Of what value and importance is a theological seminary to the Seventh-day Adventist denomination? Do we really need it? Will it accomplish anything worthwhile, or is it just the burden of a few enthusiasts? Is it worth the expense involved? Can our mature ministers gain much from what it has to offer ? Will it help to solve any of the denominational problems which confront our leadership and ministry? These and similar questions kept running through our minds and our friends' minds; so my husband and I decided to attend the school while on furlough from Kuala Lumpur, and see for ourselves.
Just look through our eyes and hear through our ears. It is a typical day at the seminary. We find the first class starting at an early morning hour. Just at the tick of seven-thirty Professor Andreasen enters the classroom, closes the door, and with bowed head reverently invokes the presence of the great Master Teacher in the consideration of the topic for that day on the sanctuary service.
A "one-question quiz" is being conducted. To answer the question of the morning requires a thorough study of the day's assignment. Here it is: "Is it possible for the holy of holies to be defiled?" Can you answer it intelligently? One or two oral questions set the whole round-table discussion astir. "Is there in the sacrificial system any bloodless sacrifice which could atone for sin?" "What is the spiritual significance of the red heifer?" Apparently many were asking themselves, What does all this mean? for there was a general stir and a rush to jot down notes for further study.
As I sat there listening to the animated discussion, my eyes wandered about the room. On the blackboard was an incidental list of words: Sep'tu a gint, ex'tant, im'po tent, im'pi ous, sta'tus, gra'tis, re vok'a ble, dissol'u ble, va gar'ies. All the accent marks had been added, and as I reflected on the general failure of many of our workers to pronounce words correctly, I was beginning to understand the helpfulness of the seminary to our workers in seemingly small matters, as well as in the weightier problems of interpretation and doctrine.
With keen satisfaction as to the first class, we make our way to where Near Eastern Antiquity is being taught. At the tap of the bell, Professor Wood enters the classroom. Once more divine blessing is invoked, and we feel that the request is granted. First a bibliography of twelve sources is written on the blackboard, with research in these sources as the assignment for the following day's work. Then begins an inspiring lecture on the flood. The Biblical chronology is painstakingly traced, geological and archeological evidence is called forth, and the proper manner of approach in studying authors on these subjects is carefully outlined. The class is shown that even authorities who do not believe in the inspiration of the Bible state facts which substantiate its inspired record.
Since it is a great aid to the worker to know the tenets of the various faiths and their backgrounds, the class is studying the various viewpoints concerning the flood. Such a study aids in intelligently approaching and answering serious-minded questioners with the most dependable information on such points. The professor is saying:
"There is no doubt that when all the evidences bearing on the flood have been brought to light
The teacher asks, "How many times did the priest go into the holy of holies on the Day of Atonement?"
"One." "Three." "Two." All answer confidently. All are sure they have the correct answer.
The professor looks serious; then his eyes twinkle, as he says, "Texts, please." Silence. "Will you kindly look it up in four or five • sources and report on it tomorrow?"
The diversity of views in this class of ministers and teachers indicated very clearly the need of a closer unity on this, the outstanding doctrine of the advent message, and the open discussion was most stimulating. Point by point the class came to harmonious conclusions in their study. It appears to me that the most effective way to stop leaks in the denominational reservoir due to heresies is for our teachers and ministers to have just such opportunities of studying this fundamental truth.
through the sciences of archeology, zoology, and geology. and properly correlated, the accuracy of the Scriptural account will be fully vindicated. It is just as Doctor Magoffin said in his book 'Magic Spades,' written while he was president of the Archeological Institute of America [p. 821: 'Archeology has converted both the laity and the clergy. No longer do they fear that archeological investigation will overturn Bible statements. Thus far the finds have confirmed them or have opened confirmatory possibilities.' "
I found myself thinking, How many ministers of our denomination, or any other, could give the ringing answer to skeptics and evolutionists which is theirs to give, if they but knew the facts. Would that every Christian worker might be privileged to sit through a session at the feet of such Gamaliels. to be enabled to give answers as we heard them given that day! The open-forum type of discussion captured the intense interest of all the class throughout the session. As we arose to leave, it was with the feeling of having been strengthened and refreshed, and with the knowledge of having acquired a fine quiverful of darts for the defense of God's truth. If so much could be gained in an hour and a half, what could one not gain in taking the whole course? Preparedness to meet honest skeptics is preparedness for soul winning.
Another class, under the guidance of Prof. B. P. Hoffman, is studying the prophecies of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. We listen in while the principles of prophetic interpretation are being clearly set forth, and feel better prepared to appreciate the precious jewels of truth found in these books, and understand more clearly how to study and teach other prophecies of the Word.
A study of the books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel yields abundant illustration of the general rule that "the principles of God's dealings with men are ever the same. The important movements of the present have their parallel in those of the past, and the experience of the church in former ages has lessons of great value for our own time." Dealing as these prophets do with the exile, the fall of Babylon, the deliverance and restoration of Israel, they make large contribution to the message for the time of the end of spiritual. Babylonian captivity, when God's remnant will be called out, and the glorious final restoration of the elect will be imminent. The preeminent topic of both books is found to be the new covenant, which is God's good news of salvation, now approaching its ultimate fulfillment.
Even one day in the seminary, giving as it does a glimpse into the possibilities of the deeper study of God's word, would surely convince any one of the great importance of workers' being able to study the Bible in the languages in which it was written. We find an enthusiastic class being introduced into the mysteries of the Hebrew language by Doctor Wood, and another spiritual group studying the New Testament in the Greek under the able leadership of Prof. W. E. Howell, and are reminded of Paul's admonition to Timothy : "Be diligent in these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy progress may be manifest unto all." I Tim. 4:15, A.R.V.
There happens to be no general lecture today, as such lectures are given but three times a week ; so we shall spend some time in study in the library. One important advantage of the location of the Theological Seminary, which cannot be overestimated, is that Washington, D.C., has two hundred libraries. The Congressional Library is the largest in the world, and the students are taking advantage of this opportunity, by doing much of their research there. The Review and Herald and General Conference libraries, together with the many new books being added by the seminary, are also helpful. Every day an earnest group can be found in these libraries searching for those materials needed in the larger understanding of the great truths for which we stand and which we must ever be able to defend.
The ability and consecration of President M. E. Kern is known to all. His constant willingness to be helpful, his sympathetic attitude toward those who go to him for help, and his energy and foresight are appreciated by every student. We feel thankful to God for His mercy in permitting us to attend this school, and for having the guidance of such a group of men as the General Conference has placed in charge of this work. The instructors are consecrated men and constructive thinkers, teachers of the first order. That the school is proving a blessing to all who have attended is the testimony of each of the students. We feel the pervading presence of the Holy Spirit in the classrooms as we strive to understand God's teaching and yield to His holy will.
