THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST
I commend William Johnsson for his excellent editorial, "The Sufferings of Jesus" (Mar. 2004). I understand and respect his reasons for not going to see the recently released film, "The Passion of the Christ." If the only addition to the Gospel's story was that Mary Magdalene tried to appeal for help to the Roman soldiers, it would still be many more times accurate than the film, "The Ten Commandments," and many other films about Jesus I have seen.

Some of those films have love stories and assorted other subplots and events interwoven into them that have nothing to do with the stories told in the Scriptures.

Charles L. Spindler


In response to William Johnsson's editorial about "The Passion of the Christ," I consider his objection to the part of Mary Magdalene requesting help from Roman soldiers a disputable matter. What about people who tried to offer Christ water to drink on the Via Dolorosa. That's probably not in the Bible either. Is it disputable? Does it change the message of what Christ did at the Cross for you and me?

We need to understand the high price Christ paid for our sins; and if it means seeing something detestable (like watching a crucifixion), so be it. We are too insulated from spiritual reality; we take these matters too lightly. Why do you think God stipulated that sin offerings require the sacrifice of innocent animals?

Grant Irwin


I gave up subscribing to the paper addition of the Adventist Review years ago. It had become nearly as bad as our Record in Australia is at present--bland and upholding the status quo. I read the Review online, along with other magazines like Christianity Today online.

While I found the editorial about "The Passion of the Christ" interesting, I still get the impression that the Review is still in the '70s. Dr. Johnsson mentioned that he didn't intend to see the movie. I would have imagined that someone in his position would have taken that opportunity before putting pen to paper.

Not every aspect of Christ's last days are written in the Gospels, and surely film makers, writers, etc., are allowed a little license to enhance a story. Read The Desire of Ages for example (yes, I support Ellen White's work).

We need to be aware that the Spirit is working in many ways--most of them outside the Adventist Church. This movie, along with a number of others, may turn hearts and minds back to Jesus in a miraculous way.

Leaders such as Johnsson need to get out of the Adventist citadels they inhabit, roam the real world, see what is available, and use the best of what is available to bring real spiritual consciousness to the church and those associated with it.

Peter Roberts
Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

A DISTORTION?
Having just read the article, "A Picture of Health?" (Feb. 19, 2004), I noticed that not one word was spoken regarding the quality of the food we are able to buy these days.

Back in 1987 I went to a lecture by a British researcher who had pioneered research into zinc. At that time he told us that although bulimia and anorexia patients were being treated by psychiatrists, more often than not the problem was a deficiency in zinc, magnesium, and calcium. He laid the blame at the feet of farmers worldwide, who spray their crops to such an extent that the crops are unable to take up the needed nutrients for good health.

At the time of this lecture I was suffering from deep depression and it was quite a struggle for me to attend the meeting. At the end the lecturer carried out a simple test for those who were interested, using a zinc oral solution. To my amazement I discovered that I was deficient in that mineral, as were a number of others. The next day I bought a zinc supplement. Within four days I was able to drive again and feel like a normal person.

If we are not able to absorb the required nutrients--and we all know this is a huge problem--then of course we are not able to be rational about our daily lives. Is low self-esteem and abhorrence of the shape of our body that far away from clinical depression? I think not.

I hope that someone at the Review will look into this other aspect and that perhaps, by so doing, it may help young people overcome these terrible illnesses.

Sylvia Anthony
Cambodia Seventh-day Adventist Mission

TALKING ABOUT TITHING
In Robert McIver's article about tithing, "Should I Share These Stories?" (Feb. 12, 2004), I was a little surprised that he was uncomfortable with stories about farmers claiming that their crops were saved by God because they tithed. I've heard many of these stories, and I praise God for them.

First, it makes sense that if people don't claim God's promise for protection, they may not recognize, until after the fact, that their minds should have been on God in the first place.

Second, could a person rightfully expect or claim that promise when his business might be in the area of human destruction--say, liquor or tobacco?

Third, the principle behind tithing is not to be prosperous, but to return to God that which is already His. God, knowing our motives, honors that. He keeps His promise because of this. Most of the stories I've heard usually claimed that promise and were answered because of it.

A lot of people don't remember God when their finances are in danger, even when they return tithe. Also, answered prayer depends on the motive of the one who asks. God knows whether finances will be squandered, or worse, used to destroy health. Will He still honor that promise?

God's instruction in the Bible, as well as through Ellen White, is that we do as much as we can to help and bless others. That's why God blesses us; and it's what we will have to answer for.

Bj Gheen
Waldorf, Maryland

MUSICAL MEMORIES
"Graduation Deferred," by Bob Edwards (Jan. 22, 2004), was nostalgic reading. In 1958, at camp meeting in Peoria, Alberta, I first saw Bob Seamount, Jerry Dill, Bob Edwards, and Wayne Hooper. We were an isolated family, and my husband wasn't an Adventist. But every Sunday morning we listened to the Voice of Prophecy with H. M. S. Richards, Sr. My two children, ages 3 and 4 years, loved to listen to the King's Heralds.

When the children heard them sing at camp meeting, and I told them who they were, my 4-year-old son wouldn't believe it. He said the King's Heralds always sang, "Lift up the Trumpet." I spoke to Pastor Richards, and the very next meeting they began with their theme song, just for Randy. He was exultant. My husband was shocked that they would do that just for a 4-year-old. At the next altar call my husband went forward.

That's how I remember the King's Heralds. Thank you, Bob Edwards.

Phyllis Shoop
Ponoka, Alberta

THANKS FOR THE SPECIAL
I read the special issue, "My God and I" (undated special issue), of the Adventist Review. It was most inspirational and appealing. I started with William G. Johnsson's well written, concise but cryptic introduction, My God and I," and I read straight through each article written by the Adventist Review staff; from Roy Adams' "Wired Different" to Stephen Chavez' "And He Runs With Me."

I put this special issue, and others of the Adventist Review, on our main lobby table during the Sabbath hours in our residence hall for graduate students.

Thank you for the spiritual and worthwhile provender the staff provides as we anxiously await the weekly visits of the Adventist Review. May God continue to bless you each.

Thomas S. Geraty
La Sierra University
Riverside, California


In response to "United in the Fellowship of the Fellowship" by Rosa Banks (Feb. 12, 2004), in which she had God making hypothetical responses to the question of what I need to do to inherit eternal life. I feel constrained to comment.

If "God" [god?] told me to take my membership to a church that uses music and worship styles that I'm under strong conviction dishonor God (unless I was told to go and use my influence to start a reformation in music and worship) I'd never go. Instead, I'd be thoroughly convinced that the message had come from the god of this world (Satan, the enemy of souls), not from the God I've known for almost 72 years. There are places in Adventism where the music and what is done in worship is a desecration. We should be reforming it, not accepting it.

If "God" [god?] told me that in order to be perfect I should relocate my family to a hovel in the inner city, I'd know for sure it was the devil speaking. For God has made it very plain that His people should live outside of the cities and work them from outside rather than put their families in danger from immoral influences and the impending destruction of cities due to the judgments of God. Do we still believe God's instructions to us through Ellen White, or don't we? In fact, I'd go even farther. I'd move my family to the country, as we've been instructed to do.

And if "God" told me to transfer my membership to a church where the minister and head elder were women, I'd probably respond, "Aren't there any men in that church?" Don't get me wrong. Women are needed on pastoral staffs. But based on my personal experience, they should work under the headship of a man, rather than be in charge of the church. No, I'm not a chauvinist or even a restricted woman. For many years I've been free to play the organ for church; direct a choir; plan special worship services for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas; teach a mixed gender adult Sabbath school class; and occasionally preach sermons.

Having people in leadership positions writing for the Adventist Review putting those of us who are under strong convictions on certain issues on a guilt trip, is only fueling the fires of separatism--the very thing Ms. Banks seems to be against. None of the unity and brotherhood Christ desires for us will come from this approach.

I wish the Adventist Review would stop sitting on the fence on these issues and/or (even gently) agitating them. Until you do, you'll hear from me now and again until I'm laid to rest.

Martha Ford
Greenwich, New York