A Tragedy at
Walla Walla College
Observations of
WWC Institute of Bible, Church & Culture (IBCC)
School of
Theology Seminar
April 24, 1999
URGENT
ACTION
NEEDED
Participants
Chairman:
Ernie
Bursey, Dean of the School of Theology. Ph.D. from Yale University in New
Testament. In demand for speaking appointments and workers’ meetings
throughout North America.
Presenters:
Bruce
Johanson, Professor of Biblical Studies. D.Th. from University of Uppsala in
New Testament.
Glen
Greenwalt, Professor of Systematic Theology.* Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University
in Systematic Theology. Recognized for challenging students to think honestly
and creatively. Persistently demands that we relate in theologically
responsible ways to the world around us and maintain integrity and relevance.
Respondents:
Sali
Jo Hand,* IBCC Visiting Professor of Biblical Studies. M.Div. from Andrews
University in Theology and Youth Ministries. She has joined the theology
faculty this year, supported by the Institute of Bible, Church & Culture.
She is poised to make a significant contribution to the School of Theology
through her teaching and by providing a role-model for women who are taking
theology. Other interests include music, drama, archaeology, etc.
Wally
Lyder, Senior Theology major.
(Biographical
information gleaned from hand out sheets supplied to those attending the
seminar)
*(See
Addendum, end of paper)
The Institute of Bible, Church & Culture
Described as an outreach program of the School of Theology
Divine
Warnings:
Before
we look at this seminar presented by the religion teachers at the college, it
is well that we carefully examine the following instruction from the Lord as a
basis for our evaluation of what was being presented.
“A
new life is coming from heaven and taking possession of God’s people. But
divisions will come in the church. Two parties will be developed. The wheat
and tares grow up together for the harvest.” (2SM 114)
“The
two opposing parties will continue to exist till the closing up of the last
great chapter in this world’s history. Satanic agencies are in every city.
We cannot afford to be off our guard for one moment. (4BC 1142-3)
“I
repeat, He is not leading anyone by His Holy Spirit to frame a theory that
will unsettle faith in the solemn messages He has given His people to bear to
our world.” (2SM 115)
“The
light that God has been pleased to give to His people will not weaken their
confidence in the path in which He has led them in the past, but will
strengthen them to hold fast the faith. We must hold the beginning of our
confidence firm unto the end. ‘Here is the patience of the saints: here are
they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. (Rev.
14:12).’ “ (2SM 115-116)
“In
these days of delusion, everyone who is established in the truth will have to
contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. Every variety of error
will be brought out in the mysterious working of Satan, which would, if
possible, deceive the very elect, and turn them from the truth.¼
“The
Lord has given men a rule by which to detect them: ‘To the law and the
testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no
light in them.’ (Isa. 8:20). If they belittle the law of God, if they pay no
heed to His will as revealed in the testimonies of His Spirit, they are
deceivers.” (7BC 952)
“The
churches must be guarded, and warned against deception. Christ gave Himself
for us, to redeem us from all iniquity, that He might purify unto Himself a
peculiar people, zealous of good works. His church must be kept free from all
false doctrine.” 5T 485
“God
works through those who hear and obey His voice, those who will if need be,
speak unpalatable truths, those who do not fear to reprove popular sins. The
reason why He does not oftener choose men of learning and high position to
lead out in reform movements, is that they trust to their creeds, theories,
and theological systems, and feel no need to be taught of God. Only those who
have a personal connection with the Source of wisdom are able to understand or
explain the Scriptures. Men who have little of the learning of the schools are
sometimes called to declare the truth, not because they are unlearned, but
because they are not too self-sufficient to be taught of God. They learn in
the school of Christ, and then humility and obedience make them great.” (GC
456)
“The
battle is on...
Where are His watchmen? Are they standing on the high tower, giving the danger
signal, or are they allowing the peril to pass unheeded?” (1SM 194)
“Will
the men in our institutions keep silent, allowing insidious fallacies to be
promulgated to the ruin of souls?¼
Is it not time that we asked ourselves, Shall we allow the adversary to lead
us to give up the work of proclaiming the truth?¼
Vigilant action is called for. Indifference and sloth will result in the loss
of personal religion and of heaven.” (1SM 195)
“My
Message to you is: No longer consent to listen without protest to the
perversion of truth. Unmask the pretentious sophistries which is received,
will lead ministers and physicians and medical missionary workers to ignore
the truth. Every one is now to stand on his guard. God calls upon men and
women to take their stand under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emanuel. I
have been instructed to warn our people’ for many are in danger of receiving
theories and sophistries that undermine the foundation pillars of the
faith.” (1SM 195-6)
Observer’s
Personal Perspective
It
is my wish to be honest, accurate and fair in my reporting of this seminar.
But I must confess that I am not a disinterested observer. My background of
experience has dictated that I approach this task with great caution and
careful discrimination. My heart and soul have been deeply involved with Walla
Walla College since I enrolled here in the Theology program in the fall of
1946, graduating in 1949. In later years in addition to my private clinical
psychology practice, I did some consulting and taught advanced psychology
courses at the college for about 15 years.
I
am moved with concern for the souls of those who have been promoting their
liberal ideas, but even more am I distressed for the spiritual wreckage of
precious youth whose faith has been destroyed by the pleasingly deceptive
ideas of teachers in whom they have learned to trust. Certainly the Lord has
made clear His concerns also:
“Therefore
my people are going into captivity,¼
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light,
and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe
unto them that are wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight!” (Isa.
5"13, 20-21)
“I
have been shown that the greatest reason why the people of God are now found
in this state of spiritual blindness is that they will not receive correction.¼
Satan has ability to suggest doubts and to devise objections to the pointed
testimony that God sends and many think it a virtue, a mark of intelligence in
them, to be unbelieving and to question and quibble.” (3T 255)
Though
I believe that there are sincere, dedicated, and faithful SDA teachers in the
school, it appears that by and large the whole college has been infiltrated
and influenced by the modernist, higher critical thinking that results in an
abdication of foundational Biblical truths.
As
a result, over time, the school has become essentially, a secular college,
dedicated to competing with the academic world in educating young people for
status building pursuits of money and position, yet giving passing claim that
they are attempting to retain Adventist “traditions.” Traditions are not
defined. The consequence of all of this has been to open the floodgates of
worldly conformity and to destroy the faith of priceless Christian young
people who have come to the college expecting to be prepared for a life of
Christian service. This is a tragedy beyond words.
I
have worked with young people going through this experience of
disillusionment. Some we have studied with were able, with God’s grace, to
help rescue from losing their faith and direction, but it is a scary thing
that can only be an invention of the enemy of souls. This is why, even though
now for a number of years severely limited by prolonged illness, I become so
deeply grieved and concerned, fasting and praying and searching for ways to
lend my feeble voice to help stem the tide of apostasy that is destroying
precious candidates for the kingdom.
A
couple of years ago as a result of accumulated complaints and similar concerns
expressed widely by constituents of the college, the college board named a
special committee to investigate the problems and report back with
recommendations for changes that may be indicated. After an extended period
the special committee produced a report. In it there were a number of
recommendations for desirable changes. This was a first step toward improving
the situation. But throughout this process there was a general denial that
there was anything fundamentally wrong with the college program other than
that there was a greater need to sell the program more effectively to the
public served by the college.
Subsequently,
there has been a noticeably accelerated public relations effort by the college
to convince constituents and supporters of the college that all is well and to
make more prominent the religious advantages of the school. But I am afraid
that many of our people are not going to see through these deceptive ploys. It
is so much more pleasant to be lulled to sleep by the peace and safety message
like the college president’s recent declaration published in the Westwind,
a slick periodical promoting the college to all alumni, that, “The
commission concluded that in every case the stories it examined were without
foundation in truth.” I am afraid that a lot of people will buy such smooth
propaganda.
But
not all. Still ringing in my ears is the phone call from a former WWC student
who exploded, “When I saw that statement, it made me so angry! I was there.
I know what happens and somebody is just not telling the truth!”
On
the occasion of the 50th anniversary of my graduating class from WWC, I was
sent a biographical questionnaire by the Alumni Office. Among the long list of
questions was the request that I relate what was my worst memory of WWC. I
honestly and sadly responded as follows:
“One
of the most painful experiences of my life was observing first hand, precious
SDA young people coming to the College for a Christian education and
tragically having their faith, piece by piece, destroyed by doubt infected,
liberal theological teachings of some faculty. Especially was this true of the
higher critical perspective of those in the School of Theology.”
There
was a quick response from the Alumni Office requesting that I allow them to
delete this statement from my questionnaire. The explanation given was that
the college had just gone through a painful period of turmoil and controversy
and they were now in a process of healing and did not want to reopen old
wounds. I explained that though I appreciated their position, my reading of
Eze. 3 convinced me that I could not withdraw my honest observation and be a
faithful watchman in Zion. I observed that I knew some changes had been
promised but feared there was danger that these could be but cosmetic and
window dressing without making fundamental changes in the real problems. I was
assured the changes were genuine and they hoped they could prove this to me at
the alumni home coming. It was my sincere hope that this could indeed by true.
It was with this hope and expectation that I chose to attend the School of
Theology presentation scheduled for the Alumni weekend.
|
“Errors
will be presented in a pleasing and flattering manner. False
theories, clothed with garments of light, will be presented to
God’s people...
Minds will be hypnotized.” (8T 293)
“We
cannot afford to be deceived. We must point our people to the old
landmarks: obey the command given me, ‘Meet it.’.” (Letter
Nov. 11, 1903)
“Today
Satan is seeking opportunities to tear down the way-marks of
truth,—the monuments that have been raised up along the way.” (GW
103)
“As
we near the end of time, falsehood will be so mingled with truth,
that only those who have the guidance of the Holy Spirit will be
able to distinguish truth from error.” (7BC 907)
“We
must follow the directions given through the spirit of prophecy. We
must love and obey the truths for this time. This will save us from
accepting strong delusions.” (8T 298)
|
The Seminar
Advertised
as:
Current
Issues in Adventist
The Eternal SABBATH
for Changing Times
This
was a carbon copy of dozens of scientific and academic conferences I have
found it necessary to attend through the years. There is a rather fixed,
formal format where distinguished presenters “strut their stuff” by
putting on display their academic acumen and the results of their recent
studies. There is much use of big words, esoteric concepts and complex
technical terms. The main speakers are then followed by respondents who are
expected to say nice things about what they have just heard but also have
opportunity to display their own academic expertise in the process.
The
general effect is quite amusing when you compare it to the china pheasants in
my orchard putting on their colorful display, desperately trying to attract a
female. but in reality it is a sad display of worldliness. It is a highly
sophisticated and fine tuned exercise in prideful display of “learning”
disguised as a sincere and genuine effort to share new information. It is a
deeply deceptive, highly effective device for competitive prideful display and
people of the world love it. The whole thing is so deceptive that one can
easily get caught up in this charade of the academic culture without being
aware of how they have been seduced into this prideful worship of worldly
wisdom.
At
this seminar, while purporting to stand as advocates of the sacredness and
values of the Sabbath there were frequent and subtle remarks and insinuations
casting doubt on the validity of traditional SDA Bible teachings. It is a sad
commentary on how far we have come when we feel the need to copy such devices
of the world under the guise of sharing the message of the Gospel. What I saw
was the same prideful display of academic prowess using the philosophical and
theological gymnastics of the world. Yet it was so cleverly disguised and
smoothly and appealingly packaged that if possible the very elect would be at
risk of being deceived. Certainly anyone would be easy prey who was not
solidly grounded in the Word and the Spirit of Prophecy.
The
presenters appeared to be sincerely deceived by their own worldly
“wisdom.” As teachers to whom the youth look to as paragons of wisdom and
learning and models of sophisticated thinking, they constitute one of the most
dangerous snares one could devise to poison the vulnerable minds of those
under their charge.
It
is possible there may be rare occasions where it may be appropriate to display
one’s scholarly astuteness to catch the ear of someone who only thinks in
these terms, but hear just a caution from an old player and slow learner. From
personal experience and study of the experience of the Apostle Paul, I have
become convinced that the most effective approach is to stick to the
simplicity of God’s message for this end time. Again God helps us understand
the issue through these words of Ellen White:
“At
the close of his labors he (Paul) looked for the results of his work. Out of
the large assembly that had listened to his eloquent words, only three had
been converted to the faith. He then decided that from that time he would
maintain the simplicity of the gospel. He was convinced that the learning of
the world was power less to move the hearts of men, but that the gospel was
the power of God to salvation.” (RH Aug. 3, 1911)
Again
we are warned, “Paul was a very great teacher, yet he felt that without the
Spirit of God working with him, all the education he might obtain would be of
little account. We need to have this same experience; we need to be afraid of
ourselves. We need individually to sit at the feet of Jesus, and listen to His
words of instruction.” (MS 84, 1901, also 6BC 1084)
“Human
strength is weakness, human wisdom is folly. Our success does not depend on
our talents or learning, but on our living connection with God. The truth is
shorn of its power when preached by men who are seeking to display their
learning and ability. Such men display also that they know very little of
experimental religion, that they are unsanctified in heart and life, and are
filled with vain conceit.” (5T 158-9)
Under
inspiration Paul himself gave this testimony: “For it is written, I will
destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of
the prudent. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of
this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” (1 Cor.
1:19-20)
Regarding
prideful display, God is equally forthright in letting us know His view.
“Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand
join hand, he shall not be unpunished.” (Prov. 16:18) “Those who seek to
honor themselves will not be honored by Him.” (Series B, No. 5, p. 154)
The First Presenter
Labeling
himself as a specialist in early church history, the first speaker addressed
the change of the Sabbath to Sunday in the early church. He examined a
statement of one of the early church fathers that the Catholics have used as
evidence of very early Christian observance of Sunday. Here he demonstrated
his skill in the use of higher critical methods of exegetical analysis of this
early Greek fragment, arguing that the passage does not really support the
early observance of Sunday as claimed.
At
the same time, referring frequently to the work of Samuele Bacchiocchi, he
argued that the change was very gradual and came about over a relatively long
period of time, mostly as a social and cultural trend motivated by Christians
wishing to distance themselves from the religion of the Jews who were
increasingly being held in social contempt. While acknowledging that the
change had been made, he argued that it had evolved as a more gradual
development than is suggested by most SDA evangelists who point only to the
edict of Constantine in 321 A.D. The insinuation being that SDA teachings have
been based upon inadequate historical scholarship.
There
is no argument with the concept that the change from Sabbath to Sunday
observance came about gradually. But the frequent distressing implications and
insinuations peppering the presentations like little seeds of doubt are bound
to have their intended effect of growing a crop of disbelief in the very
divine teachings they are purporting to support.
The fact that the process of the change from Sabbath to Sunday
observance was gradual and involved social, cultural and political factors is
of academic interest. This is the current emphasis of Catholic scholars and
authorities who place the ultimate spiritual authority upon the teachings and
traditions of men rather than on the clear Word of God.
This
presenter, however, gave little attention to the primary and most significant
factor in the process of the change of the Sabbath. Following the prophecies
of Scripture, works by early SDA historians and revelations of God’s
messenger to the end time church are replete with scholarly historical
documentation supporting the fact that it was compromise and accommodation of
Christianity with the worldly customs and beliefs of paganism that brought
about the crowning mark of the great apostasy, the change of the Sabbath. 1
Under
the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Ellen White graphically describes the
process in The Great Controversy at the beginning of her chapter
describing the apostasy. This passage serves also as a cogent warning to us
today of the terrible risks of compromising with the world and its ecumenical
ideas.
“Little
by little, at first in stealth and silence, and then more openly as it
increased in strength and gained control of the minds of men, the mystery of
iniquity carried forward its deceptive and blasphemous work. Almost
imperceptibly the customs of heathenism found their way into the Christian
church. The spirit of compromise and conformity was restrained for a time by
the fierce persecutions which the church endured under paganism. But as
persecution ceased, and Christianity entered the courts and palaces of kings,
she said aside the humble simplicity of Christ and His apostles for the pomp
and pride of pagan priests and rulers; and in place of the requirements of
God, she substituted human theories and traditions. The nominal conversion of
Constantine, in the early part of the fourth century, caused great rejoicing;
and the world, cloaked with a form of righteousness, walked into the church.
Now the work of corruption rapidly progressed. Paganism, while appearing to be
vanquished, became the conqueror. Her doctrines, ceremonies, and superstitions
were incorporated into the faith and worship of the professed followers of
Christ.
“This
compromise between paganism and Christianity resulted in the development of
the ‘man of sin’ foretold in prophesy as opposing and exalting himself
above God.” (GC 49-50)
During
the discussion period this man made a very interesting and telling
observation. He reflected that over the years while serving as a Bible teacher
in American SDA schools, he noted a significant difference between students
before, and more recently, after returning from 15 years in Europe where he
also obtained his doctorate at the University of Uppsala. In the past he
observed that SDA students were much more caught up in concern about Christian
standards of behavior and obedience (“legalism” according to his liberal
theological perspective) but that they were much more knowledgeable about the
Bible. They knew their Bibles.
In
contrast some 15 years later he observed that the college students he
encountered were much freer from “legalism” or concern with keeping of the
commandments and were more comfortable with a religion of grace (the
“anything goes” abandonment of Christian standards spawned by their
liberal theology) but at the same time these students were generally ignorant
of the content of their Bibles. He noted that other of his colleagues had made
similar observations.
To
him it seemed a kind of paradox that less understanding of the Bible should be
associated with a “superior” type of religious experience. The fearful
implication here, not likely to be missed by any observant student, is that
the less you study your Bible and follow the teachings of men, the better off
you will be spiritually.
The
irony here is how blinding can be the deceptions of these liberal, new
theology teachings. To this observer it seems obvious that what he is seeing,
but does not understand, is that those who are ignorant of the teachings of
the Bible are the most vulnerable victims of this cheep grace type of
theology. Whereas those who have studied their Bible for themselves know that
Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15). And,
“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He
that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the
truth is not in him.” (1 John 4 - 5) Sadly, today, we see in our own beloved
college, fulfillment of God’s words to this generation:
“In
the professedly Christian world, many turn away from the plain teachings of
the Bible, and build up a creed from human speculation and pleasing fables:
and they point to their tower as a way to climb up to heaven. Men hang with
admiration upon the lips of eloquence while it teaches that the transgressor
shall not die, that salvation may be secured without obedience to the law of
God. If the professed followers of Christ would accept God’s standard, it
would bring them
into unity; but so long as human wisdom is exalted above his Holy word, there
will be divisions and dissension.” (PP 124)
__________
1
See as examples: Andrews, J. N., History of the Sabbath and First Day of
the Week, Review & Herald Pub. Assn. 1887. Andrews. J. N. and Conradi,
L. R. History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week, Fourth Edition,
Revised and Enlarged, Review & Herald Pub. Assn. 1912. Bible Readings
for the Home Circle, Pacific Press, 1914. White, E. G. The Great
Controversy Between Christ and Satan, Pacific Press, 1888, 1907, 1911.
Though Ellen White never identified herself as an authority on history, she
did cite more than 400 references to some 88 authors and authorities in the
1911 edition of The Great Controversy. See 3SM 434.
The Second Presenter
To
the superficial listener probably the most pleasant and memorable presentation
would have been that of the second presenter. From the standpoint of the
careful observer this presentation was by far the most dangerously deceptive
and subtly seductive in its attempt to undermine one’s confidence in the
Scriptures and the Adventist end time message.
The
presentation, like that of the others was smooth, pleasing, and articulate,
giving the impression of a high level of scholarly accomplishments. He
frequently cited examples of his ideas from worldly literary sources, but
exhibited little interest in establishing a Biblical foundation for his
teachings. His presentation could well be a classic demonstration of how to
successfully use advanced techniques of a form of mind control that is but a
highly disguised form of hypnotic manipulation of the minds of his audience.
This
speaker introduced his remarks with the observation that he always enjoyed
picture books so he proposed to show some pictures for the audience to enjoy
while he was talking. This was a curious stratagem. Unless pictures are
designed to help explain the concepts they wish to communicate, most speakers
would choose to have the undistracted attention of their hearers. But to make
this situation “curiouser and curiouser” the speaker went on to comment
that his pictures may or may not seem to have anything to do with what he was
talking about but in actuality they may or may not. By this simple devise he
created in the minds of his audience a state of bewilderment and a
distracting, puzzling over the role and relation the pictures might have to
his message. Some would give up the struggle and sit back and enjoy the
pictures. In either case the viewers’ minds were distracted from critically
focusing on the words and message of the speaker.
Here
we must digress for a moment to comment upon this particular device. Only one
with some understanding of this methodology would be apt to recognize the use
and intent of the technique being used. It is in reality a highly disguised
form of mind manipulation and control of hypnotism. Sometimes in its more
disguised applications it is associated with terms such as neurolinguistic
programming of NLP.
Its
most familiar form is in its constant use in television advertising. The
purpose is to focus the viewer’s attention on the picture so that while you
are thus engaged, another message can be pumped or imprinted into your brain
while your critical judgment and natural defenses are down or disengaged. It
is a very clever but Satanic form of mind control or manipulation.
Now
as you will recall from television advertising, the picture may or may not
seem to have any relevance to the advertising message you are expected to
receive in your brain and some time later hopefully respond to, often not even
knowing why you have the impulse to do so. Sometimes the message may be subtly
conveyed in the picture in a way that reinforces the accompanying verbal
message. At other times the picture may simply be a nonsensical mishmash of
images that leaves you confused and wondering what was that all about. But it
has served its purpose. First, it held your attention while the verbal message
was pumped into your brain. Second, it was so confusing that it had you
concentrating on trying to figure out what it was all about, thus diverting
your critical judgment from the real message being deposited into your mind.
Often the impact of the message can be compounded by skillfully combining both
of these devices. The whole intent is to bypass your critical judgment and get
ideas into your thinking that you would readily reject if your moral defenses
were not diverted.
These
devices appear to have been very smoothly and adroitly accomplished by the
second speaker is his presentation. His comment that the pictures may or may
not seem to be related to his presentation left the audience confused and
puzzled over what does this picture have to do with his topic of discussion.
And while their critical judgment was thus diverted, he could pump into their
brains any kind of unbiblical theological nonsense without their being able to
adequately defend against it.
The
pictures generally were very skillfully done. They covered a wide range of
subjects selected to appeal to one with an acute aesthetic sense. One was of a
colored door next to a standing sewer pipe against a stuccoed wall, a study in
values. Others were idyllic pastoral scenes, some clouded with foggy mists,
etc. The arrangement or sequence seemed to have no rhyme or reason but
generally would fall into the modern or avant guard art style. The unspoken
message here is one of encouraging daring departure from conventional rules of
seeing things. It is an effort to force one to abandon old values and to
perceive the world in new or non-traditional ways.
This
was precisely what the speaker was trying to communicate theologically, i.e.
to push the audience to reject traditional, conventional, well tested,
divinely inspired truths and to explore and accept the mythologizing,
philosophical fantasies he was trying to sell as newly discovered truth.
God
has given us some very pointed warnings about this type of activity. “The
theory of mind controlling mind was originated by Satan, to introduce himself
as the chief worker, to put human philosophy where divine philosophy should
be. Of all the errors that are finding acceptance among professedly Christian
people, none is a more dangerous deception, none more certain to separate men
from God, that this...
It opens the door through which Satan will enter to take possession both of
the mind that is given up to be controlled by another, and of the mind that
controls.” (MH 243)
“Any
man, be he minister or layman, who seeks to compel or control the reason of
any other man, becomes an agent of Satan, to do his work, and in the sight of
the heavenly universe he bears the mark of Cain.” (BC 1087)
It
is or more than passing interest that this promise of mind expanding thinking
was the device that Satan used so successfully with Eve in the Garden of Eden.
What are these new theological “truths” in this and the other speaker’s
package? These will be discussed below. But, raising serious questions as to
where this man’s real allegiance lay was his comment that in his review of
the Pope’s recent encyclical, Dies Domini, urging the observance of
Sunday, he found much more solid theology than he had seen in his study of SDA
sources.
The Respondents
The
first respondent was a senior Theology student who was clearly an exhibit
“A” to demonstrate the quality of product produced by the School of
Theology of Walla Walla College. This Black man, who appeared to be somewhat
older than the usual college senior, spoke with freedom as if long accustomed
to public speaking. Though designated as respondent to the formal
presentations of his professors, he gave only passing assent to the views they
had expressed and chose instead to focus primarily upon the meaning the
Sabbath had in his own personal experience.
He
recounted the customs of Sabbath observance in his boyhood home in the West
Indies. Later as his family emigrated to Canada with all of the problems of
adjusting to a new culture, he recalled the Sabbath as a sacred anchor of
meaning, belonging and continuity. As he spoke from the heart, one became
convinced that though he had been tainted by the influences of his teachers,
the real meaning of the Sabbath to him came more from the influences of a
genuine Christian home than from anything he had learned from his theologizing
professors. His comments were like an island of wholesomeness in an ocean of
deceptive confusion.
If
the first respondent was exhibit “A”, the second respondent had to be
exhibit “A+” but of an entirely different type. As identified in their
printed announcement, “She is poised to make a significant contribution to
the School of Theology through her teaching and providing a role model for
women who are taking theology.” This last speaker was obviously a showcase
demonstration of conformity to the NAD President’s Commission on Women in
Ministry, especially to Sections II,E and IX. This is the feminist motivated
policy of the North American Division of SDA designed to do an end run around
the vote of two General Conference World sessions where the idea of ordination
of women was flatly rejected. By this little publicized, devious device,
ordination is now simply called by another name, i.e., “commissioned”,
which is to be equivalent in all respects to ordination. The result is that
the involvement of women in all levels of ministerial roles is not only
accepted but pushed by vigorous NAD mandate. 2
Remember,
that this speaker is a showcase example of the new order of ministerial
leadership to be expected in our churches, conferences, unions, etc. In
addition she is acknowledged to be a role model for young women who aspire to
positions of ministerial leadership in the church. As a role model, we must
ask ourselves, what kind of image and message will she be modeling to
Christian young women coming to the college with interests in lives of
Christian service.
Sporting
the obscenely abbreviated miniskirt of current fashion, the immediate unspoken
message to the youth from this “model” is that the goddess of fashion is
sovereign, and that God’s standards of modesty and virtue are no longer
valid or of importance.
This
is in blatant defiance of the words of Scripture where the Apostle Paul under
the inspiration of the Holy Spirit instructed that women should, “adorn
themselves in modest apparel with shamefacedness [modesty of character] and
sobriety.¼
But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” (1 Tim.
2:9-10) It was Paul also who said that, “Ye are manifestly declared to be
the epistle of Christ,” “known and read of all men.” (2 Cor. 3:3, 2)
“A
person’s character is judged by his style of dress. A refined taste, a
cultivated mind, will be revealed in the choice of simple and appropriate
attire. Chaste simplicity in dress, when united with modesty of demeanor, will
go far toward surrounding a young woman with that atmosphere of sacred reserve
which will be to her a shield from a thousand perils.” (Edu. 248)
There
is no doubt that our general appearance and dress is continually making an
important public statement.
In
his book Christian Dress and Adornment, (pp. 62-63), Dr. Samuele
Bacchiocchi, to whom the presenters frequently referred, has shared some
revealing insight from a leading fashion designer of women’s clothes today
as to what the public statement of today’s fashion is really saying.
“Mary
Quant, the mother of the mini-skirt and Britain’s successful designer of
women’s ready-to-wear clothes, says that her aim is ‘to dress women so men
would feel like tearing the wrapping off.’ She designs clothes to shock,
because she believes, ‘If the clothes don’t make you noticed, then I think
they’re a waste of money.’ She coined the dictum, ‘Good taste is
death’ vulgarity life.’ When asked, ‘What is the point of fashion, where
is it leading?’ Mary Quant promptly relied, ‘Sex.’
“In
an interview published in Newsweek, Mary Quant explained, in words
almost too raw to quote, what the miniskirt represents to her: ‘Am I the
only woman who has ever wanted to go to bed with a man in the afternoon? Any
law-abiding female, it used to be taught, waits until after dark. Well, there
are lots of girls who do not want to wait. Mini-clothes are symbolic of
them.’
__________
2For
more on this critical issue, see Adventists Affirm, Fall 1998 issue.
Seduction
is also the goal of the line of cosmetics she designs: ‘All this decoration
is put on in order to seduce a man to bed, so what’s the sense of taking it
all off?’ ” So much for the non-verbal witness.
In
her role as respondent, this speaker had little to contribute but to reflect
and support the positions of the previous speakers. To support the emphasis of
the first presenter that it is important to have our history correct, she
alluded to an experience of embarrassment when as a new Adventist she tried to
share her new beliefs only to find that they had been based on bad history.
She
also chose to pick up and praise the assertions of previous speakers that
because we are saved by grace, we cannot be saved by keeping the Sabbath,
therefore neither can we be lost by not keeping it. She also emphatically
endorsed the proposition that the Sabbath was a gift of rest and therefore not
a test.
I
believe this respondent’s only original contribution to the discussion was
her assertion that since the gift of the Sabbath was basically one of emphasis
on relationship, to affirm this relationship aspect, we should always remember
to have sex on the Sabbath. This remark elicited a gasp of incredulity from
the audience. Whether this was a calculated effect was uncertain. A
ministerial role model indeed!
Beguiling
Theological Inventions
What
I heard being taught by these modern theologians was sadly and truly
unrecognizable when compared to the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy anchored
third angel’s message our class of theology majors had studied fifty years
ago. What we had studied was an Adventist message that was clear yet profound:
powerful in its simplicity and conviction. It was a message that had already
become a apart of us. Most of us had made painful sacrifices to stand true to
that Bible message during the years of World War II.
Today,
as I listened, some haunting predictions came flooding my mind, warnings given
long ago by the Lord’s messenger, that only now is becoming understandable
in its full impact.
“But
divisions will come in the church. Two parties will be developed. The wheat
and the tares grow up together for the harvest.” (SM. 114)
“I
repeat, He is not leading anyone by His Holy Spirit to frame a theory that
will unsettle faith in the solemn messages He has given His people to bear to
our world.” (2SM 115)
“Never,
never was there a time when the truth will suffer more from being
misrepresented, belittled, demerited through the perverse disputings of men
than in these last days.” (6BC 1064)
It
is important to emphasize that all the speakers were smart, academically
accomplished, skillful and adroit in theological and philosophical argument.
Their manner was pleasant, smooth and highly articulate, easily leading one to
the distinct feeling of, who am I to take on one of such obvious learning,
surely they would be capable of reducing to shreds any view I should raise in
opposition to their ideas.
Rather
than demonstrating a solid grounding in Scripture, their conclusions appeared
to be based, for the most part, upon obscure, tortuous philosophical fantasy,
while throwing in frequent references to wordily philosophers, theologians,
historians, early church fathers, etc., to bolster their image of academic
astuteness.
Though
many nice things were said about the Sabbath, many of the remarks seemed to
parrot the views being pushed in the popular and ecumenical press, viewing a
Sabbath as God’s answer to man’s need for rest both in a physical and
spiritual sense. While purporting to explore the depth of spiritual
significance of the Sabbath, there was a seductive undermining of its role as
the distinguishing banner of allegiance to God’s divine law. In general, the
view of the Sabbath presented was consistent with the new Catholic and
Protestant perspective regarding Sunday observance. Noting the physical,
sociological, psychological and spiritual benefits of a day of rest, it was
acknowledged that the Sabbath was a blessed gift of God to mankind but without
any binding obligation or requirement. It is seen entirely as a gift for us to
enjoy. (Now watch carefully the mingling of truth and error.)
Enlarging
on this concept, they argue that since the Sabbath is only a gift and we are
saved by grace, therefore no one is saved by keeping the Sabbath. This much is
true. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:
it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Zeph.
2:8-9). But lest we get caught up in the popular antinomian abandonment of the
role of obedience, Paul goes on to clarify: “For we are his workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God had before ordained that we
should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10) Paul in another place while declaring that
we are justified by faith, is quick to emphatically remind us “Do we then
make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.”
(Rom. 3:31)
Our
theologian friends argue however that since we cannot be saved by keeping the
Sabbath, therefore we cannot be lost by not keeping the Sabbath. Oops! Note
carefully the subtle mixture of truth with error in the guise of apparent
logical thinking. It sounds real good to the unregenerate heart, but the logic
is fallacious and the theology is unbiblical.
The
scriptures are abundantly and forcefully clear that we will be judged by our
works because they are a reflection and measure of our love and loyalty to our
Savior and Creator. “And the dead were judged out of those things which were
written in the books, according to their works.” (Rev. 20:12)
Yes,
it is true that we cannot be saved by keeping the Sabbath. We are saved by
grace. But to say that this relieves us of any obligation to keep the Sabbath
holy according to the commandment is a glaring fallacy and contrary to the
express work of God. In fact God has used some rather strong language in
describing this error. “God did not make the infinite sacrifice of giving
His only -begotten Son to our world, to secure for man the privilege of
breaking the commandments of God in this life and in the future eternal life.
This is an infamous lie originated by Satan, which must be made to appear in
its false, deceitful character.¼”
(6BC 1116)
Another
theme was also persistently repeated as if repetition would better fix the
idea in the minds of their hearers. The concept, apparently endorsed by all
the speakers, was the emphasis that the Sabbath, being a gift could not be a
test. To these speakers the two ideas of rest and test, are contradictory, in
diametrical opposition and are mutually exclusive. Thus, to them, to see the
Sabbath as a rest immediately eliminates any obligation to obedience to divine
law. Of course this is in complete opposition to the clear Word of God.
We
acknowledge that at creation God bestowed upon man two profoundly meaningful
gifts: the Sabbath rest and the blessing of marriage. While both gifts were
instituted for our higher good and happiness, nowhere is there any suggestion
that because they were gifts were we excused from observing these institutions
according to God’s commandments. On the contrary, it is faithful observance
of the Sabbath in particular, that is identified as a singular sign of our
loyalty to our Maker and Savior.
It
is incredulously amazing how the deceptions of the enemy of souls is able to
capture the brilliant minds of such highly educated men and women that they
would so wrest the Scriptures and teach the opposite of what is so plainly
taught in the Bible. And lest we get caught in such sophistries, in His love,
God has in these last days, given us volumes of counsel in the writings of
Ellen White much of it on this very point. Note just a few examples.
“Be
sure the Sabbath is a test question and how you treat this question places you
either on God’s side or Satan’s side. The mark of the beast is to be
presented in some shape to every institution and every individual.” (3SM
356)
“The
Sabbath of the fourth commandment is the test for this time, and all connected
with this great memorial is to be kept before the people.” (Ev. 213)
“Those
who desire to have the seal of God in their foreheads must keep the Sabbath of
the fourth commandment. Thus they are distinguished from the disloyal, who
have accepted a man made institution in the place of the true Sabbath. The
observance of God’s rest day is a mark of distinction between him that
serveth God and him that serveth Him not.” (RH April 23, 1901)
“Those
only who through faith in Christ obey all of God’s commandments will reach
the condition of sinlessness in which Adam lived before his transgression.
They testify to their love of Christ by obeying all His precepts.” (6BC
1118)
“Our
duty to obey this law is to be the burden of this last message of mercy to the
world. God’s law is not a new thing. It is not holiness created, but
holiness made known. It is a code of principles expressing mercy, goodness,
and love. It presents to fallen humanity the character of God, and states
plainly the whole duty of man.” (1BC 1104-5)
“The
Lord has shown me clearly that the image of the best will be formed before
probation closes; for it is to be the great test for the people of God, by
which their eternal destiny will be decided. [Rev. 13:11-17 quoted]
“This
is the test that the people of God must have before they are sealed. All who
prove their loyalty to God by observing His law, and refusing to accept a
spurious Sabbath, will rank under the banner of the Lord God Jehovah, and will
receive the seal of the living God. Those who yield the truth of heavenly
origin and accept the Sunday Sabbath, will receive the mark of the beast.”
(7BC 976)
Discussion
Period
Following
the formal presentations, the chairman of the School of Theology fielded
questions to the panel from the audience. I particularly noted that there were
no real efforts to challenge the speakers with the discrepancies of their
ideas with the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy foundational principles of our
faith.
Not
on the panel of speakers, but present in the audience, was one professor in
the School of Theology who is widely known for his proclivity to pick and
choose what portions of the Bible, in his view, are inspired and what is not.
This liberal philosophy has led him to reject the clear witness of Scripture,
that the original sanctuary in the wilderness was made after the pattern of
the heavenly (Exodus 25:40, Heb. 8:5). In contrast to this truth he believes
and teaches that the idea of the sanctuary and its service was probably
borrowed from the Hebrews’ surrounding Canaanite neighbors and that the Book
of Hebrews interprets the “heavenly” sanctuary in terms of Platonic
dualism. 3
It
is against just such snares of error and distorted thinking that through Ellen
White, God has given us solemn warning.
“Do
not let any living man come to you and begin to dissect God’s Word, telling
what is revelation, what is inspiration and what is not, without a rebuke.¼
We call on you to take your Bible, but do not put a sacrilegious hand upon it,
and say, ‘That is not inspired.’ simply because somebody else has said so.
Not a jot or tittle is ever to be taken from that Word. Hands off. brethren!
Do not touch the ark...
When men begin to meddle with God’s Word, I want to tell them to take their
hands off, for they do not know what they are doing.” (7BC 919-920) Again
we
are warned. “Brethren, cling to your Bible, as it read, and stop your
criticisms in regard to its validity, and obey the Word, and not one of you
will be lost.” (1SM 18)
__________
The
extent of this man’s skepticism in his views of the Scripture are summarized
and documented from his published writings by Samuel Koranteng-Pipim, Receiving
the Word, p. 145, Berean Books, 1996. See also Issues in Revelation and
Inspiration, Adventist Theological Society, PO Box 86, Berrien Springs, MI
49103.
“God
Himself gave to Moses the plan of that structure (the sanctuary), with
particular direction as to its size and form, the materials to be employed,
and every article of furniture which it was to contain. The holy places made
with hands were to be figures of the true (Heb. 9:24(, ‘patterns of things
in the heavens’ Heb. 9:23—a miniature representation of the heavenly
temple where Christ, our great high priest, after offering His life as a
sacrifice, was to minister in the sinner’s behalf.¼”
(Faith I Live By p. 193)
“This
is the great day of preparation, and the solemn work going on in the sanctuary
above should be kept constantly before the minds of those employed in our
various institutions. Business cares should not be allowed to absorb the mind
to such a degree that the work in heaven, which concerns every individual,
will be lightly regarded. The solemn scenes of the judgment, the great day of
atonement, should be kept before the people, and urged upon their consciences
with earnestness and power. The subject of the sanctuary will give us correct
views of the importance of the work for this time.” (5T 420)
“Satan
is striving continually to bring in fanciful suppositions in regard to the
sanctuary, degrading the wonderful representations of God and the ministry of
Christ for our salvation into something that suits the carnal mind. He removes
its presiding power with fantastic theories invented to make void the truths
of the atonement, and destroy our confidence in the doctrines which we have
held sacred since the third angel’s message was first given. Thus he would
rob us of our faith in the very messages that has made us a separate people,
and has given character and power to our work.
“In
the word of God warnings, regarding this are plainly given, yet fanciful
representations and interpretations of truth have been stealing in step by
step, unperceived by men who ought through a clear understanding of the
Scriptures, to be prepared to see the danger and sound a note of warning.”
(Series B, No. 6, p. 233) How can we sit back with indifference when we are
employing people who are fulfilling this prophecy in our very midst?
|
Don’t
forget God’s specific warning that, “Any man (or woman) who
seeks to present theories which would lead us from the light that
has come to us on the ministration in the heavenly sanctuary, should
not be accepted as a teacher.” (Paulson Collection, p. 61)
|
During
the question period this professor made some remarks from the floor clearly
indicating his agreement with the views presented that the Sabbath was a gift
but not a test. But, it appeared for the sake of discussion, he raised the
question as to how one was to decide whether to view the Sabbath as a gift or
a tests.
In
a response that appeared to be an attempt to be humorous, the first presenter
replied curtly and facetiously, “By grace.” To me this response was
curious. Clearly it was an effort to use playful humor to lighten things up
and avoid a heavy discussion of some profoundly serious issues critical to our
salvation, but at the same time displayed an attitude that sacred things
should not be taken too seriously and can be joked about with impunity.
In
his concluding remarks, the Chairman of the School of Theology noted that it
was the job of a chairman to make his staff look good. Complimenting them all,
he assured everyone that they had made his task very easy. In his comments, he
made it plain that he was in complete agreement with the views presented by
the speakers.
Conclusion
This
has been a sad and distressing picture. It is egregious apostasy in its most
subtle, deceptive, and pernicious form. The whole effort appears to be a
rather sophisticated attempt to convince potential constituents of the college
that this is indeed a top notch school. This major propaganda effort is
intended to convince, that especially the School of Theology, which has been
under a cloud of suspicion regarding its orthodoxy, is indeed a center of
learning on the leading edge of theological thought.
The
question remaining is by whose standard do we measure this thinking and
performance. They certainly appear to be doing an excellent job of conforming
to the standards and thinking of today’s academic world. If, however, we
measure them by the inspired standards of the Bible and the Testimony of
Jesus, they are a sad and miserable failure and constitute a subtle, deceptive
snare extremely dangerous to the spiritual welfare of anyone who comes under
their influence.
No!
This is not just a minor complication requiring only a more effective public
relations program. It is an insidious and pervasive cancer of doubt and error
that must be identified and eradicated lest it be destructive to the whole
body. To permit it to continue is to expose our precious youth, especially, to
unspeakable hazards to their present and eternal spiritual welfare.
