Dr. Angel Manuel Rodriguez's article "Adventists and Jewelry" was careful and closely-reasoned. I appreciate his sophisticated yet digestible theological essays. They are true to our Church's traditional understandings, yet admit of nuances
and intricacies.
Jewelry is one of those topics which means more to academy and college-aged Adventists than older Adventists, such as myself. Because it is so culturally sensitive it makes sometimes for rather heated conversations. I wish references to modesty and simplicity were enough. I no longer wear a wedding ban because I work for the church and find it unnecessary in our "ecclesiastical" work setting. My wife, on the other hand, continues to wear a simple wedding ban because it has proven socially expedient in her work setting in the financial services industry.
What has been odd, however, are the concerns and questions from my colleagues at the state legislature, where I also work, who often ask my
staff: "How's David and his wife? Are they okay?" There at the state capitol building married men who don't wear wedding bands apparently send messages entirely different from what our church would expect.
It was this understanding--that the very same act can be interpreted in contrasting ways--that led to the following statement by our church leaders a few decades ago: "In some countries the custom of wearing the marriage ring is considered imperative, having become in the minds of the people, a criterion of virtue, and hence is not regarded as an ornament. Under such circumstances we have no disposition to condemn the practice." ��Church Manual, 1971 edition, p. 212.
I would add that customs can also be workplace and profession specific. I look forward to the day that such customs will no longer divide our members. In that day we can simply lay our crowns at our Lord's feet and adorn Him with joyful Hallelujahs as we walk the streets of gold.
David Pendleton
Honolulu, Hawaii
I applaud Roy Adams' caution regarding the book on jewelry by Angel Rodriguez. The problem is not jewelry but adornment. What is confusing is our double standard. A woman wearing a pearl necklace is out of line. But if the same woman substitutes a silk scarf tied around the neck like a necklace she is OK. Do not both serve the same purpose? And why are men permitted to wear neckties which serve no purpose except adornment? Actually Adventists are not against adornment--only certain forms of it.
J. David Newman
Fulton, Maryland
This article should have been title "Wearing Functional Jewelry" or something like that. I refer to the following quote: "The Adventist standard on jewelry rejects ornamental jewelry while at the same time recognizing such a thing as functional jewelry and that using it is not necessarily a violation of the standard. As discussed previously, this is what the Bible states with respect to the use of jewelry."
The article as on the website made the assumption that all Adventists agree with the above statement, which is not the case. In addition, there were no Bible references to substantiate the assumption. Show the texts in the Bible directly saying not to use ornamental jewelry. The real question is, "What is wrong with using some ornamental jewelry?" This question needs to be answered before discussing functional jewelry.
I do realize that the article was condensed, but am
disappointed at the narrow approach.
Jim
This article was first printed as one chapter from the book Jewelry and the Bible. It was printed with no alterations.�-Editors
PAY & PENSION
I read the article about pay and pension issues (NAD Leaders Face Pay, Pension Issues; December NAD edition) and could only think of the lack of the spirit of sacrifice that we are supposed to have, especially when employed by the denomination.
After working for one of our health care institutions for 25 years, I could see all of the greed and the total lack of sacrifice. Everyone should read the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy books about the spirit of sacrifice. There are lots of them. A good one, from Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, page 641, paragraph one: "Those who have not this spirit should remove and give place to those who have it." Those who would rather go to a public institution so they can make more money should be let go gladly��we don't need their "spirit" in our institutions. The cause of God needs dedicated workers to Him, not to ourselves.
By the way, I now work in a independent ministry making half of my former pay. I am much happier.
Michael Walston
Allen, Michigan
LEARNING THE ROPES
I am a third generation Adventist. Ever since I can remember I have seen a copy of the Adventist Review at home or at church. I have followed the changes and I believe all the articles are a source of blessing. It takes time, effort and prayer to put it all together, but please don't ever stop. My prayers are with you. Through your articles although I am here in the Republic of Panama, it seems as if I am right there.
All the issues are just wonderful. In a special way I appreciate "Learning the Ropes Before Tying the Knot" (October 19). I am alarmed with the statistics, but I am encouraged with the desire of many to do something about it. Continue with the good work. Bye for now I need to go back to one of the Week of Prayer Readings. May God bless.
Glory Phillips-Harrison
DIFFERENCES
When I started to read Leslie Pollard's article, "What to Do With Differences" (November NAD edition), I found it difficult to put down even for lunch! His ability to wed rich, scholarly research with down to earth simple language, and his objective treatment of emotionally charged issues impressed me. It was a piece well done, but that is typical of Dr. Pollard.
J. Parker Laurence
Harrah, Oklahoma
