|
About ONElist Partner with Us Jobs @ ONElist Advertising |
Spam Policy Privacy Policy Terms of Service |
My Profile Contact Us Feedback ONElist T-Shirts |
There are 4 messages in this issue.
Topics in today's digest:
1. Re: TC-TOC Merger
From: "Lungani Mfeka" <MfekaL@xxxxxx.xx.xxx
2. Re: Adventist church in crisis
From: "Mashudu Ravhengani" <Ravhenmj@xxxxx.xxxx
3. Re: Adventist church in crisis
From: "Mashudu Ravhengani" <Ravhenmj@xxxxx.xxxx
4. Elder Folkenberg's sermon
From: "Mashudu Ravhengani" <Ravhenmj@xxxxx.xxxx
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1999 11:00:50 +0200
From: "Lungani Mfeka" <MfekaL@xxxxxx.xx.xxx
Subject: Re: TC-TOC Merger
Fellow Adventists,
I need Erol Niemardt's telephone numbers, can anyone help me? There
may be something wrong with my spelling of his surname - please forgive
me.
Lungani
>>> "Mashudu Ravhengani" <Ravhenmj@umdnj.edu> 09/21/99 05:16PM >>>
From: "Mashudu Ravhengani" <Ravhenmj@umdnj.edu>
Shirley,
I personally appreciate the ministry that you have rendered and
continue to render UCT students. When I saw you few years ago at Phillip
Saunders I realized that there was a strong bonding between you and the
students. Keep up the good work.
What we might need to understand is that many things have changed since
the late 80's when we were at UCT. I do remember an instance at Mowbray
church when a senior member of the church approached me after church and
politely told me that some of the people of my colour go to churches in
the township. I understood the message.
You will need to remember than the year before we came to UCT most of
the black students did not stay in the residences; they were
accommodated in Athlone.
Now we live in the new South Africa and things have changed. In those
days black youth were more dangerous than they are now, the police were
always after them; they were a threat to state security.
In those days the students didn't want to be a part of Mowbray church,
even though we later decided to have a combined Friday meetings with the
Mowbray youth.
Not only have the attitudes of members of the Mowbray church changed;
even the student's attitudes have changed.
Thank God that all of that is behide us.
The King is even at the door!
Jeremiah
>>> "Shirley Allen" <chmin@hbc.ac.za> 09/21 6:34 AM >>>
From: "Shirley Allen" <chmin@hbc.ac.za>
Hi there
I am not sure when you were at UCT but I would like to say that there
has
been a great deal of change going on in the Cape Town Churches I think
you
refer to and I would be keen to hear if the UCT students still all
feel the
same way as you did then.
I had lunch with about 40 UCT students two Sabbath's ago at Mowbray
Church
and there was a very positive atmoshere amongst those I chatted to.
God bless
Shirley
-----Original Message-----
From: Ramo Mekoa <ramom@smm.setpoint.co.za>
To: 'sa-sda@onelist.com' <sa-sda@onelist.com>
Date: Tuesday, September 21, 1999 11:38
Subject: RE: [sa-sda] TC-TOC Merger
>From: Ramo Mekoa <ramom@smm.setpoint.co.za>
>
>Tshivhenga,
>
>I tend to agree with your and Jeremiah's sentiments with regard to
the
>merger.
>
>When we (myself, Jeremiah, Andrew and a few others on this list) were
>students in Cape Town we lived very close to an Adventist church.
During
one
>of our first visits there it became clear that we were a hindrance to
a
free
>worship atmosphere for some of the members of the church. We even
overheard
>one of them ask a fellow member: "Why don't they go to their own
church?".
>To allude to Jongimpi's race illustration, we seem not to be running
the
>same race.
>
>Talk of a merger raises fear of integration among some of our
brethren, and
>we have seen how integration seems to lead to 'take-overs'. Claim
Street in
>Johannesburg is a case in point. Integration in our church seems to be
that
>period between when the first black family moves into a church and
when the
>last white family moves out.
>
>We can debate this until we are all blue in the face, but we will not
make
>headway whilst the hearts remain unchanged. As was said in an earlier
>discussion, the heart of the problem is the problem of the heart. In
the
>meantime, while we argue with each other and point fingers at each
other,
>the world around us is dying without Christ. We are like an army
which
>spends the majority of its time either shining their armor or fighting
one
>another. Let's get things in perspective, people. There is a war to
fight.
>
>I firmly believe that our unity, as opposed to our merger, is
inevitable so
>long as we submit totally to the Lordship of Christ, and the
implications
of
>His Lordship.
>
>Lo! He comes!
>
>Ramodise
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Tshivhenga Takalani * Group [mailto:TakalaniT@Transnet.co.za]
>Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 1999 09:01
>To: 'sa-sda@onelist.com'
>Subject: RE: [sa-sda] TC-TOC Merger
>
>
>From: Tshivhenga Takalani * Group <TakalaniT@Transnet.co.za>
>
>Hi Friends!
>
>My personal opinion is that the merger of two conferences i.e. TOC and
TC
is
>a nice to have (Maybe I am saying this because I am a Lay man and may
not
>benefit materially from the merger). Why don't we forget about it
and
>preach the soon return of our Lord.
>
>I ponder, what if Abram and Lot did not seperate and each go their own
way,
>some of us would not been marveling the care and love of the good Lord
when
>He went out of His way to snatch out Lot from Sodom.
>
>Of course we have to care about our fellow brothers from the other
>Conference (TC), but I feel let them go ahead and serve their Lord the
way
>that satisfies their calling.
>
>In one meeting an Afrikaans brother made a coment in Afrikaans saying
" So
>lank die Kaffer Hemel toe gaan, dan gaan ek nie" meaning (As long as
a
black
>is going to Heaven I am not going there) I hope he was just making a
joke,
>but that is what he said.
>
>He is vevn at the doo.
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Masabatha Online [mailto:masabatha@yahoo.com]
>Sent: 21 September 1999 05:58
>To: sa-sda@onelist.com
>Subject: Re: [sa-sda] TC-TOC Merger
>
>
>From: Masabatha Online <masabatha@yahoo.com>
>
>
>In the beginning of this discussion I asked whether we really need
>the merger. I would like to suggest that we don't need the merger. As
>Tankiso said, what we need is unity. We can be united even though we
>have not merged, and we can be merged and still be divided. The
>merger, or the structural merger, as it is called, is the merging of
>structures not the uniting of people. The concept of the structural
>merger has no spiritual connotations whereas unity is spiritual,
>Jesus prayed that we might be one. So, merger cannot be used to weigh
>the spirituality of the people/conference. Let us not fall into the
>trap of using the two words interchangeable. For unity does not
>necessitate the merging of the structures, actually the structural
>merger might be of less importance if we are united.
>
>I liked Jongimpi's illustration about running the race. It is
>interesting that I find the illustration applicable to my local
>church. The majority of our members (from both black and white
>conferences) are not running the race. The failure to merge/racism is
>not the only test of Christianity (if it is the test at all). Many of
>those who are not racist are busy with other sins. What I hear Pastor
>Papu to be saying is that the time is coming when the true remnant of
>all races will come together. I hope we will not wait until them.
>
>It is disappointing that in the Kwa-natal-ofs conference they are
>still having separate camp meetings. However, we need to understand
>that culture plays a big part in our worship. Unity does not dissolve
>the cultures, that's why we talk about unity in diversity. I do not
>consider myself to be a racist, in fact some of the best Adventist
>Christians that I know happen to the white people. But somehow I just
>do not enjoy the white church services as much as I enjoy the black
>church services. I guess there is something wrong with me. What will
>happen if I am forced (or left without a choice but) to attend a
>white church service [before I allow the Lord to changes my sinful
>attitude]? I might just leave the church.
>May be that's what happened at Johannesburg central church. May be
>that's what happened in England and Zimbabwe. May that's what is
>happening in Canada.
>What can we learn from all of this?
>
>He is still working on me, making me what I ought to be!
>
>The King is coming!
>
>Jeremiah
>
>
>The King is even at the door!
>====
>To contribute to the discussions: send your mails to
sa-sda@onelist.com
>To subscribe: send a blank email sa-sda-subscribe@onelist.com
>To unsubscribe: send a blank email to sa-sda-unsubscribe@onelist.com
>
>The King is even at the door!
>====
>To contribute to the discussions: send your mails to
sa-sda@onelist.com
>To subscribe: send a blank email sa-sda-subscribe@onelist.com
>To unsubscribe: send a blank email to sa-sda-unsubscribe@onelist.com
>
>>The King is even at the door!
>====
>To contribute to the discussions: send your mails to
sa-sda@onelist.com
>To subscribe: send a blank email sa-sda-subscribe@onelist.com
>To unsubscribe: send a blank email to sa-sda-unsubscribe@onelist.com
The King is even at the door!
====
To contribute to the discussions: send your mails to sa-sda@onelist.com
To subscribe: send a blank email sa-sda-subscribe@onelist.com
To unsubscribe: send a blank email to sa-sda-unsubscribe@onelist.com
--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor
----------------------------
New!! Free E-mail @mail.com, @usa.com, @engineer.com and more!
Mail.com makes it easy to set up a free, personalized e-mail address
that you can access anytime and anywhere.
<a href=" http://clickme.onelist.com/ad/mailcom2 ">Click Here</a>
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The King is even at the door!
===To contribute to the discussions: send your mails to
sa-sda@onelist.com
To subscribe: send a blank email sa-sda-subscribe@onelist.com
To unsubscribe: send a blank email to sa-sda-unsubscribe@onelist.com
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Message: 2
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1999 13:19:26 -0400
From: "Mashudu Ravhengani" <Ravhenmj@xxxxx.xxxx
Subject: Re: Adventist church in crisis
Lungani,
As promised. here is the
THE REPORT THE Commision of enquiry at WALLA WALLA COLLEGE - Part 1
[From WALLA WALLA COLLEGE Web Site, www.wwc.edu]
THEOLOGICAL TENSIONS AND ISSUES
The tensions affecting the theology department of Walla Walla College and their critics hinge on
differing expectations from various constituent groups. Students, parents, WWC theology teachers,
Northwest administrators, Northwest pastors and even the WWC Board of Trustees and the
church in North America are involved in discussions over basic issues facing the church that will
determine its direction in the future.
These tensions are not unlike similar battles previously held in the mainline Protestant churches
(Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Lutheran, etc.). Those issues forever changed those churches,
effectively neutralizing their moral and theological witness to the world. After they endured the
struggles similar to those facing WWC and Adventism, those churches were forever altered. This
commission report presupposes a basic working knowledge on the part of its readers that will help
them understand the issues.
The WWC Theology faculty, by self description, use a "Biblical Studies" model as their
predominant current approach to religious teaching. By common definition, Biblical studies is what
some characterize as the "scientific study of scripture," an approach to the study of religion that
tends to concentrate on the text from a critical basis discussing authorship, historicity, and textual
analysis in detail, majoring in empirical evidences. Terminology used, such as "reconstructed life"
which produced literary development, folk literature, source criticism and tradition history, and the
outright challenge to faith from modern science are openly and regularly used. These matters are
standard fare in graduate programs in religion and theology. . The level of this approach at WWC
nears that of some graduate schools. The Commission found quite a strong tendency on the part of
the theology teachers to teach in this vein. Evidences for this assertion are:
1. The Biblical studies versus Theological studies as evidenced by the classroom curriculum.
2. Strong emphasis on Biblical Languages;
3. Critical textual emphasis;
4. Self-descriptive in their conversations with the commission;
5. The departmental mission statement;
6. Graduates lack of ability to articulate basics of Adventism in an easy and winning way.
7. The faculty's stated concern about the growth of fundamentalism as an uncritical ideology
Some time ago, whether by deliberate decision, or by happenstance, a decision was made to
pattern the department as a school of Biblical studies rather than as a school of Theological Studies,
the more traditional approach.
During the course of the investigation into the complaints made against the Theology department at
WWC, a recurring theme emerged. The Biblical Studies approach is causing significant difficulty to
some students, the difficulty being produced by a number of things. First, there are differences in
levels of faith maturity between the students, the teachers, the ultra-conservative wing of the church,
and the liberal constituency. Added to this is the fact that biblical literacy and faith maturity levels of
students entering college is in decline. Every single one of the theology teachers asserted that, on
average, even a basic level of biblical knowledge and understanding is increasingly limited in current
incoming college freshmen. When young people come to college from an environment that has kept
them spiritually immature, or if they come from a conservative background expecting to hear the
Bible discussed in familiar terminology, they are in for a shock in some of the classes being taught
by the WWC professors. They do not hear the words and themes familiar to them explicated. It
appears common for students to be able to enroll in religion classes that they are not equipped to
take, classes that are beyond their faith maturity levels. Very often this can be attributed to
scheduling problems. The student may need a religion class to meet a requirement so he/she will
take whatever is available and fits their schedule, often with little or no regard to curriculum content
or knowledge of course objectives. When this happens, their beliefs and faith systems are
challenged, and adverse proceedings ensue. If students become unsettled and tell their parents and
local pastors of "incidents", the rumor mill is started. Then gossip and innuendo follow, a climate of
suspicion grows, people almost automatically put the worst interpretation to the data, and a crisis
occurs in their lives, the school and church. If, on the other hand, students come to college with
their faith systems well formed, or are accustomed to dealing with new and challenging ideas, then
they find the questioning and challenge they are looking for and go away extremely appreciative of
their teachers.
Another factor in this equation is the general fear of pastors and administrators over traveling too far
down the road toward the use of a higher critical methodology. The use of even a modified
"Adventist" historical critical methodology makes some of our pastors and the Northwest
administrators very uneasy with regards to the future of the Adventist church. Hence the problems.
The Commission did find that one of the consequences of the approach currently used by the
theology department is inadequate emphasis and explication of basic Adventist doctrine and the
familiar landmarks. These beliefs are not denied as much as assumed. Testimony given to
Commission members was to the effect that the specific teachings of Adventism are reserved
primarily for two classes taught by Dr. Glen Greenwalt, scheduled for the senior year of theology
students. The effect of this is some ministerial students coming out of their WWC experience testify
that they are unsure of the basics of Christian and Adventist faith. They have the ability to do critical
textual analysis, but are unable to give basic sermons and Bible studies in a winning, evangelistic
way. Some refuse even to hold public meetings and are incapable of reassuring their older church
members that they still believe the basics of creationism, eschatology, revelation and inspiration. The
effect of this on non-theological students must be assumed to be similar, that they go from WWC
without having had a rigorous explanation for Adventist beliefs. As long as these conditions exist, it
will be increasingly difficult to shut down the rumor mill as well as get unqualified support for the
college among church leaders. The ultraconservative wing of the church, whose views are very
close to verbal inspiration (God said it and the prophets wrote it down), will see the methodology
currently being used as proof of apostasy in our college. They will probably respond negatively as
the results of the Commission become known. They, with many of the moderates and their
students, need to hear some voices of affirmation, they need the theology staff to conduct Adventist
faith and doctrine affirming events for both students and constituents. Once these people believe
that WWC theology staff is solidly "Adventist", then and only then can there begin to be
constructive conversations that help those people and their children to develop more sophisticated
views of scripture. The Commission recognizes the need to wean people away from a verbal
inspiration model of Bible study. The rate at which this change is made is crucial.
All of this brings up the question of what an Adventist college is supposed to be and do? The
Commission found considerable disagreement on this matter, certainly no consensus. In the case of
WWC, the College has grown way beyond its charter. Lack of consensus as to the task the
College is to perform causes a lack of common expectations, which sets up the probability of
conflict over the product produced. Is Walla Walla College to be a Bible college, an indoctrination
center, a place where workers for the cause are prepared (original charter), or is it to be a place
where the harder questions typical of liberal higher education prevail, and are allowed and explored
leading wherever they will? This is a matter of crucial concern as this last prospect opens the
possibility of seeing movement down the route taken by other former church related colleges which
has taken them entirely away from any church affiliation. The fears and dangers here are real.
Without careful and deliberate thought and strategizing, there is no evidence that educational
institutions will avoid the drift away from church structure and mission taken by so many institutions
in other faith communities. Until the College constituency, and those who lead it are in agreement as
to task, there can be no resolution or restoration of trust.
The Commission believes the WWC Board of Trustees needs greater involvement in several areas.
First, they need to be informed on the systemic challenge in Adventism over higher critical
methodologies in Biblical studies as it relates to students and the Northwest church it represents.
They need to understand the fears that arise in many hearts when we approach issues and teaching
techniques that have torn other denominations apart. The new methodologies can have an adverse
effect on faith if not handled very carefully. Some students can handle the more sophisticated
approach; some cannot. The Board needs to understand and offer guidance as to what emphasis
should prevail at WWC. Once the Board has wrestled with these challenges, and ambiguities are
clarified, then all else can be decided. When there is clarity of purpose and content at the
Constituent level, the Board level, and NPUC administrative level, then there can be better
marketing of the college and its purpose. Right now it can rightfully be asked, "Who sets the focus
of a department?" or, "Who sets the focus of the College?" It seems to the Commission such
decisions are made by default, or left up to those who lead departments. The connection to mission
is presumed. Decisions in matters of such importance should be more deliberate. With careful
attention and work, the current tensions and troubles could be turned into events of a positive
nature if mission is clarified and enunciated, and all departments obviously connected to it.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. That the WWC Board recognize that the stated task of higher education is indistinct in
the minds of the constituency, and that the College has grown way beyond its original
charter to the point that its purpose is indistinct. It is clear that the majority of graduates
do not work in the employment of the church.
2. That deliberate efforts be made to clarify and update the school charter and bring all
operations into harmony with it.
3. That a refined and updated mission and purpose of Walla Walla College be clearly
communicated to the constituency.
A CASE FOR MATCHING TEACHING METHODOLOGY WITH
STUDENT FAITH MATURITY LEVELS
The issue of teaching methodology has all ready been discussed to some degree. The popular
instructional method employs a critical dissection of each text or group of texts to discover their
historical context and relevancy or application to current times. This type of biblical study seeks to
find correlation between traditional Christian interpretation of scripture and logical scientific theory.
This is not always possible and when faced with this not always obvious dichotomy the tendency
may often be to disbelieve or to doubt the validity of traditional interpretation. The result is that a
student may leave the class confused and angry, with a feeling that he/she has lost their faith in the
Bible and their church. Some have noted in their evaluations of these classes that questions were
raised either by the teacher or other students that were left unanswered. A few students stated that
they had gone to the teacher after class to get clarification or answers to these questions and were
not given sufficient attention or 'faith building' support when human wisdom and reason is unable to
fathom the mysteries of the past or of events yet to come. It is only fair to note that these responses
were few in number and that a majority of the students were enthusiastic about their professors and
the classes taught.
Another area of concern noted on the evaluations was the lack of information included in the
curriculum guide. This information should provide insight into the content and objectives of the class
and provide a description of the method or style of instruction to be used to achieve the objectives.
RECOMMENDATION:
4. That the theology curriculum as expressed in the Bulletin be reviewed and updated to
contain more detailed information regarding class content and objectives to allow students
to have a better understanding of what to expect from the class.
The Theology faculty at WWC have achieved a high level of academic qualifications. For this,
WWC is fortunate. Unfortunately, however, the professor is at times addressing a class of 'biblically
illiterate' students and they aren't always aware of this until it is too late. Students come to WWC
from many diverse backgrounds. Increasingly more and more students will attend WWC having
never been to an Adventist academy. They will not have the fundamental Adventist doctrinal
education that would have been expected in years past. This can lead to a class makeup of students
at widely varying levels of spiritual maturity. Some students whose faith is well grounded will
welcome the opportunity for open discussions on controversial issues facing the Adventist church
and Christianity in general, while others will be devastated by what may appear to be near heresy
on the part of their instructor. There must be recognition that even a freshman coming from a third
generation Adventist family and a recently baptized upper-classman are often miles apart in what
they can deal with in open classroom discussion. Even though the upperclassman may be older and
wiser in many ways he/she may be more comfortable in a straight forward 'faith building' approach
while the younger more doctrinally grounded individual is better prepared to deal with probing and
open discussions on issues that he/she has always accepted as absolute.
Many times the student is not the best judge of his/her own level of spiritual maturity, therefore, it
becomes the duty of the professor to know his students either through a process of evaluation or
through close personal interaction. It is also suggested that each student before enrolling in a class
carefully read the detailed class description to understand the class objectives. If, even after these
precautionary steps are taken, the student finds him/herself uncomfortable with the class content or
discussion level they should go directly to the professor. The professor should take the time to listen
to the student and prayerfully help them work through any confusing issues. Many students have
expressed their appreciation for the willingness of the faculty to address these difficult issues and
concerns.
It should be noted that the majority of the responses in the evaluations submitted have been very
positive in tone, complimentary of the experiences that were had in the classroom, and with the
interactions with the faculty in general. This is indicative of a focused effort on the part of the religion
faculty to prepare themselves and the materials presented in the class. Paying careful attention to the
assessment process to place students in the appropriate classes and progressively building a strong
foundation that can produce maximum benefit to the student and make it possible to reach the
stated goals and objectives of the department, will go a long way to reduce if not eliminate the
opportunity for any student to come away from the classroom feeling as if there is no basis for their
faith in God and in the blessed hope of His soon return.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
5. That a process be developed that insures that students are happy with their choice of
classes and that they are appropriately matched with the content and objectives of the
class they plan to attend.
6. That the mentoring system that is in place be encouraged and further developed. This
should include dialogue between religion faculty and non-religion faculty advisors who will
be assisting non-theology majors in their selection of religion course requirements.
THE PURPOSE AND NATURE OF RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION AT WWC
Related to issues concerning the faith maturity levels of students and the deployment of appropriate
teaching methodologies to match these realities, the Commission also recognized the need for the
College Board to clarify or restate the purpose and nature of the School of Theology at Walla
Walla College.
The need for such a re-determination stems from influences that have shaped theological education
in general during the last few decades. The Commission believes the department should be vigilant
against drifting toward the extremes of the Biblical studies approach to theological education
referred to earlier in this report, something that has won a very influential place in public and many
private universities. According to the Biblical studies model of theological education, religion is not
viewed as necessarily having a determinative content nor a definitive history. A scientific interest and
critical approach is taken toward all religious study, including the Biblical text. The older view of
doctrine and the pursuit of theology as deduction from Scripture has to make way for views that
claim to be in tune with modern ways of study that are more in harmony with the scientific spirit.
The Bible is then viewed as the inspired words of men about God, rather than words inspired by
God concerning God and His relationship to man. Religious indoctrination is neither coordinated as
an inter-disciplinary task nor encouraged. This does not imply that religion scholars caught up in this
approach have given up on their church, but they do become affected by a scientifically driven,
critical mind-set that is damaging to faith. In turn, their students are equipped with an intellectual,
religious box containing an assortment of virtually independent parcels of knowledge but which they
are not necessarily taught to tie together.
The subtly undermining influence of this model, if naively courted, or intentionally deployed in the
Adventist theological education process will have far-reaching, paralyzing effects on the message
and mission of Adventism. The Church expects scholars and those they train for ministry to guard
against such a reductionism of faith. The Commission believes that the North Pacific Union
Conference constituency has the distinct expectation that the religion department of Walla Walla
College is to inculcate in all its students the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist church based on
the authority of Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy. It is expected that students should be taught
why we believe as we do, and why our belief system can stand critical examination. During this
educational process, it is expected that students, particularly those in theological training will also
intentionally be led into ministry events in which they can give meaningful expression to their faith.
The hope is that every Seventh-day Adventist student will be a life-long believer in the doctrinal and
prophetic message, and a participant in the worldwide mission, of the Seventh-day Adventist
Church.
RECOMMENDED:
7. That the Walla Walla College Board oversee clarification and restatement of its
expectations of the religion department in relation to:
a. The purpose for its existence in relation to the needs and expectations of
the North Pacific Union Conference constituency, particularly with respect to
those who will enter the teaching and gospel ministries of the church;
b. The authority and instructional treatment of Scripture and the Spirit of
Prophecy;
c. The curriculum, and how it should intentionally facilitate the instruction and
affirmation of the fundamental beliefs and mission of the Seventh-day
Adventist church.
FACILITATION: That the faculty and administrators both nurture a process whereby
progress toward the accomplishment of items 7. a-c can be evaluated. One idea discussed
by the Commission was for the Board to set up a representative task force under the
guidance of the Board Chair and College President, perhaps consisting of one
representative from the religion department, the other members coming from the board,
two lay persons, a church pastor, and three administrators, one representing the College,
one the Union Conference, and the other a local conference. The chair person (one of the
task force members) shall be named by the college president, and board chairman.
THE LIBERAL IMAGE OF THE THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT
The Commission believes that the scholars serving in the School of Theology should be generally
perceived by the North Pacific Union constituency as fully representative of the
"liberal--conservative" spectrum that characterizes Adventism in general nowadays. Except for the
notion of collegiality and obvious scholastic ability, no established criteria aimed at ensuring
representation across this spectrum have been followed in the recruitment of theology teachers in
recent years. A perception held by many which the Commission could not refute, is that the
theology faculty (rightly or wrongly) is weighted toward the "liberal" side of the
"liberal-conservative" continuum. This could account for much of the loss of the department's
credibility in recent years. It is imperative that this image be corrected. Adventist theological
reflection will always be best served when scholars who are known to hold widely diverse positions
on matters of faith and practice hold each other accountable. Such accountability must apply not
only to theological ideas that arise at one side of the spectrum, but across the entire continuum.
Thus a more balanced articulation of our message can be achieved, polarization among the church
populace be avoided, and the credence to our mission be sustained.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
8. That the "liberal" image of the Walla Walla College religion department be adjusted to
better reflect the liberal-conservative continuum:
a. That the religion faculty engage in a self-study to determine why this image
has been earned;
b. That the religion faculty critique their mission statement with a view to
aligning themselves very positively as defenders of the faith and mission of
Adventism, and proposing how this will be undertaken in the future;
c. That the department chairman be rotated on a biennial basis
9. That the board oversee a deliberate adjustment to the balance of the department to
reflect better the ideological spectrum of the Constituency. Within an appropriate period
of time the department should be at a point where the liberal-conservative continuum is
better reflected. The changes needed may include adjustments in curriculum, in focus, and
potentially, in personnel.
FACILITATION: That when filling any future vacancies in the department, deliberate
care be exercised to achieve a balance in Adventist theological perspectives. An
expanded search committee will need to be formed to implement this objective. The
members of this committee will be appointed jointly by the college president and the board
chairman, to include the Chairman of the College Personnel Committee, serving as
chairman, the Vice-president for Academic Administration, the chairman of the Theology
department, a pastor and a lay person who both are members of the Board, a conference
president, Union administrator, and Union Ministerial Association secretary.
DEEPER SCRIPTURAL STUDY
The Commission found influences of what may be a systemic problem in Adventism which
discourages deeper scrutiny of the Scriptures for fear that it may destroy faith. There is a
documentable history of tensions between academia and administration. The absence of theological
debate or discussion or disagreements is not necessarily a sign that all is well. Consider the
following from the pen of Ellen White. In the chapter, "Dangers," of the book Gospel Workers we
are told:
Men rest satisfied with the light already received from Gods word, and discourage any
further investigation of the Scriptures. They become conservative, and seek to avoid
discussion. The fact that there is no controversy or agitation among Gods people,
should not be regarded as conclusive evidence that they are holding fast to sound
doctrine. There is reason to fear that they may not be clearly discriminative between
truth and error. When no new questions are started by investigation of Scriptures,
when no difference of opinion arises which will set men to searching the Bible for
themselves, to make sure that they have the truth, there will be many now as in ancient
times, who will hold to tradition and worship they know not what. I have been shown
that many who profess to have knowledge of present truth know not what they
believe. They do not understand the evidence of their faith. The present attitude of the
church is not pleasing to God. There has come in a self-confidence that has led them
to feel no necessity for more truth and greater light.
See part 2
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Message: 3
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1999 13:22:46 -0400
From: "Mashudu Ravhengani" <Ravhenmj@xxxxx.xxxx
Subject: Re: Adventist church in crisis
Commission on the Walla Walla College Theology Department continue...
Part 2
In Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 105-106, we read:
Some have feared that if in even a single point they acknowledge themselves in error,
other minds would be lead to doubt the whole theory of truth. Therefore they have felt
that investigation should not be permitted, that it would tend to dissension and
disunion. But if such is to be the result of investigation the sooner it comes the better.
If there are those whose faith in Gods word will not stand the test of an investigation
of the Scriptures, the sooner they are revealed the better; for then the way will be
opened to show them their error. We cannot hold that a position once taken, an idea
once advocated, is not, under any circumstances, to be relinquished. Those who allow
prejudice to bar the mind against the reception of truth cannot receive the divine
enlightenment. Yet, when a view of Scripture is presented, many do not ask, is it true
in harmony with Gods word? but, By whom is it advocated? and unless it comes
through the very channel that pleases them, they do not accept it.
In view of this the Commission senses a need for a deliberate strategy for educating the
constituency in significant developments in current theological issues. It is true that there are
nonnegotiable points of doctrine, but it is also true that there is room for a difference in the nuances
used to teach such doctrines. It is also true that some of the techniques used to portray our
doctrines lack clarity and refinement. Our Church would benefit from a syncretistic attitude towards
negotiable issues. More would be accomplished and unity would be achieved by synergism. We
need all our faculties and resources to accomplish our mission.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
10. That there be a joint effort between Walla Walla College and church administration
toward using the resources in the Theology Department in a more widespread fashion to
educate the constituency at large with a view toward eliminating inconsistencies in the way
we support our beliefs. Ant that the whole Adventist educational structure be encouraged
to participate in a progressive building-block education enterprise which develops a clear
understanding of Seventh-day Adventist history and doctrine.
11. That administrators intentionally help mitigate the dichotomy that now exists between
the Adventist Theological Society (ATS) and the Adventist Society of Religious Studies
(ASRS) to ameliorate growing tensions between the two entities.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
During its investigations, the Commission came to the conclusions that one significant issue is the
way in which the various conflicts themselves have been handled. There seems to have been a
general failure to follow good biblical conflict resolution principles. The problem surrounding the
initial concerns about the Theology Department at WWC has far reaching ramifications which
threaten the unity of Adventism. This part of the report deals specifically with those aspects of the
problem resulting from a breakdown of communication and dissemination of misinformation.
The has been some failure in communication and a reluctance to have ongoing open dialog with
WWC on the substantive issues. It is also clear that misinformation has been propagated without
verification of the facts. Additionally, there has been a failure to deal with the concerns directly and
immediately as prescribed in Matthew18. In discussions with Dr. W.G. Nelson and with Doug
Clark it was confirmed that there was no formal correspondence from NPUC to WWC delineating
specific concerns and/or corrective actions to be implemented by the School of Theology. There
was a meeting in mid May 1994, after a Board Meeting where NPUC representatives, met with
College personnel, to discuss concerns regarding the Theology Department. The NPUC
Representatives provided a talking paper for discussion. But the concerns were not adequately
followed up in subsequent meetings. It was customary, at that time, to have yearly retreats between
the Administration and WWC where some concerns were discussed but nothing specific was
recommended to WWC as corrective actions. From discussions with the NPUC Administration it
is understood that tensions were exacerbated by what they believed to be a lack of intentionality on
the part of WWC to implement corrective actions to assuage concerns. Eventually frustration and
feelings of tension developed. The perception now, is one of distrust and suspicion, which creates
an environment where rumors flourish. The Commission believes we are at the crossroads of a
golden opportunity to capitalize on our mistakes and go forward in unity. In ancient times as it is
now, God stresses open communication when he says to his people, "Come let us reason together."
We need to forgive and forget and press together, in the efficient use of resources, as we minister to
the Constituency of this Union.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
12. That a procedure be formalized to allow a mutual review of significant concerns and/or
corrective actions to provide an understanding of the progress made and to enhance
communications.
COUNSEL:
The Commission urges those embroiled in this controversy in the strongest possible terms
to set aside feelings of animosity, temptations to pass on unsubstantiated stories, and
abuse of influence, to engage in persistent humble dialog in pursuit of resolution.
That those individuals involved in propagating erroneous reports be admonished to take
action towards making amends
That Administrators, at all levels, encourage the principles of Matthew 18 to be fully
utilized i.e., common commitment to believe nothing until parties involved dialogue with
each other.
DISCUSSION OF SPECIFIC ALLEGATIONS
This section of the Commission's report deals with specific allegations brought to the Commission
for investigation. Two observations are necessary right at the outset. First, because of the
reluctance of several people to testify, and because of the conflicting testimony regarding several
issues, it was not possible to be absolutely definitive in all cases. The Commission would have
benefitted had it been able to interview several individuals who were principals in some of the
incidents, but that was not possible. Second, because of the desire to keep some sensitive
testimony from the public record, only the issue and the Commission's findings are contained in this
report. The documenting testimony is included as an appendix given to the Board, then retrieved.
With these two caveats known, the available findings of the Commission are detailed below:
Agnosticism:
The Commission heard allegations that one of the theology faculty is an admitted agnostic.
FINDING:
The Commission finds no evidence to sustain this charge. The evidence obtained leads the
Commission to believe some students missed a fine point being made by the teacher and
then went to tell their mis-perception. The Commission exonerates the teacher entirely in
this matter, and urges the student(s) toward resolution.
Alcohol at Faculty Party:
The Commission was asked to address the allegation that at a gathering of the faculty of the English
department in the Administration Building, an alcoholic beverage was served quite openly. (It
should be noted this request is slightly outside the charter given the Commission, to investigate
matters pertaining to the Theology Department but, because of its on-going efforts all ready in
progress, the Commission accepted testimony on this matter).
FINDING:
The Commission finds no evidence to support the allegation. It finds ample evidence to
the contrary, so exonerates the English Department faculty entirely in this matter. It
urges those involved in spreading the misinformation to complete the process of healing
by the extension of apologies to the Department.
Theology Department Support of Homosexuality:
The Commission was asked to investigate allegations that the Theology Faculty openly supports
homosexuality as an acceptable, though alternative, lifestyle for Christians.
FINDING:
The Commission finds insufficient evidence to sustain this indictment against the theology
faculty. It is their plain testimony that they do not openly endorse active homosexuality.
While the question may yet need to be determined for some other departments, the
Theology departments position is in line with that of the school.
Pizza and Soda Communion:
The Commission investigated an allegation that one of the teachers conducted a communion service
in class using pizza and soda as the communion elements. This proved to be a difficult issue to
decipher.
FINDING:
The Commission could not find sufficient evidence to sustain this allegation, so
exonerates the teacher.
The Spokane Incident:
The Commission was asked to investigate what has come to be called The Spokane Incident. This
incident was basically an adverse reaction by the Spokane Area Ministerium to a series of
presentations made by the Theology faculty at a meeting they held at South Hill Church in Spokane,
WA. The adverse reaction came in the form of an open letter written by the ministerium to Church
administrators criticizing the presentations made by the faculty, and alleging they have abandoned
the faith.
FINDING:
The conclusion reached by the Commission on this incident is that, because of the
admitted pre-existence of suspicion, the Spokane Incident, in and of itself, does not have
any significant contribution to make to the on-going discussion. It is an unfortunate
occurrence that arose from conflicting expectations exacerbated by a climate of suspicion.
The Commission finds in the Spokane Incident no true reflection of the beliefs and tenor
of the Theology Department, nor an accurate evaluation of department personnel. The
Commission finds it to be, rather, an incident produced by widely differing expectations
followed by poor conflict management. Furthermore, the Commission finds willingness
from both sides to sit and work to resolution. It is therefore recommended that
administrators act expeditiously to bring the two sides together for purposes of resolution.
The Honors Core Seven:
The Commission was given a collection of papers written by five honors core students that were
very disturbing in that they reflected what appeared to be a progression in their experiences from
faith to agnosticism, even humanism. These papers seem to have been circulated far and wide as
evidence against the College program, the Theology Department in particular.
FINDING:
The Commission finds that while the papers are disturbing, they should not be seen as
characterizing the whole of the College. They had a particular context that must not be
discounted. Furthermore, if they did reflect the true opinions of a group of students, a
significant number of them have worked through those issues to active faith. Lastly, this
class was not a theology department class so is not an accurate reflection of the same.
This report is submitted without arrogance or pride of opinion. The Commission did its best to be
fair, allowing the data to speak for itself. It is a sincere hope that those who receive this report will
accept it in the same spirit.
Signed,
Ron Anderson
Alf Birch
Wilfred Geschke
Jon Kattenhorn
Esther Littlejohn
Steve McPherson
Bryce Pascoe
Carlyle Raymond
David Thomas
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Message: 4
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1999 15:13:57 -0400
From: "Mashudu Ravhengani" <Ravhenmj@xxxxx.xxxx
Subject: Elder Folkenberg's sermon
Lungani,
Here is Elder Folkenberg's sermon that I promised in our early discussion
[from Elder Folkenberg's Web Site, http://www.folkenberg.net )
THE CHURCH AND ITS SEMINARY: PARTNERS IN MESSAGE AND
MISSION
Sermon delivered by R S Folkenberg on October 25, 1997
to the
Andrews University Seminary Faculty
during a retreat held in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
I. Introduction
I have a great respect and appreciation for the contribution that the Seminary is making in the formation of pastors, Bible
teachers and theologians who are serving the church around the world. Your influence is significant and positive. I rejoice in
having such a well qualified group of women and men serving the church in this institution.
It is also a pleasure for me today to share with you my vision of ministerial and theological training in the church and the role of
the Seminary in that important task. I only hope to stimulate your thinking in these areas.
It is useful for us occasionally to come together and examine the foundation of what we are doing and the goals that we have set
for ourselves as an institution and as individuals. Here, I am not interested in evaluation as much as in describing what I feel is
the constant need of the church from you.
It is no secret that some individuals in a number of our institutions are being accused of sharing with the students ideas that
undermine some of our fundamental beliefs. This weighs heavily in my heart and makes necessary for me to stop and remind
myself and others of the reason for the existence of our colleges and universities.
Paul said to Timothy: "Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you--guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who
lives in you" (2 Tim 1:14; NIV).
The teacher should leave no doubt as to his or her commitment to Christ and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This cannot be
taken for granted-it must be publicly and personally stated.
We too have received this deposit of truth and the call to guard it also is addressed to us. In this task we confront some
challenges. Today I would like to open my heart to you.
II. Guarding the Deposit: The Seminary and the Church
The Seminary and the church exist in a partnership of message and mission. Those elements belong to the very core of the
relationship and justify the existence of both, the church and the Seminary.
Both are guardians of the good deposit entrusted to us. Consequently, mutual support is indispensable to the fulfillment of our
mission. The church should provide for the needs of the Seminary and the Seminary must meet the needs of the church.
The Church looks to the Seminary faculty to provide and promote a better understanding of theology from an Adventist
perspective and to form ministers, educators, administrators and theologians who can contribute to the fulfillment of the mission
of the church.
Of course, the church is in partnership with all of our colleges and universities around the world. But we fear that in some of our
institutions the partnership is less visible as these tend to become more generic in their approach and perhaps even in some ways
secularized. In those cases the results inevitably limit support for the Adventist message and mission, and creates a serious
disruption in the partnership.
There used to be in our institutions and classrooms a pastoral, even a custodial concern for what we as a church stood for. We
were persuaded that we had something worth passing on to the next generations and we took that responsibility very seriously.
It was precisely that mentality that justified the large investment that the church was making in terms of financial and human
resources in the education of his members.
I would like to encourage the Seminary faculty to continue to resist the temptation to abandon this fundamental commitment
to our heritage. Should we fail in this task, as our message is undermined our identity becomes blurred. We will lose the reason
for our existence. Our students will be left in an ocean of ideas and conflicting views without a spiritual foundation, without a
frame of reference, a cosmic perspective, by which to interpret and evaluate what they are learning.
Any hint of skepticism with regard to our fundamental beliefs or heritage is out of order. We can acknowledge flaws and faults
without putting down the past. I wish every teacher would project a health pride in being a Seventh-day Adventist.
Further, an ill-defined message reduces the prophetic urgency which is the heart of our mission. This would inevitably lead the
church to question its heavy investment in an educational system which was created to transmit that which was indispensable but
which is now considered optional.
I believe that you chose to do what you are doing because you considered our message and mission to be existentially relevant
for you and your students. We must continue to recommend to them our system of beliefs, our world view, as worthy of
consideration, analysis and personal commitment. A failure to recommend to them what we stand for becomes tantamount to
recommending them a different set of beliefs.
Telling young people that the fundamental purpose of the study of religion is to help them to understand others and to be tolerant
of other persons views and systems of beliefs is not good enough. In fact, it seems to me, this approach only promotes
relativism, skepticism and agnosticism.
If the teaching of religion does not lead to the inculcation of convictions and values based on our Adventist understanding of the
Scriptures, we are doing a disservice to our students and to their parents who support us because they believe in Adventist
education.
Perhaps the question we must ask is: Is it possible for us to maintain our approach to academics, characterized by our
commitment to and by our proclamation of a set of authoritative truths, in a society controlled by an open-ended
approach to the study of religion?
Are we committed only to a scholarly pursuit of truth and knowledge detached from a personal commitment to the truth as it is
found in Jesus and in the Scriptures? These options and many others always will be available to us but they are not real options
for us and should be resisted.
Please, do not misunderstand me. I am not rejecting or discouraging the search for truth and knowledge as an academic
enterprise. Neither am I advocating a process of indoctrination that would render our young people mere reflectors of our own
ideas and teachings. On the contrary, I firmly believe their intellects must be challenged to the utmost, that they should be
confronted with the full impact of different ideas and systems of beliefs. But they should also be confronted with a logical and
persuasive exposition of our world view and the way it addresses the difficult issues of humanity.
The Seminary teacher has a duty to expose students to difficult questions and issues, such as those non-believers and skeptics
within the Church may raise. However, I believe that the teacher should never leave students "dangling" where vital issues are
concerned. After exploring options, the teacher has a duty to share how he or she personally handles the issue or question. For
students to go from a class with the impression that major beliefs are up for grabs is irresponsible.
We should package that which we as a church stand for, in an intellectually and experientially attractive format, making it
appealing to both the minds and hearts of our students, with an unashamed goal of leading them to a personal commitment to
our Lord. Yes, the pursuit of knowledge is correct but we must allow special revelation to set the proper and needed
parameters.
At times I find some Adventist students disoriented and uncommitted. There is no reason or justification for this state of affairs.
It is time for us to go back to our roots and heritage, not to tear it down but to build on it.
It is time to go back to the Scriptures and to the Protestant principle of sola scriptura. It is there that we find an anchor that
could bring stability in the midst of conflicting ideas that threaten to relativize everything.
III. Guarding the Deposit: My Vision of the Graduates
What we do in the classroom has a direct impact on the end product of our educational system. Let me share with you what I
consider to be some indispensable elements in the formation of ministers; elements that will contribute to the realization of our
call to guard the good deposit entrusted to us.
A. Our graduates should have a clear understanding of Christ's work of salvation.
We find in the church different interpretations or emphases on the salvific work of Christ reflecting in most cases a lack of
biblical, doctrinal and theological balance on the part of their proponents.
A student who leaves this place to join the ministerial ranks of the church must have a clear view of the work of Christ on behalf
of the human race. They should go out to proclaim the gospel with power and this requires from them conviction and a solid
biblical understanding of it.
We must restore a proper balance between faith and works, grace and law and avoid a one-sided emphasis on justification by
faith that condemns any call to obedience and to a Christian life style as legalism.
B. Our graduates should have a clear understanding of all of our fundamental beliefs.
We have a particular identity within the Christian world and it should be preserved. Our graduates must understand and be able
to teach those fundamental beliefs using the Bible alone.
But this does not mean other theologians should occupy a place of honor above that of the prophetic gift which was given to this
movement. No. Ellen White's writings should be respected and used. It isn't good enough to have one class about her-students
should be encouraged and required to research her counsels, along with reading of theologians, in all their classes.
We should make an special effort here at the Seminary to make the study of those beliefs a fascinating exploration into the
different facets of the person and work of Christ. It would be good to work together deepening our comprehension of our
doctrines, finding new biblical insights that will make our beliefs relevant for our churches without changing their fundamental
content and guarding the good deposit.
The area of our fundamental beliefs is probably the area where we find more diversity of opinion among some of our
theologians. Some seem to believe that some of our doctrines, particularly those that make us unique, are no longer
relevant or may even lack biblical support. These are the ones who attempt to reinterpret those doctrines in radical ways or
who opt for not dealing with them at all in the classroom.
Ellen White's counsel to these was clear:
"Those who present matters to the students in an uncertain light are not fitted for the work of teaching.
No man is qualified for this work unless he is daily learning to speak the words of the Teacher sent from
God. . .
"There have been teachers in our schools who could pass well in a worldly institution of learning, but
who were unfitted for the training of our youth because they were ignorant of the truths of the gospel of
Christ. They were unable to bring the simplicity of Christ into their labors. It should be the work of every
teacher to make prominent those truths that have called us out to stand as a peculiar people before the
world, and which are able to keep us in harmony with heaven's laws" (Counsels to Teachers, p 250).
Lack of conviction on the part of the teacher is very often contagious and the graduates perpetuate it in their ministry. The
options are very simple and easy to understand: honesty, integrity, and accountability to God and the constituents
we serve demands our loyalty or our resignation.
C. Our graduates should possess a clear understanding of the mission of the church.
In order for our ministers to perform their task as shepherds of God's people it is indispensable for them to be persuaded that
this church has a prophetic origin and function. We believe that it was raised by God to restore biblical truth that for centuries
had been cast to the ground and to prepare the human race to meet the Savior at his second coming.
A de-emphasis on the subject of prophetic interpretation will result in a loss of our sense of mission and in a crisis of identity.
Perhaps this is one of the reasons why there is a sense of disorientation in some sectors of our church. We came into existence
as a result of the study of the books of Daniel and Revelation. Our graduates should leave this place with a clear understanding
of the prophecies of those books and the prophetic role of the Adventist church.
I know that at times it is not easy to achieve this goal for some ministerial students come to you from institutions where a
different approach is used in the interpretation of those books.
I know of some college teachers who in their class on Daniel never go beyond Daniel 6 and in the case of Revelation they spend
the whole course discussing backgrounds and analyzing only chapters 1-5.
You can easily imagine the damage done to those students and to their commitment to the Adventist faith. I thank God because
here at the Seminary those teaching Daniel and Revelation still believe in the historicist method of interpretation. Please, I beg of
you, continue to do all you can to make ensure that your students are reestablished in our prophetic interpretation.
Without conviction our graduates will lack commitment. They ought to understand as clearly as possible the cosmic conflict and
the function of God's remnant people at the close of the conflict. We do have a message for the world and we must proclaim it
and invite others to join us.
The Seminary needs not only to impart knowledge but light a fire in students' bones-a passion for souls, a spirit of dreaming and
daring for God, a burning desire to get involved in the global mission of the church. We need graduates who are ready to go out
and put everything on the line for God.
D. Finally, and more important than anything else, our graduates should be personally committed to Christ as
Savior and Lord.
I know that this is a personal matter and not something that you can easily achieve in the classroom. Nevertheless, I would like
to insist that our graduates give evidence to indicate that they know Christ as their personal Savior and Lord.
I urge you to provide opportunities for their spiritual commitment and growth, not just in the classes dealing with spiritual
matters, but in any class as well as in the extra-curricular activities of the Seminary program.
Theological training is important but more important is a surrendering of the whole person to Jesus Christ. We need ministers
who know the Lord and who will be able to lead others to the cross. It would be simply unforgivable if a seminary graduate had
never learned how to give a gospel presentation and how to lead someone to Christ.
The graduates that I have described for you will be able to "guard the deposit that was entrusted" to them. They will
possess the proper understanding and commitment needed to become guardians of a deposit that should be shared with the
world.
IV. Guarding the Deposit: The Theological Task
I realize that my emphasis on guarding the truth could be misunderstood as a call to preserve a tradition or even worse a creedal
statement.
I do not consider the Seminary to be a museum of truth. Adventists do not believe in a fossilized corpse of truth that need to be
guarded and placed in a special artificial environment in order to protect it from extinction.
Yes, we should all guard the truth but in the process we should realize that the search for truth never ends. It is here that the
theological task, your work, becomes relevant for the church and the world.
A. Guarding the truth implies there are dimensions of present truth that need further development.
One of the tasks of the community of Adventist theologians should be to deepen the biblical understanding of our doctrines and
teachings. I am sure there are aspects of our beliefs that we have not yet uncovered but that through a careful reading of the
Bible could be brought to light.
We have done very well with the doctrine of the Sabbath and to some extent with the doctrine of the second coming of Christ
but there are other areas that need further study. I would even say that our doctrinal statements need to be fleshed out into
theological formulations that will make them more attractive in theological circles, in the market of theological ideas.
We must witness to theologians outside the Adventist community and this will require careful development of our theology. In
this task we must remember that we do have a non-negotiable set of beliefs and we should not sacrifice them in order to feel
accepted by those with whom we disagree.
B. Guarding the truth implies that there is more truth available to us in the Scriptures and that we must search for
it.
Truth cannot be circumscribed to a set of ideas, even though that particular set of ideas contains truth relevant to us. The Bible
contains a wealth of material that we will never be able totally to fathom.
I encourage you to delve deep into the Bible in search for new light that will broaden our understanding of our message and
mission. We should never be satisfied with our knowledge of biblical truth because the Lord has much more to share with us. In
this search we should keep in mind that new light does not contradict the light already entrusted to us. You do work within a
particular religious community.
C. Guarding the truth implies making it relevant for the church and the world.
The world and the church face difficult ethical, theological, scientific and sociological issues and problems. Does the Bible and
our church have something to say about those issues? More important, Is the message of salvation proclaimed in the Scriptures
still relevant at the end of this century?
There is much work for our theologians as they, through prayer and Bible study, attempt to provide guidance to our leaders and
to the church in our modern and secular society. The Seminary is not a museum of truth, because truth is still alive. It belongs to
the church in worship, to the home, to the market place, to the work place, to every sphere of our lives, and it is the task of our
theologians to help make it relevant in any of those spheres.
The integrating factor in the preservation of the deposit of truth is the Holy Spirit. He has guided us in the past to the discovery
of a meaningful body of beliefs and he is still willing to use theologians and the community of believers to gain a better and
deeper understanding of the Scriptures. It is he who helps us to preserve the deposit of truth intact in order that. . . "through
the church, the manifold wisdom of God . . . be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realm" (Eph
3:10).
V. Conclusion
In closing. . . .
I would like to challenge you to renew your commitment to a scholarship that will make a contribution to the fulfillment of the
mission of the church and to a better understanding of our message.
I would like to challenge you to do your utmost in avoiding giving the impression through actions, teachings or methodology
that God's word is in some way less than reliable. Our students need a solid foundation; they need direction, they need a vision,
they need conviction and these come from a solid knowledge of Scriptures.
I would like to challenge you to place the Bible once more above any human book or academic work. Let its light illumine
the mind of the students and fill their lives with meaning and purpose.
I would like to challenge you to uplift the ministry and counsels of Ellen White. While the Bible is the foundation, we neglect
this light from the Lord at our eternal peril.
I would like to challenge you to guard the good deposit entrusted to us; to guard it by sharing it, by deepening our
understanding of it, by drawing out of its richness new light, and by making it relevant for all of us.
I would like to challenge you to envision together with your students a glorious future, a time when the glory of the Lord will
encircle the planet in an explosion of heavenly light through the radiance of Christ's coming.
"He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus
be with God's people. Amen" (Rev 22:20, 21).
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
| Resources | |||||
|
|||||
| Copyright © 1998-99 ONElist, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Important Disclaimers and Legal Information |