Media Coverage of SessionThank you to all who have been involved in the coverage of the recent General Conference session. There should be some TV programs, magazine articles, and books done to just describe how everyone worked together.
The coverage of this event is like nothing I have ever seen in my 35 years as a member of this wonderful church. I am overwhelmed with joy to see the cooperation and success of this event and cannot stop watching, reading, listening. I am able to experience the worldwide flavor and excitement at home as if I were there. Thanks so much for a job well done.
Jay Richter
Riverdale, Iowa
I’m writing in response to Russ Laughlin’s article “I Saw Jesus’ Hands in San Antonio” (June 2015). As amazing as the health clinic event was, we have failed if we do not see that this is the work that we need to take back to our communities and our churches. If we will press together and see the medical work and the ministry, laypeople and professionals, take this and implement it at whatever scale we can find opportunity to do, we will see the widening of the influence of Christ within our own spheres of influence.
Do not look for the centralization of this work as “event” driven. Take it home and let your fellow members be empowered with the experience of serving others as Christ did.
Imagine offering a few “dental service” days each month. Or a women’s health clinic, eye health care, and podiatry day. Many of our medical professionals can provide these services in concert with an effort on the part of our lay members and Bible workers, which will be just as powerful and more sustainable, and provide better contact and follow-up. Several area churches can join together with those that have medical professionals.
Mark A. Black
Deer Park, Washington
I am writing in regard to Andrew McChesney’s article “Adventist Envoy Makes an Appeal to Obama” (June 2015). Communicating with political leaders is not wrong, and if it can bring about positive results, that is a step reached in keeping the way open to continue with gospel work. Talking with someone in high positions does not mean one is supporting all policies of a particular leader.
Joseph, Daniel, and Nehemiah were actually “employed” in the White House of their day. The major events of the future have been revealed to us. We should do what we can to keep our religious freedom as long as possible.
Esther
Via E-mail
I greatly appreciate the several articles in the May 2015 issue of the Adventist Review regarding the importance of social media (see Seth J. Pierce’s cover article “What Would Jesus Tweet?” and sidebar material).
At 94 years old, I thought I had done enough to keep up with the times by getting an e-mail address and learning to communicate with family members and friends via e-mail letters and using Google for research. But now I realize I must learn to use Facebook and how to “tweet,” etc. How else will I keep up with my grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and now great-great-grandchildren coming along?
Who would have thought there would ever be such articles in the “good old Adventist Review!”
Please continue to encourage those of us who are so illiterate in this new way of communicating with our dear ones and others. We don’t want to be left out in the cold and not be able to be as good servants of the Lord without coming up to their level.
Gertrude Meleen Ayala
Keene, Texas
Bill Knott’s article “Am I an Adventist?” (April 2015) is a good start on how to deal with what is the basis for fellowship in the Adventist Church and how much diversity of doctrine and lifestyle a church body can tolerate.
One of his best points was the need for honesty based on the ninth commandment: “You shall not bear false witness.” The way Knott cited various differences was very informative (e.g., those who argue for the traditional understanding of the 2,300 days while drinking a Starbucks cappuccino versus those who doubt the historicity of Genesis but will not eat a hamburger or drink Coke). It was likewise informative how he explained the Adventist aversion to strict formalized doctrinal statements in contrast to some church bodies that cast a specific interpretation in concrete.
Certainly it is important to be open to change as the Holy Spirit shines new light on biblical truth. However, the question arises: When does the “big tent” become too big? When does doctrinal diversity become fellowship with the works of darkness? How does Paul’s warning to the Galatians factor into this mix that even an angel from heaven with a false gospel must be condemned?
Ron Thomsen
via e-mail
Regarding the revamped layout/format of the Review, I didn’t notice much of a change. I wasn’t brought up in the church, and I’ve read the Review for only about a year (another Adventist shares his copy with me). The doubling of pages, the concentration of information, and the frequency are the main differences, and it is a nice change. The paper is noticeably high-quality, and the entire magazine seems more substantial.
There are, however, some of us readers who have no Internet access, period; we’re vulnerable to an overmodernization. If the Review were completely digitized, anyone in prison, for example, and all those on the outside who do not have Internet would be left in the dark. Please keep this in mind when any further changes occur.
Brian Paul Landry
Imperial, California
Good job! The new Adventist Review is fantastic. Change is never easy, and I am sure that you are getting your share of negative comments.
I am reminded of a saying attributed to the great evangelist Fordyce W. Detamore: “Don’t let the crabs tell you how to pull in the nets!”
You have moved the publication toward a younger audience. Keep up the good work. I find myself not wanting to throw any away. There are so many good articles in each issue that I need a better system for keeping track of where I am at in my reading.
I plan on purchasing a number of gift subscriptions for former members.
Jere Webb
Eagle, Idaho
The practice of the church printing a weekly “paper” hasn’t been a tradition; it’s been obedience to the command of the Creator through Ellen G. White.
I don’t care if it’s only letters, World News and Perspectives, something for children, and an Ellen White story on the cheapest paper available—its success is a certainty.
Bill Tassie
Burlington, Michigan
We welcome your letters, noting, as always, that inclusion of a letter in this section does not imply that the ideas expressed are endorsed by either the editors of the Adventist Review or the General Conference. Short, specific, timely letters have the best chance at being published (please include your complete address and phone number—even with e-mail messages). Letters will be edited for space and clarity only. Send correspondence to Letters to the Editor, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600; Internet: [email protected].
