ADVENTISTS AND ELLEN WHITE
The article, "The Light Still Shines" by James Nix was outstanding. I wish every conference would make reprints available to be distributed to every church member.

In the early '80s when the book The White Lie came out and there was all the contention about plagiarism, I began to wonder if I had been mistaken in my belief about Ellen White. There was a concern as to whether I had misled my three children in teaching them she was truly a messenger of the Lord. I engaged in a period of in-depth study and came up with not eight but 17 reasons why I believed she was all she claimed to be. Surely the Lord has greatly blessed the Seventh-day Adventist church through her messages.

Donald E. Casebolt
Farmington, New Mexico


James Nix mentions a vague, large group that seems desirous of minimizing Ellen White's influence among our ranks. Would it be in our best interests to know who these individuals are, so as to be aware of whom we should be on the lookout for?

Frank E Mattson
Jacksonville, North Carolina

SWEEPING AND CLEANSING
I have been so inspired by many grace-based articles published recently in the Review. "Sweeping Without Cleaning" by Duane Covrig (July, 2004) has been a blessing. There is a revival sweeping in among our believers. I see an intense desire by many to stop playing perfect and have a true, heartfelt connection with Christ. Many are developing a kinder, gentler, friendship-based approach to outreach.

For years I practically shoved literature in peoples' faces, and forced my beliefs on those who were not even remotely interested in hearing what I had to say (after all, I was speaking for a good cause and was therefore entitled to rant--right?) I was prideful and arrogant. I meant well, but I didn't truly care for the individuals to whom I was reaching out; I just wanted another baptism notch on my Bible belt. I saw each potential candidate as a star in my crown. If I worked with them for any length of time and they didn't end up joining the church, I felt insulted and abandoned any relationship with them to move on to another prospect.

I'm learning that there is no such thing as "sanctified selfishness"; I have no right to push my ways, my opinions, my beliefs on anyone. I'm sad to say I made more enemies of the church than friends over the years with aggressiveness and guilt-tactics. Without love, I was about as annoying as a clanging cymbal.

The Lord desires us to minister in love, with a selfless love that bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things. For too many years, I had much truth to share, but little desire to invest myself emotionally or financially to meet others' emotional or physical needs. Praise God for His patience! He is mellowing me and teaching me how to be a servant first and foremost.

I'm not setting myself up as an example to anyone; only Jesus is perfect. He was relationship-driven, and so must I be. The only sweeping that I want now is in my own life, through the power of the Holy Spirit. He alone knows how to get the job done!

Paula Wiesner Woodruff


"Sweeping without Cleaning" was a most timely and refreshing article. Duane Covrig's analysis of the Christian Right and its desire to "clean up America" is unfortunately right on. Sadly, false and dangerous perception has been created regarding the reasonable separation of church and state. I am so glad the author mentioned Roger Williams in his article. We owe much to this man who was many years ahead of his time in the understanding of freedom of conscience and the distinct roles of church and government in a free society.

Seventh-day Adventists must continue to let our voices be heard with a balanced a view of religious liberty like that of Roger Williams'. Concerning the first four commandments of the decalogue that deal with matters of worship between humanity and God, the government must keep itself completely clear of these issues. However, with the six commandments dealing with civil issues, the government has the right and duty to regulate and make just laws for the health and safety of its citizens.

Gregory A. Carr
Meadow Vista, California

NO GOLDSTEIN? NO WAY!
I can't imagine going to the mailbox for my Review and not being able to read a Clifford Goldstein column. He makes me laugh! Yet he leaves me with such profound, godly wisdom. Thank you, Mr. Goldstein. May your columns always be there.

Mary Lou Buoymaster
Soddy Daisy, Tennessee

POP CULTURE
I enjoyed reading "Pop! Goes the Culture" by Seth Pierce (July 15, 2004), but I found the statement, "Because everything happens on a day you as an Adventist can't participate . . ." to be slightly off track.

I keep the Sabbath rest not because I must, but because I want to.

Bill Henson
Lufkin, Texas


I would probably not even have heard of Clay Aiken if my daughter was not a fan. She is a faithful Seventh-day Adventist crowding middle age. I hope she will never read "Pop! Goes the Culture."

Apparently Seth Pierce does not know much about Clay Aiken. I understand that he is a dedicated Christian of the Baptist faith. Shouldn't someone at the Review have done some research before such a serious put-down was printed? Aiken has never been accused of being vulgar, a pedophile, or a rapist. If he is found to have feet of clay, the secular press will tell the world of his hypocrisy; our church paper will not have to report any of his failures.

This article made me very sad.

Mary J. Harris
Portland, Oregon

HOW FRIENDLY IS YOUR CHURCH?
I found the article by Bruce Manners, "If Evan Came to My Church" (July, 15, 2004), to be short but timely. Vive Australia!

This story is so appropriate it should be "must" reading for all our church officers--especially pastors. "Evans" come quite often to our churches. But the ones who should be on the alert are more concerned about the correct execution of the program that we often miss the "Evans" who are in need of spiritual direction.

Jeremia Florea
Spring Lake, Michigan

FIRST THINGS FIRST
In Nathan Brown's column, "Adventist Christianity" (July 15, 2004) he wrote, "As Adventists, we should not seek truth to claim any kind of superiority. Rather, we seek the privilege and responsibility of understanding the gospel, the story of Jesus, and the love of God a little better." Unfortunately, too many times Adventists exude the "superiority" attitude. I would much rather be a Christian first, then an Adventist. I was raised a Seventh-day Adventist, but I am not now one because of that superiority attitude. Being Christ-like is my goal and if it leads me back to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, or to some other church, that will be secondary. Please take care to be Christ-like first.

Algie (Gibbs) Didlaukies


Thank you for publishing the late James Zachary's article, "Meeting Them in Their Culture" (July 8, 2004); it serves as a wonderful valedictory for his career of service to God.

As we take the gospel to the world, we must humbly remember that the good news is about God, not ourselves or our culture. God's truth is absolute, but each of our individual understandings of His truth is limited by our finite humanity. With this in mind, we can truly share the gospel with others. We join Peter in exclaiming, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him" (Acts 10:34, 35).

Daniel Giang
Yucaipa, California


In regards to Roy Adams' editorial, "Derelict Not to Try" (July, 2004), I am surprised how gambling has spread. California has gambling at many Indian reservations.

I know what gambling can do to people. It is addictive, and any addiction causes problems. Our legislators are taking the easy way out and this issue will eventually turn on them in some way. Individual Adventists should write letters to their congressional delegations. We should talk about the harm of gambling and how to keep others away from this addiction.

Florence Capron
Nevada