The article “Reflections on the TOSC Deliberations” by Mark
Finley (June 19, 2014) seems to say that unity is more important than our
theological differences. The issue is whether women’s ordination is God’s will
or not. The General Conference should clarify God’s will based on the Bible, the
Bible alone, not just vote on women’s ordination. . . .
Years ago when I was
attending medical school, I encountered a problem of either attending classes
on Saturday or quitting school. One of my professors asked, “What’s wrong with being
trained on Saturday? After all, health professionals in hospitals work on
Saturdays.” It sounded logical. Should we say this is theologically unimportant,
and do whatever one feels like to doing? Or do we seek the will of God?
Should we just vote on
women’s ordination, or settle the real issue? What is God’s will?
—Won Bae
Marlborough, Massachusetts
Regarding “India’s Spicer College Granted University Status” (adventistreview.org/church-news/india%E2%80%99s-spicer-college-granted-university-status): Thank
you for the good news!
I praise God for the new dawn in the history of Spicer
College. It is amazing that while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is pushing
Nepal to be a Hindu state that outlaws Christianity, India has recognized
Spicer Adventist University. It only shows the generosity of the Indian Constitution
toward its minorities. I thank Justus Devedas, and all those who worked hard,
for bringing Spicer into the limelight of education. . . .
I pray that Spicer Adventist
University continues to provide education as its best.
—Bhaju Ram
Shrestha
Kathmandu,
Nepal
Thank you for publishing the article “Modesty: A Thing of the Past?” (June 12, 2014). The author, Laura Sámano, is
to be commended for writing about such a controversial subject. Obviously, it
is not just young women who dress provocatively.
It is disheartening to see
older women, who have been educated in our Christian schools, come to church
dressed as teenagers.
We should
all revisit the admonition regarding our influence on others. We have to
remember that though times have changed, God has not and cannot change.
—Dot
Carey
Ocala,
Florida
I was surprised and pleased to see the article “Modesty: A Thing
of the Past?” Laura Sámano did an excellent job tackling a sensitive topic, one
that is long overdue. The culture around us has invaded our churches in this
important area of lifestyle. I hope those reading it will be stirred to
re-evaluate their wardrobes and conduct.
—Donna
Voth
Angwin,
California
Joseph Olstad’s cover article “God Is . . .” (May 15, 2014)
gives excellent insights into a balanced understanding of God’s character. For
too long we have indulged in either/or thinking about the identity of deity.
Olstad helps us see both the helpfulness and the limitations of biblical
metaphors.
He also provides us with a
fine model for discussing in a respectful, irenic, Christian manner the topics
on which we differ.
—Allan
Robertson
Kelowna,
British Columbia, Canada
The article “God Is . . .” was great! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I
have often had discussions with confused people who mix metaphors. But until I
read this article I wasn’t able to identify the source of their confusion.
Some ignore the Old Testament
because of their view of “that” God, but in most cases they have mixed
metaphors. Thank you for a most enlightening article.
—Kendall
Beaman
Stone
Mountain, Georgia
Stephen Chavez must really get around to observe the various
worship services described in “The 11:00 Hour” (Apr. 10, 2014).
My comment is about the three
services at the La Sierra University Church. Chris Oberg’s sermons are
basically the same, but the music format
is different. I think the music should
be the same also. Why not have a blended-service of music? Older folk need to
hear some contemporary songs, and younger folk need to hear the ageless hymns
of the church.
The music in our hymnal has
songs
that have stood the test of time, and have kept our church alive through
the years with relevant words and music.
Music written today should be
sung,
and music 200 to 300 years old should also be sung.
You wouldn’t bury the Psalms;
don’t bury the hymnal. A lot of mediocre music is being written today, and a
few mediocre hymns are in our hymnal. We have to pick and choose. Music is a
wonderful way to praise God!
—Ruth
Bergstrom Jones
Lancaster, California
