The Quiet Revolution Stampeding Towards Gomorrah Clifford Goldstein
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December 25, 1997 AnchorPoints CliffordClifford Goldstein:Goldstein: TheThe QuietQuiet RevolutionRevolution StampedingStampeding TowardsTowards GomorrahGomorrah LETTERS The Fruit of a Family Tree Promise Keepers wants to unite all Though I can agree with the “pro” A wonderful surprise awaits J. N. faiths, and I wholeheartedly agree that side to a great degree, I have a ques- Andrews in heaven Sabbathkeepers need to be wary. We tion: How many drops of botulinum when he learns of cannot afford to compromise the doc- toxin or anthrax bacilli would have to his family’s loyalty trines that make us unique. put in a glass of pure water before you and contribution to would shy away from drinking it? the church’s pub- —Roxanne Gill The first of the Promise Keepers’ lishing work started EUREKA, SOUTH DAKOTA promises, obedience to God’s Word, so long ago (see sends up a red flag. I have always “The Fruit of a believed that “obedience to God’s Family Tree,” Oct. Ervin Thomsen could not have Word” means obeying all 10 of God’s 23 AnchorPoints Edition). Thanks to expressed my sentiments more effec- commandments, which the Promise Bill Knott for a look into the heritage tively. My sons, sons-in-law, and I have Keepers very definitely do not advocate. of this family. attended a stadium event each year In looking at all the prominent since Boulder 1992. At these events names of the leaders in Promise —Natalie Dodd they don’t hesitate to call sin by its Keepers, I see that practically every one CENTERVILLE, OHIO right name. I came home to search of them is involved in the movement God’s Word and allow the Holy Spirit toward a universal church. It seems that to convict me of sin and my need for we ought to be careful in aligning our- Promise Keepers Jesus’ atoning sacrifice and His power selves with any of these ecumenical Thank you for making the Adventist for victory. The blessing Promise movements, in light of 2 Corinthians Review relevant to me. The Promise Keepers has brought to my own mar- 6:14-16. Truth mixed with even a small Keepers debate (“Movement of God, or riage and relationship with my children amount of error is no longer truth. Dangerous Trend?” Oct. 23) was per- and grandchildren is of eternal value. fect. I’ve wanted to attend a Promise Promise Keepers has also given me —Franklin A. Messinger, D.D.S. Keepers conference for a few years. the opportunity to develop several COLLEGE PLACE, WASHINGTON Several non-Adventist coworkers told spiritual friendships with non- me about their awesome experiences, Adventist men who share with me a encouraging me to attend. It seemed to deep commitment to Jesus Christ. It I attended the Promise Keepers con- be a movement of God, but deep in my seems that my bond with some of vention in Knoxville this year. No, I heart I had lingering doubts. them goes deeper than with my fellow do not think that it is a revival of There has been no “safe place” for church members, who wonder how I primitive godliness. And I don’t think me to discuss these concerns. You pro- can learn anything from those who do that I am in danger for having attended. vided the context to get them resolved. not have the “whole truth.” The music was modern and loud; the I now feel confident that Promise Promise Keepers may not be for messages were Christ-centered; emo- Keepers is a movement from God, and everyone, and I agree that the time tionalism was high. The main point is I plan to attend the next conference. will probably come to step away, but this: Does the convention lead a per- so far the Lord has used it to make a son closer to Jesus and the Bible, and —Eddy Witzel very positive spiritual impact on me does it change lives? For some the RIDGECREST, CALIFORNIA and my family. answer is yes. For others, no. —Robert H. Weaver, M.D. —David Knapp Bravo to Dale Martin for realizing that GENTRY, ARKANSAS CROSSVILLE, TENNESSEE 2 (1730) ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 25, 1997 Praise and Worship Special rary worship style reaches those that Congratulations on a stunning depar- we have not been able to reach with ture from the tradi- traditional means. Several churches in tional, functional the conference are beginning to incor- Week of Prayer porate various aspects of what we have issue (see Oct. 30 learned from this company. COVER STORY double-issue). This year it was really —Grover and Joy Barker 14 1997: Our Church, Our World fun to browse VIA E-MAIL Tears of joy, tears of sadness. It’s through. Special been quite a year. thanks for picturing A PHOTO ESSAY children on almost every four-color Thank you for all the recent space page. What a crystal-clear message regarding standards in worship. My that they are not only the future of the friends in music ministry with other ARTICLES church, but are central to the life and denominations frequently tell me that activities of the church today. from what they see, Adventists must 8 What I Am Speaks not care much about worship at all. Volumes A birthright? Today? —Virginia L. Smith, DIRECTOR When my Baptist boss wanted to BY STEVE MORAN GENERAL CONFERENCE CHILDREN’S improve his health, I spoke to him MINISTRIES about the vegetarian diet, pulled out 12 The First Advent of Christ some recipes, introduced him to a There had to be a coming. And it friend who shared some samples, and had to be Christ who came. Isn’t it ironic that less than two weeks watched his life change for the better. BY ELLEN G. WHITE after the Review included Christ Advent With music, however, the tables are Fellowship as part of a feature on diver- turned. Despite all our global ambitions DEPARTMENTS gent worship styles (see “Riding the and a church membership numbering in Grace Wave,” Oct. 30), CAF and the the millions, in spite of all the biblical 2 Letters Adventist Church parted company? models and inspired counsel, Adventist 7 Give & Take The differences are far deeper than musicians yielding to the most powerful, 11 Clifford Goldstein merely worship styles; they have to do most inescapable subliminal marketing with doctrines, standards, finances, tools available to humankind must still 19 World News & Perspectives organizational structure, and authority. rely on Sundaykeeping friends for 20 Index We are looking at the most recent case major portions of training, tools, and 31 Reflections history of a raging “congregationalist financial support. The pace, the very contagion” that is assaulting the atmosphere, of each Sabbath service Seventh-day Adventist body as we was long ago yielded to outside control have known it. in the board rooms and finance com- EDITORIALS Some of us on the West Coast have mittees. We should do more than cry; been watching these “experiments” we should repent. 5 I Am the Innkeeper with worship styles for years. The track record has been something less than — Shirley K. Shaffer, B.MUS.ED., 6 Stampeding Towards Gomorrah laudatory and certainly not deserving M.MUS. of a feature in the Review. But then, VIA E-MAIL the Review has so much good stuff that NEXT WEEK an occasional faux pas is permitted. Regarding Steve Case’s “Music to His The Cry of the Cities —Phil Dunham Ears” (Oct. 30). Conversations about New York, Pittsburgh, Toronto, Los VIA E-MAIL music are polarizing because contem- Angeles—they all matter to God. A spe- cial message from the North American poraries are talking about preference, ISC Division president. D while traditionalists are talking about HOTO As members of the Rocky Mountain moral conviction. Until this is real- P Conference, we were pleased to see ized, discussions are fruitless. BY that you included Christ Advent PHOTO Fellowship in your feature. They have —Jeff Zaremsky VER O shown us how a grace-filled contempo- NEW PORT RICHEY, FLORIDA C ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 25, 1997 (1731) 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 40 times a year each Thursday except the first Thursday of each month by the Review and Herald® Publishing Association. Periodicals postage paid at Hagerstown, MD 21740. Copyright © 1997, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Publishing Board: Robert S. Folkenberg, chair; Phil Follett, vice- chair; Lowell Cooper; William G. Johnsson; A. C. McClure; Dorothy Watts; Ted N. C. Wilson; Martin Ytreberg; Robert Nixon, legal advisor Executive Publisher and Editor William G. 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