STEP BY STEP WHO IS MY BROTHER? - SEPTEMBER 2017: MY COUSIN, THE TURNIP + SUFFERING IN SILENCE + WHY SHOULD I CARE? + "COMPASSION: OUR FIRST ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG
SEPTEMBER 2017: MY COUSIN, THE TURNIP +
SUFFERING IN SILENCE + WHY SHOULD I CARE?
+ “COMPASSION: OUR FIRST INSTINCT”? + WHY
ADVENTIST CLERGY AVOID PARTISAN POLITICS
WHO IS MY
BROTHER?
STEP BY STEP
INSPIRATIONAL CLASSICS
Ellen G. White’s
STEPS TO
CHRIST
ANNOTATED ANNIVERSARY
EDITION WITH HISTORICAL
INTRODUCTION AND NOTES
• Extensive historical and theological introduction, annotations, scriptural
SFGerences, and appendix
• Edited by Denis Fortin, Ph.D., former dean, Seventh-day Adventist
5heological Seminary, and co-editor of 5he Ellen G. White Encyclopedia
• Classic, highly readable type design
• Elegant foil stamping and gilded edging
ADVENTIST Read it
BOOK CENTER like you never
1-800-765-6955
have before!
Photo of Harpers Ferry, West Virgina by Bryan Gray VOLUME 194
Readers are invited to submit photos or art to be featured here.
Submission guidelines and info can be found at www.adventistreview.org
09/17 NUMBER 09
FEATURES
DISC O V E R
19 19 WHO IS MY BROTHER? | KENDRA HALOVIAK VALENTINE
It’s not a rhetorical question.
C O NNEC T
35 CONFRONTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING | ASHLEY EISELE
We may see it every day and not notice it.
35
ENG AG E
53 A BRIDGE FOR EVERY GAP | LORON WADE
What good is Christianity if it doesn’t change us?
53
COVER: A DISPLACED WOMAN AND HER BABY FLEE FROM CLASHES WITH SEPTEMBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 1
ISLAMIC STATE MILITANTS IN MOSUL, IRAQ. ©REUTERS/ALAA AL-MARJANI
“Am I my brother’s keeper?” is not an innocent
question. A simplistic, plain reading of this
important text misses its real meaning. It must be
read literarily rather than literally.
24
ARTICLES
DISCOVER CONNECT ENGAGE
26 WHY SHOULD I CARE? 40 SUFFERING IN SILENCE 58 A COMMUNITY IN CRISIS
MALCOLM CORT ABIGAIL BEAVEN Sandra Blackmer interviews
It’s more than sociology; it’s How many people in your life Allan Chichester, pastor of the
practical Christianity. feel marginalized? Don’t Toronto West Seventh-day
know, do you? Adventist Church, about
30 THE WORD AND HIS WORD
serving a traumatized
JO ANN DAVIDSON 44 IN NEED OF RESCUE
community.
We know about God because SANDRA BLACKMER
He’s chosen to make Himself It’s a simple formula: People 64 A GENUINE INTEREST IN
known. need pets, pets need people. THE WELFARE OF OTHERS
ELLEN G. WHITE
48 OUR SIBLINGS: REFUGEES
We can no longer pretend
AND IMMIGRANTS
we’re unaffected.
DON STARLIN
They are not a problem to be 66 MOB RULES
solved; they are an KEVINE OTIENO
opportunity to be embraced. Often, when things spiral out
of control, we see so much
more of God’s providence.
70
NEWS|OPINION
EDITORIAL
» Faith and Science Conference 5 BILL KNOTT
Defends Creation RENEWING THE COVENANT
» Oakwood Aeolians Win D E PA R TM E N T S
“Choir of the World” Title 6 LETTERS
62 HOUSE CALL
» Sabbathkeepers Join 68 CLOSER LOOK
Local Adventists 70 VOICES
» Mission to Mongolia Fulfills COLUMNS
an Ancient Request 25 CLIFF’S EDGE
CLIFFORD GOLDSTEIN
» Andrews University Names VP 51 SEARCHING THE OBVIOUS
for Diversity and Inclusion DIXIL RODRÍGUEZ
63 JOURNEYS WITH JESUS
» Why Adventist Clergy JILL MORIKONE
Avoid Partisan Politics 72 IN OTHER WORDS
SANDRA BLACKMER
2 ADVENTIST REVIEW | SEPTEMBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG
TRENDING
FOUNDED 1849. PUBLISHED BY THE GENERAL
CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS® THE MOST SHARED STORIES ON ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG LAST MONTH:
PUBLISHING BOARD
Ted N. C. Wilson, chair
Guillermo Biaggi, vice chair
Good and Bad News About
Bill Knott, secretary
Lisa Beardsley-Hardy, Williams Costa, Daniel R.
Jackson, Peter Landless, Robert Lemon, Geoffrey
1 the Biblical Flood
Mbwana, G. T. Ng, Daisy Orion, Juan Prestol-Puesán,
Adventist Hospital Recognized
Ella Simmons, Artur Stele, Ray Wahlen
Karnik Doukmetzian, legal advisor
EXECUTIVE EDITOR/DIRECTOR OF ADVENTIST
2 for High-Value Healthcare
REVIEW MINISTRIES Bill Knott
Andrews Seminary Approves
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, ADVENTIST REVIEW
MINISTRIES 3 Document on Homosexuality
ASSOCIATE EDITORS André Brink,
Lael Caesar, Gerald A. Klingbeil 4,000 European Young People Gather
COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR/NEWS EDITOR
Costin Jordache
4 in Spain for Region-wide Event
ASSISTANT EDITORS Sandra Blackmer, Stephen Pathfinder ‘City’ Welcomes
Chavez, Wilona Karimabadi
MARKETING Jared Thurmon
5 23,000 Young People in Brazil
DIGITAL EDITOR Kristina Penny
ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER Bryan Gray
WEB DESIGN/SOCIAL MEDIA Evan Bambrick
LAYOUT TECHNICIAN Fred Wuerstlin
COPY EDITOR James Cavil
OPERATIONS MANAGER Merle Poirier
FINANCIAL MANAGER Kimberly Brown
EDITORIAL ASSESSMENT COORDINATOR
Marvene Thorpe-Baptiste
TELL US
EDITORS-AT-LARGE Mark A. Finley, John M. Fowler
SENIOR ADVISOR E. Edward Zinke
WHAT YOU
AD SALES Glen Gohlke, Seth Hill, Carlos Medley
CIRCULATION Rebecca Hilde
TO WRITERS: Writer’s guidelines are available at the
Adventist Review Web site: www.adventistreview.org
and click “About the Review.” For a printed copy,
THINK
send a self-addressed envelope to: Writer’s
Guidelines, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia
Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.
E-mail: revieweditor@gc.adventist.org.
Web site: www.adventistreview.org.
Adventist Review readers (and their
Unless otherwise noted, Bible texts in this issue
are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. friends) are invited to give us feedback.
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Unless otherwise noted, all prominent photos are
© Thinkstock 2017. » What do you like about Adventist Review?
The Adventist Review (ISSN 0161-1119) is the general
paper of the Seventh-day Adventist® Church. It is
» What do you not like?
published monthly by the General Conference of » What would you like to see more of/less of?
Seventh-day Adventists®, 12501 Old Columbia Pike,
Silver Spring, MD 20904. Periodicals postage paid » What would you do differently?
at Silver Spring, MD, and additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Send address changes to Adventist » We value your opinions.
Review, P.O. Box 5353, Nampa, ID 83653-5353.
Copyright ©2016, General Conference of Seventh-
day Adventists®. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Visit SurveyMonkey.com/r/AdventistRM and
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Twelve issues of the monthly take the survey. It will only take a few minutes,
Adventist Review, US$19.95, plus additional postage
outside North America. Single copy US$2.00 plus and all responses will be kept confidential.
shipping and handling.
To order, visit adventistreview.org/subscriptions
or send your name, address, and payment to: Thanks for your help, and keep reading Adventist
Adventist Review subscription desk, P.O. Box 5353,
Nampa, ID 83653-5353 Review!
ADDRESS CHANGES
AND SUBSCRIPTION QUERIES:
adventistreview@pacificpress.com.
OR call 1-800-545-2449 SEPTEMBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 3
EDITORIAL
BILL KNOTT
Good preaching—and good listening—
is ultimately doxology, the way we
worship Jesus with our minds.
Renewing the Covenant
very Sabbath, in every place this Word through hours— won’t shape your words to
E where believers gather
around God’s Word, a holy
covenant unfolds that features
days—of studying and prayer,
because I won’t bring something
undeserving of your time and
things you think might win my
smiles or my applause. I’ll offer
you my tears and joy, my hope
what one famous preacher called your attention. You may trust and deepest longing, for I have
“the foolishness of preaching” that what I share is shaped by pledged I won’t go home the
(see 1 Cor 1:21). my commitment to obey the person that I was.”
This covenant is rarely heard Lord and be faithful to His And where such covenants
or written down, but functions teachings. These words are are made—where preachers and
in that hopeful space between nothing light or trifling: I’m ask- their listeners consciously
the preacher’s lips and all who ing for your ears today because pledge their deep allegiance to
lend their ears. I believe that this is what the the Word—the Body grows; its
In its ideal form, the covenant Spirit is saying to the church— wounds are healed; revival coals
is made anew each time one today. Remember, please, I’m are fanned to flame.
party stands behind a pulpit or also preaching to myself.” This is, some say, a fantasy—
the other is seated in a pew. But, The listener—who may be an unreal, even impossible,
truth be told, it’s also frequently scribbling on a tithe envelope arrangement, for who could
nullified through inattention, or making copious notes on a expect such solemn stuff at mid-
lack of effort or preparation, or sermon worksheet—is offering day on a Sabbath?
stubbornness that never yields. these terms: And the answer is: “We can.
On many days, in many places, “I’m quieting my life this hour We must. We do.”
it’s still a fragile covenant, for it to do that most unusual of Until we Adventists make
is made by broken and unfo- tasks—allowing another human such covenants our norm; until
cused sinners—like preachers being to speak unfiltered truth we give the Word—from both
and their hearers. into my life. I acknowledge my directions—all the seriousness
The preacher—Anglo or His- usual contrariness—the habit of it deserves, we are just filling
panic; African or African Amer- disagreeing just because I can. time and winnowing some
ican; seasoned or beginning; But for these moments I’ll will- concepts.
male or female—is offering ingly suspend my disbelief Good preaching—and good
these terms: because you say the Word you listening—is ultimately doxol-
“I’m bringing you the living preach is not your own, but ogy, the way we worship Jesus
and active Word of God, which something vital Jesus knows I with our minds. We have a right
describes itself as ‘sharper than need to hear. With prayer and to mutually expect that all who
a two-edged sword .’ You all the clarity I have, I won’t go preach and all who listen will be
shouldn’t be surprised that it chasing rabbits while you attentive to the Word—will
will sometimes make you feel preach. I dare not miss God’s bring to this unrivaled hour the
uncomfortable, even when I’d Word, which will, regardless of best that human praise can give.
rather offer you smooth words. your words, discern t he So who will make a covenant
I’m not yet comfortable with the thoughts and intentions of my with me?
Word I’m sharing, for I have heart.
placed myself under its author- “I’ll make new room for both
ity, just as I’m asking you to do. familiar truths and difficult
“I’ve lived and wrestled with ideas as I listen, trusting you
SEPTEMBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 5
INBOX It seems the leaders of the church might want
to look at the cost of the huge organization
we have created and consider going back to
some basics.
SHARON WALKER, MARIPOSA, CALIFORNIA
job
jobs,o s, to the dollars spent now? I
ob
RIGHT OR LEFT realize
rea
rre allizze teachers
teachers ddeserve a living
The article “Neither to the Right
ht nor wage,
w
wage
wa a e, but b when didd we as an
to the Left” (June 2017) reminded
ded me institution
iins stitution o make it so hard for
of a picture my daughter Jaclyn
clyn Knight youth
yyoouth th toto get a Christian education?
sent to me. Her 2-year-old son, Jordan, It sseems
eems the
th leaders of the
and his 2-year-old friend, Easton, were cchurch
hurcch m might
igh want to look at the
arguing about the numberr 12 they cost
cos
co
ost o
os off the huge organization we
discovered on the side of a building. have
hav ccreated and consider going
e creat
Easton said, “Look, there’s the number 1.” back
bac
ack k to sosome basics. Maybe then
To which Jordan replied, “No, it’s the number 2!” They bantered
tered there wouldwo be enough money to
back and forth until Mommy enlightened them about the number 12. help our ou students get the
Are we not like these 2-year-olds? So many of our arguments education they need in the world
could be solved if we would get out of the Left-1 or Right-2 ditch today. Just a thought.
and allow the Holy Spirit to help us see the 12. It has both numbers, Sharon Walker
but the insight we need is beyond our proud understanding. Mariposa, California
Renee Ford
Cumming, Georgia THOUGHTFUL INSIGHTS
In the May 2017 Adventist Review
the thoughtful insights of the
RESOLUTION would have been employed, the following three pieces, “Forgive-
My thanks to Bill Knott for his situation would probably have ness and Resilience,” “We Can’t
presentations at the Washington turned out very differently than Give What We Don’t Have,” and
Conference camp meeting. My it actually did. “The Making of a Miracle,” have
parents were unable to attend, Thank you for your continued shared the theme of Christian
but are avid readers of Adventist good work on the Adventist living that Jesus wants for
Review. It was very thoughtful of Review. everyone. Drinking from God’s
Knott to take time to speak and Robert Aaron well of forgiveness and trust is a
pray with my parents over the Shelton, Washington fountain embracing life,
telephone. blessings, and encouragement.
I also appreciate Delbert Baker GOOD COUNSEL Thank you to Dixil Rodriguez,
and his “Ten Commandments for I’m responding to the editorial by Jimmy Phillips, and Costin
Resolving Conflicts” (June 2017). I Bill Knott, “Securing the Future” Jordache.
recently transferred out of a (June 2017). Having read this Natalie Dodd
church embroiled in controversy article, I agree that the cost of Centerville, Ohio
over its pastor—most of it, Christian education is out of
ashamedly, hearsay and control. When did we go from FEAST
unfounded. If the resolution churches supporting our students, What a joy it is to curl up and
commitments Baker suggested and students “working” at campus feast on articles in Adventist
6 ADVENTIST REVIEW | SEPTEMBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG
The June issue spoke to my heart, reminding
me that God calls us to reach people who some
believe are worthless, too sinful to be accepted.
TABITHA ABEL, CHILOQUIN, OREGON
Review when going through a IN A FEW WORDS . . .
dark valley. To be reminded that
FIRST CAFÉ CHURCH OPENS IN NEW YORK CITY
all people are precious in God’s
sight. The June issue spoke to my A pastor in a nondenominational church once told me that he
heart, reminding me that God would do what it takes to get people in the door so that he could
calls us to reach people who preach the gospel to them. I am for reaching young people. I am
some believe are worthless, too 63 and have many family members not in church. I hope this
sinful to be accepted. method of evangelism works to get young people to serve God in
any way possible.
Thank you, Gerald Klingbeil,
Terry Hinchey, via Web
for quoting Ellen White—“Our
neighbors are the whole human TWO BUNCHES OF ROSES AND GOD THE CREATOR
family”—and that when the wants
of any person are brought to our Knowing God fully through nature is surely not possible. But
knowledge, “it is our duty to knowing God fully through words is also hopeless. So we’d better
avoid exalting words about God, instead focusing on the Word
relieve them as far as possible.”
Himself. Letting nature (science) help us understand what the
No one is excluded.
words about God mean is as important as letting the words help
Don McFarlane admonished us
us understand the meaning of nature (science). Science can help
to follow Jesus’ example, but he us understand the Bible, and the Bible can help us understand
did not add that reaching to science. Unless we do both, our faith will be unbalanced and our
“untouchables” comes at a high science will be shortsighted.
price. Jack Hoehn, via Web
Hyveth Williams wrote of
OAKWOOD UNIVERSITY WINS “CHOIR OF THE WORLD” TITLE
Satan hijacking one’s spiritual
identify, and the pain caused This is so wonderful. Jason Ferdinand is dedicated to his ministry
when falsehoods are believed in music. To God be the glory.
and sentence is passed without Sonya Johnson-Ruiz, via Web
recourse.
Costin Jordache reminded me
that God is always there even if
we, or others, miss Him.
The dessert of this grand feast
was Wilona Karimabadi’s words
YOUR TURN
of conviction. We must get out of We welcome your letters, noting, as always, that inclusion of a letter in this
the safe zones and reach people section does not imply that the ideas expressed are endorsed by either the
editors of the Adventist Review or the General Conference. Short, specific,
who are different from ourselves
timely letters have the best chance at being published (please include your
because “God has asked us to.” complete address and phone number—even with e-mail messages). Letters
Thank you for that instruction. will be edited for space and clarity only. Send correspondence to Letters
to the Editor, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD
Tabitha Abel
20904-6600; Internet: letters@adventistreview.org.
Chiloquin, Oregon
SEPTEMBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 7
Who says
teaching can’t
be an adventure?
service
Engage in nt missio
nary.
as a stude
See for yourself.
Schedule a personalized visit to explore your interests and get
your questions answered. We’ll cover your lodging, meals, and
even some of your travel costs. Students who visit WWU rave
about their experience here and we can’t wait to show you why!
wallawalla.edu/visitNEWS
Conference participants listen
to presentations on the first full
day of the Faith and Science
Conference in St. George, Utah,
United States.
PIETER DAMSTEEGT/NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION
FAITH AND SCIENCE CONFERENCE
DISCUSSES CREATION
SCIENCE TEACHERS AND MINISTERIAL LEADERS MEET TO “AFFIRM CREATION.”
BY MARCOS PASEGGI, ADVENTIST REVIEW
This is the one of several reports Faith and Science Conference, which The conference sought to explore
on the North American Division Faith kicked off on the evening of July 6, the biblical, theological, and phil-
and Science Conference, which took 2017. The event, which carried the osophical issues that shape Adven-
place in St. George, Utah, United theme “Affirming Creation,” was spon- tists understanding of origins, as
States, July 6-14, 2017.—Editors. sored by several church organiza- well as the problems and answers
tions interested in the study and that specific scientific disciplines
M ore than 330 Seventh-day Ad-
ventist science teachers and
ministerial leaders in North America
promotion of a biblical understand-
ing of origins, including the North
American Division (NAD) Office of
present to a biblical understanding
of earth history.
“Our goal is not to argue or en-
braved scorching summer tempera- Education, the world church’s Faith gage in debate for the sake of de-
tures to make their way to St. George, and Science Council, and the Geo- bate itself,” said NAD education di-
Utah, United States, for a region-wide science Research Institute (GRI). rector Larry Blackmer in his opening
SEPTEMBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 9NEWS LOMA LINDA HEALTH RECEIVES AN EMMY.
Loma Linda University day night, June 24, 2017,
Health featured prom- in San Diego, Califor-
inently during the for- nia, United States. Life
ty-seventh annual re- on the Line, a documen-
gional Emmy Awards. The tary TV series that high-
awards were presented lights Loma Linda’s sto-
by the Pacific Southwest ries of transforming lives,
Chapter of the National won Emmy Awards in six
Academy of Television of its seven nominated
Arts and Sciences Satur- categories.
God, Zinke showed the audience
Through a wooden a bunch of fresh roses. “What can
sculpture and two you tell about the roses’ Creator?”
bunches of roses, Zinke asked. Answers included “He
Edward Zinke dis- is an artist”; “He loves beauty”; “He
cusses the role of is good.”
nature in knowing Then Zinke showed another
God. His presen- bunch, this time withered roses.
tation took place
“And now?” he asked. Suddenly there
on the first full day
was silence in the audience.
of the Faith and
Science Conference. “It was such a simple illustra-
PIETER DAMSTEEGT/NAD tion, but very impressive,” said Rudy
Alvir, associate ministerial director
of the Florida Conference. “It made
us assess our assumptions.”
“Sin brought changes in nature
that obscure and distort its reve-
lation of God,” said Zinke. “Knowing
remarks. “Our goal is to affirm Cre- One of the key questions regard- God fully through nature is hope-
ation by emphasizing the positive ing nature for Bible-believing Chris- less, so we’d better avoid exalting
aspects that a biblical understand- tians is whether it’s possible to nature to focus instead on the God
ing of origins brings to the table, know God through nature, said Ed- of nature.” He quoted a statement
even as we keep asking questions ward Zinke, a theologian and one by church cofounder Ellen G. White,
and searching for answers.” of the organizers of the event, in who, referring to God’s handiwork
The event sought to be proactive his devotional message on July 7. in nature, wrote, “It is not the work,
and to provide a teachable ap- “How can we know God? Can we but the workman, that is counted
proach, providing Adventist teach- know a person by looking at his or worthy of honor.”*
ers and pastors with sound tools her work of art?” Zinke asked. He “Even in the Garden of Eden,
to help them face current and on- answered, “We get characteristics Adam and Eve were dependent upon
going challenges to the discussion from the artist, but not the artist God’s revelation to understand
of origins, said organizers. himself. In that sense, nature pro- themselves,” said Zinke. “But God
It also fostered what NAD min- vides an incomplete knowledge of said, ‘I want a fellowship with you.’ ”
isterial director Ivan Williams de- God.” That intimate fellowship was
fined as “cross-pollination,” or To illustrate his point, Zinke what Adventist teachers and pas-
meaningful exchanges between showed a wooden sculpture and tors in North America were encour-
disciplines. “Our conference min- asked attendants to guess what aged to look for throughout the
isterial directors are here because kind of author fashioned it. Opin- conference.
we want not only to delve into the ions, of course, varied. The event included presenta-
theological fundamentals of ori- “You can guess and guess wrong,” tions, question-and-answer ses-
gins but to listen and learn from Zinke said, “unless the artist re- sions, and field trips.
sound Adventist scientists,” he said. veals himself.”
* Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing
“This exchange will certainly en- To further explain the imperfect (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub.
rich both groups.” role of nature in understanding Assn., 1905), p. 413.
10 ADVENTIST REVIEW | SEPTEMBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORGOakwood University’s Aeolians perform at the 2017 Llangollen
International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales, United Kingdom. In a previous report from the
MICHAEL MARSHALL university, the Llangollen Interna-
tional Musical Eisteddfod is de-
scribed as “not merely an annual
OAKWOOD UNIVERSITY festival promoted by one nation
CHOIR WINS “CHOIR OF for international audiences, but a
festival of music-making in which
THE WORLD” TITLE representatives of the peoples of
CHOIR DIRECTOR JASON FERDINAND NAMED other nations can take an active
“OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR” part.”
The winner of the Choir of the
BY NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION NEWS
World competition received the
C heers and prayers of thanks-
giving rang out in the United
Kingdom and across North America
celebrate the success of the Oak-
wood University Aeolians on an-
other history-making accomplish-
coveted Pavarotti Trophy and
US$3,440 (€3,000).
In a press release, university rep-
as word spread that the Oakwood ment,” said Leslie N. Pollard, pres- resentatives said, “We are proud
University Aeolians won the World ident of Oakwood University. “To of the Oakwood University’s Aeo-
Choir Title (Choir of the World) in be named Choir of the World . . . lians for achieving success on the
the choral category during the Llan- is a singular honor that represents world stage and representing Oak-
gollen International Musical Eistedd- the excellence of our university wood University, Huntsville, and
fod, Wales, Great Britain, on July 8, and the best of our Rocket City. most important, God to the world.”
2017. The university also received a
second award as Jason Ferdinand,
the Aeolians’ director, was named
outstanding director of the World
Choral Festival.
The competition, which started
on July 3, 2017, began in 1947 as a
festival to celebrate the “peace
and harmony” that showcases some
of the world’s greatest musical tal-
ents. Each year the International
Musical Eisteddfod welcomes more
than 4,000 performers, and as many
Oakwood University’s Aeolians celebrate being named Choir of the
as 50,000 visitors join the festival
World after the announcement of their win on July 8, 2017. MICHAEL MARSHALL
in the small Welsh town “to sing
and dance in a unique combina-
tion of competition, performance, Congratulations to the director, The Aeolians also performed in
and international peace and friend- Dr. Jason Ferdinand, and espe- London, Birmingham, and Man-
ship.” The event culminated with cially our Oakwood University stu- chester. Oakwood University is a
the choral competition. dents. You have distinguished historically Black Seventh-day Ad-
“On behalf of the entire Oak- yourselves and made us proud ventist institution of higher learn-
wood University community, we and thankful.” ing in Huntsville, Alabama.
SEPTEMBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 11NEWS ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES
20,000TH DINOSAUR BONE FOUND.
Southwestern Adventist University uncovered. Art Chadwick, South-
in Keene, Texas, recently celebrated western research professor, with
a milestone at its annual dig for the support of other professors
dinosaur bones in northeastern from Southwestern, Loma Linda
Wyoming, as the 20,000th officially University, and Southern Adventist
documented bone of the Dinosaur University, has led the project since
Research Project was found and he started it in 1996.
SABBATHKEEPING GROUP
JOINS LOCAL ADVENTIST CHURCH
THE GROUP HAD BEEN FOLLOWING ADVENTIST DOCTRINES FOR YEARS.
BY BETTY COONEY, PACIFIC UNION RECORDER AND ADVENTIST REVIEW
H awthorne Seventh-day
Adventist Church, a congre-
gation in Hawthorne, California,
Hawthorne church board and found
them receptive. Then he interviewed
the pastor, knowing they needed
herded the Carson International
Group before the merger and is
serving as pastor of the Hawthorne
experienced major growth in April the right pastor for the delicate church. “The church and the com-
2017 when Carson International task of bringing two congregations munity represent many cultures,”
Group joined in membership, add- together. When the board asked, Mu said. “We have Filipino, African
ing 46 people, 40 of them by pro- “Why not just invite them to come American, Caucasian, Hawaiian,
fession of faith. An additional dozen here?” the idea of the Carson In- Indonesian, Fijian, Hispanic, and
people plan to prepare for bap- ternational group joining a mother Tongan. And I am Samoan!”
tism or join the church by profes- church was born. Among other activities, more
sion of faith later. “My conviction,” said Kiemeney, than 40 members of the church
Usually, becoming a member “is that the idea is God-birthed. In gather on Sundays at 6:00 a.m. in
of the Adventist Church by pro- Him it’s going to work.” a “stop and pray” area in the front
fession of faith is reserved for Later, commenting on the join- of the church, which faces busy
people who have been already ing of the two culturally diverse Marine Avenue. The group is inter-
practicing Adventist beliefs, but congregations, Kiemeney added, generational and cross-cultural;
that for some reason are not yet “When the Holy Spirit moves among children come too.
on the official members’ roll. Car- us, it’s no longer about differences, “After our prayer and study time
son International Group was not it’s about what they hold in com- together on Sundays,” Mu contin-
part of the Seventh-day Adventist mon. . . . You will meet, mingle. You ued, “we have exercised in the
Church organization, even though will call them to follow Christ, go- church gym. It’s been a bonding
it had been following Adventist ing to seek and to save the lost. In time for the generations and mem-
beliefs, and even hired an Adven- Your hands there is no failure, only bers of both groups that have come
tist pastor to minister to them, success.” together. When we walk as part of
according to John Cress, South- “ ‘Together Is Better’ is the mes- our time together, I encourage
ern California Conference exec- sage today,” said Cress during the members to pray for our church
utive secretary and ministerial official merger ceremony. “It is rare that someone will come here and
director. for churches to join. It is a unique, meet Christ.”
Months before, Los Angeles rare moment. Jesus has brought “We want to be open to the
Metro Region director Gerard this about.” neighborhood,” Mu added. “Re-
Kiemeney had prayed with John Cress concluded with a blessing cently I was changing the informa-
Jenson, from the South Bay church, on the church: “May the door of tion on the sign in front of the
and a member of the region staff- the church be wide enough to wel- church. Some people walking by
ing committee. “What if God im- come all who hunger for love and asked, ‘What is this?’ pointing to
presses two churches to get to- fellowship, and narrow enough to the church. ‘It’s a church,’ I told
gether?” he asked. Pursuing that shut out pettiness and pride.” them. ‘Come visit us, or come for
possibility, Kiemeney met with the Filemu T. Filemu (Mu) had shep- lunch!’ ”
12 ADVENTIST REVIEW | SEPTEMBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORGADRA TAPS TECHNOLOGY TO PROVIDE WATER TO 1.5 MILLION.
The Adventist Development and over the next five years. The
Relief Agency (ADRA) International partnership aims to improve and
announced a new partnership with save lives by using renewable
global water technology leader energy and water innovation
Grundfos, in a move to provide technologies that provide more
access to clean water to 1.5 million efficient and sustainable water
people in Africa, Asia, Central and access than more traditional
South America, and South Pacific methods.
NEWSBRIEFS
ADVENTIST CAMP STAFF MEMBER RECOVERS FROM BEAR ATTACK.
1 A bear attack took place about 4:00 a.m. on July 9, 2017, at Glacier View Ranch
in Boulder County, Colorado. The bear wandered into the main area of campus
where several staff members were sleeping. Unprovoked, the bear attacked,
dragging the staff member about 10 feet. Dylan (who asked to be identified
only by his first name) survived the attack, despite deep gashes to his head.
AMAZON JUNGLE IS LOCATION OF NEW ADVENTIST FILM
2 PRODUCTION. The Adventist Church in South America launched production
for a new medium-length film, slated to be released in March 2018, just before
what is known in the region as “Holy Week.” The Libertos audiovisual produc-
tion is using locations in the Amazon forest, in northern Brazil. The new
half-length film will be part of the Adventist Church’s mission-promoting
strategies around a time people in many Christian countries remember
Christ’s sacrifice and are particularly open to hearing the gospel.
STARGAZING EVENT PROPELS VISITORS TO BIBLE STUDIES IN
3 UKRAINE. An informal stargazing club has led to dozens of people request-
ing Bible studies in Ukraine. From June 30 to July 2, 2017, visitors to a “Genera-
tion Strong” event in Teplyk, Vinnytsia Oblast, answered astronomy quizzes,
took part in informative lectures, and lined up for telescope observation
sessions of the moon, Jupiter, and Saturn. Guests were also provided with
science-based facts, many of which suggest the presence of intelligent design
in the universe.
ADVENTIST LEADER IN ENGLAND MEETS WITH LOCAL IMAM. South
4 England Conference (SEC) president Emmanuel Osei visited Imam Toufik
Kacimi, chief executive officer of the Finsbury Park Muslim Welfare House, in
London, to deliver words of sympathy and condolences in the aftermath of the
Finsbury Park terror attack. In response to the SEC president’s visit, Kacimi
expressed appreciation for the solidarity shown by the Seventh-day Adventist
Church as he praised the work of the church in the area.
MOM STUDIES THE BIBLE WITH HER SON’S MURDERER. A Brazilian
5 Seventh-day Adventist who launched a ministry to prisons after studying the
Bible with her son’s murderer is one of the leaders behind an initiative to
provide Bible studies to hundreds of inmates in Itabuna, Bahia. Inmates in the
Itabuna Prison in Brazil can now apply for a sentence reduction after
completing a Bible course offered by Seventh-day Adventists in the area.
SWISS ADVENTIST CLINIC OPENS NEW HEALTH CENTER. A Sev-
6 enth-day Adventist-operated clinic in Switzerland recently inaugurated a new
medical and therapeutic center to promote the health message of the church.
The new medical and therapeutic center offers therapeutic rehabilitation in
cardiology and neurology, as well as orthopedic rehabilitation. It also provides
occupational therapy, neuropsychology, and physiotherapy, along with nutrition
and dietetics for internal medicine and pain therapy.
SEPTEMBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 13NEWS
A volunteer participating
in It Is Written’s health
initiative in Mongolia
checks vitals on a patient.
MISSION TO
MONGOLIA partnership with the Seventh-day The Mission: Mongolia project
FULFILLS AN Adventist Church in Mongolia, would involved medical, dental, and op-
ANCIENT respond to this ancient request,
focusing its attention on Mongolia
tical clinics as well as nightly Bible
presentations by IIW speaker/di-
REQUEST with a lifesaving message of hope. rector John Bradshaw.
IT IS WRITTEN INITIATIVE Organizers wondered how many
BRINGS NEW CONVERTS TO A CAREFULLY CRAFTED PLAN people would show up for the evan-
THRIVING CHURCH. After three years of spiritual gelistic meetings in a country with
preparation, planning, and minis- 97 percent non-Christian popula-
BY YURE GRAMACHO, NORTHERN
ASIA-PACIFIC DIVISION
try, the IIW team, along with the tion. On the first night they had their
Mongolia Mission, held a large evan- answer: more than 700 people at-
I n A.D. 1266 the great Kublai Khan,
leader of the Mongol Yuan dy-
nasty, asked two Italian merchants
gelistic campaign June 4-11, 2017,
under the theme “In What Can You
Trust?” More than 120 volunteer
tended. People continued to flock
to the nightly evangelistic meeting
at the Central Palace of Culture in
to return home with a letter request- missionaries came from abroad, Ulaanbaatar.
ing 100 well-educated Christian mis- and 14 churches and companies in
sionaries to come back and teach the capital city of Ulaanbaatar got A SUCCESSFUL DELIVERY
his people about the gospel. involved in this bold missionary Starting on Sunday, June 4, IIW
challenge. On the last day of the carried out a major health project
series 71 people were baptized. in Ulaanbaatar. The team of more
“Since 2015 IIW has been actively than 120—including around 80 med-
involved in humanitarian and gos- ical professionals from at least five
pel work to help Mongolians get a countries—conducted clinics at
clearer picture of Jesus as their several locations around the city,
help in this world and their hope providing a wide range of free
in the world to come,” said Erik health services. In cooperation with
Flickinger, associate speaker for city government, physicians, oph-
the ministry. thalmologists, dentists, nurses,
The humanitarian work began in physical therapists, and many oth-
It Is Written speaker/director John 2015 by drilling water wells at two ers ministered to thousands of
Bradshaw baptizes one of the 71 local churches where the local com- people.
people who joined the church on munity had no access to fresh, clean The medical missionary team
the last day of the evangelistic drinking water. To get water, resi- was divided up and went to hos-
series in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
dents had to push carts of empty pitals, nursing homes, a school, a
water jugs to a water station, some- center for blind individuals, Ad-
Unfortunately, Kublai Khan’s desire times located a mile from their ventist churches, and even to a jail,
went unfulfilled. Until now. home. Today three churches have offering dental, vision, surgical,
The Great Khan could never have hot and cold running water and at- and other services, touching many
guessed that 750 years later a min- tract people who otherwise might lives through this work. They pro-
istry called It Is Written (IIW), in not take notice of them. vided medical services that in many
14 ADVENTIST REVIEW | SEPTEMBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORGANDREWS UNIVERSITY NAMES
VP FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
NEW POSITION CREATED TO PROVIDE FOR CAMPUS EQUITY
AND DIVERSITY.
BY ANDREWS UNIVERSITY NEWS
O n July 6, 2017, Andrews University (AU) president Andrea Lux-
ton announced that Michael Nixon accepted the invitation to
serve as the school’s first vice president for diversity and
inclusion.
Nixon, an Andrews University alumnus and graduate of the John
Marshall Law School in Chicago, was offered the position after a
cases people would not otherwise formal search process that took place over two months on the
be able to receive. university campus.
Missionaries sacrificed vacation The search committee was made up of 13 members, all Andrews
time and money to travel to the University administration, faculty, staff, and students, and chaired
other side of the world to make by Luxton. The committee ultimately conducted in-person inter-
friends for Jesus. At the same time, views with five applicants for the position, followed by presenta-
evangelistic meetings were held tions to the campus community in late June by the two finalists.
in downtown Ulaanbaatar each During their campus visit the finalists for the position also met
night, giving people an opportu- with university administrators and leaders from
nity to know Jesus, not only as the Lake Union and Lake Region conferences
healer but as Lord and Savior. of Seventh-day Adventists.
“Our journey to Mongolia could The committee’s work, and the final selec-
not have ended on a better note. tion of Michael Nixon, reflected the job descrip-
More than 70 precious souls pub- tion that called for this new position to provide
licly confessed their love for Jesus “spiritual, administrative, and academic lead-
through baptism,” said Yves Mon- ership for the equity and diversity vision, re-
nier, IIW evangelism director. sources, and programs across the university.”
“There may not have been much During the search process, Nixon—who first
water in the Tuul River, but there moved to the Andrews University community
was enough for us to completely when he was 10 years old—shared: “In all my Michael Nixon
immerse every person.” years being associated with Andrews, I have
Monnier shared a special mo- never been more optimistic about its future than I am now. This
ment for him. “I had the honor of renewed focus on seeking true, gospel-infused diversity and in-
baptizing a young woman with mus- clusion on campus is an amazing commitment.”
cular dystrophy. I just cradled her In one of his presentations to the search committee, Nixon
small body in my arms, and we both noted that the work of diversity must be a collaborative, God-cen-
went down in the water,” he said. tered process. “It should be a process that seeks to understand
“You should have seen her when and respond to the complexities of our diverse campus commu-
we came up out of the water: smil- nity and commit to transform our perspectives through trust-build-
ing and crying all at the same time.” ing conversations and engagement that will work to revamp our
Monnier asked church members campus culture permanently,” he said.
around the world to keep praying Nixon also noted, “This will take arduous work. We will surely
for Mongolia, as locals keep work- make mistakes, but if we remain committed to each other, this
ing with others who are continu- shared commitment to be transformed—along with our commit-
ing to study. “Hundreds more are ment to Christ—will infuse us with His Spirit and enable us to be-
now being prepared for future come the institution we have been called to be.”
baptisms,” he said. Nixon served as legal coordinator for the Fair Housing Justice
It seems that Kublai Khan’s orig- Center in New York City. His previous experience included the
inal request is being fulfilled thanks establishment of an Office of Service and Social Action at the
to the efforts of Adventist mission- University of Saint Francis while serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA
aries who proclaim a better, ever- volunteer, and working with the Council of American Islamic Relations
lasting empire, and the coming of and in the John Marshall Law School Fair Housing Legal Clinic
a new Khan (King)! while attending law school in Chicago.
SEPTEMBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 15NEWS COMMENTARY
I n a study released June 11, 2017,
researchers from Yale and Harvard
universities concluded that Sev-
only 1,218,397 reside in North
America. Unlike many Protestant
churches, the denomination cannot
enth-day Adventist clergy in the be characterized as an “American”
United States are the most evenly church, but rather a global church
divided between Democrats and Re- with congregations in almost every
publicans when it comes to politics. nation on earth. Andrews Univer-
The study also found that nearly half sity in Michigan, which houses the
were not registered to either party. Seventh-day Adventist Theological
Based on these numbers, it might Seminary, ties for second in the US
News Diversity Index for National
Universities in the United States. It
is an academic center for the whole
world of Adventism.
A discussion of Adventist global
engagement involves not only reli-
gious ministry but also health care
and education, which require sig-
nificant cooperation with local gov-
ernments around the world. The de-
nomination operates thousands of
other institutions: schools, colleges,
universities, and medical facilities,
including approximately 175 hospi-
WHY be concluded that the political di-
vide engulfing the nation may have
tals and many more local clinics.
ADVENTIST invaded the churches. But in real- UNITED, BUT NOT UNIFORM
CLERGY ity Adventist clergy have long put
politics on the back burner while
Despite the church’s diversity,
Adventists have a sense that all
AVOID they focused on the mission of the Adventists everywhere “are in this
PARTISAN
international denomination. together.” Unlike the Roman Cath-
The researchers did not conduct olic Church, which is also global
POLITICS a poll, but instead drew inferences
from a list of 180,000 clergy of many
and operates thousands of insti-
tutions around the world, there is
ADVENTISTS HAVE A religious groups in the United States. no “pope” who can make infallible
UNIQUE CONTRIBUTION Using methods described in the study, declarations, if necessary, to keep
TO MAKE. they found that approximately 130,000 things on track.
pastors had registered to vote. Instead, the Adventist Church is
According to the study, there are perhaps the world’s largest repre-
about 5,330 Adventist pastors in sentative democracy among faith
BY MICHAEL D. PEABODY, ESQ.
the United States. Of these, 51 per- groups. Local congregations send
cent were identified with a politi- representatives to conference meet-
cal party, divided equally between ings, which send representatives
Democrat and Republican party to union conferences, to national
affiliation. The rest were not reg- and international divisions, and
istered with either party. ultimately to the General Confer-
A 2014 Pew Research study also ence sessions that elect church
found that the Seventh-day Adventist leaders. Every five years the Ad-
Church was the most racially and ventist Church rents out a huge sta-
ethnically diverse denomination in dium and associated conference
the United States. centers, and representatives from
In 2016 the Adventist Church re- around the world come together
ported that as of 2015 there were to discuss issues of doctrine and
19,126,438 members of the denom- leadership, hear reports from world
ination around the world, of which divisions, and vote on administra-
16 ADVENTIST REVIEW | SEPTEMBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORGtive and organizational issues. INFORMED AND ENGAGED sense of the mission of the Adven-
Some of these decisions, such Adventists have long emphasized tist Church.
as a 2015 vote at the General Con- the value of political independence The Adventist Church remains
ference session in San Antonio, and the separation of church and relatively small in the United States,
Texas, that chose not to extend or- state. One of the church’s found- so when Adventist politician Dr.
dination to female pastors, can be ers, Ellen G. White, noted that while Ben Carson, U.S. secretary of Hous-
controversial, and are debated for voting was important, “those who ing and Urban Development, was
years before and after. Despite these teach the Bible in our churches and briefly the front runner in the 2016
disagreements, it is remarkable that our schools are not at liberty to Republican primaries, it made for
representatives from nations that unite in making apparent their prej- interesting discussion among the
might be at war with each other udices for or against political men ranks of Adventists.
can come together as “brothers and or measures.”1 For Adventists, having a single
sisters” in a common mission. “Let political questions alone,” member with national influence is
A factor keeping politics out of White counseled. “Every teacher, a big deal. Yet the denomination
Adventist pulpits could also be that minister, or leader in our ranks who maintained a nonpartisan stance,
Adventists observe a weekly Sab- is stirred with a desire to ventilate issuing a press release acknowl-
bath, with most refraining from dis- his opinions on political questions, edging that while Dr. Carson was
cussing politics during the 24-hour should be converted by a belief in a well-respected physician, “ it is
period from sundown Friday to sun- the truth, or give up his work.”2 important for the church to main-
down Saturday. Most do not read In 1952 General Conference pres- tain its long-standing historical
newspapers or watch the news during ident J. Lamar McElhany wrote, “The support for the separation of church
that time, although many engage in church has never attempted to in- and state by not endorsing or op-
social media on other topics. struct its members as to how they posing any candidate.”
This means that you’re unlikely should vote, or for whom they Because of its careful avoidance
to find a partisan political discus- should vote. These are matters that of partisan politics, and focus on
sion taking place during a church must be left to the members’ in- specific issues, not personalities,
service or Saturday study sessions, dividual conscience. Nor has the the church has cultivated an atmo-
and pastors who want to address church placed any ban or censure sphere of nonpartisanship that has
political issues will probably do on its members if they as qualified allowed it to be a leader on church-
so privately, away from the pulpit citizens choose to exercise their state issues. Both Democrat and
on another day of the week. right to vote, or on any who may Republican leaders have endorsed
While there may be tax-exemp- choose not to vote.” its legislative initiatives on work-
tion considerations involved with McElhany continued: “We believe place religious freedom. The church’s
taking political stands in the pul- every member . . . is entitled to ex- international humanitarian work
pit, Adventists understand the prac- ercise his or her right of franchise. has been recognized and respected
tical reality that a pastor in one The stability and foundation of good by governments around the world.
country does not serve the global government rests upon the people. We are living in an age when par-
mission well by pushing politicians If those who are stable and tisanship is reaching a fevered pitch.
to take military action in another law-abiding and have a high regard Fear-inducing rhetoric of politicians,
part of the world, even though de- for the principles of good govern- the press, and social media is com-
nominations with no international ment hold themselves aloof from bining to inspire unstable people to
aspirations may have no qualms the task of choosing good and fit take violent action. If you can’t catch
about this kind of engagement. men for governmental leadership, a break from what’s happening in
While Adventists in North Amer- they thereby make themselves re- the world, there is still a “safe space”
ica are patriotic, they have tradi- sponsible for failures in govern- to find some shelter from politics.
tionally avoided engaging in armed ment. This is a responsibility good Jesus said, “Come to me, all you
conflict as combatants. Their ded- citizens should seek to avoid inso- who are weary and burdened, and
ication to this principles is exem- far as their votes make this possi- I will give you rest. Take my yoke
plified by people who made sig- ble. . . . It is important that all is- upon you and learn from me, for I
nificant sacrifices such as Congres- sues that are to be placed on the am gentle and humble in heart,
sional Medal of Honor awardee ballot should be carefully studied and you will find rest for your souls”
Desmond Doss and military draft- by every conscientious voter.” (Matt. 11:28, 29).
ees who chose to undergo chem- The result of these factors is that 1
Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers (Washington,
ical testing in Operation Whitecoat, partisan domestic political dis- D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1915), p. 391.
rather than take up arms. putes take a back seat to the larger 2
Ibid., pp. 392, 393.
SEPTEMBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 17School of Graduate and Professional Studies
PREPARE FOR
A SOCIALLY
RESPONSIBLE CAREER
Choose a degree program that prepares students
WRPDNHDUHDOGLႇHUHQFHLQWKHZRUOG
Mindful of our Adventist roots, our programs are
LQIXVHGZLWKDVHQVHRIVHUYLFHVSLULWXDOLW\
DQGYLWDOLW\LQDOOWKDWZHGR
:HRႇHUHLJKWXQGHUJUDGXDWHDQGWHQJUDGXDWHSURJUDPV
LQFOXGLQJWKUHHIXOO\RQOLQH
Business Administration (MBA)
Public Administration (MA);
5HVSLUDWRU\&DUH %6 ±GHJUHHDGYDQFHPHQWIRU
5HJLVWHUHG5HVSLUDWRU\7KHUDSLVWV
&DOOWRGD\RQRXUWROOIUHHQXPEHUDQGRXUVWDႇFDQKHOS\RX¿QGWKH
SURJUDPWKDWEHVW¿WV\RXUQHHGV_
ZZZZDXHGXVJSV )ORZHU$YHQXH7DNRPD3DUN0DU\ODQG DISCOVER
ALSO IN THIS SECTION:
» WHY SHOULD I CARE?
» MY COUSIN, THE TURNIP
» THE WORD AND HIS WORD
WHO
IS MY
BROTHER?
AM I
HISDISCOVER
KENDRA HALOVIAK VALENTINE
umerous stories in the first book I my brother’s keeper?” but “Who is my brother?”
N
of Scripture in one way or or “Who is my neighbor?” Those most cautious
another wrestle with this rhe- against outsiders believed their brother and neigh-
torical question asked by the bor to be those only of their own kinship group;
first older brother: “Am I my your brother was one only of your own blood.
brother’s keeper?” They all give Others, more generous, expanded the notion of
the obvious answer: Of course! “neighbor” to include at least all Jewish people
Was Abraham his nephew’s living in their own village. The most liberal of the
keeper? Yes, several times (Gen. day believed that any Jew one met was one’s
13-14)! Was Ishmael his half brother and therefore “neighbor.” But still, care
brother Isaac’s keeper? He and responsibility were due only within the
should have been, but he was quickly banished boundaries of one’s ethnic group.
(Gen. 21:9). Were the twins Esau and Jacob each Then came Jesus. He expanded even the most
other’s keeper? No? Later, yes? Were Joseph’s many inclusive view, giving it radical new dimensions.
brothers jointly their brother’s keeper? Certainly His parable of the good Samaritan made it clear
not when they sold him into slavery. Was Joseph that a Samaritan—related, but beyond the imme-
keeper of his 11 brothers? The book of Genesis diate ethnic group—was also indeed a neighbor
concludes with Joseph providing a safe place for (Luke 10:25-37).
his brothers and their families. Jesus tells the parable while on his way to Jeru-
As the stories of Scripture continue, violence salem (Luke 9:51), walking through Jewish and
and intolerance of others entrench themselves in Samaritan villages and encouraging His disciples
society as clans become tribes and tribes become to go ahead of Him preparing the way (Luke
nations and alliances form. Some groups of people 10:1ff.). But what happened in territories even
place those seen as “others” into slavery. The hatred beyond these? What happened when Jesus went
Cain felt toward Abel spreads to entire communi- into enemy territory, that is, into Gentile land? Do
ties of people as the human situation degrades. the questions “Am I my brother’s keeper?” or “Who
While there are brotherly and sisterly moments is my brother?” apply there?
in Scripture (the book of Ruth, the call of the In Mark, the very first Gospel written, we have
prophets—especially the book of Jonah, for exam- a clear answer to Cain’s challenge of whether we
ple), the separation and hostility between people are responsible, and how far our responsibility to
groups seems rock-solid. Certainly the Egyptians, care extends. The answer comes through a rather
Canaanites, Philistines, Assyrians, and Babylo- difficult story, one in which Jesus surprises us
nians were Israel’s enemies, not Israel’s brothers. with the distinction He makes between people
Cain’s denial of responsibility for his brother who are “children” and people who are “dogs”:
becomes the norm. “But from there He [Jesus] arose and went away
to the border of Tyre [and Sidon]. And He entered
THE GOSPEL RECORD into a house. He had wanted no one to know, yet
In Jesus’ day His hearers still wanting to dimin- He could not escape notice. But immediately a
ish their responsibility for others debated a woman heard about Him, whose little daughter
slightly different version of the question: not “Am had an unclean spirit. She came and fell down at
His feet. Now the woman was a Greek, a Syrophoe-
On the previous page: An aerial view of the Za'atri
nician by birth. And she begged Him to cast the
camp for Syrian refugees in Jordan. In 2015 the demon out of her daughter. And He said to her:
population of the camp was estimated to be 83,000. ‘First let the children be satisfied, for it is not right
to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.’
Right: A border wall near Brownsville, Texas.
“But she answered and said to Him: ‘Lord, even
20 ADVENTIST REVIEW | SEPTEMBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORGAs challenging as
life is at the borders,
borders do not
have to be barriers.
SEPTEMBER 2017 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 21the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’ woman. She was out of line to be so aggressive.
“And He said to her: ‘For these words you may She should have had a male ask on her behalf,
go; the demon has left your daughter.’ And she rather than just burst in on Jesus.
went to her home and found the child lying on But since Jesus challenged other aspects of His
the bed, and the demon had gone out. Then He culture’s patriarchal values (and will again even
returned again from the border of Tyre, and went before the end of this story), why does He seem
through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee up to the region to buy into His society’s racism and sexism at this
of the Decapolis.”1 point?
This Greek, Syrophoenician woman, referred to It is certainly a difficult story. Jesus appears to
in Jewish idiom as a “dog,” can certainly not be a be calling the Greek, Syrophoenician woman a
“sister” to Jesus, can she? She’s not even a “neigh- “dog.” It may have sounded to some like a standard
bor,” is she? One can imagine Mark’s Jewish Chris- insult, although probably one she had heard many
tian readers asking such questions. And Jesus—the times before. It bothers us. Did it bother her? How
one who radically expanded the category of neigh- could it not? Although it probably didn’t surprise
bor and brother in the good Samaritan parable her. There were clear and well-established bound-
and earlier in this first Gospel (Mark 3:31-35)— aries between Jews and Greeks in the first century.
seems to call this unnamed woman with the sick There were strict rules of not eating together—
little daughter a “dog.” Why? there would be no sharing of food or fellowship.
One can argue that the canine reference was to a Interestingly, Jesus challenged some of these
“lap dog” rather than a scavenger dog, since Greeks very traditions about eating and those who were
sometimes had pets. But most scholars reject such unclean earlier in this same chapter (Mark 7:1-23).
an idea not only because it imposes contemporary So why on this occasion does He seem unwilling
culture onto the first century, but also because it to put His own arguments into practice?
does not resolve the problem: who wants to be an This episode and this woman call for particular
animal, even a pet? attention. This was a surprisingly different kind
One can argue that this is only a parable about of woman. A close reading of the text reveals that
the gospel going first to Jews, then to Gentiles, she was likely an aristocratic woman of Greek
though the parable's implication is to Gentiles as ethnicity living in the territory of Tyre2 on the
dogs. Isn’t that troubling—especially today? Mediterranean coast. During times of scarcity the
One can argue that Jesus was testing her faith, wealthy of Tyre were known to take the bread
and that she more than passes the test. But how from poor Galilean farmers.3 In social status she
should we understand Jesus’ apparent reluctance is above Jesus, yet this mother falls at Jesus’ feet.
to heal? Admittedly, Jesus' response to people in Both she and Jesus are out of place, in the bor-
need does exhibit great variety. Then again, what derlands, and Jesus’ first words to her underscore
if it is a test and she fails? You may respond that this uncomfortable location. Literally, they are on
in Mark’s Gospel people fail a lot, but Jesus never the border between Syrophoenicia and Galilee.
gives up on them. But they are also on the border of other boundar-
One can argue that Jesus was testing His disci- ies: male/female; Jew/Greek; lower class/upper
ples, using their own insulting and prejudiced class; Galilean (depleted of bread)/Syrophoenician
language in a way that hooks them into the dis- (taking bread).
cussion; then He turns the tables on their thinking Am I my brother’s keeper when we are living
about those outside the Jewish community. Per- on such borders? when the brother is across the
haps, Mark doesn't give that answer yet, because border? when differences that separate are high-
he doesn't even mention the disciples as Matthew lighted and unavoidable? Who is my brother, my
does (Matt. 15:21-28).2 sister, my neighbor at the border between Israel
and Jordan? at the border between Sudan and
PUTTING OURSELVES IN THE PICTURE South Sudan? Ukraine and Russia? North Korea
Looking at the story in its cultural setting helps: and South Korea? Mexico and the United States?
Jesus was doing what any honorable male in his What about the uncertain and confusing borders
culture would do when confronted by a strange of conservative and liberal?
22 ADVENTIST REVIEW | SEPTEMBER 2017 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORGYou can also read
