Thanks for sharing Stephen Chavez’s article “Whither Publishing?” (Dec. 11, 2014). Excellent observations. This shift in how we receive our information covers all areas of publishing. Newspapers have been downsizing for years because of the increase in online readership. In addition, as Chavez stated, we need more Adventist publishing in non-Adventist venues.
Bill Young
via e-mail
I am responding to Andrew McChesney’s article “Student Project on Vegetarianism and Sperm Count Goes Viral” (Nov. 27, 2014). The paper just proved what people have been saying all along: you can prove anything with statistics. If all the authors did was to use the information where people checked whether they were vegetarians or not when they checked in at the clinic as conclusion that vegetarians have low sperm counts, then the conclusions are invalid. They did not control for anything, and their paper should not be published anywhere. Their “preliminary findings” should have been followed up with a carefully designed study looking at all the factors of infertility. Speculating that soy products are to blame was unfortunate. This is an excellent example of how not to do an analytical study.
The authors conclude that vegetarianism causes lower sperm counts. This is a serious allegation. How do they know? What other variables did they consider? How did they control for those other variables? When you consider that individuals who showed up at the infertility clinic were already having problems [conceiving?], low sperm count could have been one of the problems. Additionally, since there were fewer Adventists among them, is it not fair to conclude that there could have been issues other than vegetarianism? The researchers needed (and still need) to withdraw their paper and take a second look at their methodology and data. They may come to the same conclusion, but as of now their conclusion is equivalent to declaring that eating ice cream causes death.
D. Chongo Mundende
Edmond, Oklahoma
I thank God for the many blessings humanity has derived from scientific research, but when it comes to choosing between trusting in the Holy Spirit-inspired revelation and trusting in science, I choose the former. So when any scientific finding contradicts a divine revelation, I discard it. Adam, who ate only grains, nuts, and fruits [in the Garden of Eden], had no problem having children, and following his example, I have had no problem either. I think this is the best scientific proof there can be!
Onaolapo Ajibade
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Thank you for sharing Andréia Silva’s article “Adventist Couple, Wed 65 Years, Dies Holding Hands” (Nov. 27, 2014). This is true love, true religion, and this couple died in the hands of God. They will rest in peace while waiting for Jesus’ soon second coming.
Reen Hilson
Sabah, Malaysia
What a lovely couple! May the Lord help me to enjoy even more bliss than this in my home.
Olanipekun Lolaadeola Adelakin
Ibadan, Nigeria
It is sweet things like this story that make me cry, because they confirm daily my belief in the truth. Men and women who put God first are victorious Christians.
Oneil Wayne
Guyana
What a wonderful testimony! Italvino and Diva Possa will see each other again very soon! This will be a short sleep! Come, Lord Jesus.
Kevin Booth
Martinsburg, West Virginia
It only makes sense that when God blesses the husband and wife as one, and the couple are God-loving in marriage and ministry, they would go to rest at the same time. Their hearts are as one, beat as one, feel as one. That’s a companion.
Deborah Tompkins
New York
I am responding to Bernadine Delafield’s article “Branded!” (Nov. 20, 2014). I understand her concerns about labeling, but one statement she made set off a few warning bells. Delafield wrote, “Can’t we hold dear some of the precious truths of the Bible and practice some of the traditions of the early church, and yet still explore and be open to new ideas and practices that may be more relevant today?”
I likely have misunderstood her intent, but it’s the first part of that statement that causes concern: “some” of the truths of the Bible? We should be holding dear all of the precious truths of the Bible, not just some of them. Traditions come and go, and as long as they are in harmony with the Bible, there is no problem; but truth is eternal.
Labels are inevitable. They just change over time. Years ago those who stood firm on the platform of established truth were considered faithful to the message. Those who were not in harmony with these truths were considered backsliders. One difference today is that many who disagree with some of our distinctive doctrines stay in the church and agitate for change rather than drifting away, as in years past. They call themselves “progressive.” I continue to wonder why those who don’t believe our doctrines prefer to stay in the church, rather than find a church that has doctrines more in harmony with their own beliefs.
I’m not interested in
labels per se; I’m interested whether a person is standing on the platform of truth.
Walter Sumner
Canaan, Maine
It was a unique experience to think of Jesus going camping with us, as expressed in Beatrice S. Neall’s “When God Goes Camping With His People” (Oct. 23, 2014). And how exciting for the children to read the story in KidsView!
We might also pass through some times that look, as Neall mentioned, like “a death march through the ‘waste howling wilderness,’ ” but she encouraged us by remembering “His mighty acts in delivering them from slavery in Egypt and in leading them to Canaan.”
Thank you for publishing the article.
Helen Fearing
via e-mail
We welcomeyour letters, noting, as always, that inclusion of a letter in this section does not imply that the ideas expressed are endorsed by either the editors of the Adventist Review or the General Conference. Short, specific, timely letters have the best chance at being published (please include your complete address and phone number—even with e-mail messages). Letters will be edited for space and clarity only. Send correspondence to Letters to the Editor, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600; Internet: [email protected].
Change Is GoodWith the change of printer from the Review and Herald Publishing Association to Pacific Press in Idaho, our staff has been very busy in 2014 keeping everything on track, for both Adventist Review and Adventist World. We trust, however, that our readers didn’t notice any difference, and that the magazines kept coming regularly and on time.
This year is going to bring more changes, and we hope you will notice and like them! Through surveys and focus groups, many of you have told us that you would like to receive a more substantial magazine less often. As a result of this feedback, we’ve engaged in a process of planning and designing a completely new magazine format for Adventist Review. We plan to launch it before the General Conference session. This redesigned magazine will feature more content and pages, but will come to your mailbox once a month rather than almost every week. It will still have your favorite features, and then some, all packaged in a much more attractive way; and it will be printed on better paper. We are hoping to reach a younger generation, and make all our readers even more proud of their church’s flagship magazine.
Claude Richli, our associate publisher and marketing director, says: “We are looking forward to reinvigorating the Adventist Review brand and making it more relevant to younger readers, while continuing to deliver quality and authoritative content to those who have been our faithful subscribers for decades.”
