JON L. DYBDAHL

Jon L. Dybdahl, PhD, retired, is president of Gospel Outreach, College Place, Washington, United States.

Spirituality: Biblical and nonbiblical– Part 2 of 2

Prelude that, at first glance, makes it appear this two-part article can be a blessing In 2008, Review and Herald as if I believe in Karma. Obviously, and further promote a closer walk with Publishing Association published my I do not. I would attempt to clarify Jesus. book Hunger: Satisfying the Longing of that the term spiritual formation, as Your Soul. In the volume I tried to do I understand it, is a term very similar Adventist spirituality two things. First, I wanted to testify to to sanctification or spiritual growth. I Is there anything unique about the journey God had taken me on to would also not include a bibliography Seventh-day Adventist spiritual life? find closeness to Him and true, biblical of books for additional reading, since Do Adventists have anything special heart religion. Second, I wanted to help some critics apparently understood to contribute to Christian spirituality? others who also long to grow closer to this to be my blanket endorsement I propose that Adventists have four God. At the time I first wrote, there was of all that the various authors wrote key convictions that, taken together, little or no controversy about what or believed. This is certainly not my form a distinctive package heavily came to be called spiritual formation. position. Furthermore, I would be more shaping Adventist devotional/spiritual Soon after the book was published, careful to clarify, define, or omit terms life. While each individual conviction is however, some in the Christian world that have become the center of so not necessarily unique, the complete (eventually including some Seventh- much misunderstanding and suspicion. package is one that is unparalleled. This day Adventists) began to use the term Finally, I would explain that while I kind of spiritual/devotional life should spiritual formation to describe danger- support biblical repetition within the be not only practiced by Adventists but ous, counterfeit spiritual practices. appropriate context (see Ps. 136), I also shared with all who seek God. Given the current climate, I would oppose, as the Bible does (Matt. 6:7), like to clarify several things. I am a meaningless, mind-emptying repeating A valid question lifelong Seventh-day Adventist who and/or mantra-like meditation and The many varieties and practices cares deeply about my church. I am prayer. I hope that such changes would of spirituality, both Christian and opposed to all forms of spirituality have allowed all my readers to more non-Christian, make the question of that are contrary to the principles of easily understand my position. uniqueness pertinent. Not only the the Bible and the writings of Ellen In a certain sense, this two-part proliferation of spiritualities makes White. I would also be the first to admit article (part 1 published in the October the question important, but a biblical that my book is far from perfect. If I 2015 issue and part 2 published in precedent exists for asking this type could turn back the clock, I can think this issue) is meant in part to answer of question about uniqueness. In Luke of a number of changes that I would two larger questions that have arisen 11:1 Jesus’ disciples ask Him, “Lord, make in the original manuscript. For in connection with the book. In part teach us to pray, as John taught his example, I would quote passages from 1, I explored how biblical Christian disciples” (RSV). The Jews of Jesus’ Ellen White that speak to the subject, spirituality contrasts with that of the time evidently believed that follow- even though Review and Herald sug- so-called Eastern religions of Hinduism, ers of important rabbis could receive gested that I not do this because of their Buddhism, and the New Age. Part 2 is from their teacher specific prayers that plans to market the book to the non- a response to the question of whether illustrated their distinctive beliefs. John Adventist public. I would correct a chart Adventist spirituality is unique. I hope the Baptist and Jesus were both part of

Ministry® DECEMBER 2015 a larger circle called Judaism. Within and salvation rests on and works with in relationship to God. This leads to that larger circle, John had given a the literal to create real spiritual impact. major differences in both doctrinal and specific “prayer” (spirituality) to his To a certain extent the same is experiential issues. disciples that embodied his unique true of the second coming of Jesus. For Adventists, the body is part of teaching. Jesus’ disciples are realizing Although many Christians now accept a our person, or soul. Nourishing and the importance of their Rabbi. They literal second coming of Jesus, a signifi- caring for the body is caring for the want Jesus to do for them what John cant number still hold to a belief often soul. Properly cared for, the body is an did for his disciples. The time had come called realized eschatology. This view ally supporting the spiritual life, not for them to receive from Him a prayer sees the second coming of Jesus taking an enemy. Care for the body is part of illustrating and reinforcing His unique place or being accomplished (“real- spiritual life. Adventists cannot sup- teaching. ized”) already in the presence of Jesus port ascetic practices that cause pain Within the larger circle of , through the Holy Spirit. In this way, the or torture to the body in an effort to Adventists see themselves as a people Second Coming is spiritualized, and benefit the soul. Punishing the body to with a special mission. It is only right, hope for a literal Second Coming is benefit the soul does not make sense, then, that a believer ask, “What kind of lost. Adventists, of course, believe in a for punishing the body means harming spiritual life (prayer) should we practice literal, imminent return of Jesus. Early our soul. that illustrates our teaching and key beliefs?” Four key convictions I believe that the following four As believers engage in both mission and convictions powerfully influence and epitomize Adventist spirituality. 1. Adventists believe and prac- compassion for human need, spiritual tice a symbolic and literal Sabbath. Many other Christians now talk of the life is nourished and enlivened and Sabbath as a key part of their spiritual life; however, most use the Sabbath only symbolically. For them it symbol- others are helped and healed. izes spiritual rest and salvation and may provide time for spiritual reflec- tion. As to the necessity of actually observing the literal seventh day, they are often silent or negative.1 Adventist Adventists saw their devotional time as Not only is the body part of the spirituality believes in a symbolic and a meeting with Jesus through His Spirit, soul but so are the mind and emotions. literal Sabbath. Keeping a literal weekly which was a foretaste of their experi- Properly understood, mind and emo- Sabbath gives structure to life and time. ence of actually seeing Jesus soon. tions are not only part of the soul but This makes us regularly set aside a time This literal expectation gave reality and are assets to communion with God, not for God to be present. urgency to their everyday spiritual life barriers. When we worship, we should Adventists not only believe in the and can do the same for us today. worship with all of these various facets literal Sabbath day but also believe it 2. Seventh-day Adventists hold joining together in complete harmony. needs to be observed in the way the a wholistic view of human beings. Mind, heart, soul, and strength (Mark fourth commandment states. No work Adventists believe that people are 12:30) are all components of who we should be done. Thus, the day itself souls—not that they have some are, not separate, self-existent entities. and how it is observed combine to separate entity called a soul. Other All can work together in synergistic create space for worship, rest, and com- Christians use the word soul in a dif- unity in our spiritual life. munion with God. Instead of confining ferent way that divides a person into Another implication of this wholis- us, the Sabbath frees us. It releases us separate components. When those who tic view for our spiritual life has to do from work and our regular activities and believe in the soul as a separate, spiri- with care for social justice and the poor. encourages us to seek God. This seven- tual part of a person think of spiritual Evangelism and social justice are not day cycle and structure of actual rest life, they picture in their mind only that separate issues. Both have to do with symbolizes not only God’s creative and part. For them this piece of a human the life of the soul (person) and are saving power but also a foretaste of the being, called soul, is what relates to the work of God. As believers engage heavenly rest. The symbolic meaning of God. When Adventists hear the word in both mission and compassion for the Sabbath as a memorial for creation soul, we think of the whole person human need, spiritual life is nourished

DECEMBER 2015 Ministry® JON L. DYBDAHL

and enlivened and others are helped Jesus. Believers can, with confidence, but recommended. This is not the only and healed. pray for continuing victory over evil place Ellen White calls for this kind of 3. Seventh-day Adventists believe and evil powers because of the ongoing practice in her writings.4 Words spoken that the spiritual life takes place in triumph of Jesus in this cosmic conflict. against contemplative prayer must the context of the cosmic conflict, also 4. Adventists believe that Ellen G. carefully define terms so this valid and known as the great controversy. White makes a significant contribution beneficial devotional practice does not At the 2005 General Conference to the spiritual life. Ellen G. White is become misunderstood or lost. Session of Seventh-day Adventists, preeminently a spiritual writer in whom Much the same thing can be said the church voted a new fundamental Adventists believe is a manifestation for the use of visualization of biblical belief entitled “Growing in Christ.” I of the spiritual gift of prophecy (see passages or scenes. While the practice quote it here: Ephesians 4). However, Adventists, of visualization and imagination can “By His death on the cross Jesus including Ellen White herself, see her be wrongly done, manipulative, or triumphed over the forces of evil. He who writings as subject to the Bible, which even demonic, these passages show subjugated the demonic spirits during is the “greater light.” a dynamic, positive way to do it as a His earthly ministry has broken their The most serious scholarly stud- means to benefit the spiritual life in a power and made certain their ultimate ies of Ellen White have emphasized practical way.5 doom. Jesus’ victory gives us victory her teaching on doctrine, ethics, and Another aspect of the devotional over the evil forces that still seem to theology. While she does deal with life that Ellen White teaches is found control us, as we walk with Him in peace, these areas, I feel her biggest contribu- in her book The Ministry of Healing joy, and assurance of His love. Now the tion is her writing and teaching on as the climax and conclusion of the Holy Spirit dwells within us and empow- spiritual life. Her writings breathe an chapter “With Nature and With God” ers us. . . . In this new freedom in Jesus atmosphere of deep personal com- that describes Jesus’ devotional life. we are called to grow into the likeness munion with God and open the path to Here are her words: of His character, communing with Him an intimate experiential relationship “All who are under the training of daily in prayer, feeding on His Word, with Jesus. God need the quiet hour for communion meditating on it and on His providence, I give two examples, which, if fol- with their own hearts, with nature, and singing His praises, gathering together lowed, profoundly affect Adventist with God. In them is to be revealed a life for worship, and participating in the mis- spirituality. First, a familiar statement that is not in harmony with the world, sion of the Church. As we give ourselves from The Desire of Ages: its customs, or its practices; and they in loving service to those around us “It would be well for us to spend a need to have a personal experience in and in witnessing to His salvation, His thoughtful hour each day in contempla- obtaining a knowledge of the will of constant presence with us through the tion of the life of Christ. We should take God. We must individually hear Him Spirit transforms every moment and it point by point, and let the imagina- speaking to the heart. When every other every task into a spiritual experience.”2 tion grasp each scene, especially the voice is hushed, and in quietness we Several points in this statement closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His wait before Him, the silence of the soul should be noted. First, this is one of our great sacrifice for us, . . . our love will be makes more distinct the voice of God. fundamental beliefs. Many statements quickened, and we shall be more deeply He bids us, ‘Be still, and know that I am of belief, confessions, and creeds of imbued with His spirit. If we would be God’ (Psalm 46:10). This is the effectual other Christians do not have such an saved at last, we must learn the lesson preparation for all labor for God.”6 affirmation of the devotional life. This of penitence and humiliation at the foot This quote deserves a careful read- shows how important the spiritual prac- of the cross.”3 ing. Note the key points. All who want to tices should be in the life of an Adventist Several points should be noticed. be trained by God need a quiet hour for Christian. Second, the statement calls First, this contemplation of Jesus’ communion with Him. That communion for a daily practice. This shows again life is highly recommended as a daily is threefold—with our own hearts, with how regularity of communion with God exercise. Second, the call is for “con- nature, and with God. In this practice is crucial. Third, the belief emphasizes templation” and use of the imagination. we experience the personal reality of the triumph of Jesus and the posi- Third, this practice results in powerful discovering God’s will. We must do this tive, victorious context of the spiritual positive spiritual results. by individually hearing Him speak to life. Because of this, the spiritual life Some Protestant Christians, includ- our hearts. The quietness makes His should be one of joy and peace that ing some Adventists, have questioned voice more clear. All effective labor for experiences the presence of Jesus. the use of contemplative prayer. While God is based on this, and it will give us This spirituality should not be one that some types of contemplative prayer are a changed life. focuses on potential danger, prob- not appropriate, Adventists should be Those who may have worried about lems, and fear of deception but rather clear that there does exist a type of con- the practice of quietness before God emphasizes the accomplishments of templation that is not only acceptable and the validity of listening to God’s still

Ministry® DECEMBER 2015 small voice should rest at ease. While possible unique, Adventist spiritual when the intellectual truth is closely what we claim to hear must be tested by life, but also we do have a special tied to the truth of close personal com- the Bible, listening for God in this way is perspective that can be joyfully shared munion with God in an experiential a proper practice that bears wonderful with others. Do we know this, and even relationship. This is the heart and soul fruit in the life. The possibility of error more importantly, are we living it in our of Adventist spirituality. must not rob us of the joy of listening daily devotional practice? for God. Second, Adventists have been 1 See Reggie McNeal, A Work of Heart (San Francisco, At the root of both of these exam- known for their emphasis on true doc- CA: Jossey-Bass, 2000), 141–49. ples lies two core convictions that Ellen trine. We have not always been known 2 Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual (Silver Spring, MD: Secretariat, General Conference of Seventh-day White operates with. First, the Bible for our communion with Jesus. We Adventists, 2010), 159, 160. is a living word through which God have not always connected the two in a 3 Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, still speaks to us as we absorb it and meaningful way. We must not abandon CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1940), 83. Another contemplate it deeply. Second, real our study and proclamation of true measure of the influence and popularity of this quote is that the popular adaptation of this book The interchange takes place between God doctrine, but we must not forget that all Desire of Ages called Messiah (Boise, ID: Pacific Press and humans. Jesus is a resurrected Lord true doctrine must have an experiential Pub. Assn., 2003) uses that statement as preface and and is present and active among us by impact as well. My prayer is that the day introduction to the book (p. 3). His Spirit, and we can and should daily will come when the truth and clarity of 4 See Ellen G. White, (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1956), 10, 47, 60, and commune with Him. our doctrine will be vitally connected 71; Our High Calling (Washington, DC: Review and to the depth and fervor of our religious Herald Pub. Assn., 1961), 96. Conclusion experience. Our mission will never be 5 See Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, 661; Steps Two main conclusions may be completed by the single-sided teaching to Christ, 58; Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1955), 1. drawn from this discussion. First, not of cognitive truth. People will only be 6 Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing (Mountain only is it a valid search to look for a permanently and positively changed View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1942), 58.

Tell us what you think about this article. Email [email protected] or visit www.facebook.com/MinistryMagazine.

JANUARY 6-16, 2016

www.TenDaysofPrayer.org

DECEMBER 2015 Ministry®