CANADIAN ADVENTISTer July 1993 This week we continue our interview with Dr. Alden Thompson, Professor of Theology at Walla Walla College. DEVNICH: In our icitive discussion last month, you drew out the point that as we Adventists fully . Douglas Devnich proclaimn the truth about itD1 the soon return of Jesus Christ, we should follow Ellen G. White's counsel to people of other denominations. In order to not create barriers between Ellen White wrote this—it is ourselves and other denominations; and in quite revealing in the light reach those who are in the Christian faiths. A summary becoming acquainted with of current events in our darkness of error and false statement appears in the them we should dwell world. theories, we must approach book Testimonies to mostly upon topics in which "Unbelievers have been them with the utmost Ministers, p. 113 as follows: all feel an interest, and disgusted; they think that caution and with the "Be not too ready to take a controversial attitude." which will not lead directly Seventh-day Adventists greatest wisdom, agreeing Having made that point, Dr. and pointedly to the have been fairly represented with them on every point Thompson, could you help subjects of disagreement." by you, and they decide that we can us to know what things we (Evangelism p. 144) that it is enough and that conscientiously." ought to do in a positive they want no more of such "All consideration should way to be more effective in doctrines. Our faith is be shown for those in error winning people to the DEVNICH: It appears Advent message? that Ellen White wrote some unpopular at best and is in and all just credit given very candid things about wide contrast to the faith them for honesty. We THOMPSON: Firstly, other religious persuasions, and practices of other should come as near the including Roman consider the inspired view Catholicism, but that she on the best way to relate did not intend for us to use with ministers of other that information in a public churches: "Our ministers wa . It is like knowing the should seek to come near to di erence between private the ministers of other knowledge and acceptable public proclamation. One denominations. Pray for and can know the problems with these men of other others may have, but it is denominations." (6T p. 78) not wise nor Christian to Also, in 1912 Sister White address those problems in wrote out of her most public or to confront people with their problems. mature thought an equally Certainly we don't like it pointed paragraph on the when others publicize our subject: "Our laborers problems whether they are should be very careful not in the past or in the present. to give the impression that they are wolves stealing in THOMPSON: As far to get the sheep, but should back as 1865, she spoke let the ministers understand very firmly to an Adventist their position and the object minister who didn't of their mission—to call the understand that idea. He attention of the people to was actually going out of the truths of God's Word. his way to "rail out against Here is common ground others who profess to be upon which we can meet Christians." (3T p. 462) So 2 MESSENGER/JULY 1993 Cover photo — "Pacific Joye," one of 16 James Walkus Family's seining boats near Port Hardy, British Columbia, on the northern end of Vancouver Island. (see article: "God is My Co-Captain," page 8). people as possible, and then practices can "outrage" a the light and truth which person's "sense of justice, CANADIAN ADVENTIST we have may benefit them. mercy, and benevolence" But Brother E, like many of (GC p. 525) just as much as our ministers, commences a errors in theology. Volume 62, No. 7, July 1993, Oshawa, ON warfare at once against the We must test everything errors that others cherish; we say and do by the June Polishuk/Editor he thus raises their "weightier matters" of Allan Colleran/Art Director Robin Carby/Associate Art Director combativeness and their set Matthew 23:23, justice, wills, and this holds them mercy, and faith. And I CONFERENCE EDITORS Bryan Lee/Alberta David Crook/Newfoundland encased in an armour of think again of that Ron Watts/British Columbia Jim Jeffery/Ontario selfish prejudice which no remarkable quote from Ellen amount of evidence can White in which she states Lester Carney/Manitoba-Saskatchewan Georges Hermans/Quebec Robert Lehmann/Maritime remove." (3 T p. 462) that the privileged people of God who don't live up to the light they have "are in This Issue greater danger and in greater condemnation before God than those who are in President's Perspective error upon doctrinal points, D. Douglas Devnich 2 yet who seek to live to do Chan Shun Science Centre good to others." (9T p. 243) Ground Breaking 4 Admittedly a danger lurks Up front: From Across Canada 6, 7 in saying that God simply DEVNICH: Now, put it wants us to do good, for God Is My Co-Captain all together and summarize James Walkus/Monte Church 8 the lessons for us. some will think they can toss the rest of God's Health-Wise: Laughter—A Hedge THOMPSON: One of my counsel. It is for us to Against Ill Health Raymond 0. West. M.D. deep concerns for the show, however, that every 9 church I love is our use, truth, great or small, ADRA Canada: Washing Our Hands of abuse, and neglect of the deepens love for Him and the "Water Wars" J.W. Wilson 10 messages God has given us, for each other. In other both in Scripture and in the words, all we do and say Gold Discovered! Miners Needed 12 writings of Ellen White. interprets to the world VOAR:—Spreading the Good News from Misuse leads to both neglect around us the two great Newfoundland 14 and rejection. In some commands and the great He Resides in My Heart cases, precious members of principle of love. Sometimes Zarina Da Graca 17 God's family turn away other Christians do it better from the church, from than we do. Blessings on PLUS Christ, from God. them. In the words of The If the "errors of popular Great Controversy, "God It Is Written/Destiny Coverage 11 Conference News 15-20 theology have driven many accepts their sincerity of Births, Milestones, Weddings, a soul to scepticism" (The purpose and their integrity Obituaries, Ads 21-27 Great Controversy [1911], p. before him." GC [1911] p. Parkland Adventist Academy 28 525), then what about the 449. If He loves them, so flaws in Christian practice? can we. See page 11 for In Ellen White's view, the It Is Written/Destiny combative methods of the DEVNICH: Thank you minister addressed in 3 again, Dr. Thompson, for and Voice of Prophecy Coverage your informed guidance on Testimonies p. 462 (cited these issues. Perhaps we above) forever put some The Canadian Adventist MESSENGER is the official organ of the Seventh-day could talk again sometime Adventist Church in Canada. Issued monthly, annual subscription price in people beyond the reach of on other matters of similar Canada $5.00. Out of union $10.00. Printed by Maracle Press Limited, Second the truth. In short, wrong concern. class mail regisration number 0912. Address all enquiries to 1148 King Street East, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1H8. ISSN 0702-5084 MESSENGER/JULY 1993 3 Of 0 EGE \N t S‘Itt ScAtte tetkie Michael Adams and Dave Hunt tO lead the parade to the site. it%tt illet‘Ocl , OLD-LETTEVD PENNANTS Nisi AVING IN ATTE bvislc )une wind exposed the revailing moo& Newton—stavity , SttsteVx—Te1atty Chanshovelling, Shun of ca, Science CentTe—teality • While the Teality being only have been the le the the first fewvta, lumps of. soil, seeing tangible tesults to yeas celebrated&earning and planning seemed as momentous as any Amidst ttumpet fables and billowing flags, aignitaties, ofNewtonian discover] • story alumni, faculty , students and friendsrojects gatheted in CIJCtold& hioff one builealys ofI-Ialvat the most )onson, sigaicant Albetti sNliniste oiSaucation, commende the quality faculty and adtninisttation which ate,of Dvhe .sus- 'Tom gested, the Vecussot to the new facility es• Canada, The event was highlighted by the pi Chan, Crtiv of the Chan 'Foundation of Canada, -who in itiated the project several years some touching moments of ago with $1,000,000 in a start- tribute to his alma mater. "It up matching grant. In his is a thrill for me to be here at speech Tom Chan spoke of the this time," Lindgren said. legacy of hard work and ex- "Something I never dreamed cellence which his father, Dr. would happen." The audience Chan Shun, instilled in his was reminded of the noble family—a legacy Tom and his history of the institution by younger brother Caleb at- Lindgren and they were left in tempt to foster in their spon- a jovial mood as he ended his soring of projects such as the speech. Science Centre. With the With contracting bids due matrix of Christianity and June 23, initial construction is education providing the focal being anticipated for mid to point for foundation support, late July. A four phase project the CUC project afforded an is planned to insure that funds ideal opportunity for the Chan are in place before construc- Foundation to carry on the tion continues to the final work inspired by the senior stage. For students, faculty, Chan. and administrators the con- Between his wit and his struction promises to be an ex- carrying the dignitaries to the ready-to-dig attire, Dr.