This article (Sour Grapes and Tough Love, October
12) makes me angry, as it should! Johnsson is driving at a good point but misses
the one thing he is talking about–responsibility. Johnsson effectively re-abuses
the people who are honest enough to write him by calling them whiners.
And what about the workers that have not been allowed to advance up the ladder
because they were honest? This editorial is a prime example of the attitude
in organized Adventism--making everything about them and not at all about the
people they claim to want to lead to Christ.
Sheryl A. Simon
Boise, Idaho
SHOW TIME
I recently read the article on line about the
rise of interest in entertainment (The Age of Show Business, October 12). I
believe people are searching for something better and are not finding it in
the church and must go elsewhere to find fulfillment in their lives.
We have the good news in the church, but its obvious most of the world does
not think so. Why? Could it be our attitude? People are attracted to kindness
and caring. Maybe we ought to examine these two things in our personal lives
and see if what we have is enough to attract a hurting soul.
I believe the church will have a lot to answer to at the second coming when
Jesus asks the question "Where is the flock I entrusted to you?"
Stuart Dixon
Lenox, Massachusetts
BARRY BLACK
Your article on Rear Admiral Barry Black (Cooperation Without Compromise, October
5) was a thing of beauty. Now, if the Adventist church would follow the example
of the Armed Forces what a day that would be. We have been writing, talking,
having seminars and discussions concerning race relations within the church,
but now it is time for action. The model of true pluralism is found in the military.
Why not the Adventist church?
Someone in the executive management must begin action soon before Jesus Christ
comes for the second time and finds us wanting. Diversity of church leaders
would help our members to learn to live together in love and compassion throughout
the Adventist church. Elder Jan Paulsen cannot do it alone. We had better come
in one accord now before the midnight hour.
General R. King, Lt.Colonel, retired, USAF
Retired Anesthetist, Heart recipient 1991
Duraham, North Carolina
PRISONERS OF HOPE
The Prisoners of Hope cover article (September
28) and the accompanying Surviving Injustice by Bill Knott struck a Nathanesque
blow for individual freedom. The passing of time (55+ years) does not relieve
the shame in the failure of the corporate church to uphold those freedoms and
to cry
out against the injustices of robbery, unlawful confinement and racism. Certainly,
we have a father and brother who love to forgive, but with that forgiveness
also expect a requisite response of turning from the mistakes of the past. If
the church is the "conscience of the state" who should be the
conscience of the church?
I would like to nominate the journalists. The Review has given evidence
that among its thinkers and writers are persons with courage and proficiency
to fulfil this role. Perhaps the editorial staff should
be put at a mind's length distance from the church administration and encouraged
to investigate and criticize executive actions and decisions. The Review's
mission statement would have to be rethought and rewritten, but the overall
result would be a more credible church paper. It could even result in some of
today's generation reconnecting with what they see as a behind the times and
out of step church.
Larry Johnson
Vernon, British Columbia
IF I WERE THE DEVIL
George Knight--How can we say thanks (for If I
Were the Devil)! One of the gifts of the spirit is the gift of discernment.
I Praise the Lord He has allowed you to have this gift and you have not repressed
it! Blessings!
Marie Petrelis
ADVENTIST REVIEW ONLINE
I just wanted to let you all know how much I appreciate the Adventist Review.
I have enjoyed it for many years but now, working for ADRA in Armenia, in a
small town, I really look forward to downloading articles and reading some on
the Net. I feel very privileged to get these copies while my own copies are read at my home. The church service is long when I cannot
speak the language properly, there is no one to translate so I play the organ
for the church and read, so the AR articles are great. This week I have decided
to take the articles I copy to the ADRA office in Yerevan and leave them for
any of the staff, (both Adventist and non-Adventist) to read, if they would
like. I hope this will help others.
I am also very pleased to see that William Johnsson, Roy Adams and Willian Knott
have been returned for 5 more years. I appreciate what they write, their work
as editors, etc. Many blessings to you all.
Tabitha Abel-Cooper
