Editorial

Adventist Amelekites—2

Last October the editor commented on the bad effects of publications destructively critical of the church. In this editorial he suggests what those who see problems in the church 's theology or practice should do.

J.R. Sangler is the editor of Ministry. 

The main thrust of my October editorial on this subject emphasized a twofold danger posed by certain cynical and critical independent publications that are authored by those claiming to be Seventh-day Adventists, and that have as a target audience the SDA Church membership.

Danger number one threatens those who foster and participate in these publications that so freely express elements of doubt and cynicism. Living on a diet of dissent and negativity leads to leanness of soul. It's easy to be spiritually malnourished by this type of provender. It contains serious nutritional deficiencies.

My second concern is for the poor sheep who purposely or inadvertently receive these materials. We regularly get letters and phone calls from individuals wanting to know who sponsors this or that missive. People tend to feel that the church has authorized these publications because the name Seventh-day Advent ist or Adventist often appears in their titles or mastheads. Many questioners also ask about the veracity of some of the reports they read in these papers. We attempt to set the record straight and place these reports in perspective. None of them are all error, nor are any all truth.

For instance, in a single report appearing in one of these unauthorized journals, we counted no less than sixteen verifiable errors. One of our group suggested writing a letter setting the record straight. But the damage had been done, and it was quite impossible to know who had read the article, so why should we waste our time? Tragically, some of those who read the report were no doubt misled, and their confidence in the church and its leadership was under mined.

Doctrinal differences

What should an individual do if he has a difference of opinion with his brethren in the church regarding a practice or a belief? The Church Manual carefully outlines the procedure he should follow. See chapter 16, "The Pulpit Not a Forum," pages 271-275 in the 1981 edition. The counsel covers both doctrinal and policy disputes. Perhaps a few salient points taken from this chapter will be helpful.

1. To avoid confusion and division, the person who feels he has new light contrary to established views of the church should seek counsel from experienced, responsible church leaders. "The only safety for any of us is in receiving no new doctrine, no new interpretation of the Scriptures, without first submitting it to brethren of experience. Lay it before them in a humble, teachable spirit, with earnest prayer; and if they see no light in it, yield to their judgment; for 'in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.'"—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 293.

2. This plan in no way deters one from pursuing a diligent study of the Scriptures in the search for truth. Neither does it imply that there is no further light to be discovered. But remember that new light does not make void the old. It causes the old to shine with greater luster.

3. "The unity of the faith" (Eph. 4:13) must be preserved. We should seek at all times "to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (verse 3). It would be well if every editor and author would ask himself the question "Will what I am writing really preserve and strengthen unity and peace in the church?"

Misconduct

How should we relate to a problem that involves misconduct on the part of an individual, or even a group? Chapter 13 of the Church Manual (pp. 232-254), titled "Church Discipline," gives excel lent advice based on scriptural principles found in Matthew 18:15-17. Clearly, publishing church problems far and wide, either verbally or in print, does not settle them. The Bible injunction requires the "complainant" to go to his brother and show him his fault. If this doesn't lead to satisfaction, the complainant is to take one or two persons with him so the matter is now established by witnesses. And if that doesn't work, the church is to be told. How many of those involved in exposing the "sins" of their brethren are following these Biblical procedures? (Read carefully this entire chapter and note the wellthought-through principles outlined in it. A future issue of MINISTRY will carry the recent Annual Council action out lining how to deal with workers who are teaching or preaching views contrary to our established doctrines.)

And what should a person or group do who, after attempting to change doctrine or policies by taking all the steps outlined in the Church Manual and/or policy book, does not receive any satisfactory response? I hope, if such a case arises, that those individuals will believe that they have done their best to right wrongs in the church and that the case must rest now in the hands of the Lord. If the church's decision is wrong, sooner or later that fact will come to light. We must believe that the church's unity is to be maintained, and therefore-that labor to effect a change should cease and wholehearted support should be given to the body.

I know that the church has problems, and I am concerned about them. But I am equally concerned about the methods and materials that some use.supposedly to bring about needed corrections. Sometimes I wonder whether much of this work isn't an exercise in ego building, a sort of attitude that says, "Here I stand against all the powers that be." Such an attitude may be necessary someday, but I question its necessity at this point. Our wilderness journey is difficult enough at best. Why should anyone make it more difficult by being an Amalekite to modem Israel?

Jesus said, " 'My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me- May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me'" (John 17:20-23, N.I.V.).*—J.R.S.


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J.R. Sangler is the editor of Ministry. 

February 1984

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