asked him where he answer intercessory prayer. This is helped me to understand prayer bet- was going. “To take you home.” the most challenging aspect of under- ter: (1) The Ripple Model: You drop a “How do you know where I live?” standing prayer. If prayer doesn’t rock into a pond. It makes the biggest “God told me! You left your wife change God, then what good is it? Is ripple at “ground zero,” and the ripples this morning, didn’t you?” it just a psychological ploy, auto-sug- spread out until they hit shore. In the “How did you know that?!” gestion, positive thinking? No, no, no! same way, when we pray, we open our “God told me!” Prayer makes a difference, and it is not hearts to God, and He makes the big- Campolo drove him right to his just playing mental tricks in our head! gest impact at “ground zero,” in my home, went inside, and led them all Prayer involves God, and changes life. But because I am in solidarity to Christ. Stolsis is a pastor today! the dynamics of the universe. It just with my family, when I change, there That’s how prayer works—one brother doesn’t persuade God to be better than is likely to be some impact on them. had a burden, knew the need, prayed, He already is! Because I pastor a large church, I may Campolo heard it, his heart was open, The Great Controversy taking place preach better, and impact the mem- God matched up the need with the in our world involves two “armies”— bers, and they spread out all over the answer, and the miracle occurred—all God and the heavenly forces, and world, and maybe make a difference through prayer—but without a theol- Satan and his allies down here. If we there. But if I just pray by myself for ogy that prayer has to change God, assume that because God is good and the president of a specific country, the make God better than He already is! a constant and is already working to impact may be quite slight! (2) The So that’s how I’ve worked it out so the maximum within the limits of this same theory works with billiard balls: far! I’d love to hear your responses! It’s cosmic conflict, then prayer doesn’t You hit a cue ball, it hits one ball, not an easy subject, how to preserve change that portion of the equation. and the balls, in solidarity, scatter all It can’t. over the table. That’s what happens Continued on page 15

DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 9 Six myths of marriage by Calvin Thomsen to be endlessly romantic, passionately withdraw in the face of marital con- sexual, intimately friendly, while still flict and women to get more actively covering all the traditional bases of verbal. This probably happens because The greatest happiness parenting, family connections, and men tend to “flood” more easily with business management in life. negative emotions, and it takes them in marriage isn’t found in Such high expectations are some- longer to physiologically recover after the early euphoria but in times thought of as being unrealistic an argument. Men may also be more the long-term satisfaction and harmful to a happy marriage. But likely to try to “fix” problems, while recent research indicates that while it is women frequently prefer a man to found in a faithful partner- necessary to be realistic in our expecta- listen. Men tend to be more visual in ship of many years. tions, high expectations can lead to their sexual attraction patterns and less more investment in marriage and to likely to be influenced by the relational a better outcome. People with low context. Women are often more adept Happiness in marriage can be either expectations apparently don’t invest as at attuning to the emotional states enduring or elusive. Some are married much in a good marriage and are will- of other people, and men tend to be for 40 years or more, but their love ing to settle for an average marriage more competitive in conversation. and romance are as fresh and buoyant instead of a really good one. Gottman But, the fact is, research also shows as though they were married a month says: “People who have higher stan- that men and women want remark- ago. Others have hardly opened all dards and higher expectations for their ably similar things in marriage, and their wedding gifts when they feel a marriage have the best marriages, not both men and women report that deep sourness set in in their relationship, the worst.”1 friendship is the most satisfying thing and they think of a divorce court Myth 2: Men are from Mars and in a good marriage. Lists of other fac- rather than a permanent home. What women are from Venus. This say- tors that actually predict good mar- makes the difference between enduring ing, derived from a well-known book riages show that there are only slight happiness and short-lived romance in by that title, suggests that men and differences in how the sexes rank what marriage? women have deep differences and want really satisfies them in an intimate rela- Modern research gives us some clues. fundamentally different things from tionship.4 One of the best-kept secrets John Gottman, professor of psychol- marriage. A spate of popular books in the relational world is that men, ogy at the University of Washington, attempts to help couples deal with on average, suffer more negative emo- has done some pioneering research in their differences from the premise that tional and physical health-related com- the current North American context. a vast gap exists between what men plications when they are without an Gottman has studied thousands of and women want. intimate relationship than do women. couples, taking into consideration Are men and women different in Couples who form solid relation- numerous variables that affect marital ways that affect marriage? While the ships are attuned to the specific per- stability. His research has helped clarify answer, as we shall note, is “yes,” the sonalities of their partners and look factors that lead to marital happiness, popular books often overlook the at solid friendship as the foundation and those that point to an uphill battle important common ground between for a good relationship. They respect leading to possible divorce. what men and women want in mar- gender differences when they exist The research also suggests some of riage and their shared longings and and look for ways to meet each other’s the great myths that surround love and needs. And, even more important, needs. While the Bible uses somewhat marriage. These myths do not origi- they overlook the fact that highly different language to describe the role nate from ancient tribal legends and pronounced gender differences have of man and woman in marriage, the rituals, but from common assumptions been linked in research with unhappy common element is a mutually unself- that most people take for granted. It is marriages while “there are very few sex ish attitude in which both are open worth exploring some of these myths differences in happy marriages.”2 And and responsive to the needs of the and look at the implications for build- “male traditionalism” (reflected in a other (see Ephesians 5:21-33). This is ing a good marital relationship. domineering and controlling approach not a description of wildly divergent Myth 1: High expectations may to marriage) is statistically correlated gender roles or male domination of ruin marriage. Marriage is often with lower levels of relationship quality the female, but of a loving and mutual thought of as a good business proposi- in marriage.3 partnership where both partners are tion—to raise children, manage prop- Yes, there some common differ- willing to go the extra mile for the erty, and build alliances between fami- ences that emerge from the research. good of the other. lies. In addition, we expect marriages Men for example, are more likely to Myth 3. Active listening and the

10 DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 avoidance of anger are the keys ment. Some patience is in order during riage is like many other things—it to managing conflict in a good marital conflict! really is possible for it to get better relationship. Over the past several The research on anger in marriage with practice. Marital therapist David decades a variety of books and articles is also interesting. Anger by itself was Schnarch says that it is only later in have appeared suggesting that couples not found to correlate statistically with life with a monogamous partner that engage in a process known as “active divorce, but contempt and defensive- people can begin to discover their pas- listening” in the midst of marital con- ness did so reliably.6 Couples that sionate and sexual potential.8 Similarly, flict. Active listening involves clearly bicker a lot aren’t necessarily less happy Gottman’s research showed that many identifying one’s own feelings using a than couples who don’t. Many couples couples discover more tolerance, more feeling word and attempting to restate that tend to bicker also know how appreciation, and much greater desire the concerns stated by the partner in to kiss and make up, and a certain to be with each other over time. The the form of a paraphrase. It’s quite amount of conflict and bickering was greatest happiness in marriage doesn’t similar to what therapists do when actually found to correlate with lasting seem to be found in the early eupho- listening to clients. Researchers who passion in marriage.7 ria, but in the long-term satisfaction carefully studied marital fights expect- It isn’t anger itself that undermines found in a marriage of many years. ed to find that successful couples regu- marriage. But the failure to resolve Passion was not an age-dependent larly used this skill to resolve disagree- anger can. Research indicates that thing. We now know much about both ments and settle conflicts in marriage. “ventilating” anger is a problem. the biochemistry and neurology of love But that’s not what researches dis- Several different researchers have dis- and passion. The “chemistry” of a rela- covered. First, they noted that almost covered that trying to “get it all out” tionship does change over time. There nobody actually talks like that in the by unloading it on the spouse actually is an initial euphoria in new love that heat of a disagreement. People simply increases the level of anger and stress generally lasts for about two years, don’t use those prescribed “I state- for the person expressing it. And the and the specific type of chemistry that ments” when tensions run high. Even overall ratio between positive and characterizes a long-term relation- in the rare instances when they do, negative statements to the spouse can ship isn’t the same as the intoxicating there was no direct influence on the definitely help predict the likelihood of chemical brew of new love. But many resolution of the conflict. In Gottman’s divorce. Happy couples were found to people give up on a relationship after words, “it predicted nothing.”5 It may give at least five positive comments for the initial chemistry begins to shift. be that partners who bought into that every one that was negative. A conflic- They get into a series of relationships model ended up expecting a kind of tual, bickering style is also a problem that don’t seem to last more than two perfection in the heat of conflict that when only one spouse is comfortable years, not realizing that the emotional simply wasn’t realistic. with that style—when one partner satisfaction of a long-term love may be The research, however, did indicate likes to bicker and the other is emo- more fulfilling than the rush of new that active, attentive listening was tionally devastated and finds that the love. valuable in several ways. For example, stress lingers for hours or even days. Myth 5: A person who seldom it can help when one partner listens The Bible affirms that anger is not a feels spontaneous sexual passion is in this way while the other partner sin (Ephesians 4:26, NIV), but it also probably sexually dead and a poor is complaining about somebody else says that we should not “let the sun go marriage partner. When images of (such as the boss at work). It is also down while you are still angry.” Active superheated sex constantly bombard us very valuable in a “recovery conver- listening can be part of the relation- in the media, most married people feel sation” as couples work to repair a ship repair after a conflict, but we may that they should be continually ablaze relationship after a fight. And it can need to forgive both ourselves and our with passion for their spouse. If they definitely help couples strengthen inti- partners for imperfections in the way get caught up with bills and laundry, macy and get to know each other bet- we handle disagrements. seldom think about sex, and aren’t just ter when they aren’t in the middle of Myth 4: Marriages inevitably go drooling at the thought of leaping into a conflict. But, marital research shows downhill over time. Most people bed whenever the opportunity arises, that, in the heat of battle, few people believe that passion inevitably dies they may feel guilty. are able to follow the “rules” of good and marriages become mundane as Until quite recently, sex experts communication. Most people find it time goes on. While many couples do assumed that everybody experi- difficult to hear really what their part- report a decline in marital satisfaction ences sexual desire in a similar way. ner is saying, and even the best com- over time, there are several interesting Something you experience trig- municators get caught up in defending findings in recent research that shows gers a subjective feeling of arousal. their own positions during an argu- that this is not inevitable. In fact, mar- The arousal generates the desire to

DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 11 be sexual. But, as Michelle Weiner are attracted to somebody a lot differ- an initial rush of euphoric chemistry Davis notes, “for some people, sexual ent from us because we feel more com- or panic when it wears off. The ingre- desire—the urge to become sexual— plete in the face of his or her differ- dients of lasting passion and commit- doesn’t precede feelings of arousal, it ence. Once again, there is some truth ment are quite different from what you actually follows it.”9 In other words, to this, but it isn’t entirely so. People see in the movies and on TV. there are people who seldom experi- do seem to find some differences are Build on the points you have in ence passionate fantasies. But if they a positive thing and a point of attrac- common—especially in the area of become sexual with their spouse, tion. But research shows that the best basic life values and the way you actu- they may discover that they enjoy the matches include more similarity than ally live your lives. If you aren’t yet experience deeply and feel much more difference and that being similar in a married, just remember that those bonded to their partner. variety of ways (such as age, education, commonalities may be more important People who have felt a nagging sense religious preference, basic life values, than you realize. of failure, guilt, and alienation from etc.) is linked with greater levels of their spouses may discover that put- marital satisfaction.10 Research on tem- ting this myth to rest helps them feel a perament types (such as the Meyer’s Calvin Thomsen is pastor for fam- lot better about themselves and more Briggs inventory) shows that couples ily ministries at the Loma Linda responsive to their partner. It’s also a may enjoy some differences, but that University Seventh-day Adventist reminder that the context of a stable, couples who are opposite on all the Church in California. He is com- committed marriage in which people four scales are less happy than couples pleting a Ph.D. in marital and fam- don’t neglect each other’s intimacy who are more similar.11 ily therapy and teaches courses needs can actually be the setting to The best way to approach the issue on family therapy, marital therapy, generate marital passion. The choice to of difference is to realize that most of and sex therapy at Loma Linda invest in marital intimacy is good for us enjoy a few key differences in ways University and pastoral counsel- both husbands and wives. that give balance to our lives. It’s good ing at La Sierra University. Email: Myth 6: Opposites attract. The to embrace those differences and not [email protected]. elaboration on this is a belief that we go into a massive “reform project” mode once we have tied the knot. But, if you are searching for a partner, REFERENCES don’t just assume that lots of differ- 1. John Gottman, The Marriage Clinic: A Scientifically Based Marital Therapy (New York, ences are going to be easy to overcome. Norton, 1999), p. 18. Dialogue Differences you may overlook early 2. Ibid., p. 83. in the relationship may become more 3. Robert Sternberg, Cupid’s Arrow: The Course for you, free! of Love Through Time (Cambridge: Cambridge challenging over time. It is far better University Press, 1998), p. 123. If you are a Seventh-day Adventist stu- to look for somebody who really does 4. Ibid., 150-152. dent attending a non-Adventist college or share your basic values and lifestyle. 5. Gottman, p. 11. university, the Church has a plan that will 6. Ibid., p. 12. 7. Ibid., p. 14. allow you to receive Dialogue free while Some conclusions 8. See David Schnarch, Passionate Marriage (New you remain a student. (Those who are no Marriage is a great adventure. It York: Holt, 1997). longer students can subscribe to Dialogue, 9. Michelle Weiner Davis, The Sex-Starved using the coupon on page 6.) Contact the is also one of life’s most challenging Marriage (New York: Simon and Schuster, arenas. In a world swirling with false 2003), p. 12. director of the Education Department or 10. Ayala Pines, Falling in Love: Why We Choose the the Youth Department in your Union and images of love and romance, the more Lovers We Choose (New York: Routlidge, 1999), request that you be placed in their dis- we know, the more effective we can be p. 53. tribution network for the journal. Include in both the search for a partner and in 11. David Keirsey, Please Understand Me II (Del Mar, California: Prometheus Nemesis Book your full name, address, college or univer- building a great marriage once we’ve Company, 1998), p. 212. sity you are attending, the degree you are found that special person. pursuing, and the name of the local church What principles stand out? First, of which you are a member. You may also make sure you are building strong write to our regional representatives at friendship with somebody you are the address provided on page 2, with a copy of your letter sent to the Union thinking of marrying or the person directors listed above. If these communica- you actually married. Work on build- tions fail to produce results, contact us via ing strong communication but don’t e-mail: [email protected] expect perfection, especially in the heat of an argument. Don’t get deceived by

12 DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 Joy: The secret of being content

by Céleste Perrino-Walker and the world has hated them, for they It was in the living, in being cold, are not of the world any more than I hungry, and alone that he was warm, It’s both our commission am of the world. My prayer is not that fed, and comforted by God who exists you take them out of the world, but always, but most closely, in the ter- and our privilege to live that you protect them from the evil rible ordeals through which we must in joy and walk in light, one’” (John 17:13-15, NIV). sometimes pass. If we don’t get to any spreading both to the world When Jesus said, “The world has of those places, we will have only half an hated them,” He means us. The world experience. around us. in rebellion against God hates us. Many of us are used to a life of ease. Don’t expect a pat on the shoulder If it’s painful, a drudgery, or difficult, It’s possible to mistake happiness for from the world. Expect a cold shoul- why do it? If something can be fixed, joy. Easy, in fact. People walk around der. But, what the world gives us isn’t fix it. If it can be improved upon, on their little patches of earth think- important. We have a full measure make it better. Christians don’t settle ing they’ve got that “joy, joy, joy, joy of joy in us. Today. Right now. This for the status quo and don’t simply get down in their hearts” when really minute. Joy is constant and abiding by—we go forward. Because it isn’t in what they’ve got is fine weather, good regardless of our circumstances. our comfort that we grow, it’s through health, and a full stomach. Or, the our discomfort. opposite is possible. It’s quite common Like it like that We can miss this vital lesson if we to be so miserable that you feel you are Anne Hobbs Purdy, a young woman try to skip over the discomfort part. as far from joy as the north is from the who made her way to Alaska to teach Think about your own prayers for south, and never the twain shall meet. in a remote area, was anxious to fit in just a minute. Write down a few that The fact is, that if any outside ele- and be accepted by the native people. make your top 10 list on a regular ment, circumstance, or person affects She questioned a native Alaskan about basis. Now analyze them. How many your joy, then what you’ve got isn’t when she’d stop being a cheechako, a are requests for God to make some- actually joy. Joy is like faith. While newcomer, and start being an Alaskan. thing easier for you and how many faith is hoping in something you The Alaskan native told her that some are requests for Him to take you can’t see and believing in the promise people never became Alaskans. They somewhere uncomfortable, somewhere of something you can’t touch, joy is never learned to like it the way it was. that may make life harder for you, but believing in the hope of heaven. Joy They just tolerated it. under His guidance and in His service? is looking at the bigger picture. Joy is This, I believe, is the key to living a fuel for the journey, not the scenery more joyful Christian life. No pain, no gain you pass through along the way. We can’t be joyful Christians if we Most of us go to great lengths to never learn to like life the way it is. avoid painful situations. It’s no wonder When the going gets tough We can’t be joy-filled Christians if we have a difficult time learning from Joy is made manifest by difficult we just tolerate it. This is what Paul God, who sends us “trials.” At the first circumstances. That’s when it comes meant when he said, “I have learned hint of pain, we’re looking for the exit. out. That’s when you flex it, like a in whatever state I am, to be content: But joy and pain go hand in hand. muscle. Happiness, on the other hand, I know how to be abased, and I know James, one of the leaders of the early dissolves in the face of hardship. Joy how to abound. Everywhere and in Christian church, said, “My brethren, endures through hardship. That’s the all things I have learned both to be count it all joy when you fall into vari- difference between happiness and joy. full and to be hungry, both to abound ous trials, knowing that the testing of Happiness is a feeling. Joy is a state of and to suffer need. I can do all things your faith produces patience. But let being. through Christ who strengthens me” patience have its perfect work, that you The good news is that joy is avail- (Philippians 4:11-13, NKJV). may be perfect and complete, lacking able for the taking. Praying for His Sitting in prison, cold, hungry, and nothing” (James 1:2-4, NKJV). followers, Jesus said, “‘I am coming to alone, Paul did not wish himself on a The joy is in the trial in the same you now, but I say these things while I tropical beach surrounded by friends, way the power is in God’s Word. The am still in the world, so that they may drinking coconut milk and feasting question is, can we not simply endure have the full measure of my joy within on dates. He lived where he was, not a trial, gritting our teeth, clamping our them. I have given them your word wishing to be somewhere he wasn’t. eyes shut and bracing ourselves, but

DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 13 can we relax and simply “be” in the the person you are serving, but God. one of the main reasons why we see trial, asking God what is the lesson He Your service will become an expres- so many tragedies, both personal and wants us to learn? Isn’t that what James sion of the joy that is flowing from corporate, around us. When we don’t is saying? “The testing of your faith your heart. As a result, your feelings have joy, there is nothing better com- produces patience.” Moving through of self-worth and fulfillment will not ing in the end. When we do have it, it the trial, as opposed to ranting and depend on any human response to makes all the difference. raving over it, makes us patient. We your actions, but will be rooted in the We all know what a life of hope- are better able to relax and “be” in the fathomless love that God has for each lessness looks like. You can see it by trial. We have clearer vision to accept of us, His obedient children. reading a newspaper or watching the the lesson of the trial. evening news. There’s a debate among Then, patience has its perfect work, The gratitudes some Christians about how bad it’s meaning that eventually we start to One easy way to keep your tank full got to get before Jesus comes back. look for the good or the lesson in the of joy for the journey is to count your Is it as bad as Noah’s day? Is it as bad trial as a first response rather than blessings. Once when I was deeply as Sodom and Gomorrah? When is looking for a way out of it, looking for depressed, I began keeping a “gratitude “bad” bad enough? If you ask the someone to blame, or even just bracing journal.” Every night before I went to parents of a child who was abducted ourselves to get through it and get it bed, I listed in my journal five things and murdered, or the friends of sniper over with. The Psalmist was even able for which I was grateful. Sometimes victims, or soldiers fighting in a war, to say, “Let me hear joy and gladness; it was an easy exercise, but there were or a cancer patient, or people dying of let the bones you have crushed rejoice” times when I struggled to find even hunger or AIDS, they’ll tell you, it’s (Psalm 51:8, NIV). five things I was grateful for. Having plenty bad enough. God’s not waiting this “assignment” ahead of me, I sub- for it to get worse. Any atrocity is “bad Avoiding the martyr complex consciously began to look for things enough.” Each of us, on a daily basis, has throughout the day that I could write God is waiting for us. He’s waiting the opportunity to serve others, but down later. In this way, I was con- for His people to live out the joy He’s how many of us take advantage of not sciously seeking out positive aspects placed in their lives and share that joy only doing that, but doing it cheer- of my life. I was training my mind to with others. When the Titanic went fully, gladly, as if you were doing it for look for the positives. Soon I realized down, hundreds of people perished. Jesus? The apostle says, “Work hard that many of the unpleasant things It’s true that there were not enough and cheerfully at whatever you do, as went unnoticed because my brain was lifeboats to save everyone, but many though you were working for the Lord not assigning them importance. They perished not because of a lack of life- rather than for people” (Colossians were not important, and I was not boats (many lifeboats were not com- 3:23, NLT). This doesn’t mean “work writing them down. pletely filled), but because they did not as unto the Lord for then you can If you want proof of how this works, get into the lifeboats. feel superior to others.” As someone just decide that you are going to Jesus gave us the commission: “‘Go who has spent a lot of time tied to the notice a particular type of car. I had into all the world and preach the good “stake” I can tell you that serving the never seen a PT Cruiser until a friend news to all creation’” (Mark 16:15, Lord is not the same as having a mar- bought one. I started consciously look- NIV). He gave us the joy—the moti- tyr complex, though there are times I ing for them. Suddenly PT Cruisers vation—to accomplish this mission. dearly wish it was. It’s much easier to were everywhere. I couldn’t leave my It’s our responsibility to go into the let feelings of self-righteousness power house without seeing at least a half world and tell the good news of the your work than to give it freely. This dozen. Before a week was out, I think gospel of Christ. Not just the pastor’s verse calls us to that higher level of ser- I’d seen just about every color of this responsibility. If it was just the pastor’s vitude. It calls us to loving service that model. Jesus said, “Seek and you will job, Jesus would have said, “Support expects absolutely nothing in the way find” (Matthew 7:7, RSV) We can your pastors as they go into all the of reward. apply this principle to many areas, world....” But He didn’t say that. He Try this. The next time you have including joy. said to each one of us, “Go.” to do something for someone else— It’s interesting that He didn’t say, “If respond to a phone call, pick up their What are you waiting for? you feel like it, you could go into all dirty laundry off the floor, prepare It’s not enough to simply be aware the world;” or “You can beam satellite a meal, loan money, feed their pets, of our own joy, though that’s a start. programs into all the world;” or even, whatever it is—try this experiment: It’s also important for us to share our “If you feel called to be a missionary, Simply offer your service to God, not joy. Lack of joy in people’s hearts is you can go into all the world.” He

14 DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 simply said, “Go.” Academy of Science shows a lower proportion It’s not like we have far to travel. Science of belief in God for that very small, but leading Continued from page 7 group, of scientists. The world is all around us. We’re all 8. See, for example, T. Rowe, “The Archaeoraptor connected to other people in some forgery,” Nature 410 (2201): 539, 540. way. That’s the part of the “world” complexity evidenced in living things we’re responsible for. What’s going on indicate that a Creator God is neces- in your world, and what are you going sary. This is what convinced Antony to do about it? Flew that there must be a God. God Prayer seems essential to explain what science Continued from page 9 Which brings us back to joy has found. The observations on the We come full circle when we real- forces of physics, proteins, and DNA powerful world-changing prayer, but ize that it’s the joy Jesus placed in are all repeatable, hence provide high- without damaging the character of our hearts that gives us the courage, qualify scientific evidence for God. God. Let me know what you think! strength, and stamina to go out and Unfortunately, the secular idealism God bless! obey His commands and fulfill His in science is so strong that the idea commission. Without joy, we’re just of a designer God is now generally going through the motions, and sooner rejected by the scientific community. Dan Smith is the senior pastor of or later we’re going to crash and burn. This rejection is based on personal and the La Sierra Seventh-day Adventist But, there’s no need because we’re sociological factors, not scientific data. Church on the campus of La Sierra King’s kids. Ellen White says, “Why University, in Riverside, California, should not our joy be full—full, lack- U.S.A. This article is adapted from ing nothing? We have the assurance Ariel A. Roth (Ph.D., University his book, Lord, I Have a Question: that Jesus is our Saviour, and that we of Michigan) is the former direc- Everything You Ever Wanted to Ask may freely partake of the rich provi- tor of the Geoscience Research God but Were Afraid to Say Out sion He has made for us…. It is our Institute and editor of the journal Loud (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press privilege to seek constantly the joy Origins. He has published more Publishing Association, 2004). His of His presence. He desires us to be than 150 articles in scientific and email address: [email protected]. cheerful and to be filled with praise to general journals. His recent book, His name. He wants us to carry light Origins: Linking Science and Scripture, in our countenances and joy in our has been translated into 13 lan- REFERENCES hearts.”* guages. Now retired, he continues 1. Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publ. We can have that light, that joy, to research, lecture, and write. His Assn., 1941), p. 143. each and every day. It’s both our com- email address: arielroth@verizon. 2. White, Steps to Christ (Mountain View, mission and our privilege to live in net. California: Pacific Press Publ. Assn., 1956), p. 93. joy and walk in light, spreading both to the world around us. Fill up your tank with joy, and begin your journey REFERENCES today. 1. Gary Habermas and A. Flew, “My Pilgrimage from Atheism to Theism: A Discussion Between Antony Flew and Gary Habermas,” Céleste Perrino-Walker is editor Philosophia Christi 6 (2004) 2:197-211. of Listen magazine. This article is 2. H. Ross, “Big Bang Model Refined by Fire,” in W. A. Dembski, ed., Mere Creation: Science, adapted from her book Joy, The Faith and Intelligent Design (Downers Grove, Secret of Being Content, recently Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1998), pp. 363-384. released by the Review and Herald 3. H. M. Hart, “Habitable Zones About Main Sequence Stars,” Icarus 37 (1979): 351-357. Dialogue on-line Publishing Association. Her mail- 4. P. Davies, Superforce (New York: Simon and ing address: 27 Robshawn Place, Schuster, 1984), p. 242. 5. R. Penrose, The Emperor’s New Mind (Oxford: Now you can read online some of the Rutland, Vermont 05701, U.S.A. Oxford University Press, 1989), p. 344. best articles and interviews that you may Email: [email protected]. 6. M. J. Behe, Darwin’s Black Box: The have missed in earlier issues of Dialogue. Biochemical Challenge to Evolution (New York: Check our new, user-friendly website: Touchstone, 1996). 7. E. J. Larson and L. William, “Scientists Are * Ellen G. White, That I May Know Him Still Keeping the Faith,” Nature 386 (1997): http://dialogue.adventist.org (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publ. 435-436. A later survey of the National Assn., 1964), p. 142

DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 15 PROFILES Dora Bognandi Dialogue with an Adventist dedicated to religious freedom in Italy

been my family. How ev er, in my y outh aimed at Adv entist members, and I w ent thr ough a stage of indifference AND, written for non-Adv entist read- toward the Christian faith. As it often ers. I must also guard the good name happens, one must get knocked down, of our denomination b y disseminating before one can look up. I did hav e my news fr om and about the Adv entist knock down—the time when I lost my Chur ch. daughter. It was a specially difficult moment in my life. Those tragic days ■ Why is religious liberty important to you? made me realiz e how deeply I needed B ecause it is the foundation of all G od and His lov e. I also realiz ed how liberties. Religious liberty is the right important it is to hav e chur ch friends to believ e or not to believ e in G od ar ound me. Without the help of G od according to the dictates of one’s The island of Sicil y has the high - and that of my extended family, I conscience, without any external est concentration of Adventists in couldn’t hav e pulled myself up. interference. I believ e that this is a Ital y, and is the homeland f or Dora fundamental human right. The Italian Bognandi, a f ourth-generation Seventh- ■ What attracted y ou to accept the posi- Constitution guarantees this free- day Adventist. She was born in 1949, tion of director of religious liberty and dom, as it also guarantees the right to in Piazza Armerina, Sicil y. Determined communication for the Italian Union? change one’s religion and to witness yet humble, Dora is kno wn f or her What is y our function in these areas? for the same. A commitment to reli - courage and conviction throughout the My wor k consists in representing the gious freedom helps me to stand abov e country. She embodies what religious Sev enth-day Adv entist Chur ch to the ev ery political and social organization liberty is and should be. Cur rentl y Italian society. D espite my limitations, and speak of a G od to whom all social she is working f or the “Fondazione I feel a bit like an ambassador of the orders are subject, and in whom one Adventum” (Adventist Foundation), a chur ch to the community at large. I can find life’s meaning and purpose. social branch of the church. also want my chur ch to know the best Religious freedom helps me to speak Mrs. Bognandi was ba ptized in of Italian culture and religious tradi- of a righteous G od or of an ideal that 1966 and has been working f or the tions so that as Adv entists w e can ade - I hold. It helps me to respect people Adventist Church since 1985. In 1992, quately communicate our biblical faith who think differently fr om me and she became an assistant to Ignazio and unique mission. The D epartment wor k with them for the benefit of Barbuscia, who at that time served of Religious Liberty brings me in humankind. as director of the Religious Liberty contact with the religious, political, Department. In 1999, she was elected and cultural institutions of Italy. My ■ As a woman, what special insights can director of the Religious Liberty and assignment is to ensure that chur ch y ou bring to the responsibilities y ou hold? Comm unication Departments of the members hav e their rights and privi- Perhaps a particular insight and Italian Union of Seventh-day Adventists. leges—of belief, worship, conscience, interest for other people, a feature She is mar ried to Pastor Adelio and witness—pr otected and honored. more commonly found in women than Pellegrini, and they have two sons, both I wor k also to help chur ch mem - in men. Perhaps also the caring quality working f or the church. bers respect other people’s rights and that comes easily to a woman is help - beliefs. As a communication direc- ful in the wor k I do. ■ Mrs. Bognandi, what made y ou tor for the chur ch, I am responsible become a Sev enth-day A dv entist? for editing our monthly magazine Il ■ Italy is predominantly Catholic. What is I didn’t experience a conv ersion Messagger o Avv entista (similar to The the standing of the Seventh-day Adventist fr om another religion or denomina- A dv entist Review), and for caring for Church in your countr y in terms of govern- tion. The Adv entist Chur ch has always two w eb bulletins—BIA, with news ment rights, recognition, and freedom?

16 DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 The Italian Adventist Church has Church and the limited human and as wife, mother, and church leader? had pastors who worked with dis- financial resources at our disposal. This is one of my greatest concerns. tinction for the Religious Liberty However, the law gives us the opportu- It is not easy to completely devote Department, like Gianfranco Rossi nity to access public funds called Otto yourself to your work and then carve and Ignazio Barbuscia. Thanks to them per Mille (Eight per Thousand) collect- out some time for you and your fam- our church secured a special agree- ed from state tax revenues. This gives ily. You can make it only if you enjoy ment with the Italian State, which was us the opportunity to do much good the love and cooperation of your fam- turned into law in 1988. For the first and provides us with a lot of visibility, ily. I thank the Lord because my fam- time in the world’s history (in a coun- because every year the name of the ily has been a blessing in this respect. try where Roman Catholicism has its Adventist Church is found on more Holy See), a law was passed that made than 30 million income tax returns. As ■ You have a busy life. How do you keep special provisions so that Adventists a result, we receive funds that we use your connection with God alive? could observe the Sabbath on Saturday for social, humanitarian, charitable, Very often I wake up at two or three in in the workplace, at school, the univer- and cultural purposes. We have nine the morning and start reading my Bible. sity, and so on. We owe this extraor- radio stations in Italy, we make use of I talk to God, and I tell Him what in dinary result mainly to the Sabbath internet sites, and of course we work that moment happens to cross my mind. observance of so many faithful church through ADRA and other public ini- I unburden myself to Him. Then I go to members. The 1988 special agreement tiatives. sleep. God gives me the strength that I includes also the following points: offi- need. Sometimes I feel a burden because cial recognition of Adventist ministers; ■ What gives you the greatest satisfaction of my responsibilities and my sense of acceptance of our stand on not bearing in your work? inadequacy for the great task I have. But arms and substitution of community I feel the most satisfaction when then the words of the Scriptures come service instead; chaplaincy services by I can solve a problem faced by one always to my mind, and I feel comforted Adventist pastors in hospitals and jails; of our members related to Sabbath and motivated again. and legal acceptance of weddings offi- observance. In spite of the law, some ciated by Adventist ministers. employers still expect Adventists to ■ What would you tell one of our readers work on Sabbath. I love to see the joy who may be thinking of devoting his or her ■ Tell us something about the current sta- on the face of our believers when the talents to work for the Adventist Church? tus of the Adventist Church in Italy. What problem has been solved. I am satis- Working for the church is the most are the major trends and challenges? fied, too, when the secular media make beautiful thing that can happen in As in other western countries, our reference to our stance on religious one’s life. You are off on an adventure church in Italy is affected by secular- matters or human rights violations or whose horizons become wider and ism and moral relativism. But we also when non-Adventist religious circles wider as you discover new destinations face a still greater challenge: introver- praise an Adventist doctrine they had all the way through. sion—that is, a tendency to focus on harshly criticized before. If our church our own problems and needs instead is appreciated and makes a good of reaching out to meet the needs of impression, I am extremely happy. Interview by Roberto Vacca people around us. The world is chang- ing at an impressive speed, and mili- ■ Which Adventist doctrine has been tant religious fundamentalism is on the specially appreciated in Italy? Roberto Vacca is a radio producer for rise. We have to bring to this world Not just a doctrine, but several. the network of Adventist radio sta- what we define as the “Present Truth,” For instance, health reform. Once we tions in Italy “La Voce della Speranza.” that is the truth aimed at the particular were much criticized for our positions His email address: [email protected]. needs of our time. with regard to tobacco, alcohol, and harmful drugs. Today we are more Mrs. Dora Bognandi may be con- ■ What is the public image of our church and more appreciated by other church tacted through her email address: in the country? What are we known for? leaders, and we are also imitated. [email protected] or by writ- In Italy, we are a minority among Other examples are the tithe principle ing to the Department of Religious minorities. We have only 7,000 bap- and our way of observing the day of Liberty, c/o Unione Italiana Chiese tized members in a population of rest. Avventiste; Lungotevere Michelangelo almost 58 million. It isn’t an easy 7; 00192 Rome; Italy. matter to attract notice because of the ■ How are you able to combine and very obvious presence of the Catholic keep balance between your various roles

DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 17 PROFILES Neville Clouten Dialogue with an Adventist architect and artist

include drawings and more than 60 some sketches are dev eloped toward articles in architecture, art, science, and entertainment, as I want to connect education journals. The book Academic with and appeal to people thr ough Lite: Tr easur es of Cr eativity and Reflection that which is visually interesting. From Life as a University Professor reflects his wry sense of humor, and ■ D o y ou hav e a theme? his philosophy on the importance of Yes, I hav e been influenced b y my keen observation and disco very in father who was a fisherman. Thus the the process of creativity. In the f ore- sea or lake plays an important r ole in word, Paul Stephenson Oles shares my art. O ne of my latest water colors his impressions of Prof essor Neville is “Low Tide at Boccadasse, Italy.” The Clouten: An accomplished academic sand/beach betw een the “stranded” with an “intimate familiarity” with his boat and the cycle of the incoming Dr. Neville Clouten travels the field of study and a “whole human tide giv e a sense of expectation. I enjoy world with his sketchbook in hand, being.” He is “someone who thro ws imagining a conv ersation betw een gathering impressions that have out the book and invents new rules.” people and with the elements of a inspired his teaching philosophy, ideas Clouten’s lif elong pursuit to explore, water color. about architecture, and what he has understand, and share the exuberance ca ptured in watercolors. He presents of the creative process is inspiring. ■ Who hav e influenced y ou significantly watercolor workshops on the Queen The accuracy of his comment—“o ver on y our ideas and expression in art? Elizabeth II and the Queen Mary II, and the years, the centrality of creativity My art teacher at Sy dney Univ ersity, leads groups of friends and artists on in human experience has remained Lloy d Rees, made a notable impression European river cruises. important to me”—was confirmed on me as a person and as a mentor. Clouten received his degrees in when he sho wed me the prototype of His lectures w ere personable and he architecture from Sydney University, a chocolate bar that was a design proj - shared his experiences. He connected Australia; Ohio State University; and ect b y his architectural students, based as a person with his art and carried his Ph.D. from Edinburgh University. on their pref erences of chocolate. The this into his theme and style. I hav e He is a f ello w of the Royal Australian prototype later became a real product. letters fr om him that I treasure. Here’s Institute of Architects and received His watercolors and sketches are one letter where Dr. Rees comments the Michigan President’s Award f or the regularl y exhibited in juried art sho ws, that some of the simple, insignificant year 2000 from the American Institute including the Polk Art and Technology things that I had done—participating of Architects. exhibition and the Michigan Water in an art pr oject as a student and buy - He worked with the Opera House Color Society. His artwork is in ing him a cup of coffee—had made Project in Sydney as researcher and private collections and corporate a lasting impression on him. I hav e official guide, and as an architect in offices. Watercolors from the series, some of his water colors and books. Stockholm, Sweden. For the past three “Impressions and Reflections” are Donald Schon of the Massachusetts decades, his particular interest in the regularl y exhibited in galleries. Institute of Technology, in his writings academe has been in architectural on reflectiv e practice and his personal education. He became inaugural chair ■ Dr. Clouten, let’s begin with y our association, informed my own practice of the Department of Architecture sketchbook. and focus on artistry in teaching. at Andrews University in 1980. From Virtually all my life I hav e carried a 1990 to 2003 he was dean of the sketchbook. I am fascinated b y time ■ Why does watercolor appeal to y ou? College of Architecture and Design at and place as w ell as accuracy. My I am fascinated b y the way that this Lawrence Technological University in intent is to record impressions in my medium does its own thing. I enjoy Southfield, Michigan. His publications sketchbook. As w ell as standing alone, entering into a conv ersation with the

18 DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 paper and paint, and watch how the heaven I anticipate we will carry on clinic just across the Guatemalan bor- temperature and humidity introduce the process of creativity. The last phase der. She was grateful for the company variation. The drying of the watercolor of the creative process is communica- and gave us mail to deliver to the often brings unexpected results. I find tion. Engaging others in this process is Adventist hospital in Nicaragua. Not the process fun and enjoy the creative part of the passion. only were we inspired by these loyal process, and often the result. missionaries, but we were left with ■ As a Christian professional, what has the lasting impression that while we ■ Why do you enjoy the creative process? given you the greatest satisfaction? may know at certain points in our life Creativity is connecting with people. I am satisfied with my architectural that we are in the right place at the It is communicating for the purpose career. I have won competitions with right time, faith is fundamental in the of connecting—connecting between my architectural ideas. I have designed Christian life in the midst of turbu- art and religious convictions, and shar- churches; but I recall with pleasure lence and uncertainty. ing these with others. It is what Ellen designing a chapel for a retirement White was talking about when she center, which included everything ■ Do you have any parting counsel for wrote that we are all creators and have from the building to light fittings your readers? the God-given power to think, to act, and communion glasses. I have found Everyone can combine passion with and to do. enjoyment as a teacher, as servant- reflection. Our impressions of the aes- leader, working with different kinds thetic experience add to the compass ■ Do you have a philosophy of art? of people and reflecting on different of life. Dutch Architect Aldo van Eyck The creative process provides a methods of teaching. In the design commented, “Architecture can do no model for reflecting on my role as studio setting, each student engages in more and must not do less than assist teacher, administrator, and artist. creativity and reflection. one’s homecoming.” Photographs remind me of experienc- I am very conscious of the Lord’s Norene and I have come to know es, but I cannot compete with nature. leading in my life. I reflect on this in and appreciate a more meaningful Realism in art leaves out a whole lot. my new book with the working title, life. If it is true for the secular world, Through the medium of art, one’s per- A Plan Larger Than I Can Draw. I it is infinitely more important for ceptions and worldview can be shared have had glimpses of God as Creator spiritual truth. Life with the Holy with others. A subject from nature through my limited excursions in the Spirit, in both the broadest sense and or the built environment can trigger creative process. in the specifics of eschatology, cannot a flood of ideas. I may be able to put do anything more and must not do some of these on paper and share with ■ Of all your life experiences, is there less, than assist us on the way to the others. It may even be possible for the one that you would like to share? Homecoming that really matters. watercolor to share passion. My wife, Norene, and I had spent Friday sketching Mayan ruins in the ■ So, what is the creative process? jungle. Mid-afternoon we drove our Interview by Delyse Steyn Creativity begins with a need; a Volkswagen towards the Pan-American real need, a human need. This is the Highway to find a campsite. The lack starting point in architecture: Should of road signs and ambiguous map Delyse Steyn (D. Ed., University there be a new building or not? This information delayed us, and we were of South Africa) is professor is true of Genesis and it is apparent in anxious to find a place to pitch our and chair of the Department the New Testament as well. Creativity tent before sunset. As we climbed the of Communication at Andrews requires keen observation. It is prob- steep mountain road, we came across University in Berrien Springs, lem finding, problem solving, and a car. One of the Mexicans called out, Michigan. reflecting on the process. Analysis “Where are you going?” “To Tuxla.” and synthesis are required, and ideas “You are on the right road. We are Neville Clouten’s address: 8695 must be run through a filter to decide Seventh-day Adventists and are going Maplewood Drive, Berrien Springs, whether they are worth something. It to Linda Vista College, a few miles Michigan 49103, U.S.A. 269-471- is a creative moment. Holding a pencil further.” We followed Dr. Rodriguez 4163. Email: [email protected]. is to me symbolic of the continuity and his family, and joined in the ves- Some of his watercolors can be between this life and heaven. There per service at the school. We met Dr. seen at http://www.nevilleclouten. are creative themes in worship, music, and Mrs. Butler who insisted that we com. musical instruments, architecture, stay in their home. We were given a and the literature of the Scriptures. In parcel to take to Mrs. Graves at the

DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 19 ACTION REPORT ationism. In addition, she testified that “meeting with other university stu- dents who experience similar joys and challenges strengthened my faith.” Ironically, the picturesque Galapagos Islands—designated by the United Nations as Patrimony of Humanity— where the convention was held, was the location where in 1835 Charles Darwin gathered specimens and elaborated arguments that he would later include in his book On the Origin of Species. The Adventist Church in South America promotes the creation of Adventist student associations and the convening of such meetings because this is a critical time in the life of our University students meet in Ecuador students. If properly involved and sup- by Erton Kohler ported, they will become the profes- sionals and leaders that our congrega- tions and their communities urgently Converging on Santa Cruz, the family through baptism. For 10 years need. most accessible island of the Galapagos she had been involved in church activi- Archipelago, Adventist university stu- ties, and during the long flight from dents and their friends from various the mainland, she decided to begin a Erton Kohler is director of the regions of Ecuador met in early April new life with God. Another partici- Youth Department and Dialogue 2005 to hold their convention. The pant who had been studying the Bible representative for the South event took place at the municipal audi- and was inspired by the meetings was American Division. His email torium of Puerto Ayora and brought also baptized toward the end of the address: [email protected]. together 120 representatives from the program. North and South Ecuador Missions. Leaders for the university students’ The theme of the meeting was associations were elected for both “Always Faithful,” and the program Ecuador missions. The program closed focused on three issues: Adventist with a moving communion service identity, creationism, and evange- in which the participants committed Philadelphia listic outreach. The main speakers themselves to remain always faithful to included Roberto Biaggi (director Jesus and His teachings. Adventist of the Geoscience Institute at River Felipe Arturo Ramos Escalante, a Network Plate University in Argentina), Walter first-year law student, thanked God Alaña (principal of Ecuador Adventist and the organizers for the conven- by Lakisha Hull Technological Institute), Samuel tion, and stated, “I brought with me a Sandoval (a pastor in Peru), and the friend who is not yet a member of our In the autumn of 2001, two author of this report. church, but he has been very favor- Adventist graduate students living With the encouragement of the local ably impressed by the lectures and the on very modest incomes and attend- government, the students participated activities in which we participated.” ing a secular university in the city of in an ecological project, cleaning des- He added, “As an Adventist student, I Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, found ignated areas of the island and enhanc- have faced many difficulties, and this themselves with no family or contacts ing the habitat of several natural spe- meeting has strengthened my resolve in the area. Although there were many cies. The authorities formally awarded to be faithful.” Adventist congregations in the city, them a certificate of appreciation for Monica Jacqueline Ayala Soto, who there was no ministry to Adventist their service to the community. is completing a degree in pedagogy, young adults providing social and At the beginning of the convention, especially appreciated the strong argu- spiritual support. Veronica Eras joined the Adventist ments presented in support of cre- So Shermese Woodbine and the

20 DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 Adventist students active in the Philippines by Redentor A. Feliciano

When Adventist students at the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) established an AMiCUS chapter in 1999, no one took us seri- author of this report decided to do adults in the 21st century. Depending ously. Four years later, the chapter was something about it. With much on the topic, guest speakers are invited officially recognized by CLSU as one prayer and ground work, we launched to lead in the discussions. Many mem- of the significant student organizations the Philadelphia Adventist Network bers use this informal vesper program on the campus. The significance is Ministries (PAN) to equip the next as an opportunity to testify of God’s found in the fact that ours is the only generation of church leaders while guidance in their lives and to solicit religion-based organization, and our providing a safe haven for young support for personal challenges. role on the campus is to contribute adults interested in fun activities with PAN also organizes social activities toward the development of character a spiritual mindset. PAN responds such as game nights, potlucks, and and Christian faith. Today CLSU, to the call of the great commission outdoor excursions. An electronic net- one of the leading universities in the by reaching out to the unchurched work is used to provide information Philippines, finds our AMiCUS chap- or under-churched while reaching in on upcoming events and programs. ter playing a constructive role in the to Adventist young adults desiring to This ministry, created by young lives of both Adventist students and strengthen their relationship with God. adults for young adults, faces the usual others. From a very small beginning, PAN obstacles: limited funds, inadequate This constructive role, through has grown into a ministry that con- transportation for members, and God’s providence, has strengthened nects more than 100 Adventist young the frequent turnover in member- Adventist students to stand firm for adults with Christian events, social ship as students graduate and move their faith and witness for their belief. activities, and Bible studies. The away. Future plans include expanding As a result, we have witnessed a num- diverse group includes college and uni- outreach events in volunteering and ber of baptisms in the past few years. versity students as well as young pro- community service, and developing a The organization is also the Lord’s fessionals, both married and single. mentorship and tutoring program for instrument in reviving Adventist Bible studies held twice a month are urban youth. churches in nearby communities as we the backbone of the ministry. These visit them and lead out in Sabbath ser- meetings are made possible by group vices. This is particularly appreciated members who open their homes to To learn more about the where churches do not have full-time those interested in meeting other Philadelphia Adventist Network, pastors. Adventists and discussing the Word of contact us through our email One activity that has brought stu- God. The studies address issues and address: [email protected]. concerns relevant to Christian young Continued on page 23.

DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 21 LOGOS People uncertain of their identity and unsure of their purpose in life or in their future. People who needed to get He breathed into his their spiritual and moral bearings in the midst of an immoral God-denying culture. People struggling to believe nostrils: God’s kiss of life that the promised land was far better by Larry L. Lichtenwalter than Egypt or any home they might make for themselves in the wilderness. They needed to stand apart and be In his book Mortal Lessons: Notes “Will my mouth always be like different from their pagan neighbors. on the Art of Surgery, surgeon Richard this?” she asked, looking his way. So do we, God’s end-time people! You Selzer tells of the night he stood by “Yes, it will. It’s because the nerve and I! What better image can be given the bed of a young woman recovering was cut,” Selzer explains. us than that of God cupping Adam’s from facial surgery. Her mouth was She nods, and is silent. face in His hands and twisting His twisted with palsy. Almost clownish. But the young man smiles. “I like lips against Adam’s earthen nostrils There had been a tumor on her cheek. it,” he says. “It’s kind of cute.” to bring life? That God made us in To remove it, Selzer had to cut a tiny All at once Selzer knew who the His image? After His likeness? That twig of the facial nerve—the one to man was. He understands and lowers our spiritual and moral identity come the muscles of her mouth. Her mouth his gaze. Unmindful of the surgeon’s directly from God? (Genesis 1:26-28) would have this awkward twist the presence, the young husband bends to In the mid 1990s, toymaker Mattel rest of her life. A young man was in kiss his wife’s crooked mouth, Selzer introduced Barbie, the world’s No. 1 the room with her, standing on the so close he could see how he twists his doll, into the male-dominated world opposite side of the bed. Together, this own lips to accommodate to hers—to of multi-media software and video 1 1 couple seemed to dwell in the evening show her that their kiss still works. games. The 11 /2-inch beauty man- lamplight, isolated from the surgeon. One wonders how God twisted His nequin now walks and moves in a “Who are they?” Selzer asked himself. mouth to breathe into Adam’s nostrils creative interactive computer program. “He and this wry-mouth I have made, the breath of life (Genesis 2:7). Can There’s Fashion Designer where you can who gaze at and touch each other so you imagine it? The gift of life is con- create as many as 15,000 different out- generously, greedily?” ferred on humankind in an intimate fits that Barbie models in a 3-D walk face-to-face encounter. God forms a down a runway. And there’s Barbie work of art out of moist clay. A bond Storymaker where you can create your with this piece of art begins to grow own Barbie movies, complete with in the gentle process of making. Then plots and action. It was a ploy to get Free subscription comes that incredible moment. The girls as hooked on computers as boys for your college final touch. Who would have thought are. For more than 40 years Barbie has it? Only God! Living lips are placed been a medium through which young or university against cool earthen nostrils. A silent girls have imagined life and envisioned library! puff of life giving breath moves from themselves into the future. God’s mouth to His lifeless clay sculp- It makes me think about the dif- Do you wish to see Dialogue available in ture. Earthen lips flush with life. Cold ferent theories of human nature the library of your public college or univer- expressionless eyes open to see God’s envisioned in our world today. sity so that your non-Adventist friends may dancing eyes. God’s smiling face still Evolutionists, sociologists, psycholo- also have access to the journal? Contact very much close. God’s hands still cup- gists, New Agers, Marxists, Buddhists, the librarian, show him or her a copy of ping either side of his face. It’s Adam’s Muslims, and varying shades of the journal, and suggest that they request first experience of life—face-to-face Christians have each dressed human a free subscription to Dialogue, writing on encounter with God. What a moment! beings up with this or that form of an official institutional paper. We will take care of the rest! What intimacy! being. Marxists tell us we are made The letter should be addressed to: by our society. Evolutionists tell us we Dialogue Editor-in-Chief; 12501 Old A God-given identity are the high end of natural biological Columbia Pike; Silver Spring, Maryland The Book of Genesis was good development where the fittest survive. 20904; U.S.A. news for the generation of Israelites New Agers tell us we are gods and preparing to enter the promised land. part of a larger cosmic consciousness.

22 DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 Existentialists tell us we have an open power to bring something out of noth- road ahead where each one of us deter- ing—including the nothingness of our Philippines Continued from page 21 mines ourselves by our choices and lives—but that He has the heart to do the things we value. Jean Paul Sarte so. This has been affirmed at Calvary writes that “man is like a bubble of where the lips of Jesus were shaped dents from different faiths to our consciousness in an ocean of nothing- with words of woe, anguish, and for- meetings is the musical concert. The ness, bobbing around until the bubble giveness. Revelation promises us that concert is not only a spiritual experi- pops.” in the new creation, the face of God ence but also an event that promotes If we don’t have a clear sense of will once again be intimately seen by appreciation for Christian music and inner identity, we can feel lost and human beings (Revelation 22:4). His Christian faith. At first, it was a chal- anonymous amid the billions of people lips then will be shaped with words of lenge for us to conduct this activity on with whom we share this planet. The blessing and a joyful smile—even sing- a secular university where the concept future can seem absurd, empty, mean- ing (Zephaniah 3:17). of music is so different from what we ingless. Much of the moral breakdown Right now, in the midst of our hurt planned to offer, but, with God’s guid- in our society today and the dysfunc- and trials, sin and fallenness, we are ance, we have so far conducted two tion in our families comes because invited to ponder that incredible first well-attended major concerts. there is confusion about who we really moment of divine love—God twist- Another activity that has brought are. ing His lips to breathe life into human appreciation and attention to But the good news of Genesis is that beings who would reflect His personal AMiCUS is our prison ministry. Once we have been made in the image of and moral qualities in the world. The a month we visit the jail in the nearby the God who loves us and is at work cross affirms those roots and provides city of San Jose and bring to the to redeem us! This “mouth-to-nostril” the moral context and power for us to inmates both the joy of music and the awakening from inert dust is unique, be fully restored in His image (Romans hope of the gospel. Our program lasts significant. It is the centerpiece of 5:10-21; Revelation 12:10, 11). The for one hour, and during that time biblical teaching about who we are. promise of the new creation affirms we get to reach the hearts of many Our purpose in living. Our account- not only who we are but also where we inmates. Only time will tell how many ability. Our rights, dignity, and moral are headed (Revelation 22:3, 4; 2 Peter have found a new hope and direction character. 3:11-14; 1 John 3:1-3; Colossians 3:1- in God. 10). We live in the moral light stream- Our other activities include Voice A spiritual center ing from creation both past and future. of Youth crusades, medical and dental Naomi Rosenblatt writes that, It affirms our moral identity and heri- camps, health and spiritual lectures, “Being made in the image of God tage—who we are in the world. children’s story hours, sport fest, spiri- invests us with a portable spiritual Praise God with wonder! Who are tual retreats, camping and hiking, ser- center.”2 Wherever we go, that por- we that God thinks of us so (Psalm enading, branch Sabbath schools, and table spiritual center goes with us. “If 8:3-6)? many others. Almost all the expenses we define ourselves as being made in come from student contributions, even the image of God, no one else can though our students just barely meet ever define us to ourselves.”3 With Larry Lichtenwalter, Ph.D., pas- their university costs. this sense of spiritual identity firmly tors the Village Seventh-day Our group is inviting student embedded within us, no one can ever Adventist Church in Berrien organizations from different parts of usurp it or whittle it away—even when Springs, Michigan. His email address: the world to network with us. We we are undergoing difficult life pas- [email protected]. invite them to share their activities sages. That’s what Israel needed to hear with us so that we may learn more so long ago. That’s what we need to of the different ways of ministering hear today as God’s remnant people REFERENCES to the people around us. Our email: on the verge of the heavenly promised 1. Richard Selzer, Mortal Lessons: Notes on the Art [email protected]. of Surgery (New York: Simon and Schuster, land. It must ever be part of our end- 1974), pp. 45, 46. time gospel message to the confused 2. Naomi H. Rosenblatt, Wrestling With Angels and lost world of people all around us (New York: Delacorte Press, 1995), p. 15. Redentor A. Feliciano is the editor 3. Ibid., p. 14. (Revelation 14:7; 10:1, 5-7; 4:11 21:1, of the AMiCUS-CLSU Newsletter. 5). Genesis’ “mouth-to-nostril” awaken- ing tells us not only that God has the

DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 23 VIEWPOINT claim. First of all, the amount of simi- larity is not nearly as great as he tries to make it appear. That can be deter- Ellen White mined from careful scrutiny of the exhibits in his book. Secondly, he cites two arguments against his conclusions, and her critics and his efforts to refute these argu- by Leonard Brand ments fail to do so. The data he uses cannot test those arguments. Third, the principal line of reasoning of the Ellen White’s critics have 5:20, 21, Deuteronomy 18:22, and entire book is based on faulty logic. Matthew 7:15-20 clearly indicate that He does present evidence that refutes based their studies on inad- there will be true prophets of God and the claim that her writing was all origi- equate research design and false prophets who do not speak for nal, or that her material was verbally faulty logic, and we have God, and we have the right and the inspired, or dictated by God. The responsibility to distinguish between problem is that he then jumps directly a right to be skeptical of them. We also are obliged to evaluate to the opposing conclusion that there their conclusions. critically the work of those who claim must not have been any divine com- to have judged a presumed prophet munication. Does God ever communicate infor- and found him or her wanting. But this black-and-white, either- mation to humans? Do we dare chal- I set out to evaluate the work or reasoning fails to consider an lenge the claim that God did speak to of Ellen White’s critics, and Don intermediate explanation, which can His prophets? New information pub- McMahon, a physician, completed be found in her own description of lished in a recent book, The Prophet new research with the potential to how she wrote her books. Her claim and Her Critics,1 attempts to answer determine whether her health prin- is that God spoke to her, giving her these questions. ciples came from God, as she claims, principles, which she wrote in her Ellen White was a prominent leader, or from the abundant writings of other own words. She says that she often speaker, and writer in the early decades 19th century health reformers.2 This felt unable to adequately express these of the Seventh-day Adventist denomi- research offers what appears to be the concepts, but was instructed that she nation. Her ministry spanned from first scientific evidence on the nature would be better able to write clearly by the 1840s until her death in 1915. of inspiration. reading other books on the subject.6 Seventh-day Adventists believe that she This explanation is consistent with all was a spokesperson for God, receiving Ellen White’s critics of Walter Rea’s data, and thus he fails information in visions for the benefit My evaluation of three of White’s to present any evidence that could of Adventists and others. She wrote prominent critics, Walter Rea,3 negate a role of divine inspiration in this information in books and articles, Jonathon Butler,4 and Ronald her writings. It will require a different making her one of the most published Numbers5 focused on the quality of type of evidence to test her claim of women in history. their research. Did they use a good inspiration. Critics have challenged her claim research design? Did they collect their A journal article7 claiming that Ellen to receiving divine communication, data in a valid manner? Do their data White’s understanding of the final maintaining instead that she copied support their conclusions? If they had events of Earth history came from cur- her ideas from other sources. Portions submitted their work as a thesis for rent events in her day similarly fails of her writings do show some similar- a graduate degree, would they have because of faulty logic and inadequate ity to what is found in books by other received a passing grade? evidence. We will not deal further authors that she is known to have Walter Rea’s basic claim is that with that, but will proceed to the owned and read. The issue is whether phrases or even series of sentences book Prophetess of Health, by Ronald the other authors were the source of in Ellen White’s books are identical Numbers. Numbers claims to show her ideas or, as she claimed, reading or very similar to other books in her that Ellen White derived all of her these other books only helped her to library. He argues that this negates her health reform principles from the works better express the concepts she received claim of divine inspiration, and shows of other health reformers of her day. from God. that she copied her ideas from oth- There were a number of such health Is it valid for these critics to challenge ers. However, there are several reasons reformers during the 19th century, who a prophet of God? 1 Thessalonians why his evidence does not support this published many books and articles, a

24 DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 number of which were in Ellen White’s research design must compare both medical opinion was also used to decide library, with her underlining. similarities and differences. whether each health principle (each Ellen White’s main health vision Third, Numbers did not attempt to “what”) is expected to have a minor occurred in June 1863, and the next analyze objectively the hypothesis of effect or a significant effect on health. year she wrote her principles of health- divine inspiration, but stated clearly This provided the database for the ful living in the book Spiritual Gifts. his assumption that the data should test we have been looking for! We can She said she did not read the works be evaluated without recourse to that now test two hypotheses: (1) “Ellen of other health reformers until after hypothesis. But a scholarly study White’s health concepts can be satis- writing the health section of Spiritual attempting to determine the truth of a factorily explained as borrowed from Gifts, but after writing Spiritual Gifts, hypothesis cannot begin by assuming the other health reformers of her day,” she read those other books and was the hypothesis is false. and (2) “Ellen White’s health writings surprised to find so many concepts In summary, the research designs contain information that cannot be similar to her own. Numbers discounts used by these critics were uniformly explained as arising from health con- her claim, and states that before her unsatisfactory, and they did not have cepts available in her day; they show health-reform vision of 1863 “Seventh- the data to support their claims. she must have received information day Adventists were already in posses- Several books have been written in from an extrahuman source.”9 sion of the main outlines of the health response to these critics. My evalua- In the 1950s medical opinion was reform message.”8 tion is that these books are helpful, clearly contrary to Ellen White’s health Numbers’ history of these events is but still are not the careful, objective principles, but new medical research instructive, but his use of the history study needed to test the hypothesis of in the last half of the 20th century has to determine whether her health prin- divine communication as the source of changed that. Of the 46 “whats” in ciples were revealed to her by God is Ellen White’s writings. However, a new Spiritual Gifts, 96 percent have been fraught with serious errors of logic and study of her writings on health has verified by modern medicine, with 70 inadequate evidence. First of all, such used the proper research design, and percent being significant to health, and research must be based on a complete offers possibilities for testing the divine 26 having a minor effect. In contrast, list of her health principles, and also communication of her health prin- the health principles (“whats”) of the the health principles of her supposed ciples. This research was done by Don five other health reformers studied sources. These must be compiled using McMahon, a physician with consider- ranged from 35-45 percent verified. the same approach for all, to provide able experience in studying and lectur- Not only that, but when we compare an unbiased set of data. Then all of ing on modern medical principles of the lists of unverified principles for these principles can be compared with healthful living. all these reformers, the difference modern medical findings to determine between Ellen White and the others is which of them has been medically Testing the hypothesis of divine further emphasized. Ellen White’s two verified. Of course, medical knowledge inspiration principles in Spiritual Gifts judged by keeps advancing and changing with McMahon compiled a list of all the McMahon to be unverified are: avoid new discoveries, so it is not an abso- health concept in the writings of Ellen leaven in bread, and usually eat only lute standard. However, that is not a White and of the other prominent two meals a day. In contrast, here is a serious problem because it still allows health reformers of her time. The same sampling of unverified principles from a comparison of the relative level of approach was used in compiling each the other reformers: don’t heat your accuracy of different health reformers. of these lists. Then they were all com- house, if you must eat meat then eat That will be adequate for our purposes. pared with modern medical science, it raw, don’t comfort children (crying Numbers did not come close to doing and each concept was judged as either is good for them), don’t let children this, but used anecdotal evidence— verified or not verified by modern eat fruit, don’t drink water (get your comparison of a few health principles— medicine. Each health concept was liquids only from fruit), don’t use any without any indication of how he chose then categorized as a health principle salt, wear very little clothing even these examples rather than many others or a physiological explanation of a when it is cold, don’t use soap, bathe that he did not discuss. health principle. For example “drink only once or twice a week, marital Second, Numbers focused on simi- lots of water” is a principle, a state- sexual activity is dangerous to health, larities between the health principles ment of what to do. A physiological children should avoid eating potatoes, of White and the other reformers, but explanation would not say what to do, and avoid strong odors (even pleasant did not discuss the significant differ- but why we should do it. McMahon ones, like the scent of flowers). ences that exist between them. This called the principles “whats,” and the Since Ellen White had very little for- is not appropriate, for an unbiased explanations “whys.” Finally, current mal education, and certainly no medi-

DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 25 cal education at all, how did she know of water,” or “don’t drink alcohol” are his proposed tract advocating that sex how to avoid those principles that may easily communicable and understand- should be limited to procreation. Her have seemed valid 150 years ago but able by anyone in any era of history, only comment to him after his sales are now known to be very wrong? And even if they don’t know the correct rea- talk was “go home and be a man.” In where did she get the numerous health sons for these principles. Our lives and this case, he took the hint and did not principles that the other reformers did our relationship to God will benefit if publish his tract. not espouse? The latter point is espe- we follow the principles of living that cially significant, because the principles He gave us, even if we don’t under- Conclusions that are unique to her have a higher stand the reasons why. God allows us to make choices, and level of accuracy than the principles to accept the consequences of those found both in her writings and in the Ellen White and principles choices. This includes the choices writings of one or more of the other of sexual relationships that we each make regarding our view health reformers. The accuracy of her Ellen White’s critics have argued that of inspiration. However, if a person health principles cannot be derived she advocated unbalanced concepts of challenges the Bible or the writings from any human source available any- marital sexual relationships, but this of Ellen White, we have the right to time during her lifetime. This seems seems to be based on a careless reading expect that such challenge will be to refute hypothesis one, above, and is of her writings. In her day it was com- based on a high quality of scholarly consistent with hypothesis two—com- mon for health reformers to advocate a research. Ellen White’s critics discussed munication from an extrahuman restriction of sexual contact to perhaps here have based their research on inad- source. Does anyone have another once per month. Contrary to what Ron equate research design and faulty logic, explanation? Numbers implies, Ellen White never and we have a right to be skeptical of After writing Spiritual Gifts, Ellen advocates any such restriction. She does their conclusions. White says that she read the other discuss problems caused by “animal The research of Don McMahon, reformers’ publications, and used some passions,” and husbands “worse than by far the most careful and objective of their material. This can explain why brutes,” and advocates that wives try to research on this topic, indicates that her percent of verified health principles divert their husbands’ minds from the the claim that Ellen White’s health in her book The Ministry of Healing, “gratifications of lustful passions.” To principles were copied from other published in 1905, had slipped down understand what she is condemning, we reformers is not even close to being from 96 percent to 87 percent. Even must know what kind of relationship realistic. To follow these health prin- so, the unverified principles in The she is describing. Is she condemning ciples is to show our grateful thanks Ministry of Healing are ideas that can normal sexual relationships of mar- to the Creator who cares not only for be argued over, but do not include any ried couples who are loving, unselfish, our salvation, but also wants to help of the strange principles advocated by kind, understanding, and passionate us live more healthful, happy lives. other health reformers. with each other? Or is she describing These gifts from God are given freely So far I have discussed the “whats,” the insensitive behavior of self-centered, by His grace. The accuracy we see in but the “whys” present a different pic- demanding husbands, or even perhaps God-given health principles also can ture that reveals something about the some type of abusive behavior? encourage us to trust His communica- nature of inspiration. Ellen White’s She wrote in an era when sexual tion on other topics—to listen to and “whys” are no more accurate than the topics were not openly discussed as is believe God’s communication to us “whys” of the other reformers, and more common now, but careful study through His messengers. In His kind- thus they seem to come from a differ- of her writings clearly indicates that ness He has sent us these messages ent source of information. It appears these “animal passions” she condemns to keep us from being fooled by the that God gave us the principles for are in the second category described enemy of us all. healthful living that will improve our above. When we compare her descrip- quality of life, but left it for us to fig- tions of a relationship in which true ure out the physiological explanations love governs a husband, and the char- Leonard R. Brand (Ph.D., Cornell ourselves. And in fact it would have acteristics and/or results of “animal University) is professor of biology and often been impossible to give correct passions” or husbands “worse than paleontology at Loma Linda University, physiological explanations for many brutes,” there is a dramatic difference Loma Linda, California, U.S.A. Email health principles in the 1800s without between the two lists. She is talking address: [email protected]. using medical terminology and con- about the quality of marital relation- cepts unknown until the late 1900s. ships, not about the frequency of sex. Health principles like “drink lots One man tried to get her blessing on Continued on page 32

26 DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 OPEN FORUM Marrying a non-Christian?

I am very much in love with a man ing sets of spiritual blueprints. When carry the pain of spiritual loneliness. I met at work. We are both in our thir- one is a Christian and the other is not, Spiritual compatibility is important. ties and are compatible in every area they enter an arena where they can During a time of stress, two who wor- except religion. Even though he’s not a never achieve spiritual oneness. What ship together can tap into a source of Christian, he goes to church with me, a difference it makes in marriage when strength to carry them through the and I believe in my heart that he will both partners can turn to God in the tough times. No couple goes through convert someday. There’s no one at church midst of turmoil and together find a life without being touched by adver- for me to date. Besides, this man’s moral refuge and strength! sity or tragedy. This imperfect world standards are higher than are those of all It’s amazing how much disobedi- carries much evil—heartache, pain, the other men from church whom I’ve ence flourishes under the rationaliza- disappointment, illness, emotional dated. What do you think my chances tion that I found in your letter. You upheavals, financial setbacks, and are for converting him? I’m willing to need courage to end this relationship. death. When a couple needs to seek take my chances. The pain will be severe, but the peace God in prayer, they find great strength afterwards will be even more incred- and courage as they seek Him together, I understand the difficulty. Looking ible. Surround yourself with Christian rather than singly! for someone with whom you can share friends who can support you in prayer. “Do not be yoked together with spiritual oneness drastically reduces the If you make the hard choice now, you unbelievers” is godly wisdom. field of eligible candidates. There is a will soon have peace. Unmarried Christians must heed it chance that your friend may convert. I am 28 years old and studying in a or reap the consequence of living in But the biblical admonition against public university. I really like some of the a home where the shadows are never the union between a believer and a ideas about courtship in your books, but lifted. God didn’t give this advice to non-believer still exists. Never marry I’m not sure non-Christian girls are a keep you from finding a mate, but in hopes of someone changing. If you bad influence on me. What do you think to protect you from pain. Don’t get fail to match in your spiritual values about dating outside one’s faith? yourself so wrapped up romantically as well as mentally, emotionally, and Some single young adults become with someone who doesn’t share your physically, you are compromising your really uncomfortable when people faith that you can’t bear the thought of beliefs and standards. This puts you on quote Paul’s warning: “Do not be a future without that person. The saf- dangerous ground. yoked together with unbelievers” (2 est way to protect yourself from such Don’t try to ignore the problem, jus- Corinthians 6:14, NIV). They begin pain is to maintain a policy of dating tify the relationship, or disobey God. the rationalizations: “I know she’s not only those of like faith. Instead, take a hard look at what this a Christian, but she goes to church means for you and the one you love. with me, and I just know she’ll con- Unless you do it now, in all the years vert.” “But there’s no one at church to Nancy Van Pelt is a certified fam- to come you’ll deal with the conse- date!” “I know she’s not a Christian, ily life educator and a family and quences of being unequally yoked. but she has higher morals than any of consumer science professional. She Imagine the frustration two builders the other girls I’ve dated.” has authored 27 books, which have would experience trying to work on a I understand the rationalization been translated into more than house from two different sets of build- as well as the difficulty. Yes, she may 30 languages. These two questions ing plans. Differing designs and mate- convert someday. But the admonition and answers have been selected rials would produce such confusion against a relationship between a believer from her new book with Madlyn and conflict that the project would and an unbeliever still exists. There are Lewis Hamblin, Dear Nancy: A Trusted fail. Even the casual observer would scores of Christlike men and women Advisor Gives Straight Answers to say, “You can’t build a house from two in our churches married to unbeliev- Questions about Marriage, Sex, and differing blueprints.” ers. Some become Christians after they Parenting (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific The same advice applies to naive married. Others married without heed- Press, 2005). lovers who enter marriage with differ- ing the scriptural advice. But they all

DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 27 FOR YOUR INFORMATION

heart, central nervous system, genitals, Alcohol’s dark secrets and the brain.5 In fact, for nearly 20 years it has been recognized that FAS Scientific research shows that the danger is the leading cause of intellectual impairment in Western culture.6 of alcohol is too pervasive to be ignored. Alcohol and pregnancy by John F. Ashton Young drinking males are not immune from fathering deformed off- What the ads say and the movies But there is even more to this dark spring, either. As far back as the early portray about alcohol is very different side of alcohol. Some of the studies 1930s—in a handbook for mothers from the effects alcohol produces on that will come up in the above search and mothers-to-be entitled All About our bodies and in our communities. reveal that when female rats were the Baby—Dr. Belle Wood Comstock Young men and women whose minds exposed to alcohol in their diet during observed that children of alcoholic and desires are being targeted by the pregnancy, they produced feminized fathers often showed various signs of carefully orchestrated media campaigns male offspring. In one experiment, both mental and physical degeneracy. are not being told the dark secrets of adult male offspring of mothers who She suggested this could be explained alcohol. They are not being told, for had consumed either an alcohol-free on the basis of the almost unbelievable example, that alcohol has the potential diet or one containing 5 percent supposition that alcohol in the blood to feminize men. Contrary to what alcohol were released near a caged can serve to poison the sperm of pro- alcohol advertisements would have receptive female and a caged male. spective fathers.7 In February 1991— us believe, the more alcohol a man Rats from the alcohol-free control 60 years later—Dr. Gladys Friedler drinks, the less of the male hormone, group mothers devoted 29 percent of the Boston University School of testosterone, his body produces. In of their time to the receptive female Medicine reported to the American fact, alcohol stimulates the liver to compared to 13 percent of their time Association for the Advancement produce an enzyme that converts the near the male, whereas rats from the of Science that fathers’ exposure to testosterone to the female hormone alcohol exposed mothers devoted 20 alcohol had been found to affect the oestrogen.1 This is why men who drink percent of their time equally to both growth and development of their chil- heavily can develop breasts, lose hair, the male and the receptive female.2 dren.8 and develop feminine patterns of fat In another study, 44 percent of the Animal and human studies have deposits. male rats prenatally exposed to alcohol also shown that alcohol damages male Has anyone told you about this failed to ejaculate when mating with sperm, decreases sperm count, and can effect of alcohol before? Have you seen a receptive female even though they cause testicular atrophy.9 Studies using statements on any of the macho beer had normal genitalia.3 Recent animal rats found that when the animals were advertisements or on beer bottles and studies have further confirmed that allowed to drink alcohol freely, their cans warning that excess consumption prenatal alcohol exposure can produce testis were smaller and the sperm ducts of this product may cause feminiza- the abnormal sexual behavior, which degenerated. Their sperm was found tion in men? Is not this effect the very is possibly explained by a testosterone to have significantly reduced motility opposite of the message of many of the mechanism.4 These findings in animal and was not able to fertilize a receptive beer ads which imply that “real men” behavior suggest that there might be female despite successful matings.10 drink beer? This feminization effect quite sensitive social issues associated It has been known for years that of alcohol has been known for many with alcohol consumption that many alcohol consumption causes impotence years. A search under “alcohol and people with vested interests would not in men and delayed satisfaction in feminization” on the U.S. National wish discussed. women.11 However, the alcohol indus- Library of Medicine medical research The dark side of alcohol does not try has cleverly diverted attention from database http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ stop here. We are only just beginning this fact by capitalizing on our natural entrez/query reveals a number of studies to expose its sinister secrets. Alcohol interest in sex and the role that alcohol about this aspect of alcohol. So why consumption during human pregnancy can play in seduction by reducing inhi- have we not been told? can lead to the fetal alcohol syndrome bitions. By using ads for alcoholic bev- (FAS) in the child. These can include erages that imply an association with Alcohol’s effects on masculinity malformation of organs including the sexual success, our attention has been

28 DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 diverted from the effects on impo- females are particularly vulnerable to in about 50 percent of all incidents of tence. This further illustrates how our an ascending infection, which can domestic violence. In a survey of more thoughts and behaviors can be manip- result in pelvic inflammatory disease than 2,000 American couples, rates ulated by clever strategic marketing. (PID), which in turn may lead to tubal of domestic violence were almost 15 infertility. In the case of men, the dis- times higher in households where the Alcohol and advertisements ease can cause sterility. husbands were often drunk as opposed The alcohol industry spends millions Promoting the heart health benefits to being never drunk.17 Recent U.S. of dollars each year researching and of alcohol is another alcohol industry Department of Justice statistics give producing messages and images that marketing strategy. How often do a similar picture of alcohol’s involve- will best persuade us to buy its prod- you see articles in newspapers and ment in intimate partner violence. ucts. The bottom line is to increase magazines extolling the latest findings Two-thirds of victims abused by a cur- sales and thereby increase profits. of how beer and wines, particularly rent or former spouse, boyfriend, or Some of the cleverest and highest paid red wines, protect against heart dis- girlfriend, reported that alcohol had minds in the world are employed to ease? In the context of very moderate been a factor, and about half of alco- convince young people to start drink- drinking, these claims may have some hol-related violence incidents reported ing. The industry knows that once truth. But by the same token, how to police involved current or former they start, many of them will be cus- often do you see articles reminding spouses, boyfriends, or girlfriends of tomers for life. that even moderate drinking can cause the offenders.18 These marketing campaigns have a significant increased risk of cancer, Alcohol does not cause domestic been highly successful. For example, particularly breast cancer in women? violence, but it is involved as a major in Australia between 1993 and 2001, A search on the U.S. National Library factor, acting as a powerful disin- alcohol consumption in the general of Medicine medical research database hibitor by unlocking deeper feelings community increased by 10 percent under “alcohol and cancer” reveals and frustrations. Strong evidence for over and above the already high lev- hundreds of studies linking alcohol the disinhibiting role alcohol plays els.12 Young women were particularly consumption with an increased risk for in domestic violence comes from a targeted by the beverage industry in a number of serious cancer types—yet 2003 study by the Research Institute the early 1990s through the promo- how often are we warned that alco- on Addictions at the University of tion of discounted drinks and the hol either causes or promotes cancer? Buffalo. The study of 270 men with development of fruit juice and cor- Furthermore, alcohol, even in modest a predisposition for physical violence dial mixes that appeal to the female amounts, appears to increase the risk toward their female partners found palate. As a result, female drinking of stroke.15 So this beverage is far from that on days when the men drank, rates have soared. The 1996 Women’s being benign in terms of health effects. they were eight times more likely to Health Australia Study found that of be violent toward their partners com- 14,762 women aged 18-23, 70 percent Alcohol and social effects pared to the days when they had no reported engaging in binge drinking, Nor is it benign in terms of social alcohol. Moreover, on days of heavy with 25 percent doing so weekly. Only effects. We are well informed as to drinking—six or more drinks within 9 per cent of the young women sur- the link between alcohol and road a 24-hour period—the chances of any veyed said they were non-drinkers.13 accidents. But the social side to alco- male-to-female partner violence was The alcohol industry has successfully hol is much, much darker. Alcohol 18 times higher compared to days of persuaded thousands of women to consumption is a contributing factor no drinking.19 become drinkers. to many violent crimes. One of the For a large proportion of the popu- most devastating aspects of alcohol lation, alcohol is a curse and it is no Alcohol and health use relates to its role in terrible crimes surprise that the Bible records God’s One of the not-so-hidden snares against women—rape and domestic hatred for drunkenness (Galatians of the alcohol-sex connection is that violence. In the United States, con- 5:19-21). No one who loves God as alcohol facilitates casual sex before servative estimates of sexual assault Creator and Redeemer will ever take marriage,14 and this practice exposes suggest that 25 percent of American that first sip and get on the road to young people to high risk of contact- women have experienced sexual assault become a slave to alcohol. ing the insidious disease chlamydia tra- including rape. Approximately one- chomatis (CT), a sexually transmitted half of those cases involved alcohol disease that despite the lack of physical consumption by the perpetrator, the symptoms can have serious long-term victim, or both.16 consequences if left untreated. Young Alcohol is estimated to be involved Continued on page 32

DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 29 BOOKS latter is priceless for teaching this doctrine in Adventist institutions, since there is little in print about the subject. The Trinity: All parts of the book are generally accurate and well docu- Understanding God’s Love, mented. His Plan of Salvation, and In organizing the book, the authors have chosen to Christian Relationships concentrate on the biblical and historical aspects of the by Woodrow Whidden, Jerry Moon, and doctrine. The authors seem to assume that the content and John W. Reeve (Hagerstown, Maryland: purpose of the doctrine is well known to prospective read- Review and Herald Publ. Assn., 2002; ers, which may not be the case, especially not after polemic 288 pp.; hardbound). attacks by their opponents, which tend to blur these issues. From a didactic viewpoint, it would have been better if Reviewed by Aecio E. Cairus the book had started with a systematic approach, explaining the theological need, internal logic, and symmetry of trini- tarian teaching in contrast to rival theories, before present- Trinity is not a biblical term. But the concept of Godhead ing the biblical evidence of the deity of Christ. A reader of with three Persons—coequal, coeternal, copurposive—is Whidden, Moon, and Reeve’s The Trinity would probably very much a biblical doctrine. From Genesis to Revelation, have been aided by such a systematic introduction, but he from the creation account to the baptismal formula to the or she can probably get it from other sources. Great Commission to the Pauline benedictions, to the re- On the evidence for the personality of the Holy Spirit, creation account, the doctrine of Trinity is clearly visible to the work is rather short. It repeats the standard proof-texts the believer’s eyes of faith. In history, the Christian sees the found in Seventh-day Adventists Believe and other works, Nicean council in 325 A.D. as settling the issue. However, but seems oblivious to the interpretation of those texts by the doctrine is still one of the most misunderstood and both Arians and modalists, who do not deny the personality often denied teachings of Christian beliefs. The misunder- causing the actions there described, but attribute them to standing has not left Adventism untouched. the Father acting through the Spirit, and in this way eschew Hence this book by three Seventh-day Adventist profes- the separate personhood of the Spirit. sors at Andrews University is both timely and indispensable On the whole, however, the book is convincing and can not only as an academic and theological clarification, but be used effectively both as preventive medicine and remedy also a personal blessing to the readers. The long subtitle is in the presence of polemic attacks. no doubt meant to underline the significance of the doc- trine in order to attract readers of all persuasions. But from An excerpt of this book was published in Dialogue 16:3 (2004) with the viewpoint of contemporary literature, it could prob- the title, “The Trinity: Why is it important?” ably be titled “The Doctrine of the Trinity for Adventist Readers.” The whole of the book is geared to this audience, as implied on page 9 and indeed manifested throughout the Aecio E. Cairus (Ph.D., Andrews University) is direc- work. The reason is explained in the introduction: Not only tor of the Theology Department at the Adventist are Adventists under attack by other Christians as being International Institute of Advanced Studies in the ambiguous about this doctrine (which is true only of the Philippines. His email: [email protected]. early times of the denomination), but there is also a revival of anti-trinitarianism among some Seventh-day Adventists who look back at those pioneering times as the golden age Prophets Are Human of Adventist theology. by Graeme Bradford (Victoria, Australia: The book begins with an examination of the biblical Signs Publishing Company, 2004; 91 evidence for the full deity of Christ and personality of the pp.; paperback). Holy Spirit. This, as anybody conversant with the doctrine of the Trinity knows, is the crux of the problem. These Reviewed by Juan Carlos Viera fundamental teachings of Scripture are under attack by its historical rival theories (Arianism, which denies that Christ is fully and truly God, and modalism, which considers all three divine persons as manifestations of one and the same individuality). Then, the book presents an excellent histori- cal review of the history of ideas about God in Christianity “Let me tell you a story—a story that begins in the in general, and in Adventist history in particular. The middle of the 19th century and continues even today. It is

30 DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 a story about a woman, a remarkable person. She had little The Battle for the Bible formal education, but wrote books whose influence has by David Marshall (Grantham, England: affected thousands and has created a movement that is very Autumn House, 2004; 192 pp.; paper). much alive all over the world today.” Graeme Bradford could well have begun his book that Reviewed by Kwabena Donkor way, for his work is as gripping as a story told by a master storyteller. Indeed, he tells his story well, and reaches the common as well as the serious readers with his gripping message about Ellen G. White, one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. A senior lecturer in the fac- ulty of theology at Avondale College in Australia, Bradford knows well his subject, his audience, and the communica- tion mode. The status of the Bible in Western culture and in contem- The book is structured as a conversation between an porary theology appears to be on the decline. This is the imaginary Adventist couple. It moves from doubt to assur- result, in part, of centuries-old battles over the accuracy and ance, thanks to the weekly visits of their pastor and a historicity of the Bible. A clear understanding of these issues teacher from the college. Although the author states in the is indispensable to one’s confidence in the foundational docu- introduction that he has been doing his research for more ment of the Christian faith. In The Battle for the Bible, David than 20 years, the setting of the story is contemporary: Marshall traces briefly the history of some of the significant The husband finds the arguments for doubting on the battles over the integrity and dependability of the Bible. internet! Does it sound familiar? Before identifying the battle lines, Marshall devotes the The book deals succinctly with the main criticisms raised first section of three brief chapters to discussing the composi- against Ellen White and her writings: that she used other tion of the Bible with regard to its language, authors, and non-inspired sources; that she made mistakes in her writings manner in which the different books from different periods as well as in her life; that she taught or supported ideas that were brought together. later were dismissed by science; etc. In the story, the pastor In section 2, Marshall begins to draw the battle lines. The and the teacher try to clear the path to assurance by com- 18th century saw the rise, among scholars, of skepticism and paring the experience of Ellen White to the Bible prophets charges of mistakes and inaccuracies in the extant texts of and, of course, they find the same issues with the biblical both the Old and New Testaments. Marshall’s discussion of writers. The author’s conclusion is that prophets are imper- the Masoretes, Essenes, Dead Sea scrolls, Codex Sinaiticus, the fect human beings, using an imperfect human language and Chester-Beatty Biblical Papyri, and the Washington Codex is living imperfect human lives in imperfect cultures. Despite presented as a vindication of the Bible’s integrity. all that, God sends His perfect and divine message to us In section 3, Marshall extends the battle for the Bible to through them. The correct test of a true prophet should be include the story of the English Bible. From the persistent based on the divine message he or she brings, not on behav- and heroic efforts of characters such as Bishop Aidan of ior or mistakes of human origin. Lindisfarne, Caedmon of Whitby, Aldhelm, Bede, Wyclif, The author advances persuasive arguments in an easy-to- and Tyndale, to the story of the Coverdale, Matthew, Great, read style. For the reader who wants to spend one or two Geneva, Bishops’, and King James’ Bibles, Marshall discerns hours on the subject, this is the right book. the divine hand at work in preserving the Bible and making it accessible to God’s people. Marshall sees Bible translations and the production of new versions adapted to the times as a Juan Carlos Viera (D. Miss., Fuller Theological Seminary) needed ongoing task. served as director of the Ellen G. White Estate and is In section 4, Marshall brings archaeology to the battle the author of the book on the same subject, The Voice arena. He shows how archaeological finds have settled erst- of the Spirit (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press Publ. Assn., while embarrassing questions regarding particular personali- 1998). ties and cities mentioned in the Bible, but supposedly not referenced anywhere else. His discussion includes the signifi- cance of the Rosetta Stone, the Behistun Rock, as well as tells and digs that have unveiled Babylon, Nineveh, the Hittites, Ur of the Chaldees, Jericho, the Philistines, and the divided kingdoms of Israel. With regard to the New Testament,

Continued on page 35 DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 31 4. ______, “Fetal Testosterone Surge: Specific “Epidemiology of Alcohol-Related Violence,” Alcohol Modulations Induced in Male Rats by Maternal Alcohol Health and Research World, U.S. Continued from page 29 Stress and/or Alcohol Consumption,” Hormones Department of Health and Human Services, and Behavior 43 (2003), 5:2003, pp. 531-539. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and See also O. Ward. I. Ward, et al., “Hormonal Alcoholism 17 (1993), 2:93-100. Mechanisms Underlying Aberrant Sexual 18. L. Greenfeld, Alcohol and Crime: An Analysis John F. Ashton (Ph.D., FRACI) Differentiation in Male Rats Prenatally Exposed of National Data on the Prevalence of Alcohol is Honorary Associate in the to Alcohol, Stress, or Both,” Archives of Sexual Involvement in Crime, U.S. Department of Behaviour 31 (2002), 1:9-16. Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of School of Molecular and Microbial 5. S. Chlorine, “Recognition of Fetal Alcohol Justice Statistics, Report No. NCJ-168632 Biosciences at the University of Syndrome,” Journal of the American Medical (1998). Sydney, Australia. His most recent Association 245 (1981), 23:2436-2439. 19. W. Fals-Stewart, “The Occurrence of Partner 6. E. Abel and R. Sokol, “Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Physical Aggression on Days of Alcohol book Uncorked: The Hidden Hazards Is Now Leading Cause of Mental Retardation,” Consumption: A longitudinal Diary Study,” of Alcohol (Warburton, Australia: The Lancet (22 November, 1986), p. 1222. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 71 Signs Publishing Co., 2004) is co- 7. B. Wood-Comstock, All About the Baby (2003), 1:41-52. (Mountain View, California: Pacific Press Publ. authored by Dr. Ronald S. Laura Assn., 1930), p. 48. (D.Phil.), Fellow of the Philosophy 8. D. Charles, D. Dickson, et al., “Why Men of Educational Research Centre, Should Also Think of the Baby,” New Scientist (2 March, 1991), p.12. Harvard University. 9. H. Hadi, J. Hill and R. Castillo, “Alcohol and Ellen White Reproductive Function: A Review,” Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey 42 (1987), 2:69-74. Continued from page 26 See also J. Villalta, J. Ballesca et al., “Testicular REFERENCES Function in Asymptomatic Chronic Alcoholics: 1. Vrij-Standhardt, “Alcohol and Hormone Relationship to Ethanol Intake,” Alcoholism, REFERENCES Metabolism,” in Biomedical and Social Aspects of Clinical and Experimental Research 21 (1997), 1. Leonard Brand and Don McMahon, The Alcohol Use: A Review of the Literature (Pudoc, 1:128-133. Prophet and Her Critics (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Wageningen, 1991), pp. 53-56. 10. W. Dare, C. Noronha, et al., “The Effect of Press Publ. Assn., 2005). 2. I. L. Dahlgren, J. Matuszczyk and E. Hayrd, Ethanol on Spermatogenesis and Fertility in 2. Ibid; Don S. McMahon, Acquired or Inspired? “Sexual Orientation in Male Rats Exposed to Male Sprague-Dawley Rats Pretreated With Exploring the Origins of the Adventist Lifestyle Ethanol,” Neurotoxicology and Teratology 13 Acetylsalicylic Acid,” Niger Postgraduate (Warburton, Australia: Signs Publishing Co., (1991), 3:267-269. Medicine 9 ( 2003), 4:194-198. See also J. Kim, 2005). Includes a CD with all the authors’s 3. I. Ward, O. Ward, et al., “Male and Female H. Kim, et al., “Suppression by Ethanol of research data and interpretations. Sexual Behavior Potential of Male Rats Male Reproductive Activity,” Brain Research 989 3. Walter Rea, The White Lie (Turlock, California: Prenatally Exposed to the Influence of Alcohol, (2003), 1:91-98. M & R Publications, 1982). Stress, or Both Factors,” Behavioral Neuroscience 11. G. Farkas and R. Rosen, “Effect of Alcohol 4. Jonathon Butler, “The World of E. G. White 108 (1995), 6:1188-1195. on Elicited Male Sexual Response,” Journal and the End of the World,” Spectrum, 10 (2): of Studies on Alcohol 37 (1976), 265-272; V. 2-13 (1979). Malatesta, R. Pollack, et al., “Acute Alcohol 5. Ronald Numbers, Prophetess of Health: A Study Intoxication and Female Orgasmic Response,” of Ellen G. White (New York: Harper and Row, Journal of Sex Research 18 (1982),1-7; V. Publishers, 1976). Attention, Malatesta, R. Pollack et al., “Alcohol Effects on 6. Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, the Orgasmic-Ejaculatory Response in Human Introduction (Mountain View, California: Adventist Males,” Journal of Sex Research 15 (1979), 101- Pacific Press Publ. Assn., 1911). 107. 7. Butler. Professionals 12. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 8. Numbers, pp. 80, 81. 2001 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: 9. Brand and McMahon, p. 41. State and Territory Supplement, AIHW cat. No. If you hold a degree in any field and PHE37. Canberra: AIHW (Drug Statistics have an email address, we encourage Series No. 9), 2002, pp. 17-19 and AIHW you to join the Adventist Professionals’ (Drug Statistics Series No.10), 2002, pp. 5-7. Network (APN). Sponsored by the 13. H. Jonas, A. Dobson, and W. Brown, “Patterns Adventist Church, this global electronic of Alcohol Consumption in Young Australian Women: Socio-Demographic Factors, Health University registry assists participant institutions Related Behaviours and Physical Health,” and agencies in locating consultants with Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Students expertise, volunteers for mission assign- Health 24 (2000), 2:185-191. ments, and candidates for positions in 14. W. Pedersen, S. Samuelsen, and L. Wichstrom, Congress “Intercourse Debut Age: Poor Resources, teaching, administration, or research. Enter Problem Behaviour, or Romantic Appeal? A your professional information directly in Population-Based Longitudinal Study,” Journal The International Congress of the APN website: of Sex Research, 40 (2003), 4:333-345. Adventist University Students spon- 15. A Klatsky, M. Armstrong, G. Friedman, sored by the Euro-Africa Division http://apn.adventist.org “Alcohol Use and Subsequent Cerebrovascular AMiCUS will take place in Lido di Jesolo Disease Hospitalizations,” Stroke 20 (1989):741- Encourage other Adventist profession- 746. (Venice), Italy, October 28-31, 2005. als to register! 16. A. Abbey, T. Zawacki, et al., “Alcohol and Sexual For more information, log onto: www. Assault,” Alcohol Research and Health 25 (2001), amicus.euroafrica.org. 1:43-51. 17. J. Collins and M. Messerschmidt, 32 DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 INTERCHANGE sages; correspondence in Portuguese or Spanish. Address: Rua Rodrigues Alves, No. 668, Apt 7 - Bairro Alto Expand your Cafezal; Marilia, SP; 17504-050; BRAZIL. Email: [email protected]. br. friendship network Eliseu Jorge Henriques: male; sin- gle; studying at School of Economics, Adventist college/university students and professionals, readers of Dialogue, inter- Universidade Agostinho Neto; inter- ested in exchanging correspondence with colleagues in other parts of the world. ests: writing poetry, football, and making new friends; correespondence Ariel Aguilera González: 20; male; Email: [email protected]. in Portuguese or English. Address: single; studying nursing at Universidad Neida Calizaya H.: 23; female; 513; Lubango; ANGOLA. Email: Católica del Maule: interests: camping, single; completing a degree in com- [email protected]. playing the guitar, and making new mercial engineering at Universidad Marcos Herrera: 21; male; single; friends; correspondence in Spanish. Domingo Savio; interests: read- studying theology at Universidad Address: 5 Oriente # 437; Talca; ing, discussing spiritual subjects, Adventista de Centro América; CHILE. Email: alejandro_gonzalez_ music, and sports; correspondence interests: reading on religious sub- [email protected]. in Spanish or Portuguese. BOLIVIA. jects, write poetry, and exchange Magdalena Alvarez Zabaleta: 42; Email: [email protected] or ideas with friends; correspon- female; married; pursuing a degree [email protected]. dence in Spanish, Portuguese, or in biology at Universidad Estatal Israel Nwafor Ejornwa: 22; male; English. Address: Col. Santa del Uruguay; interests: making new single; pursuing a degree in chemi- Eugenia, block 25 #34; Sonzacate, Christian friends, learning about other cal/petrochemical engineering at Sonsonate; EL SALVADOR. cultures, and creationism; correspon- Rivers State University of Science Email: [email protected] or dence in Spanish or English. Address: and Technology; hobbies: singing a [email protected]. 25 de Agosto esq. Francisco Maciel; cappella, football, and reading; cor- Suárez, Canelones; 91200 URUGUAY. respondence in English or Eleme. Email: [email protected]. Address: No. 66 Oyigbo Rd.; P.O. Box Invitation Jana-Lee Megan Atkinson: 18; 615; Nchia – Eleme City, Rivers State; If you are an Adventist college/university female; single; studying law at Waikato NIGERIA. Email: issyhimself@yahoo. student or professional and wish to be University; interests: classical and com. listed in Interchange, send us the following sacred music, playing the violin, and Franco Forte: 29; male; single; information: (1) Your full name, with your sharing my faith; correspondence in holds a degree in computer science; family name in capital letters; (2) your age; (3) your sex; (4) your marital status; (5) English. Address: 26 Addison Street; interests: natural medicine, psychology, your current field of studies or degree Cambridge 2531; NEW ZEALAND. reading Ellen White, and making new obtained and specialty; (6) the college Email: [email protected]. friends; correspondence in Spanish or or university you are attending or from Vincent Ayo: 37; male; married; English. Address: P.O. Box 019030; which you graduated; (7) your top three a community development assistant Miami, Florida 33101; U.S.A. Email: hobbies or interests; (8) language(s) in in the Lira District; interests: work- [email protected]. which you would like to correspond; (9) ing among the vulnerable, listen- Franchely Gabriel: 19; female; the name of the local Adventist congrega- ing to Christian music, and mak- single; pursuing a degree in secondary tion of which you are a member; (10) ing new friends; correspondence in education at Adventist University of your mailing address; (11) if available, your English. Address: Amucha S.D.A. the Philippines; interests: adventures, email address. Please write clearly. Mail this information to Dialogue Interchange; 12501 Main Church; P.O. Box 63; Lira; music, and sports; correspondence Old Columbia Pike; Silver Spring, MD UGANDA. in English. Address: P.O. Box 1834; 20904- 6600; U.S.A. You can also use email: Edward Ayaz Bhatti: 20; male; Manila; 1099 PHILIPPINES. Email: [email protected] We will list here only single; pursuing a degree in business [email protected]. those who provide all the 10 items of administration at Pakistan Adventist Cristina Alexandra de Godoy: information requested above. Seminary; hobbies: music, travel, and 22; female; single; pursuing a degree Dialogue cannot assume responsibility reading; correspondence in English. in library science at Universidade for the accuracy of the information submit- Address; United Church Bata Pur; Estadual Paulista; interests: handcrafts, ted or for the content of the correspon- P.O. Box Lahore; 53400 PAKISTAN. movies, reading, and exchanging mes- dence that may ensue.

DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 33 FIRST PERSON The voice He gave me by Charles Ngandwe as told to Anita Marshall

I was born in Zambia, Africa. My for me. But I was an innocent child. maternal grandfather’s name was Why were these things happening? Kafuti, and my grandmother was I was 7 years old when we returned Kasongo Mwelwa. I do not know their to Zambia. To give you some idea how birthdays, nor their places of birth. I poor we were, I have to tell you about know that my grandfather was born the cassava tuber. It can weigh 10 kilo- in 1900, and was initiated as Chief grams, and inside is a root that would Mwata Kalumbu in 1930 or there- spoil the cassava flour if not removed. abouts, a position he held until he This root is used for smearing on the died at 100 years of age. floors of houses, or burned on the fire My mother had leprosy, though to get rid of mosquitoes. It has no it was kept well under control with food value at all, but that is what we join their church-based quartet? Would medication, so she did not suffer the ate, and, through the mercy of God, I?! My faith came trickling back to me. disfigurement and loss of limbs often survived on! In my new location I was given help associated with the condition. She I attended a Roman Catholic school, to work as a cab driver, but after a seri- married, but my father left her before but the stress of never having enough ous knifing in the driving seat of my she knew that I was on the way. We to eat, and no proper bedding or own taxi, I felt a change of direction were the poorest of the poor, and the clothes, left me in poor health. I was was needed once more. I decided to go only home we could find stood in the asthmatic, yet I loved to sing. I even to South Africa to pursue my dream as grounds of a graveyard in the Congo. belonged to a male choir at school, a singer. For a poverty-stricken young Strong winds would beat against the and often sang in the Adventist church man, this was lunacy of the highest house, and the whistling of those winds to which I belonged. But a severe asth- order, but with God’s direct interven- often sounded like drowning people ma attack brought me to my knees one tion, on occasions too numerous to calling for help. There were strange visi- day. Friends came and prayed around mention here, I eventually found tors in the night, and dreadful beatings my bed, while I cried out: “Lord! myself in Cape Town, South Africa. I Either take the asthma and leave me had no money, no means of support, the voice, or take the voice and leave and very little clothing, but I was on the asthma!” my way to seeing my dream fulfilled. Suddenly it was as if someone had As we drove from the station to Let’s Talk! poured ice-cold water over me. Within Helderberg College, I was fascinated Do you want to send a comment or a minutes I was running the two miles by the sheer beauty of the place. For question to Pastor Jan Paulsen, president to church. I had a singing appoint- once I forgot all about the fear nur- of the Seventh-day Adventist Church? ment that I wasn’t going to miss! The tured throughout my long trip. All You can do it through a website: Lord took away the asthma that day, would be well. I closed my eyes and and it has never returned. In thank- thanked the Lord who had brought me http://www.letstalk.adventist.org ing Him, I said, “Lord, I dedicate my to this place. voice to praising your name!” As I entered the office of the lady The website’s goal is to foster com- Six years after my baptism in July who was to be my tutor, she sprang munication between young Adventists 1974, however, my spiritual life was from her chair, exclaiming, “I don’t around the world and the office of the at an all-time low. I had no work, believe it! After hearing your voice on General Conference President. You’ll also marriage to my girlfriend had not tape I was expecting a very tall man! find useful links and a searchable data- happened, and I was desperate. Then Does that strong voice really come base of questions and answers on many topics at the same site. Check it out! I received a letter explaining that the from this tiny skeleton?” The tape writer had heard about my voice, and Mrs. Dunbar referred to had been sent as they needed a bass singer, would I to her by my friend Darryl, and as we

34 DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 talked about my long journey to the The tour started with a performance college, who should walk in but Darryl at the George Town City Hall to a The Battle… Continued from page 31 himself! He just wrapped his long arms full house. Then we headed inland. round my thin frame and squeezed me Pretoria was the highlight of the trip, to his chest, all the while telling me but as we headed back to Helderberg, Marshall employs archaeological finds how happy he was that I had made it. Mrs. Dunbar knew she would have to confirm the building activities of As the next day would bring my a fight on her hands persuading the King Herod, and Jesus’ ministry in the first singing lesson with my tutor, my college authorities to let this penniless vicinity of Capernaum in Galilee. excitement knew no bounds—and singer stay on as a student. My willing- Finally, in section 5, Marshall con- didn’t ensure me a good night’s sleep! ness to do any work, down to clean- cludes by pointing out that in spite of That first lesson is so deeply etched in ing toilets if necessary, and my tutor’s the merits of archaeology and the dis- my mind that I could give you every persistence paid off. The committee covery of ancient manuscripts, the truth detail from the moment she asked me vote went in my favor. I could stay at of the Bible does not depend on these. to say, “Ah!” through all the objec- college and work on the farm to pay Thus the invitation is extended to taste tives of singing, the purpose of voice for my tuition and lodging. and see; read, discover, and encounter training, commitment and discipline, I owe Helderberg College so much. the Man of the Book, Jesus Christ. all the way to how singing widens It still holds a very special place in my Marshall’s book is concise, readable, culture through providing insight into heart. Not only did it set me on the insightful, and illuminating. It is clear the thoughts and feelings of other road to a singing career, but it was throughout where he stands in the people, how it enriches the imagina- where I found my wife—though some- battle for the Bible: the Bible is a super- tion, strengthens health through deep thing of my earlier troubles returned naturally inspired and preserved book. breathing, develops self-confidence, just before our wedding when, in If there is a weakness in Marshall’s and gives pleasure to one’s self and 1994, I had to have a serious opera- work, it is this—a lack of discussion, friends—and, oh, so many more things tion. A broken bone was pinching the at least in an introductory way, of con- that I can’t tell here! Suffice to say that nerve to my kidneys. If the condition temporary ideas that are at odds with that first 30-minute class opened up had not been righted, I would not the biblical worldview; ideas that are as such a window on the world of singing have lived for more than three months. potent in displacing trust in the Bible that my head was spinning as I left. I In September 1996, my wife and as are doubts and skepticism over the wondered if I would be able to live up I stepped onto English soil. We had text of the Bible. The book’s emphasis to the expectations placed on me, but come to stay. In 2004, I came first on the text of Scripture means that it calmed myself with: “This is the teach- in the very popular television song is certainly an invaluable introductory er I came all that way to learn from. competition, “Stars in Their Eyes,” resource to all who are interested in Everything she tells me, I will do.” singing the Paul Robeson song “Ole understanding the trustworthiness of I had arrived at Helderberg as the Man River.” I was left wondering how the text of the Bible as we have it today. college was preparing for a singing I could thank the Lord enough for all tour of the country from Cape Town that He had done for me. to Pretoria and back, and Mrs. Dunbar As to the future, who can tell what Kwabena Donkor (Th.D., Andrews decided that I should be included in might happen? “With God all things University) is an associate director the tour group. But first I had to face are possible” (Matthew 19:26, KJV). in the Biblical Research Institute an audition. There was a great sense of at the General Conference of expectation as I stood before a profes- Seventh-day Adventists. His mailing sor and a very select audience, and my Anita Marshall’s brief glimpse into address: 12501 Old Columbia Pike; tutor admitted later that her hands the life of Charles Ngandwe (the“g” Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A. Email: had been sweating because she had is silent) is based on excerpts [email protected]. not known how well I would perform! from the book, The Voice He Gave After the performance, the old profes- Me (Grantham, England: Autumn An excerpt of Marshall’s book was sor wiped his eyes and told me, “Since House, 2004), with additional mate- published in Dialogue 17:1 (2005) Paul Robeson died in 1976 I have not rial from her interviews. Anita under the title, “The canon of the heard a voice of such quality.” Mrs. lives in Grantham, Lincolnshire, Bible: A brief review.” Dunbar was delighted. We drove back England. She loves writing and gar- to college lit up with the impact I had dening. Her email address: anita_ made, not only on the professor, but [email protected]. on all who had been present.

DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 35

“Beach at Barbados” (Watercolor; 38 x 23 cm.) The collection of surfboards provided color to a human setting. The afternoon’s conversation must surely involve the morning’s surf. Now the muscles are a little weary and it is time for rest. A Neville Clouten Portfolio

“Church of the Transfiguration, Kizhi Island, Russia” (Watercolor; 36 x 26 cm.) In contrast to a freer expression, the structure of the 18th century wooden domes called for a clear definition of form while keeping the softer tones of aging wood.

“Boats at Crail Harbor, Scotland” (Watercolor; 38 x 26 cm.) The impressionist technique is consistent throughout this composi- tion, except for the definition of the gunwales of the four boats.

DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 Insert A “Chapel of the Archangel Michael, Kizhi Island, Russia” (Watercolor; 27 x 20 cm) The natural setting and wooden building have been treated with a loose technique in soft colors to capture the impression of my expe- rience.

“Afternoon in Barbados” (Watercolor; 36 x 24 cm.) On each of several visits, I found three men conversing in the shade, while the paint on three boats deteriorated in the sun. The Queen Mary II appears on the horizon as ref- erence to life moving on regardless of the disinterest of the men.

“Low Tide at Boccadasse, Italy” (Watercolor; 21 x 37 cm.) A very small beach at this Italian Riviera town disappears at high tide. When the tide is out, the local residents enjoy the beach. On this late afternoon, the fisherman in the boat converses with friends while preparing for the tide to come in.

“Helsinki Harbor, Finland” (Watercolor; 58 x 43 cm.) The representation of the water is broken, while horizontal areas of color extend to the harbor buildings and sky, and the vertical lines of white paper on the masts provide an overlay to the com- position.

Insert B DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 “Moorea Morning, Tahiti” (Watercolor, 43 x 34 cm.) The experience of stillness just before the arrival of a wind- storm led me to rapidly drop two colors onto wet paper. This watercolor has been one of my most sought-after compositions.

“Lake Tellico, Tennessee, U.S.A.” (Watercolor; 32 x 22 cm.) My wife and I became interested in a small waterfront lot with a view toward retirement. I wanted to capture the evening light on the water. We did not buy the property, and this watercolor became a less expensive way of enjoying the view!

“Fez, Morocco” (Watercolor; 51 x 51 cm.) The mix of hanging cotton and fleec- es—souvenir items for sale—and the normal life of local residents provided me with a sense of life’s continuum in this city.

“Mother Lode/ Motherboard” (Watercolor; 72 x 52 cm.) During California’s God Rush, Mother Lode became the richest vein of the pre- cious metal. More than a century later, the Silicon Valley created enormous wealth through computer boards.

DIALOGUE 17•2 2005 Insert C “Queen Elizabeth II at Southampton” (Watercolor. 20 x 28 cm.) I arrived at the Southampton Terminal for my first transatlantic crossing—the first of many on which I would present watercolor workshops. The rapid sketch- ing and painting technique conveys the urgency “Restaurant, Dakar” of getting on board before the ship’s departure. (Watercolor; 36 x 25 cm.) As I stood sketching at this site in the capital of Senegal, I was suddenly sur- rounded by many school children during recess. Intrigued, they wanted “Old Sydney Town” (Watercolor; 37 x 25 to see the marks I was making on the cm.) The replicas of convict buildings at the paper. Then, at the sound of the school deserted theme park near Sydney are given life bell they left as suddenly as they had by the inclusion of townspeople. come.

“Sketch, San Gimignano, Italy” (Watercolor, 19 x 14 cm.) I visited this Tuscan hill town dur- ing my first trip to Europe and I return as often as possible. The sketch uses a limited palette of colors, highlighting the sunlit sides of the 13th century towers.

Insert D DIALOGUE 17•2 2005