International Journal for Clergy July 1990

J. Robert Spangler, longest serving Ministry editor, retires.

Letters

Finds it helpful ing, quilting, decoupage, crocheting, and verb paradigms. Zerwick-Grosvenor
I have been receiving your magazine social get-togethers, shopping, out is also a small book the size of Novum
on a periodic basis for the past several reach, visitation, parties, and bereave Testamentum Graece so it is easy to
years. I admit there are times when I ment support. carry with you.
only glance through, but there are other These are all worthwhile activities and With a United Bible Society text and
times when the issue winds up dog enrich members' lives and fellowship, Zerwick-Grosvenor you can sight-read a
eared and well read. Such was the case but they are not prayer. Come on, passage if you have at least a little mem
with the March 1990 issue, which con women let's spend some honest prayer ory of Greek class. By the way, I'm not
tained several encouraging and inspir time with our Lord. Beverly Hall, To getting any commission on this book
ing articles, not to mention the chal ronto, Ontario, Canada. either! Like you, it is just a book I feel
lenge of Robert Johnston's "The strongly about. I hope others can profit
Minister as a Believer." Another resource for using Greek from it too. Loring A. Prest, pastor,
I am grateful that you are willing to I was interested in what Maylan Evangelical Covenant Church, Nor
go to the expense of sharing your jour Schurch had to say concerning "How to way, Michigan.
nal with others in such a generous way. Brush Up on Your Greek" (March
And I am thankful for the careful writ 1990). A couple thoughts. Warnings regarding fasting
ing and nonjudgmental attitude ex First, I have both the interlinear and It was refreshing to read the article by
pressed in the articles. "facing pages" formats. Because my Roland Hill in the March 1990 issue of
Here's one Southern Baptist who parsing is better than my vocabulary, I Ministry about such an unpopular sub
looks forward to what you have to say, prefer an interlinear text for spot- ject as fasting. I have personally found
and often finds it helpful. Tony W. checking the original. When the facing great benefit in practicing a modified
Cartledge, pastor, Woodhaven Baptist pages format presents me with a string form of fasting consistently. It braces
Church, Gary, North Carolina. of unknown words, I find myself skip my spirits and gives me new courage to
ping that section rather than working it face up to problems, temptations, and
Having read the letters and apprecia out. But with the interlinear I can difficult decisions. In addition, it usu
tion in the March issue of Ministry, I quickly find the word in question. So I ally gives me a spiritual high.
feel that I should add my own thanks to don't consider interlinears necessarily an But even good things can be carried to
those who wrote to you. I am minister extreme. excess. Ellen White cautions against go
of a United Reformed church in East Second, Schurch omits a resource I ing without food for prolonged periods of
Anglia, and very greatly value your consider invaluable and one that I think time, and even countenances eating
magazine. So many articles are "right those who are interested in using their "sparingly of the most simple foods" dur
on the ball" that it would be difficult to Greek should own. I am referring to A ing a fast (see Counsels on Diet and Foods
single out specific examples of those Grammatical Analysis of the Greek New [Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald
that have been helpful to me. Thank Testament by Max Zerwick and Mary Pub. Assn., 1938], pp. 187-191).
you for your kindness and brotherly gen Grosvenor (Rome: Biblical Institute While abstaining from food can, of
erosity in sending Ministry to me. I re Press, 1981). This tool goes through the course, be a factor in limiting one's
ally do look forward to its arrival each New Testament verse by verse: (1) pars weight, yet it would be much more ef
month. Edward Hasler, Lowestoft, ing every verb form; (2) giving the fective if accompanied by a rational
Suffolk, England. meaning of every word not used more diet. For instance, weight control can
than 60 times in the New Testament be dealt with in a practical way by
A prayer group? (when no translation is given, you con adopting some plan of nutrition, such as
I am surprised that Crystal Earnhardt sult the word list at the beginning that the Weimar diet, which calls for eating
would call her women's group a "prayer lists words used more than 60 times); other things in place of eggs, dairy prod
group" ("Organize a Spirit-filled Ladies' (3) indicating significant grammatical ucts, and all kinds of grease. When we
Prayer Group, "January 1990). Not once constructions; and (4) making numer took up this diet, I found that within
in the article does she mention that the ous references to Zerwick's own Biblical only two weeks I experienced a general
women pray! Greek (a concise, inexpensive grammar) sense of well-being, accompanied by a
They watch videos, have Bible stud by paragraph numbers. This tool also fresh surge of energy in my whole system
ies, and engage in such activities as boat contains a glossary of grammatical as well. I might just add that my wife
ing, styling hair, weight control, cook terms, noun and adjective declensions, (Continued on page 28)
If you're receiving MINISTRY bimonthly without having paid for a subscription, it's not a mistake. Since 1928, MINISTRY has been published for Seventh-day
Adventist ministers, but we believe the time has come for clergy everywhere to experience a resurgence of faith in the authority of Scripture and in the great truths
that reveal the gospel of our salvation by grace, through faith alone in Jesus Christ. We want to share with you our aspirations and faith in a way that we trust will
provide inspiration and help to you too. We hope you will accept this journal as our outstretched hand to you. Look over our shoulders, take what you want and find
helpful, and discard what you cannot use. Bimonthly gift subscriptions are available to all licensed and/or ordained clergy. Requests should be on church letterhead.

2 M1NISTRT/JULY/1990
Ministry is the international journal of
the Seventh-day Adventist Ministerial
Association.
First Glance
ASSOCIATION SECRETARY:
Floyd Bresee
EDITOR:
]. David Newman
ASSOCIATE EDITORS:
David C. James
Kenneth R. Wade
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT:
Ella Rydzewski
EDITORIAL SECRETARY:
Mary Louise McDowell
SEMINAR DIRECTOR:
Rex D. Edwards
EDITOR EMERITUS
J. Robert Spangler
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS:
Carlos Aeschlimann
Galen Bosley
Ellen Bresee
N. C. Wilson
CONSULTING EDITORS:
C. E. Bradford
Gerard Darnsteegt The team that has served you through Ministry's pages during these past five years. Back
Raoul Dederen row, left to right: David C. James, associate editor; Kenneth R. Wade, associate editor; J.
Roland R. Hegstad David Newman, editor; Rex Edwards, seminar director. Front row, left to right: Mary
Frank Holbrook Louise McDowell, secretary; J. Robert Spangler, editor emeritus; Ella Rydzewski, editorial
Herbert Kiesler assistant.
Kenneth]. Mittleider
George W. Reid This issue marks a transition from one generation to another. Minis
Ariel Roth
William H. Shea try editor ]. Robert Spangler is retiring (see Floyd Bresee's article on page
Marie Spangler 4), as is his secretary, Mary Louise McDowell, and yours truly is stepping
Russell L. Staples
Gary Swanson into Spangler's position.
Richard Tibbits
INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENTS:
As the new editor of Ministry I pledge to uphold the same high stan
Africa-Indian Ocean, W. S. Whaley dards followed by my predecessor. This journal will continue to speak to
Eastern Africa, Baraka Muganda pastors' needs. It will also address some of the major issues affecting the
Euro-Africa, Johannes Mager
Far East, V. F. Bocala world and the church. Among the major topics we want to discuss are:
Inter-America, Salimjapas Global mission how do we take the gospel to every people group? Plural
North America, William C. Scales, Jr.
Trans-Europe, Mark Finley ism how much dissent can the church tolerate? AIDS how much help
South America, Amasiasjustiniano should the church give? Sexual equality should this include women's
South Pacific, A. David C. Currie
Southern Asia, Ronald N. Baird ordination? Apostasy do we ignore it or deal with it? The environment
ART DIRECTOR: should the church become involved in trying to save this planet, or
Stephen Hall should it concentrate only on spiritual matters? Christ's second coming
DESIGNER: how should we be living if we expect His imminent return?
G. W. Busch
MARKETING: This journal will continue to uphold the Bible as the only book that
Gil Anderson gives the solutions to humanity's problems. Above all, it will lift up Jesus
ADVERTISING SALES:
Jerry Rader
Christ as our only Saviour, and salvation as a gift from Him. May we al
Michelle Rader ways look to Jesus as the true source of all help and healing.
SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Larry Burtnett In this issue "Does God Get Angry?" will challenge your thinking.
Ministry, (ISSN 0026-5314), the international Among the provocative questions the author addresses are the following:
journal of the Seventh-day Adventist Ministerial Does God have emotions similar to humans? Does He actually punish peo
Association 1990, is published monthly by the
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists ple? Does God kill?
and printed by the Review and Herald Publish
ing Association, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Ha- "The Minister as a Pastor" looks at the heart of what it means to be a
gerstown, MD 21740, U.S.A. Subscriptions:
US$21,00 for 12 issues worldwide. Single copy minister; President Wilson concludes his series on revival and reformation
US$2.25. US$39.85 for 12 issues air mail world
wide. Member Associated Church Press. Second- with a strong call to "true repentance"; Luka Tambaya, from Nigeria,
class postage paid at Hagerstown, Maryland. This
publication is available in microfilm from Univer
makes a strong case for family planning; and Galen Bosley informs us
sity Microfilms International. Call toll-free 1-800- about the importance of sleep.
521-3044- Or mail inquiry to: University Micro
films International, 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann This issue also contains a preliminary statement on abortion. For
Arbor, MI 48106.
Editorial Office: 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver some time the Seventh-day Adventist Church has been wrestling with the
Spring, MD 20904. Stamped, self-addressed enve question of how to make an appropriate statement on this sensitive topic.
lope should accompany unsolicited manuscripts.
Postmaster: Send address changes to Ministry, 55 We need your critique of this proposition as we consider further refine
West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, Maryland ments.
21740
VOLUME 63 NUMBER 7

M1N1STRY/JULY/1990 3
The changing of
the guard
ob Spangler, who has Roy Alien Anderson, the secretary of the
Floyd Bresee been on the Ministry General Conference Ministerial Associ
editorial staff for the ation and editor of Ministry, in an evan
past 28 years, retired gelistic series in Cleveland.
as the journal's editor In 1954 Bob was called to the Far East
on May 1. ern Division as ministerial secretary. He
In the fireplace of served there until
life, Spangler is pure cedar. Cedar the 1962 General
J. Robert Spangler, catches fire quickly and burns brightly. Conference ses
And so does Bob. His creative genius and sion elected him an
Ministry's longest burning enthusiasm will be greatly associate secretary
serving editor, missed by all of us as he enters retire
ment.
in the GC Ministe
rial Association.
retires. Bob graduated from Washington Mis
sionary College (Columbia Union Col
At the General
Conference he
lege) in 1943. In June of that year he worked under the
married Marie Claytor. They immedi J. Robert Spangler leadership of his
ately entered the pastoral ministry and old friend Roy Anderson.
eventually served in Ohio, Florida, Ala Spangler's long association with Min
bama, New York City, and Texas. istry began at that time. He served as
Bob developed a passion for evange associate editor from 1962 to 1965, man
lism. This soul-winning emphasis was es aging editor from 1965 to 1967, then as
pecially sparked when he worked with editor from 1967 to 1990. His term of 23

Floyd Bresee is secre

tary of the General
Conference Ministerial
Association.

.-Jiff? it • ~,\ ,.,i|,«J"Uif! , *: pi f ,•-

""i'feJW'1 **jpfe!4;" " <i ''f"S

Fruit of a crusade in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia, 1955.

4 MINISTRY/JULY/1990
 We feel that the
editor of a magazine
addressed primarily to
pastors needs to have
sat where they sit*

then led out in raising the $800,000

Interviewing Dr. John Savage for a 1983 article.
needed to send this book to some
years as editor makes him the longest additions, improvements to each issue 200,000 ministers of all faiths and to ev
serving editor of this pastors' journal. His kept tumbling out of him right up to ery major library and leading media office
predecessor, Roy Anderson, served for press time. in the world.
16 years. L. E. Froom, the first editor, Two products of his creative mind In addition to numerous articles and
served for 22. occupied his heart and editorials, Spangler has written several
During his long tenure efforts during the last books. He authored First Things First, a
with the Ministerial As 10 years of his work in morning devotional book, and Marked:
sociation, Spangler also the Ministerial Associ The Case Against Saturday Blue Laws.
served as its head from ation: PREACH and With Leo Van Dolson, he coauthored
1980 to 1985. But his Project 27. Healthy, Happy, Holy.
greatest interest was al Bob and his wife, Marie, worked in a
ways the magazine, and PREACH team ministry before he was called into
the conflicts between Bob's creative genius departmental work. Later Marie taught
trying to be an effective gave us the Project for elementary school for many years. Then
editor and association Reaching Every Active their concern for ministers' wives led
secretary led him to re Clergy Home them to be cofounders of Shepherdess
sign the latter position in (PREACH) program International, a resource and support or
favor of being an associ that sends gift subscrip ganization sponsored by the General
ate secretary whose chief From a 1947 e ng<=listic handbill. tions of every other is Conference Ministerial Association for
responsibility was to edit Ministry. sue of Ministry to clergy of all faiths. The Seventh-day Adventist ministers' wives.
We at headquarters, along with minis Columbia Union piloted PREACH in its Spangler has relinquished his position
ters around the world, will remember territory in 1975. The
Bob for many exemplary traits, but two project soon spread to
predominate: piety and creativity. all of North America.
Now it embraces the
Piety world, with some
Spiritual themes occupy much of his 50,000 ministers in
time and conversation. He longs to help North America and
men and women accept Jesus as their 20,000 in the rest of
the world receiving
Saviour. A warm, pastoral heart led him
the magazine six times
to treat his staff with genuine care and
a year.
personal concern. His spiritual leader
ship will be greatly missed. Project 27
Spangler's passion
Creativity for the cross of Christ
We will also remember him for his conceived and gave Preaching in Osaka: , Japan, during a field school of evangelism, 1955.
brilliant creativity. Bob's mind was con birth to the book Pastor Shiro Ogura translated for him.
stantly turning out new ideas, good Seventh-day Adventists Believe .... He as editor, but will not be leaving the Min
ideas, all of which he wished could be was convicted that the cross and the isterial Association until late summer.
implemented now! He could have kept great themes of redemption were central And his ministry will continue in retire
three secretaries busy and sometimes in the 27 fundamental beliefs of ment through study, preaching, and
did! Magazine deadlines, schedules, Seventh-day Adventists. This belief mo writing. In fact, one reason he gives for
timetables were nuisances to be circum tivated him to coordinate the writing, retiring is that "I want to spend more
vented if at all possible. Ideas, changes, editing, and production of the book. He time getting into the Word." As editor
MINISTRY/JULY/1990 5
 pastored in Scotland, as well as in Mich
igan and Ohio.
And he has had departmental experi Newman has both an
ence. For five years he was Sabbath
school and lay activities director of the
inquiring mind and a
Ohio Conference.
He has had conference administration
loyal spirit*
experience as well. For three years he
served as assistant to the president of the
Ohio Conference and became confer
ence secretary there shortly before being who are pastors. Newman's goal is to use
called to the GC Ministerial Association this means to eventually increase com
in 1984- Having been where they are, missioned or assigned articles from the
David brings a unique understanding of present 15 percent to about 50 percent.
the needs and problems, not only of pas Commissioned articles will help the edi
Receiving the first copy of Seventh-day Advent tors, but of departmental leaders and ad tors better control both content and
ists Believe . . . from Harold Otis, who was ministrators as well. quality in the magazine.
president of the Review and Herald Publishing
Association in 1988 when the book was pro He has had editorial experience. For
duced. the past six years, Newman has been Dedicated
schooled in the editor's craft under the David's editorial philosophy will em
emeritus he plans to continue contribut able tutelage of Bob Spangler. During phasize two words: relevance and distinc-
ing to Ministry. So while we say goodbye, that time, Spangler has placed more and tiveness. He believes that a denomina
we also welcome him to his new role as more responsibility on David's shoulders, tion now nearly 150 years old must
adviser and elder statesman. until his move into the editorship was examine itself carefully to be sure that
easy both for him and for the magazine. what it offers is relevant to the present
Newman is new editor and not just a reflection of the past. On
J. David Newman, executive editor Competent the other hand, he insists that Seventh-
since 1984, became editor of Ministry on Newman is a natural at organization day Adventists must never lose that
Mayl. and management. Flow charts, assign which makes them a distinctive people.
Ministry is striving to become an ever ment lists, deadline boards, and all the Newman has both an inquiring mind
more international magazine. It is fitting planning necessary to put a monthly and a loyal spirit. In his new job, neither
that its new editor comes from a broadly magazine together are his instinctive do is much good without the other. A loyal
international background. Newman was main. His plan is that topics treated in spirit toward his church and its leader
bom of British parents in 1943 at Cape the magazine will emphasize pastoral ship is a must for the
Town, South Africa. He attended school skills and be divided as follows: family editor of a journal
in Nigeria, Scotland, England, and the and spouse, 15 percent; issues and re that makes such an
United States. He is a graduate of La ports, 25 percent; professional skills, 30 impact on the
Sierra College, Riverside, California, percent; spiritual life, 15 percent; and church's ministry.
where he met his wife, Phyllis. The fam theology/biblical studies, 15 percent. But the magazine
ily cherishes its Old World heri David is anxious to give the magazine a must also have a
tage daughters Michelle and Heather more international flavor. In the past we prophetic voice,
have both followed in Dad's footsteps by have had great difficulty getting articles asking the church
returning to England and attending written by authors outside North Amer why it is doing what
Newbold College, his alma mater. ica. A recent talent search designed es it is doing, and if
Our new editor holds an M.A. in ar pecially to attract overseas authors was a J. David Newman fa^ m[ght be a
cheology and history of antiquity from first step in correcting this imbalance. In better way to do it. His supportive atti
Andrews University. He is a Doctor of 1991 Newman plans to move articles by tude toward his church, balanced with
Ministry candidate in church organiza overseas authors up from 3 percent to 30 his perpetually wanting to know "why,"
tional behavior at McCormick Theolog percent of Ministry's content. His long fits his new job admirably.
ical Seminary. Our hope is that, while term goal is 50 percent, since 50 percent David enjoys a close relationship with
continuing to carry his editorial respon of our subscriptions are from overseas. his Lord. Believing that every minister
sibilities, he will be able to finish his In addition he intends to emphasize is should give top priority to private devo
work there in the next few months. sues especially significant to pastors. Pres tions, Newman and Spangler felt it their
ently, about 20 percent of Ministry articles responsibility to lead the way. A few
Experienced are by practicing pastors. His goal is to
months ago they entered into a pact with
David has had nine years of pastoral raise that to 60 percent. When a depart
each other to challenge and encourage
experience. We feel that the editor of a ment wants the magazine to publish an
one another to spend, without fail, at
magazine addressed primarily to pastors article promoting a particular program, he
and their spouses needs to have sat where plans to ask that the article be written by a least one hour daily in prayer and Bible
they sit. Newman's experience has been pastor who has successfully implemented study. It has proved to be a rich experi
unusual, in that he has held pastorates in that program in a local church. ence for our new editor.
two divisions of the world church. He He hopes to develop a bank of authors With great pleasure I welcome David

6 MINISTRY/JULY/1990
Newman to his new post, undoubtedly tance of presenting ideas in an interesting both in producing the magazine, and in
one of the most influential in the and attention-getting manner. Also, for helping it bring to pastors information
Seventh-day Adventist Church. challenging him to learn "how to keep the about the software most useful for mem
boat moving without capsizing it." bership tracking, keeping interest lists,
Jarnes and Wade become associate and filing in the local church.
editors Wade Ken's burden for Ministry is that it
David Jarnes and Kenneth Wade, Ken Wade is the baby of the editorial speak especially to pastors. It should also
former assistant editors and assistant sec staff. Born in Oregon in 1951, he adds a challenge the church at large to reach its
retaries of the Ministerial Association, Western flavor to the group. As a boy he full potential. He wants to see the maga
have been promoted to being associate developed an avid interest in both sci zine used to help the church implement a
editors of Ministry. ence and engineering. strategy for reaching the whole world for
Seemingly insignificant happen- Christ.
Jarnes stances (providences) often bring dra He is especially grateful for the dy
We call him Dave, to differentiate matic results. Arriving at Walla Walla namic environment created among the
him from David Newman, who is all of College as a freshman, he sensed a call to editorial staff by Bob Spangler. Having
two years older. Dave Jarnes brings a the ministry but still had not decided access to Bob's fertile mind and creative
Middle American flavor to the Ministry whether to major in theology or biology. genius has challenged Ken to keep both
staff. Born in Missouri in 1945, he spent Entering the gymnasium to register, he himself and the magazine growing.
most of his childhood and ministry in found that all the biology advisers were
Middle America. His wife, Jeanne, on busy, but one of the theology teachers Balance
the other hand, grew up in Burma, Sri was not. We are proud of the beautifully bal
Lanka, and India. Their son and daugh Ken sat down and shared his dilemma anced team constituted by these three
ter are now teenag with just the right adviser, who asked, members of our editorial staff. They
ers. "Why don't you take a theology major come from different parts of the world
Dave graduated, and biology minor like I did?" Four years and share an international outlook.
cum laude, from later Ken graduated, cum laude, with All have pastored. Between them they
Union College and majors in theology and biblical languages have a total of 27 years of pastoral expe
later received an and a minor in biology. He later received rience, all of it in multiple-church dis
M.Div. from An an M. Div. from the seminary at Andrews tricts. They understand well the frustra
drews University University. tions of a pastor who must try to spread
Seminary, where he His professional plan was to spend a his wings over several congregations at
has also completed lifetime in the pastorate. However, after once. One has also had local conference
. classwork for the several years of pastoring, he developed departmental and administrative experi
David C. latnes m T^ • 1 -i i- i
Ph.D. in biblical what we would like to see in more ence.
studies/New Testament. He pastored for pastors an interest in writing. This All have been trained in biblical stud
10 years. eventually caught the attention of Bob ies. One has gone on to specialize in
The full-time Ministry staff is made up Spangler and led to Ken's joining the management, one in theology, one in
of the three editors, editorial assistant Ministry staff as an assistant editor. He science and computer skills. -
Ella Rydzewski, and secretary Mary Lou came to Washington, D.C., with Debby All are busy raising families, experi
ise McDowell. Of these, Dave is the most and their two sons in encing together the joys and frustrations
experienced editor. He worked for An 1984. of parenting. Newman and Jarnes are
drews University Seminary Studies before Ken enjoys a spe "preacher's kids" and understand the
coming to the Ministerial Association. cial interest in evan minister's family from the viewpoint of
Also, he has been here longest of the gelism. He has re both child and parent. Each of the three
three editors, having joined the Ministry cently held two sees the minister's spouse and family as a
staff in 1983. He does more actual editing series of meetings in significant part of the ministry.
of articles than any other staff member. the church where he All were trained by Bob Spangler.
God has blessed Dave with an amaz attends. Not long Each has spent six years or more under
ingly analytical mind and exceptional ago he brushed up on leadership of the "old pro."
ability to think creatively. He has the his Spanish and All love our Lord and His church and
Kenneth R. Wade
capacity to turn a problem over and over spent a few weeks in long to see Christ's work finished.
in his mind until he comes up with a facet Inter-America seeking out the secrets of As "pastor's pastor" I say farewell on
to it that no one else has recognized. And soul-winning success in that productive behalf of all of us to Bob Spangler. We
his theological expertise is treasured by field. praise him for his tremendous contribu
all of us. He has become an outstanding author tion to Ministry and the Ministerial As
He is anxious to help direct the maga ity on the relationship between the New sociation. Not only has he edited an out
zine to the needs of pastors, and wants Age movement and Christianity. His standing journal; he has carefully
especially to see it successful at helping book Secrets of the New Age was pub prepared three outstanding men to carry
keep the ministry committed to Christ lished in 1989. on. The magazine has made a great con
and His church. Wade brings to Ministry significant ad tribution to the cause of Christ, but as
Dave feels greatly indebted to Bob ministrative skills. Also, he is the maga Bob would be quick to say, its best years
Spangler for helping him see the impor zine's computer expert. This gift is useful are yet to come!
MINISTRY/JULY/1990 7
Does God get
angry?
Tim Crosby y the time of Christ
some philosophers
is said, is like a live wire that automati
cally bums those who get into the wrong
had come to the con relationship to it. But, as C. S. Lewis
clusion that God, in pointed out, those who substitute the
His absolute perfec picture of a live wire for that of an of
tion, is not subject to fended Deity do not realize that they
human passions and have deprived us of all hope, for an of
Is God love? Or is emotions. He knows no distress, excite
ment, love, or anger. Philo, a Hellenistic
fended Deity can forgive, but a live wire
cannot.
He just nice? Is Jew who lived at the same time as Christ,
wrote: "Some . . . assume that the Exis
There is, in fact, a great deal of truth in
the "live wire" idea. Scripture teaches
Jesus a lion, a lamb, tent feels wrath and anger, whereas He is
not susceptible to any emotion at all. For
that evil brings its own reward (Hosea
13:9; Jer. 6:19; Prov. 26:27; 28:6, 10; Ps.
or both? anxiety is peculiar to human weakness."
We know better, for we know that
34:21; 37:14, 15). God's punishment of
the wicked often consists in abandoning
Jesus experienced very human emotions. them to their wickedness (Rom. 1:24-
And He said, "Anyone who has seen me 28; Ps. 81:12; Acts 7:42) to reap its terri
has seen the Father" (Johnl4:9*). Scrip ble results. Even when the Bible speaks of
ture teaches that God suffers with His God destroying, the destruction often is
children: "In all their distress he too was actually the work of alien armies or evil
distressed" (Isa. 63:9). God's tender love men (Jer. 33:4, 5). In 1 Chronicles 10:14
exceeds that of the most devoted mother: we are told that because of Saul's trans
" 'Is not Ephraim my dear son, the child gression, the Lord "slew him" (RSV), yet
in whom I delight? Though I often speak verse 4 says that Saul "took his own
against him, I still remember him. sword, and fell upon it" (RSV). The idea
Therefore my heart yearns for him; I ha ve of retribution as a natural process might
great compassion for him,' declares the be further supported from those texts
Lord" (Jer. 31:20). that speak of sowing and reaping (Prov.
However, a strangely seductive varia 22:8; Hosea 10:13; Gal. 6:7-9; Job 4:8).
tion of the idea that God has no emotion But these texts hardly imply that damna
is gaining ground today and is widely ac tion is a natural result of our evil deeds
Tim Crosby is re cepted among Christians. It is the belief any more than they imply that salvation
searcher/producer of t/ie
daify program for the
that God does not get angry. is a natural result of our good works.
Voice of Prophecy Modern theology tends to emphasize Although God's retribution is often
radiobroadcast. God's love at the expense of His holiness. indirect, there is also overwhelming
It overemphasizes the fact that His love is scriptural testimony to God's active, di
unconditional (ignoring passages such as rect vengeance. Those fundamental Old
John 15:10-14: "If you obey my com Testament passages that define God's
mands, you will remain in my love. . . . character affirm that He is both ex
You are my friends if you do what I com tremely kind, loving, and forgiving, and
mand") and tends to depersonalize the extremely zealous in punishing and
concept of retribution. The universe, it avenging (Ex. 20:5; 34:6, 7; Deut. 7:9,
8 MINISTRY/JULY/1990
10). The authors of Scripture see no dif God cares fiercely. Like any good par
ficulty in this at all, nor do they shrink ent, He gets upset when His children go
from presenting God's vengeance as a sa astray. God is not lovey-dovey, namby- God's hatred of evil is
lient aspect of His character (Deut. pamby, laidback, harmless, and jovial. If
32:41-43; Ps. 94:1; Isa. 1:24; Eze. 7:8, 9; His children are naughty, He disciplines just as strong as His
Micah5:15;Nahuml:2ff.).
Ah, but this is the Old Testament!
them (Heb. 12:4-11), because He wants
only the best for them. love of good.
Don't we find a different picture in the God's hatred of evil is just as strong as
New? His love of good. His holiness is benign
No. The same dual emphasis is re toward right and malevolent toward sin,
peated in the New Testament: God saves just as a fire may comfort or destroy. His
and destroys (James 4:12). We are told to glory is toxic to evil, just as oxygen,
consider both "the kindness and the se which is life-giving to humans, is toxic to
verity of God" (Rom. 11:22, RSV). One certain types of bacteria. God is matter,
of the most intense pictures of God's and sin is anti-matter, and whenever
vengeance is found in Revelation 19:11- matter encounters anti-matter there is a
21 and this is a portrayal of the Son! holocaust.
The same Testament that says "God is In Scripture, the problem that per
love" also says "God is a consuming fire." plexes the righteous is not "How can a
He is the avenger (Rom. 12:19; Heb. merciful God destroy?" but just the oppo
10:30). Even Jesus got angry (Mark 3:5; site: "How can a just God allow evil to go Another argument that those who
compare Rev. 6:16). He destroyed the fig unchecked?" (Ps. 73; 79:10; 94:1-7; deny that God kills raise is that what is
tree and threw the robbers out of the Hab. 1, 2; Rev. 6:10). Again, the scrip wrong for us must be wrong for God, too.
Temple (Mark 11:12-17). Jesus also tural testimony is not that God does not At first glance this seems reasonable.
spoke of the wrath of God (John 3:36); get angry, but that He is slow to anger, Surely God practices what He preaches,
and portrayed God as a king who relent and does not stay angry (Ps. 30:5; Isa. doesn't He ? If the law is a transcript of
lessly punished and destroyed the impen 54:7, 8; Ps. 78:38; Isa. 12:1; Hosea 11:9; His character, does He not keep it?
itent (Matt. 18:34, 35; 22:7; Luke 12:46; 14:1; Micah 7:18). The modern embar The analogy of the child-parent rela
19:27). Thus the divine wrath is as rassment with God's wrath is unknown tionship is helpful here. Many things
clearly taught in the New Testament as to Scripture. that children are forbidden to do ("Don't
in the Old. torment the cat") are just as wrong for
Anthropomorphism.? the parents. But some things ("Don't
Righteous indignation Some have suggested that statements touch the car keys"; "Don't stay up past
Of course, human anger is all too often about God's wrath are just an anthropo 9:00") are not wrong in themselves; they
fueled by wounded pride; we become pet morphism, a concession to the times. are forbidden only because the child is
ulant and vindictive; we lose control. But there is no reason to assume this, for incapable of exercising adult responsibil
God's anger is not like this. But there is a it is impossible to find even a single text ity.
righteous indignation that is not only le that says that God never kills or gets an The same is true of God and us. God
gitimate but essential. Imagine two indi gry. If allusions to God's wrath are just forbids us to do certain things that are
viduals who observe a group of thugs tor culture-conditioned figures of speech, perfectly legitimate for Him to do. For
menting a helpless victim. One of the then perhaps assertions of His love are example, God demands praise (Jer. 31:7)
observers shrugs his shoulders and walks equally unreliable. and accepts worship, but it is wrong for a
away, while the other becomes angry and Some writers would go so far as to creature to do these things (Rev. 19:10).
forcefully intervenes. Which of them is maintain that God does not kill; He God asks us to rest on the Sabbath, but
righteous: the calm one or the angry one ? merely allows Satan to take life when He continues to work on this day (John
Wrath is the emotion a just man feels ever it suits His purposes. Not only is this 5:17) as do His human agents (Matt.
when confronted with injustice (see viewpoint scripturally invalid; it is based 12:5). God forbids us to take vengeance,
Judges 9:30; 2 Sam. 12:5; Neh. 5:6; Ex. on the illogical assumption that Satan is but He does so (Rom. 12:19) as do His
32:19; Acts 17:16). To love the good is always willing to cooperate with God by human agents, the civil authorities
to hate the evil that is antagonistic to it destroying his own agents who are hin (Rom. 13:1-5). Vengeance in itself is not
(Heb. 1:9); therefore anger and love are dering God's will! And even if it were wrong, but God knows that we cannot be
two different sides of the same coin. Per true, it would not protect God from re trusted to carry it out fairly in our own
haps this is why it is John, the apostle of sponsibility for people's death. Although case.
love, who wrote the most graphic por David did not personally take the life of But what about the sixth command
trayal of God's wrath in the New Testa Uriah, he is still accused of having ment? Set aside for the moment the gen
ment the book of Revelation. "struck down Uriah the Hittite with the erally accepted scholarly position that
The antithesis of love is not wrath but sword" (2 Sam. 12:9). Therefore, it does this commandment should be translated
apathy. And God is anything but apa not help matters to say that God merely "Thou shalt not murder" and does not
thetic. The second commandment says "allows" Satan to take life. If God wills forbid capital punishment or killing in
that God is a "jealous" God. "Jealous" for demons rather than angels to destroy, war. Let us assume, for the sake of argu
might also be translated "zealous," or how does that make Him less responsi ment, that it forbids all killing. Even if
even "impassioned." In other words, ble? this were true, would it mean that God
MINISTRY/JULY/1990 9
Himself has no right to take life? No, the smallest number of individuals when After all, giving the criminal his deserts
because life belongs to Him. I have no seen in the light of eternity. Had the will not undo the crime he has commit
right to burn down another man's barn Canaanites been allowed to live, they ted. Is not the only legitimate reason for
(eighth commandment), but the owner not only would have continued in sin, punishment to deter or to reform?
has that right because it belongs to him. resulting in additional suffering in hell Let us see what happens when we re
Likewise, God may take away the posses someday, but they would have begotten place the "primitive" concept of impos
sions of any of His children for His own offspring who would have ended up in ing punishment to match the crime with
reasons something that would be called the same place. In addition, they would a more "humanitarian" concept of evil as
stealing if we did it because all things have corrupted the Israelites. God told a sickness that needs to be "treated" until
belong to Him. A parent may teach his His people to terminate the Canaanites' the patient is reformed. Under the hu
child not to steal from others and yet, lives in order to prevent all of this. It was manitarian system, punishment would
without being inconsistent, take away a case of less suffering now or greater suf no longer be based on what is deserved. It
from the child a toy that the child is fering later. would not be measured (and limited) by
misusing. Difficult times impose difficult ques any "barbaric" rule like "an eye for an
tions upon us. In times of war, to end the eye," but would be administered only as
God and genocide conflict more quickly, even the defend long as it served to reform, or to deter
But does that justify what some would ers of liberty, justice, and righteousness others as is done in some nations where
call genocide? Let us examine a worst- have made decisions that brought suffer dissenters are shut up in psychological
case example of the problem: the slaugh ing or death to the innocent. If great wards until they are "cured."
ter of Canaanites in the Old Testament. leaders and good men sometimes find it Uh-oh! Already our new theory of jus
Here generations of skeptics have found necessary to let the righteous die with the tice is headed for trouble. "That's un
ample ammunition in their case against guilty for the achievement of a greater fair," you say. Not under the humanitar
God. How could God command His peo good in the end, then has the Creator ian system it isn't, for the offender is not
ple to wipe out entire cities of men, Himself no right to discriminatingly (see really being punished at all; rather he is
women, and children simply because Genesis 18) destroy evil societies? simply being "reformed, rehabilitated,
they happened to hold different beliefs ? Hell was originally intended only for educated." Such a system no longer deals
Consider the following thought exper the devil and his angels (Matt. 25:41), with categories of justice and injustice, of
iment: Suppose that you were out walk but those who have chosen to share Sa deserts and merits, but of sickness and
ing one day and heard agonizing screams tan's character must share his punish cure. Surely rehabilitation is not unjust!
coming from inside a house across the ment. It has been suggested that God will Under the new theory the offender is not
road. Upon entering, you saw a boy being leave the wicked to destroy one another, punished until the punishment is com
held down on a table by several teenagers but would a just God leave the weak at mensurate with the crime, but is treated
while a muscular man, his back toward the mercy of the strong? How then could until he is cured which could last for
you, was sawing through the boy's leg the degree of suffering be proportional to ever.
with a carpenter's saw. The boy was the amount of light (Luke 12:46-48)? C. S. Lewis provides a trenchant anal
screaming in pain. What would you According to Matthew 10:28, human ysis of the ultimate results of rejecting the
think of this man? beings can "kill the body but cannot kill concept of retributive justice: "Accord
Suppose now that, upon inquiry, you the soul"; only God can "destroy both ing to the humanitarian theory, to pun
discovered that the man was the boy's soul and body in hell." Hell is a supernat ish a man because he deserves it, and as
father; that he was also a physician; that ural extinction of existence; it is God's much as he deserves, is mere revenge,
he had just arrived at his home in this retributive wrath against sin. and, therefore, barbarous and immoral.
primitive and isolated village to find his The doctrine of hell can be understood It is maintained that the only legitimate
son dying of acute septicemia of the leg; only as a manifestation of God's retribu motives for punishing are the desire to
that no sedatives were available; and that tive justice, in which the sinner is pun deter others by example or to mend the
tears were streaming down the father's ished until he receives the exact amount criminal. . . .
face. Now what do you think? A full of pain he deserves in the light of his "My contention is that this doctrine,
knowledge of the situation makes quite a crimes. Jesus warned those who failed to merciful though it appears, really means
difference! make things right with the judge that that each one of us, from the moment he
In the case of Numbers 31, I suggest they would never get out of prison till breaks the law, is deprived of the rights of
that if we knew all of the facts, that they had "paid the last penny" (Matt 5: a human being. The reason is this. The
which at first seems a cruelty would be 26, RSV). The unforgiving servant was humanitarian theory removes from pun
seen as a mercy, as in the case of the delivered to the torturers, "till he should ishment the concept of desert. But the
amputating physician. Consider the facts pay all his debt" (Matt. 18:34, RSV). concept of desert is the only connecting
we know: if one accepts the premise of a The severity of the punishment depends link between punishment and justice. It
literal hell and the Bible's evaluation of on the amount of light a person has had is only as deserved or undeserved that a
the apparently irremediable wickedness (Luke 12:47, 48). sentence can be just or unjust. I do not
of the Canaanites and archaeology has here contend that the question 'Is it de
confirmed the moral bankruptcy of Ca- Reform or punishment? served?' is the only one we can reason
naanite culture then God's authoriza But the concept of equivalent punish ably ask about a punishment. We may
tion of their total destruction is justifi ment, or retributive justice, is currently very properly ask whether it is likely to
able, even merciful, in that it entailed under heavy attack. Why punish men in deter others and to reform the criminal.
the least possible amount of suffering for hell when there is no hope of reform? But neither of these two last questions is a
10 MINISTRY/JULY/1990
question about justice. . . . Thus when wrong for the individual to take the law
we cease to consider what the criminal into his own hands. Vengeance belongs
deserves and consider only what will cure to God (Heb. 10:30) and to His dele Retribution is
him or deter others, we have tacitly re gated agents. Although Jesus warned His
moved him from the sphere of justice audience on the mount to "resist not required apart from
altogether. . . .
"Only the expert 'penologist' (let bar
evil" (Matt. 5:39, KJV), yet in Romans
13:4 the governing authority in the land any deterrent or
barous things have barbarous names), in
the light of previous experiment, can tell
is said to be a "minister of God, an
avenger who brings wrath upon the one
curative effect it may
us what is likely to deter; only the psy
chotherapist can tell us what is likely to
who practices evil" (NASB). Civil au
thorities have the right to avenge. But
have*
cure. It will be in vain for the rest of us, Jesus' audience on the mount had no
speaking simply as men, to say, 'but this such authority. The Old Testament law
punishment is hideously unjust, hid of lex. talionis was given as part of the laws
eously disproportionate to the criminal's of the government of the nation of Israel;
deserts.' The experts with perfect logic but the Sermon on the Mount is given to
will reply, 'but nobody was talking about the Jews who have lost their sovereignty
deserts. No one was talking about punish to the Romans.
ment in your archaic, vindictive sense of Therefore, "an eye for an eye" is still a
the word. Here are the statistics proving valid principle of jurisprudence. Indeed,
that this treatment deters. Here are the the lex talionis principle punishment
statistics proving that this other treat commensurate with the crime is actu
ment cures. What is your trouble?' "2 ally reaffirmed in the Sermon on the His justice in requiting the wicked blood
Mount in Matthew 7:1, 2; "Do not for blood (verses 5-7), exclaiming "They
What punishment? judge, or you too will be judged. For in deserve it" (NASB). Note that this pun
Why do sinners deserve punishment? the same way you judge others, you will ishment is purely retributive, not correc
For the same reason that God deserves be judged, and with the measure you use, tive, for at this point in history the
praise. We should not praise God with a it will be measured to you." wicked are beyond repentance (verses 9,
view of receiving some favor, but because The rest of the New Testament also 11); probation has closed. It is clear that
He is what He is. The purpose is not to indicates that God acts in accordance God works on the principle of "an eye for
change God; the praise is not offered as a with the principle of lex talionis. "God is an eye" and that the angels find this
cause to achieve some result; it is simply just," writes Paul. "He will pay back trou praiseworthy.
due. Likewise, Adolf Hitler, for exam ble to those who trouble you" (2 Thess. One last point. The "no-wrath" posi
ple, deserves to suffer for the suffering he 1:6). Note that this "tit for tat" response
tion robs even the biblical statements
has caused others, not to change him, or is considered to be proof of God's justice.
to achieve any result, but simply because Hebrews 2:2, 3 makes the new dispensa about God's love and mercy of all force,
it is due. It is justice. If, in addition, his tion an intensification of the old, where for without wrath, there is no mercy.
suffering has a deterrent effect, or if it "every transgression or disobedience re When a parent serves a child a meal, this
cures him, all the better. But retribution ceived a just retribution" (RSV). Colos- is not a mercy, but a duty. But if the child
is required apart from any deterrent or sians 3:25 and Romans 2:5-11 speak of disobeys, and for punishment is sent to
curative effect it may have. It is the moral payment in kind for one's deeds. The his room without supper, and then the
analogy to the physical law "for every parable of the unmerciful servant con parent relents and serves him a meal in
action there is an equal and opposite re cludes with a retributive judgment that his room, this is mercy, because only
action. " Anyone who works deserves to requires an amount of suffering equiva wrath is to be expected. Thus unless we
receive the wages that he has earned, and lent to the crimes committed: "So angry take seriously the scriptural testimony
the wages of sin is death. was the master that he condemned the about God's wrath, we can discover no
Furthermore, the punishment must man to torture until he should pay the need for His mercy.
match the crime. This is the principle debt in full. And that is how my heavenly It is easy to slip from the truth of "God
behind the law of lex talionis, "an eye for Father will deal with you, unless you each is love" into its counterfeit: "God is
an eye and a tooth for a tooth." I would forgive your brother from your hearts" nice." It seems much safer to serve a tame
argue that this principle is the very es (Matt. 18:34, 35, NEB). God, always gentle, ever the lamb, never
sence in fact, the definition of jus Particularly revealing are the Apoca the lion. But as long as the Bible remains
tice. Unfortunately, a misinterpretation lypse's indications of the behind-the- our creed, this caricature of God must be
of the Sermon on the Mount has led scenes reactions to God's judgments. rejected.
some to regard this principle as an aban The plea for blood vengeance on the part
doned relic of a primitive mentality. of the righteous dead in Revelation 6:9- ^Unless otherwise noted, Bible texts in this article ate
Most scholars (e. g., Joachim Jeremias, 11 is eventually answered in Revelation from the New International Version.
David Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Arthur W. 19:2, where God avenges on Babylon
Pink) agree that Christ, in Matthew "the blood of his servants." After the first 1 Quod Deus Sit Immutabilis 52.
2 C. S. Lewis, "The Humanitarian Theory of
5:38-48, is not setting aside the law of lex three angels have poured out their Punishment," in God in the Dock: Essays on Theol
talionis as a judicial principle, but as a "bowls of God's wrath" upon the earth ogy and Ethics (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1970),
principle of personal vengeance. It is (Rev. 16:1-4), the angels praise God for pp. 287-289.

MINISTRY/JULY/1990 11
True repentance

Neal C. Wilson s many as I love, I re

buke and chasten: be
fession, humiliation, and repentance
that are least understood. In other words,
zealous therefore, three fourths of the conditions are either
and repent" (Rev. vague in the minds of most Christians or
3:19) is the call of the are misunderstood. Is it any wonder,
True Witness to the then, that we have not met the pre
angel of the Laodi scribed conditions and have not received
True repentance cean church. But will the people, repre
sented by the angel, respond to the call?
the power that God is waiting to give us?
In the minds of most people, repen
involves more than As I have pointed out in the past few
months, the message to the Laodicean
tance consists of kneeling at the side of
our beds at the end of the day and asking
confession. It church presents our true condition as a
people. It clearly identifies a twofold
God to forgive us for losing our tempers,
or yelling at our children, or telling a
requires us to admit problem within the church self- partial untruth, or mistreating animal
righteousness, and spiritual blindness to pets, or doing other misdeeds. Although
the darkness of the our true condition. This condition has this is important, how many realize that
depth of our souls. been caused by drifting away from Jesus.
However, the Laodicean condition is not
losing our tempers or telling a lie are
symptoms of a spiritual disease? As long
completely hopeless, for Jesus presents a as we continue to treat only the symp
twofold solution to the problem repen toms, the disease will never be cured!
tance, and a renewal of our relationship When a person has a fever or a headache,
with Him. taking an aspirin may give some relief,
My fellow Laodiceans, I want to speak but this is only treating the symptoms. If
to you now about repentance true re the disease is isolated and treated, the
pentance. One of the steps followed by fever and headache will disappear.
the apostles as they prepared themselves What is true in the physical realm is
for the day of Pentecost was a humbling true also in the spiritual. Confessing the
of themselves in true repentance and the lies we tell and the harshness with which
confession of their unbelief. Ellen White we treat other people is the right thing to
counsels that "the same work, only in do. We must remember, however, that
greater degree, must be done now." 1 we are dealing with the symptoms of the
Neal C. Wilson is the There is no way for us to escape the disease. We must also come to grips with
president of the General
Conference of Seventh'
issue of repentance. Therefore, it is time the disease itself, and then the symptoms
day Adventists. for us, individually and as a church, to will begin to disappear.
humble our hearts before God in true The spiritual disease that has infected
repentance. us is sin, in which we all share. The apos
tle Paul explains how we became sinners,
What is repentance? what our condition is in sin, and how the
Of the four conditions to be met before disease can be overcome.
God will give us the latter rain confes To begin with, Paul tells us that we are
sion, humiliation, repentance, and ear in a sinful state because of the decision of
nest prayer it is the experiences of con Adam, who was the corporate head of
12 MINISTRY/JULY/1990
the human race. One passage that clari condition; there is not one human being derstand what repentance is all about,
fies this for us is Romans 5:12: "Where that is any different from another. nor can we even begin to understand
fore, as by one man sin entered into the My Christian friend, true repentance what righteousness by faith is all about.
world, and death by sin; and so death will take us beyond dealing with the Until we humble ourselves before God
passed upon all men, for that all have symptoms of sin. Please do not misread and admit to Him that our natures are
sinned." me. I do not wish to be misunderstood. evil, it is not likely that we will have any
I have been told by some of our schol Sinful acts that grow out of the presence desire to listen to the counsel the True
ars that this verse is a literary chiasm. A of the carnal nature should be confessed Witness offers to spiritual Laodiceans.
chiasm is a rhetorical inversion of the and forsaken. But true repentance leads us But this is what the Laodicean message is
second of two parallel phrases or clauses to the point at which we will come to all about. We claim to be rich and in
for the purpose of emphasizing a truth. By grips with the fact that the carnal nature creased with goods when all the time we
parallels Paul tells us that by man exists within us. are wretched, miserable, poor, blind,
(Adam) sin entered the world, and as a A sad but graphic illustration of this is and naked. As long as the carnal nature
result, all men sinned. That is, because of the experience of a man who had been dominates our lives, our ears and minds
Adam's sin, all men became sinners. confined in a death camp. Yehiel Dinur will not be attuned to hear the invitation
And since by sin death entered the appeared in an Israeli courtroom to tes to buy the gold tried in the fire, white
world, the result is that death spread to tify against the Nazi leader Adolf Eich- raiment to be clothed, and eyesalve that
all. That is, because sin entered into the mann, who was accused of being a we may see.
world, all human beings die. butcher of humanity. When Dinur saw The apostle Paul warns us: "For they
What Paul is teaching becomes clearer Eichmann, he "suddenly began to cry, that are after the flesh do mind the things
when we recognize that Paul is writing in then fell to the floor. It was not hatred or of the flesh" (Rom. 8:5); "For to be car
terms of corporate identity. This corpo fear which overcame him. He suddenly nally minded is death" (verse 6); and
rate identity is seen clearly in Paul's sum realized that Eichmann was not the su "The carnal mind is enmity against God:
mation of his position in verses 18 and perman that the inmates had feared; he for it is not subject to the law of God,
19: "Therefore as by the offence of one was an ordinary man. Says Dinur: 'I was neither indeed can be" (verse 7).
judgment came upon all men to condem afraid about myself. I saw that I am capa Jesus is the only answer to the carnal
nation [corporate identity]; even so by ble to do this. I am . . . exactly like he!' nature's dominion. Paul cries out: "O
the righteousness of one the free gift Mike Wallace of 60 Minutes told the wretched man that I am! who shall de
came upon all men unto justification of story on TV. He summed it up: 'Eich liver me from the body of this death? I
life [corporate identity]. For as by one mann is in all of us.' " 2 thank God through Jesus Christ our
man's disobedience many were made sin The potential exists within each one Lord" (Rom. 7:24, 25). Ellen White af
ners [corporate identity], so by the obedi of us to do the most inhuman things firms Paul's solution to our problem:
ence of one shall many be made righteous against our fellow human beings. We "You cannot change your heart, you can
[corporate identity]." must be willing to recognize and admit not of yourself give to God its affections;
Now, why spend time, you ask, going this if we are ever going to experience but you can choose to serve Him. You can
through this theological reasoning? Be true repentance. True repentance will give Him your will; He will then work in
cause, my fellow believer, it is by under lead us to humble ourselves before God, you to will and to do according to His
standing what Paul is saying theologi to look Him in the face and admit that we good pleasure. Thus your whole nature
cally that we can understand what our too have the carnal nature. It will lead us will be brought under the control of the
real problem is. Once we understand the to admit to Him that we are capable of Spirit of Christ; your affections will be
problem, we can find the solution that committing the most terrible sins. It will centered upon Him, your thoughts will
God has laid out for us in His Word. lead us to plead with Him to take control be in harmony with Him." 3 Our natures
of our carnal natures and to subdue them must be brought under the control of the
Our real problem and replace them with the character of Spirit of Christ! We must not only be
First of all, the problem is our sinful, or Jesus. revived spiritually, but changed and
carnal, nature, which we have received The admission before God that there sanctified by the power of Jesus and His
as a birthright from Adam. Every human is a power within us that drives us on to Spirit.
being possesses this nature. It is this na sin and rebellion against Him will lead us Beloved, it is time for God's people to
ture that leads us to sin against God. It is to deal more kindly and redemptively humble themselves before Him and ad
the presence of the carnal nature within with our brothers and sisters. When one mit their true condition. We are sinful by
all human beings and what it leads us to of them sins, we will realize that the po nature. The carnal nature has led us to
do that caused Paul to say: "For all have tential exists within us to do the very perform selfish acts to the detriment of
sinned, and come short of the glory of same thing. For we too are children of God's work and to the hurt of His people.
God" (Rom. 3:23). We sin in action be Adam. Have we been quick to judge our brothers
cause we possess a fallen, carnal nature as I ask that we all examine our hearts. and sisters, to speak harsh words of con
a legacy from Adam. We must recognize that the carnal nature demnation, and to spread by mouth and
As the apostle Paul opens his heart to exists within us and be willing to admit print rumors and suspicions? Have we
us, he confesses: "I am carnal, sold under the fact that the potential exists for us to been thoughtless and mean to the mem
sin" (Rom. 7:14). Why is Paul carnal? commit grievous sins. Then we must ask bers of our families and to the members of
He inherited his fallen nature from Fa God to control that evil nature. Until we God's world family? Have we been self-
ther Adam. Who sold him under sin? can humble ourselves before God and ad centered, grasping, and harsh?
Father Adam. We are all in this same mit our true condition, we will not un (Continued on page 29)
MINISTRY/JULY/1990 13
The minister as
a pastor
Norman Miles od has chosen to
give different assign
stances, while also able to see rich possi
bilities. As the late Robert F. Kennedy
ments to those in dif said: "Some men see things as they are
ferent forms of minis and say why. I dream things that never
try. There were the were and say why not." The pastor needs
apostles those sent to see the present clearly yet not be
out directly by Christ blinded to the future.
The physiology of as His ambassadors. There are prophets
those who speak for God and some
When I was growing up I used to hear
old Black preachers talking about the
the pastor should times reveal the future to His people.
Evangelists have as their primary respon
things they saw in their "mind's eye."
They had the facility of seeing beyond
include eyes that sibility the winning of souls and the es
tablishment of churches. And pastors
the limiting realities of the present, the
poverty, pain, and discrimination, to the
take in both the have as their assignment preaching, greater realities and glories of the future.
teaching, nurturing, and encouraging They were able to carry us beyond our
larger picture and the flock. Their assignment to a particu dismal present and enable us to see and
the needs of lar locale is longer term, and they are
identified most closely with the needs
experience those glories with them.
Pastors must have hearts of compassion.
individuals, a heart and aspirations of the people. As such,
they need certain special qualities a
Matthew 9:36 gives us great insight into
the character of Jesus. We are told that
of compassion, and spiritual physiology.
Pastors should have what I call eagle
when Jesus beheld the pitiful, disillu
sioned multitude moving through life
hands that work. eyes. The eagle flies high above the earth,
and so its view takes in great expanses of
without direction or leadership He was
moved with compassion. Pastors should
territory. Yet naturalists tell us that even have hearts that can be moved, hearts that
from the distance of a mile in the sky it can love people, that pity rather than scorn
see a small animal such as a rabbit. them in their all-too-human problems.
Like the eagle, pastors must be able to There are pastors who love projects and
see the big issues of life. Yet they cannot programs but have no love for people.
lose sight of the needs of individuals. Others love to study but have little love for
They must be able to see people as they people. Such individuals have their places
Norman Miles, Ph. D., are, warts and all, and not lose sight of in life, but they shouldn't be pastors. Per
chairs the Department
what they can be by God's grace. They haps they are suited to being builders or
of Christian Ministry at
the Seventh-day Ad- must be able to see present circum librarians, but not pastors. The pastor
ventist Theological Sem
inary, Andrews Univer This article is the sixth in a 10-article series that considers the most vital relationships and
sity, Berrien Springs, responsibilities for which Seventh-day Adventist ministers are accountable. Most of the
Michigan. articles in the series were first delivered as chapel addresses at the Seventh-day Adventist
Theological Seminary, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan. If you receive
Ministry on an every-other-month basis and want to have the full series, send us four
stamped, self-addressed envelopes, and we will send you copies of the intervening articles as
they become available.

14 MINISTRY/JULY/1990
must love people, all kinds of people.
spiritual physiology? How does one ob- - Let me live in my house by the side of
Unfortunately, some ministers see
tain the eyes, heart, and hands of a pas the road
tor? These are not characteristics that
people as stepping-stones to greater pres And be a friend to man.
tige. They are willing to use people as
come to any of us naturally. The apostle
long as they can help them fulfill their
Paul is a good example of how we can In a poem entitled "Crowded Ways of
develop these characteristics. When we Life" Walter S. Gresham took issue with
ambitions. For such ministers, people are
pawns in a game to be manipulated and
first meet him, as Saul of Tarsus, he is a the thoughts Foss had expressed:
controlled but not understood or loved.
bigoted, inflexible Pharisee with an in 'Tis only a half truth the poet has sung
Pastors must be willing to try to under
difference to the needs of individuals and Of the "house by the side of the way."
stand their people, though they are not
a streak of cruelty. Years later we meet Our Master had neither a house nor a
him as the apostle Paul, a sensitive pastor
always easy to love or understand. And home,
because sometimes the saints are anywho for three years labored with tears for But He walked with the crowd day by
thing but saintly, pastors must be willing
the people of Ephesus. The great change day.
to forgive. Being willing to forgive is par
in Paul's life took place when Jesus be And I think, when I read of the poet's
came a real, personal Saviour to him.
ticularly important when you are right or desire,
have the advantage. It is not easy to beThe same is true with us. The first step That a house by the road would be
forgiving under such circumstances, but
to fulfilling the role of pastor is learning to good;
when you think about how much God know Jesus as a personal Saviour. When But service is found in its tenderest
through Christ has forgiven you, howJesus becomes real to us, when He is not form
can you help being forgiving? just a sermon topic, when we see Him as When we walk with the crowd in the
Pastors must also be willing to ask for
our Saviour, our ministry will change. In road.
giveness. They are as human as anyone
fact, we cannot really pastor until we our
selves have drunk of the waters of salva
else, and there are times when they need So I say, Let me walk with them in the
to ask forgiveness. Some believe that a
tion to which we are trying to lead others. road,
frank admission of a mistake and a re Second, we must read widely and come Let me seek out the burdens that
quest for forgiveness is a sign of weakness.
in contact with the great minds of the crush,
centuries. When Paul wrote Timothy dur
In reality, the ability to ask for and accept Let me speak a kind word of good cheer
ing his last imprisonment, he asked Timo
forgiveness is a sign of true strength, a to the weak
sign that one understands what religion
thy to bring his books when he came to see Who are falling behind in the rush.
is all about. him. Paul's books were so important to There are wounds to be healed, there
him that even though he had little time
Finally, a pastor may have great in are breaks we must mend,
sight and a compassionate heart, butleft to live, he wanted to read and grow. There's a cup of cold water to give;
these mean little if he or she doesn't have
We need to learn to read widely, not And the man in the road by the side of
merely focusing on things that we feel will
the hands of a worker. This is just a sim his friend
make good preaching material. Wide
ple way of saying that pastors must be Is the man who has learned to live.
involved in the lives of their members.
reading helps us understand human nature
Too many pastors are preaching sermons
better. It helps us see beyond the narrow Then tell me no more of the house by
that lack relevance because they don't
confines of our personal experience. See the road;
really know their members and the prob
ing the world through the eyes of others There is only one place I can live
lems their members face every day. Dr.
enriches us and places us in a position It's there with the men who are toiling
Harry Emerson Fosdick was once askedwhere we can enrich our fellows. along,
why he spent so much time counseling Finally, one really becomes a pastor by Who are needing the cheer I can give.
when as a pastor of the prestigious River
ministering to people. By meeting them in It is pleasant to live in the house by the
side Church he could have had staff crises and sharing their joys and sorrows. way
members counsel and could have de By walking with them, identifying with And be a friend, as the poet has said;
voted his time to sermon preparation.
them, and being one of them rather than But the Master is bidding us: "Bear ye
"Why,"he replied, "if I didn't counsel, I
merely directing them. Many years ago, their load,
wouldn't know what my people's needsinspired by a saying of Homer, Sam Walter For your rest waiteth yonder ahead."
are or how to preach to them." Foss wrote the poem "The House by the
Side of the Road." In it Foss expressed a
We can't afford to remain in an ivory I could not remain in the house by the
tower. We must visit people, be withdesire to have a house by the side of the road
them, touch them touch them in joy road to shelter wounded humanity. In the And watch as the toilers go on,
last verse of his poem he declared:
and sorrow, touch them in triumph and Their faces beclouded with pain and
tragedy, touch them in pleasure and Let me live in my house by the side of with sin,
pain, touch them in wisdom and igno the road So burdened their strength nearly
rance. The pastor with a worker's handsWhere the race of men go by; gone.
knows the importance of visiting parishThey are good, they are bad, they are I'll go to their side, I'll speak in good
ioners and does not fear getting involved weak, they are strong, cheer,
in the problems of the people. Wise, foolish so am I. I'll help them to carry their load;
Then why should I sit in the scomer's And I'll smile at the man in the house
Acquiring pastoral physiology seat by the way,
How, then, does one acquire such a Or hurl the cynic's ban? (Continued on page 29)
MINISTRY/JULY/1990 15
Family planning
forbidden practice?
7

Luka Tambaya o highlight the im

portance of looking
lessness was going to result in severe trou
bles. But secondarily, we can see that His
Daniel ahead and counting
the cost of becoming
instructions indicate that prospective
parents should take circumstances into
His followers, Christ consideration when they are thinking
drew illustrations about bringing children into the world.
from everyday life In a similar vein to the message that
(Luke 14:28-32). In doing so, He under came to Jeremiah, Jesus, foreseeing the
scored the need for planning in all as misery that would befall the city of Jerus
The claims of some pects of the Christian life. But some
Christians are not sure of the morality of
alem in A.D. 70, lamented, "Woe unto
them that are with child, and to them
that practicing birth family planning, or planned parenthood.
Let's look at several of the objections that
that give suck in those days!" (Matt.
24:19). In fact, Luke 23:29 records an
control violates are raised against this practice and con
sider whether it accords with biblical in
even stronger statement: "Behold, the
days are coming, in the which they shall
Bible principles do structions regarding the Christian's life. say, Blessed are the barren, and the

not hold up. In fact, "Multiply and replenish the earth"

wombs that never bare, and the paps
which never gave suck."
family planning Twice during the early period of hu
man history God specifically instructed
We may not be directly facing the dire
events that Jeremiah and Jesus spoke of,
comprises a part of human beings to "be fruitful, and multi
ply, and replenish the earth" (Gen. 1:28;
but the lesson that we should take cir
cumstances into account in planning our
the Christian's see also Gen. 9:7). In the light of these
commands, some ask how anyone can
families certainly applies. The economic
situation in the world, especially in the
relating responsibly advocate population control. One won so-called Third World, daily emphasizes
ders what would have happened if sin had that Earth cannot sustain its exploding
to this world. not come and none of Adam and Eve's population. On July 13, 1987, the
offspring had died. Would human beings United Nations Fund for Population Ac
today even have had a place to stand on tivities (UNFPA) proclaimed baby
this earth? Perhaps in those circum Matej Caspar of the northern city of Za
stances God would have limited the pop greb, Yugoslavia, to be the 5 billionth
Luka Tambaya Daniel, ulation either by sterilizing the men or citizen of this planet. Mate] was only one
the secretary of the Ni
"closing the wombs" of the women. of the estimated 240 babies per minute or
gerian Union Mission of
Seventh-day Adventists, But in this less-than-ideal world, God 340,000 a day that were born that year. l
Lagos, Nigeria, is the has left us to do for ourselves what He Another source reveals that the 4 bil
happy father of three may have otherwise done for us. When lionth child was born in 1975, and it says
lovely children. Judah was facing national destruction that if the present population growth rate
and long exile, God instructed Jeremiah were no more than maintained, the 6
not to marry and have children. Primar billionth child will be born by the year
ily God's instruction to Jeremiah in 2000. 2
volved a message He wished him to com The size of the earth's population is
municate to His people: their faith alarming, since three quarters of the sur-

16 MINISTRY/JULY/1990
face of the earth is water and humans Gen. 38:24; Jephthah's mother, Judges tainted with racism and elitism. She is
share the rest with deserts, forests, 11:1-4; and Hosea's wife, Hosea 1:2) as quoted as saying, "More children from
mountains, plants, and animals- Com rewards from God. the fit; less from the unfit; that is the
pounding the problem, the United Na In other words, even today many a chief aim of birth control," and "birth
tions Food and Agriculture Organiza virtuous married woman has prayed for a control, to create a race of
tion's world survey found that land child but has received none. And many thoroughbreds." In the mind of this
degradation could reduce food produc prostitutes, single girls, and jilted lovers Irish American, the unfit members of so
tion over the long haul by nearly 20 per some of whom even pray that they do ciety were the Blacks, Mexican-
cent if conservation measures are not not become pregnant end up with un Americans, Jews, Indians, Spanish- and
taken some 544 million hectares (2.1 wanted children. Children may be, but Italian-Americans, the poor, the illiter
millionsquare miles) of essential rain-fed are not necessarily, blessings from the ates, the handicapped, and the crimi
crop lands could be lost. 4 Thus this orga Lord. nals. She advocated that all these should
nization's ambition to provide food for all Nor does a "full quiver" necessarily be eliminated by a massive sterilization
by the year 2000 seems a mere mirage. make a happy family. Solomon, for program she herself described as "polite
When at the beginning of human his whom it is believed Psalm 127 was writ genocide" a dehumanizing program
tory God instructed Adam and Noah to ten, certainly knew by experience that that Hitler's Nazi Germany later
populate the earth, the problem of the having many children does not guaran adopted. 7
time was lack of people. That instruction tee the happiness and security of the The unpalatable early history of mod
does not speak to our time when the home. As a member of the large family of ern family planning'has made many in
problem is that of overpopulation. King David (1 Chron. 3:1-9), he saw the Third World suspect that the richer
how the happiness of the royal family was countries prefer promoting birth control
"Children are a blessing from the marred by Amnon's rape of his half sister to providing funds to combat hunger in
Lord" Tamar and Absalom's consequent mur the poorer nations. But whatever ulte
One of the texts grossly misused by der of the former (2 Sam. 13:1-13). Sol rior motives may have crept into family
opponents of family planning is Psalm omon also witnessed Absalom's attempt planning, the fact remains that prevail
127:3-5: "Lo, children are an heritage of to steal the throne from his father (2 ing social and economic realities world
the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his Sam. 15:1-13). It took a bitter civil war wide prove that the scheme is necessary.
reward. As arrows are in the hand of a and the life of Absalom before David
mighty man; so are children of the youth. could be restored to his throne. So a "God will provide!"
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full home full of children does not guarantee Opponents of family planning usually
of them: they shall not be ashamed, but happiness and security. attempt to close the discussion with the
they shall speak with the enemies in the short but pious clause "God will pro
gate." Is birth control murder or vide." Some quote texts like Psalm
No one can refute the truism that chil infanticide? 37:25, in which David states that he
dren are a blessing from the Lord. Chil Some people say that birth control never saw "the righteous forsaken, nor
dren like Isaac (Gen. 22:1-9), Moses breaks the sixth commandment, "Thou his seed begging bread," and Matthew
(Heb. 11:23-39), Timothy (2 Tim. 1:5), shalt not kill." Birth control does not 6:27, 31-34, where Christ rebukes-those
Mary (Luke 1:26-35), and the four necessarily involve the loss of human who are "anxious about tomorrow"
daughters of Philip (Acts 21:8, 9), to life. It may simply attempt to prevent the (RSV).
mention but a few, were a blessing to formation of life and when life is not I agree with David. I too have never
their homes and society. yet formed, there can be no death or mur seen the "righteous forsaken, nor his seed
But are all children a blessing or a re der. (Since abortion involves a life al begging bread." This is because a righ
ward from the Lord? The word blessing ready begun, the Seventh-day Adventist teous person takes the Bible seriously and
generally implies something that brings Church generally opposes this practice works hard to earn a living (Prov. 31:27;
happiness to the recipient. What happi except in certain instances. 5 It does not ICor. 4:12; IThess. 4:11, 12). Accord
ness does a rebellious child bring to its regard abortion as an acceptable method ing to Proverbs 20:4, it is the sluggard
parents? According to Deuteronomy of birth control.) who begs for a living.
21:18-21, a child that was a stubborn Others suggest that God killed Onan But in Matthew 6:27-34 Jesus was not
rebel, a glutton, and a drunkard, was to for practicing one of the natural methods encouraging His followers to spend their
be stoned to death. I do not see that as a of birth control, "coitus interruptus" time in idleness. He was rebuking those
"blessing" or a "happy" affair. (Gen. 38:10). But verses 8 and 9 reveal who make riches or food their objects of
Similarly, I wish every "fruit of the that God punished Onan not because of preoccupation or indeed their gods (see
womb" were God's reward rather than the method he used but because of the also 1 Tim. 6:9, 10 and Phil. 3:19). That
simply a natural result of the operation of purpose for which he used it to avoid is why Jesus concluded His rebuke by say
the law of cause and effect. But I do not having a child who would be legally his ing, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God,
see that the reason women like Sarah and deceased brother's according to the law and his righteousness; and all these
Elizabeth were barren most of their lives of the levirate (see Deut. 25:5, 6). God things shall be added unto you."
was that they were such sinners that God was not prohibiting birth control per se. So neither of the texts with which we
would not "reward" them with "the fruit It is true that Margaret Sanger (1883- started this section suggests that God is
of the womb." Nor, on the other hand, 1966), the pioneer of modern family ready to do for us what we can do for
can I regard the children of harlots, adul planning organizations, made state ourselves. They do not, in any way, en
teresses, and fornicators (like Tamar, ments that suggest that her motives were courage people who know they cannot
MINISTRY/JULY/1990 17
care for many children to go ahead and of children to be born is not only a per
bring them into the world only to suffer. sonal matter; their choice affects society,
Ironically, some of the people who advo too. An expert rightly stated that "when
cate the mass production of children turn many couples decide to have large fami
around and blame God for not alleviat lies, even wealthy countries like the
ing their suffering. United States cannot keep up with the
rapidly increasing needs of public
How many children? services." n
I do not wish to legislate how many Ironically, it is usually the poor individ
children a Christian couple should have. uals in each country and the poor coun
The choice is primarily the couple's, to tries in the world that delight in mass pro
be made on the basis of certain factors duction of children. It is rather
that each couple should consider before unfortunate, since it is reported that these
having children. I would say the first fac poor countries, found in Asia, Africa, and
tor to consider is the health of the Latin America, make up 75 percent of the Layer upon layer
mother-to-be and of the unborn child, world's population, but produce only 50
since childbearing poses some hazards. percent of the world's food. 12 of upright,
Too many women today become very If these poorer families and poorer petrified stumps...
sickly during their later years because of countries do not want to starve or beg for
bearing many children. They often look a living from the richer ones, then they
older than their age. Some die too early should embrace family planning ideals. 13 Do these apparently
to watch their children grow to maturity, Planned parenthood allows couples to successive layers of forests
while others meet their untimely death choose the number of children they have require tens of thousands of
at childbirth. without coercion either natural or offi years of geological history?
Chief A. Fajobi, the executive director cial. (China's population of 1 billion has
of Planned Parenthood Federation of Ni forced that nation to enact a law making
geria (PPFN), said, "Medically, it is dan it a crime for any Chinese couple to have "Mount St. Helens and
gerous for the health of the mother and more than two children.) 14 Spirit Lake" a program
child if childbirth is too early (before the In conclusion, the proper training of consisting of SO color
age of 18 years), when the body though and care for our children is a sacred obli slides and a script, tells
matured is not strong enough to shoulder gation. It affects both our own souls and why the answer is no!
the physical burden of childbirth; too fre those of our children. Hence the need for This program, which reveals
quent (ideal gap is a two- to three-year proper planning. The seriousness of the the results of the Loma
interval); too many (two or three children matter is underscored in 1 Timothy 5:8 as Linda University Geosclence
are ideal); and too late (after the age of 35 follows: "If anyone does not provide for Research Institute's studies
years), when the body is too frail to bear his relatives, and especially for his imme of the aftermath of the vol
the burden of childbirth." 9 diate family, he has denied the faith and canic explosion of Mount St
Next the couple should consider is worse than an unbeliever" (NIV). Helens on May 18, 1980,
whether they are able to provide the ne will strengthen faith In the
cessities of life for the offspring they bring 1 "World's 5 Billionth Baby Born in Zagreb," biblical account of Creation
into the world. These necessities include
National Concord (Nigeria), July 13, 1987, p. 12.
2 Winthrop P. Carty, "Sustainable Develop
and the Flood.
caring for their physical needs such as ment, " Neiv African, January 1989, p. 39.
providing shelter, food, clothing, and 1 Mitchell Beazley, Anatomy of the Earth (Lon
health-care. Ellen G. White said that par
don: Mitchell Beazley Encyclopaedia Limited, US$14.50 per program, plus
1980), p. 90.
4 Carty, p. 29. US$2.50for shipping and
ents "have no right to bring children into handling (airmail extra).
5 Myron Widmer, "The Church on Abortion:
the world to be a burden to others," adding Current Suggested Guidelines," Adventist Review, Adventist institutions and
that parents who do so "commit a crime in Sept. 25, 1986, pp. 14, 15. See also J. David New- overseas divisions may send
bringing children into the world to suffer man's editorial in this issue of Ministry. purchase orders and uM be
for want of proper care, food, and
6 Michael Golden, A!! Kinds of Family Planning bitted/or the cost of shipping.
(Ibadan, Nigeria: African Universities Press,
clothing." 10 1981), p. 79. For more information, call (3O1)
7 ftid.,pp. 79, 80. 68O-65O8.
But the necessities of life involve more
8 Ifcid.,p. 125.
as well: education, training (Prov. 22:6), 9 "Getting Babies by Choice," Times Interna Order AfSC 4300, "Mount St
and the close personal attention children tional (Nigeria), May 27, 1985, p. 9. Helens and Spirit Lake," from:
need. Each parent has only so much love 10 Ellen G. White, The Adventist Home (Nash AWPS
ville: Southern Pub. Assn., 1952), pp. 164, 165.
to share. The fewer the children, the eas 11 "Planned Parenthood," Family Health Guide 12501 OtdCotumbiaPIke
ier it is to distribute that love fairly. Re and Medical Encyclopaedia (Pleasantville, N.Y.: SOver Spring. MD 20904
member the witty saying, "Small is beau Reader's Digest Association, Inc., 1970), p. 776.
tiful, and the fewer, the merrier."
12 Adetayo Ogunkoya, "Nigeria Just Must Fight ABerviceofthe
Down Population Pressure," Sunday Times (Nige General Conference Ministerial
Finally, the couple should consider ria), Mar. 23, 1986, p. 5.
13 For more information on family planning and Supply Center
not only their own circumstances but
on methods of birth control, interested readers can
also those of the society of which they are call at a family planning center.
a part. The parents' choice of the number 14 Ogunkoya.

18 MINISTRY/JULY/1990
Editorials

Provisional statement
on abortion

T
he General Confer' want to accept responsibility for the pro express its commitment to the value of hu
ence Christian View tection of prenatal human life while also man life. These ways should include: (a)
of Human Life Com preserving the personal liberty of educating both genders concerning Chris
mittee, which was women. In the 1970s the Seventh-day tian principles of human sexuality, (b)
assigned to hammer Adventist Church issued guidelines con strengthening human relationships, (c)
out a consensus on cerning abortion. More recently the emphasizing responsibility of the male and
abortion, has just need to clarify, revise, and expand these female for family planning, (d) calling
concluded its third meeting. The com guidelines has become evident, as the both to be responsible for the conse
mittee is releasing the statement repro church attempts to follow Scripture, quences of behaviors that are inconsistent
duced below and is calling for the reac and to provide moral guidance while re with Christian principles, (e) creating a
tion of all interested parties. specting individual conscience. Advent- safe climate for ongoing discussion of the
As a committee we wrestled with how ists want to relate to the question of abor moral questions associated with abortion,
to balance a high concern for life with tion in ways that reveal our faith in God (f) offering support and assistance to
the need to consider the less-than-ideal as the Creator and Sustainer of all life women who choose to complete crisis
condition of this fallen world. Are there and in ways that reflect our Christian pregnancies, and (g) encouraging and as
parallels between abortion and slavery? responsibility and freedom. Though sisting fathers to participate responsibly in
God never intended that His free moral honest differences on the question of the parenting of their children. The
agents become enslaved to other human abortion exist among Adventists, the church also should commit itself to assist
beings. Neither did He wish us to take following statement represents an at ing in alleviating the unfortunate social,
innocent human life. But God works tempt to express consensus on a number economic, and psychological factors that
through as well as above culture. He gave of major points: may lead to abortion and to caring redemp-
laws to the Israelites concerning how 1. Prenatal human life is a magnifi tively for those suffering the consequences
they should treat slaves. I am opposed to cent gift of God. God's ideal for human of individual choices on this issue.
the taking of innocent life. But must I, beings affirms the sanctity of human life 4. We do not condone abortion for
can I, impose that belief on people who (in the image of God) and requires re reasons of convenience or birth control.
view abortion as the lesser of two evils ?spect for prenatal life. However, deci However, we recognize that there are ex
While the church should uphold the sions about life must be made in the con ceptional circumstances in which abor
sanctity of life, should it also give sometext of a fallen world. Abortion is never tion may be considered. These circum
guidance to those who feel that bearing a an action of little moral consequence. stances may include significant threats to
live child is an impossible option? Thus prenatal life must not be thought the pregnant woman's life or physical or
Read these guidelines carefully. If youlessly destroyed. Abortion should be per mental health, severe congenital defects
have concerns about sections of this formed only for the most serious reasons. carefully diagnosed in the fetus, and
statement, write to me and explain how 2. Abortion is one of the tragic dilem pregnancy resulting from rape or incest.
you would reword it. The committee's mas of our fallenness. The church should After appropriate consultation, includ
next meeting is October 14-16, offer gracious support to those who face ing careful weighing of the welfare of the
1990. J. David Newman. personally the decision of abortion. At fetus and the mother, the final decision
titudes of condemnation are inappropri regarding termination of the pregnancy
A Seventh-day Adventist Statement of ate in those who have accepted the gos should be made by the pregnant woman.
Consensus on Abortion pel. As Christians, we are commissioned She should be aided in her decision by
(Preliminary) to become a loving, caring community of accurate information, biblical princi
Many contemporary societies have faith that assists those in crisis as alterna ples, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
faced conflict over the morality of tives are considered. 5. As Christians, we acknowledge our
abortion. Such conflict also has affected 3. In practical, tangible ways, the accountability to God and seek balance
large numbers within Christianity who church as a supportive community should between the exercise of individual liberty
MINISTRY/JULY/1990 19
and our accountability to the faith com the teaching of Scripture. nently, for the land is Mine; for you are
munity and the larger society. Attempts to strangers and sojourners with Me," He
coerce women to remain pregnant or to 1 Abortion, as understood in this document, is said (Lev. 25:23, NKJV).
terminate pregnancy should be rejected as defined as any action aimed at the termination of a The effect of this system was to decree
pregnancy already established. This is distin
infringements of personal freedom. guished from contraception, which is intended to that no matter how bad you "blew it" in
6. Church institutions should be pro prevent a pregnancy. The focus of the document is your business dealings, your fate was not
vided with guidelines that will assist on abortion. to be left up to your peers and competi
2 The fundamental perspective of this consen
them in developing their own institu sus statement is taken from a broad study of Scrip tors. No. It rested in the hands of God.
tional policies regarding abortion. Per ture. Among the important biblical passages that And God would always give you, or your
sons having a religious or ethical objec inform this perspective are the following: Genesis descendants, a chance to start over again
tion to abortion should not be required to 1-3; Exodus 19-21; Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalms from square one.
19; 36; 104; and 139; Jeremiah 1:1-5 and 20:14-18;
participate in their performance. Matthew 10:29-31; 18:2-14; 19:1-6; and 25:40-45; Sure there would be suffering along
7. Church members should be en Mark 10:1-12; Luke 1; 2; John 5:39, 40; 8:1-11; the way, and it would be difficult to start
couraged to participate in the ongoing 10:10; 11:25; 14:6; 17:3; Acts 17:27, 28; Romans over again from scratch. But you would
1:19, 20; 12:1, 2; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Galatians 6:2;
consideration of our moral responsibili Ephesians 4:31-5:3; Philippians 2:3-7; 1 Peter 2:9, always know that though you had failed,
ties with regard to abortion in the light of 10; Revelation 14-15. in God's sight you were not a failure.
That you were not worth any less than

Jubilate!
your neighbor. That God still had an in
heritance for you to claim.
Such a thought ought to put a spring in
the step and straighten the stature of any
man or woman. It ought to make us not

T
he gruff words and lot to do with how you represent Him to only confident but jubilant in our God.
screams of pain com those around you. If you see Him as a If only Mrs. G had seen God in that
ing from the wom stern disciplinarian intent on exacting light. She might have had more success
en's restroom be His pound of flesh for every fault, you in reclaiming her children and their chil
trayed the fact that may end up portraying Him to others af dren for God.
Mrs. G's grand ter the manner of Mrs. G. But it is If only you and I could see God in that
daughter must have equally fallacious to portray Him as an light, and remember Him in that way
wiggled in the pew one too many times imperturbable observer who doesn't care when it comes time to deal with people
again. As a boy I often observed Mrs. G whether we succeed or fail in our walk who we believe have "let God down."
at church. (I don't remember her real with Him. How do we treat church members who
name. She lives vividly in my memory, have repeatedly made a failure of their
though as Mrs. Grim!) Allowing for failure attempts to serve God? Maybe they've
No one seemed to know her very well. I've become deeply impressed recently come to church for a while, then started
Probably because you couldn't catch her with the amount of emphasis the Bible spending their time at a bar or nightclub
eye to strike up a conversation. She was gives one particular characteristic of God: instead. How do we treat them when
always too busy frowning at the floor. His willingness to accept and work with they come back maybe with alcohol on
Since her own daughter or son no human frailty and failing. Of course, the their breath? The first or second time it's
longer attended church, Mrs. G had first example of this is found in Genesis 3. OK we welcome them with open arms.
taken it upon herself to make sure that Another good example is seen in God's But how about the sixteenth or seven
her grandchildren learned religion. Of patience with Abraham's repeated at teenth time? Isn't it about time by then
ten she marshaled the boy and girl, who tempts to answer his own prayers. And of that we start ministering God's displea
appeared to be about 3 and 4 years old, course, the New Tes sure to them by not accepting and help
into the pew directly behind the one tament has its stories ing them any more ?
where my family sat, so I was painfully of the prodigal's fa Or is it possible that the message God
aware of each slap, fillip, and rebuke the ther, and Christ's ac would really want us to portray is what
children endured. ceptance of Peter He portrayed in the jubilee system:
It didn't surprise me when the children even after the disciple There are evil consequences for mis
quit coming to church. I wonder whether denied his Lord. But it takes. You will suffer for what you have
they have been able yet to begin to think is the jubilee system done. But if you will return to Me, I still
of religion or God without feeling a knot described in Leviticus hold out to you the eternal inheritance
in their stomachs. Do they continue to 25 that brings God's that is only Mine to give.
live in fear that God will respond to their accepting, forgiving And what about the way we treat our
Kenneth R.Wade
every misstep with summary justice? attitude down to the selves? How do you feel when you have
Some people see God that way. Others life of the common person. let God down? Discouragement is one of
see Him as a laissez-faire benefactor In instituting this system that assured Satan's sharpest tools. But it cannot
whose strongest response to our bum that a family's property would return to it pierce the armor of jubilation.
bling rebelliousness is an amused every fiftieth year, God made it plain Wherever you are in your walk with
chuckle. that the basis of this plan lay in the fact God, reconsider God's jubilee message.
How does God respond to human fail that He was the ultimate owner of every Then jubilate in Him! Kenneth R.
ure? Your answer to that question has a thing. "The land shall not be sold perma- Wade.
20 MINISTRY/JULY/1990
Pastor's ljastor

Sermons preached but

not delivered
Floyd Bresee

eeling lazy, the pa Let's look at four criteria of Good style is thought-provoking
perboy dumps his preaching style. Watch your congregation as they fill
bag of newspapers in out some form or survey in church. A few
the garbage can Good style is clear will do it in an instant. Others will take
rather than taking The sermon is a telescope, not a kalei 10 times as long. Remember that they
them to his subscrib doscope. The latter draws attention to listen to your sermon in the same way.
ers. Have the papers the bright bits of glass within itself. The Some take 10 times as long as others to
been delivered? He's gotten them off his former draws attention to that which is grasp an idea or think something
hands. But a thing is not really delivered beyond itself. One you look at. The other through. One is bored with your idea be
until it has gotten into the hands of the you look through. fore another has even caught it.
person for whom it was intended. Edward Everett was the principal How do you preach to both in the same
Many sermons we preach never really speaker at the dedication of the cemetery sermon? Bring out a meaning of the idea,
get "delivered." We have gotten them at Gettysburg. He was a stylish elocu but not the whole meaning. Don't lay out
out of our system, off our hands. But, tionist. He spoke flawlessly, without the ramifications so completely that you
perhaps because of the way we worded notes, for two hours, climaxing with leave no thinking for the listeners. Predi-
what we had to say, they didn't get into "Wheresoever throughout the civilized gested food is unappetizing. The beauty
the minds of those for whom they were world the accounts of the great warfare of Jesus' parables is that a meaning is al
intended. They were preached, but not are read, and down to the latest period of most instantly clear, but the whole
delivered. recorded time, in the glorious annals of meaning is practically unfathomable.
Carpenters build houses. They ought our common country there will be no Relevance is not the responsibility of
to have considerable knowledge about brighter page than that which relates the the speaker alone. Lackadaisical listeners
the principles of house construction. But battles of Gettysburg." Beautiful. Im may try to lay guilt trips on preachers by
they also need to know something about pressive. But Lincoln's Gettysburg ad asking, "How does that apply to me?"
hammers and saws. Without those tools dress, which followed Everett's, has had Preachers ought sometimes to shrug their
their knowledge will never get applied to far more impact on the world. Lincoln shoulders and reply, "How should I
houses. said almost the same thing, but so simply know?" Preaching should always be prac
Similarly, preachers ought to have and clearly: "The world . . . can never tical and relevant, yet only the worship
considerable knowledge of theology, Bi forget what they did here." ers can determine its relevance to their
ble truth. But they shouldn't consider Clever is good, but clear is essential. If individual lives. Prime their pumps, but
language unimportant. Language is the you can be both clear and clever, great. don't do all their thinking for them.
means by which they apply their knowl But never sacrifice clarity for cleverness.
edge. Speak to be understood rather than to be Good style is natural
When we talk about the use of lan admired. Bathe your heart in the Holy Spirit so
guage in preaching, we're talking about you have something helpful to say. Per
style. Webster says style is the "mode of Good style is accurate meate your mind with good literature so
expressing thought in language." Style is Since they deal with such grand issues, you develop the vocabulary and use of
often associated with dress. Style is not preachers tend to overstate. People don't language to say it well. Then step into
the woman, but the way she's dressed. like that. In particular, watch out for-est. the pulpit and speak it naturally.
People judge a woman by her dress. In Not everything you talk about is the old Either too ornate or too poor a use of
preaching, style is not the idea or truth est, biggest, or greatest. After you've ex language attracts attention to itself and
you present, but the way you express it. aggerated the earthly, people tend to as away from your message. So the best style
People judge an idea by the way it's ex sume you're still exaggerating when you is usually that which your audience notices
pressed. speak of the heavenly. least!
MINISTRY/JULY/1990 21
Health and Religion

Sleep
Galen C, Bosley

n February 19, 1985, would admit to dozing off on most night pression, and inability to maintain focus
China Airlines trips, while another 59 percent admitted on a task. Perceptiveness also decreases,
Flight 006 left to at least one dozing-off period some as do cognitive reasoning abilities and
Taipei, Taiwan, for time on the job. No daytime engineers psychomotor capabilities.
an 11-hour trip to admitted to dozing off on most trips, but Sleep loss also affects physical capabil
Los Angeles, Cali 23 percent had done so at least once on a ities, such as the ability to make fine
fornia. About nine day trip. hand movements and focus the eyes. It
and a-half hours into the flight the num A leading sleep researcher stated-re leads to increased sensitivity to pain, re
ber 4 engine lost power, and the flight cently that more accidents occur from duced muscle tone and strength, in
crew began to try to restore power. While sleepiness than alcohol consumption. creased reaction time, and difficulty
they were concentrating on that task, Single-vehicle, air transport, and mili maintaining good posture. If sleep depri
the captain failed to monitor his instru tary accidents have a greater probability vation continues long enough, death re
ments properly, and the plane rolled over of occurring at night. Flight simulation sults. Studies conducted on rats have
and began a nosedive toward the ocean. studies have shown that a pilot's ability shown that when body temperature be
The plane fell from 41,000 to 9,500 feet to fly a simulator may be impaired at gins to drop dramatically because of sleep
before the captain managed to regain night as much as it would be by a blood loss, death occurs within days, even if the
control. The plane sustained severe alcohol level of 0.05 percent. animals are allowed to resume sleeping.
structural damage, and two passengers Sleep is important no one will deny Recent sleep research indicates that it
were seriously injured during the inci that. But in the midst of a hectic sched is not only how many hours you sleep but
dent, which exposed the plane to a force ule, when there is more to do than there also the regularity of your sleeping sched
five times that of normal gravity. is time to do it, it is tempting to begin to ule and the duration of the sleeping pe
Lack of sleep or irregularity of sleeping think of sleep time as lost time. So many riod that allow you to get the benefit you
hours may have been an important factor try to get by with less hours in bed by need from sleep.
in this incident. The pilot lost control of staying up late or geting up early, then
his plane during hours when, for the past trying to make up for the lost sleep time What happens when you sleep
six days, he had been asleep. with hurried catnaps. Sleep is by no means a passive wasting
At 3:58 a.m. on April 13, 1984, two of time. Sleep time is divided into two
freight trains sped toward one another on Effects of sleep loss main divisions: rapid-eye-movement
the same track. In the cab of Burlington But the effects of cutting back too far (REM) sleep and non-rapid-eye-
Extra 6714 the engineer and other crew on sleep time soon become evident. The movement (NREM) sleep. NREM sleep
members had fallen asleep. The two effects are most readily evident in small is further subdivided into stages 1, 2, 3,
trains collided head-on near Wiggins, children. We've all watched crankiness and 4, with increasing numbers repre
Colorado, destroying seven locomotives and sibling fighting increase when chil senting deeper sleep. Stages 3 and 4 are
and killing five crew members. dren miss their naptimes on a busy day. called slow-wave sleep (SWS), or deep
Investigators cited irregular shifts and Adults are better at masking their hos sleep. Each of these divisions of sleep is
crew members' decisions not to sleep dur tility. Nonetheless, the psychological ef an active physiological process.
ing their off time as contributing factors. fects of sleep deprivation include in REM and NREM sleep each has its
A questionnaire filled out by 1,000 creased irritability, anger and antisocial own physiological functions. A typical
train engineers revealed that 11 percent behavior, and the breakdown of normal night's sleep is made up of four to six
ego defense mechanisms. Without approximately 90-minute cycles that be
Galen C. Bosky, D.H.Sc., R.D., is a enough sleep, people generally become gin in stage 1, then proceed to deeper and
science research associate in the Department more serious, listless, and grim. Sponta deeper sleep, then to less-deep sleep,
of Health and Temperance of the General neity disappears, and extended sleep loss then to REM, then back through the se
Conference of Seventh'day Adventists. can lead to disorientation, paranoia, de ries like this: stage 1, 2, 3, 4, 3, 2, REM,
22 MINISTRY/jULY/1990
2, 3, 4, 3, 2. As the night progresses, the and for longer periods than younger
amount of SWS decreases and REM in adults.
creases. As morning approaches, stage 4, Studies have revealed that the average Allowing your body
and sometimes stage 3, are eliminated North American and European sleeps
from the cycle. seven to eight hours per night. A recent to determine how
Apparently REM sleep is involved study of 12 European countries and the
with mental processing of new informa United States showed that 25.3 percent much sleep you need
tion, the transfer of material from short- of men and 29.1 percent of women slept can help prevent
term to long-term memory, and in some less than seven hours per night, whereas
way with the control of what is called 14.6 perecent of men and 13.7 percent of
women slept longer than nine hours.
chronic sleep
animal motivate drive behavior. Trans
lated into common terms, this means
Most people sleep longer on weekends, deprivation.
which indicates that they may be depriv
that animals deprived of REM sleep show
ing themselves of needed sleep during
increased sexual drive, sexual deviance, the workweek.
pleasure and food seeking, and decreased Perhaps the best way to determine the quality of sleep. It disrupts the cycles
grooming. REM sleep is also important how much sleep is enough for you is to go of sleep stages and inhibits REM sleep.
in many bodily functions because it af to bed early enough to awaken naturally Even moderate levels of prenatal alcohol
fects secretion of several body chemicals, without an alarm clock. Allowing your exposure can lead to disturbance of sleep
including cortical steroids. own body to determine how much sleep cycles in newborns. And infants born to
The amount of time we spend in REM you need can help prevent the chronic alcoholics experience inhibition of REM
decreases as we grow older. A premature sleep deprivation that is prevalent in in sleep. The real tragedy is that this may
infant may spend as much as 80 percent dustrialized nations. contribute to their becoming alcoholics
of its sleep time in REM, while full-term themselves. REM sleep deprivation of rat
infants are in REM only about half of the How to improve your sleep pups has been found to increase their
time they are asleep. By young adulthood Facts about sleep may be interesting, adult alcohol consumption.
REM makes up only 10 to 20 percent of but what most of us are interested in is Such drugs as antihistamines, antihy-
sleep time, and in later years this de how to get a good night's sleep. If you pertensives, and nearly all psychotropic
creases even further. suffer from insomnia, you may need to go drugs, including marijuana, affect sleep,
Slow-wave sleep (stages 3 and 4) is to one of the sleep study departments increasing daytime sleepiness and dis
important for recovery from fatigue, and that have recently been instituted at sev rupting various sleep stages. Marijuana
increases after increased physical labor. eral universities. Some problems can be in infants exposed prenatally interferes
It is characterized by high-amplitude, diagnosed only through thorough test with sleep cycling, lessens SWS, in
slow-frequency EEG activity of less than ing. In an article published recently in creases body movements, and lessens
four cycles per second; by resting muscle the Washington Post Magazine, the au characteristic markers of REM sleep, re
tone and slow, regular cardiac and respi thor told of his 20-year struggle with gardless of the trimester of exposure.
ratory rates; by increased blood flow to nightly wakefulness. He tried all kinds of Smoking is another factor associated
the muscles; and by constriction of brain folk remedies and wonder cures, but con with sleep difficulty. Smokers take signif
arteries. SWS also decreases with age. tinued to wake up several times every icantly longer to fall asleep, and they
While it averages 10 to 20 percent in night, finding himself unable to get back awaken for longer periods after falling
young adults, it may be entirely absent in to sleep for hours on end. asleep than do nonsmokers. In addition
the elderly. Only after being hooked up to an ap to the increased latency of sleep onset
paratus that tracked his brain waves and and more frequent arousals, smokers also
How much is enough? muscle tension all through the night did appear to get less sleep (between .17 and
We have all known people who seem he learn that what woke him up several . 85 hours less per night) than nonsmok
to be able to function well on only four or times during the night was twitching ers, and tend to have as much as three
five hours of sleep per night. But such legs. Doctors at the research center pre times as many nightmares and dreams.
people are the exception rather than the scribed medication that alleviated the Many people report feeling tired and
rule. Most of us need between seven and twitching, and he has been able to sleep sleepy for several days just after quitting
nine hours of sleep each night, and a better ever since. smoking. Fortunately, this sleepiness not
recent study revealed that even those For most of us, though, getting better only affects them during the day; it also
who thought they were getting enough sleep may be simply a matter of eliminat extends into their regular sleeping hours.
sleep benefited from getting an extra half ing a habit that disturbs our sleep, or Abrupt cigarette withdrawal brings
hour or hour. starting a practice that can enhance about a total time awake decrease of 45
A healthy newborn infant sleeps sleep. percent on the first three nights of absti
around 16 hours, and this decreases to 11 Among the things that can inhibit nence. This gain comes partly from fall
hours by age 3 to 5, 10 hours by age 10, good sleep are alcohol and other psycho- ing asleep faster and partly from less epi
and 7.75 hours by age 19. This decline active drugs, lack of exercise, and habit sodes of wakefulness during the night.
seems to continue slowly with age until patterns.
in their 60s and 70s many people sleep Alcohol's relationship to sleep is par Habits that improve sleep
only five to six hours per night. Elderly ticularly significant. While alcohol may Two of the most important things you
people tend to awaken more frequently help a person to fall asleep, it decreases can do to improve your sleep are to get
MINISTRY/JULY/1990 23
Exercise decreases the
moting better sleep involve what you do
just before and after you "hit the hay." If THE
GRACE
you like to read just before going to bed,
read light material, preferably something
time it takes to get to unrelated to your work. Don't watch
slow'Wave sleep. OF GOD....
television right up to bedtime, because
the excitement and tension generated
can make it hard to get to sleep. And if
after you're in bed you find it hard to get
to sleep, don't just lie there getting more
to succeed without ability
into the habit of getting enough exercise frustrated by the minute. Get up and read and create without talent;
and to abide by a regular schedule for something that is relaxing. Staying in
sleep whenever possible. bed and fighting to get to sleep can be to be confident in doubt
Studies have shown that exercise de come a habit that will make it hard to fall and secure in turmoil;
creases the time it takes to get to SWS, asleep every night.
and that physically fit individuals obtain Whatever you do, it is important to do to have joy in sorrow
more SWS than unfit individuals. As in your best to resolve any problems you and peace in battle;
most things, moderation is the key here. may have with getting enough sleep. A
If you haven't been getting enough exer recent National Institutes of Mental to be loved without a lover
cise, start out with light exercise and Health study revealed that unresolved
and helped without a
work up to more strenuous exercise as sleep problems are strongly related to de
your level of fitness increases. Strenuous velopment of serious depression.
helper;
exercise can actually lead to sleep distur "When thou liest down, thou shalt
bances for the unfit, and exhausting ex not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, to be healed without a physician
ercise can produce the same result even and thy sleep shall be sweet" (Prov. and taught without a
in those who are physically fit. Any exer 3:24) is one of the most precious prom teacher
cise done just before going to bed should ises in the Bible. A good night's sleep
be light to moderate, because heavy ex can help give you the strength you need to be nourished without food
ercise tends to excite the central nervous to cope with even the most challenging and assuaged without
system and cause sleep disturbances. of days. water;
Exercise in the late evening may also
Sources
tend to raise your metabolic rate and
Bale P., and M. White. "The Effects of Smoking to believe when doubtful
keep you warmer. Since sleep depresses
body temperature, a delay in the lower
on the Health and Sleep of Sportswomen." British and trust when suspicious
Journal of Sports Medicine, September 1982, pp.
ing of your body temperature may keep 149-53.
you awake longer. Of course, the same Bixler, E. O., and N. Bela-Beuno. "Normal to love when hated
problem may result from trying to sleep in
Sleep: Patterns and Mechanisms." Seminars and and care when rejected;
Neurology, September 1987, pp. 227-235.
a room that is too warm. Hauri, P. "What Can Insomniacs Teach Us
A regular schedule for going to bed and About the Functions of Sleep ?" In Renee Droker- to see in the dark
getting up can also help you get more and Colin, M. Shkurovich, and M. B. Sterman, eds. and hear in the din;
The Functions of Sleep. New York: Academic
better sleep. In a study of a group of ado
Press, 1979, pp. 251-271.
lescents suffering from moderate sleep Lauber, J. K., and P. J. Cayten. "Sleepiness, to walk straight on a crooked
disturbances, all that was necessary to Orcadian Dysrhythmia, and Fatigue in Transpor path
overcome their problems was rigorous tation System Accidents." Sleep, December 1988,
pp. 503-512. and firmly on shifting sand;
stabilization of bedtime and wake-up
Palca, J. "Sleep Researchers Awake to Possibili
time on weekdays and weekends.
And regularity of sleep has more ben
ties." Science, July 28, 1989, pp. 351, 352. to be sweet when bitterly
Scher, M. S., G. A. Richardson, P. A. Coble,
efits than just better sleep. Maintaining a N. L. Day, and D. S. Stoffer. "The Effects of Pre assailed
stable sleep-wakefulness cycle is neces natal Alcohol and Marijuana Exposure: Distur and peaceful when hostilely
sary for optimal levels of subjective mood bances in Neonatal Sleep Cycling and Arousal." attacked;
Pediatric Research, July 24, 1988, pp. 101-105.
and behavioral performance as well. Soldata, C. R., J. D. Kales, M. B. Scharf, E. O.
Among college students, regularity of re Bixler, and A. Kales. "Cigarette Smoking Associ to make judgments sounder than
tiring and awakening hours is the excep ated With Sleep Difficulty. "Science, Feb. 1, 1980, my understanding
pp. 551-553.
tion rather than the rule. But those who
Vuri, I., N. Urponen, J. Hasan, and M. Parti- and decisions wiser than my
adhere to a regular sleep schedule show nen. "Epidemiology of Exercise Effect on Sleep." knowledge;
greater achievement potential, intellec Acta Physiologica Scandinavica, 1989, Supplemen-
tual efficiency, self-control, and sociabil tum574, pp. 3-7.
ity. Studies of sailors have yielded similar Webb, W. B. "Age-related Changes in Sleep The grace of God is
results. Good sleepers outperformed poor Clinics." Geriatric Medicine, May 1989, pp. 275- God acting in me
sleepers in fulfillment of duties and
287. despite me.
Webb, W. S. "Sleep in Industrial Settings in the
tended to be promoted more rapidly. Northern Hemisphere." Psychological Reports, Oc
Three additional suggestions for pro tober 1985, pp. 591-598. —Wallace Alcorn

24 MINISTRY/JULY/1990
 10-DAY ITINERARY 18-DAY ITINERARY
June 4-14, 1990 September 9-27, 1990
Visit
• The JERUSALEM of Jesus' day and the places
Do all of what is included in the 10-day
that evoke. His life, death, and resurrection.
itinerary plus—
f MEGIDDO, the site of the ancient battle of • SINAI, where Moses received the Ten Com
Armageddon, , mandments and the pyramids at Ciza.
• JORDAN, where John the Baptist baptized • Walk from BETHANY over the MOUNT OF
Jesus. OLIVES to GETHSEMANE.
• MASADA, where the Roman army crushed the • Visit the SHRINE OF THE BOOK, the
last Jewish resistance. HEBREW UNIVERSITY and ROCKEFELLER
• BEERSHEBA of the patriarchs and the for museums.
tress of Arad in the Negev desert. • See OPHEL, the City of David, the JEBUSITE
• BETHLEHEM, the birthplace of Jesus, and waterworks, and the POOL OF SILOAM.
HEBRON, the burial place of Abraham. • Climb the slopes of MOUNT TABOR, see
• QUMRAN, where the Dead Sea scrolls were MOUNT HERMON and walk over MOUNT
discovered. CARMEL.
• SHECHEM, to climb the mounts of blessing • Visit the monument to the HOLOCAUST and
and curses. see CHAGALL'S stained-glass windows,
• NAZARETH and GALILEE—spend the Sabbath • See all the coastal regions from ASHKELON in
there. the south to ACCO in the north.
• ... and much more!

COST: $645 COST: $975

This itinerary includes 8 hours of class instruction This itinerary includes 18 hours of class instruction
and the equivalent of 8 full days of touring. It and the equivalent of 13 days of touring. It offers 7
offers 4 units of continuing education credit. units of continuing education credit.

Actually live in the heart of Jerusalem, minutes from the YES, send me information/application for
Ancient Wall and Gethsemane—comfortable accommoda . 10-Day Itinerary ____ 18-Day Itinerary
tions in the newly refurbished JERUSALEM CENTER Hostel- Name
advantages of a small group with participants limited to 30. Address
City/State/Zip
Cost includes instruction, housing, meals, excursions (fares
Send to: Biblical Research Institute, General Conference
and entry fees), and transfers. Excludes airfares in and out of 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-1608
Israel. or call: (301)680-6790
Biblio File

The Struggle of Prayer WOMEN AND RELIGION DOWN ward to, to talk to my Father, to talk to
DonaldG. Bloesch, Helmers and Howard, THROUGH HlSTORY-/zVe volumes on Jesus, the one to whom I belong: body,
Box 7407, Colorado Springs, Colorado how women have reacted to the gospel in soul, mind, heart. And this is what
80933, 1988, 170 pages, $8.95, paper. different ways. Reviewed by Ella M. Ry- makes us contemplatives in the heart of
Reviewed by James Ayers, graduate stu dzewski, editorial assistant, Ministry. the world, for we are twenty-four hours in
dent, Boston College, and pastor, First His presence: in the hungry, in the na
Presbyterian Church, Waltham, Massa The Christian's Secret of a Happy ked, in the homeless, in the unwanted,
chusetts. Life unloved, uncared for, for Jesus said,
We would expect prayer to be so im Hannah Whitall Smith, Fleming H. Revell 'Whatever you do to the least of these my
portant to the Christian that we would Company, Old Tappan, New Jersey, brethren, you do it to Me.' "
need little instruction on it. Yet for most 1952, 377 pages, $7.95, paper, available
believers, including pastors, prayer is not in large print at $8.95. Three Spiritual Directors for Our
a regular or joyful practice. And so we Quaker, rebel, realist, Hannah Whit- Time
collect books on prayer. The bulk of all Smith (1832-1911) found life with Julia Gatta, Cowley Publications, Cam
these books do not help because, accord Christ a joyous experience. Her writings bridge, Massachusetts, 1986, 138 pages,
ing to Bloesch, they emphasize only one emphasize God's love for human beings. $8.95, paper.
aspect of prayer. They may focus on how First published in 1870, The Christian's There has been a recent emergence of
to obtain answers to prayer, or they may Secret of a Happy Life remains popular, interest in Christian visionaries of the
stress a mystical contemplation. The having sold nearly 2 million copies. In it past, perhaps to counteract the growing
Struggle of Prayer acknowledges value in Smith shares her vibrant optimism. Feel influence of Eastern mysticism. Gatta is a
each of these approaches but also offers a ings can often be transitory and decep scholar, an Episcopalian minister, and a
critique of them. Prayer is neither magi tive, and Smith stresses that we are not to woman. In her work as a spiritual director
cal nor mystical. live by them. The key is total surrender and lecturer at Yale, she has researched
Bloesch states that prayer is difficult and choosing to believe in spite of feel the works of three fourteenth-century
because we don't understand it well. He ings. Hers is a religion of liberty and not English Christian spiritual direc
sees prayer as a dialogue between a sover bondage, as can be seen from her expla tors The Cloud of Unknowing, Walter
eign God and a fallen yet redeemed crea nation of the difference between a life of Hilton, and Julian of Norwich.
ture. "There will always be a tension and works and a life of grace. But there is no The Cloud of Unknowing is an anon
sometimes a contradiction between our denial of God's law, which "is only an ymous writer and practitioner of a form of
desires and God's will... sin still darkens other name for God's love; and the more contemplation known as "negative" or
the mind even of believers, so that we do minutely that law descends into the de wordless prayer based on the idea that
not always know or desire what is best for tails of our lives, the more sure we are God is beyond our comprehension. A
us. We want to be respectable sinners, made of the depth and reality of the love. renewed interest in this type of prayer has
whereas God wants us to be self- We can never know the full joy and priv made The Cloud's writings a textbook in
sacrificing saints." ileges of the life hid with Christ in God many churches, often indiscriminately.
Prayer is learning to speak and listen. until we have learned the lesson of a daily The Cloud restricts his audience to the
It is a time to express our longings and and hourly guidance." This volume is wholly converted, urging that it not be
hear the Lord's commands. God invites filled with spiritual gems. Those who like undertaken without the guidance of a
us to be free agents and at the same time Steps to Christ will certainly appreciate seasoned spiritual director. He warns
to be transformed into the image of His this work. that this method is not for everyone and
Son. that it must always be integrated with an
The book's strength is its presentation Prayertimes With Mother Teresa already thorough and longtime practice
of Christian prayer throughout the cen Prepared by Eileen Egan and Kathleen of reflective reading, meditation, and
turies. It is the best sourcebook I have Egan, 1989, 239 pages, $7.95, paper. prayer. This is wise advice, considering
found that tells how great Christians Eileen Egan is the author of the biog the similarity of the prayer to Eastern
have understood prayer. I would prefer raphy Such a Vision of the Street: Mother meditation. Gatta warns that, practiced
more emphasis on practical application, Teresa The Spirit and the Work. She and in a religious vacuum, "negative" prayer
but Bloesch would respond that once we Kathleen Egan have taken excerpts from has no significance and could be danger
know what prayer is, we will act on that Mother Teresa stories and incorporated ous. She discusses the criticisms of the
knowledge. them into 52 weekly reflections that in practice and questions the motivation
Helmers and Howard is a new pub clude Scripture. In a materialistic but behind contemporary interest in "tran
lisher, and you may not find this book in spiritually empty world, we are invited to scendental" modes of spirituality.
your local bookstore. You may order it come apart and know the peace and love Walter Hilton describes himself as a
direct or have the store order it for you. It that comes from service. teacher. A prolific writer of his era, his
will be worth the effort. "Prayer ... is something to look for best-known work is Scale of Perfection.
26 MINISTRY/JULY/1990
Hilton has much to say about religion This book is for those interested in the with human beings where they are. It is
and feeling: "It is better not to depend study of women in religion. It chronicles what happens when one does not accept
too much on our own religious experi two decades of change for women in the the existence of a personal devil and his
ences, but to trust in the merits of Christ. Roman Catholic Church a church that part in human suffering. And finally it is
..." "Reformation in faith and feeling is still refuses to ordain them. what happens when one allows one's
a work of grace." As presented by Gatta, Catholic women in church work have gender, race, nationality, or even reli
Hilton's greatest contribution is his un had further to go than Adventist and gion to define one's identity rather than
derstanding of sanctification through other Protestant women. "It is safe to say- finding that identity in being a child of
Christ. that no group of American women has God.
Julian of Norwich was probably a changed more in the last 25 years than In this case the author turns from
church anchoress who served as a spiri Catholic religious women" as their lives Christian tradition as a norm and roots
tual counselor. Because her work was were transformed by initiatives coming her theology in "my own experience and
limited to Norwich, her writings were out of Vatican II. that of other women." It is common for
not widely circulated. Gatta sees her as One woman observes the irrelevance those who have been wronged to blame
ministering more to the twentieth cen of her church to real life: "Religion is a God and turn to alternative beliefs.
tury than her own fourteenth century. reflection of the culture. The church was Those beliefs are usually based on per
The author's summary of Julian's 16 "di a reflection of the culture in the nine sonal impressions and those of others in
alogues" with the Divine is insightful and teenth and early twentieth centuries, but similar circumstances. One wonders
thought-provoking. our culture has changed. Women have what the writer's understanding is of
Julian's messages are for those who are changed. They aren't just wives and "Christian tradition" and how much of it
committed to Christ yet fall prey to two mothers. . . . The church is no longer a was purely human in origin. Platonic du
kinds of "sin or sickness." The first is reflection of women. That's why it is so alism is one such tradition the author
spiritual malaise; the second is "despair important for the church to change, be rightly questions.
or doubtful fear." According to Julian, cause women cannot relate to a church This is a sad story of a sensitive indi
"our inability to believe in divine love that is too different from the culture." vidual. We share her sense of the holi
triggers spiritual depression" and keeps us Another speaks about ordination: "I ness evident in nature, but the writer
in despair. "For in seeing us, God sees feel times of real anger and impatience turns from the Creator to worship the
only His beloved Son, and the grounds with the church's disregard for women's creature. Looking to self, she states, "We
for fearing God's wrath disappear." God contributions and the implication that can trust our own intuitions, and listen for
suffers with us "For all that is good our women are making some breach if they the echoes of the resounding voices of
Lord does, and what is evil our Lord suf go beyond a certain point. It seems clear ancestors, and of the Goddesses." But
fers." that if the future of the church rests with her goddesses are powerless as we feel the
Julian often uses imagery to express the laity, then as women's services are despair of the writer contemplating nu
God's compassionate love. Gatta points more urgently needed the transition clear destruction. "The knowledge that
out that Julian sees motherly attributes in should be made with dignity and pur we could destroy this earth weighs
Christ and considers Him our "Mother of pose not just a long, drawn-out mea heavily on me." How different is her
mercy." sure of last resort." meditation from that of Julian of Nor
According to Gatta, Julian is forced to There are no specific solutions given, wich, who believed in a God who said
come to terms with contradictions be only suggestions such as that by author that "all will be well."
tween her visions and teachings of the and writer Dolores Curran, who feels her Christ states that she has accepted
church. All of Julian's questions are not work is to minister to average Catholic death and sees religion as only a quest for
answered, such as that of damnation. women and families rather than battling immortality. If Aphrodite seems to
God assures her that He "shall make all the patriarchs: "I can't work up and down laugh, it is in mockery. For Carol Christ,
things well," and she is informed of a in the church at the same time. . . . My there seems no laughter.
mysterious "great deed" that God shall time is much more useful changing grass
perform on the last day by which He will roots attitudes." Recently noted
keep His word. But Julian never learns Bestseller, Clifford Goldstein, Pacific Press
what this deed will be. Laughter of Aphrodite, Reflections Publishing Assn., Boise, Idaho, 1990, 92
Gatta covers a lot of material in this on a Journey to the Goddess pages, $6.95, paper.
short volume, and she has done it well. Carol P. Christ, 1987, Harper and Row, With a novelist's flare for plot and de
Whatever we may think of these vision 1987, 227 pages, $15.95. scription, Goldstein tells his own story of
aries from the practical works of Hil Aphrodite gives us a look at extreme the search for truth that led him to try
ton, the mystical works of The Cloud, trends in some feminist theology. The drugs, throw himself repeatedly from the
and the revelations of Julian their writer of this volume, whose name ironi door of an airplane, and challenge every
work transcends the years to provide spir cally is Christ, tells of her journey as a one he met from Miami to the Middle
itual insight for modern Christians. feminist theologian down the path from East to explain the meaning of life. The
Christianity to the worship of "the God story begins with the author heckling a
How Catholic Women Have dess" as a symbol of life. street preacher, and ends with his own
Changed It is a story of what can happen when experience of being heckled for having
Margaret Murphy, Sheed and Ward, Kan one misunderstands the culture of the come to believe what the preacher said.
sas City, Missouri, 1987, 207 pages, pa Bible, assuming it is a reflection of God's What happens between makes captivat
per, $7.95. character rather than how God deals ing reading.
MINISTRY/JULY/1990 27
 two or three days of a fast. After a few experience as well as from textbooks on
days of rapid weight loss (as much as nutrition. I'd like to suggest that before
Letters two or three pounds per day) without a he solves another human being's prob
From page 2 proper diet, the body goes into a starva lems, he first become acquainted with
tion mode and bums fat more efficiently that one's struggles, fears, and hurts.
has made the new regime tastier than and slowly resulting in an even slower Fasting is a valuable spiritual practice
the conventional diet we followed be use of excess calories and a rapid return when used temperately. However, to
fore. David Rose, retired Seventh-day to the previous weight when a normal state that fasting can solve the problems
Adventist minister, Las Vegas, New diet is resumed (check any reputable of the overweight demonstrates horren
Mexico. nutrition book for authoritative sup dous ignorance.
port). What Pastor Hill is proposing I would love to read an article by Pas
I was glad to see the article on fasting, here is dangerous! tor Hill on how fasting has helped him
for I have often thought that perhaps as I am hurt and humiliated that you walk closer to Jesus, or how he fit a bal
a church we need to give more study to would begin an article on fasting with anced program of nutrition and exercise
that subject. In fact, that concern led such a caricature of overweight ministers, into his busy schedule without neglect
me to suggest the topic to the leader of a as in the opening paragraph. As one who ing his flock. But please, let's keep the
women's day of prayer held here last fall struggles with weight, I do not appreciate two issues separate!
on the Andrews University campus. I the slur. If Pastor Hill ever really struggled PS: I loved Loren Seibold's article on
almost regretted the suggestion when to overcome obesity, he has somehow the small parish ("Small Town, Small
the leader then asked, "Why don't you forgotten the mental, emotional, and Church," January 1990)! - Bill Ed
do it?" spiritual struggle involved. I see no evi wards, pastor, Seventh-day Adventist
This forced me to study the topic my dence that he has considered the feelings church, Carrington, North Dakota.
self. I consulted various authoritative of Christians who struggle daily with the
resources. One result of this study is a flesh especially with food. Fasting three to five days or longer can
concern that your recent article, without I am appalled by the implications of be a dangerous practice. And it is not the
any cautions, might cause serious prob Pastor Hill that those who struggle with answer for those with weight problems.
lems to some people who would attempt their weight are either weak willed or For the most part, during the first
to put it into practice. Nutritionists that unspiritual. I doubt that pastors who are seven days a total fast does not burn fat.
I consulted urged that no one should go fat are any less "humble" or "spiritual" Weight lost during the first couple days
on a total fast for more than one day than their more slender cohorts. is mainly water. Since the body requires
without the supervision of a medical doc I don't know where Pastor Hill gets little insulin because it has no food to
tor, and they gave me a number of valid his ideas and information about fat peo digest the blood level of insulin drops.
reasons for this. Perhaps you should let ple and weight loss, but I get mine from Insulin is involved in sodium regula-
your readers know that the five days sug
gested by your author may not be wise for
all to try for some it could be seriously ON PROOF FOR
damaging and possibly even fatal. I was
interested to find also that this advice fit
THE EXISTENCE OF GOD, ON PROOF FOR
well with what I learned from biblical AND OTHER THE EXISTENCE
and historical sources about earlier prac REFLECTIVE INQUIRIES 89 OF GOD,
tices of fasting. Madeline Johnston, AND OTHER
Berrien Springs, Michigan. PAULVJECSNER REFLECTIVE
Z INQUIRIES
I am disappointed, hurt, and appalled O
c
by your publication of the article "Fast TO
ing: A Discipline Ministers Need." BY PAULVJECSNER
A Cartesian reexamination of basic
Disappointed because it appears you presuppositions, old and new, in
didn't have anyone with expertise on philosophy and sciences. The treatise
diet, nutrition, and fasting check the
challenges many assertions of fact in
article for sound health practices.
these, as well as rising convictions
Pastor Hill defines fasting as "a vol
untary abstinence from any kind of food that many truths are indeterminable.
for a limited period of time for a sacred, Answers are offered thus to ques
or holy, purpose." Unfortunately, he tions of meaning, free will, forces in
oversteps the "holy purpose" through physics, axioms and paradoxes in
much of the article. He states that fast logic and mathematics, transcend
ing can help a minister with weight ent realities, and so forth. Corre 264 pages, 85 diagrams, index
control. He also says, "In fact, after spondingly the author does also not ISBN 0-9619519-0-7
Cloth bound, $20.00
three days of fasting, it is possible to depend on methods of inquiry in use, Send order for "Reflective Inquiries" to
begin losing up to two pounds a day." reverting to exposition in commonly PENDEN,
Actually, in a fasting diet the body comprehended form. P.O. Box 464, New York, N.Y. 10101
gets rid of fluids, not fat, during the first
28 MINISTRY/JULY/1990
tion; consequently, the drop in insulin

Ministry
brings an increased excretion of sodium.
Accompanying this is a considerable True repentance
amount of water, which results in a siz
able weight loss. From page 13
After this rapid initial drop, the rate
of weight loss decreases. During the first My fellow pilgrim, you and I are no bet Tape-of-the-Month
day and part of the second day the body ter than any other person. We too at times
burns mainly animal starch (glycogen
stored in the liver and to a smaller de
have had our own agendas, and perhaps to
the detriment of God's cause. We must Whether you arc
gree in the muscles). Thereafter, it is admit that we are a backslidden, stiff' jogging
actually in a state of imbalance. The necked people, and that a revival of true
system goes into a starvation mode, and godliness is the greatest and most urgent of
the metabolism begins to drop in order all our needs. I appeal to each of you, let us
to conserve energy. Only about half of examine our hearts and join in humbling
what weight is lost comes from fat; the ourselves before God and admitting the
rest results from the body's burning presence of the carnal nature. Let us enter
good, healthy muscle. into an experience of true repentance in
I would suggest that ministers can dividually, and then share in the joyful
best lose weight by limiting the amount results together.
of food they eat so as not to feel full by Let us prepare our hearts so God can do
the end of the meal. And they should for us what He wanted to do at the Gen
aim at getting 30 minutes of moderate eral Conference sessions in 1888 and
exercise three to five days a week. This 1901 but could not do. Seek the gift of
can be just vigorous walking, bicycling, true repentance, seek the latter rain, and
or gardening. The exercise will help in thus allow God to carry out His will to
decreasing the appetite. finish His work in and through us. simply relaxing in the sun
Hill's article seems to suggest that to
1 Ellen G. White, Testimonies to Ministers
obtain spiritual health, one's physical (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn.,
health must suffer. Isn't that the old 1962), p. 507. You can enjoy
myth that the body is a hindrance to the 2 Robert Wieland, As Many as I Love (Union-
town, Ohio: Adventist Realities, 1986), p. 27. the best of sermons and
soul, the misunderstanding that moti
vated medieval monastics to flog their
3 Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ (Mountain
View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1956), p.
the most exciting Adventist
bodies? I agree with the practice of fast 47. theological discussions
ing, but let's do it more moderately and and interviews
not to the detriment of health. (I sug
gest that Pastor Hill dispose of the The minister as a Join the Ministry
books by Smith and Wallis.) Galen
Bosley, D.H.Sc., R.D., Department of pastor Tape-of-the-Month
Health and Temperance, General Con
ference of Seventh-day Adventists, From page 15
Two 90-minute tapes per month
Silver Spring, Maryland. As 1 walk with the crowd in the road. 1 Year Subscription in US ........ $48.00
Bible credits: Scripture quotations marked NASB are 3 Months in US ........................ $12.00
from the Neu; American Standard Bible, The Lockman Out there in the road that goes by the 1 Yr Oversets Surface Mafl ...... $52.00
Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973,
1975, 1977. Texts credited to NEB are from The New
house, 1 Yr Overseas Airmail.............. $69.95
English Bible. The Delegates of the Oxford University
Press and the Syndics of the Cambridge University Press
Where the poet is singing his song, Satisfaction guaranteed
1961, 1970. Reprinted by permission. Texts credited to
I'll walk and I'll work 'midst the heat of
NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. the day,
Copyright 1973, 1978, International Bible Society.
Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Texts And I'll help falling brothers along Send order to
credited to NKJV are from The New King James Version.
Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc.,
Too busy to live in the house by the
way,
Ministry Tape-of-the-Month
Publishers. Bible texts credited to RSV are from the Re
vised Standard Version of the Bible, copyrighted Too happy for such an abode. P.O. Box 425
1946,1952 1971,1973.
And my heart sings its praise to the Fulton, MD 20759

PEWS
Master of all,
Who is helping me serve in the road.
The only tape minirtjy
The pastor's place is in the road with sponsored by the Ministerial Association
TOLL FREE (800) 366-1716 of the General Conference of
the people, seeing their needs, feeling Seventh-day Adventisu
their joys and sorrows, and touching
them for God.
MINISTRY/JULY/1990 29
 An
APLE*
for the
Classroom
^Alternative Programs for Learning Enrichment

Has your congregation talked about starting a school? Do you know students who
need another class to graduate? Since 1909 Home Study International has helped
individuals reach their educational goals. Now HSI helps schools and churches
enrich existing curriculums or start schools through APLE.

The APLE program should be considered by:

Churches that want a school and have four or five students
Schools that want to expand their program to include 9th and 10th grades
Schools that desire to offer an additional course
Churches that want to offer a religion course for public school students

A complete school in its own right, HSI is an accredited member of the National
Home Study Council. The state of Maryland has approved HSI's teachers and the
K-12 program. For more details about APLE and other educational options, the
pastor or principal should contact HSI for an information packet and application.

Please rush more details about HSI's educational options.

Name _____________________

Address

Zip/Postal Code
Mail to: Home Study International, PO Box 4437, Silver Spring, MD 20914-4437

30 M1NISTRY/JULY/1990
Shop Talk

We want your ideas on to come forward in some beasts of Daniel and Revela fund-raising. This little vol
funerals kind of commitment. Why tion among which W. W. ume gives volunteers and
A little more than a year shouldn't this be done for Simpson walked as he staff people a lighthearted
ago we asked you to send us children, even small chil preached on the apocalyptic look at the task of raising
the creative ideas you use to dren? We can base the call prophecies. In 1904, owing money.
make weddings special. You on Jesus' love for them, ask largely to his pioneering use "People are generous;
responded with lots of sug ing them to respond to that of visual aids, this bright, they want to help others.
gestions, a selection of love and being careful to young Adventist evangelist And when they can have
which we published in our word the call in such a way drew crowds of 2,000 people some fun while doing it,
March issue. Now we'd like as to make it understand in Los Angeles. their sense of reward and
to try the same thing regard able to them. Follow this The room contains hand satisfaction is deepened,"
ing funerals. Do you add any call with a call to the par bills, photographs, song- notes Sheree Parris Nudd,
special touches to the funer ents and then to the other books, an old question box, executive director of the
als you conduct to make adults in the congregation. and stereopticon projectors Porter Memorial Hospital
them more personal, more You'll find that not only with their large glass slides Foundation in Denver, Col
meaningful, or just to make will the children benefit introduced into Advent orado. Nudd has given away
them easier on the family of from the call, they will in ist evangelism by A. V. more than 100 copies of
the person who has died? turn lead some of the adults Colton in 1913. A pulpit Accent on Humor to donors,
Send us your suggestion, to a decision. Elmer V. from which Ellen White volunteers, and other
and if we use it, we'll pay Unterseher, Gaston Seventh- preached, an old pew from friends of the hospital.
you $25. Write us at Shop day Adventist Wayside an early meeting house, and Accent on Humor costs
Talk Funerals, Ministry, Chapel, Gaston, Oregon. a small, portable pump or US$6 per copy, with re
12501 Old Columbia Pike, gan contribute to the atmo duced rates for multiple
Silver Spring, MD 20904. The Adventist sphere of the room. orders (as low as US$3.15
We pay for Shop Talk items Evangelism Collection The Heritage Center per copy on orders of 75 or
upon publication. The Adventist Heritage collection continues to re more). To order, send
Center at Andrews Univer ceive handbills, visual aids, US$6 to Philanthropic Ser
Keeping track of hymns sity has recently opened a books, and sermons from vice for Institutions, 12501
Ever have the feeling that new display the Adventist denominational evangelists, Old Columbia Pike, Silver
you've been singing the Evangelism Collection. making it a gold mine for Spring, MD 20904. For
same hymns over and over Located in a room on the research in the history and information about bulk or
again? Here's an easy way of first floor of the James practice of Adventist evan ders, contact Ludmila Le-
keeping a record of the White Library, this collec gelism. (If you would like to ito, (301)680-6133.
hymns you use in your wor tion contains historic docu contribute materials to the
ship services. Keep a hym ments and mementos cele Adventist Evangelism Col $25 instead of $10
nal in your study, and as you brating Adventist lection, or other material We think your ideas are
choose the hymns for the evangelism. related to Adventist church more valuable than ever
service, write the date of There you can see the history, please contact the so we're increasing the price
the service in the margin of 1850 Rhodes-Nichols pro Adventist Heritage Center, we'll pay for them! Now
the page that contains the phetic chart used by early James White Library, An we're paying $25 for practi
hymn. You'll be amazed at traveling evangelists G. W. drews University, Berrien cal ideas for making minis
how quickly you come to Holt and Joseph Bates, and Springs, Michigan 49104; try easier and/or more effec
regard this hymnal as an a picture of the tent in telephone (616) 471- tive, provided that these
important tool. Arthur which J. N. Loughborough 3274.) StevenP. Vitrano, suggestions do not involve a
Freet, pastor, Logon Valley and C. E. Cornell held the professor emeritus of preach product or service that you
Presbyterian Church, Bell- first Adventist tent meet ing, worship, and evangelism are selling. (We'll consider
wood, Pennsylvania. ing. A prophetic chart that of the Seventh-day Adventist the latter for publication
James White promoted and Theological Seminary at An also, but we won't pay for
A different altar call a chart of the Ten Com drews University. the privilege of using
Jesus said, "Suffer little mandments hang beside them!) Send your ideas to
children to come unto Me, each other much as they did "Fun( d )-raising" Ministry, Attn. Shop Talk
and forbid them not." We in the early preaching of the Accent on Humor is a Editor, 12501 Old Colum
normally direct our altar message. 75-page booklet chock full bia Pike, Silver Spring, MD
calls to the adults in our On display are the large, of jokes, stories, anecdotes, 20904- We pay upon publi
congregations, asking them papier-mache images of the cartoons, and quotes about cation.
MINISTRY/JULY/1990 31
 THE THIRD
NATIONAL ADVENTIST CONFERENCE
ON BUILDING THE LOCAL CHURCH
THROUGH DYNAMIC SMALL GROUPS
The Third NASGCON will return to Springfield, Oregon SDA Church
Wednesday, October 17, 5:30 pm to Saturday, October 20, 6:30 pm
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS October 17-20, 1990 these people testify of the positive help they have received
ctnrinnfiolH Orpnnn from one of more tnan 30 sma" 9rouPs in tnis church.
Elder Gordon and CRA £h I, u Elder Gingery's leaders' meetings have not only discipled
Cheryl Retzer 5>UA unurcn the |eaders but ,ed to a Spirit-filled lay ministry in the
Elder Retzer is president of Rocky Elder Glenn and Shirley church and community which in turn has resulted in a
Mountain Conference. Recently the Gingery minister in the marked increase in attendance at the Springfield church
Retzers saw seven baptisms from Springfield SDA Church during the time of the Gingery's ministry. Hear and
a small group in their home. where 70 new members see firsthand what God can do for you and your
Formerly personal ministries have been baptized in the church as you listen to the Gingerys and other
secretary in two conferences, last three years. Most of successful pastors and lay leaders.
pastor, conference secretary, JOIN MORE THAN 500 LAY LEADERS AND PASTORS FROM AROUND NORTH AMERICA
president of Kansas-Nebraska. AND OVERSEAS WHO ARE ALUMNI OF THE FIRST TWO NASGCONS.

PLENARY SPEAKERS The first NASGCON was held at Springfield, Oregon SDA Church October 1989.
Pastors, Lay Leaders and Conference Leaders from more than 25 states
Dr. Don Jacobsen and countries attended. They said:
is president of Oregon
Conference. Formerly professor "/ liked the stress of new methods with the old "Extremely informative."
of Evangelism and Pastoral true message." "The prayer times were powerful and most
Nurture, Andrews University, "I heard more about the Holy Spirit than in my meaningful."
Pastor with active small group whole life." "I appreciate the practical instructions and
ministry, evangelist, co-author "The sessions given by pastors actually doing experiences from successful programs."
"Window to John's Gospel" small groups were most helpful." "This was a revival!"
study guides. "I can recommend this to others 1000%." "Some beautiful worship and outreach tools."
Miguel A. Cerna
Pastor of Norwalk Spanish SDA
NEIGHBORHOOD .l-ltt
Church, formerly pastor Van Nuys.
Pioneered in both churches a
Homes of Hope
strong small group ministry which
resulted in over 1,000 baptisms TRACK ONE:
WORKSHOPS - YOUR CHOICE OF FOUR GENERAL:
from lay leaders in the last seven For pastors and lay leaders beginning small group ministry. How pastor's wives and other professional women
years. Author of "The Power of • How to begin a small group ministry. can share their joy.
Small Groups in Evangelism." • Vital elements of a successful small group. Growing your prayer meeting through
• Decision for Jesus and truth in a small group. small group principles.
Dr. Larry Evans Evangelism explosion through small groups.
• Holy Spirit power for pastors and leaders.
Certified Church Consultant, Small group principles in church committees.
Special Assistant to Oregon TRACK TWO: Small groups that meet women's needs.
Conference president. Formerly For experienced small group leaden; and pastors. Reaching former members through caring groups.
a pastor with an active small • Dealing with difficult people and situations How women can disciple women.
group ministry. Author of "From in small groups.
How amazing prayer miracles can happen in your group
Cell to Celebration." • Building cohesiveness in small groups.
Accountability that counts— is it possible for lay leaders'
• Coordinating preaching with the development of
small group exercises. Following up first-time church visitors.
• Critical stages in healthy small group life. "Break Free" support groups for those breaking habits
Dr. Kurt Johnson Small group principles in Sabbath School classes.
Church Ministries Director PLUS A NUMBER OF OTHER CHOICES
Oregon Conference. Formerly Workshop presenters will include the keynote and plenary speakers plus
successful soulwinning pastor. • Ruthie Jacobsen —Women's Ministries, Oregon • Frances Thorward, Lay Ministries Coordinator Hazel
Now dean of Oregon Conference Conference Dell SDA Church
Institute of Christian Ministries. • Dr. Arnold Kurtz, for 15 years Director of the D.Min. • Dr. Clarence Schilt leads a ministry of over 40 groups
Author of "Guide to Successful program at Andrews University in the Loma Linda area
Small Group Evangelism." • Monte Sahlin, N.A.D. Church Ministries

. Call Garrie F. Williams, NASGCON Chairman

Garrie F. Williams UeStl or Carolyn Rawson, Secretary (503) 652-2225
NASGON Chairman. Ministerial
Director Oregon Conference, "I
Founder of Homes of Hope, author NATIONAL ADVENTIST SMALL GROUP CONFERENCE (NASGCON)
"Window to Revelation" study REGISTRATION FORM
guides and "Trinity Power Circle Oct. 17-20, 1990
Name__
Mega-Ministry." Formerly pastor,
Springfield, Oregon
evangelist, professor of Practical ADDRESS _
SDA Church
Theology, Avondale College.
CITY___ STATE. ZIP.
CHURCH ____________________________ PHONE L
BRING YOUR TEAM
Lay leaders and associate pastors as well as senior D Enclosed is $75 Individual Registration
and district pastors will catch a new vision of fruitful D Enclosed is $55 Registration for spouse or individuals in groups of three
team ministry at NASGCON. or more who register together (names attached).
For motel accommodations as well as special discounts D Enclosed is $15 Non-refundable registration deposit for each individual or
on airfares call the appointed travel agent: spouse, or group member (names attached).
Ellie Gahan Travel Space is limited so please register early to avoid disappointment.
outside Oregon 1-800-635-7666 Make checks payable to NASGCON, Game F. Williams, Chairman Oregon Conference of
inside Oregon 1-800-841-1148 SDA, 13455 SE 97th Ave., Clackamas, OR 97015.
J