I’m writing regarding Don Mackintosh’s news commentary “Concern, Compassion, and Hope for Ex-Adventist Pastor Who Left God” (Feb. 12, 2015). First, under “Concern,” Mackintosh makes a formal diagnosis of major depression, which he has no business, as a mental health layperson, to make.
Second, under “Compassion,” Mackintosh implies that questioning is a selfish act. Really?
Third, Mackintosh seems to be ignorant regarding the meaning of “social justice” as he puts these words into a pejorative sense. Again, thousands of Adventists see Jesus as the ultimate author and proponent of “social justice” in a troubled world.
Finally, under “Hope,” Mackintosh assumes that Ryan Bell needs to come to repentance. Only God can judge his heart, not Mackintosh, nor anyone else. This commentary was not concerned, compassionate, or hopeful.
Lennard Jorgensen
Riverside, California
My thanks goes to Don Macintosh for the wonderful insights in his news commentary on Ryan Bell. All of us who have lived in the “far country” know there is hope for the future when we run out of all resources and remember the love that the Father has shown and continues to show us.
Dan Serns
Richardson, Texas
A letter on page 5 of the January 15, 2015, Adventist Review questions the validity of reports of manna having fallen. Many years ago my father, a missionary in Southern Rhodesia, wrote in to an O. D. Cardey (I believe that was his name) to get affirmation of this event, and he received an official letter confirming that manna had indeed fallen on several acres of mission property in Angola. Cardey included a copy of a newspaper article about it. There was also a black-and-white photo of some of the manna in a bowl, which had been forwarded to the General Conference (GC). The GC may very well still have this manna, as it was not of a variety that rotted away in a few days.
I had all of the above paperwork stored in my dresser drawer, but now I cannot find it. I may have lent it to someone to be copied, and never got it back. In the 2001 book Guide’s Greatest Miracle Stories (Review and Herald Publishing Association), our daughter wrote a story about this event (chapter 19). I hope this will help to confirm that manna did indeed fall, as a miracle to provide food for people in a famine.
Dale Fairchild
Pleasant Hill, Missouri
Having lived near both Elmshaven and Adventist Historical Village in Battle Creek, Michigan, and having visited the historical sites in the Northeast, I am sure the new Adventist historical site in Tramelan, Switzerland, will inspire the faith of visitors from Europe and beyond (see “A Special Christmas for Oldest Adventist Church in Europe,” by Corrado Cozzi and Andrew McChesney, Dec. 25, 2014).
The Roth family not only built the first Adventist church in Europe, but also through the years has supplied the world church with workers. They have served in the usual world fields of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the American divisions, as well as such out-of-the-way places as Tahiti, Nepal, and Iran.
Don Roth
Charlotte, Michigan
Young people disappoint us when they choose a selfish way of life. But I am not discouraged. The church will go through victorious. Young adults, some still in their teens, were very much a part of the activity and leadership in the early Advent movement. I believe without a doubt that the work will end with teens and young adults very much a part of the Advent movement. Julie Z. Lee’s “Teenagers, Service, and Transformation” cover article (Dec. 18, 2014) is a fine example of young people working for the Lord, with lasting results.
I also appreciated the December 11, 2014, Review. There were encouraging words in Reinder Bruinsma’s “A Matter of Perspective.” And in regard to Stephen Chavez’s “Whither Publishing?” I prefer printed material on paper.
Michael Zwaagstra offers instructive help in reading Scripture (see “Biblical Hermeneutics 101”). The meaning of a word or phrase and culture provides understanding that makes the Bible relevant, even in the twenty-first century.
Natalie Dodd
Centerville, Ohio
In regard to “Biblical Hermeneutics 101,” I was disappointed to think that the author could not extend his understanding of God’s promises beyond the “in-the-moment” to us who live in these last days. Where else could we find “the blessed hope,” and courage, in our lives but in every promise in every book of His holy Word!
Marlene Smith
Naples, Florida
I have been a subscriber of the Adventist Review for about 40 years, and during that time I’ve sponsored subscriptions for younger family members, friends, and new church members. I still wear the Adventist Review pin sent to boosters back when William G. Johnsson was editor.
I am quite saddened to see the publishing schedule of the Review pushed back to once a month. I understand the concern about our younger members. I have sons and their families, whom I pray for, whose copies of the Review remain largely unread. When I encourage younger members of our local church to become subscribers, they say, “Oh, I get the Review over the Internet.” But when I ask about a certain article that I thought was of special interest, the usual response is “I guess I didn’t see that.”
Please remember how much of your readership is more comfortable with the “written page” than with an iPad or some other device.
The Adventist Review and the Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide are two of the most unifying influences of our church. At this time, when our unity is being threatened by such powerful influences, we need the Review more than ever.
Brad Jones
Charlevoix, Michigan
Bravo for the new Review! I noticed the change instantly. The feel of the paper and the nonglaring pages. But can I survive a one-time-a-month issue? If I must, I must.
As usual, I read from cover to cover. For all those involved, it’s production to “praise God, from whom all blessings flow.”
Robert Rouillard
Lakewood, Washington
I’m writing about the article “Adventist Couple, Wed 65 Years, Dies Holding Hands” (Nov. 27, 2014). I wish for my husband and me either to die like this couple did, or I pray that we look up together to see Him coming in the blue skies. Our Lord is so merciful toward us!
Elaine Farquharson
via e-mail
We welcome your 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].
