Unique Cosmology of Genesis 1 Where Do Humans Come From?

English • French • Portuguese • Spanish

Unique cosmology of Genesis 1 Where do humans come from? Caring for the environment: God’s business and ours Leadership: Acting responsibly and ethically 1 Volume 28 CONTENTS REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES EAST-CENTRAL AFRICA DIVISION Private Bag, Mbagathi, 00503, Nairobi, KENYA Andrew Mutero [email protected] ESSAYS DEPARTMENTS Magulilo Mwakalonge [email protected] Unique cosmology of EURO-ASIA DIVISION EDITORIAL Krasnoyarskaya Street 3, 107589 Moscow, Genesis 1 03 RUSSIAN FEDERATION 06 Will you have friends in Vladimir Tkachuk [email protected] The Genesis narrative of creation heaven? Kasap Gennady [email protected] not only presents the true account by Lisa M. Beardsley-Hardy INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION of origins, but in so depicting it, P.O. Box 830518, Miami, FL 33283-0518, USA provides a great many safeguards PROFILE Gamaliel Florez [email protected] 23 against mythology. The account Paul Chibuike Anonaba Al Powell [email protected] Interview by Ugochukwu INTER-EUROPEAN DIVISION uses certain terms and motifs and Elems Schosshaldenstrasse 17, 3006 Bern, employs them with a meaning and SWITZERLAND emphasis expressive of the biblical Marius Munteanu 26 VIEWPOINT [email protected] worldview, understanding of reality, Distractions can lead to Stephan Sigg [email protected] and cosmology of divine revelation. destruction: Lessons from Martha and Mary NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION by Gerhard F. Hasel and 12501 Old Columbia Pike, by Junjun Manalo Amparo Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600, USA Michael G. Hasel Larry Blackmer [email protected] Tracy Wood [email protected] 28 LOGOS Paul Anderson [email protected] Leadership: Acting Feel the power by Homer W. Trecartin NORTHERN ASIA-PACIFIC DIVISION responsibly and ethically P.O. Box 43, Koyang Ilsan 411-600, KOREA 12 Lessons from the life of Saul Richard Saubin [email protected] 30 ACTION REPORT Nak Hyujg Kim [email protected] The life of Saul is preserved in Reflexionando Ando Scripture, not for us to decide SOUTH AMERICAN DIVISION [Reflections]: An Adventist Caixa Postal 02600, Brasilia, 70279-970 DF, his eternal destiny but for us to radio broadcast on a BRAZIL learn how to face life’s challenges. non-Adventist university Edgard Luz [email protected] campus Carlos Campitelli Saul’s life as a leader illustrates by Natalia Garzón [email protected] some of the most common ethical SOUTH PACIFIC DIVISION mistakes of leadership. Locked Bag 2014, Wahroonga, N.S.W. 2076, 32 PERSPECTIVE AUSTRALIA by Lowell C. Cooper Being thankful, even when Carol Tasker [email protected] things go terribly wrong Nick Kross [email protected] Where do humans by Sandra Janet Birungi SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN come from? DIVISION 16 33 BOOKS P. O. Box 4583 Rietvalleirand 0174, The creationist understanding He spoke and it was: SOUTH AFRICA of Scripture, where humans are Mozecie Kadyakaita [email protected] Divine creation in the Old Busi Khumalo [email protected] the product of a divine act of Testament special creation, conflicts with the Reviewed by Phodidas SOUTHERN ASIA DIVISION Ndamyumugabe P. O. Box 2, HCF Hosur, 635 110 Tamil Nadu, evolutionary hypothesis of descent INDIA with modification from ancestral R. N. Prabhu Das [email protected] 35 FYI Mohan Bhatti [email protected] primates. This article reviews Global PCM Weekend 2016: SOUTHERN ASIA-PACIFIC DIVISION and discusses the fossil evidence Empathize. Engage. P.O. Box 040, 4118 Silang, Cavite, PHILIPPINES relating to human origins. Empower. Lawrence Domingo [email protected] by Ronny Nalin October 14-16, 2016 Jobbie Yabut [email protected] by Jiwan S. Moon TRANS-EUROPEAN DIVISION 119 St. Peter’s St., St. Albans, Herts, AL13EY, Caring for the environment: ENGLAND God’s business and ours Daniel Duda [email protected] 19 Janos Kovacs-Biro [email protected] God envisions an ecological future. WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA DIVISION It is a future, however, that depends 22 Boîte Postale 1764, Abidjan 22, on our stewardship. IVORY COAST Juvenal Balisasa [email protected] by John Wesley Taylor V N. John Enang [email protected]

2 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 28.1 YEAR 2016 EDITORIAL

This international journal of faith, thought, and action is published two to three times a year in five parallel editions (English, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish) by the WILL YOU HAVE Committee on Adventist Ministry to College and University Students (AMiCUS) of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Volume 28, Number 1 FRIENDS IN HEAVEN? Copyright © 2016 by the AMiCUS Committee. All rights reserved. Dialogue affirms the fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and supports its mission. The views published in he question is posed through the story of the dishonest man- this journal, however, are the independent ager (Luke 16:1–10), who was appointed as a steward by a thoughts of the authors. Editorial Board rich man to care for his extensive property. When the rich Editor-in-Chief Lisa M. Beardsley-Hardy man suspected that his steward was not altogether honest, the Editors John M. Fowler, Hudson E. Kibuuka Managing Editors Valérie Moorooven steward began taking self-protective steps and downsized the Susan Araya indebtedness of others to buy future security and good will. The money T Copy Editors he was writing off was not his own, but he wagered that the good will he Beverly Rumble (English) Book Review Editor Aleksandar Santrac gained from his master’s creditors would safeguard his future. For per- Designer Claudia Suzana R. Lima sonal gain, he secretly and systematically transferred cash equivalents to Editorial Correspondence his own invisible account. Dialogue The dishonest steward thereby gained “new” friends. But how long, do 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600 USA you think, these “friends” welcomed him into their homes after he lost his Telephone 301-680-5073/5065 position? Even if it was for years, the benefits of such friendships do not Fax 301-622-9627 E-mail [email protected] carry over into eternity. They are for this life alone. (English and French) The previous chapter in Luke records that the prodigal son also had [email protected] (Spanish and Portuguese) friends. They were friends as long as he had what they wanted. But once AMiCUS Committee his money was gone, the “friends” disappeared. They were not real friends Chair Thomas L. Lemon to him any more than he had been to them. In the end, he was left hungry Vice-chairs Abner de los Santos, Geoffrey G. Mbwana, Ella S. Simmons and alone, except for the company of pigs. Friends of prodigal sons and Secretary Mario E. Ceballos dishonest managers don’t last. Associate Secretaries Lisa M. Beardsley- Hardy, Gilbert R. Cangy Against this backdrop Jesus makes a forceful statement: “‘I tell you, use Assistant Secretary Jiwan S. Moon worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you Legal Advisor Thomas E. Wetmore Members Ganoune A. Diop, Falvo Fowler, will be welcomed into eternal dwellings’” (Luke 16:9, NIV).* What does Hudson E. Kibuuka, Linda Mei Lin Koh, Peter He mean by this? To be sure, He is not saying that heavenly dwellings can N. Landless, Faith-Ann A. McGarrell, Anthony Kent, Anthony Bowman, Tracy Wood, Lydia be obtained through earthly crafty dealings: Salvation is for neither sale nor Muwanga, Valérie Moorooven, Justin Kim, craft. Heaven is a free gift. But Jesus has chosen to entrust His goods to you Susan Araya, Clinton L. Wahlen, Gabriel Begle and me. Wealth entrusted must be used in responsible ways; any dishonest Circulation Inquiries should be addressed to the regional representative located in the use may lead to the making of temporary friends, but neither their homes area where the reader resides. See names nor their hearts will have any permanent welcome for you. Jesus insists on and addresses on page 2. us managing the things of this world with eternity in view. Website http://dialogue.adventist.org The parable reminds us to wear our assets lightly—whether it is money, Scriptures quotations credited to NIV are from The position, or power―because nothing on earth will last forever. The things Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by we have—bank account, commodities, education, technology, or leader- permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ― Texts credited to NKJV are from The Holy Bible, New King ship do not belong to us any more than the master’s goods belonged to James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982, by Thomas the manager. We are stewards of everything God gives us and, as such, Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible texts credited to NIRV are from The Holy Bible, must act with intelligence, prudence, spiritual insight, and yes, with New International Reader’s Version. Copyright © 1985, shrewdness. A mindfulness of the temporary nature of material things 1996, 1998 by International Bible Soviety. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. should engender a sense of finiteness, humility, and modesty about what Scripture quotations marked NASB are from The Holy Bible, New American Standard Bible, Copyright © 1960, we have and do. Knowing that our money will eventually run out should 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 direct our attention away from money, or any of the other things we have by the Lockman Foundation. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from The here, to wealth of a kind that is eternal and enduring. Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996.

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., To such who have eternity in perspective in , all that they have and do is Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. the unfathomable welcome Jesus has in mind: “Well done, good and faith-

28.1 YEAR 2016 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 3 ful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; sheep, the woman who lost one coin, and the father I will put you in charge of many things. Come and who thought he had lost his son? If so, we will use , share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21). our time and influence to help find lost people. We ensure the happiness of our Master when we Let us give away our Master’s gifts lavishly―sharing have a part in the redemption of others. There is them freely with others. In this way, we will have many no greater joy than being instrumental in someone friends in heaven and be counted faithful at last. else’s salvation. This world will not last, but the people we bring with us into the kingdom of God * All Scripture references in this editorial are quoted from will live forever and be a source of endless joy to us the New International Version of the Bible. and to others. Such people are our only true wealth. We should not become discouraged if our efforts don’t yield quick results. No one could have worked more wisely than Jesus did, and yet some followed Him for relatively shallow reasons. There will always be those who live for this life alone, without reference to eternity. Having said this, I must remind every Christian student in a public college or university of the opportunities he or she has to influence people. This must not be underestimated. A student can influence classmates and professors in a way that no one else could―perhaps quietly, or in ways we do not know. That is up to the Holy Spirit to decide. The point is that each person has a unique sphere of influence. The four parables in Luke 15 and 16 raise the fundamental question of whether we love this world more than God. Does our love for Him lead Lisa M. Beardsley-Hardy us to follow the example of the man who lost a Editor-in-Chief

SUBSCRIBE TO DIALOGUE

So you want to be a thinker, not merely WRITE TO US! a reflector of other people’s thought? Dialogue will continue to challenge you to think critically as a Christian. We welcome your comments, reactions, and questions. Stay in touch with the best of Adventist Write to: thought and action around the world. If you wish to suscribe to Dialogue in English, French, Portuguese, or Valérie Moorooven (English and French) Spanish, you can write to Linda Torske: [email protected] [email protected] Susan Araya (Spanish and Portuguese) GET INTO DIALOGUE! [email protected]

4 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 28.1 YEAR 2016 Changes at Dialogue Beginning with this issue, Dialogue has the following changes in its editorial staff.

Lisa M. Beardsley-Hardy Editor-in-Chief

JOHN WESLEY TAYLOR V, Ph.D., Ed.D., associate director of the General Conference Department of Education and editor of Dialogue since 2010, is relinquishing the editor’s post to give more attention to his responsibilities as chair of the board of The Journal of Adventist Education, and the recently added responsibility of converting that journal and Dialogue to a digital version, making the wealth of these journals readily available without charge around the world. We are grateful for his valued contributions and insightful editing, and look forward to his thought-provoking articles in Dialogue from time to time.

HUDSON KIBUUKA, D.Ed., associate director of the General Conference Department of Education since 2010, is the new editor of Dialogue, joining the company of John M. Fowler. Together they will work with Lisa M. Beardsley-Hardy, the department director and chief editor of Dialogue. Having earned degrees from Makerere University in Uganda and the University of South Africa and lectured at Makerere University, Dr. Kibuuka understands the joys and challenges of life on a large public university campus. He has been active in training students for public campus ministry for many years. His e-mail: [email protected].

VALÉRIE MOOROOVEN, Dialogue’s new managing editor, comes from France. She will assist in managing the editing and the production of the magazine. Valérie’s post-secondary education includes Diplôme d’Etudes Universitaires Générales en Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, a two-year university degree in natural sciences; Diplôme d’Etat d’Assistante Sociale, a three-year State Diploma of Social Welfare Worker; and a Certificate in Advanced English, University of Cambridge. Before joining Dialogue, Valérie served as a social worker on Reunion Island; an English-French translator and administrative assistant in the Indian Ocean Union Conference, Madagascar; and, for the past eight years, a French elementary school teacher in Pretoria, South Africa. Her e-mail: [email protected].

SUSAN ARAYA, a doctoral candidate in agronomy at Brasilia State University, Brazil, joins Dialogue as a joint managing editor, to care for the editorial coordination and publication of the Spanish and Portuguese versions of the journal. From her bachelor’s degree to her doctoral studies, she has maintained her undimmed vision of probing and studying one of God’s great gifts to humanity: the world of plants. Her bachelor’s degrees are in agro engineering and agronomic sciences. Her Master’s degree is in plant production, and her doctoral specialty is in agronomy and sustainable production. She hails from Chile, but has worked in several South American countries as a teacher, researcher, manager of an agronomy experimental station in Chile, environmental educator, and professor of genetics and plant breeding. For the past six years, she managed and served as text editor for the translation department of the South American Division in Brazil. Her e-mail: [email protected].

28.1 YEAR 2016 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 5 ESSAY UNIQUE COSMOLOGY OF GENESIS 1 The Genesis narrative of Creation not only presents the true account of origins, but in so depicting it, provides a great many safeguards against mythology. The account uses certain terms and motifs and employs them with a meaning and emphasis expressive of the biblical worldview, understanding of reality, and cosmology of divine revelation.

GERHARD F. HASEL AND MICHAEL G. HASEL

he opening chapters of the Today many believe that it is of the world once and for all from the Bible (Genesis 1–11) con- unnecessary to engage in a dialogue cyclical rhythm of pagan mythology tain the history of begin- between biblical presentation of and the speculation of ancient meta- nings, focusing on natural Creation and the scientific quest for physics. This world, its life and his- and historical beginnings understanding the world and humanity. tory, is not dependent upon nature’s Tand the ensuing history of the world But such dialogue and interaction are cyclical rhythm, but was brought into and humankind.1 While this is impor- not only desirable, they are also essen- existence as the act of creation of a tant in itself, it receives greater sig- tial. The sciences can deal only with transcendent God. nificance when one recognizes that partial spheres of knowledge, but not The second affirmation is that the Genesis account of Creation is of totalities. God is the Creator. As God He is without rival. Nowhere in the ancient This totality is already revealed in completely separate from and inde- Near East or Egypt has anything simi- the first verse of the Bible: “In the pendent of nature. Indeed, God con- lar been recorded. The unique words beginning God created the heavens tinues to act upon nature, but God about Creator, Creation, and crea- and the earth” (Gen. 1:1, NKJV).2 and nature are separate and can never ture—of God, world, and humanity This simple sentence makes four basic be equated in some form of ema- in Genesis 1 and 2—set the entire tone affirmations, completely new and nationism or pantheism. This is in for the wonderful and unique saving profound in the human quest for an contrast to the Egyptian concepts in message of the Bible. understanding of the world’s origin which creator god Atum himself is the and Himself.3 primordial mound from which arose THE GENESIS COSMOGONY The first affirmation claims that all life in the Heliopolis cosmology, OF TOTALITY God made the heaven and the earth “in or where, in another tradition, Ptah is The Creation account in Genesis con- the beginning.” There was, then, a time combined with “the land that rises” in tains the first conception of the world and when this globe and its surrounding the Memphis theology. In Egyptian humankind as totalities from their begin- atmospheric heavens did not exist. cosmologies “everything is contained ning. No one experiences and “knows” In ancient Near Eastern mytholo- within the inert monad, even the cre- humanity in its totality. But in biblical gies, the earth had no beginning, and ator God.”4 There was no separation Creation these realities are expressed in in Greek philosophical thought, the in Egypt between god and nature. their totalities as originating from the world existed from eternity. By the The third affirmation is that God Creator. The totalities of God’s created use of the words “in the beginning,” has acted in fiat creation. The special world and what is in it depicts how the however, the Genesis cosmology fixes verb for “create,” bara’, has only God origin and continuing existence of the an absolute beginning for Creation. as its subject throughout the Bible. world and life are expressed in time The pregnant expression, “in the That is in the Hebrew language, no and space. beginning,” separates the conception one can bara’ (create) but God. God

6 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 28.1 YEAR 2016 alone is Creator, and no one else may made up of hell, the place of torment. cosmology of the Bible through the share in this special activity. The verb Other modern scholars believe that glasses of what they believe to be the bara’ is never employed with matter, the cosmology of the Old Testament pagan cosmologies of the ancient Near or “stuff,” from which God creates; it literally depicts such a picture of a East and Egypt. In the final analysis, contains—along with the emphasis of three-storied universe, with physical these ideas are based on a faulty inter- the phrase “in the beginning”—the storehouses of water, snow chambers pretation of certain biblical passages. idea of creation out of nothing (creatio of winds, and windows, in a vaulted It is important to recognize that the ex nihilo). Since the earth is described canopy of the heavens above a flat claim that the cosmology of the Bible in verse 2 in its rude state of desola- earth at the center of which is a navel, is mythological is of fairly recent tion and waste, the word create in the with waters under the earth and rivers origin. But the Bible, properly and first verse of Genesis must signify the of the netherworld. Such a mytho- honestly interpreted on its own terms, calling into existence of original mat- logical cosmology is now out of date, is, in fact, acceptable to the modern ter in the formulation of the world. wrote Bultmann. Modern people can- mind and does not present the kind of The fourth affirmation deals with not believe in such a mythological cosmology so widely attributed to it. the object of creation, the material cosmology while simultaneously fly- that is brought forth by divine cre- ing in jets, browsing the Internet, and THE BIBLICAL CONCEPT OF ation, namely “the heavens and the using smart phones. COSMOLOGY earth.” These words, “the heavens In modern thinking, this leaves The widespread notion that the and the earth,” are in the Hebrew lan- open only two alternatives: (1) accept biblical cosmology reflects a pagan guage a synonym for our term cosmos. the assumed mythological picture of picture of the three-storied universe A close study of the 41 usages of the the world at the price of intellectual has cast its shadow broadly. But there phrase “heaven and the earth” reveals sacrifice, or (2) abandon the biblical is a question whether ancient mytho- that they do not mean that God cosmology and adopt whatever hap- logical cosmologies truly had a clearly created the entire universe with its pens to be the latest scientific theory. defined three-storied universe. thousands of galaxies at the time He Both these two alternatives are The ancient Egyptian view in the created the world. The focus remains false. Do we find, after careful inves- Memphite theology was that the perma- on the planet Earth and its more tigation, any evidence in the Bible nent place of the dead was in the west. or less immediate surroundings. The for a three-storied universe? Does the In the Amduat of the New Kingdom, elevated ideas expressed in this first Bible support the notion of a geocen- the deceased is swallowed with the Sun verse of the Bible set the tone for the tric universe? If anything, the Bible by Nut in the west, travels through the entire Genesis cosmology. is centered on the interrelationship 12 hours of the night, and emerges with between God and humanity. In the the Sun in paradise, experiencing the MODERN INTERPRETATIONS Old Testament, God is the center daily regeneration and re-creation. In OF BIBLICAL COSMOLOGY of everything, but not the physical Canaanite mythology the supreme deity It is widely believed that the biblical center. The Bible does not provide El had his throne near the “sources of cosmology is myth describing a three- information about a physical cen- the Two Rivers, in the midst of the storied universe with a heaven above, ter. According to it, the solar system Double-Deep,”6 which meant that the a flat earth, and the netherworld could be geocentric, heliocentric, or gods did not always dwell in the heavens underneath. If this understanding is something else. or the upper story of a supposed three- coupled with the assumption that the From where has the interpretation storied universe. The Canaanite god Bible supports a geocentric, or “earth- come that the Bible presents a geocen- Baal, who unfortunately was also wor- centered,” universe, then it seems tric picture? This idea arose in post-New shiped at times by the Israelites, had hopelessly dated. Thus, many modern Testament times when leading theolo- his place of abode on the mountain of scholars have become convinced that gians adopted the Greek Ptolemaic Zaphon in northern Syria at the mouth the biblical cosmology is historically cosmology of the second century of the Orontes River. and culturally conditioned, reflecting A.D. and interpreted the Bible on the Such examples make it clear that a primitive and outdated cosmology basis of this non-biblical concept. The there was no uniform ancient mythi- of the ancient world. They argue famous trial of Galileo in the 17th cal picture of a three-storied universe. that the biblical cosmology should be century could have been avoided had The concept is altogether absent in abandoned and replaced by a modern, theologians of the church recognized the biblical cosmology. scientific one. that their interpretation of certain The original word for “deep” in New Testament scholar Rudolf Bible texts was based on the cos- Genesis 1:2 figures prominently in Bultmann wrote some decades ago mology of the pagan mathematician- the argument of those scholars sup- that in the New Testament, “the geographer Ptolemy. porting the view that the Genesis world is like a three-storied building. Although we are freed today from cosmology is three-storied. There is In the middle is the earth; above it is the Ptolemaic cosmology, a vast num- heaven above and earth below (vs. 1), heaven, below it is the underworld,”5 ber of biblical scholars still read the and underneath is “the deep,” inter-

28.1 YEAR 2016 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 7 preted as the “primeval ocean.” It has But there is no suggestion in these texts and the Septuagint steréōma but not been claimed that the original word that this underground water is con- from the original term in the Hebrew. for “deep,” tĕhôm, is directly derived nected with the mythology of an under- Following the Vulgate, many have sug- from the name Tiamat, the mythi- world sea on which the Earth floats. gested that this was a “vaulted solid cal Babylonian monster and goddess During the Flood, the springs of the body.”14 But this is a very recent inter- of the primeval world ocean in the subterranean waters, which have fed the pretation, first suggested in the 18th national epic Enuma Elish. Tĕhôm springs and rivers, split open with such century by the French philosopher is said to contain an “echo of the might and force that, together with the Voltaire. The Hebrew term r ā q î aʿ , old cosmogonic myth”7 in which the torrential downpour of waters stored in traditionally translated “firmament,” creator god Marduk engages Tiamat the atmospheric heavens, the worldwide is better rendered as “expanse.” Some in battle and slays her. The interpre- Flood came about. have tried to document on the basis of tation that the biblical term deep is The subterranean features such as nonbiblical texts that the original word linguistically dependent on Tiamat is the water under/beneath the earth (Ex. designated something solid, perhaps known to be incorrect today on the 20:4; Deut. 4:18; 5:8; Ps. 136:6) fail, a strip of metal. But these attempts basis of an advanced understanding on close investigation, to uphold the at explaining the Hebrew word fail of comparative Semitic languages. In supposed three-storied or triple-decked to convince. Such interpretations are fact, “it is phonologically impossible view of the world. And what about based on unsupported philological to conclude that [the original word the underworld? Šĕʾôl is invariably guesses and extra-biblical mythical translated as ‘deep’] was borrowed the place where dead people go.13 It notions, not on what the biblical texts from Tiamat.”8 The 35 usages of this is a figurative expression of the grave actually demand. word and its derivative forms in the Old and may be equated with the regular In passages like Genesis 1:7, Psalm Testament reveal that it is generally “a Hebrew term for “grave.” In the Bible, 19:1, Daniel 12:3, firmament has the poetic term for a large body of water,”9 šĕʾôl never refers to an underworld meaning of the curved expanse of the which is completely “nonmythical.”10 of gloomy darkness or waters as the heavens, which to an observer on the To suggest that Genesis 1:2 contains the abode of the dead, as was conceived in ground appears like a vast inverted remnant of a conflict of the pagan battle pagan mythology among Babylonians vault. In Ezekiel (1:22, 23, 25, 26; myth is to read ancient mythology into and Greeks. As a designation of the 10:1) it has the sense of an “extended” Genesis—something the text actually grave, šĕʾôl, of course, is subterra- platform or level surface. No text of combats. The description of the passive nean because it is in the ground. The Scripture teaches that the firmament and powerless, and unorganized state three usages of the phrase “the water(s) or, better, “expanse” of heaven is firm of the “deep” in Genesis 1:2 reveals under/beneath the earth” (Ex. 20:4; and solid and holds anything up.15 that this term is nonmythical in con- Deut. 4:18; 5:8) easily refer to waters Rain does not come through “win- tent and antimythical in purpose. below the shore line, because, in one of dows of heaven” in a solid firmament. More recently, a Canaanite back- the texts (Deut. 4:18), they are indeed Of the five texts in the Bible that refer ground has been suggested for this the place where fish dwell. to the “windows of heaven,” only the chaos-battle myth embedded in Some poetic passages describe the Flood story (Gen. 7:11; 8:2) relates Genesis, marking a shift of origin from foundations of the Earth as resting them to water, and here the waters Babylon to the west. But there is little on “pillars” (Job 9:6; Ps. 75:3; 1 Sam. do not come from the firmament but evidence for this. The term translated 2:8). These words, however, are used from the “heaven.” The remaining as “Seas” does not appear until Genesis only in poetry and are best under- three texts clearly indicate that the 1:10, when one would expect it in the stood as metaphors. They cannot be expression “windows of heaven,” is to initial few verses of the account. Any construed to refer to literal “pillars.” be understood in a nonliteral sense; connection with the Canaanite deity Even today we speak metaphorically it is figurative language in the same Yam is, therefore, not present, making of “pillars of the church,” referring to way as we can speak today of the it “difficult to assume that an earlier staunch supporters of the community “windows of the mind” or the “vault Canaanite dragon myth existed in the of believers. So the pillars of the Earth of heaven” without implying that the background of Genesis 1:2.”11 In fact, are metaphors describing that God mind has windows of sashes and glass several scholars reject that there even can support or move the inner foun- or that heaven is a literal vault of solid was a creation myth in Ugarit where dations that hold the Earth in place bricks or concrete. these texts were found, and others and together because He is Creator. In 2 Kings 7:2, barley comes question whether Baal ever functioned Moving from what is “below” the through the “windows in heaven.” In as a creator-god. earth to what is “above,” the act of fiat Isaiah 24:18, it seems to be trouble What can be said of “the fountains creation on the second day calls into and anguish that use this entrance, of the great deep” mentioned twice existence the “firmament” (Gen. 1:7). while in Malachi 3:10, blessings come in the Genesis flood account (Gen. The firmament is frequently associated through “‘the windows of heaven.’” 7:11; 8:2)?12 The “great deep” refers with “firmness” and “solidity,” ideas Such figurative language does not undoubtedly to subterranean water. derived from the Vulgate firmamentum lend itself to the reconstruction of

8 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 28.1 YEAR 2016 biblical cosmology. This is underlined god. Is it justified to link the biblical in the name Re-Atum. Sometimes the by the fact that the Bible makes abun- term to mythology in this context? two are separated as in “Re in your dantly clear that rain comes from The word in Genesis 1:21 appears in rising, Atum in your setting.”21 In clouds (Judges 5:4; 1 Kings 18:45), a clearly “nonmythological context.”17 this sense Atum, often equated with which are under and not above the On the basis of other creation pas- the sun-god Re, is self-developing and firmament or expanse of heaven (Job sages in the Bible, it appears to be a originator of the gods and all things. 22:13, 14). In Psalm 78:23 this asso- generic name for large water creatures In the Memphite theology of Egypt, ciation of clouds with the “doors of in contrast to the small water crea- Ptah is compared to Atum and con- heaven” is explained in poetry where tures created next (Gen. 1:21, 22; Ps. trasted. Whereas Atum created by the first line and second line repeat 104:25, 26). God’s totally effortless “that seed and those hands, (for) the same concept: “Yet He had com- creation of these large aquatic crea- Atum’s Ennead evolve(ed) through manded the clouds above, and opened tures, as expressed through the verb his seed and his fingers, but the the doors of heaven.” In the Old create, which always stresses effortless Ennead is teeth and lips in this Testament, whenever it rains heavily, creation, exhibits a deliberate argu- mouth that pronounced the identity this is expressed figuratively by the ment against the mythical idea of of everything and from which Shu expression that the windows or doors creation by battle and combat. and Tefnut emerged and gave birth of heaven are opened. The lack of combat, force or to the Ennead.”22 Here the writer The recognition of the nonliteral, struggle. The opposition to pagan achieves his goal of merging the two metaphorical use of words—pictorial myth is also visible in the fiat creation accounts by saying “that the origin language—in the Bible is important. of raising the “firmament” (Gen. of ennead through the teeth and the If the Bible is read and interpreted 1:6, 7, NKJV) or “expanse” (NASB) lips (of Ptah) is the same as the ori- on its own terms, it is usually not (without any struggle whatsoever. gin through the semen and hands of difficult to recognize such language. Ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian Atum.” 23 The mouth is thus equated We refer to “the Sun setting in the mythologies link this act of separa- with the male organ “from which Shu horizon,” when we, in fact, know that tion to combat and struggle. The and Tefnut emerged and gave birth the Earth is rotating on its axis away ancient cosmologies are not absorbed to the Ennead.”24 It was through self- from the Sun. or reflected in Genesis, but overcome. development that Atum/Ptah created On the basis of this evidence, the Creation by Word of Mouth. In the gods. That this teeth and lips here widespread view that the biblical cos- the biblical creation story, a most are to be compared to the effortless mology describes a three-storied uni- striking feature is God’s creation by speech found in the Genesis creation verse cannot be maintained. The so- the spoken word. On the first day, ignores the parallelism made with called primitive or primeval view turns “God said, ‘Let there be light’; and Atum and the sexual connotation. out to be an “assigned interpretation there was light” (Gen. 1:3). This is In contrast, there is no hint at and not one which was derived from without parallel in Mesopotamian self-generation or procreation in the the texts themselves.”16 Even when cer- and Egyptian mythology. In Enuma Genesis account. The recurring expres- tain narratives of the Bible date to the Elish, Marduk does “not create the sion “God said, . . . and there was” time of some of these pagan myths, cosmos by utterance, but by grue- (Gen. 1:3, 6, 9, 11) speaks of the effort- this does not necessarily imply that somely splitting Tiamat.”18 In the less, omnipotent, and unchangeable every ancient writer used the same Atra-Ḫasis Epic, humankind is created divine word of creation. God’s self-exis- ideas whether inspired or not. from the flesh and blood of a slaugh- tent word highlights the vast unbridge- tered god mixed with clay, but “no able gulf between the biblical picture of OTHER ASPECTS OF hint of the use of dead deity or any Creation and pagan mythology. The CONTRAST other material of a living one is found Genesis cosmology stresses the essen- The reality is that the Genesis in Genesis.”19 tial difference between divine being, account strongly contrasts with ancient A number of scholars have claimed creation, and created being in order Near Eastern and Egyptian accounts that creation by word of mouth is best to exclude any idea of emanationism, so that there is an intended polemic or paralleled in Egyptian cosmologies. pantheism, and dualism. argument against these myths. There are several different traditions, Descriptive argument. The Genesis Sea monster or sea creatures? On however, that developed over time cosmology exhibits in various cru- the fifth day of Creation (Gen. 1:20– with significant variations. In the cial instances a sharply anti-mythical 23), God created the “great whales” Heliopolis cosmology or theogony, polemic or argument in its description (vs. 21, KJV) or “great sea monsters” Atum generates the Ennead (nine of created material. This is evidenced in in some recent translations render gods) from himself by the act of the description of the “deep” (Gen. 1:2), the Hebrew term. In Ugaritic texts, a masturbation or spitting, “and the the creation of the large aquatic creatures related term appears as a personified two siblings were born—Shu and (vs. 21), the creative separation of heaven monster, a dragon, who was overcome Tefnut.” 20 In another tradition, the and earth (vss. 6–8), the purpose of the by the goddess Anath, the creator Coffin Texts describe Atum as the sun creation of human beings as the pinnacle

28.1 YEAR 2016 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 9 of created beings on earth (vss. 26–28), of man is known.”28 The primary Genesis and this account indicates that and creation by divine word (vs. 3). To focus of Egyptian cosmologies is the twice as many processes of creation are this impressive list should be added that creation of the Egyptian pantheon of outlined in Genesis 1. There is only a the description of the creation and func- gods, thus they are better described general analogy between the order of tion of the Sun and Moon (vss. 14–18), as theogonies, although the gods Creation in both accounts; “there is whose specific Semitic names were sure- themselves represent the elements no close parallel in the sequence of the ly avoided because the same names refer of nature. A few texts indicate that creation of elements common to both at the same time to the sun-god and the humankind came from the tears of cosmologies.”31 Concerning the time for moon-god. The use of the terms “great- Re. “They [Shu and Tefnut] brought Creation, the only possible hint is pro- er light” and “lesser light” “breathes to me [Re] my eye with them, after I vided in the Atra-Ḫasis account of the a strongly anti-mythical pathos”25 or joined my members together I wept creation of humankind. Here 14 pieces polemic, undermining pagan religions over them. That is how men came of clay are mixed with the blood of the and mythology at fundamental points. into being from the tears that came slain god and placed in the womb god- The author of Genesis intended the forth from my eye.”29 The primary dess. After 10 months of gestation, the reader to know that the Sun and the emphasis is not on the creation of goddess gives birth to seven male and Moon were not gods, but were the cre- humanity, which is simply mentioned seven female offspring. The birth of ation of God for specific functions. in passing, but in the restoration of humankind after a 10-month gestation The creation of humanity. The the eye of Re which had such signifi- is not found in Genesis; humanity is magnificent Creation narrative of cant magical and protective powers created on the sixth day. The link of the Genesis 1:26–28 speaks of humanity in ancient Egyptian mythology. In Sabbath to a Near Eastern background as the pinnacle of creation.26 The term a Coffin Text (7.465, Spell 1130), “I has also been futile. for “create” is employed three times created gods by my sweat, and man- In Egyptian cosmologies there is no in these verses to emphasize the fiat kind from the tears of my eye.” It is finality of creation. Rather there is a creation of humanity by God. Man pointed out that man is “created like “one-day pattern of recurrent generation (male and female) appears as the crea- everything else and are called ‘the brought about each morning with the ture uniquely “blessed” by God (Gen. cattle of the god’ (Instruction to King sunrise symbolizing the daily rebirth 1:28); he is “the ruler of the world,”27 Merikare) or ‘cattle of Re,’ but it is the of Rê-Amun, the sun-god creator as including the animal and vegetable gods who occupy the center state in embodiment of Atum.”32 The cycle kingdoms. All seed-bearing plants and the cosmologies.”30 In the Memphite of death and rebirth was so central to fruit trees are for food (Gen. 1:29). theology, the creation of humans is Egyptian thinking that death itself This lofty picture of the divine con- not mentioned at all. was seen as part of the normal order of cern and care for humanity’s physical The seven-day week and order of creation. On a funerary papyrus of the needs stands in such sharp contrast Creation. The complete sequence of Twenty-First Dynasty, a winged ser- to the purpose of creation in ancient Creation in Genesis 1 demonstrates pent on legs is standing on two pairs Near Eastern mythology that one is a divine order so that that which was of legs with the caption, “death the led to conclude that the Bible writer formless and void is formed and filled great god, who made gods and men.”33 described the purpose of humanity’s into a complete ecosystem that will This is “a personification of death as creation deliberately to combat pagan support life. The divine sequence of a creator god and an impressive visual mythological ideas while, at the same six literal, 24-hour, consecutive days idea that death is a necessary feature time, emphasizing the human-cen- that culminate in the Sabbath rest of the world of creation, that is, of the tered orientation of Creation. is entirely absent in ancient Near existence in general.”34 A similar image All of the ancient Near Eastern Eastern and Egyptian accounts. can be seen in the burial chamber of myths describe the need of humanity’s Enuma Elish indicates some analogies Thutmose III, in which in the 11th creation as an afterthought result- in the order of creation: firmament, dry hour of the Amduat, Atum is shown ing from an attempt to relieve the land, luminaries, and lastly humankind. holding the wings of a winged serpent gods of hard labor and procuring But there are also distinct differences: surrounded on either side by Udjet food and drink. This mythical notion (1) there is no clear statement that light eyes—the eyes of Re and Horus. The is contradicted by the biblical idea is created before the luminaries; (2) there concept of a Sabbath and seven-day that humanity is to rule the world is no explicit reference to the creation of sequence is entirely absent. as God’s vice-regent. Obviously this the Sun. To infer this from Marduk’s The Genesis cosmology represents antimythical emphasis cannot be the character as a solar deity and from what a “complete break”35 with the pagan result of adopting pagan mythical is said about the creation of the Moon mythologies of the ancient Near East notions; rather, it is rooted in biblical in Tablet V is difficult; (3) there is no and Egypt by undermining prevail- anthropology and the biblical under- description of the creation of vegetation; ing mythical cosmologies and the standing of reality. (4) finally, Enuma Elish knows nothing basic essentials of pagan religions. The In Egyptian cosmologies “so far of the creation of any animal life in the description of Creation not only presents no detailed account of the creation sea, sky, or earth. A comparison between the true account, but in so depicting

10 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 28.1 YEAR 2016 10. Kurt Galling, “Der Charakter der it, the writer chose a great many safe- will in the drama of ongoing time Chaosschilderung in Genesis 1.2,” guards against mythology. He used through mighty acts and powerful Zeitschrift fur Theologie und Kirche 47 certain terms and motifs, partly related deeds in nature and history. (1950):151. to incompatible pagan concepts―cos- 11. Tsumura, “The Earth and the Waters in Genesis 1 and 2: A Linguistic Investigation,” mologically, ideologically, and theologi- 32, 33. Slightly abridged, this article originally cally―and partly in deliberate contrast appeared as a chapter in Gerald A. Klingbeil, 12. See Gerhard F. Hasel, “The Fountains of to ancient Near Eastern myths, and ed., He Spoke and It Was (Nampa, Idaho: the Great Deep,” Origins 1 (1974):67–72. employed them with a meaning and Pacific Press, 2015). 13. The term šĕʾôl is translated as “grave” (31 times), “hell” (31 times), and “pit” (6 emphasis expressive of the worldview, times) in the KJV. The rendering “hell” understanding of reality, and cosmology is unfortunate because the term has Gerhard F. Hasel (Ph.D., nothing to do with torture, torment, or of divine revelation. Vanderbilt University), before his consciousness. The exalted and sublime conception of untimely death in a car accident 14. Claus Westermann, Genesis (Neukirchen-Vluyn, Germany: the Genesis account of Creation presents in 1994, was J. N. Andrews Neukirchener, 1974), 160. at its center a transcendent God who Professor of Old Testament 15. Randall W. Younker and Richard M. as supreme and unique Creator speaks Biblical Studies and former dean Davidson, “The Myth of the Solid of the Seventh-day Adventist Heavenly Dome: Another Look at the the world into existence. The center Hebrew Term rāqîaʿ,” Andrews University of all creation is humankind as male Theological Seminary, Andrews Seminary Studies 49 (2011):127. and female. The Genesis cosmology, University, Michigan, U.S.A. 16. Walter C. Kaiser Jr., “The Literary Form of Genesis 1:1-11,” in J. B. Payne, ed., which unveils most comprehensively the New Perspectives on the Old Testament foundations on which the biblical world Michael G. Hasel (Ph.D., (Waco, Texas: Word, 1970), 57. reality and worldview rest, knows of no 17. Theodor H. Gaster, “Dragon,” The University of Arizona) is Gerhard’s Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible, vol. three-storied or triple-decked universe. son and currently serves as 1 (1962), 868. It provides Inspiration’s answer to the Professor of Near Eastern Studies 18. Gordon H. Johnston, “Genesis 1 and Ancient Egyptian Creation Myths,” intellectual question of the “who,” of and Archaeology and Director Bibliotheca Sacra 165 (2008):187. Creation to which the book of nature of the Institute of Archaeology, 19. Alan R. Millard, “A New Babylonian ‘Genesis’ points: God the Creator. It also pro- Southern Adventist University, Story,” Tyndale Bulletin 18 (1967): 3–18. vides answers to the related questions of Collegedale, Tennessee, U.S.A. 20. “From Pyramid Texts Spell 527,” trans. James P. Allen, The Context of Scripture “how” the world was made and “what” 1, no.3:7. was made. Through action verbs such 21. James P. Allen, Genesis in Egypt: The Philosophy of Ancient Egyptian Creation as “separated” (Gen. 1:4, 7, [9], NASB), Accounts (New Haven, Connecticut: “made” (1:7, 16, 25, 31), “placed” 1. This study was first published by Yale University Press, 1988), 10. (1:17, NASB), “created” (1:1, 21, 27; 2:4), Gerhard F. Hasel, “Genesis Is Unique,” 22. “From the ‘Memphite Theology,’” trans. Signs of the Times (June 1975): 22–26 James P. Allen, The Context of Scripture. “formed” (2:7, 8, 19) “fashioned” (2:22, and (July 1975):23–25. The articles 1, 15:21-23. were revised and expanded by Michael NASB), and “said” (1:3, 6, 9, 14, 20, G. Hasel to include current sources 23. Ragnhild Bjerre Finnestad, “Ptah, 24, 26) an indication of the “how” of and new information on ancient Near Creator of the Gods: Reconsideration Eastern and Egyptian parallels. of the Ptah Section of the Denkmal,” divine creative activity is revealed. The Numen: International Review for the 2. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture History of Religions 23 (1976):89. third intellectual question asks “what” references in this article are quoted from the transcendent Creator brought forth. the New King James Version of the Bible. 24. James P. Allen, “From the ‘Memphite Theology,’” The Context of Scripture, 1, The biblical writer himself sums it up in REFERENCES AND NOTES 3. Gerhard F. Hasel, “Recent Translations 15–16:22. of Genesis 1:1: A Critical Look,” The 25. Nahum M. Sarna, Understanding the words, “The heavens and the earth, Bible Translator 22 (1971):154–168; Genesis (New York: Schocken, 1970), 9. and all the host of them” (Gen. 2:1). Hasel, “The Meaning of Genesis 1:1,” The biblical Creation account Ministry 49:1 (January 1976):21–24. 26. Ibid., 13. 4. Richard J. Clifford, Creation Accounts 27. Otto Loretz, Schöpfung und Mythos, with the Genesis cosmology goes far in the Ancient Near East and in the Stuttgarter Bibelstudien 32; (Stuttgart: beyond these intellectual questions Bible (Washington, D.C.: The Catholic Katholisches Bibelwerk, 1968), 92–98. by addressing itself also to the essen- Biblical Association, 1994), 114. 28. Jaroslav Černý, Ancient Egyptian Religion 5. Rudolf Bultmann, “New Testament (Westport, Conn.: Greenwood, 1979), 48. tial existential question, because it is and Mythology,” in H. W. Bartsch, ed., 29. Papyrus Bremner-Rhind (BM 10188). also the report of the inauguration of Kerygma and Myth (London: Harper & 30. Richard J. Clifford, Creation Accounts the natural and historical processes. Row, 1953), 1:2. in the Ancient Near East and in the 6. Albrecht Goetze, “El, Ashartu and the Bible (Washington, D.C.: The Catholic It answers what the divine Creator Storm-God,” Ancient Near-Eastern Texts Biblical Association, 1994), 116. is able to do. Since the Creator, (1969):519. 31. Charles Francis Whitley, “The Pattern who is none other than Christ, the 7. S. H. Hooke, “Genesis,” in H. H. Rowley and of Creation in Genesis,” Journal of Near Matthew Black, eds., Peake’s Commentary on Eastern Studies 17 (1958):34, 35. Father’s creating Agent (John 1:1–4; the Bible (London: Thomas Nelson, 1962), 79. 32. Gordon H. Johnston, 192. Heb. 1:1–3), made the cosmos and 8. David Toshio Tsumura, “The Earth and the 33. Papyrus of Henuttawy (British Museum all that belongs to it, since He is the Waters in Genesis 1 and 2: A Linguistic 10188). Investigation,” Journal for the Sttudy of the 34. Erik Hornung, Conceptions of God in Maker of the forces of nature and Old Testament Sup 83 (1989):31. the Sustainer of creation, He can Ancient Egypt (Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell 9. Mary K. Wakeman, God’s Battle With University Press, 1982), 81. use these forces to bring about His the Monster: A Study in Biblical Imagery 35. Gerhard von Rad, Genesis. A Commentary (Leiden: Brill, 1973), 86. (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1962), 53.

28.1 YEAR 2016 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 11 ESSAY LEADERSHIP: ACTING RESPONSIBLY AND ETHICALLY Lessons from the life of Saul The life of Saul is preserved in Scripture, not for us to decide his eternal destiny but for us to learn how to face life’s challenges. Saul’s life as a leader illustrates some of the most common ethical mistakes of leadership.

LOWELL C. COOPER

cting responsibly and eth- The children of Israel went through ing under this kind of organizational ically! Many other terms a time of structural change, a transition structure, and the elders of Israel could be used here, a from theocracy to monarchy. The Book looked upon a monarchy system as whole cluster of words of 1 Samuel is rich with detail regard- a welcome relief from their current that might amplify the ing pivotal events in the saga of a situation. They were right in iden- Aconcept of accountability: trustworthi- nation. The cast of characters includes tifying their problem: Their leaders ness, core values, integrity, morals, etc. Samuel, Saul, David, Jonathan, and were corrupt! Unfortunately, they also These words raise questions we wres- others who appear in brief episodes concluded that the system was cor- tle with in the quiet and private times along the way. But our primary focus rupt and therefore in need of change. of our lives―those moments when we will be on Saul, the first king of Israel. Frustration with leadership led to impa- ask, “What kind of person do I want In this study, we shall discover the six tience with structure and system. to be?” And maybe the more impor- most common mistakes in leadership. Mark that down as error number tant question, “What kind of person one in this whole chain of events: am I called to be?” LEADERSHIP MISTAKE NO. 1: They failed to identify and address This theme of acting responsibly FAILURE TO IDENTIFY AND the right problem. They thought the and ethically will be developed here by ADDRESS THE RIGHT PROBLEM system was at fault. But systems studying the leadership mistakes of a The story begins in 1 Samuel, chap- and structures are only instruments. famous Bible character. Our purpose ter 8. The prophet Samuel had grown They do not have an independent is not to expose or criticize but to old. He had appointed his own sons life. Blaming the system when things learn―to learn not for the sake of tak- as judges for Israel, but they had go wrong is like blaming the ham- ing advantage of another as may have neither the moral courage nor the mer for missing the nail. No system been the strategy behind Napoleon spiritual inclinations of their father. of governance can compensate for Bonaparte’s advice (“Never interrupt They were dishonest and self-serving. corrupt leadership. And various sys- your enemy when he is making a mis- Therefore, the elders of the people tems of governance, even dictator- take”1), but to learn so that we and oth- came together and asked Samuel to ships, can function well―at least for ers might be spared the tragedies that appoint them a king. Other nations a time―under good moral leadership. result from leadership mistakes. around them seemed to be prosper- However, it is easy to blame the sys-

12 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 28.1 YEAR 2016 tem for the weaknesses of the human equal among the Israelites, a head seven days, the time set by Samuel; elements in it. taller than any of the rest of them (1 but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, The elders of the nation wanted to be Sam. 9:2). Samuel anointed him and and Saul’s men began to scatter. So like other nations around them. From sent him on his way, telling him that he said, ‘Bring me the burnt offering the viewpoint of a distant observer, he would meet some prophets. The and the fellowship offerings.’ And LEADERSHIP: ACTING things seemed to be going well in Spirit of the Lord would come upon Saul offered up the burnt offering” (1 the monarchies. No doubt it was a him, he would join the prophets, and Sam. 13:7–9). case of the greener-grass syndrome. he would be changed into a different Functioning outside one’s legiti- But the people had made up their person. It all happened just as Samuel mate authority and job descrip- RESPONSIBLY AND ETHICALLY minds. Samuel argued with them, had said. And the people said, “Long tion remains a common mistake of but to no avail. He agonized with live the king!” leadership today. The Seventh-day God about it, and God told him to Quite a story: He started out well Adventist Church has adopted a pat- accede to the people’s demands. God but ended up in failure. Was he given tern of team leadership: a three-officer assured Samuel that He, God, was the a job too big for his capacity? Could it arrangement (usually president, secre- Lessons from the life one who was being rejected and not be that he became one of those indi- tary, and treasurer, but also expressed Samuel. Is it not a little frightening to viduals who is content to live on his in other terms/titles). The net effect see how easily the people of God can past achievements? How quickly Saul of this is that no one person has reject God? began to assume that the kingship complete and ultimate authority. of Saul The Israelites wanted to be like other was his right rather than his privilege. Instead, authority and responsibility are nations around them. How little did Nothing fails like success. shared. An officer team that does not they perceive that their contribution to But Saul, under the pressure of understand the role and job descrip- history came not because of their kings crisis, broke an agreement (1 Sam. tion for each officer is destined for but because of their prophets, which 13:2–9). It is good to make a conflict as well as mistakes. It is as the other nations didn’t have. Note resounding first impression. A show simple as that. three crucial insights we must learn: of muscle against the enemy would 1. We must be careful lest we help to unite everyone behind the LEADERSHIP MISTAKE NO. discard a prophet in order to be like new king and would legitimize the 3: MAKING EXCUSES AND others around us. new system. The Philistine outposts BLAMING OTHERS 2. We must be careful when we at Gibeah and Geba seemed like Just as Saul’s men were in the choose our role models, lest in seeking good places to start. midst of the cleanup, Samuel arrived to be like them we take our eyes off Now Samuel had made an appoint- and asked what had happened. Saul’s of God. ment to meet Saul in seven days reply contains all the classic excuses 3. The spiritual and moral fiber of at Gilgal. There was to be a wor- that we know. Notice: “‘When I those placed in leadership is vitally ship service and a sacred send-off saw that the men were scattering, important. An army of sheep led by for the new administration. But the and that you did not come at the set a lion will defeat an army of lions led Philistines were always ready for con- time, and that the Philistines were by a sheep. God can use your skill and flict, and they didn’t know about the assembling at Micmash, I thought, knowledge in His work, but that is seven-day agreement with Samuel. “Now the Philistines will come down not the first thing He needs from you. They were ready to battle, and their against me at Gilgal, and I have not “Press with determination in the forces were impressive. sought the Lord’s favor.” So I felt right direction, and circumstances “When the Israelites saw their situa- compelled to offer the burnt offer- will become your helpers, not your tion was critical and that their army ing’” (1 Sam. 13:11, 12). hindrances.”2 was hard pressed, they hid in caves Psychologists speak about the “attri- and thickets, among the rocks, and in bution error.” This is a term to describe LEADERSHIP MISTAKE NO. 2: pits and cisterns” (1 Sam. 13:6, NIV).3 what happens in most people: We take FUNCTIONING OUTSIDE ONE’S Notice what they saw: their situa- credit for our success and blame AUTHORITY tion. Their trouble was all that they others for our failures. Notice the five Saul was actually selected by God. saw. Already they had lost the ability to excuses Saul used. In the centuries Hearing and answering God’s call see their God! This was the first indi- since Saul, humankind has not really is no guarantee of success. It is true cation that things would not go well. invented any new types of excuses. that whom God calls He equips. But Anxiety over the present moment We are deeply indebted to his ingenuity when we come, we do not always distracts our attention from God and in avoiding responsibility. claim the blessing that He so eagerly our trust in others. Like Saul, we end 1. What I did was your fault. wants to provide. up taking into our own hands things “‘You did not come at the set time.’” Saul became king. He had the right that belong to others: “Saul remained In other words, “You made me do visible qualities. He was an impressive at Gilgal, and all the troops with him it.” This is the victim mentality. young man, 30 years of age, without were quaking with fear. He waited “I hit you because you made me

28.1 YEAR 2016 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 13 angry.” “I had to steal from the complete shipwreck, and the Lord’s work Jealousy grew into hatred. pany because they are not paying me would still go on. To participate in Hatred prevented rational thought. enough.” “I’m a workaholic because His work is neither our right nor His Enmity sought annihilation. I had alcoholic parents.” necessity. It is our privilege. The rest of Saul’s reign was almost 2. I had no other choice. “‘The men wholly dedicated to finding and were scattering . . . the Philistines were LEADERSHIP MISTAKE NO. 4: destroying David. Saul’s insecurity assembling.’” Circumstances made me INSECURITY IN THE LIGHT OF became his obsession. do it. “He was such a lousy husband, ANOTHER’S SUCCESS David went to Samuel for protec- I had to leave.” “If I am completely 1 Samuel 17 recounts the famous tion. Saul heard of where David was honest with my clients, I will never encounter with Goliath, who terror- and sent emissaries to capture him. make my sales quota.” ized Saul and his army until David, a The emissaries got caught up in the 3. I did it for a good cause. In other young shepherd boy, intervened and ecstasy of the prophets―first, second, words, the end justifies the means. I was slew the giant using a sling and stone. and third times. Finally, Saul himself just sitting here and realized that “‘the This stunning and unexpected turn went and also ended up joining the Philistines will come down against of events inspired jubilation and sing- prophets. Saul once again had a spiri- me.’” In chapter 15, Saul is again ing. “Now it had happened as they tual experience; he was at camp meet- offering excuses, this time for not were coming home, when David was ing. But the revival was superficial. destroying everything that belonged returning from the slaughter of the Saul had serious problems, and to the Amalekites. Instead, he spared Philistine, that the women had come what he needed was more than emo- the life of the Amalekite king and the out of all the cities of Israel, singing tional excitement. He needed a new best of the livestock. and dancing, to meet King Saul, intellectual viewpoint, a new regard 4. When Samuel pressed him, Saul with tambourines, with joy, and with for other people, a knowledge of the said, “‘The soldiers [blaming oth- musical instruments. So the women mercy of God, a new will. A hot bath ers again] . . . spared the best of the sang as they danced, and said: will not cure a cancer, nor will an sheep and the cattle to sacrifice to the ‘Saul has slain his thousands, emotional moment effect profound Lord your God’” (1 Sam. 15:15). In and David his ten thousands.’ changes in a person’s life. other words, I am not the one who is “Then Saul was very angry, and responsible for this. the saying displeased him; and he LEADERSHIP MISTAKE NO. 5: 5. I did most of what you said; said, ‘They have ascribed to David FEELING SORRY FOR SELF isn’t that good enough? “‘I went on ten thousands, and to me they have INTRODUCES A DISTORTION the mission the Lord assigned me. I ascribed only thousands. Now what OF REALITY completely destroyed the Amalekites’” more can he have but the kingdom?’ Saul, in pursuit of David, called upon (1 Sam. 15:20). This kind of excuse So Saul eyed David from that day for- the men of Benjamin, seeking to justify puts a new spin on actions so as to create ward” (1 Sam. 18:7–9, NKJV). himself to them. He had reached the a different perception. Attention was drawn away from place where he had become sorry for The bottom line amidst all these Saul by the popular affection for himself and twisted the facts in order excuses is that the decision to disobey David in the wake of Goliath’s defeat. to rationalize his own failure. After God is a personal choice. It is difficult Saul became envious. He was emo- accusing them of conspiring against for us to resolve the contradiction tionally insecure. He seemed to have him, he complained that: “‘No one tells between our desire to be God’s instru- become like the man who could think me when my son makes a covenant ments and the false notion that He is of no one but himself. And when a with the son of Jesse. None of you is dependent upon us. He will not be person gets to that stage, he or she concerned about me or tells me that defeated just because we are defeated. does not have much to think about. my son has incited my servant to lie We may say, “Not my will, but Yours, Saul was too immature to regard in wait for me, as he does today’” (1 be done.” Yet when it does not appear David’s success with anything but Sam. 22:8). that God’s will is being done, we feel fear. One of the marks of maturity Saul had lost the ability to differentiate that God has lost the battle because is the ability to recognize the virtues between loyalty and dissent. He could we have lost the battle. and attainments of another, even a not bear to have someone differ with We have a strong tendency to potential rival. his views. Even trustworthy people were conclude that the good fortune or The easiest word to say in our lan- held in suspicion, simply on unfounded misfortune of God’s work is directly guage is “I.” And the hardest word to rumor. Saul commanded that the priests aligned with our good fortune or say is “you.” Perhaps it is impossible be killed, but his own guards refused misfortune. What a fallacy! God’s for anyone to learn how to say “you” to do so (1 Sam. 22:17). He then asked work is not in our hands and is until he or she has first learned how Doeg the Edomite to kill the priests. never dependent on what happens to say “God.” The slaughter of 85 priests was followed to us. Let me say it more plainly: Note the spiral staircase of jealousy: by the destruction of the city of Nob, its The church could come to a com- Saul was jealous of David. inhabitants, as well as its animal life

14 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 28.1 YEAR 2016 (vss. 18, 19). A spirit of revenge had individual, and especially a leader, to At least one of the big lessons to overtaken Saul. He was not the only believe that he or she has the right to observe in this tragic biography of leader who has destroyed colleagues break a rule that is binding on every- Saul is that “Leadership is about tak- simply on the basis of unfounded one else. Most of us can see the value ing responsibility, not making excus- rumor and suspicion. and legitimacy of moral rules and es.” “If you have made mistakes, you The most difficult task in the world organizational policies―but we think certainly gain a victory if you see is to be honest with yourself. And it we can exercise discretion without any those mistakes and regard them as is even more difficult in the life of hurt to ourselves or harm to our orga- beacons of warning. Thus you turn a leader. The demands of leadership nization. Moral laws, like physical defeat into victory.”4 can easily gloss over what is hap- laws, apply to everyone. A saint and a pening to one’s inner life. Constant sinner who jump off a cliff will both attention and respect from others Lowell C. Cooper fall at the same speed. Organizational (M.Div., Andrews University; makes introspection difficult. Having and workplace policies are designed M.P.H., Loma Linda University) to constantly perform in public view to protect the organization from arbi- is a former vice president prompts us to hide our weaknesses, trary leadership and its poisonous of the General Conference of to shield our frailty . . . until it seems effects on employee morale. Seventh-day Adventists, Silver like we don’t have any. If we listen Saul committed suicide (1 Sam. Spring, Maryland, U.S.A. His e-mail: long enough to and become fixated 31:1–13). This was inevitable, if not [email protected]. on the compliments of others, we can when it occurred, then at another succumb to the illusion of greatness. time. From the moment that life 1. http://www.brainyquote.com/ Let us sound an important caution: began to present difficulties for him, quotes/authors/n/napoleon_ The pressures of leadership can drain us Saul thought of them not as chal- bonaparte_2.html. physically and emotionally. When we 2. Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons lenges to be met and surmounted but (Washington, D.C.: Review and begin to feel sorry for ourselves because as troubles to be avoided. He started Herald, 1941), 331. we think life is unjust, or because his career amidst great expectation. 3. Unless otherwise indicated, all people do not like us, or because others Scripture references in this article But as time went on, he became more are quoted from the New International are so ungrateful, we had better be on and more egocentric. Every experi- Version of the Bible. guard. This is an almost certain sign ence was measured in terms of his 4. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, 332. that we have lost the capacity to be own self-interest. As he faced death, REFERENCES AND NOTES honest with ourselves. he could think only that his enemies This is where one’s devotional and would make sport of him. private life become even more important to maintaining stability in the face CONCLUSION of pressured circumstances. We cannot We must be cautious lest our judg- hide from God. Facing Him forces us ment of Saul be too severe. God is to admit some realities about self. I am wonderfully gracious, even to the a sinner. But at the same time I am weakest of His servants. The life of loved by Him, called into partnership Saul is preserved in Scripture, not for with Him and blessed with His trans- us to decide his eternal destiny, but forming grace. We then come to see for us to learn how to face life’s chal- adversity in a new light: “When I am lenges. Saul’s life as a leader illustrates weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10). some of the most common ethical LEADERSHIP MISTAKE NO. 6: mistakes of leadership: BELIEVING THAT THE LEADER 1. Failure to identify and address IS EXEMPT FROM THE RULES the right problem; THAT APPLY TO OTHERS 2. Functioning outside one’s After the death of Samuel, Saul had authority; banished the witches and the wizards 3. Making excuses and blaming from the land. Now he himself sought others; one. Saul had worked himself into 4. Insecurity in the light of anoth- a corner where he was isolated and er’s success; unable to trust anyone, yet he desperately needed a counselor. Therefore he 5. Feeling sorry for self introduces went in disguise to the witch of Endor a distortion of reality; (see 1 Samuel 28:3–25). 6. Believing that the leader is exempt It is typical of human nature for an from the rules that apply to others.

28.1 YEAR 2016 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 15 ESSAY WHERE DO HUMANS COME FROM? The creationist understanding of Scripture, where humans are the product of a divine act of special creation, conflicts with the evolutionary hypothesis of descent with modification from ancestral primates. This article reviews and discusses the fossil evidence relating to human origins.

RONNY NALIN

ow do we decide what is from which Homo stemmed. Its remains Australopithecus becomes even more a human? are found in Pliocene deposits that lie apparent when compared to the simi- A simple approach is to beneath those containing Homo fossils. larity between Australopithecus and define humanity on the The anatomy of Australopithecus reveals Paranthropus. basis of anatomical char- traits that today can only be found in In conclusion, the fossil evidence used Hacteristics. However, every living species humans. However, many characteristics to argue in favor of the evolutionary shows variability of morphological traits. clearly distinguish Australopithecus from relationship between Homo and other When compared with other extant pri- Homo. These include, among others: (1) extinct hominid forms is far from com- mate species, modern humans’ skeletal a smaller body mass; (2) a small brain size pelling and remains unresolved, particu- metrics appear to be rather homoge- (~400 to 550 cm3 as opposed to ~1400 larly in the light of an as yet incomplete neous.1 Certain fossils fall outside this cm3 of modern humans); (3) a greater Pliocene hominid fossil record. limited modern spectrum of variability, length of forearm relative to upper arm; and there is no clear consensus on the (4) a funnel-shaped chest; and (5) rela- DOES HOMO HABILIS LINK diagnostic criteria that should deter- tively long and curved fingers.2 AUSTRALOPITHECINES AND mine whether they should be considered Discoveries in recent decades have HUMANS? humans or not. A practical approach is to increased the range of variability observed Established in the 1960s, Homo place a given fossil in the Homo category in australopithecine fossils. As a result, habilis is a species based mostly on when body mass and proportions, dental a variety of species names have been fossil remains that have been discov- dimensions, and skeletal adaptations for applied to the remains. Further com- ered in eastern Africa. These fossils bipedality show greater similarity to plications emerge from the discovery show such a great degree of morpho- modern humans than to australo- of Ardipithecus ramidus in layers beneath logical variation that many researchers pithecine fossils (a group of hominids those containing Australopithecus believe the species actually contains whose remains were first recovered in remains. Despite its spatial and tem- two separate forms, one smaller sized Africa early in the last century). Other poral proximity to Australopithecus, and the other larger. Cranial capacity traits often considered relevant in defin- Ardipithecus ramidus is remarkably dif- estimates vary between 500 and 750 ing humanity are brain dimensions, tool- ferent.3 On the other hand, layers above the cm3— slightly larger than the average making ability, and indications of social stratigraphic range of Australopithecus of 400-550 cm3 for australopithecines. and symbolic behavior. yield remains assigned to Homo as Foot bone studies suggest that H. habi- well as fossils of hominids similar to lis was a terrestrial biped, but its arm DID HUMANS EVOLVE FROM Australopithecus only with more robust bone proportions were apelike. Some AUSTRALOPITHECINES? skeletal features (genus Paranthropus). If authors have concluded that H. habilis In the evolutionary hypothesis, both forms derived from Australopithecus is a derived form of australopithecine Australopithecus is considered the form the discontinuity between Homo and rather than part of the Homo genus.4

16 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 28.1 YEAR 2016 THE “NON-MODERN-LOOKING” as an African-European form derived THE FOSSIL RECORD OF HUMANS from H. erectus and ancestral to both ANATOMICALLY MODERN Some fossils share enough simi- Neanderthals and AMH.10 HUMANS larities with anatomically modern Fossil remains found in the upper AMH are distinguished on the basis humans (AMH) to be considered mid-Pleistocene of China are very simi- of a few traits, including, among others: part of the genus Homo; however, lar to the classic African-European (1) a skull with globular rather than they display traits distinctive enough H. heidelbergensis specimens. Some elongated shape; (2) a face that does not to be described as different species. authors suggest the Chinese material project forward; (3) little development of The following section discusses the indicates a late migration to the Far brow ridges; (4) a well-defined chin; and main types of “non-modern-looking” East by H. heidelbergensis. However, (5) smaller dental dimensions.18 human fossils. supporters of the regional continuity The earliest fossils showing this com- Homo erectus. This species is based view (where fossils from the same bination of traits come from East Africa. on discoveries made in Indonesia, China, region that are apparently from differ- However, it is important to note that Africa, and western Eurasia. Distinctive ent species show similarities) prefer to other contemporaneous specimens from features of H. erectus include (1) an elon- interpret the Chinese fossils to be evi- the same localities do not look so gated and low cranial vault; (2) robust dence for local continuous gradation modern.19 It is only at a higher strati- brow ridges; (3) a sharp angle between from H. erectus to AMH.11 graphic level (usually dated at around the base and the posterior part of the cra- Neanderthals (Homo neander- 45,000 years) that AMH become the nium; and (4) an average absolute brain thalensis). Neanderthal fossils are dominant type of human fossil. At that size (~1000 cm3) smaller than that of found only in Europe and western point, they begin to be found from Europe AMH. Postcranial5 remains and well-pre- Asia.12 They show overall similarity to to Australia to the Far East. The sudden served footprint trails indicate essentially AMH but have a more robust skeletal expansion seems to correlate with dis- modern body proportions and movement structure and highly distinctive skull persal from Western Asia. Soon after the (locomotion). Estimated height and body features.13 Remains with the complete expansion, the first striking examples of mass for some H. erectus specimens are set of Neanderthal traits begin to figurative arts (cave paintings and sculpted comparable to average AMH, but other occur in the upper Pleistocene, but figurines) are recorded in Europe. specimens show very diminutive size.6 Neanderthal-like characteristics are This pattern of appearance of modern Among the enigmas surrounding the already apparent in mid-Pleistocene morphological traits has led to the “Out origin of H. erectus are its sudden appear- European hominid fossils.14 of Africa” hypothesis, which posits that ance, its morphological discontinuity, Neanderthals had body propor- AMH evolved in East Africa first and and its co-occurrence with supposed tions similar to those of AMH living in later spread to the rest of the world. The ancestral forms. Another puzzle is that extremely cold environments, for exam- mosaic of morphological characters from the very beginning, H. erectus has ple, Eskimos. However, the idea that apparent in most of the early AMH presents a wide geographic distribu- Neanderthal skeletal anatomy is a result of could be explained by the existence of tion—from Africa to Southeast Asia. climate adaptation has recently been chal- some admixture with pre-existing human This has led some to question the com- lenged. Interestingly, the Mediterranean populations (such as Neanderthals in monly accepted scenario of an African region, with its mild climate, seems to Europe) instead of total replacement. An origin of H. erectus with subsequent have been their favorite residence.15 alternative model, the multiregional evolu- dispersal to Asia. These researchers sup- Neanderthals disappear from tion theory, does not support the idea that port the opposite view: origin in Asia and the fossil record in the uppermost AMH originated in Africa. Instead, it successive dispersal to Africa.7 Pleistocene. Some think their extinc- suggests that the emergence of anatomical Further, anthropologists disagree tion was due to their replacement by modernity was a gradual process involving about the fate of H. erectus. Some argue new AMH migrants. Others propose more than one population at a time. These that modern Asians preserve traits typi- that Neanderthals admixed at least in groups would have been living in different cal of H. erectus, suggesting regional part with the expanding AMH group. regions but could have still exchanged continuity between AMH and H. erectus Analysis of mitochondrial DNA genes, contributing to the overall gradual forms.8 Others propose that Asian H. (mtDNA) extracted from Neanderthal modification of our species. erectus was a long-lived peripheral side bones has revealed sequences that dif- branch that eventually went extinct.9 fer from the mtDNA of both modern DISCUSSION Homo heidelbergensis. H. erec- and fossil AMH.16 Nevertheless, these The significance of variability in tus fossils disappear from Africa and differences cannot completely rule out morphological characters. Hominid Europe toward the end of the lower that Neanderthals contributed to the species are defined on the assumption that Pleistocene. Here, they are succeeded human genetic pool. In fact, a recent morphological variability reflects genetic by mid-Pleistocene fossils showing a study of the Neanderthal genome differences significant enough to preclude marked increase in cranial capacity. seems to indicate that the DNA of interbreeding. In other words, the species These specimens have been grouped present-day human populations carries were so different from each other that in the H. heidelbergensis species, seen segments derived from Neanderthals.17 they did not mix and produce offspring.

28.1 YEAR 2016 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 17 1. M. M. Lahr, The Evolution of Modern Human However, some traits may vary for reasons that at some point developed distinctive Cranial Diversity: A Study in Cranial Variation other than genetics; for example, behav- sets of morphological traits as a result of (Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Press, 1996). ior and climate. Moreover, some skeletal genetic changes and ecological factors. 2. B. Asfaw el al., “Australopithecus Garhi: A New Species of Early Hominid From differences that seem to imply biological This interpretation implies that the mod- Ethiopia,” Science 284 (1999):629-635;

REFERENCES B. Wood and M. Collard, “The Human discontinuity may instead be correlates of ern aspect of humans became fixed only Genus,” Science 284 (1999):65–71. size or developmental stage, or may simply relatively recently out of a greater range of 3. T. White et al., “Ardipithecus Ramidus and reflect a larger amount of variability than morphological expressions. In fact, post- the Paleobiology of Early Hominids,” 20 Science 326 (2009):75–86. that observed in modern humans. Flood microevolutionary modifications 4. Wood and Collard, “The Human Genus,” Another complication with evolu- are routinely invoked for other species NOTES AND Science 284 (1999): 65–71. tionary reconstructions comes from the (like cats or canids) and should not be cat- 5. The word postcranial refers to skeletal elements other than the skull. practice of assigning an order of appear- egorically ruled out for humans. Fixity of 6. D. Lordkipanidze et al., “Postcranial ance to morphological characters, defin- our species does not seem to be supported Evidence From Early Homo From Dmanisi, Georgia,” Nature 449 (2007): 305–310; A. C. ing some as “ancestral” or “primitive” by scriptural evidence, and indeed, most Walker and R. E. F. Leakey, The Nariokotome and others as “derived.” The distribution creationists even propose that physiologi- Homo Erectus Skeleton (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1993). of these characteristics does not always cal changes occurred to our species as a 7. R. Dennel and W. Roebroeks, “An Asian follow the expected pattern, and mosaic consequence of sin or modified ecological Perspective on Early Human Dispersal From combinations occur, where old fossils conditions after the Flood. Africa,” Nature 438 (2005):1099–1104. 8. D. A. Elter, “The Fossil Evidence for show “modern” traits or modern popula- Different human groups, such as H. Human Evolution in Asia,” Annual Review tions possess “archaic” traits.21 erectus and H. neanderthalensis, could of Anthropology 25 (1996):275–301. 9. C. B. Stringer, “Modern Human Origins: Notwithstanding the difficulties in therefore represent post-Flood dispersals Progress and Prospects,” Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London interpreting variability in morphologi- of populations that in some cases fixed B 357 (2002):563–579. cal characters, it cannot be denied that certain anatomical traits because of their 10. Ibid. anatomical modernity appears only at relative geographical isolation. The late 11. Elter, “The Fossil Evidence for Human the very top of the human fossil record. appearance of AMH might be related Evolution in Asia”. 12. Neanderthals may have ranged as far as Strengths and weaknesses of the to a more recent dispersal of a human southern Siberia. evolutionary model. Previous sections group in which anatomically modern 13. See E. Trinkaus, “Modern Human of this article illustrate how current traits were predominant.24 It is interest- Versus Neanderthal Evolutionary Distinctiveness,” Current Anthropology thought regarding human evolution is ing to note that Scripture allows for such 47 (2006)4:597–620, endnote 19. far from resolved. How to evaluate the successive migrations (for example, the 14. For example, the “Swanscombe skull.” See C. B. Stringer and J. J. Hublin, “New Age Estimates current weight of evidence is obviously post-Flood dispersion, the post-Tower of for the Swanscombe Hominid, and Their Significance for Human Evolution,” Journal of a subjective matter, but the writer’s per- Babel dispersion) and that the biblical Human Evolution 37 (1999):873–877. See also sonal view is that the case for human and part of the fossil record converge the skeletal remains discovered at Sima de los Huesos, Spain. J. L. Arsuaga et al., “The Sima evolution based on the study of fossils is in placing western Asia as the spreading de los Huesos Crania (Sierra de Atapuerca, not a compelling one. In particular, key center for these dispersals. Spain). A Comparative Study,” Journal of Human Evolution 33 (1997):219–281. transitions, such as the one from aus- 15. P. Shipman, “Separating ‘Us’ from ‘Them’: tralopithecines to Homo, lack adequate This article was originally published as part of Neanderthal and Modern Human Behavior,” a compilation: Understanding Creation: Answers to Proceedings, National Academy of Sciences detailed support to be demonstrated Questions on Faith and Science, L. James Gibson (U.S.A.) 105:38 (2008):14241, 14242. unequivocally. On the other hand, the and Humberto M. Rasi, eds. (Nampa, Idaho: 16. J. P. Noonan et al., “Sequencing and Pacific Press, 2011). Adapted with permission. Analysis of Neanderthal Genomic DNA,” evolutionary model’s major strength lies Science 314 (2006):1113–1118. in the ordered distribution of fossils, 17. R. E. Green et al., “A Draft Sequence of with australopithecines occurring below the Neanderthal Genome,” Science 328 Ronny Nalin (2010):710–722. Homo, and AMH appearing only at the (Ph.D. in earth sciences, University of 18. E. Trinkaus, “Early Modern Humans,” Annual 22 top of Homo’s stratigraphic range. Padova, Italy) is a research scientist Review of Anthropology 24 (2005):207–230. Understanding the fossil evidence at the Geoscience Research Institute, 19. M. H. Day, “Omo Human Skeletal from a creationist perspective. Remains,” Nature 222 (1969):1135–1138. The ana- and is adjunct professor of geology 20. A. Rosas, “A Gradient of Size and tomical differences observed between aus- at Loma Linda University, California, Shape for the Atapuerca Sample and Middle Pleistocene Hominid tralopithecines and Homo are interpreted U.S.A. His research interests focus Variability,” Journal of Human Evolution by most creationists as representing two on sedimentology of nontropical 33 (1997):319–331; T. White, “Early Hominids—Diversity or Distortion?” separate and nonrelated primate groups. carbonates, especially from the Science 299 (2003):1994–1997. The variability observed among different Mediterranean area, and sequence 21. Trinkaus, “Modern Human Versus Neanderthal Homo species, however, is often interpret- stratigraphy of shallow marine Evolutionary Distinctiveness,” 597–620. 22. The ordered distribution of biological remains ed as expression of high original diversity sedimentary deposits. He has published is a major feature of the fossil record. and microevolution within the human several papers on these subjects in 23. J M. L. Lubenow, Bones of Contention group.23 According to this approach, H. international journals. His personal (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books, 2004). spiritual journey has gradually led him 24. S. Hartwig-Scherer, “Apes or Ancestors?” in erectus, H. heidelbergensis, H. neanderthal- Mere Creation, W. A. Dembski, ed. (Downers to value faith and science as sources of Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1998), 212– ensis, and other “mosaic” forms would be 235. true representatives of the human species knowledge and understanding in life.

18 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 28.1 YEAR 2016 ESSAY CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: GOD’S BUSINESS AND OURS God envisions an ecological future. It is a future, however, that depends on our stewardship.

JOHN WESLEY TAYLOR V

s Christians, why should creates human beings in His image― . . . of every kind of bird, male and we even care for the to reflect His character and priori- female, to keep their various kinds environment? After all, ties―and places them as stewards of alive throughout the earth.’”13 Even didn’t God make us His creation: “Then God said, ‘Let as the Flood raged, “God showed masters of the earth, to us make human beings in our image, concern for Noah. He also showed Ause it for our benefit?1 Aren’t human to be like us. They will reign over the concern for all of the wild animals beings of greater value than riv- fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and livestock that were with Noah ers, trees, or animals?2 Weren’t the the livestock, all the wild animals on in the ark. So God sent a wind to Israelites punished for worshiping the the earth, and the small animals that sweep over the earth. And the waters earth and that which is in it?3 Don’t scurry along the ground.’”8 began to go down.”14 Furthermore, we believe in the Second Coming, This position of stewardship, how- at the conclusion of the Flood, God when the Earth will be consumed by ever, is linked to a shared relation- specifically included the animals in fire and then God Himself will create ship. It is significant, for example, the covenant relationship: “‘I now “‘a new heaven and a new earth’”?4 that God creates both animals and establish my covenant with you and

Isn’t our commission to save souls, human beings from the “dust of the with your descendants after you, and

5 rather than save the planet? ground” and grants to, each the corre- with every living creature that was sponding blessing to “be fruitful and with you, the birds, the livestock, CHRISTIAN RESPONSIBILITY multiply.’” 9 and all the wild animals.’”15 FOR THE ENVIRONMENT In essence, “the earth is the Lord’s, Scripture also makes it clear that While these concerns have a degree of and everything in it.”10 And we are to God not only protects, but also pro- validity, perhaps we should start with a be responsible trustees of the ecosys- vides for the needs of all His crea- different question: As Christians, why tem in which we live.11 tures, not merely human beings. “You, shouldn’t we care for the environment? 2. God remains connected with LORD, preserve both people and After all, caring for the environment and protective of His creation. animals.”16 “All creatures look to you is biblical. There are four cornerstones God’s continued relationship with to give them their food at the proper that support this premise. and care for His creation are docu- time. . . . when you open your hand, 1. God is the Creator, and we are mented throughout Scripture.12 Take, they are satisfied with good things.”17 made in His image. It all begins with for example, the Flood, as recorded Jesus said, “‘Look at the birds of the the Creator God, who brings into exis- in Genesis 6–9. With an impend- air; they do not sow or reap or store tence a physical world that He views ing global catastrophe, God sought away in barns, and yet your heavenly with delight.6 Genesis records, “Then to preserve the various species. He Father feeds them.’”18 God looked over all he had made, and instructed Noah, “‘Bring into the In sum, the Bible makes it evident he saw that it was very good!”7 God ark . . . of every kind of animal, and that environmental care is God’s busi-

28.1 YEAR 2016 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 19 ness. And if God protects, preserves, 4. God is distressed when your wrath has come. The time has and provides for the care of all crea- His creation is desecrated and come for judging . . . and for destroy- tures, should we be any less caring? exploited. God conveyed His con- ing those who destroy the earth.’”33 3. God instructs human beings cern through the prophet Jeremiah: to care for the creation. At creation, “‘I brought you into a fertile land to THE PROBLEM OF Adam and Eve were commissioned to eat its fruit and rich produce. But you DISCONNECT serve and preserve the planet and all came and defiled my land. . . . How It is clear: God is a committed that is in it: “The LORD God placed long will the land lie parched and the environmentalist, and we are to care the man in the Garden of Eden to tend grass in every field be withered? Because for His creation. The problem is the and watch over it.”19 This is a commis- those who live in it are wicked, the disconnect. sion that has never been rescinded. animals and birds have perished. . . . As an adolescent, I lived near a God’s instruction to the Israelites It will be made a wasteland, parched rainforest. Quite often, our family included kindness to animals: “If you and desolate before me; the whole would hike through the forest, and see your fellow Israelite’s donkey or ox land will be laid waste because there I would marvel at the towering trees fallen on the road, do not ignore it.”20 is no one who cares.’”28 wrapped with epiphytes, the birds Animals were also to receive benefit The prophet Ezekiel also expressed that called from the canopy, and the from their work. “Do not muzzle an God’s anguish: “‘“Woe to you shep- translucent butterflies that fluttered ox,” God directs, “while it is treading herds of Israel who only take care of in the occasional pools of sunlight. out the grain.”21 Similarly, Solomon yourselves!” . . . Is it not enough for At night, I would listen as the log- reminds us that “the righteous care you to feed on the good pasture? Must ging trucks would lumber by, car- for the needs of their animals.”22 you also trample the rest of your pas- rying the massive logs to port, trees A classic example of God’s regard for ture with your feet? Is it not enough that had been growing for centuries. the animals can be found in reference for you to drink clear water? Must you And I felt a certain sadness. I also to Balaam’s treatment of his donkey. also muddy the rest with your feet?’”29 remember, at the time, my sense of When Balaam, in frustration and God defined the consequences pride as I completed the construc- then in rage, repeatedly beats the when the world that He has created is tion of a wall-to-wall desk for my donkey, the angel’s first words to ravished and defiled: “Woe to you who bedroom, made from a single slab of Balaam address his mistreatment of add house to house . . . till no space mahogany. A disconnect. the animal, “‘Why have you beaten is left and you live alone in the land. Not so long ago, I spotted a late- your donkey these three times?’”23 The LORD Almighty has declared in model, zero-emissions car, with a God’s instruction also includes a time my hearing: ‘Surely the great houses “Go Green!” sticker displayed on the of rest for the land and for the animals. will become desolate, the fine man- bumper. In a steakhouse parking lot. This is to take place every seven days sions left without occupants.’” In the Another disconnect. on the Sabbath: “‘The seventh day is next verse, He warned, “‘Ten acres I recently visited a school where a Sabbath to the LORD your God. of vineyard will not produce even six teachers talked about global warming On it you shall not do any work, nei- gallons of wine. Ten baskets of seed and the ozone layer. Where students ther you, nor your son or daughter, will yield only one basket of grain.’”30 made posters to “Save the Whales” nor your male or female servant, nor God further affirmed that springs dry and created murals on protecting our your animals.’” 24 A sabbatical year was up, rivers become deserts and fertile planet. A school that used dispos- also instituted in which the agrarian land toxic wastelands “because of the able, non-biodegradable plates and population was to allow the land to lie wickedness of those who live there.”31 utensils, where lights were left on and fallow. Consequently, there was to be In terms that seem to parallel cur- faucets running, and where trash was a period every seven years in which rent reports, God described the results tossed into a single receptacle. Yet domestic animals were to rest and the of environmental exploitation: “The another disconnect. land rejuvenate.25 earth dries up and withers, the world Even in war, the environment was languishes and withers, the heavens TRANSFORMING CONVICTION to be protected: “When you lay siege languish with the earth. The earth INTO ACTION to a city for a long time, fighting is defiled by its people; they have If God is an environmentalist, what against it to capture it, do not destroy disobeyed the laws, violated the stat- are the implications? What are we to its trees.” 26 Later, Jesus instructed His utes and broken the everlasting cov- do as Christians? disciples to practice conservation. enant. Therefore a curse consumes 1. Become informed. Identify After miraculously feeding thousands, the earth; its people must bear their causes of the present situation and Jesus directed, “‘Now gather the left- guilt. Therefore earth’s inhabitants highlight potential solutions, particu- overs, so that nothing is wasted.’”27 In are burned up, and very few are left.”32 larly from a Christian perspective. all, convincing evidence that God Finally, in apocalyptic terms, the 24 The Bible, for example, identifies the expects human beings to care for the elders seated around God’s throne cry underlying cause of the environmen- environment. out: “‘The nations were angry, and tal crisis: “‘Beware! Guard against

20 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 28.1 YEAR 2016 every kind of greed. Life is not mea- to the ecosystem is to become a into bloom. . . . The burning sand sured by how much you own.’”34 “You vegetarian. This is not just about will become a pool, the thirsty ground have lived on earth in luxury and self- cruelty to animals. A recent Loma bubbling springs. In the haunts where indulgence. You have fattened your- Linda University study, published jackals once lay, grass and reeds and selves as in a day of feasting.”35 The in the American Journal of Clinical papyrus will grow.”46 prophet Hosea points to the result of Nutrition, found that that a plant- In this thriving ecosystem, God this self-centered life: “That is why based diet results in nearly a third less once again establishes a covenant of your land is in mourning, and every- greenhouse gas emissions than a diet environmental stewardship. “‘In that one is wasting away. Even the wild with animal products.42 Furthermore, day I will make a covenant for them animals, the birds of the sky, and the according to the Water Education with the beasts of the field, the birds fish of the sea are disappearing. Don’t Foundation, it takes 2,464 gallons in the sky and the creatures that move point your finger at someone else and (nearly 10,000 liters) of water to pro- along the ground. Bow and sword and try to pass the blame! My complaint . duce one pound (approximately 0.5 battle I will abolish from the land, . . is with you.”36 kilo) of beef.43 By contrast, only 25 so that all may lie down in safety.’”47 In essence, the ecological crisis―in gallons (100 liters) of water are needed “They will neither harm nor destroy which air and water are polluted, to produce one pound of wheat.44 on all my holy mountain, for the forests and wildlife plundered, and 3. Educate others in environ- earth will be filled with the knowl- natural resources exploited―is root- mental literacy. Convey these envi- edge of the LORD as the waters cover ed in our self-centered greed and ronmental concerns and priorities the sea.”48 our refusal to practice responsible to those around you in engaging What then is needed? “It is . . . stewardship. ways, perhaps through art, drama, or required in stewards that one be Scripture also points to the solution: technology, using models and meta- found faithful.”49 We measure our 37 “‘“Love your neighbor as yourself.’”” phors. If you can do so, conduct some stewardship by healthy ecosystems, We love our global neighbors by leav- environmental research, providing an sustainable development, and respon- ing them a decent place in which to empirical base for strategic decisions. sible consumption. live. The goal is to raise our own spiri- In essence, we are to become Faithful stewards. That’s you and I. tual consciousness and deepen our change agents to stop the selfish So envision the future. And act now! commitment to serve as custodians exploitation of Earth’s resources and and guardians of our planet.38 This the reckless degradation of the envi- takes place when we recognize God ronment, which results in widespread John Wesley Taylor V as Designer, Creator, and Sustainer of suffering, environmental disarray, (Ph.D., Andrews University; Ed.D., University of Virginia) the natural world; when we apply bib- and the threat of climate change. is an associate director To rein in unbridled consumption lical principles of Christian morality, of education at the integrity, and ethical behavior to all and irresponsible consumerism. To General Conference of Seventh- aspects of life, including the environ- halt the depletion of nonrenewable day Adventists, Silver Spring, ment; and when we develop steward- resources and the pollution threaten- Maryland, U.S.A. He recycles, ship and service attitudes toward life, ing Earth’s ecosystems. To create and turns off water and lights, is health, and Earth’s environment.39 implement an environmental agenda. a vegetarian, and planted two 2. Be an example of environ- Our goal should be the sustainable trees this year. He hopes to mental stewardship. Reduce. Reuse. development of resources: meeting someday purchase a hybrid Recycle. Restore. human needs while fulfilling our vehicle once his 20-year-old car Turn off the water while you brush mandate to care for the environment. is recycled. He may be contacted your teeth, shave, or soap up. Don’t In essence, we must manage Earth’s at [email protected]. waste food.40 Plant a tree, maybe sev- resources faithfully. eral of them. Compost your organic trash and then grow a garden. Help GOD’S VISION FOR A 1. Gen.1:28. 2. Matt. 6:26; 12:11, 12. SUSTAINABLE FUTURE clean up a street, park, or stream. 3. Isaiah 44; Rom. 1:25. Participate in (or initiate!) a program God envisions an ecological future. 4. 2 Peter 3:10–12; Rev. 21:1. Unless other- to recycle glass, paper, and plastic. It is a future, however, that depends wise noted, all biblical quotations in this article are taken from the New International Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs. on our stewardship. “‘[I]f my people, Version of the Bible. See also Isaiah 65:17. Carry your own bag to the grocery who are called by my name, will . . . 5. Matt, 28:18–20. store. Walk, ride a bicycle, and use turn from their wicked ways, then I 6. Genesis 1; Ex. 20:11; Neh. 9:6; Ps. 95:5; public transport when you can. Buy will . . . forgive their sin and will heal Jer. 32:17; John 1:3; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:15– NOTES AND REFERENCES AND NOTES 17; Heb. 1:2; Rev. 4:11; 14:7; 11:17, 18. 45 local. Harvest rainwater. Harness their land.’” In consequence, “the 7. Gen. 1:31, New Living Translation (NLT). wind or solar power.41 desert and the parched land will be See also Psalm 104:31. 8. Gen. 1:26–28 (NLT). See also Psalm 8:6, Actually, one of the most impor- glad; the wilderness will rejoice and 86–88. tant contributions that you can make blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst

28.1 YEAR 2016 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 21 9. Gen. 1:22, 28, NLT. See also Gen. 2:7, San Jose, Costa Rica, October 1-10, 1996, Baldwin, John T. “Keepers of the Garden: 19; Eccl. 3:19, 20. Every time we drive reads in part: “Seventh-day Adventism... Christians and the Environment.” College and a species to extinction, we are stating advocate... a simple, wholesome lifestyle, University Dialogue 14:1 (2002):8–11: http:// that what God created and what He where people do not step on the treadmill dialogue.adventist.org/en/articles/14-1/ ordained, we can destroy. of unbridled over-consumption, accumula- baldwin/keepers-of-the-garden-christians- 10. Ps. 24:1. Also “How many are your tion of goods, and production of waste. A and-the-environment. works, Lord! In wisdom you made reformation of lifestyle is called for, based Chapman, Marcus. “For Want of a T-Bone them all; the earth is full of your on respect for nature, restraint in the use Steak the Biosphere Was Lost.” Adventist of the world’s resources, reevaluation of creatures” (Ps. 104:24). See Exodus Review: http://www.adventistreview.org/ one’s needs, and reaffirmation of the dig- 9:29; Deuteronomy 10:14; 1 Chronicles church-news/for-want-of-a-t-bone-steak- nity of created life”: https://www.adventist.

29:11; Job 41:11; Psalm 50:10, 11; STUDY FURTHER FOR the-biosphere-was-lost. 89:11; 95:3–5; 1 Corinthians 10:26. org/en/information/official-statements/

NOTES AND REFERENCES AND NOTES statements/article/go/-/stewardship-of- Davidson, Joann. “Who Cares? Environmental 11. Lev. 25:23, 24; Ps. 8:6–8; Luke 16:2–13. the-environment/. Ethics and the Christian” Adventist Review 186:18 (2009): http://archives.adventistreview. 12. Job 12:10; Ps. 65:9–13; 104:10–14; 39. Adapted from Adventist EDGE: Science org/article/2681/archives/issue-2009-1518/ 145:9–17; Isa. 43:20, 21; Matt. 6:26 and Standards Ecology: http:www. ― who-cares. 10:29; Luke 12:6; Heb. 1:3. adventistedge.org/site/1/AE_images/ 13. Gen. 6:19–21; 7:2, 3. performstand/10NAD005%20Science_ Dunbar, S. G., L. James Gibson, and Ecology_2.pdf. Humberto M. Rasi, Entrusted: Christians 14. Gen. 8:1, New International Reader’s and Environmental Care (Montemorelos, Version (NIRV). 40. Food waste contributes to 18 per- cent of the total U.S. methane emis- Mexico: Adventus International University 15. Gen. 9:9, 10. See also Genesis 9:12–17. sions that come from landfills, which Publishing, 2013). A covenant that includes “‘the beasts contributes to climate change (Mathy Lockton, Harwood A. “Seeing Green: of the field, the birds in the sky and the Stanislaus, “Working With Local Adventists and the Environment,” College creatures that move along the ground’” Governments and Communities to and University Dialogue 4:2 (1992):5–7, 34: is also referenced in Hosea 2:18. Fight Food Waste,” December 10, 2015: http://dialogue.adventist.org/issues/04-2- 16. Ps. 36:6. https://blog.epa.gov/blog/2015/12/ en.pdf. 17. Ps. 104:27, 28. See also Psalm 145:16 working-with-local-governments-and- Mhlanga, Paul. “Stewardship of the and 147:9. communities-to-fight-food-waste/). Environment: An Adventist Imperative.” 18. Matt. 6:26. 41. Here are some other ways to care for the Institute for Christian Teaching (1995): environment by becoming more energy http://ict.aiias.edu/vol_26A/26Acc_251-270. 19. Gen. 2:15, NLT. The Hebrew words efficient: (a) Wash your clothes in cold pdf. a-bad’ and sha-mar’ in this passage water. In the U.S. alone, this would save the Patrick, Arthur N. “Why Should Christians can also be translated as serve and energy equivalent of 100,000 barrels of oil Practice Environmental Stewardship if preserve. a day; (b) Lower your thermostat in winter the World Will Be Destroyed?” College and and raise it in summer. Better yet, use a 20. Deut. 22:4. See also verse 1. University Dialogue 26:1 (2014):12–15: http:// programmable thermostat; (c) Avoid driving dialogue.adventist.org/en/articles/26-1/ 21. Deut. 25:4. aggressively. Improve your fuel efficiency patrick/why-should-christians-practice- by going easy on the brakes and gas pedal; 22. Prov. 12:10. environmental-stewardship-if-the-world- (d) Use a water filter, instead of buying bot- 23. Num. 22:32. tled water. For every one million bottles of will-be-destroyed. 24. Ex. 20:10. See also Exodus 23:12; water that are manufactured and shipped, Shipton, Warren A. “Ecosystem Community Deuteronomy 5:12–15. 18.2 tons of carbon dioxide emissions are Health Initiatives and Care of Creation,” 25. Ex. 23:10, 11; Lev. 25:2–7. released in the air; (e) Turn off lights and Journal of the Adventist Theological Society unplug electronics and appliances when 25:1 (2014):43–74:http://www.atsjats.org/ 26. Deut. 20:19. you can. Remember, the greenest energy publication/view/546. 27. John 6:12, NLT. is the energy you never use (adapted from Zuill, Henry A. “Expanding the Garden: A D. Eller, “Searching for Clean, Next-gen 28. Jer. 2:7; 12:4, 11. Christian’s View of Nature,” Institute for Energy,” USA Today (January 11, 2016):6a. Christian Teaching (June 1994): http://ict. 29. Eze. 34:2, 18. Based on data from Cornell University, the aiias.edu/vol_14/014cc_409-427.pdf. 30. Isa. 5:8-10, NIV and NLT. University of Iowa Office of Sustainability, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “The Environment: Should Christians Care?” 31. Ps. 107:33, 34, NLT. and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. College and University Dialogue 19:1 (2007):14, 32. Isa. 24:4–6. 15, 24, 25: http://dialogue.adventist.org/en/ 42. S. Soret et al., “Climate Change articles/19-1/zuill/the-environment-should- 33. Rev. 11:18. While the primary reference is Mitigation and Health Effects of christians-care. to those who destroy human beings, God’s Varied Dietary Patterns in Real-life concern, as we have noted, encompasses Settings Through North America,” The all of His creation. This concept is echoed American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in Habakkuk 2:17 “You cut down the forests 100 (2014):476S-482S. of Lebanon. Now you will be cut down. You 43. Marcia Kreith, “Water Inputs in California destroyed the wild animals, so now their Food Production.” Water Education terror will be yours” (NLT). Foundation, Sacramento, Calif.: http:// 34. Luke 12:15, NLT. www.watereducation.org/find/results/ kreith. This is the same amount of water 35. James 5:5, footnote. you would use if you took a seven- 36. Hosea 4:3, 4, NLT. minute shower every day for six months. 37. Mark 12:31. 44. Similar amounts of water are required to produce a pound of lettuce, tomatoes, or 38. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has potatoes. Apples require approximately 50 issued official statements regarding the gallons of water per pound. In the United Christian responsibility of caring for the States, irrigating hay and alfalfa, used pri- environment. These include the follow- marily as feed for the meat industry, takes ing: As Adventists, “We call for respect of more water than that required for the procreation, restraint in the use of the world’s duction of all vegetables, berries, and fruit resources, reevaluation of one’s needs, and orchards combined. reaffirmation of the dignity of created life.” This statement was approved and voted 45. 2 Chron. 7:14. by the General Conference of Seventh- 46. Isa. 35:1, 2, 7. day Adventists Administrative Committee and was released by the Office of the 47. Hosea 2:18. President at the General Conference ses- 48. Isa. 11:9. Although the direct refer- sion in Utrecht, the Netherlands, June 29– ence is various animals, this passage July 8, 1995. A further statement approved encompasses by extension all of God’s and voted by the General Conference of creation, including human beings. Seventh-day Adventists Administrative Committee for release by the Office of the 49. 1 Cor. 4:2 (NKJV). President at the Annual Council session in

22 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 28.1 YEAR 2016 PROFILE PAUL CHIBUIKE ANONABA Dialogue with an Adventist Senior Advocate of Nigeria

INTERVIEW BY UGOCHUKWU ELEMS

aul Chibuike Anonaba was born into a until later when he pursued doctoral studies at farmer’s family in Nigeria and grew up with Babcock University. However, soon after baptism he a close affinity to the wonders of soil and immersed himself fully in the local Adventist church the seed—how life begins and grows, and and became an active witness in the community. In how everything in nature is integrated to the local secondary school, he was known for shar- Psustain and support life. The lessons he learned ing the message and the meaning of the Sabbath in childhood led him to embrace two ideals that and the second coming of Jesus, and was instrumen- became an inseparable part of his life: a love for God tal in reaching several of his friends. as Creator and a commitment to responsible living. When Paul joined the university, he found the These values drove him to take seriously his role academic and social atmosphere challenging. But within his family (which included his parents and he was able to turn every challenge into an oppor- eight siblings), and later also within his faith and tunity for witness by becoming an active member professional community. of the Nigeria Association of Adventist Students on Paul’s faith journey began with the embrace of his the campus of Imo State University. As a result, he mother, who took him to her Seventh-day Adventist and his fellow Adventist students advocated to be church. It is there that he learned from his infancy allowed to worship and observe the Sabbath, and to the meaning of God’s grace, the saving power of provide spiritual nourishment on the campus. After Jesus, the essential nature of the Sabbath, and the finishing his course in law at Imo State University, hope of the soon coming of Jesus. Paul’s father he began his career as a legal practitioner. Paul also was a member of the Anglican Church; in fact, his holds a Ph.D. degree in law and diplomacy from grandfather been responsible for bringing the first Babcock University in Ikenne, Nigeria. Christian missionaries to their village in 1917. “The Today Paul is a leading legal practitioner in difference in my parents’ faith commitment,” says his homeland. The Government of Nigeria con- Paul, “never showed up in the home. In fact, my ferred upon him the honor of Senior Advocate of father never came in the way of my mother’s com- Nigeria—a rare honor for distinguished service, mitment to Adventism, and she faithfully took me similar to Queen’s Counsel in the United Kingdom. and my siblings to Sabbath school each week. Those Paul is married to Amarachi, who holds degrees early beginnings in the Adventist faith and life laid a in public administration and law, and manages strong foundation for my adult life and career.” his law offices. The couple has three school- In his early teens, Paul was baptized into the age children. The family is deeply committed to Adventist Church, but to his regret, he did not the church: Paul serves as a church elder and have the opportunity to attend an Adventist school Amarachi as a deaconess.

28.1 YEAR 2016 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 23  Let’s begin with law. Given the to my prayers, God led me in the manding force of all life’s activities, negative attitude toward the study and choice of my career preparation. all the time. So my legal profession practice of law both in your country Being in the legal profession is my loses its vitality if it is not continu- and in the church, what really moti- ministry; it is a calling. I didn’t ally and constantly informed and vated you to go into law? study law because that is where governed by my faith commitment. You do have a point. Even today the people make money. I have always Let me tell you a story about a pro- traditional suspicion of the law and looked at the practice of the law as fessional friend. Tony is a legal prac- legal profession persists in Nigerian an instrument to establish the rule titioner in England. Whenever he is society. The negative aspects of this of the law and stand on the side in Nigeria, he visits my office, and suspicion can be found both within of justice. The Bible speaks a lot we discuss matters of mutual profes- the church community and in other about justice and law, and one of my sional interest. One day, he called me aspects of life in general. The roots favorite passages, which has guided from England and asked a strange of this suspicion go back to ancient me in my legal profession is Isaiah question, “Where is your church?” times when secret cultic practices 1:17: “‘Learn to do good; Seek jus- I was surprised because I had never were linked to the Ogboni tribe, and tice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend intentionally spoken to him regard- such practices not only influenced the fatherless, Plead for the widow’” ing church matters. He went on, “I sociology and tribal life, but also (NKJV).* A Christian lawyer who want to go to your church.” In two affected religion and tribal way of takes a passage like this and makes it weeks’ time, he was going to be in settling legal issues. Formation of as his or her guiding motto will look Lagos, and he wanted to be with me various fraternities and their influ- at the profession of the law as being in my church. But I was not going to ence on emerging Christian influ- the salt of the earth—to support jus- be in the city. “Never mind,” he said, ence had an interchange of stimu- tice, to establish fairness in dealings, “when you return, I will still be in lus and impact. Traditional Ogboni to be a reflector of truth and all val- Lagos, and then, you can take me to practices and beliefs rubbed off on ues that derive from those concepts. your church.” So I gave him my local Christian faith and life, resulting Every day, my offices begin with a church address, and it was a pleas- in a conflict between tribal heri- focus on God as the true judge: As ant surprise that on that Sabbath, tage and modern faith emergence. a staff, we begin our day with wor- he got to church even before I did. This conflict had its own dynamic ship and prayer. We are all ministers He worshipped with us that Sabbath of suspicion: The traditional tribal in the temple of justice, and we and also said that he finally found way of settling legal problems was want our practice to be rooted and his worship-home—a practice that threatened by the introduction of the guided in the principle of integrity he kept up when he returned to study of law at a university setting. and fear of God. In all my offices in England. I never preached to him, At times, traditional village systems the country, each Monday morning, never invited him to the church, but saw in Christian understanding and we link all our branch offices with a from what he saw in the way our practice of law a threat to tradition; common worship and prayer. This office was run, he believed that the and it is that threat that was behind practice brings together all officers God we worshipped was worthy of the suspicion and questioning of and staff of both the central and the his devotion. Christians taking up law in study branch offices in a time of prayer and profession. and commitment renewal, asking  Back to your undergraduate days However, we thank God that God for strength and wisdom to deal and your involvement in the Adventist He has enabled some of us to be with the tasks ahead in the week. Public Campus Ministry. How did your exhibits of true Christianity and get involvement in the Nigeria Association to the highest rank in the legal pro-  In our colleges and universities, of Adventist Students (NAAS) impact fession. We believe and know that we often talk about the need to inte- your life? God has His own people in every grate faith and learning. It looks like I wouldn’t be in the church today generation, in every profession, and you are doing some form of integration were it not for my involvement in I am happy to be one of those lift- of faith and profession. the ministry of NAAS. When I got ing up Christ in the world, and in At least we are trying to. Your to Imo State University (IMSU) in the legal profession. comment reminds me of something I Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, I was So I encourage our young people read long ago. Christianity is not one quite young, and boarded in a hos- in the church: Trust in God; He is of many departments in life, such as tel some distance from the main able; He will never let you down. family, education, health, hobbies, campus. It was a lonely place, and profession, Christian calling, etc. the hostel residents bonded together  If you were to start all over again, Faith is not just one department that for safety. The students were often would you still choose to be a lawyer? we take care of on the Sabbath day. It attacked by strangers, particularly Yes, I would. I believe in prayer, is a calling that demands all of us all when walking alone or on the unlit and I also believe that in answer the time. It is and should be the com- road after sunset. But unknown to

24 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 28.1 YEAR 2016 me, there was a cult in the making friend in the law school. One of her My first advice goes to parents under the hoax of protecting stu- lecturers scheduled an examination at home. When parents give pri- dents. About this time, I came in on Sabbath. The lecturer was known ority to the faith formation and contact with a group of Adventist to be very tough and rigid about his spiritual growth of their children, students in the university. The older convictions, and he refused to make they can be sure that their chil- Adventist students warned me not any adjustment. Ngozi and NAAS dren will grow into responsible and to join the group for any reason, members turned to prayer on Friday mature adulthood. Religion begins including safety. I also came to know evening. On Sabbath morning, for at home, and parental leadership about NAAS, and joined that group. some unknown reason, the universi- there should reflect biblical values This was really a turning point in my ty authorities rescheduled the exami- that are at the foundation of a model life. God delivered me from becom- nation for another day. Ngozi did not life. Secondly, to students, I say: ing a part of a cultist group, which have to compromise her faith: God “Remember now your Creator in would have completely ruined my never fails those who trust in Him. the days of your youth” (Eccl. 12:1, life. From that point, there was no NKJV). Solomon’s advice given long looking back. I spent time with other  The Government of Nigeria ago is still valid today. You are either Adventist students in fellowship, had has conferred upon you the title of on God’s side or not; there is no mid- time to study the Word of God, Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Since the point. Most of the charming things meditate, and pray. And the habits the title was first conferred in 1975, of life (especially on college cam- cultivated from those days in NAAS about 500 people have received the puses) tend toward destruction of have strengthened the foundation of honor, you being the first Adventist. essential values in life. As Christians, my spiritual life. How do you feel being the recipient of be thorough in your work, and trust such a high honor? in God. Don’t be too fast and run  While attending college, did you I do not think of this rank as a ahead of God. The Bible says there have to deal with the challenge of professional achievement of my own, is a time for everything. Learn to Sabbath classes and examinations? but rather a special blessing God has wait on that time in God’s calendar, Yes, often. But we do have pow- bestowed upon me to be of service choose to follow His leading, and erful tools—faith in God and the to the people of this great country. I you will not fail. Indeed, God will highway of prayer—to assist us in sincerely believe that this rare honor exalt you at the right time. such situations. For example, a cler- will enable me to provide exceptional gyman taught a compulsory course service in cases where such service is * All Scripture references in this editorial are quoted from the New International in logic. His lectures always included needed the most. One recent example Version of the Bible. Sabbath scheduling, and he would will suffice. For more than four years, make no concession for Sabbath the Adventist Church was in litigation keepers. My only choice was to skip over the title for 50 acres of land on the the lecture but study as hard as I Lagos-Ibadan expressway. Last month, Ugochukwu Elems could on my own. The examination, because of the privileges of being a (D.Min., Andrews University, fortunately, was not on Sabbath. SAN, I intervened for the church, and Berrien Springs, Michigan, One hundred and twenty students God gave us victory. The land is now U.S.A.) is Youth and Campus came to write the examination. The slated to be the site of the proposed Ministries director, West-Central course was tough, and the examina- campground for the church. Africa Division of Seventh-day tion questions were merciless. After Other such instances of legal vin- Adventists, with headquarters in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. reading through the questions, about dications show that whenever our 100 students walked out, preferring talents are dedicated to the cause to take the examination at another of justice, God always rewards such time—it was so tough. Only 20 dedication. The titles that either the students took the examination. I was country or the community bestow one of those, and I passed. How can I upon us are to be used as vehicles for explain the fact that I passed the test, national advancement and peace and even though I missed so many classes justice within the community. because of my belief in keeping the Sabbath? I could think of only one  From your experience, what coun- answer: I used the tools God had sel would you give to Adventist youth given me. There is no adversity that to help them along in their journey of cannot be overcome by a rock-solid faith, education, and career prepara- faith in God and a life of prayer. tion? What should our youth do to I can think of another instance, overcome some of the struggles they face involving Ngozi Ahinacho, my in their lives?

28.1 YEAR 2016 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 25 VIEWPOINT DISTRACTIONS CAN LEAD TO DESTRUCTION: LESSONS FROM MARTHA AND MARY

Between Martha’s anxiety over caring for her guests—good in itself—and Mary’s choice of sitting at the Master’s feet, Jesus showed the priority that should govern our choices in life.

JUNJUN MANALO AMPARO

istractions from spiritual to focus on the significant issues of guests couldn’t be allowed to wait. growth are common. life in the face of lesser concerns. Martha was alone in her mission of They come in various hospitality, her sister Mary was not forms—material, emo- JESUS IN MARTHA’S HOME anywhere near the kitchen. When tional, relational, spiri- Tired and hungry after a long Martha did find her, Mary was “at Dtual, etc.—and each one should be a journey from Jericho, Jesus and His the Lord’s feet listening to what he source of concern to every Christian, disciples reached the little village of said” (Luke 10:39, NIV).1 Her sole as they all affect our spiritual journey Bethany and entered the home of attention was focused on listening in some way or another. Oftentimes, His friends, Mary and Martha (Luke to His teachings. Martha was deeply we find ourselves absorbed by things 10:38‒41). The two sisters were indeed troubled and upset. How could Mary that are less important. For instance, excited to welcome the guests. remain like that when there was so one may become less focused on the Martha immediately set about caring much to do in caring for the guests? main goal of nurturing faith when for the needs of the weary visitors and Tired and disappointed, Martha did

preoccupied by issues involving jobs, got busy in the kitchen. Hospitality not come to Mary but approached bills, relationships, family concerns, was something she had inherited Jesus with a question’ that betrayed etc. To add to these, we have the dis- from the customs of Abraham and her anxiety: “Lord, don’t you care tractions of modern life—television, the historic traditions of her forefa- that my sister has left me to do the mobile phones, and social media— thers, and it was defined by love. The work by myself? Tell her to help me!”’ constantly competing for our time table had to be set, and plates and (Luke 10:40). and diverting our attention from goblets made ready. Preparation was Martha’s query was legitimate. But major to minor concerns. almost done, but there were a few Jesus’ answer must have come as a The Bible is full of stories where things needed to make the meal per- surprise to her. The Lord commend- people were distracted from larger fect. She still had to slice some fruit, ed Mary over Martha. “‘Martha, concerns by worrying about the lesser. make a fresh salad, and put the final Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are The story of Mary and Martha is one touches to the special meal. A dozen worried and upset about many things, vivid illustration of how we may fail details needed to be attended to. The but few things are needed—or indeed

26 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 28.1 YEAR 2016 only one. Mary has chosen what is meal, and involved in meeting a spe- better and it will not be taken away cific need of the Master. She thought from her’” (Luke 10:41, 42). that she was serving the Lord. But the idea of serving Jesus was so BETWEEN MARTHA AND MARY totally different from His perspec- Between Martha’s anxiety over car- tive than from Martha’s. She must

ing for her guests—good in itself—and have been surprised and possibly even Mary’s choice of sitting at the Master’s disappointed when Jesus ’ rebuked her, feet, Jesus showed the priority that saying that she was “ worried and should govern our choices in life. upset about many things’” (Luke Martha was focusing on the less 10:41). She was so preoccupied with important tasks. Sometimes distrac- so many things that she missed the tions—that is, gravitation toward the most important. The peripheral and less important—can become destruc- the marginal pushed aside the central tions. For instance, a phone text mes- and the crucial. sage could distract one while driving Ellen White makes the point well: and eventually lead to a destructive “The ‘one thing’ that Martha needed car accident. At school, students dis- was a calm, devotional spirit, a deeper tracted with gadgets or mobile devices anxiety for knowledge concerning the during instruction time find them- future, immortal life, and the graces selves in a disoriented and ineffective necessary for spiritual advancement. learning environment. Digital media She needed less anxiety for the things often pose a challenge for reflection which pass away, and more for those and staying focused on God, and things which endure forever. Jesus often prayer and meditation become would teach His children to seize shallow and superficial. Time spent every opportunity of gaining that on social media may reduce the knowledge which will make them time available for worship, prayer, wise unto salvation. The cause of Bible study, and other activities that Christ needs careful, energetic work- strengthen the soul. ers. There is a wide field for the In an age when society is preoc- Marthas, with their zeal in active cupied by concerns of consumerism religious work. But let them first sit and pressures of materialism, it is not with Mary at the feet of Jesus. Let surprising that worship and devo- diligence, promptness, and energy be tional life are at risk. How often sanctified by the grace of Christ; then do we find our minds disconnected the life will be an unconquerable and interrupted while praying? How power for good.”2 often is the body in church but the thoughts are on a shoe sale in the mall or designer bag on eBay? How often Junjun Manalo Amparo do e-mails, text messages, and news is an Adventist lay flashes disrupt the daily reading of professional, working God’s Word? Have you been tempted as a school counselor in to fiddle with your iPhone while the an international school pulpit is streaming down God’s mes- in Thailand. He founded sage for that Sabbath service? The “Richly Blessed Today,” a issue is simple and yet most damag- blog about his ministry on ing: Even as the risk of disruption is at financial literacy. your fingertips, the risk of destruction is reaching out to your heart.

1. Unless otherwise indicate, all Scripture MAKING A BETTER CHOICE passages in this article are quoted from The central issue is this: Is it possi- the New International Version of the ble to serve Jesus yet still be misguid- Bible. ed? Martha thought she was doing 2. Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages

REFERENCES (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press the right thing. She was busy cook- 1940), 525. ing, setting the table for an important

28.1 YEAR 2016 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 27 LOGOS

FEEL THE POWER Are you waiting for some future power surge, or are you letting the Holy Spirit do His work in and through you today?

HOMER W. TRECARTIN

lick. Click, click, click. In Jesus’ day, people did not have work? Now that sounds good! It would Click, click, click, click, cars, power adapters, or energy be like hooking up Heaven’s jumper click. You know the sce- drinks. Most of us today don’t know cables just before the close of history to nario. With a sinking much about planting and harvest- give His people one final jolt of power! feeling in the pit of your ing or the early and latter rains that Maybe the latter rain is supposed Cstomach, you get out of the car, look He talked about to illustrate the to energize us, propel us from our under the hood. Of course, some last days, but when someone talks recliners, and out into the world with of you actually know what you are about the power of the Holy Spirit, the final message! Perhaps. Before we looking for, but many of us are just or power of the latter rain, we nod content ourselves with sitting back in looking because, well, because we our heads and wish we could hook our rockers and waiting for the latter don’t know what else to do. up our jumper cables. We definitely rain, however, I’d like to delve a little We may thumb a quick message think we understand power! more into this overwhelming burst of to a friend. Or call the roadside We love to talk about the promise temporary power for which we some- assistance. Or just stand there gazing in Joel 2:28 and 29: “And it shall times seem to be longing. longingly at each vehicle that hap- come to pass afterward that I will Could not God pour out His Spirit pens to come near. If we have jumper pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your on a sleeping church? Could He cables, we may even lay one end over sons and your daughters shall proph- not suddenly and powerfully speak the edge of the engine compartment, esy, your old men shall dream dreams, through dozing saints to call the and wave the other end at passersby. your young men shall see visions. And world to repentance? Of course He Ah, the relief when some kind also on my menservants and on my could! He doesn’t even need saints to soul finally pulls up, opens his or maidservants I will pour out my Spirit give a message. He once spoke power- her hood, hooks up the cables, and in those days” (NKJV).* fully through a donkey, and another tells us to get in and try again. Our Now that’s power! time said that even the stones would hand shakes nervously as we stick cry out if the people wouldn’t. the key in the ignition and turn. POWER FOR WHAT? Is this what the planet needs, how- Vrrrrrooooommmm! Ahh, power! But why do we want this power, ever? Will the world be saved by We may not have a mechanical bone anyway? Why are we praying for the talking animals, crying stones, or in our bodies, but we still understand Holy Spirit to be poured out in latter- sleep-talking saints? Let me remind the need for power. We purchase gad- rain power? What do we think it will you, that the talking donkey didn’t gets that plug into our phones or com- accomplish when it comes? Is its pur- convert Balaam, and the promise of puters to provide a boost of power. pose to prepare the world, to ripen shouting stones didn’t change the Our heat pumps and cars often have the harvest? Somewhat, perhaps, but hearts of the Jewish leaders. a setting that gives us a quick blast of not primarily. Jesus declared that the Many of us are nodding and doz- heat or cold. Advertising bombards us harvest was already ripe, but that we ing through these stupendous times. every day promising us a sudden rush should pray for laborers. We expect that at some point, the of energy if we will just eat, drink, So, is its purpose to wake up Holy Spirit will be poured out and or swallow this or that. Oh, yes. We His laborers, His sleeping church, suddenly we will wake up and finish understand power. and give us power to finish the the work. I fear, however, that many

28 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 28.1 YEAR 2016 of us will awake to realize that we doesn’t change the direction we have SIR, THE RAIN HAS COME slept right through the latter rain. been going, either. It simply brings My wife, Barbara, and I were on Too late we may discover that the power and pushes us further and faster our way to the airport in Delhi, outpouring of the Holy Spirit was in the way we were already headed. India. The night clerk from the hotel taking place all around us, and we To come back to our jumper-cable was riding along in the hotel taxi didn’t even notice. illustration, if my tires are flat, my with us. His eyes were heavy from Consider the story in 1 Samuel headlights broken, or my radiator being up all night, and his head was 19:19–24 (NLT). Saul has received has a hole in it, the temporary surge nodding. He was going home to rest. word that David can be found with the of power coming through the cables Suddenly, unexpectedly, a few prophet Samuel in Ramah. He imme- is not going to do a thing to get me big drops of rain splattered on the diately sends contingent after contin- where I am going. When I connect windshield. Almost instantly his eyes gent of soldiers to capture him, but red to positive and black to negative perked up. Softly, excitedly, he looked as each group approaches, it is over- and turn the ignition, my car will not back and said, “Look, Sir, the rain has powered by the Holy Spirit, and they suddenly be transformed. The surge come.” He then turned back to watch. begin to prophesy. Finally, completely of power will not even face me in a Gone were the tired lines around his frustrated, Saul strikes out on his own new direction in the parking lot. eyes. His back was straight; his lips to fetch David himself. He, too, is Temporary bursts of power, even curved in a slight smile. This was no filled with the Spirit, overpowered, those from Heaven, do not force us downpour, just a couple of stray drops and prostrated naked before Samuel, to change direction. They only push of water on a dusty road, but to the prophesying all that day and night. us on in the direction we are already young hotel clerk, those drops were They all prophesied, but notice, they heading, and they are effective only filled with hope and promise. The were not changed. King Saul wasn’t if the rest of the system is in proper rain was coming at last! changed; neither was anyone who lis- operating order. I, too, have seen the rain beginning tened to him. They just laughed and This is why we so desperately need to fall. Jesus is about to return. Seeds joked, and poked fun at him: revival and reformation. We must have are being planted. People are pray- “Did you see that? Looks like Saul the gentle working of the Holy Spirit ing together, pleading with God to has become one of the prophets!” in our lives now, not just a power surge soften the soil of their minds, asking at some point in the future. the Lord of the harvest to send out WHY THE DIFFERENCE? laborers, and praying for the out- Think about it for a minute. When IS THE SOIL READY? pouring of the latter rain. This will not merely be a burst of Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit, Joel 2:23 and 24 talks about the temporary power. When this power it only made people laugh. When former and latter rain, and prom- comes it won’t be for just a day, and it Peter was filled with the Spirit, peo- ises a full threshing floor, but let me won’t embarrass us. It will finish the ple repented, and 3,000 were con- tell you, it won’t be full if nothing work that we have allowed God’s Spirit verted in one day. Why? What made was planted before the rains came. to begin in our hearts and lives today. the difference? It wasn’t two different It says the vats will be overflowing Look, Sir; look, Madam, the Rain spirits. The Bible says Saul was filled with juice and oil, but that will only has come! with the Spirit of God. He might happen if vineyards and olive groves as well have been filled with hard have been planted and tended. The * All Scripture references in this edito- liquor. Nothing good came from it. latter rain does not change the out- rial are quoted from the New International All that happened was that he made come; it only multiplies what was Version of the Bible. a fool of himself. already being prepared for. Let me You see, the Holy Spirit’s power is restate that: The latter rain does not Homer W. Trecartin only effective if our lives match the change the crop; it only enhances what (M.A., Andrews University) message. Saul’s life did not match was already planted in the soil. is the director for Global the message he was giving while When I plant and fertilize, every- Mission Centers of the under the power of the Holy Spirit. thing is ready. The rains then make General Conference of Saul was filled with the Spirit, but it grow. What comes up is what was Seventh-day Adventists, Silver he had not let the Spirit mold, shape, there already. The same is true when Spring, Maryland, U.S.A. and change him all along. When the the latter rain ripens the harvest. It power came over him, the temporary brings to maturity both the good contrast was so great that it just plants and the weeds. It does not made people laugh. change what is in the field. The power Saul experienced didn’t Are you waiting for some future last, and it didn’t change him, or any- power surge, or are you letting the one else, one single iota. The final, Holy Spirit do His work in and mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit through you today?

28.1 YEAR 2016 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 29 ACTION REPORT REFLEXIONANDO ANDO [REFLECTIONS]: AN ADVENTIST RADIO BROADCAST ON A NON-ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

NATALIA GARZÓN

began in 2012. God had prepared three months, just when we were everything beforehand, stirring beginning to lose hope, God inter- Angie’s heart and mine with the need vened and we were allowed a 30-minute of starting a small-group campus slot in Tu Radio UT radio station. ministry. So, on the campus of the That was early in 2014. As a first University of Tolima, we launched the step, we willingly attended a course group “Youth at UT” which, under on radio programming. We learned the motto Bringing Students to Jesus, how to write scripts, some basics on began to meet every week for prayer, software use, voice modulation, and fellowship, Bible study and outreach, other topics relevant to broadcasting. and community service Soon we were into producing broad- As we kept meeting weekly, some casts dealing with issues such as sub- of the students showed an increased stance abuse, stress, lifestyle issues, interest in getting to know Jesus, and spiritual and social concerns. and their interest led us to begin Step by step, we built the radio pro- the “Faith of Jesus” Bible study gram from the ground up. We called the series. We chose to have the study on first segments “A Dose of Happiness” MASTER: 1, 2, 3… We are on campus, even though there was an (words of hope and encouragement), air… Adventist church nearby. A campus and “God’s Vitamin” (dedicated to REFLEXIONANDO ANDO: event can attract more students than natural remedies). Together with the Good morning, dear friends! It is a church event. main segment, we shared stories, a pleasure to greet each one of you The Bible studies yielded to deci- gave advice and told the truth about in this new broadcast of University sions that later led to baptisms. One Jesus, who is ever willing and ready Dialogue from the city of Ibague, of the newly baptized persons, Darío to help us face and overcome our Colombia . . . something that indeed Alejandro, had a vision: to have an problems. reflects God’s wonderful love for Adventist radio broadcast from the Each Monday evening, we began people . . . So, welcome! campus radio station. After much recording the program to be aired the Thus began the first Adventist prayer, discussion, and work, we pre- following Monday at 10.30 a.m. From student-founded broadcast from the sented to university authorities with the first broadcast on, the program was radio station of the University of a project design that would speak to a success. The feedback from students, Tolima in Columbia. the issues affecting youth, particu- staff, faculty, and community mem- But the road to this distinct achieve- larly those in school. bers was positive. We worked hard, ment was long and arduous. It all Now it was God’s turn to act. After looking into strategies that would lead

30 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 28.1 YEAR 2016 more people to tune in. Advertisements them. As a result, several small groups through pamphlets, social media, and have emerged on nearby campuses. Adventist churches in the city of helped What began as an impossible dream increase the number of listeners. has now become a reality, and has led Every now and then, we met some to the sharing of the gospel of the challenges, such as lack of funds or soon coming Savior through an effec- setbacks at the radio station, but with tively coordinated campus ministry. God’s help, resources and solutions God has been good and has miracu- were found. Our local congregation, lously provided the funds, the health, church board, and the leadership at the strength, the ideas and the talents the conference and union levels were needed to work for Him. He has always ready to help in whatever way allowed us to go through many differ- they could. Thanks be to God, the ent and difficult experiences, but He program has a large audience in the was always there to help us overcome city of Ibague and other towns in the our trials along the way. We want to Tolima region, some other cities of thank Him and give Him honor for Colombia, and even abroad. this kindness, mercy and great love. In addition to lifestyle issues com- You too can dream for Him, and mon to campus living, we have also your dreams will become a reality, presented the precious message of and with God’s help, you can fulfill salvation in Jesus. We have shared the mission He has assigned you our fundamental beliefs. The message (Matthew 28:19, 20). What are you of salvation has brought hope and waiting for? spiritual awareness to many of our listeners, both on campus and in the community. Natalia Garzón As listener interest grew, we moved is a fourth-year student forward and introduced the Voice of in Natural Sciences at the Hope Spanish programs as part of University of Tolima in Colombia. our broadcast menu. In addition, we She is currently the Public presented a unique program—The Campus Ministries coordinator Privilege of Living—that provided a for the South Colombian biblical basis for meeting life’s great Conference. issues as faced by young people. This program was so popular that churches in other towns invited our group to visit them and produce programs for

28.1 YEAR 2016 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 31 PERSPECTIVE BEING THANKFUL, EVEN WHEN THINGS GO TERRIBLY WRONG

SANDRA JANET BIRUNGI

roubles of life will always almost immediately. If we crave for out why this happened to you. My engulf us day in, day out. our favorite chocolate, we will try to friend Jovia often wonders why bad It is quite impossible to get that chocolate right away. Getting things happen to her. To get her into be alive and be happy 24 what we want may be a challenge a conversation that will set a new hours a day, seven days a sometimes. It gets worse if what we perspective, I countered her with this Tweek. If you are happy right now, that seek is not a need but a want because question: “If this bad incident did is no guarantee that you will be happy what we want in most cases is out of not happen to you, but it happened all through the day. Our moods do not our reach. Such attempts to get what to someone else, would that per- remain the same. is not immediately attainable can son have deserved what happened to Some time ago, research argued for turn out to be quite dangerous. him or her?” From that perspective, the set theory of happiness, suggest- Motivation theories suggest that Jovia understood the problem better. ing that people’s happiness is con- our wants and needs oftentimes Seeking to resolve the question of stant although it is often perturbed define our character or behavior. deserving does not always produce a by life circumstances. This theory That is why whenever we do not get satisfactory solution. was challenged by Richard E. Lucas what we want or need, we tend to At times in trying to understand of Michigan State University and lose ourselves in grief. Thus those why certain things happen to us, we the German Institute for Economic with low self-esteem sink further into put the responsibility on God. “It is Research. Their research held that hap- the world of feeling unworthy, while God’s will” becomes a safe platform. piness levels change, and adaptation is those with high self-esteem tend to But those who do not believe in God inevitable because life events matter.1 find out what exactly went wrong and may tend to blame some other fac- That is to say, we are not guaranteed try to do damage control. tor—an imaginary person or force happiness all the time because our People react differently when faced that is bent on interfering in their mood changes time and again, and with puzzling situations. Such situ- lives. Thus, explanations and con- life events keep changing our level ations are not necessarily bad; they spiracies consume our time in trying of happiness. Additionally, we have can be challenging and can turn out to figure out, “Why me?” A better wants and needs that keep chang- for good in strengthening one’s expe- way would be to accept what comes ing, if not increasing, as time goes rience. Our main focus in dealing our way—good or bad, happy or by. Somehow, one moment we want with bad situations should be on how sad—and keep moving. something and the next moment, we to face them and not let ourselves want something else. We are never trapped in worry and anxiety. A TESTIMONY really content with one thing. Suppose, for example, you are a One day, during my last month of The point is this: If we want cer- victim of a robbery or a car accident. internship at a media house, I lost my tain things, we tend to want them In such situations you try to figure ATM card and my pin number at the

32 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 28.1 YEAR 2016 same time. Shaken, I reported the Meanwhile, what was I to do? That praised God for taking care of me. loss to the bank and asked that the was my last month at the job; I had Since then I have learned a new defi- ATM card be blocked. However, the no work and no job offers. How was nition of trusting God and remain- one who found the card was rather to take care of myself with the small ing thankful to Him at all times— fast on his or her heels. Between my sum left in the bank? I felt betrayed in good and bad. The question is not reporting the loss and the bank block- life. I felt God had let me down: Why why certain things happen to us, ing the access, that person withdrew didn’t He do something about the situ- but rather how do we react to such a large portion of my account. I was ation? I asked myself. Usually, I am a events? The answer is to be found in heartbroken. The loss was too heavy thankful person, even when distressed; trust and thanks-living with God. to bear. Why should it have happened but that day, I felt so disillusioned, so to me? Whom should I blame? Myself lost, and had nowhere to turn. Tears for being careless in handling such flowed freely. But somehow I managed Sandra Janet Birungi a valuable instrument as that card? to survive, to live, and to wait. I was teaches at Uganda Christian The law-and-order situation in that reminded of the promise: “Those who University, Mukono, Uganda. city? The greed and sinful nature of wait on the LORD shall renew their humans? The negligence of the bank strength; they shall mount up with in not taking immediate action to wings like eagles, they shall run and 1. See the April 2007 issue of Current block access to my account? not be weary, they shall walk and not Directions in Psychological Science. 2 2. All Scripture references in this interview No use dwelling on the blame faint” (Isaiah 40:31, NKJV). are quoted from the New King Version of game. I went back to the bank. The Three months later, the bank the Bible. bank assured a full refund of the loss, covered the loss and credited my REFERENCES but it took three months. account. After that, I thanked and

BOOKS

“In the beginning God created the foundational to the understanding of heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1, the scriptural account of Creation. The NIV). So begins the Bible—and with opening chapter (by Gerhard Hasel it comes the question: How reliable and Michael Hasel) deals with the is the biblical theology of Creation? unique elements of biblical cosmology, The question is probed by outstand- followed by a critical review of the ing Adventist scholars, scientists, history of Genesis 1:6–8 by Randall and educators, and the result of their Younker and Richard Davidson. research is presented in two volumes: Davidson is also the author of The current one deals with the Old Chapter 3. He finds in Genesis 1:1 the Testament data, and the subsequent “when,” the “who,” the “how,” and the one under preparation will deal with “what” of origins of life on this Earth. New Testament data. Davidson provides internal and exter- These essays have been critically read nal evidences to support the traditional and reviewed by “a standing committee view of Genesis 1:1–3 for God’s creative HE SPOKE AND IT WAS: of Adventist biblical scholars and scien- activity ex nihilo. He argues for a literal DIVINE CREATION IN THE tists who are engaged in careful dialogue 24-hour, seven-day, consecutive creation OLD TESTAMENT and thoughtful interaction. The work of week, and offers theological foundations the church’s Faith and Science Council as to why the Genesis account cannot Gerald A. Klingbeil, ed. (Nampa, underlines the commitment of admin- be taken as symbolism, poetry, meta- Idaho: Pacific Press, 2015;186 pages; istrators, Bible scholars, and scientists phor, or parable. Davidson also argues paperback). within the Seventh-day Adventist Church that in the “when” of Creation we may to listen to one another and engage con- see the idea of a two-stage beginning Reviewed by Phodidas temporary science and scholarship con- with an initial unformed view of the Ndamyumugabe structively on this important issue” (p. 9). Earth, which supports the theory of the The book notes that the statement, passive-gap theory, i.e., an old universe “In the beginning God created the that includes the Earth but with young heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1), is life on Earth.

28.1 YEAR 2016 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 33 In his discussion of the “who,” tered or Sun-centered but God-centered. Davidson points to two different In addition, he argues that in Psalm names for God used in Genesis 1 and 104:31–35 are “significant insights into 2. The first is elohim, which empha- the Sabbath” and eschatology (pp. sizes the character of God as transcen- 95, 96)—points that Adventists cannot dent, universal, cosmic, self-existent, afford to miss. and infinite. The second is YHWH, Chapter 6 by Alexej Muráñ deals showing that God is an immanent, with the creation theme in the rest of personal God. The eternal and the Psalms, establishing our faith in God immanent God is the One who is as the Creator and the Sustainer of presented as the Creator. our lives. The “how” of creation is presented Next, Ángel Rodríguez examines the as God’s unique creative activity. The influence of Genesis 1–3 on wisdom emphasis of the divine fiat (“God thinking. Interesting similarities are said, ‘Let there be . . .’”) can be under- highlighted to argue that wisdom litera- stood only in terms of the absolute ture was aware of the Genesis creation nar- power and centrality of God’s Word rative. In chapter 8, Martin Klingbeil in the creative process. Importantly, discusses a triad form that appears in FROM THE EDITORS: the author points out that in this prophetic literature—creation, de-creation, absolute nature of God’s Word is the and re-creation. This language of creation This book is also available in a basis of the theology of Sabbath as is “employed as a constant literary and larger, scholarly edition: understood by Adventists. theological reference that connects to a Dealing with the “what” of Creation historical past, motivates the interpreta- THE GENESIS CREATION in Genesis 1 and 2, Davidson does not tion of the present, and moves toward a ACCOUNT AND ITS fail to underscore that biblical creation perspective for the future” (p. 159). REVERBERATIONS IN THE deals with the entire universe, including The last two chapters of the OLD TESTAMENT the details of the global habitats of book bring us back to the bibli- our planet. The book sees no contra- Published by Andrews cal beginning. Rodríguez (Chapter diction in the order of creation in the University Press, Berrien Springs, two accounts of Creation (Genesis 1 9) compares the Genesis account Michigan, U.S.A. 385 pages. and 2), and argues that any seeming and ancient near-Eastern studies on origins and shows that while the ambiguity depends on whether one * All Scripture references in this edito- translates Genesis 2:19 as “formed” or latter contains latent evolutionary rial are quoted from the New International “had formed.” thoughts of origin, the former is Version of the Bible. While Genesis provides the founda- rooted in God and gives no room for tional understanding of biblical creation, any evolutionary mode. Jacques Doukhan concludes the Phodidas Ndamyumugabe, Paul Gregor uses the fourth chapter of (Ph.D., Adventist Institute of the book to reflect on echoes of Genesis book by presenting the ultimate argument for God as Creator. He con- Advanced Studies, Silang, 1 and 2 in the rest of the Pentateuch, Cavite, The Philippines), is and provides us a rich trove of creation tends that God Himself declared the creation to be good, and even though a lecturer at the Adventist theology and its role in life. University of Central Africa, Chapter 5 provides an inspira- sin and death marred that creation, Kigali, Rwanda. E-mail: tional devotion on creation theology, that marring is only an interim. God’s [email protected]. as Davidson uses scholarship and devo- ultimate plan for this Earth is to free tion for a masterly analysis of creation it from the chaos of sin and transform language in Psalm 104—“remarkable it as the new heaven and the new for the movement and vividness of the earth. God is the Creator, and He will images that crowd into the picture of inaugurate the New Creation. creation” (p. 86). Davidson points out This reader found the book to be criti- that “Psalm 104 provides an answer to cal and engaging. Every part of the book the long-standing question about the is faith-affirming in a systematic way, source of the light on the first day of highlighting the Creation account as it Creation when it says that the light that emerges throughout the Old Testament. surrounded the person of God provided I am eagerly waiting for its companion light for the earth” (p. 88), thus making book, dealing with the New Testament it clear that Creation is not human-cen- understanding of God as my Creator.

34 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 28.1 YEAR 2016 FYI

GLOBAL PCM WEEKEND 2016 OCTOBER 14-16, 2016 EMPATHIZE. ENGAGE. EMPOWER.

Global Public Campus Ministry SUGGESTED SABBATH ACTIVITIES “1 Corinthians 11:1”* under “iFollow.” Print Weekend is an annual event, scheduled TO FOSTER ENGAGEMENT the entire verse on the back of, the shirt. for the third weekend of October. This Introduce and welcome students who iServe (Joshua 24:15—“But as for, me and year, October 14–16 marks the begin- come to church. my house, we will serve the LORD.” ): Service ning of a process: launching the Year of Involve students in worship services: and mission are core to PCM. Adventist PCM/Campus Mission & Service (Year special music, Sabbath school special students, academics, and professionals are of Student Evangelism). feature, testimonies, Scripture reading, encouraged to wear “iServe” when they are The aim of the Global PCM Weekend prayers, ushering, welcoming, preaching, involved in community service projects/ is to connect with and involve Seventh- teaching, etc. activities on Sunday and at other service day Adventist students, academics, and Provide a special potluck for students. events later on. professionals in mission and service on Invite church members to adopt both iMentor (1 Thess. 5:11—“Edify one campus, in church, and in their commu- new and old students so that they may another, even as also ye do.”): Identify nity (the three C’s of PCM). The theme have a home away from home. godly adults with experience and wisdom, this year is organized around three E’s: Ask or assign church members to be recognize them, and introduce them as Empathize, Engage, and Empower. We mentors and sponsors for students. mentors for students, encouraging stu- recommend the following schedule to Invite students to church members’ dents to build mentor-mentee relation- align with the theme. homes for Sabbath afternoon fellowship. ships with these PCM mentors. Those Empathize (Friday/Sabbath—“Reach Hold a joint service with other Seventh- who wear the shirt with “iMentor” are in With God”): Empathize with the needs day Adventist churches, focusing on min- volunteering to be mentors and sponsors of students and professors on college/uni- istry to students, academics, and profes- for students and young professionals who sionals. are looking for guidance and counsel as versity campuses. Invite the pastor to preach a sermon Engage (Sabbath—“Reach Up to they make important choices in their lives. specially prepared for students, academics, Share with the rest of the world what God”): Engage with God and others and professionals. by actively involving students with local your group is doing that weekend by using Organize a special music/praise service, the Global PCM Weekend app to upload church members during Sabbath worship inviting the community, students, and and fellowship, welcoming and engaging pictures and videos during the event with teachers/professors from their educational the hashtag #GPCMW16. The Hope new students into church life. In particu- institutions. lar, connect with those students who are TV Channel will broadcast the event Carry out Sabbath outreach activities live starting Friday at 7 p.m. to Saturday, away from their homes and transitioning to enhance engagement, friendship, and to a new church home. 7 p.m., EST (Eastern Standard Time). fellowship. Other ways to share the love that weekend Empower (Sunday—“Reach Out With will be through the following: God”): Challenge and empower students, SUGGESTED EMPOWERING Online broadcasting and podcasting academics, and professionals to proactively ACTIVITIES FOR SUNDAY #GPCMW16, where students are field meet the needs of their community. Organize a service activity, perhaps reporters during the event together with the local church or with Pictures and videos that are uploaded SUGGESTED FRIDAY a community partner. Service activities to the General Conference PCM official ACTIVITIES TO FOSTER could consist of the following: Facebook page: “Seventh-day Adventist EMPATHY WITH OTHERS Blood drive; Public Campus Ministries―PCM” Organize a Meet and Greet or Let’s Be Nursing home or orphanage visit; Friends social event where students can Community Beautification Day (painting GET THE WORD OUT! meet each other, fellowship, and be orient- a community hall, building, etc.); Share and be “interested” or say that ed to the rest of the weekend’s activities. Food drive of non-perishable food or you are “going” through the Facebook Thank-You Campaign: Find creative canned goods for a community food bank community page Global PCM Weekend ways to show appreciation to professors or local relief agency; and Facebook event page Global PCM and office staff on campus without inter- Soup kitchen or homeless shelter out- Weekend 2016. rupting classes or disrupting work. reach; Organize service activities for fellow stu- Silent Service Flash Mob: Actions speak GLOBAL PCM WEEKEND 2016 dents by providing what others truly need. louder than words. When others see your HASHTAGS: silent service, they may be prompted to Set up a PCM booth where students #GlobalPCMWeekend #GPCMW16 can find useful information about cam- ask who you are and why you are doing pus resources (academic and social), as something such as cleaning a public area Be creative! Get the word out and share well as information on the local PCM/ in silence. (See more on wearing special the love! AMiCUS chapter. T-shirts below.); Water for the Soul: Provide free Literature evangelism afternoon to share * All Scripture references in this edito- bottles of water and an encouraging Adventist literature and hope with others. rial are quoted from the New International quote for the soul. Hand out or share Version of the Bible. healthy-living tips if requested or wel- SHARE THE LOVE! comed. Never force students to receive A visible way to promote the event is for or listen. participants to wear special shirts. Work Jiwan S. Moon Music for the Soul: Arrange a live con- with the local church or campus PCM/ (D.Min., Andrews University), is Public

cert or play soothing and uplifting music AMiCUS chapter to fund and print them. Campus Ministries (PCM) world on campus. We suggest the following T-shirt, designs: coordinator and associate director, iFollow (1 Cor. 11:1—“Be ye followers, Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries (ACM). of me, even as I also am of Christ.” ): Place E-mail: [email protected].

28.1 YEAR 2016 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 35 36 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DIALOGUE 28.1 YEAR 2016