I appreciated the article "Holiness Matters" (January 11, 2001) by Angel Rodriguez. Such a clarion call to appropriate Sabbath observance is desperately needed in the contemporary church.
More importantly, the church is in dire need of the frank acknowledgment of the fact that recent emphasis on "righteousness by faith" has brought about a de-emphasis of obedience. Some might wonder why more such acknowledgments have not been forthcoming from official church sources.
I believe a major reason for this de-emphasis of holiness in the name of righteousness by faith has been a failure to recognize that Christians are saved as much by sanctification and the work of Christ in us as by justification and the work of Christ for us. Some have lately asserted, even in official church publications, that salvation by sanctification is a concession to Catholicism. The Bible itself includes sanctification and the Spirit's inward work in the means of our salvation: "God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth" (II Thess. 2:13).
Once we frankly recognize that to be saved--which in Scripture means to be saved from sin (Matt. 1:21)--includes the renewal of the heart and life as much as forgiveness for the past, we will make significant progress toward restoring the holiness of the Sabbath.
Kevin D. Paulson
Redlands, California
"The recent emphasis on righteousness by faith (RBF) has resulted in a de-emphasis on obedience to the law and a tendency to resist specific instruction concerning Sabbath observance. Consequently, many church members do not even consult the Bible on this subject."
The need to make this anology about RBF was a bit troubling to me. How about another analogy: "The recent emphasis on God's ‘unconditional' love has resulted in the de-emphasis of the need for holiness."
I suggest it is all in how a particular "truth" is taught that makes the difference and we should be careful not to disparage a Biblical truth in order to fulfill our own specific point.
Patrick A.Travis, M.Div.
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
I am deeply disturbed by Allan Martin's article about young adult ministry ("My MacGyver View of Young Adult Ministry", Dec. 21, 2000). This is one of the most selfishly self-centered articles I have ever read in the Review. The underlying premise, that young adult ministries for and by young adults are a good thing, is fundamentally flawed.
Martin says, "Christ is what is so attractive in Christian young adults and the communities we create." Young adults who create exclusive communities with the view of ministering to themselves can hardly be seen as following the example set by Jesus. What's more, they become useless within their wider communities and fail to serve in the capacity best suited to them (in contrast to what they see themselves as best suited for).
Further on, Martin states his view that young adult ministry "is the admission on our part that we need each other and are willing by His Spirit to be the church." Young adults need people from all walks and life, not just other young adults to help them become well-rounded individuals. The church is not made up of one, but of all age groups.
Jesus ministered to young and old, rich and poor, "sinner" and "saint." Young adult ministry should be the ministry of young adults for others in the church. A good place to start would be the elderly in our church. Many are lonely, need help around the house, and need someone close by to love and by loved by.
Many more are in hospitals or nursing homes and need our love and support even more. If young adults, instead of "ministering" to themselves, would minister to others who need it much more, the joy found in serving Christ and doing His will would be unending. What's more, for those willing to listen, pearls of great wisdom can be gleaned from these wonderful old people that will help the younger members of the church in their Christian walk.
Raewyn Cheng
United Kingdom
HOPEFUL SEARCH
I deeply appreciated the December 21 cover article "In Search of Hope." Two years ago I visited Khartoum, Sudan, where my parents worked for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). Goats ate burlap bags impregnated with pungent dust, while everywhere plastic sacks and other debris were carried by Sahara winds. Seeking peace in an island of prosperity, I went with my sister, (actually an Eritrean refugee who lived with my parents) to a fine restaurant at the Hilton.
While we were still outside, a young beggar appeared. I was already tired and irritated, so called out sharply, "Allah kareem!" and pushed the child's hands away. "Allah kareem," Arabic for "God is generous," is a phrase of choice for dismissing beggars. What I saw in Sudan--entire neighborhoods flattened by the government without the construction of new homes, tiny babies struggling to survive in displaced person camps--led me to question the justice, let alone generosity, of God. I guessed that God would not help this boy either, at least not with money or food.
Mabel Valdivia is right. Hope does hold "the hand of God." However,
since God is Spirit (John 4:24), we Christ's body, must be His hands.
Jack Staddon
Minneapolis, Minnesota
PATH OF FAITH
Thank you for the "The Long Path to Faith" in the January 4, 2001 Review. I once was close to God but have purposely taken the path leading away from Him. Your story reminded me again that faith is so essential in my relationship with God. That I should trust him with things that are too "important" to let anyone but me handle. Just look at the mess I have made of it. Pray for me as I make my way back.
John
Hillsboro, Oregon
CHILD IN THE MANGER
Thank you for the article by Angel Manuel Rodriguez. It lead me to a thoughtful hour reflecting on the life of Jesus. I am so grateful for God's leading in our lives. Rodriguez reminded me that we can trust God completely and forever. I am glad to have gone to the manger!
Cathleen Duffy
ADVENTISTS AND JEWELRY
In the excerpt from the book "Jewelry in the Bible," Angel Rodriguez makes a distinction between functional and ornamental jewelry. However, I have a problem with this method of determining what is acceptable jewelry and what is not. Since a man's necktie is merely ornamental, why does practically every Adventist pastor wear one to church each Sabbath?
What is the fundamental difference between a man's necktie and a woman's necklace? Neither serve any function save to complement an outfit. Is a necktie acceptable because it's made out of cloth fabric, and a necklace unacceptable because it's made out of metal? Is metal inherently evil? I hardly think so. What about the dressy hats and scarves women wear? Why is it okay for a woman to wear an "ornamental" scarf around her neck, but not a necklace? I fail to see the difference. And it isn't a matter of money because you can easily spend more on a tie or scarf than on a simple necklace.
As far as I'm concerned, modesty is the central issue regarding appropriate dress for the Christian, not whether something is made out of cloth or metal. Personally, I have much more of a problem with skin-tight trousers and very short skirts than I do with a modest and moderate use of jewelry.
Deborah J. Uffindell
Saugus, Massachusetts
