Comments of the Week September 16-22
Welcome to a new feature, where we select the best comments of the week, and invite you to revisit the essays where they were made. —Editors
The Truth About the Bible
“If we start out with the Bible was written for us but not to us, and continually make that distinction when reading it, I think we would arrive at far different places from lots of modern Protestantism, and SDAism in particular.”
–Frank Merendino
“Not to mention the linguistic context of biblical authors (different variations of ancient Hebrew and Aramaic). It’s ridiculous that there are still Christians who think that it was revealed in King James English and compiled by the Holy Spirit.”
–Yogi Dumgyal Wangchuk
Church: A Reflection on Our Identity
“Ephesians and its call to unity is about the oneness of Jews and Gentiles as believers in Christ. Paul struck at Jewish boasting and exceptionalism as he did in Galatians in a different way as something that had no place in the community of faith in Christ. Jews and Gentiles alike, regardless of religious and ethnic pedigree, and doing of the works of law, were all together in one Lord, one faith, one baptism.
I see the problem in Adventism as much deeper than differences on surface lifestyle choices. Such divisiveness comes from the very essence of Adventist self-identity, as described in this article. Adventist exceptionalism. Adventist separateness from all other Christians and Christian groups. Adventism claims to be the only true end-time custodians of the truth.
It is this foundational culture that helps drive what happens over lesser issues. Adventism is built on being right while everyone else is wrong. Meanwhile, the gospel is built on the righteousness of God embracing all equally through faith. About the Spirit coming to dwell amongst all who are open to Christ and join with him as his followers. Sabbath keepers or not. Kosher keepers or not.
God’s love in Christ is far more inclusive and unifying than what Adventism’s belief system has laid upon it. A divisive eschatology and self-identity that actually stymies the Spirit in its work of unity and equality. Dividing over lesser issues should not be surprising when the macro culture is considered.“
–Frank Merendino
So Why, Exactly, Should I Pay Attention to the Sermon?
“I can’t but agree with you that the main Adventist message, centered on Catholicism and the imminent return of Jesus, isn’t particularly relevant.
But I got stuck on your first question: whether a topical or exegetical type of study is best. The theory of inspiration is that the Bible speaks, and exegetical preachers say that if you start there, with an open mind, you’ll end up with truth.
But neither approach—usually—really acknowledges context and presuppositions. We find ourselves saying what our context and culture tell us to say. For example, one conclusion one could quite easily reach from the Old Testament is that you and I should have multiple wives, but I’ve yet to hear a sermon that ends with that recommendation.
So clearly, we preach from the moral and spiritual culture we exist in, and use the Bible—that eminently flexible book—to get there. I doubt very much if we started our study now without our SDA context, either topically or exegetically, you and I would end up with antiCatholicism and Jesus returning in the next three weeks.”
–Loren Seibold
“When I was in college back in the ’80s, my dad and I were driving through Takoma Park to pick up my mom from her job at the GC. Dad commented, “I’m disappointed that so many Adventists have started wearing jewelry. It used to be so easy to spot them walking down the street.” I replied, “It’s still easy. Just look for the grumpy people.” He did not appreciate my insight.“
–Glen Milam
“It’s amazing that an Adventist can look as dowdy as they want to and still be thought to be godly, but put on a wedding ring or an heirloom necklace or a couple of earrings and they get branded as Jezebel. The anti-jewelry stance is a holdover from Adventisms past. Meanwhile look at the luxury cars in the parking lot at church…. Oh my!“
