April 2019 Newsletter-Book Notes.Pdf

everal critical responses to last perfectionism. generation theology (LGT) have Chapter 8 highlights Christ as our recently come off the press within perfect Savior and example, stating that Seventh-day Adventist circles. His humanity was “perfectly identical with Among them are Ángel Manuel our own nature, except without the taint of Rodríguez’s article, “Theology of the Last sin” and without “the propensities of sin”.5 SGeneration and the Vindication of the Chapter 9 reminds us that the cross was the Character of God: Overview and Evalua- solution to the problems that arose from tion,”1 George R. Knight’s book, End-Time the fall of Adam and Eve at the Garden Events and the Last Generation,2 (and Rein- of Eden. Then, chapter 10 differentiates Jiří Moskala and der Bruinsma’s In All Humility: Saying No to between the “complete” atonement on the Last Generation Theology.3 The work under cross, available for all human beings, and John C. Peckham, eds. consideration, God’s Character and the Last the “completed” atonement with the erad- God’s Character and the Generation, is an academic critical analysis ication of evil from the universe, effective of LGT by a group of twelve theologians for those who truly accept Christ’s atoning Last Generation from Andrews University. sacrifice on the cross. (Nampa, ID: Pacific Press, 2018), The main content of the book is Maintaining that both the 144,000 divided into fourteen chapters. Chapter 1 and the great multitude in Revelation 7 are 286 pp. not only sets the tone by questioning the one and the same group of God’s people US$29.99 LGT notion of an anthropocentric vindica- who “came out of the great tribulation” tion of God’s character by the last gener- (Rev 7:14), chapter 11 argues that the last ation of sinless saints, but also provides generation is not a group of “super saints” the general outline of the book. Chapter 2 with a level of holiness never attained traces the late eighteenth-century histor- before. They will be tested in a unique way ical roots of LGT (starting with Edward but will be saved in the same way as the Irving) and provides a critical exposition of redeemed of all ages. Chapter 12 responds its main Adventist proponents (including by way of testimony to five “myths” that E. J. Waggoner, M. L. Andreasen, Herbert some Adventists, including the author, held E. Douglass, C. Mervyn Maxwell, Dennis at one time—misleading concepts built on Priebe, Kevin Paulson, and Larry Kirk- false presuppositions. Chapter 13 reflects patrick). Chapter 3 deals with the biblical on the “delay” of the second coming, concept of sin, with special emphasis on affirming that God never revealed the exact the notion that human beings not only date when Jesus will come but only prom- commit sinful acts, but indeed are sinners ised that that event will come “suddenly.” (condition), and that the sinful nature of Unfortunately, no reference is made to God’s people will be eradicated only at the Ellen G. White’s statements in Evangelism.6 second coming (1 Cor 15:50–54). It should Finally, chapter 14 summarizes the be mentioned that all of the major LGT content of the book in a very didactical way. advocates identified in the book affirm this It points out, for instance, that “although we last point regarding the sinful nature being cannot become absolutely, sinlessly perfect eradicated only through transformation until glorification, we can and should attain of our sinful bodies at the return of Christ character perfection” (274). For the author, (Phil 3:21). “perhaps the greatest problem with LGT While chapter 4 forcefully stresses is that it makes God’s victory in the great the forensic nature of justification, chap- controversy dependent upon the fidelity of ter 5 addresses sanctification as a lifelong mere creatures” (280). Undeniably, “it is not process. As stated by Ellen G. White, “We what we do as humans that provides the cannot say, ‘I am sinless,’ till this vile body grounds to vindicate God’s character.” “God is changed and fashioned like unto His Himself provides the full and sufficient glorious body.”4 The author of chapter 6 means and grounds to vindicate His char- suggests that we should pay more attention acter” (281). to certain social values than to our own The book combines both an personal lifestyle matters. He gives the academic style and an apologetic approach, impression that to adopt the traditional with a well-organized sequence of topics. Adventist lifestyle is not as important as to But with multi-authored content, the reader follow the postulates of Jürgen Moltmann’s can easily notice a significant contrast theology of hope. And chapter 7 exposes of writing styles and some differences in several psychological and emotional com- theological emphases among the various pulsions driving people towards religious chapters. A few chapters do not flow as easily as others. A vast number of endnotes after each chapter provide not only support 1Included in Artur A. Stele, ed., The Word: to its content but also a helpful bibliogra- Searching, Living Teaching (Biblical Research phy for further research. Overall, the book Institute, Silver Spring, MD: Review and Herald, provides a helpful response to some issues 2015), 205-228. raised by LGT advocates and should be read 2Pacific Press, 2018. by all those interested in this controversial 3Oak & Acorn, 2018. topic. After all, in these challenging last 4Ellen G. White, Selected Messages (Washing- days we need a much more Christ-centered ton D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Associ- (rather than anthropocentric) eschatology ation, 1980), 3:355. (Luke 21:28; Heb 12:1–2)! 5Ibid., 13:18. 6Ellen G. White, “The Reason for the Delay,” in Alberto R. Timm Evangelism (Washington D.C.: Review and Her- Associate Director ald Publishing Association, 1946), 694–697. Ellen G. White Estate, Inc. Frank M. Hasel, Barna Magyarosi, ar is an everyday reality exposition of the New Testament position that no longer happens on the Christian life, which emulates Jesus’ Stefan Höschele eds. remotely: it is played non-violent, self-sacrificing life of service Adventists and Military out in our living rooms for others, provides a solid theological foun- and over the break- dation for the coming chapters. Service: Biblical, fast table, thanks to embedded reporters, An overview of the development of Chris- Historical and Wsmartphones, and the Internet. Adventists tian thought and attitudes from the early and Military Service, an initiative of the church to the present helps the reader un- Ethical Perspectives Inter-European Division Biblical Research derstand the various strands of Christianity (Madrid: Editorial Safeliz 2019), Committee, is an ambitious project. Its related to war, and how this influences mod- 225 pages, stated aim is to “give guidance, especially ern thinking. Invaluable for those wanting a USD 12.99 to our young people who are increasingly better understanding of the development of faced with issues about military service and Adventist thought is Douglas Morgan’s anal- our engagement in war and the bearing of ysis of the Adventist journey from pacifism ar m s .” 1 as reflected in its first statement of 1867, Previous Adventist publications have tended through noncombatancy and combatant to concentrate on one aspect of the question, co-operation up to the current loss of clarity, or tell the story of faithful service in the face which this book seeks to address. of the carnage of war. In contrast, this book This theological foundation and historical brings together a unique mix of theology, framework provide the setting for the more history, current events, practical experienc- challenging and contentious chapters, which es, ethical implications, and a look toward stimulate our thinking and touch on some what happens after the shooting stops. With sensitive issues. Daniel Heinz gives the such an ambitious remit, one might be question of military service a human face as tempted to dismiss it as lacking depth, but he documents some of the heart-wrenching, that would be a mistake. lesser-known stories of those who followed The series of papers begins with examining their conscience and did not carry arms. violence and war in the Old Testament, fol- Kwabena Donkor illumines from an African lowed by an examination of war and non-vi- perspective the modern challenges and olence in the New Testament. The compact carnage of genocide, adding richness and nature of the book does not allow for expan- diversity to the text. sive discussion; however, the authors build The heart of the question is dealt with in their case clearly and concisely, setting out Frank M. Hasel’s chapter on the ethical the arguments for and against their position. challenges of the military. It poses questions In discussing the Old Testament concept of that have been alluded to throughout the holy war, Barna Magyarosi shows that God’s earlier chapters. Regardless of where the original intention was not for His people reader is on the continuum from pacifism to to go to war. Rather, holy wars were fought full support of military service, this chapter under tight theocratic control, during the spells out the practical challenges he or she very limited period of the conquest. This may face with such clarity that they cannot cannot and should not be used as justifica- be denied. It discusses not just the obvious tion for modern warfare. Johannes Kovar’s questions of killing and Sabbath keeping (although these are dealt with), but also the violence. subjects of patriotism, allegiance, lifestyle, The book delivers on its stated aim to “give and training for military service.

Load more