August 1997

NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION EDITION

The Long Shadows of LETTERS

Cloning and the Christian means that at least part of a person Youth and Ownership In “Cloning and the Christian” desires to sin. Jesus made it clear in Thanks to Andy Nash for his perceptive (June NAD Matthew 5 that a person was guilty of ruminating on reaching young adults Edition) George sin if he only wanted to do it, even today in “A Letter to Myself (Open in Javor writes, “The though he did not externally commit 2011)” (June 12). cloning of the sin. His letter reminded me of the humans itself is Clearly Jesus had the effects of first president’s youth cabinet. not likely to pre- 4,000 years of sin in Him (“fallen Because 20 percent of the NAD is cipitate divine human nature”) but was not infected under 30 years old, we recom- intervention.” with sin—which is another way of mended that one fifth of all com- Ellen White stating that He took Adam’s physical mittee members at the local, con- writes, “But if there was one sin above human nature after the Fall, but His ference, union, and division levels another which called for the destruc- spiritual human nature before the Fall. be under 30 (see Adventist Review, tion of the race by the Flood, it was June 6, 1991). One young adult the base crime of amalgamation of man —Doug Baker, D.MIN. member summarized, “We would and beast which defaced the image of OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA enjoy a piece of the pie. However, God, and caused confusion every- we would also like to help make where” (Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, p. 64). the pie.” It would appear that genetic tam- Relieved To my knowledge, this has not hap- pering can and will provoke “divine Thanks to William Johnsson for his pened. Who will be the first to show intervention.” editorial “High Tech and Hocus- the courage and farsightedness to do it? pocus.” It has renewed my faith in —Clyde Bagby the Review. —Chris Blake FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS LINCOLN, NEBRASKA —Leslie A. Mathewson VIA E-MAIL Javor states that what humanity inher- The 6,000-Year Theory ited from Adam and Eve “is sometimes I hear it in sermons, I see it in books— called ‘fallen human nature’ or ‘the Signs of the End? the view that earth’s events are wind- propensity to sin.’” This implies that Thanks to Kermit Netteberg for his ing down to the Revelation 20 millen- he believes those two phrases are syn- news commentary concerning weather nium, with less than three years to go. onymous. But clearly they are not, disasters as signs of Christ’s second It seems to be based upon Bible sevens because Ellen White sometimes coming (“Signs of the End?” June and the Sabbath. Our critics will scoff, referred to Jesus as having “fallen NAD Edition). I completely agree that “The Adventists are time-setting human nature,” but was categorical in weather disasters are not a sure sign again!” denying that He had any “propensity Christ will return soon. Considering There is no certainty about to sin.” that our weather data usually does not Ussher’s chronology. True, Ellen The author’s second error imme- go back even a hundred years, it is White stated that the earth is 6,000 diately follows when he approvingly hard to conclude that weather disasters years old, but that was a century ago, declares that “Adventists are careful have increased in severity. bringing the present tally to a mean- not to confuse a ‘tendency to sin’ with ingless 6,100. We must not get ex- sin itself.” Of course, a tendency or —Ron Corson cited about uncertain calculations. propensity to sin is sin itself because it VIA E-MAIL The message will go, and Jesus will

2 (1042) ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 come on His schedule, not ours. mention is made of the downward trend in Sabbath school attendance. —Adriel Chilson To many of us the trend is easily COLLEGE PLACE, WASHINGTON explained. Many of the recent lessons con- We also reject the 6,000-year theory, tained in the adult quarterlies are writ- COVER STORY which holds that the earth will experience ten by college professors for college a Sabbath-like rest for the seventh millen- 12 The Long Shadows of students. They are just too difficult for Divorce nium. While pleasing in its “neatness,” it many laypeople to understand. In one Is divorce a reality we have has no biblical basis. For more on this and lesson the author asked the members to accept? related topics, see Roy Adams’ “Living in to outline complete chapters of the BY JAMES COFFIN Crazy Times” (June 26).—Editors. Bible and to check how many times a word was used. Then we were supposed ARTICLES to tell how it was used and the point Goodbye, Evolution? made. It appeared to me and many 8 Who Is Prisoner, Who Darwin’s Is Judge? Readers of Michael J. Behe’s others that the writer used the outline Good thing we weren’t present Black Box, reviewed by David Ekkens of an upper division theological course. at Jesus’ trial and execution. Or in the May 15 Cutting Edge Edition, Because of this, not only has were we? might be pardoned for concluding that Sabbath school attendance declined, BY BILL KNOTT we are witnessing the beginning, at but those who do attend faithfully no 16 A State University least, of the end of evolution. Thomas longer study the lesson. I would sug- Professor Tells . . . Why S. Kuhn, in the famous Structure of gest that these lessons be used for Your Student Should Attend Scientific Revolutions (1970), would college theological study and easier- an Adventist College eventually call it a scientific crisis. to-understand lessons be used for the It’s elementary. According to Kuhn, time-honored general population. My wife, a BY ED CHRISTIAN frameworks of scientific thought fi- Sabbath school teacher, and I study 24 They Don’t Come Anymore nally fail to explain things accounted together to try to make the material Our children are our most valuable for by new approaches, and older understandable, but often this is possession. Giving them to God is adherents give way, by default, to nearly impossible. not easy. those who work within new theories. If the General Conference Sabbath BY CLAUDETTE TANG-KWOK In the case of evolution, creationism School Department is really interested 26 Flying High is like the new covenant: really older, in increasing attendance, they must Harnessing technology to spread but now new and perhaps yet tri- give us quarterlies that the average the gospel. umphant in the scientific realm. non-college-educated person can BY WILLIAM G. JOHNSSON Such works as Darwin’s Black Box, understand. skeptical of Darwinism and written DEPARTMENTS by people from the orthodox, secular —Richard M. Norman 2 Letters scientific community, find strong evi- REYNOLDSBURG, OHIO 7 Give & Take dence in living things for an intelli- 11 Take a Stand gent Designer, although it is clear 15 Global Mission that to a degree the authors are still Letters Policy 19 From the Heart prisoners of the older beliefs. The Review welcomes your letters. 20 World News & Perspectives However, as Kuhn pointed out, com- Short, specific letters are the most effective ing generations finally adopt the new and have the best chance at being pub- 25 Children’s Corner views, and we may yet see the implo- lished. Letters will be edited for space and 30 Reflections sion of Darwinian evolution, particu- clarity only. Send correspondence to EDITORIALS larly as it is challenged from the Letters to the Editor, Adventist Review, 5 Awash in a Sea of Relativism inside. Stay tuned. 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, 6 Peppermint Patty Christians

MD 20904-6600; ISC —Richard Rimmer Internet: [email protected] D

NEXT WEEK HOTO MADISON, TENNESSEE CompuServe network: 74617,15. P

Religious Liberty BY Adventists have always been champions Sabbath School Quarterlies of religious freedom. But are we doing PHOTO

any good? VER O On page 23 of the June 19 Review C

ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 (1043) 3 “Behold, I come quickly . . .”

Our mission is to uplift Jesus Christ through stories of His matchless love, news of His present workings, help for knowing Him better, and hope in His soon return. The Adventist Review (ISSN 0161-1119), published since 1849, is the general paper of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It is published by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and is printed by the Review and Herald® Publishing Association, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740. Standard postage paid at Hagerstown. The North American Edition of the Adventist Review is published 12 times a year on the first Thursday of each month. Copyright © 1997. Publishing Board: Robert S. Folkenberg, chair; Phil Follett, vice- chair; William G. Johnsson; Lowell Cooper; A. C. McClure; Dorothy Watts; Ted N. C. Wilson; Martin Ytreberg; Robert Nixon, legal advisor

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PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Vol. 174, No. 32

4 (1044) ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 EDITORIAL Awash in a Sea of WILLIAM G. JOHNSSON Relativism

f you think America is a Christian nation, take a look ■ Forty-six percent state that “Christian churches should at the latest findings of the Barna Research Group. accept gay people as church leaders.” Each year George Barna and his associates, based in George Barna seemed overwhelmed by what his research Oxnard, California, conduct a nationwide telephone revealed. His conclusions deserve Adventists’ careful notice: survey of adults. The 1997 survey “America appears to be drowning in a sea of shows that 84 percent of all adults claim to relativistic, nonbiblical theology. We are Iembrace the Christian faith. But what of living amid the dilution of traditional, the belief systems of the same people? Take Bible-based Christian faith. Millions of a deep breath: Americans are comfortable calling them- ■ Six out of 10 agree that “the Holy Spirit selves Christian even though their beliefs is a symbol of God’s presence or power, but is suggest otherwise. not a living entity” (italics supplied). “At the same time, our rejection of ISC

Amazingly, 55 percent of those who meet orthodox Christian beliefs, coupled with a D Barna’s criterion of “born-again Christians” relativistic culture, has led millions of adults HOTO

reject the existence of the Holy Spirit—and to embrace a worldview totally at odds with © P thereby the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. the faith they allegedly embrace. The irony HOTO ■ Nearly two out of three adults agree is that most of the individuals who are P that Satan “is not a living being but is only a symbol of caught up in their own contradictions are completely evil.” A majority of born-again Christians (52 percent) con- unaware of those conflicts. Meanwhile, those who are aware cur. But if the devil is out, angels are in: more than three of the conflicts seem to possess no sense of urgency to recon- fourths of respondents believe that angels exist and have an cile these competing perspectives or to arrive at a [wholis- effect on people’s lives. No wonder the prime-time TV show tic], coherent point-of-view. But when a people who claim Touched by an Angel is garnering strong ratings. to be Christian deny the existence of the Holy Spirit—the ■ Forty percent of the populace believe that when Jesus very existence of whom is crucial to the existence and was on earth He committed sins—with 28 percent of born- nature of the Christian faith—then we have a people whose again Christians agreeing. Christianity is superficial, compromised, and inconsistent. ■ Thirty-nine percent say that Jesus was crucified, but Perhaps you can say that Americans are religious, but the that He did not have a physical resurrection. Here 35 per- profile painted by these statistics suggests that most adults cent of born-again Christians assent. cannot be described as informed about the Christian faith ■ And 53 percent say that if a person is good enough or they claim.” does enough good things for other people, they will earn Superficial. Compromised. Inconsistent. their way to heaven. One third of all born-again Christians Against this backdrop, the Bible portrays a people who accept this notion. know who and what they believe: “Here Christians the respondents may claim to be, but Christians are they that keep the commandments of of what sort? Not of the biblical, apostolic mode—not with God, and the faith of Jesus” (Rev. denial of the Godhead, the person of Jesus, and His resurrec- 14:12). Ellen White gives us our tion. Not with the substitution of salvation by good works for marching orders: “But God will have a salvation by grace alone, through faith alone. people upon the earth to maintain the Barna also quizzed respondents on lifestyle views and Bible, and the Bible only, as the stan- choices. Some findings: dard of all doctrines, and the basis ■ One third of all adults accept the proposition that “the of all reforms” (The Great way things are these days, lying is sometimes necessary.” Controversy, p. 595). ■ One third say the acceptability of viewing porno- No relativism here—only the graphic material is a matter of taste, not morality. solid Rock.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 (1045) 5 GUEST EDITORIAL Peppermint Patty KERMIT NETTEBURG Christians

t’s just a newspaper cartoon, but it’s profound. It shows life and the lives of others on the road. I am sorry.” one of the Peanuts characters, Peppermint Patty, talking That’s the only way to enter the celestial court. Ask the with the school principal. Someone else has just been Judge’s forgiveness. We have the promise that He’ll say, “You named “Best Student.” are forgiven. My Son already has paid Regular readers of this strip the penalty for your wrongdoing.” know that Peppermint Patty is the No condemnation. Igirl who sleeps through class most of My Judge wants But that’s not the end of the story. the time and offers incorrect or inap- If you continue to speed, you’ll be propriate answers to questions when me to live a back in traffic court soon. The judge she’s awake. She’s anything but the hopes that by showing you mercy you best student. will be a better driver, more con- But Peppermint Patty asks, “Was forgiven life. siderate of others on the highway, I second, or maybe third?” When more prone to follow the rules. she hears that she was about 400th So it is in the celestial court. My on the list, she rationalizes, “Probably a lot closer than it Judge wants me to live a forgiven life. The special genius of the sounds, isn’t it?” Seventh-day Adventist message is that we understand both the As usual, Charles Shulz gives us an important insight into grace to be forgiven and the grace to live victoriously. human nature. Peppermint Patty wants to be recognized, to be I listened to a presentation by an astute speaker at a banquet perfect. Her life and her desires do not match, but she still several years ago. I’m sure he had something important to say. desires to be told she is good. I’m certain I could have gained a lot from paying attention to Likewise, we long to be told we are good—whether we his message. are or not. We ask to graduate from high school even if we But I was too distracted by a piece of asparagus stuck in his can’t read a job application blank, much less fill it out. We teeth—right between the incisor and the bicuspid. My atten- ask to be found not guilty in traffic court even if the radar tion focused on that little green blob, and I didn’t hear what he caught us speeding. said. We look for someone else to shoulder the blame. Some Christians talk about Jesus in glowing terms. The good news is that there is Someone else to shoulder the They say they love Him. But their lives deny His power. blame, Someone else who took our blame and shame on His They may be proud of a new car or an academic degree. lacerated shoulders. Jesus carried a great deal more than a cross But they may not accept people of all races as genuine on His way to Golgotha; He carried humanity’s guilt as well. brothers and sisters in Christ. They may have lifestyle When Jesus died at Calvary, He paid the penalty for all our sins. habits that are incompatible with Christianity. They’ve That’s what Paul meant when he wrote to the Christians in got a blob of asparagus in their witness. Rome: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who The world is full of Peppermint Patty Christians. They compare are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1, NRSV). Paul doesn’t mean we themselves with others instead of with Jesus. They haven’t done anything wrong. He means that we can count on say their lives are close to the perfect standard, Jesus to have paid the penalty. but they can’t say that they are close to Jesus. It’s kind of like getting a traffic ticket for speeding. You can I don’t mind if I rank 400th—or even go to court and say the police officer had a grudge against you. 400,000,000th—in the kingdom of heaven. You can argue that the state trooper was trying to reach some I just want to be there. quota of tickets for the month. You can say you were in a hurry because you had to get to a wedding on time. Kermit Netteburg is assistant to the presi- In all those excuses, you’re saying that you were speeding. dent of the Seventh-day Adventist Church You have another option. You can ask the judge for mercy. in North America, with special assignments You can say, “I was wrong. By speeding I was endangering my in communication.

6 (1046) ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 ADVENTIST LIFE Our daughter Laura always surveys our evening meal and usually voices her opinion of the various vegetables. During one dinner and after pre-meal prayer, she

politely bowed her head and prayed, “Dear Jesus, REWS C

please help my trip through this asparagus. Amen.” Y ERR

—Nancy Gervais, Milford, Michigan T BY

GIVE One Sabbath my friend took her 4-year-old TION neighbor girl to church with her. Unaccustomed to LLUSTRA attending, the child viewed the activities around I & her with wide-eyed excitement. When the baptistry curtain opened and a few seconds lapsed before the pastor and candidate appeared, the little girl clapped her hands and exclaimed, “Oh, when do the puppets come out?” —Marybeth Gessele, Gaston, Oregon

ADVENTIST QUOTES “Stop worrying about the gifts you don’t have and use the ones God has TAKE given you.” —Elder Charles Bradford, retired NAD president, “If you don’t know to attendees at the Bay Area Adventist Convocation, St. Petersburg, Florida SUMMER CAMP PHOTOS Got any great snapshots of summer where you are going, “What earthly reason would there be camp? Send prints/slides, captions, and for Jesus to come the first time if He Social Security number to Summer wasn’t going to come the second Camp Photos at the Give & Take time?” any road will get —Elder Robert Spangler, at the Kentucky-Tennessee camp meeting you there.” “Goodbye, goodbye, be always kind

TIN of true . . .”

AR —Bert Connell, Ph.D., R.D., at the Vegetarian —a cradle roller singing “Sabbath School Is Over” M Nutrition Conference, Loma Linda, California at the Battle Ground, Washington, church LLAN A. A

BY IMAGES OF CAMBODIA

HOTO SIGHT TO P SEE: Thirty address below. The winning photo people from (voted by the Review editorial staff) will the College- receive $100. Then this winter we’ll dale, Ten- print the winning photo (and others) in nessee, Give & Take—because winter’s the best church time to think about summer camp! spent four days last Christmas WE NEED YOU building a Give & Take is your page. Send your “Adventist Quotes,” top-quality photos, church in the Svay Rieng Province in Cambodia. On TT

“Adventist Life” vignettes, “Readers’ LA

REFLECTING ON THE MEKONG: P Exchange” items, and other short contributions Sabbath a couple dozen curious village chil- to: Give & Take, Adventist Review, 12501 While ferrying across the Mekong

dren crowded into the room or peered HERRIE Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD River, Sherrie Platt photographed S

20904; Fax: 301-680-6638; CompuServe: through windows to watch Cambodia this Cambodian sitting on a van. BY 74532,2564. Attached District director Dan Walter bap- Reflected in his glasses is the HOTOS tize 12 people. Collegedale church mission team. P

ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 (1047) 7 DEVOTIONAL ACHIK K OHN J BY TION LLUSTRA I Who Is Prisoner, Who Is Judge? The trial of Jesus has a deeper message.

BY BILL KNOTT

’LL GRANT THAT IT’S AN UNUSUAL still have one who is accused and one who will mete out jus- courtroom here on the great paving stones, here beneath tice. We still have one who stands on trial for his life and an open sky lit up by golden shafts of early sunlight. one who holds the power of life and death in his very hands. Sparrows and pigeons wheel in and out, troubled by The question is—which is which? Who is prisoner and Ithings we can’t see. Children clutch their parents and who is judge? Who is accused and who will decide? Be care- stare at the proceedings, sad beyond belief. ful, now; it may be more complex than it appears. This case We expect something so momentous as a trial, especially is one that bears watching. a capital trial, to happen in some enclosed space—some Well, you say, it’s very apparent who is prisoner and who richly appointed room paneled with oak or cherry, complete is judge. The prisoner is that fellow there—the one without with gates and doors and flags and high benches. We expect the shirt, the one with his hands tied behind his back. He’s a court reporter at the front dispassionately recording every the one with the blood dripping from his mouth and with syllable of testimony. Somewhere there should be a jury, eyes the eye that’s swollen shut and blue. He’s the one whose back averted, listening to evidence. Somewhere there should be a is lacerated beyond recognition. He’s the one with the foolish Bible on which witnesses swear to tell the truth, the whole crown jammed low over his ears—a crown that looks like a truth, and nothing but the truth. child’s fantasy hat, except that this one’s made of thorns. He’s But not today—not in this place. Soldiers stand at the the one whose one good eye is nonetheless taking in every ready, half hoping for some disturbance that will give them little detail of his trial. an excuse to use their truncheons. Dogs are worrying some And that one over there—he has to be the judge. Clean- meaty bone to death at the edge of the crowd, eager to crack shaven, toga pressed, immaculately fresh in a sea of unwashed the marrow of what once was a life. Religious people and overnight faces and sooty hands. He looks the part of a judge, leading citizens scream and yell like frenzied madmen when for sure—a striking chin, a handsome face, an aura about it seems the case will not go as they wish. him that says he is used to being a leader. He walks across I’ll grant you that it’s an unusual courtroom. But not the pavement with the confident stride of a man who knows everything is unexpected mind you. For even here—out- that the world will bend to his whim. doors in a great stone courtyard, in the middle of the A look from him and the centurions flinch. A motion of Antonia Fortress—we still have a prisoner and a judge. We his hand and servants scurry to bring pillows for a back he

8(1048) ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 injured in some far-off military adven- out blessings after the synagogue ser- resume baking bread and mending ture. He is business—all business—for vice on Sabbath. clothes? Will children pick up games of he wears the ring once given him by He seems to take a special pleasure in “roll the hoop” and “chase the dog” and Tiberius Caesar himself. Here in this the cruelty he can fashion, as if he has stop their cry for “stories, please—tell far-off corner of the empire, here in the some dark, nefarious gift for picking the me more stories, please”? midst of scheming priests and wild-eyed punishment that will most torture the Pontius Pilate, they call him, pre- revolutionaries, he seems an island of one he sentences. He sends the wild, fect of the province of Judea. An ambi- civilization and culture. You can’t get roaming revolutionaries to the static, tious man for sure, not particularly togas that white and pressed in the agonizing, six-day death upon a cross. He noble by birth, but useful to the people laundries of Jerusalem. sends the poets and the dreamers down born his betters. He knew how to So which is prisoner and which is to mines beneath the surface, where they make them indebted to him, how to judge? A foolish question, you say. Can will never hear a birdsong or feel the do the little favors that made them there be any doubt? That one, over play of wind. He takes the family man look good to the emperor, how to there. He’s the prisoner—the bleeding, and sends him a half world away, under arrange for the finest marble when half-naked one. lash and whip, to a galley hauling wine they built their country homes. Stories have it that he’s a sometime and leather. He knows what only some And they had rewarded him hand- carpenter turned preacher from men know—he knows what will break a somely. They had said a good word for Galilee. Of late he’s created quite a stir man and crush his spirit and reduce his him to Tiberius himself. And one day, in Judea, rumors swirling at every step. self-esteem to nothing or next to noth- wonder of wonders, he awoke to read Some claim he has miraculous powers, ing. That one there, he’s the judge. an imperial proclamation that gave that blind people see and lame people him absolute authority in Judea, this leap when he touches them. Lepers esus, they call him, the prisoner darkened little corner of the empire. insist he healed them of their disease, there. Jesus of Nazareth—a mild- Not that he wasn’t grateful, mind you, and grudgingly the priests agree that Jmannered type who looks as but he would have chosen something the disease appears to have vanished. though the world could never be good closer to Rome—someplace where the Thousands claim that once he fed enough for him. From stories that we culture was advanced, where athletes them from the bread and fish in a little hear, the world will never be good played at sport and men and women boy’s lunch. enough for him. What impossible played at love. One incredible rumor even has it things he expects of us—that we But then, he had to start some- that he raised the dead to life: a little should turn the other cheek, that we where, and straightening out a trou- girl up north, a young man from the should walk the extra mile, that we bled land like Judea was just the thing village of Nain, a friend named should bless those who curse us, and to get the attention of a grateful Lazarus, just two miles away in pray for every enemy. He’s hardly a emperor. What was it that the carpen- Bethany. He certainly doesn’t look man of his times, you know. The times ter had said at the end of one of his the part, not now anyway, not having are anything but gentle and peaceable. stories? “You have been faithful over a been whipped and beaten, sagging Zealots swarm over back roads, slit- few things. I will make you ruler over under the weight of some monstrous ting throats and stealing weapons. Tax many things.” That was a motto even something that seems to be pushing collectors swarm over the citizenry, Pilate could live by. him toward the pavement. Whatever blackmailing little people into exorbi- Prisoner and judge. Two neatly bal- people claim he was, whatever stories tant payments. Soldiers take what anced roles. Two roles that take on they spin to give this rustic wood- they want—in women, in wine, in meaning only in the presence of the carver some mythic reputation, now land, in lust—and anger starts the vio- other. Without a judge, the prisoner he is just a prisoner at the bar, a lent cycle all over again. would be only a captive, waiting for wounded, weary prisoner at the bar. And yet he persists, this carpenter something, but certainly not for jus- And that one over there, he’s from Galilee, this idealistic dreamer on tice. Without a prisoner the judge undoubtedly the judge. He’s governor trial for his life. Somewhere on the would be a man without a function, a of Judea, after all—or more correctly, edges of the crowd you see his followers, useless symbol of the state. Are we sure prefect of the province of Judea. He half-hidden behind their hands, turbans now which is which? Are we sure that lives in a sun-splashed palace on the taken down to cover faces. What will it we have not been deceived? coast in Caesarea and makes no secret mean to them when he is taken, as he Stories have it that the carpenter of the fact that he hates these semi- will certainly be taken, and crucified? calls himself a king, but not in the annual trips to Jerusalem to decide the Will all this popular enthusiasm sub- usual sense of the word. “My kingdom capital cases. A crucifixion here, hard side? Will fishermen go back to clean- is not from this world,” he says. “If my labor in the mines there, a sentence of ing nets and carpenters return to shav- kingdom were from this world, my fol- 10 years in the galleys—he hands out ing wood? Will housewives leave these lowers would be fighting to keep me destinies the way the local rabbi hands strange new notions of salvation and from being handed over to the Jews”

ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 (1049) 9 (John 18:36, NRSV). It’s a piece of murderer, and so completely have they cry out from beneath the altar, “How logic no one can gainsay, for who outfoxed him that he ends up having long, O Lord, how long?” And the would ever build a kingdom on the to let the murderer go free. He orders Lord of all eternal justice will answer vacillating ones who call themselves Jesus beaten and abused, hoping to them, “Soon and very soon.” his followers? Oh, there was a bold one incite some pity in those stony hearts, And those like Pilate will go run- in the group who swung a sword, and but all his strategies backfire. ning on that day, praying that the hills there was one who thought himself He declares he finds no fault in Jesus, will fall on them and save them from clever with money, but hardly the type but they will not accept that verdict. the wrath of the Lamb. Every oppres- of men on which to build a govern- He says he is the friend of Caesar, but sor who has ever lived, every tyrant ment. His kingdom, if it exists at all, all they have to do is threaten to report who has ever ruled, every judge who must be a different sort of place. him to Tiberius, and he crumbles like has ever perverted justice or given a He calls himself amazing things, false verdict or sold out for money and he does so with a quiet confi- will be weighed in the balances and dence that unnerves all his oppo- found wanting. nents. “I am the Way,” he says. “I In Pilate we On that day judges like Pilate am the Truth, the Life.” “I am the will go pleading for the mercy they Good Shepherd,” he declares. “I see how pathetic never gave. They’ll go begging for am the Living Water. I am the the kindness they never meted Bread of heaven. I am the Light of a man can be out. On that day Pilate and his all the world.” These aren’t little friends will answer to a greater titles, whatever they mean. He Judge than they have yet imag- clearly thinks that he is more than when he loses ined—One who can’t be turned just a 33-year-old ex-tradesman away, One who can’t be bought from the north. claim to his off, One who can’t be influenced, He dares to call the God of One who can’t be obstructed. heaven his Father—and not just own soul. Though today we see one in his Father, but even “Daddy”—as power and the other in his passion, though the two were on the closest on that day it will be seen who terms. He calls himself God’s Son unleavened Passover bread. Oh, there’s really is the prisoner and who really is and regularly asserts that he is the more than a hint of bondage here, more the judge. Though today we see Pilate chosen one of God. His claims about than a hint of chains. In Pilate we see in his glory, in his dark, conniving himself are absolutely breathtaking— how pathetic a man can be when he power, on that day we will see him as for who but a madman, or God’s Son, loses claim to his own soul. the prisoner he always was—a prisoner would ever claim to be God’s Son? of pride, a prisoner of self, a prisoner And Pilate here, perhaps he too he carpenter here, should he be of doubt, a prisoner of greed. deserves a second look. The freedom right, will one day judge the liv- Though today we see Jesus in His that we see in him may not be all it T ing and the dead. If he is who he humiliation, in His shame, in His seems. True enough, he holds the says he is, the day will come when all blood and sweat and tears, on that day power of life and death—a minute or the people who have ever lived will we will see Him as the God He has two from now he’ll send this carpenter come to him for judgment. Little peo- always been—King of kings, Lord of outside the walls to die the most horri- ple, common like him, will come to lords, Judge of judges, the One in ble of deaths. But is Pilate judge or is him and hold out callused hands and whom all things hold together. he prisoner? Is he the independent ask him for his justice and for fairness. “So that at the name of Jesus man of action, or is he the captive of Children—beaten, starved, abused, every knee should bow, the special interests, the little pressure mistreated—will call out to the one in heaven and on earth and under groups, the people in high places who who has already said that their victim- the earth, know where all the bodies are buried? izers deserve the bottom of the sea. and every tongue confess We’ve watched how skillfully the Women, relegated to second status, that Jesus Christ is Lord, priests have handled him here in his will ask him to restore them to the to the glory of God the Father” court, where he is supposedly the sole equality for which he made them, and (Phil. 2:10, 11, NIV). ■ authority. They tell him what he must he will gladly do it. Aged ones, their do, and he complains that it is not his eyes dimmed but not their hope, will Bill Knott is an associate edi- jurisdiction. He prepares to set the plead with him to give them back their tor of the Adventist prisoner free, but recants when they dignity. Refugees will turn to him, and Review. cry for blood. He offers them a choice he will give them a home and a coun- between this Jesus and a despicable try. Martyrs, faithful to the last, will

10 (1050) ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 T AKE A STAND

* GINA SPIVEY BROWN and The Preacher’s Wife LORETTA PARKER SPIVEY

GINA: It’s time to reevaluate the role of LORETTA: What’s to reevaluate? the pastor’s wife. Gina, your first paragraph fully supports my Much talk has been brewing lately over the point. Thank you! Now let me address your role of the minister’s wife. This subject is not other arguments point by point. new, for Ellen White had much to say about it. Who are you to evaluate the role of the Throughout her writings she spoke of the wife’s strong influ- preacher’s wife? I don’t mean this in a mean or malicious ence for both good and evil. She further stated that the pas- way; I’m just curious as to how you select which areas tor’s wife should be a “colaborer” with her husband in assist- you’ll agree with Ellen White and which you won’t. I can ing with the winning of souls. She specifically mentioned see the letters already . . . but her counsel is pretty clear that there are some people only the wife can reach for God’s on this matter: wives of ministers are called to be colabor- kingdom (see Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, pp. 449- ers with their husbands in ministry. Not separate min- 454). istries, but the same ministry (see Testimonies for the Though I love and respect Ellen White dearly, I think it’s Church, vol. 1, pp. 449-454). time to reevaluate the role of the pastor’s wife. As for your next point, we spent an entire quarter dis- In today’s world most ministers’ wives are highly edu- cussing spiritual gifts in Sabbath school, so there’s no ques- cated—some even more than the minister himself. Is she tion that pastors’ wives have their own gifts, talents, and supposed to give up her “calling” as a nurse, a doctor, a sec- abilities—as we all do. The issue is that Ellen White’s coun- retary, a teacher, or even her nonprofessional career to be a sel on the role of the minister’s wife states that the wife’s colaborer with her spouse? And what about those who major role is to support her husband’s ministry—which is become pastors after they are married? Does the wife have to really her ministry. “give up” her life because her husband has decided to Truth be told, if wives and husbands (pastors and non- change his career? pastors alike) worked more closely together, instead of carv- Why can’t the wife witness as successfully within her ing out individual lives and ministries, there would be fewer own field? More important, who’s supposed to pay the failed marriages. bills—as the salaries of pastors are often so low that they As to your fourth paragraph; yes, pastors’ wives who are cannot support the family on his salary alone and still have truly colaborers should certainly be paid full salaries. a decent house, kids in church school, a car, and decent Having said all that, I know I’m opening a can of clothes? worms—but in many ways this issue is all about priorities. Granted, there are some who are not self-sacrificing and For all the pastors’ families who are just “getting by,” I who prefer to have “the best of everything,” but they are few know just as many who drive the best and most expensive and far between. If we believe that wives are to “take up their cars, wear the latest styles, and live in the biggest and crosses” and give up their careers to be “colaborers” with their nicest houses. spouses, shouldn’t the conference pay them to do so? Pastors must depend on God to provide for them and Ellen White set aside a portion of her tithe for women give them what they need. They mustn’t ignore their very who were actively spreading the gospel but whom the con- high calling in order to heed the call of the boss or, worse, ference didn’t have the funds to pay (see “Wages for Women the mall. Doing Gospel Work,” Manuscript Releases, vol. 12, pp. 160- 167). And the Bible states, “The labourer is worthy of his * This terminology is not meant as a slight to female pastors. It simply allows us to focus exclusively on a single part of the issue. hire” (Luke 10:7). I’m not advocating that anyone else do this, for the tithe is sacred. But the record speaks for itself. Maybe if the salaries of the pastors were increased, some of the wives What do you believe? And why? Gina and Loretta challenge would be free to work as colaborers (another discussion for you to read your Bible, know what you believe, and Take a another time and place). Stand . . . for Jesus.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 (1051) 11 COVER STORY

The Long Shadows of DIVORCE Another look at divorce and church policy

BY JAMES COFFIN

HENEVER I GET TOGETHER WITH a question by the Pharisees: “Is it lawful for a man to divorce friends from high school and college, one his wife for any and every reason?” (Matt. 19:3).* Jesus took question almost always arises as we remi- a hard line: “I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, nisce: Are so and so still married? except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another Like it or not, divorce is a very real woman commits adultery” (verse 9). Wpart of our society and our church. The United States has Based on Christ’s words, Seventh-day Adventists teach the highest rate of divorce of any major industrialized that sexual misbehavior is the only justifiable reason for nation. Fifty percent of all first marriages end in divorce, as divorce and remarriage. No other misconduct, however do 50 percent of all second marriages. But the problem isn’t grievous, provides “biblical” grounds. But is it that simple? limited to North America. In 1993 Great Britain saw Typically at a Christian wedding the bride and groom 299,197 couples marry and 165,000 couples divorce. commit to a vow that states: Do you solemnly promise Since the statistics for Seventh-day Adventists aren’t dra- before God and those gathered here that you will have and matically different, divorce presents an ever-increasing hold, love, honor, and cherish [name of bride/groom] in sick- dilemma for the church. Much as we would like to be able ness and in health, in prosperity or in adversity, and, forsak- to say that every bride and groom “live happily ever after,” it ing all others, keep yourself only unto her/him so long as you just doesn’t happen that way. both shall live?” While the church’s stated policy concerning divorce and Note that the marriage vow has two aspects. First is the remarriage has been clear, the application of that policy has solemn promise, made with God Himself as a witness, to do been far from uniform. And of recent times the policy has something—to have, to hold, to love, to honor, to cherish— been increasingly ignored altogether—largely because pas- as long as life lasts. This is the active part of the vow. tors and church boards often feel it oversimplifies an But the vow has a passive component; there’s a don’t do extremely complex problem. clause as well. That clause promises to refrain from all oth- ers. It requires no specific action, but rather a lack of action. What’s the Problem? The marriage vow is a promise, a contract, a covenant. And The Adventist Church’s long-held position on divorce the Bible teaches clearly that contracts are to be honored. and remarriage is based primarily on the response of Jesus to Speaking honestly is of such major importance that when

12 (1052) ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 God listed His cation; or died. Should a member who between two schools of ethical/theolog- 10 most impor- has been thus divorced remarry without ical thought. One group, the school of tant behavioral these biblical grounds, he or she shall be Hillel, argued that the laws of Moses expectations for disfellowshipped; and the one whom he gave a man the right to divorce his wife humans, truth- or she marries, if a member, shall also be for virtually any reason whatsoever. The fulness made the disfellowshipped from the chruch” (p. opposition group, the school of list (Ex. 20:16). 183; italics supplied). Shammai, argued that only sexual infi- Ironically, in Note that the foregoing policy delity constituted valid grounds for practice we as addresses, among other things, marriages divorce. Not content with merely Adventists focus that have so deteriorated that one debating among themselves, they went almost exclu- spouse is an ongoing threat to the to see what Jesus would say. sively on the lat- other’s personal safety. Certainly at that Of the options before Him, Jesus ter, passive part point the one posing the threat is no chose the more spiritually demanding. of the marriage longer living up to the active part of the But was He laying down comprehensive vow: the marriage vow to have, hold, love, honor, guidelines for divorce and remarriage? I abstaining from and cherish. Yet there is no suggestion believe He was merely trying to drive all others. We of church disciplinary action. home to His listeners the far-reaching don’t make an The threatening spouse may even obligations of marriage, and He suc- issue of the go a step further and chase his or her ceeded. His position was so demanding promise to do partner out of the home and file for that it stunned His disciples into saying, something divorce, in effect saying: “It’s over. “If this is the situation between a hus- actively. In fact, Finished. I have no intention of ever band and wife, it is better not to marry” the passive again attempting to fulfill the active part (Matt. 19:10).

clause and the of the promise I made on my wedding I would suggest that in reading ISC D expression “mar- day. In fact, I’ve gone so far as to regis- Jesus’ response to the Pharisees, we riage vow” have ter my intentions with the legal have, in essence, added italics that HOTO © P become inter- authorities.” Still there’s no suggestion shouldn’t be there. Jesus didn’t say “He

and marries HOTOS

changeable. of church disciplinary action. who divorces his wife P Thus a man or Yet note what the apostle Paul has another commits adultery.” Rather He woman can bla- to say about the “to have and to hold” said, “He who divorces his wife and tantly neglect, cruelly demean, or even part of the marriage vow: “The hus- marries another commits adultery.” physically brutalize his or her spouse, band should fulfill his marital duty to Jesus wasn’t saying that divorce and the likelihood of church discipli- his wife, and likewise the wife to her was acceptable as long as there was nary action is minimal because the husband. The wife’s body does not no remarriage. A Jewish man wasn’t “marriage vow” hasn’t been violated. belong to her alone but also to her likely to divorce a woman and re- The Seventh-day Adventist Church husband. In the same way, the hus- main single. He was going to Manual states: “It is recognized that band’s body does not belong to him divorce because he planned to find a sometimes marriage relations deterio- alone but also to his wife. Do not better wife. In Matthew 19 Christ rate to the point where it is better for deprive each other except by mutual addresses divorce and remarriage as husband and wife to separate. . . . In consent and for a time, so that you a single package. Yet we have tried many such cases the custody of the may devote yourselves to prayer. Then to separate the two and give each a children, the adjustment of property come together again so that Satan will relative weight. rights, or even personal protection may not tempt you because of your lack of I would suggest that if there is bibli- make necessary a change in marriage self-control” (1 Cor. 7:3-7). cal justification for divorce, there is also status. In such cases it may be permissi- Unfortunately, Adventist theology justification for remarriage. Conversely, ble to secure what is known in some and policy focus almost exclusively on if the remarriage isn’t justified, neither is countries as a legal separation. Christ’s remarriage prohibition and the divorce. Jesus wasn’t as anti-remar- However, in some civil jurisdictions not enough on Paul’s obligations- riage as He was anti-divorce. And He such a separation can be secured only within-marriage admonition. In prac- wasn’t as anti-divorce as He was pro- by divorce. tice, we’re far more anti-remarriage marriage. His concern is that each cou- “A separation or divorce, in which than anti-divorce. Yet was that what ple experience the joy, fulfillment, and ‘unfaithfulness to the marriage vow’ . . . Christ intended by His comment in unflagging commitment that God is not involved, does not give either one Matthew 19? designed for marriage. the scriptural right to remarry, unless in Unfortunately, our emphasis has the meantime the other party has The Real Question been too much on divorce rights (“Do remarried; committed adultery or forni- In Christ’s day a debate was raging I have biblical grounds to end this

ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 (1053) 13 marriage and remarry?”) and not lihood of his committing adultery was partner’s right to remarry is based solely enough on marital responsibilities all but nil. That wasn’t the realm on the marital/sexual-behavior status of (“Am I working to honor the vow of where his temptations lay. the other. doing—and not just the vow of Must the woman in such a situa- What results is a pitiful game of abstaining—that I made on my wed- tion daily subject herself to abusive “Let’s see who can refrain from mar- ding day?”). Our emphasis has been treatment or forever remain celibate if riage/sex the longest.” The one who too much on ascertaining guilt after she is going to enjoy a good relation- gives in first automatically becomes the the fact rather than on upholding the ship with the church? Must children “guilty party,” and the other person is high standard God has for marriage free to marry without fear of ecclesi- while the union still exists. astical retribution. The divorced I don’t wish to downplay the couple’s relative contribution to the importance of sexual intimacy original marital breakup is no longer between a husband and wife. Nor do Just being even a part of the equation. I want to soft-pedal the absolute It makes no difference that the need for sexual fidelity. However, man beat his wife daily—at least he sex is but one aspect of the union against never committed adultery! Now, by we call marriage. Our traditional virtue of the wife’s being the first approach has, unintentionally to be remarriage isn’t to remarry, she has become an sure, made sex the “be all” and “end adulterer, giving him biblical all.” Actually, it isn’t even just sex. enough. Just grounds to remarry, making her a It’s abstinence from illicit sex: if candidate for being disfellow- you’ve abstained, you’re OK, irre- shipped, and making his new wife a spective of how you’ve deported being against potential recipient of the same bru- yourself within the marriage in tality inflicted upon the first wife! other ways. divorce isn’t Because of this emphasis, we y intention is not to open label the nonadulterous spouse the enough. We need the door for easy divorce; “innocent party” and the adulterous rather it is to highlight the spouse the “guilty party” when mar- Mpractical problems in administering riages break up over sexual infidel- to be decidedly our current policy. I hope we would ity. But we imply there’s no question all take far more seriously the of innocence and guilt in marriages pro-marriage in covenant to which we commit our- that break up where there was no selves at marriage. Just being against sexual infidelity as long as there’s no all aspects. remarriage isn’t enough. Just being remarriage, even though one spouse against divorce isn’t enough. We may actually be in ongoing danger need to be decidedly pro-marriage from the other! I’m not calling for in all its aspects. more finger-pointing and labeling. I’m in their formative years be deprived of We must realize that simply abstain- simply saying there are ways other a stepfather who could help provide ing from sexual relationships with oth- than sexual infidelity to violate the for their sustenance and be a positive ers doesn’t fulfill the marriage covenant. marriage vow. role model? And we also must recognize that at In the situation in which a man has some point, ignoring our promise to This Is Reality committed every evil imaginable have, hold, love, honor, and cherish As a pastor I’ve encountered except adultery, are there only three must be considered as much a violation numerous situations in which a man options for his spouse: to live with the of the marriage vow as ignoring our was physically and emotionally abusive incessant pain of staying in the mar- obligation to sexual fidelity. ■ to his family (though men aren’t the riage; to face the long-term loneliness only ones capable of such behavior). and hardship of separation or divorce * Scripture references in this article are from the New International Version. Not only did his wife and children without remarriage; or to risk being dis- cower from fear of his brutal physical fellowshipped for divorce and remar- assaults; they cowered because their riage without “biblical” grounds? self-esteem was in tatters as a result of Our all-but-total focus on the sexual- James Coffin is pastor of the his equally cruel verbal assaults. And fidelity component of marriage has led Markham Woods Seventh- no amount of pastoral intervention to another sad scenario. In cases in day Adventist Church in seemed to make any difference. But which divorce is for reasons other than Orlando, Florida. granted the man’s personality, the like- adultery, church policy says that each

14 (1054) ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 GLOBAL MISSION: REACHING THE UNREACHED WITH HOPE

Global Mission Danger Zone

READY, AIM, . . . MISFIRE? TELL ME STRAIGHT Have we put Western Christianity on a leash so it sits Some 4,000 languages are still without a single word of quietly in a corner of the church like a well-behaved pet, Scripture. More than a billion people are unable to read the giving no offense? Scriptures that do exist in their languages. Where are the lions’ dens and the energy of Pentecost —Bryant L. Myers, The Changing Shape of World Mission and the prophetic calls for justice and the apostles shaking (California: MARC Publications, 1993). up cities? Are our churches so comfortable, HOPE AMONG THE BOMBS our potlucks so DANGER ON THE FRONT LINE: Antony Alexander, his wife, Saratha, filling, our and their five children daily risk danger from the civil war between Sabbath after- government and Tamil forces in northern Sri Lanka. Formerly a noon naps so Global Mission pioneer, relaxing, that Antony is now a pastor in we’ve lost the Vavuniya, in the danger zone. fire? He wouldn’t choose any- Søren where else. This is the time, Kierkegaard he says, when the people describes a need spiritual help. mock battle in The Alexanders are no which the strangers to war. A few years ago during a mortar REWS

C troops march

Y attack they slept around the onto the field. ERR piano in the church in Jaffna, T The battle cry BY northern Sri Lanka, where sounds, the they felt they would be safer. TION muskets fire, Suddenly feeling impressed the cannons to leave, Antony rushed his family out. Five minutes later a bomb LLUSTRA I thunder. It’s fell on the church, crushing the piano. just like war, except for one thing. There’s no danger. Antony first began work as a Global Mission pioneer in Hatton, in So it is, says Kierkegaard, with merely “playing” the Sri Lankan Hill country, where there was only one Seventh-day Christianity. There’s beautiful music, sweet fellowship, Adventist. He started five churches in the area and baptized 175 peo- dynamic sermons. But one thing’s missing—the danger. ple. More than half of the Global Mission pioneers in Sri Lanka today first became Adventists through Antony’s ministry as a pioneer. Global Mission throws danger back into our mission. It confronts us with the unreached millions. It pulls our focus onto the “dangerous” unknown—outside our areas of com- UNDERSTANDING OUR MUSLIM FRIENDS fort. For most of us it’s the danger of trying something new, Seminars sponsored by Global Mission and the Quiet Hour sacrificing precious time, or giving more than we’ve bud- geted. For others, it’s literally life or death. July 29-31 Westlake Village, California Is it time to let our Christian experience “off the leash”? Aug. 3-6 Berrien Springs, Michigan Aug. 11-13 Collegedale, Tennessee —Gary Krause, Global Mission communication director Aug. 18-20 Columbia, Maryland For more information contact Jim Zachary: phone, 909-769-9984; fax, 909-769-925; E-mail, [email protected]

ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 (1055) 15 FEATURE

AA StateState UniversityUniversity PrProfessorofessor TTellsells ...... Why Your Student Should Attend an Adventist College

BY ED CHRISTIAN

OW WAS I TO KNOW?” JILL SOBBED. schools is that state schools are cheaper. In fact, they’re not I kept handing her dry tissues to replace the very much cheaper. At Kutztown fees for tuition, room and wet ones piling up in my office trash can. board, and other costs for state residents are nearly $8,000 a “I thought Philosophy of Religion would be a year. And for out-of-state students these fees are around great class for a Christian to take,” she sniffled. $11,000. At Penn State they’re even higher. H“When the teacher asked us to raise our hands if we believed Most students who want to attend an Adventist school in God, I raised mine. Now every class period he makes fun will be able to find one that offers enough student aid to of me and other Christians. He says that humans invented match or beat those prices. A state school is significantly religion to explain natural phenomena. He even tests us on cheaper only for those students who commute—especially if these ‘proofs’ that God doesn’t exist.” they attend community colleges. I knew the teacher—an atheist whose avowed purpose for 25 years had been to strip his students of their faith in God. Life in the Majors I encouraged Jill, helped her recognize proof of God’s Another argument is that state schools offer a larger existence in her own life, helped her develop responses to number of majors. It’s true that there are some academic her professor’s arguments, prayed with her, and sent her back majors not available in Adventist colleges—though of into the lion’s den. course your local state college may not offer them either. It’s My wife, Margaret, and I both teach English and Bible at also true that laboratory facilities in Adventist schools may state schools, she at the Allentown campus of Penn State be somewhat inferior to those at major universities. and I at 7,000-student Kutztown University, two hours west But many of these more specialized fields are better of Philadelphia. Among our job benefits is free college studied on the graduate level. For example, a major in tuition for our three children. It’s a valuable benefit, but we physics, biology, or chemistry, available at most won’t be using it. We’ll be sending our children to an Adventist colleges, may be better preparation for gradu- Adventist college or university. Here’s why. ate school than would be an undergraduate degree in particle physics or genetics. As for the lab equipment at The Price Is Right major universities, much of it is reserved for professors A frequent argument in favor of sending students to state or graduate students.

16 (1056) ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 Quality, Not Quantity famous but unapproachable professors. in my other classes, the Adventist world- Another argument is that state uni- And it’s easier to find a sympathetic view was omnipresent. versities have better teachers. It’s defi- mentor on an Adventist campus. Statistics show that those who have nitely true that they are chosen from a the benefit of an Adventist education larger pool of applicants, but that’s no The Spiritual Dimension are more likely to become productive guarantee of quality teaching. Most of What about the student uninterested members of the church as adults. the elite universities aim to hire great in spiritual things? I’ve heard parents “Train up a child in the way he should researchers, regardless of whether they say, “My son doesn’t care about God or go,” says the Bible promise, “and when can teach. the church. Why should I waste my he is old, he will not depart from it” Professors at major universities tend money sending him to an Adventist (Prov. 22:6). It may take 20 years for to publish more books and articles and college?” that promise to be fulfilled, but don’t be more famous for their research. Well, when I attended an Adventist give up. God doesn’t. These famous researchers, though, college, I didn’t go to church if I could Worldview matters. On the secular rarely teach undergraduate courses and help it. I was an atheist for several years, campus, Darwin rules. Naturalism is are seldom available in their offices. “enjoying” the pleasures of sin for a not only assumed; it’s taught as if it Many undergraduates at major uni- rather long season. But I attended were a religious faith. versities complain that most of their required Week of Prayer meetings, hear- A couple years ago the dean of classes are either huge—with hundreds ing the likes of Morris Venden, Tony the College of Arts and Sciences at of students—or taught by graduate stu- Campolo, and William Loveless. I was my university, a biologist and an dents or temporary teachers. surrounded by Christians, even though I active Roman Catholic, called me to Students learn more from a teacher scoffed at them. I avoided Bible classes as his office because a student group I who will spend time with them and much as possible, yet I learned from the sponsor had invited noted micro- encourage and care for them than from Bible classes I was required to take. Even biologist and Creation scientist

Scholarship Alert! ter what is called the PSAT, the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test. Many parents and kids don’t really under- BY KIM A. JOHNSON stand its significance. They think it’s just practice for the I dialed very deliberately, then held my breath. A gentle, SATs they’ll take a year later. Far from it! It’s actually the upbeat voice answered, “Hello, this is the National Merit PSAT scores that form the basis for deciding the National Scholarship Corporation. May we help you?” Merit Scholarships.” Could they help me? In about six months our daughter Two and a half years later, in early October 1995, our would be entering college, and her mother and I would be daughter’s class took the lengthy test. So did about 1.1 million entering Penny Pincher City. Tuition, dorm, meals, books, other juniors from 20,000 high schools across the country. fees, transportation; our bank account shuddered at the About 14,000 finalists are asked to submit an applica- thought. There are various college grants and loans avail- tion, write an essay, and obtain recommendations. The able, but it nonetheless seemed inevitable that we’d have selection committee also looks at grade averages, SAT to dig pretty deep. scores, personal interests, academic achievements, educa- In our planning, we thought wistfully about some type of tional goals, and contributions to school and community. National Merit Scholarship. They’re hard to come by, but Most Adventist colleges and universities in the United they hold the promise of more financial help than most peo- States offer a 100 percent discount on tuition to finalists, ple only dare to imagine: up to four years of free tuition. renewable for four years, as long as they maintain a certain Our phone conversation continued. “My daughter has grade point average. entered your scholarship program, and I was just wondering The PSAT is also known as the NMSQT: National Merit where the selection process stood,” I said. Scholarship Qualifying Test. That’s where the process all begins. “Well,” the woman replied perkily, “our committee made up Talk to your school guidance counselor or principal for more the list of finalists and sent it out to the schools just a shor t information, and to find out where the test is administered in time ago. Hang on; I’ll go see if your daughter made it.” your area. (National Merit can be reached at 1-847-866-5100.) Our family had originally heard about the National Merit There are also review books available at local bookstores. Scholarship from my daughter’s eighth-grade teacher, Mr. Some schools even offer special orientation classes. Forrester. At parent-teacher conferences Mr. Forrester took Soon the secretary from National Merit returned. “Mr. the time to clue us, and others, in. “This can be a great Johnson,” she began, “I have some good news for you . . .” opportunity, and I want to be sure you know what to expect,” he counseled earnestly. “In the fall of your son or Kim Johnson is associate treasurer for the Northern New daughter’s junior year, the high school will usually adminis- England Conference in Portland, Maine.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 (1057) 17 Duane Gish to speak on campus. y wife and I both have doc- children will someday attend the “No real scientists believe in toral degrees from noted best colleges our money can buy— Creation,” the dean told me. universities. We appreciate Adventist colleges. ■ “I think I could name a few,” I Mthe value of a good education. But answered. what could our children possibly Ed Christian teaches at “Well, none of the science teachers gain from a great secular university Kutztown University in here believe in Creation,” he stated. that could outweigh the possibility Pennsylvania. His last article “In fact, we would never hire a scien- of our not spending eternity with for the Adventist Review tist who believes in Creation.” them in heaven? was “Surviving on a Secular Professors are paid to profess, to That’s why, God permitting, our Campus,” Jan. 16, 1997. teach what they believe. There is often an attempt at or a pretense of objectivity, but if there are no underlying beliefs, there is no pas- sion in the teaching. Professors assume that college students are able to weigh evidence and decide for themselves. There’s a substantial difference between taking a class from a profes- sor who believes that not only life but economics, politics, and human rela- tions are evolving and purposeless, and taking a class from a professor who believes that we are created in the image of God, that there is a great controversy between Christ and Satan going on, and that Jesus is coming again.

Pros and Cons It’s possible to find Christ and draw close to Him on a secular cam- pus, but it’s not likely—even if one is searching. Likewise, it’s possible to attend an Adventist campus without finding Christ. But if one is searching with an open heart, God is easier to find there. It’s possible to find alcohol, drugs, promiscuous sex, or disbelief on an Adventist campus. But you have to know where to look. On a secular campus it is self-control and chastity that are hard to find. It’s possible to find a wonderful Christian spouse on the secular campus. But it’s hard to find an Adventist spouse. Do you want your children or your grandchildren to attend Sabbath school, or Sunday school? Students everywhere face peer pressure. But only at an Adventist college do peers reinforce the Holy Spirit’s influence to turn students to Jesus.

18 (1058) ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 FROM THE HEART Why Secularism Attracts ROBERT S. FOLKENBERG Christians, Part 2

ast month we saw that a direct conflict exists How can it be that people with Christian backgrounds make between the biblical cosmic perspective that holds such a choice? God to be the center of all things and the secular Everywhere around us is the constant whirr of human activ- perspective that argues for ities. We see, hear, smell, feel, and a successful life built taste them. But we do not witness the around human efforts alone. feverish activity at the second level, LJust how does secularism go about Jesus extends where the contest between good and attracting Christians? evil rages. We know about these First let’s notice the distinctives. a passionate activities beyond our senses only The Scriptures tell us that the God who through revelation. formed the universe brought into exis- Five centuries ago Renaissance tence the world we know, forming appeal. thinkers came upon the idea that Adam and Eve in His image through a nature could be captured and personal act. That very act distinguishes manipulated to yield benefits; thus them from all other forms of life. To humankind alone is given began the age of science, and the age of faith began its the capacity to understand its origin and to communicate directly steady decline. with the Creator, an ability made possible by God-given intellect By the 1800s science had become an enterprise of human rather than instinct. observation, hypothesis, testing, weighing, and measuring, fol- God’s plan is to deal personally with His creatures, teaching lowed by a growing technology. Theory and method rested them who He is and how they relate both to Him and to their entirely on the natural and material; the supernatural was sys- environment. They understand their specialness, the unique gifts tematically excluded. conferred upon them, and their total dependence on Him. He is This kind of modernity underlies the whole of life today: the Master Creator, sovereign Lord; they are the stewards placed rational, successful—and God-free. over a world made totally His by Creation. The picture is one of The multiple and undeniable successes of this modern, secu- joy-filled, harmonious dependence. lar approach exert a magnetic appeal. Often our youth are intro- But with sin’s entrance, Satan launches humans into a trajectory duced to exciting new developments within an aggressively sec- away from God. Privileged talents are turned to selfish purposes. ular educational system and media. Denied the cautious insight The human race soon severs itself from God to follow a course gained by years of life, they slip—in mind and values—into the independent of Him. The foundations of secularism are in place. secular world. Little wonder such youth may regard religion as When Mussolini was strutting across much of the irrelevant, for to their naturalistic secular world it is irrelevant. Mediterranean world, he was asked to explain his swift rise to How can we help? The first line of defense must be an alert power. He answered, “I found Europe full of empty throne membership. Seventh-day Adventist education, whether class- rooms and simply walked in and took one of them.” room or pulpit, must offer more than a secular curriculum with Almost 20 centuries ago the Creator Himself came into this attached Bible instruction. The Bible stands diametrically disastrous setting. “When the time had fully come, God sent forth opposed to popular, mainstream secularism. Every believer must his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who distinguish between prevailing secular options and Bible truth. were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” Eternity is at stake. (Gal. 4:4, 5, RSV). Taking upon Himself human flesh, He pro- (Concluded) vided the only escape from the cycle of rebellion and death as He assumed the consequences of sin—our revolt that ends in death. Robert S. Folkenberg is president of the General Today He stands at the crossroads to extend a passionate appeal. Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Sadly, many of us foolishly pass by, charmed with our own intellectual and material achievements, dreaming of yet higher towers we will build on the Plain of Babel, of other gods to place on our thrones.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 (1059) 19 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES Students Claim the Streets for Christ

BY JACK STENGER, ANDREWS UNIVERSITY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

very Sabbath about major from Berrien Springs, 60 to 80 students Tower, and four other students leave the Andrews began the program last University campus September. He says the spark in Berrien Springs, came from a sermon by Dwight Michigan, and head for the Nelson, senior pastor of the Estreets of Benton Harbor, Pioneer Memorial church on some 15 miles down the campus. Nelson had chal- highway. lenged comfortable, middle- Amid parking lots strewn class Adventists to do some- with shards of glass, aban- thing for their less-fortunate doned houses marked with neighbors. graffiti, and evidence of drug Handing out copies of Steps trafficking, the students go to Christ was the first activity. door-to-door ministering to From that unrehearsed begin- the needs of the community. STREET MINISTRY: (left to right) Ana Simmons, Sacar Wellman, ning the ministry soon had a Their activities include Holly Nordvick, and William Hurtado, students of Andrews structured, multidimensional health screening services, University, standing outside the community center from which they approach. Students now work nursing home visits, and a reach out into the Benton Harbor neighborhood. out of a community center, popular children’s ministry that from Grand Ledge, Michigan. from which they fan out into teams, attracts up to 75 children each week. From the very beginning the street going door-to-door. “A lot of these kids have never ministry has been student led. “All Hurtado gives God all the glory for been to church, so we have really seen year long we had so many people come the way He has blessed their humble how God led us to do this,” says Heidi up and say, ‘Hey, I want to get efforts. “God has blessed more than we Tower, a sophomore social work major involved,’” says William Hurtado, one ever imagined, and there’s been so of the main organizers of the ministry. much accomplished, but there’s still so Hurtado, a senior communications much more that we can do.” Three Florida Members Share Christ on Radio

BY WALTER MAIER, PASTOR OF THE LAKE VIEW AND LAKE WALES ADVENTIST CHURCHES IN FLORIDA

hree years ago Ocala church Adventist churches, the daily half- members Whalley Leach, Mike hour broadcast on radio station Voice of SERVING THE COMMUNITY: Matthew T Goetz, and Jack Copeland joined WHOF combines the Bryant (foreground) and Brenda Schoun, forces to bring Christ to the airwaves Prophecy and Quiet Hour program- students at Andrews University, are of Florida. ming with Copeland’s friendly, involved in a children’s outreach program With sponsorship from the Ocala, light style. in Benton Harbor. Silver Springs Shores, and Lady Lake On the airwaves, Copeland, better

20 (1060) ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES known as “Jack Cope,” invites listen- ers to “worship Saturday at a local First Adventist Bible Conference Held in Egypt Seventh-day Adventist church” and urges them “to come early for Adventists living Bible study.” in the ancient Copeland also hosts a Saturday land of pharaohs and pyramids one-hour broadcast titled It’s Not the had their first- End of the World, but You Can See It ever Bible Con- From Here. Copeland says it’s chal- ference from lenging to keep the daily and weekly April 11 to 19 broadcasts going, “but if one person at the Nile is reached with the gospel, it’s worth Union Academy, all the time and money invested.” near Cairo. Community participation in the Approximately radio ministry has been gratifying. 60 persons A number of listeners responded to attended the a recent Health Day at the Ocala conference, and on the two church. After the inception of the Sabbaths attendance reached more than 130. They came from northern program, WHOF’s operations man- Egypt, Alexandria, and Cairo, reports Rein Muhlberg, Middle East Union ager Joseph Ruggiero visited the ministerial secretary. Ocala church and shared his testi- Issues addressed at the conference included inspiration, the Godhead, the mony on the program’s impact on priesthood of believers, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the mission of the his life. church. There are approximately 1,000 Adventist believers in Egypt.

NEWSBREAK

Former GC Vice President Dies knew Eva for more than 50 years. She and her husband served as young missionaries under Eva. After his retirement . Duncan Eva, a retired general vice president of the Eva served his church as ambassador and mediator in a num- WGeneral Conference, died on July 2 in Clarksville, ber of sensitive assignments. Maryland. Eva is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gloria; his daugh- Born in 1914 in Indwe, South Africa, ter, Marilyn Eva; his son and daughter-in-law, Willmore and Eva pursued his education at South Claire Eva; and two grandchildren, Amy Eva-Wood and Africa’s Helderberg College, Walla Jonathan Eva.—Adventist News Network. Walla College in Washington, and the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Georgia-Cumberland LEs Lead North America Seminary at Andrews University, Duncan Eva Michigan. He was ordained to the For the past three years Georgia-Cumberland Conference gospel ministry in Bulawayo, Rhodesia literature evangelists have led the North American Division (now Zimbabwe), in 1940. in conference liter- Eva began his denominational employment as a teacher ature sales, reports in South Africa in 1934, but most of his church life was Robert Smith, connected with administration in southern Africa, North American Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Europe. From 1973 until his retire- Division publishing ment in 1980 Eva served as general vice president of the director. General Conference in Washington, D.C. In the first six Eva has been described as “a man with a generous months of this year mind,” a “true Christian gentleman,” and as someone who the LEs sold “was humble and willing to admit when the organization $636,000 worth of made mistakes.” literature. The fig- YOUNG TROUPERS: Within 10 weeks “I never saw him compromise principle, but I saw him ure is $60,000, or these Georgia-Cumberland students will often exercise great compassion,” said Jean Thomas, who almost 10 percent, visit 100,000 homes.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 (1061) 21 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES Congregationalism: The Wrong Shaking

BY ANDY NASH, ADVENTIST REVIEW ASSISTANT EDITOR

t’s simply sad. A couple of our congregations are ducking No, these congregations and their pastors aren’t radical. out from the Adventist umbrella; others threaten the same. If they really want to do something radical, they’ll stick IThey don’t seem to leave over truth. This isn’t the “shaking” around . . . not quietly, though. Loudly. We need them to of God’s people that Ezekiel and Ellen White wrote about. Most stick around loudly. are still God’s people—still claiming His grace, still keeping His Why? Because they’re right: Today’s Adventist Church Sabbaths, still mining His Word. must be trimmed. Too much money never They leave primarily over money, over NEWS COMMENTARY finds its way to the front. Too many pas- a growing frustration with tithe checks tors spend their afternoons licking the sent to who knows where. They look long- stamps that hired help could be licking— ingly at the wealthy—Willow Creek, Saddleback, the corner if help could be hired. nondenominational—and, dreaming dreams, they bolt. The call must be twofold: Their behavior, of course, isn’t the least bit original. It’s Congregationalists: Chill. The grass isn’t as green as it looks. 1997: everyone’s ditching leadership. The cry of church lead- Don’t repeat history; make history. Swallow your sarcasm. Bring ership merely echoes that of national leadership: “We’re forward your questions. Talk . . . then listen. still relevant.” Administrators: Listen . . . then talk. Answer the questions. Further, what’s happening to this 150-year-old church is Show why each layer, each position (including, um, mine), is— exactly what’s supposed to happen to 150-year-old churches. or isn’t—needed, why perceptions are—or aren’t—worse than Century after century churches our age have floundered. An reality. Reach out. Your children are leaving. Reach out. identity lost, the fire dies. Can’t we work through this? Can’t we all just . . . get along?

NEWSBREAK

more than the amount sold during the same period last year. Adventists Go on the Air in Nicaragua One important feature of the conference literature pro- gram is the 10-week student LE thrust. Last year students sold The Seventh-day Adventist Church has a new broadcast $72,000 worth of literature in 10 weeks. Though sales figures presence in Nicaragua. Based in Managua, the radio station are not yet available for 1997, students contacted 50,000 began airing programs on May 14. The broadcast signal homes in the first five weeks of the program, says Georgia- beams to a potential audience of 750,000 people. Cumberland publishing director Eugene Juhl. The Adventist Church in Nicaragua plans to increase the power of the 20-watt station and move the transmitter to a California Members Open Parole Shelter mountain overlooking the city. “This has been a dream for quite some time,” said station manager David Murillo. “The Touch of Love Prison Ministries, based in the South- station is supported by local church members and leaders.” eastern California Conference, recently established the New Nicaragua becomes the fourth country in Central Beginnings halfway house in Rialto. Founded with America to have an Adventist radio station. Stations have Adventist parents in mind, the home is believed to be the already been established in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and first shelter of its type for Adventist parolees on the West Honduras.—AW Recorder. Coast of the United States. The 6- to 12-month live-in program is a safe Christian NAD Sponsors Prayer Conference in Maryland environment for family members returning from prison. Referrals come from prison volunteers, chaplains, parole offi- North American Division Prayer Ministries invites all cials, and parents. Adventists to participate in a two-day prayer conference at “We accept only parolees with a spiritual bent,” says Sligo Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland, August Michael Ashley, shelter director. “Parolees are told up front 15 and 16. that we are affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Featured speakers include Ron Halvorsen, author of Prayer Church. Smoking and drinking are not allowed. There are Warriors and director of church growth for the Southern Union; daily devotions and Bible study, and residents are expected to Terry Johnsson, Sligo church youth pastor; and Ruthie Jacobsen, attend Sabbath services. Security is tight.” NAD prayer ministries coordinator.

22 (1062) ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES

For Your Good Health Conferences:

Yes, Personality Does Count Members/Churches Men who dominate conversations and frequently interrupt others are about 60 percent more likely to die Sixteen conferences in North America have of any cause than men with a more relaxed style. A 22- more than 20,000 members; the seventeenth year study identified the behavioral characteristics of will top 20,000 members in 1997. The confer- verbal competitiveness, loudness, and self-aggrandize- ences with the biggest membership are: ment as more prevalent in these “socially dominant” 1. Southeastern California 57,792 men. Researchers speculate that adopting a more low- 2. Southern California 50,326 key approach to life might reduce potentially damaging 3. Northeastern 40,544 stress hormones in the body.—HealthNews. 4. Florida 40,090 5. Northern California 37,188 Onion Eaters Americans are eating an average of 50 percent more North America has 4,731 churches in 58 conferences. onions than 15 years ago, thanks to the increased popular- Newfoundland has the fewest number of churches (nine). The ity of ethnic cuisines. While onions and their relatives six conferences with the greatest number of churches are: (garlic, scallions, chives, leeks, and shallots) are only mod- 1. Texas 189 est sources of vitamins and minerals, they contain many 2. Florida 160 potentially healthful phytochemicals while adding flavor 3. Michigan 154 to foods.—UC Berkeley Wellness Letter. 4. Northeastern 138 5. (tie) South Central 137 Northern California 137 —Compiled by Larry Becker, editor of Vibrant Life, the church’s health out- reach journal. To subscribe, contact your ABC or call 1-800-765-6955. —Source: North American Division Statistical Report, Dec. 31, 1996.

NEWSBREAK

Attendees will gain new insights that will help improve became an administrative assistant to the North American personal prayer, corporate prayer, Bible study, and witnessing Division president. techniques. Sligo Adventist Church is located at 7700 Carroll Avenue in Takoma Park, Maryland. Adventist Communication Network Broadcasts News Notes ACN Many programs are planned. Here’s the ✔ Reaching North America’s 5 million Muslims will be September lineup. (Call 1-800-ACN-1119 the focus of the Chai Kanah workshop to be held September for program, time, and channel information. All times 12-16 on Long Island, New York. shown are Eastern time.) Workshop participants will learn how to form Chai Kanah (tearooms)—small groups in which “seekers of Sept. 2 ADRA’s World, a news feature highlighting Allah” study the Koran and the Bible and discover truths of the work of the Adventist Development and the gospel and the three angels’ messages. Relief Agency, is uplinked each Tuesday The workshop is sponsored by the North American evening (Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30), 8:00-9:30 Division Muslim-Adventist Relations Committee. For more p.m., Galaxy 3, channel 23. information contact Richard Marker at 516-627-2210.— Sept. 3 First Wednesday, church news, 7:30-9:00 North American Division. p.m., satellite to be announced. ✔ Vernon Parmenter, South Pacific Division associate secretary, was recently elected an associate secretary of the What’s Upcoming General Conference and director of the Center for Volunteerism. Parmenter replaces D. Ronald Watts, who Aug. 1 Monthly Emphasis—Spiritual Gifts became Southern Asia Division president. Aug. 9 Oakwood College Offering ✔ Larry Caviness, Nevada-Utah Conference president, Sept. 6 Men’s Day of Prayer was recently elected president of the Southern California Sept. 6-13 Adventist Review emphasis Conference. Caviness replaces Bjarne Christensen, who Sept. 13-20 Family Togetherness Week

ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 (1063) 23 LIFESTYLE They Don’t Come Anymore Why were my prayers for my children unanswered?

BY CLAUDETTE TANG-KWOK

OR MORE prised me. Well, I . . . than 10 years h’mmm. Why did I really I’ve prayed want them to come back to

that my two church? After some soul REWS C

adult chil- searching, I made a list of my Y ERR drenF would return to church,” reasons: T I said to a friend one day. ■ I wanted them to have BY

“Why is it that my prayers eternal life with Jesus. TION remain so long unanswered?” ■ If they had a relationship LLUSTRA “God has given us all a free with God, they’d be better equipped I will,” she said. “He’ll not violate to face life’s problems. that freedom.” ■ I felt that I had failed in raising them A true but not very comforting response. I kept on pray- because they rejected my religion, and therefore to some extent ing, hoping that eventually God would find a way around rejected what I stood for. that free will. ■ I had failed God by not being as good a parent as I Then I began noticing other parents with the same concern should have been. for their children. It was somewhat comforting to learn that ■ It was uncomfortable admitting to others that my chil- others were similarly burdened. But the knowledge that there dren did not attend church. were so many of us was not comforting. The more pain I heard ■ I’d be among those blessed parents whose children expressed over these children, the more I felt that something remained in the fold. needed to be done. But what? After considering my list, I saw clearly that my focus was After praying for some time for guidance about what I skewed. No wonder my prayers remained unanswered. Most of could do, I felt impressed to start a prayer group with other my reasons had to do with what I wanted or how I felt. The “I” willing, concerned parents, with our sole focus to pray that was being worshiped rather than the great I AM. the Holy Spirit would lead our children back into a relation- Obviously, before I could effectively pray for my children, I ship with Jesus. needed to pray for myself. I needed to restructure my prayers Struggling in prayer one night for clarity about how to start according to His character. Sure, He has given each one of us such a prayer group, I heard the Holy Spirit whisper, “Why do a free will, but He knows how to work with that free will to you want your children to return to church?” The question sur- bring about our salvation. He’ll not accept my prayers to vio-

24 (1064) ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 late someone else’s free will, even if names only—and have covenanted with that someone else is my child. I had He’ll not accept each other to pray for all of them at been expecting Jesus to use my least once a day, every day, and at a set prayers as a lasso with which to herd time every Friday evening, no matter my children back into the church. my prayers to where we are. We have covenanted to Still convinced, though, that con- thank Jesus for His love and care for our centrated prayer was an essential part violate someone children; to thank Him for them just the of the answer to the problem, I got way they are right now; especially to back on my knees in prayer. Once thank Him that they love us; and to again the Holy Spirit acted. “Thank else’s free will, pray that He will heal whatever caused God for all that’s good in your chil- them to turn away, and that His Holy dren,” He whispered. Such a simple even if that Spirit will give them hearts to seek a thing, yet I had never thought of lasting relationship with Him. that. How wonderful. It would be so someone else is With great expectation, and holding much better to thank God for all on to the promises of Isaiah 44:3, 4 and that was good in them instead of 49:25, we are looking forward to the badgering Him incessantly to change my child. work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of what I perceived as “bad.” So much our children. ■ better, too, than feeling guilty and sorry for myself. Thankfully, a few other parents have Claudette Tang-Kwok is a I presented my concerns and the idea agreed to join me in this venture. legal secretary in Washington, for a prayer group to my pastor. He was The approach of our prayer group is D.C. supportive and encouraged me to present different. We have made a list of names my ideas to our Sabbath school class. of the “missing” children—using first

job at my piano lesson. But I really don’t feel like it now . . . blah, blah, Second Nature blah.” Or you might just be walking by the piano and sit down and start play- ing for fun. ROSY TETZ You can also think about being good, or you can just be good. It is very hard to try to be good. You know that. The apostle Paul knew it too. He an you think of a way in brains. You, however, can think about wrote in the Bible, “I know that noth- which you are like a tree? breathing. You can choose to hold your ing good lives in me, that is, in my sin- Are you very tall? Are breath when you jump into the swim- ful nature. For I have the desire to do you green? Do you ming pool. You can take a big breath what is good, but I cannot carry it out” breathe? to blow out the candles on your birth- (Rom. 7:18, NIV). It is not our nature There you go—you breathe, and so day cake. to be good. But Jesus will help us. And Cdo trees. You don’t breathe the same You can think about breathing if as we keep trying (and Jesus keeps way; you have lungs, whereas trees you want to, but you don’t have to. helping), being good starts to become breathe through tiny holes in their There is a part of your brain that lets a part of us so that we don’t have to leaves and branches. your breathing be automatic so you think about it so much. It becomes But you breathe the same thing as don’t have to think about it all the automatic. trees—air. Well, not exactly the same. time. When people do something so Air is made up of two main parts— So sometimes you think about much that it seems to be automatic, we oxygen and carbon dioxide. Humans breathing and sometimes you don’t. say that it is second nature to them. breathe the oxygen part, and trees It’s the same with the way you act. Goodness can become second nature breathe carbon dioxide, which works Sometimes you think about the things to you. As you learn to be like Jesus, out perfectly and shows how much you do and sometimes you don’t. you can go through your life being plants and animals need each other. You might think about playing the kind and loving and thoughtful. That Trees breathe, but they don’t think piano—“Should I practice or not, will be the kind of person you are. It about it, because they don’t have because if I don’t, then I’ll do a terrible will be your second nature.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 (1065) 25 CURRENT ISSUES FlyingFlying HighHigh Adventists lead the religious world in global satellite communication.

BY WILLIAM G. JOHNSSON

HEN JOHN THE REVELATOR SAW an angel flying in midheaven with the everlasting gospel just before the second coming of Jesus, how high up was the angel? Maybe 26,000 miles? WDevelopments during the past decade have given new meaning to Revelation 14:6, 7—that passage significant to Adventists from our origins. The pace of technological advance in communication and the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s appropriation of the new possibilities stretch our imagination. In only 10 years Adventists have emerged as leaders in global religious communication. Take a deep breath and join me in peering into the future. Not way down the pike—only about 900 days ahead. It’s Friday evening. Sabbath is coming on. Except that this Sabbath will mark a moment that is unique in your experience and mine. Glance at the calendar and you will read: Friday, December 31, 1999. That Sabbath marks the dawning of the year 2000. The world will go berserk in celebration, fear and frenzy, dissipa- loved ones, and former members? What if these centers are tion and apprehension. linked by satellite so that we share the same images, joining in But Adventists are a people of hope. What if, on that singing together and worshiping as one people to the glory of wild Friday night when the numbers on Earth’s odometer roll the Creator? up to the line of zeroes, Adventists organize celebrations of Yes, the year 2000 will begin with a Sabbath. And yes, the hope and faith, calling all our members and inviting think- scenario I just described will be possible. (Whether we should ing men and women of the world to prayer, worship, and plan such an event is another matter.) What makes it more spiritual commitment? than a dream is satellite technology—and the pizza-sized digital What if around the circle of the globe 10 million dish in particular. Adventists gather in thousands of centers, bringing friends, See what just 10 years have wrought:

26 (1066) ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 1987—the Three Angels Broad- casting Network, 3ABN, went on the Learn the Lingo air. This lay ministry provided the first Adventist satellite programming. The fast-moving developments in Adventist satellite communication have 1990—the General Conference spawned a new lingo. Here’s a quick guide to the main terms: session was broadcast live from ACN: Adventist Communication Network, a service to Adventist churches in Indianapolis to North America, using North America, provides programs such as First Wednesday and training events. 3ABN. AGCN: Adventist Global Communication Network. This service of the General 1994—ACN, the Adventist Com- Conference takes event programming from one part of the world to any other munication Network, was launched by parts that are interested in receiving it. the North American Division. GCTV: The General Conference does not produce programming, except for spe- Churches bought large-dish receivers to cial events such as an Annual Council or a General Conference session. When it pick up the analogue satellite signal; does, GCTV coordinates the event. programs include the monthly 50- NET ’95, ’96: The first Adventist evangelistic campaigns using satellites. Their minute magazine First Wednesday, work- success confounded the critics and launched the church into a new era. shops, training events, etc. WHAST: Western Hemisphere Adventist Satellite Television provides 24-hour-a- 1995—the General Conference ses- day programming in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French to South America, sion, held in Utrecht, Netherlands, Inter-America, and most of North America. came live to viewers in North and Inter- 3ABN: Three Angels Broadcasting Network, a lay-owned and -operated satellite America via satellite. network and the pioneer in Adventist satellite communication. 1995—North America conducted the first Adventist evangelistic cam- paign via satellite. Nearly 700 churches nal 26,000 miles into space to bounce satellite programming has been very downlinked Mark Finley’s messages orig- off the satellite will cost you a bundle; if small thus far. But the returns—espe- inating in Chattanooga, Tennessee. you pay someone else to do the job, you cially through the NET campaigns— NET ’95 galvanized congregations and will still have to pay handsomely. You have been huge. Satellite communica- confounded critics. must pay for use of the satellite. On the tion has quickly established itself as a 1996—NET ’96, organized by the other end, you need receivers to down- major, cost-effective method of advanc- North American Division, originated in link the system. ing our mission. Forest Lake, Florida, with Mark Finley All this gives you only the hardware. Recent developments in the technol- again the speaker. But five other divi- You still need the programming—and ogy make this approach even more sions downloaded the signal; the program quality material comes at a price. effective. The early systems worked on went from California to Eastern Europe, How have Adventists handled the an analogue signal and required large from Canada to Argentina, in 12 differ- costs of satellite communications thus receivers, but now digital technology is ent languages. Hundreds of thousands far? sweeping the field. Sales of the pizza- viewed the program; churches came back The answer may surprise you: to a sized receivers are skyrocketing as prices to life; converts flowed in. large extent laypeople have made it pos- tumble. Further, digital technology What about Adventists’ readiness to sible. Generous Adventist business- enables one to carry several programs grasp this new technology—does it people helped fund NET ’95 and NET (e.g., in different languages) on the mean we are a people quick to pick up a ’96—we’re talking hundreds of thou- same narrow band. gimmick? sands of dollars in satellite time bought. When ACN was born three years No. Look at our past and you will see Churches bought their own dishes and ago, I was an unbeliever. At that time that from our earliest days we have uti- receivers. Just like the church, all along satellite communication was locked in lized any technology that can help us in 3ABN has run on donations from a race with cable and fiber optics, and our mission to take the everlasting church members (although it also earns I considered it too early to opt for the gospel to all the world. income by charging programs such as It satellite. Small wonder, then, that we have Is Written for airtime). And I was wrong. leaped to the head of the pack in utiliz- The General Conference funds spe- A year later, when I heard about ing global satellite technology. cial events such as the broadcast of the plans for NET ’95, I was skeptical. Who Why not? Adventists think globally— Utrecht session or the Costa Rica would come out to look at a picture of the good news of our mission is to go Annual Council. North America funds Mark Finley on a big screen? to every nation, kindred, tongue, and ACN, much of the expense going Answer: scores of thousands. This is people. toward programming. a new day. For better or worse, we’re in Communication via satellite costs In terms of the General Conference the television age. The big screen grabs plenty. If you plan to have your own and North American Division budgets, and focuses attention like nothing network, the equipment to send the sig- the percentage of funds expended on else—not even a live speaker.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 (1067) 27 So what if? What if the three American divisions—North America, Inter-America, and South America— got together to coordinate programming in the major languages of the hemi- sphere—English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese? The equipment is in place; the satellite is available at all times. Adventists would have a church-owned and -operated channel 24 hours a day in the major languages of the people. Think of the possibilities for the large cities of North America with their various languages. Local churches can pull down the signal and send it to their neighborhoods over local cable facilities at low or no cost. Somebody has to coordinate all this international sharing of programming, whether it’s WHAST, an all-Africa evangelistic campaign, NET ’98, or whatever. That is where the General Conference comes in—not as controller We have only just begun. Expect who could easily pool resources and or provider of programs (except for spe- satellite communication to play an raise the $500,000 for the campaign,” cial events), but as the glue to bring all ever-increasing role in Adventism’s said Folkenberg in a recent interview the parts together. future. In nurturing churches. In bring- with the Adventist Review. “We don’t Philip Follett, a General Conference ing programs to schools. In training have the money, but we are proceeding vice president whose job description laity. And especially in evangelism, as if we did, like Israel at the Jordan. includes oversight of global communica- which will explode to a scale we can The priests carried the ark into the tion, is bullish on global satellite com- hardly imagine. river, got their feet wet, and trusted in munication. “Our most effective evange- Example: How about an all-Africa God. We must do the same.” lists can reach audiences in large centers effort? General Conference president Now let me introduce you to the as well as small villages,” he says. Robert S. Folkenberg, who proposed the newest child of Adventist satellite com- “Instead of establishing new colleges and use of a satellite system in 1991, is talk- munication—WHAST, Western universities, we can provide education ing about one for next February. That is Hemisphere Adventist Satellite via satellite. Remote clinics can receive next February. Nineteen ninety-eight. Television, born only in May of this information and training from world- Not five years away—six months away. year. WHAST came about this way: a class medical teachers and practitioners.” Folkenberg and leaders in South Brazilian layperson last year bought time Exciting? Flying high indeed! Africa want to launch the campaign on a satellite for a full year of program- Now a longstanding dream of Elder from Soweto and send it via satellite to ming, 24 hours per day. In fact, he has Folkenberg’s takes shape. “WHAST is hundreds, maybe thousands, of sites on guaranteed funding for 10 years. The the first segment of a global satellite sys- the continent. The speaker will be an South American Division enthusiasti- tem that will deliver television program- African, and the program will be cally launched the new network, but ming 24 hours a day, in up to 40 lan- African. Church leaders across the con- soon ran into a problem—programming! guages,” he says. “It’s thrilling that the tinent are excited at the prospect. How do you come up with quality mate- potential for continuous, global, evange- The planning is well along, but as rial for every hour of every day and listic, member consolidation and leader- we go to press, one big factor remains to night? The result: most of the time the ship training may be within sight! We be handled—financing. Elder channel was dark, unused. simply must work toward this objective. Folkenberg is looking for a source for The “footprint” (area covered) of Our mission demands it.” the $500,000 it will cost to make the this satellite takes in all of South and I’d like to sign off right here, but program happen. That “source” once Central America and most of North honest reporting mandates that I share a more has to be Adventist laity—the America—it is a Western Hemisphere troubling item with the church. What General Conference has no deep pocket footprint. And the signal is digital: it will be the role of 3ABN in this global to meet the expense. can carry programs in four languages satellite outreach of the church? “Frankly, there are plenty of families simultaneously. NET ’96, with all its success, brought

28 (1068) ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 this issue into sharp focus. Although the Several months of negotiations disagreement is in keeping with past NAD originated the campaign, the two between the General Conference and patterns, General Conference leadership European divisions got involved 3ABN followed. Folkenberg put himself is still hopeful that a cooperative rela- through the efforts of 3ABN, which on the line and did his best to document tionship can be put into place. bounced the signal across the Atlantic. a relationship, and it appeared that an Whether or not 3ABN and church Our European leaders, while greatly agreement would be signed. The draft leaders eventually sign an agreement, one appreciating NET ’96, raised a concern agreement proposed that conflicts be thing is clear: there is a satellite in the for the future: Would they have a cor- resolved through a five-step process that Adventist Church’s future. Before our eyes rective voice if the material that 3ABN would culminate with a final decision the Scriptures have taken on a startling supplies proves to be detrimental to made by a three-person panel composed new fulfillment: “And I saw another angel their mission? We don’t believe current of one individual from 3ABN, one indi- fly in the midst of heaven, having the leadership would do this, but consider- vidual representing the division everlasting gospel to preach unto them ing the unknown future, what if, for involved, and a third party selected by that dwell on the earth, and to every instance, the programming included the first two. But with 3ABN personnel nation, and kindred, and tongue, and peo- Catholic-bashing material that could set arguing that the plan would bring them ple. Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, back or close up our work in some under church control, talks collapsed. and give glory to him; for the hour of his European countries? Since television Thus at this writing 3ABN is not judgment is come: and worship him that programming essentially defines (for part of the church’s planning for cover- made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and both the members and the general pub- age of NET ’98 or any other interna- the fountains of waters” (Rev. 14:6, 7). ■ lic) what it means to be a Seventh-day tional satellite communication. When I Adventist, the division committees wrote the story of 3ABN last year William G. Johnsson in editor asked the General Conference to work (“3ABN: a Dream, a Decade, and a of the Adventist Review. out an agreement with 3ABN to ensure Dish,” Nov. 21, 1996), I noted that rela- that the interests of Europe’s con- tionships with the church have been stituents were safeguarded. bumpy over the years. While this latest

ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 (1069) 29 REFLECTIONS A Tool for God BY JOYCE RIGSBY

rive carefully” were my daughter’s parting words as I from the cabins. And then I saw Julie.* I’d met her only started for the Central California Women’s Retreat briefly, but from all accounts knew that she was effective in at Soquel. A foggy haze hung over the valley, but it prayer. “Please, Julie, pray that Martha will stay. She needs was patchy, and I could a room with an inside toilet.” stop if necessary. As I “Let’s pray right now. You can keep drove along, I sang my fog song: “My The Lord chose to your eyes open so you can lip-read,” DLord knows the way through the Julie said as she took my hands. I can’t wilderness, all I have to do is follow.” remember her words, but I do remem- My thoughts were happy. Friend leave heaven for ber the calming effect they had on Martha, who is deaf and lives near me. Slowly I walked away, for I had Soquel, was waiting for me to pick her earth, knowing put my weight on the Lord. Now I up. I’d invited her many times to deaf only needed to wait. camp meeting, and she’d been unable what it was like Then I felt a tap on my shoulder to go because of the distance and her and turned to see Julie. “You can health. But the retreat was only a half have my inside room and I will move hour from her apartment in down here. to the cabin.” Watsonville, and I knew I could get I remonstrated, for after all, she had her back to her doctor if necessary. reserved an indoor room and I had As I drove along, I thought of my son’s last fax—five pages not. She insisted, saying, “While we were praying, the Lord told of his SJJ (spiritual journey journal). One line especially struck me to give you my room.” The immediacy and efficacy of the me: “I pray each day I will be a tool in God’s hands—in ways I answer to my problem overwhelmed me, and I started to cry. may not even be aware of. And that I be ready for the task . . .” She knew what the cabins were like and was choosing to That echoed a deep-felt longing of my heart. I found myself leave a carpeted room only a few steps from bathroom facilities. wondering what kind of tool I was, because I also want to be a How like the Lord, who chose to leave heaven for earth, know- channel. Maybe a hose? But a hose couldn’t transport Martha ing what it was like down here. to the retreat. I decided that the most effective tool would have Later Julie shared her conversation with the Lord. to be a multipurpose tool with human awareness. Lord: “Give them your room.” I knew the devil was doing all in his power to keep Martha Julie: “I don’t know how my roommate, who is coming, will isolated from fellow believers, so I was not surprised she wasn’t feel about moving into the cabins. I’m not thrilled with the feeling well when I arrived at her home. But she was packed, idea myself.” (Just then Eve* interrupted: “Julie, your roommate and I hurried us into my car “to avoid the traffic.” I tried not to just canceled.”) think of the difficulty I have in large groups of hearing people. Julie: “Very funny, Lord. Are You pushing me?” Or of the challenge she would face with signing her only means She gave up her room and wrote in a letter to me, “I was the of communication besides pen and paper. I thanked God for one most richly blessed, because I chose to obey God.” the two interpreters who would be there. I realize that I too can be a tool in God’s hands. To do this I When we got to the campground, we were directed to our must, as Julie did, do my part in answering prayers—even when cabin—M9. My heart sank when I realized it was up two short I don’t want to act on His prompting. ■ flights of steps from the outside bathrooms. Martha signed to *Not their real names. me, “What if I’m sick at night?” I advised the Lord, “You must keep her here for the blessing Joyce Rigsby is a former missionary who now writes I know she will receive.” from Hanford, California. To Martha I signed, “I’ll see if it’s possible for us to stay somewhere else.” With an outer calm I wasn’t feeling within me, I ran

30 (1070) ADVENTIST REVIEW, AUGUST 1997 HEALTHHEALTH && TEMPERANCETEMPERANCE

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