TO TRUST AGAIN
I can't say I enjoyed the article, "To Trust, and Trust Again" (Aug. 21, 2003), by Jennifer Jill Schwirzer, for it brought up some very painful feelings. I have to disagree with what she said about reconciliation. Sometimes it is impossible to reconcile, although I know we have to forgive.

My pain came from a friend(?) who was said by her psychiatrist to be a "psychopath." She planned to do what she did, to gain what she did. After she betrayed me she pretended to be afraid of me and she knew better.

The trouble is, she is in a position to hurt my family further. She won't (and can't) confess that she is still a very large danger. I had to warn her about what God says in the Bible. I've forgiven her and the rest is between her and God. My family saw and heard what she did and said, and I have to pray for their safety. Reconciliation is only possible when both parties want it.

Name withheld

THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP
I wonder if David Pendleton has truly considered the implications of the following statement from his article "Worship" (Aug. 14, 2003):

"Countless Christians believe that there is only one true way to worship, that there is a right way and a wrong way. Seventh-day Adventists know (or should know) that this is a mistake. . . . Everything offered up to God in a spirit of genuine worship, authentic praise, and sincere thanksgiving is received with divine favor."

I suspect that Cain believed his offering of fruit was presented "in a spirit of genuine worship, authentic praise, and sincere thanksgiving." What about Israel's worship of the golden calf, announced by Aaron as "a feast to the Lord" (Ex. 32:5)? And what about Judah's King Uzziah, who offered incense in the temple in a manner contrary to God's stated requirements (2 Chron. 26:16-19)? Don't these examples from the sacred record--along with numerous others--make it clear that the "how" of our worship most assuredly matters to God?

While Pendleton acknowledges the uniqueness of the Sabbath, his efforts to embrace an ever-expanding variety of worship differences inevitably serve to reduce the importance of the Sabbath/Sunday dilemma, thus desensitizing God's people to the magnitude of the coming final test.

Not only does Pendleton ignore the many biblical cases of worship forms divinely forbidden; he seems equally unaware of Ellen White's very explicit counsel against the use in worship of drums and dancing, theatrical drama, clowns, etc (Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 36-38; Evangelism, p. 127, 137; Sign of the Times, March 19, 1894). Unless he or others of like mind make the effort to explain how these very clear inspired counsels regarding wrong forms of worship (whether in Scripture or Ellen White) should be understood, observations such as his make no constructive contribution to current discussions in the church on worship.

Kevin D. Paulson
New York, New York


The devotional entitled, "Worship" contains some troubling sentiments. In our desire to be all-inclusive and respectful of diverse cultures, might some of us be in danger of ignoring God's boundaries in the area of worship? Where did we get the idea that "a right way and a wrong way" to worship "is a mistake"?

Drums and drama may attract a crowd and provide an emotional high, but is it "music to God's ears?" God winks at the times of our ignorance, but now commands everyone everywhere (all cultures) to repent and change (Acts 17:30). The Bible calls for all of God's children to worship Him in a way that pleases Him; not my way, but God's way.

"Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols" (Amos 5:23). May we be more accommodating to God's way and less accommodating to the world's way.

Ruth Qualls
Skiatook, Oklahoma


Brother Pendleton makes a number of doubtful assertions regarding worship. On what basis do we expect the readers to believe our attorney-author? To state a doubtful idea with great confidence might win a case, but does it benefit the jury? No "thus saith the Lord" is offered by Pendleton for his most questionable assertions regarding acceptable worship. How does Pendleton know that in worship our goal should be to "engross all of the senses through light, color, sound, smell, and perhaps even taste"? Are candles and drums needed, then, to augment our worship experience?

Pendelton's tone doesn't ring the same as that of Solomon. He wrote: "Be reverent when you enter God's house. Be more ready to listen than to speak out like vain persons that do not consider that they have been doing evil . . . For God is in heaven, and you upon earth. Therefore let your words be few" (Eccl. 5:1, 2). This is not a culturally conditioned statement.

The author argues that "what matters most is that the worship experience lift us up-even if only occasionally and for a passing moment." Really? James might have countered that what matters most is "receiving with meekness the engrafted Word which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21).

"Worship" in the first angel's message, follows "Fear God." Does reverencing God and His counsels harmonize with contemporary drama? With an informal worship service? How could you answer that question authoritatively? Pendleton does not appeal to an inspired statement. His article represents a culture that has not submitted to what our awesome God has said about His own worship.

Eugene Prewitt

NATURE AND NATURE'S GOD
I have long admired and rejoiced at Angel Rodriguez' exposition of the Scriptures. His last column, "Is Nature Enough?" (Aug. 14, 2003), on God in nature as seen through Psalm 19 is a work of art. C.S. Lewis called Psalm 19, "The greatest lyric poem in the Psalter, and one of the greatest lyrics of all time." Rodriguez' exposition elegantly demonstrates the greatness of the Psalm, the depth of its significance, and the skills of both authors. Bravo!

Ed Dickerson


Long before humans were given the Torah, and long before there was a theologian to interpret that Torah, nature has been declaring the glory of God. David did not assign that responsibility to nature. He simply reported on what had been going on since the Creation, and what continued in his time.

It must come as a bit of a surprise for "nature" to hear (if it could) theologians say that God's revelation in nature is "vague and inconclusive." If we convince ourselves that nature's voice is "inaudible," the fault is in those who observe nature. Nature's declaration of the glory, nature, and will of God is louder and more certain than any theologian's posturing.

Theologians merely attempt to interpret what they have observed in nature. Nature is God's first book, for nature is the entire creation; it reflects Him. From nature we can demonstrate what theologians claim they can only accept by faith.

I was listening to a scientist explain why humans could never travel at the speed of light. Because of the influence of the theory of relativity, when a body gets to the speed of light time ceases to pass. This means that traveling at the speed of light, John in the present would be able to converse with John five minutes earlier, ad infinitum. That, the scientist concluded, could not be. Hence it was impossible for us to travel at the speed of light.

It explained how it is that God, who is light, can simultaneously be in the past and in the future. I got that from nature.

From nature we learn that growth requires connection with the vine. Theologians learned that from nature. Our problem may be that we have limited nature to trees and animals. Nature is all of God's creation, and God is loudly declared in it.

The Torah and theologians came to us because of sin and will no longer be needed after sin has been eliminated. Nature will continue to declare the glory of God long after these two have gone.

Darius A. Lecointe
Centerville, Ohio

CHRISTIAN INVESTING
I just finished reading the August, 2003 Adventist Review. Too bad some of us didn't receive this wonderful counsel 40 or 50 years ago.

G. Edward Reid made the statement that some people think "they are just too poor to tithe." If we are too poor to tithe, we have more reason than ever to tithe. We are missing the blessing that Jesus gave the widow because of her mite. God's blessing is great to the tithe payer--both financially and otherwise.

Art Miles
Apison, Tennessee


Dick Hanson's "Christian's Guide to Investing" deserved the cover feature it received, and the other articles on finance were well appreciated. The Review should feature more of these "how-to" articles.

Mr. Hanson is misguided, though, in suggesting that "if you pay 20 percent interest on your credit cards, every time you pay them down you are gaining 20 percent--guaranteed!" The advice is mathematically incorrect and bad advice for someone who really has a debt problem.

I doubt that he would suggest that a sinner actually "gains" more forgiveness by having more sins to be forgiven, or that a smoker will stop smoking once he or she has discarded the last ten cartons in the cupboard. From a mathematical standpoint, I cannot see how someone who spent 110 percent of their earnings last year, actually gains 20 percent by paying it off this year.

Indebtedness is about attitude, the individual's commitment to live within his or her means, and is hardly ever a financial issue at its root. People get into debt as an outward manifestation of other internal problems. The same goes for our institutions. All Adventist organizations should be debt-free. Debt threatens the attainment of our mission and is often symptomatic of leadership or political problems, or downright bad planning.

Dave C. Lawrence
Vice Principal for Finance
La Sierra Academy


We were rather disappointed with the on-line Review last week concentrating on investing. We are in the end time and Jesus' second coming is hastening on apace, don't you think?. It is no time to be planning to lay up treasure in this world.

There are so many inspiring readings from the writings of Ellen White, God's prophet for these times. Would it be possible to include a weekly article from her writings that would support and encourage God's people, as we come to the close of probation? The early time of trouble appears to be encompassing the world already.

Merle Savige
Flaxton, Australia

ADVENTISTS AND ADDICTIONS
The issue about Adventists and Addictions (undated special issue) had only one personal experience, "Descent Into Darkness," by "Jeff Stillwell." One of the things you may have noticed is the help he got from others who had gone through the similar things. When people, who have not experienced addictions, write about what addictions are all about, you will be less likely to have someone desire to change. You may feel more guilty, but only those who have traversed the same road can really speak about it believably.

I abused alcohol in the past. Abusing a substance is very close to being addicted. I thank the Lord that I stopped drinking.

Talk to the people who have overcome with God's help and you will get a better picture of what addictions are about. I say "amen" to the articles written, but you need more personal experiences. Unless you have been through an addiction, you're standing on the other side of a fence from a person struggling with one.

Florence A. Capron

COMMUNION AND COMMUNITY
Thank you for the recent Adventist Review that focused on communion ("Communion and Community," July 17, 2003). I used to enjoy communion, but since being diagnosed as having Celiac Disease (gluten intolerance), I am unable to partake of the bread. Going to communion service makes me feel uncomfortable, sad, and very much out of place.

Reading this article gave me the courage to talk to my pastor to see if there is anything I can do. I would be interested in hearing from other Celiacs on how they handle communion.

Kaylene Chadwick
Riverside, California