ENDTIME ISSUES
NEWSLETTER No. 202
BACCHIOCCHI RESPONDS
TO FALSE ALLEGATIONS - Part 2
Samuele Bacchiocchi,
Ph. D.,
Retired Professor of
Theology and Church History,
Andrews University
INDEX OF TOPICS OF
THIS NEWSLETTER
* EXCITING NEWS!!!
The first printing of
Popular
Beliefs: Are they Biblical? sold out in one month.
* ŌBACCHIOCCHI
RESPONDS TO FALSE
ALLEGATIONS - Part 2Ķ
This
is the essay of this newsletter
* UPCOMING
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EXCITING NEWS!!!
THE FIRST PRINTING OF 10,000 COPIES OF
POPULAR BELIEFS: ARE THEY BIBLICAL?
WAS SOLD OUT IN ONE MONTH
The demand for Popular Beliefs: Are They Biblical? has surpassed my fondest expectations.
The first printing of 10,000 copies came out on April 25 and was sold out in
one month. The second printing will be delivered next week.
This has been an unprecedented experience for me. Usually it takes
five years for me to sell 10,000 copies, not one month. Never before I received
so many orders for a book not yet published. The secret is that I posted
excerpts of each chapter in our biweekly Endtime Issues Newsletter that is emailed
to over 35,000 subscribers. Many
readers were so impressed the timeliness and quality of this witnessing book,
that they placed their orders long before the book came off the press.
Popular Beliefs: Are They Biblical? consists of 384 pages with a very attractive,
laminated colorful cover, with pictures representing seven of the ten popular
beliefs examined in the book. Take a look at the cover by clicking at this
link: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/pbcover.htm
The initial response to Popular Beliefs is very encouraging. I have received
several orders from non-SDA church leaders and scholars. An Editor of an
evangelical magazine ordered one case.
A pastor of a non-SDA congregation ordered first 65 copies and then an
additional case of 30 copies. A non-SDA marketing analyst with a Ph. D. in
Business, drove all the way from South Bend, Indiana to our home in Berrien
Springs, Michigan to purchase 34 copies. He told me that he is eager to give Popular
Beliefs to Christian
friends who are sincerely seeking to learn Bible truths.
Many Adventist believers in different parts of the world have
emailed me messages of appreciation for writing Popular Beliefs: Are They
Biblical? They
believe that this is a much needed witnessing book that they can give with
confidence to friends who want to know why their popular beliefs are unbiblical
and the Adventist beliefs are biblical correct.
Special Offer Extended to June 30, 2008
Several churches have asked me to extend the deadline until
June 30, 2008 for the special introductory price of $5.00 per copy, because
they are still in the process of collecting orders. Thus, I have decided to extend the
special introductory offer until June 30, 2008. After that date the price goes up to
$7.00 per copy. This means that if you order a case now, you pay only $150.00
for case of 30 copies, but from July 1, the cost for a case of 30 copies goes
up to $210.00.
If you or your church has not yet ordered a case of 30 copies Popular
Beliefs: Are They Biblical? at the special price of $150.00, be sure to place your order
before June 30 to take advantage of the introductory offer. See details at the end.
I would like to keep indefinitely the current prices of $5.00 for
30 copies and $4.00 for 100 copies. The problem is that at these prices I am
not able to recover what I have invested in researching, writing, and
publishing the book. This means that I need to raise the price to $7.00 for 30
copies by July 1, in order to meet my financial obligations. But, if the Lord impresses some donors
to sponsor this project, the price will remain unchanged.
My Legacy to our Adventist Church
In many ways
Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical? represents for me my legacy to our
Seventh-day Adventist Church. This
may be my last and hopefully my most important contribution to the mission of
our Adventist church. All my previous 17 books are making a contribution by
helping truth-seekers to understand and accept fundamental Bible teachings held
by our church. But the impact of
Popular Beliefs
most likely will be greater than any of my previous books, because it examines,
not one, but 10 popular beliefs, which are biblically wrong.
When I was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer on February 2007,
one of my deep regrets was the inability to complete Popular Beliefs during the remaining few months I was
expected to live. I promised to the Lord that if He would extend my life, I
would put forth my best efforts to complete Popular Beliefs, to express my
gratitude for His providential healing.
The Lord answered my prayer in an unexpected way. He led me to
Cancer Research Center in Goshen, Indiana, which is only one hour away from
Andrews University where we live.
The Center is a pioneer in the field of nuclear oncology and treated my
liver cancer with a combined strategy of chemotherapy and microsphere
embolization - a treatment unavailable at other cancer centers. Within two
months my cancer was reduced by 95%. Grateful to God for a new lease on life, I
fulfilled my promise by devoting every spare moment of this past year to
complete Popular Beliefs.
When Popular Beliefs came off the press on April 25, I was overwhelmed by a deep
sense of gratitude to God for restoring my health and for enabling me to
complete this important research project. I felt that an appropriate way to
express my gratitude to God, was to plan for a dedication service for the book
and in a special way for a re-dedication
of my life to His service. About 30 fellow believers, including three
medical doctors and a few teachers, attended the dedication service at our
home.
A Most Effective Witnessing Publication
Fellow-believers often ask me this question: What book would you
recommend for a neighbor or office worker who has questions about our Adventist
beliefs? Until now my answer has
been: ŌUnfortunately we do not have a single book that answers questions about
our fundamental beliefs in the context of what other Christians believe. Most
of our Adventist books, including the ones that I have written, deal with one particular
belief like the Sabbath, the Second Advent, the State of the Dead, Temperance,
the Sanctuary, etc. But these books do not compares and contrasts our Adventist
beliefs with the popular Christian beliefs of other Christians.
The Good News is that this much needed book is finally available. Popular
Beliefs: Are They Biblical? is designed to meet this specific need. Adventists who have been
looking for a book to give their friends with questions about our Adventist
beliefs, will be glad to give to their friends this book, because it exposes
false teachings and affirms biblical truths in a calm, dispassionate, and
objective way.
My Sincere Hope
I have written this book with the earnest desire to help
Christians of all persuasions to re-examine their popular beliefs in the light
of the normative authority of the Bible. At a time when most Christians still
hold to popular beliefs that derive from human traditions rather than from
biblical revelation, it is imperative to recover those biblical truths that God
has revealed for our eternal salvation.
It is my fervent hope that this book, fruit of many months of
dedicated research, will help Christians of all persuasions to Ōcome outĶ of
the Babylonian confusion of popular but unbiblical beliefs, and accept GodÕs glorious plan for our present
life and our future destiny.
SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER UNTIL JUNE 30 ON
POPULAR BELIEFS: ARE THEY BIBLICAL?
Until June 30, 2008, we
offer Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical? at the following introductory
prices:
1 copy
of Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical? at $30.00 per copy. Mailing expenses are included for the USA. Add $10.00 for AIRMAIL postage to any overseas
destination. The price will remain the same after June 30, 2008.
10
copies of Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical? at $10.00 per copy, postage paid, instead of the regular
price of $30.00. ($100.00 for 10 copies). Mailing expenses are included for the
USA. Add $40.00 for AIRMAIL postage to any overseas destination. The price
will remain the same after June 30, 2008.
30
copies (one case) of Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical? at $5.00 per copy
($150.00 for 30 copies). Mailing expenses are included for the
USA. Add $100.00 for AIRMAIL postage to any overseas destination. Beginning
on July 1, 2008, the price will go up to $7.00 per copy, that is, $210.00
for case of 30 copies. The airmailing cost remains the same.
100
copies of Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical? at $4.00 per copy, postage paid.
($400.00 for 100 copies). Mailing
expenses are included for the USA. Add $300.00 for AIRMAIL postage to any
overseas destination. Beginning on July 1, 2008, the price will go up
to $5.00 per copy, that is, $500.00 for 100 copies. The airmailing expenses remain the same.
HOW TO ORDER POPULAR BELIEFS: ARE THEY BIBLICAL?
You can order Popular
Beliefs: Are they Biblical? at the introductory prices given above, in four different ways:
(1) ONLINE: By clicking here: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/cart/catalog/index.php?cPath=26_35
(2) PHONE: By calling us at (269) 471-2915 to
give us your credit card number and postal address.
(3) EMAIL: By emailing your order to <[email protected]>. Be sure to provide your postal address, credit card number, and expiration date.
(4) REGULAR MAIL: By mailing a check to
BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES, 4990 Appian Way, Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103,
USA. We guarantee to process your order as soon as we receive it.
WOULD YOU LIKE US TO PRESENT AT YOUR CHURCH OUR POPULAR SEMINARS WITH WORDS AND SONGS ?
Would you like us to present at your church one of our popular
seminars on the SABBATH or SECOND ADVENT or CHRISTIAN LIFE with Words and
Songs? These seminars
have been greatly enhanced by the participation of Cristina Piccardi, an
outstanding soprano from Brazil who joined my ministry eight months ago. She
sings several times before and after each of my lectures. She also gives a sacred
concert on Sabbath afternoon. Her powerful and passionate singing touches the
hearts of people everywhere. Her singing has almost double the attendance at
the seminars.
Our 2008 calendar is already filled for the next few months, but
we still have a few openings in the latter part of the year. We will be glad to
email you the list of the open weekends so that you can choose the weekend that
best suits your church.
To make it possible for many churches to benefit from our
seminars, we keep the cost of the seminar down by asking only for the refund of
two airline tickets and two nights for two rooms in a reasonable hotel. We do
not ask for any honorarium. Instead, we trust in the Lord to meet our financial
obligations through the sale of our publications and recordings on Saturday
night.
Who is Cristina Piccardi?
Cristina was born in Brazil 26 years ago and came to Andrews
University two years ago to accompany her husband who is studying at the
seminary. She has earned degrees in voice performance both in Brazil and at
Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, where she received full scholarship
during the two years of her studies, graduating in December of 2005 with a
Master in Voice Performance.
In the same year she performed in a leading role with symphonic
orchestras in the USA and overseas. At the annual 2005 International
Competition for Opera Singers she won the first prize as the best soprano
singer of the year.
Cristina left the opera world to dedicate her singing talents to
sing sacred music. She is far the best soprano I have ever heard in the Adventist
Church during the past 30 years of itinerant ministry around the world. You
can enjoy a preview of CristinaÕs outstanding singing by clicking at this
link: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/cristina/ You can see and hear her singing
the first stanza of The Holy City.
If your church board wishes to preview one of our seminars, we
will gladly mail you free of charge the DVD album with our SABBATH SEMINARS
with Words and Songs, that was recorded in Loma Linda. The album contains 3
DVDs with 6 hours of live recording of my lectures and CristinaÕs singing.
Feel free to contact us by email <[email protected]>
or by phone (269) 471-2915. We will gladly supply you with any additional
information and reserve a weekend for your church.
BACCHIOCCHI RESPONDS
TO FALSE ALLEGATIONS - Part 2
Samuele Bacchiocchi,
Ph. D.,
Retired Professor of
Theology and Church History,
Andrews University
The last newsletter
(No. 201) on ŌBacchiocchi Responds to False Allegations, Part 1,Ķ generated an unusual number of very
encouraging responses. Many fellow believers who have known me through the
years from my writings and lecturing, could not believe the outrageous false
allegations that some concerned brethren have made against me.
Some advised me to
ignore the false allegations, devoting my time instead to research and share
biblical truths. Indeed, this has been my conviction and practice for several
years. I have largely ignored false allegations, because I feel that the best
response is provided by the fruits of my ministry.
The problem is that in
recent months there has been an escalation of cancellation of invitations to
present our seminars, due to the false allegations presented by some members of
church boards. Were I to ignore
these allegations much longer, my future ministry could be in potential
jeopardy.
The positive impact of
my last newsletter became immediately evident. During the first 24 hours after emailing my newsletter, I received
an unprecedented number of orders and invitations to present our seminars.
Some told me that my response dispelled lingering suspicion about my loyalty
to our Adventist beliefs and thus they were eager to invite
Cristina Piccardi and myself to present our new seminars with words and songs.
If your church has not yet invited us, feel free to contact us at (269) 471-2915
or by email <[email protected]>.
We will do our best to include your church in our calendar of speaking engagements.
A Summary of the
Last Newsletter
In the last newsletter
I responded to two false allegations. The first is that I am a ŌJesuit SpyĶ who
promotes Sunday as the biblical Sabbath. The second is that I have rejected the
official Adventist interpretation of the Number 666 of the Beast as representing the PopeÕs title Vicarius
Filii Dei, which is supposed to be inscribed in the papal tiara.
In my lengthy response
I have shown that both allegations are false and absurd. Each of my four books
on the Sabbath compelling shows that Sunday is not the Sabbath. The two days
have a different origin, meaning, authority, and experience. If my Sabbath
books promoted Sunday as the biblical Sabbath, they could hardly have
influenced hundreds of ministers and lay Christians to accept the biblical
seventh-day Sabbath!
Regarding the second
allegation, it is a known fact that the application of the Number 666 of the
Beast to the PopeÕs title Vicarius Filii Dei, supposedly inscribed
in the papal tiara, has never been an official Adventist teachings. On the
contrary, our church leaders have issued repeated warning against this
interpretation, because the only papal tiara with this inscription ever found,
is the one fabricated by an unscrupulous Adventist artist.
When the General
Conference Leaders were informed about this fraudulently inscribed tiara, they
ordered its immediate removal from Uriah SmithÕs Daniel and the Revelation, and warned against its
use in evangelistic meetings. Thus, the ones who are rejecting the Adventist
interpretation of the Number 666 of the Beast are my detractors, not myself.
What I have attempted to do is simply to explain and expand the symbolic
interpretation of the Number of the Beast as presented in the Sabbath School Lesson of June
1-7, 2002.
If you are interested
in this amazing prophecy, I would urge you to view the DVD ALBUM entitled
The Mark and the Number of the Beast. With the help of 195 slides, I show documents, popes, tiaras, Reformers,
Adventist pioneers, authors, and significant books related to this study.
Pastors, Bible teachers, evangelists, and Adventists who give Bible studies,
will welcome this valuable resource. To receive your DVD album on The Mark
and Number of the Beast, simply click at this link: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/BeastAD/
or call us at (269) 471-2915.
THE OBJECTIVE OF
THIS NEWSLETTER
This newsletter
continues my response to false allegations, by examining a third and most
damaging false accusation, namely, that I am no longer a faithful Adventist because I reject the
prophetic gift of Ellen White. Two major reasons are generally given for this
allegation. First, I have pointed out that there are inaccuracies in The
Great Controversy that need to be corrected.
Second, I discredit that Ellen WhiteÕs divine inspiration by claiming
that she sought the help of respected church leaders to gather information for
some of her books and to make necessary corrections
These false allegations
have been fabricated by some ŌConcerned AdventistsĶ who believe that EGWÕs
writings are free from error, because she wrote under the direct inspiration of
the Holy Spirit, who is ultimately responsible for the accuracy of all her
writing. For them Ellen White is the final authority on prophecy, history,
diet, health, education, evangelism, etc. Thus, any biblical research should
consist primarily of searching out what Ellen White has written on the subject
being investigated. Somebody wrote to me saying that I could have saved many
years of research if I had first checked what Ellen White wrote on the various
subjects I investigated in my 18 books.
A Critical Issue
Troubling our Adventist Church Today
This allegation
deserves careful consideration, because it affects not only my reputation, but
also the Adventist understanding of the authority of EGWÕs writings and their
relationship to the Scripture. We are dealing with a critical issue that is
troubling our Adventist church today and threatens to undermine the credibility
of her message.
It has been for me a
most painful experience to read messages from former Adventists who have shared
with me their disillusionment over Ellen White. Some of them used to be deeply
devoted to Ellen White, living by the letter of her teachings. Today, however,
they feel so disillusioned and bitter that they have designed websites to prove
that Ellen White is a false prophet.
If you enter in GOOGLE ŌEllen White A False Prophet,Ķ you find over
90,700 entries, produced mostly by former Adventists. This saddens me because
Ellen White has made and is still making today an inestimable contribution to
the message and mission of our Adventist church, and to the spiritual life of
millions of believers around the world.
QUESTIONS ADDRESSED
IN THIS NEWSLETTER
In formulating a
response to the above allegation, I will attempt to answer these questions:
1) What role do EGWÕs
writings play in my devotion and research?
2) Did Ellen White view
her writings as the final authority for any prophetic, doctrinal, or historical
interpretation of Scripture?
3) Did Ellen White
engage experienced workers to gather information and to make needed
corrections? Were the corrections made Ōperipheral,Ķ as alleged by my
detractors, or substantive? Are there still corrections that need to be made in
EGWÕs writings?
These are crucial
questions examined in this newsletter. The lengthy nature of this newsletter
reflect the importance of responding to these questions in a thorough way, not
merely for the sake of my reputation, but primarily for the sake of the
credibility of our church.
In preparing this
response, I have relied heavily on Prof. Graeme BradfordÕs book More than a
Prophet. How we Lost and Found Again the Real Ellen White. The book was born out
of the raging controversy over the credibility of Ellen White as an inspired
writer. To respond to the many
attacks against Ellen White, Prof. Graeme Bradford spent twenty years of his
life examining and digesting the writings of Ellen White in the light of the
manifestation of the gift of prophecy in biblical prophets. By examining the
human side of Bible prophets as revealed in scripture, Bradford shows that the
problems they encountered, were not much different from the criticism brought
against Ellen White.
This book has been warmly
received by Adventist leaders in many parts of the world. Several Conferences
have donated the book to all their workers. If you did not have the chance
to order the book before, we will be glad to mail you a copy together with
Prof. Bradford two-hours video lecture on Ellen White. To order More than
a Prophet, click at this link: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/BradfordOffer/offer.htm or call us at (269) 471-2915.
WHAT ROLE DO EGWÕS
WRITINGS PLAY IN MY DEVOTION AND RESEARCH?
Through the years EGWÕs
writings have positively impacted both my devotional life and biblical
research. During the past 25 years, my wife and I have faithfully read EGWÕs
writings every evening for our devotion. At the beginning of each year my wife
purchases from the ABC the devotional book of the year, but after a few
readings, we sense the need to go back to EGWÕs writings. This we do by
re-reading one of the previous Spirit of ProphecyÕs devotional. For example,
this year we are rereading Sons and Daughters of God. The reason is simple.
Ellen White speaks to the spiritual needs of our souls better than other
contemporary writers.
EGWÕs writings have
been the guiding light, not only for my devotional life, but also of my
research. During the past 30 years of biblical research, time and again I have
consulted EGWÕs writings in the areas I have investigated. In many instances I
found that Ellen White offers correct interpretations of Scripture and profound
theological insights. In all my books I quote her writings, and in some books I
devote a whole chapter to her teachings. But I have never used her writings as
the final and authoritative interpretation of Scripture. I test her writings by
Scripture, not vice versa.
The Use of EGWÕs
Writings in the book Wine in the Bible
To prove my point I
will cite the example of my book Wine in the Bible where I devote the
whole chapter 8 to ŌEllen White and Alcoholic Beverages.Ķ The chapter shows that Ellen White
correctly believed and taught that the Bible consistently prohibits the use of
alcoholic beverages. God never made allowance for their use. In her book Temperance, she writes: ŌThere are
many solemn warnings in the Scriptures against the use of intoxicating liquorsĶ
(Temperance, p. 42).
She continues quoting
in full Deuteronomy 29:6, Proverbs 20:1, 23:29-32, 31:4, Amos 6:6, and
Ecclesiastes 10:17. Then, she closes saying, ŌThe Lord has given special
directions in His word in reference to the use of wine and strong drink. He
has forbidden their use, and enforced His prohibitions with strong warnings and
threateningsĶ (pp. 53-54). It is evident that Ellen White strongly believed that
total abstinence is a biblical principle clearly taught by examples, warnings
and threatening. Because of this conviction she became active in the Temperance
Movement, where she was a sought out popular speaker.
During the year I spent
researching Wine in the Bible, time and again I found that Ellen WhiteÕs ŌprohibitionistĶ
position to be biblically correct. My method has been to establish first what
the Bible teaches regarding the use of alcoholic beverages, and then to find
out if Ellen White agrees with the Bible. There is no question that she does.
The reason the chapter on Ellen White comes at the end of the book, is because
I wanted to test her teachings by the Bible, and not vice versa. And I found
her teachings to be biblically correct.
The Adventist
Adoption of the ŌConcessionistĶ Position
It is unfortunate that
about 30 years our Adventist church moved away from Ellen WhiteÕs
ŌprohibitionistĶ teachings, adopting instead what I call Ōthe concessionistsĶ
position. According to this new position, God allowed without endorsing the use
of alcoholic beverages because of the hardness of human hearts. In other words,
like in the case of divorce, God allowed the use of alcoholic beverages,
without approving them.
An example of the new
Adventist position can be found in the 1982 special Temperance Issue of Adventist
Review,
which affirms: ŌTotal abstinence is but one of a number of areas where the
Bible gives no explicit directivesĶ (ŌDoes the Bible Condemn ÔModerateÕ
Drinking?Ķ Adventist Review, February 22, 1982, p. 4). Note the difference between this
statement and Ellen WhiteÕs emphatic position: ŌThe Lord has given special
directions in His word in reference to the use of wine and strong drink. He
has forbidden their use, and enforced His prohibitions with strong warnings and
threatenings.Ķ
The concessionist view
is found in official Adventist publications. For example, the book Seventh-day
Adventist Believe, states: ŌIn interpreting such Scriptural passages [about the use
of wine and strong drinks], it is helpful to keep in mind that God does not
necessarily endorse all what he permits.Ķ (Seventh-day Adventists Believe .
. . 1988, p. 282). The same view is
presented in The Seventh-day Adventist Commentary (vol. 1, p. 1002).
A careful study of all
the relevant biblical texts clearly shows that Ellen White is correct in
affirming that God never allowed the use of alcoholic beverages. Much of the
confusion stems from the failure to recognize that the Hebrew and Greek terms
for ŌwineĶ used in the Bible (yayin and oinos), are generic terms used to describe the juice of the grapes,
whether fermented or unfermented.
Is Abstinence a Medical or Moral Issue?
The adoption of the
concessionist position that God allowed without endorsing the use of alcoholic
beverages, has led our Adventist church to promote abstinence as a medical, rather than a moral issue, sickness rather than sin. In my view promoting
abstinence on the basis of health reasons alone is not enough. Ellen White
recognized that it takes more. It takes not merely biological ethics but primarily Biblical
ethics.
In her book Temperance, Ellen White shows
that it is only when Christians recognize that drinking is not only a bad habit
that can harm their health, but also a transgression of a God-given principle
to ensure health and holiness, that they will feel compelled to abstain from
intoxicating substances. I fully concur with Ellen White, and I am grateful for
her theological insights. It is unfortunate that our Adventist Church has
abandoned the strong Biblical basis for total abstinence taught by Ellen White.
The result has been the weakening of the moral convictions and the concomitant
escalation in the consumption of alcoholic beverages among Adventists.
For the sake of brevity
I will omit several other examples of Ellen WhiteÕs doctrinal insights which I
discuss in my books Divine Rest for Human Restlessness, Christian Dress and
Adornment, The Christian and Rock Music, Women in the Church, The Marriage
Covenant, GodÕs Festivals in Scripture and History, and Popular Beliefs:
Are they Biblical? Over the years I have been amazed at the profound theological
insights of Ellen White into certain Bible texts or stories.
The foregoing examples
suffice to show that I deeply value EGWÕs writings both for my devotional life
and for doctrinal investigation. But, true to Ellen WhiteÕs teachings and to
the position of our Church, I have never used her writings to settle doctrinal,
historical, or prophetic questions. Her writings must be tested by Scripture,
not vice versa. I stand for the Protestant principle of ŌSola Scriptura,Ķ a principle upheld
by our Adventist church.
DID ELLEN WHITE VIEW
HER WRITINGS AS THE FINAL AUTHORITY FOR
ANY PROPHETIC, DOCTRINAL, OR HISTORICAL INTERPRETATION OF SCRIPTURE?
Some have accused me of
rejecting the prophetic authority of Ellen White, because I question the
accuracy of her statements regarding the fourth century origin of Sunday,
Sabbath observance by the Waldenses, and the establishment of the papacy in A.
D. 538 and her termination in 1798. The last statement will be examined in the
next newsletter.
This allegation raises
important questions: Does respect for the authority of Ellen White preclude any
fresh investigation of Biblical or historical subjects discussed in her
writings? Did Ellen White see herself as the final and infallible authority on
prophetic, exegetical, theological, and historical interpretations? Did she
expect Adventists to accept whatever she wrote without questioning? The answer to these questions is ŌNO!Ķ
To prove my point, I will submit two lines of evidences:
(1) Ellen WhiteÕs own
understanding of the relationship of her writings to Scripture.
(2) Ellen White never claimed
to be an authority on history.
Ellen WhiteÕs Own
Understanding of the Relationship of her Writings to Scripture
To my knowledge Ellen
White never claimed that her writings have the same normative authority of
Scripture for defining church beliefs and practices. She unequivocally stated:
ŌThe Bible, and the Bible alone, is to be our creed, the sole bond of union;
all who bow to this Holy Word will be in harmony. Our own views and ideas must
not control our efforts. Man is fallible, but GodÕs Word is infallible. . . .
Let us lift up the banner on which is inscribed, The Bible our rule of faith
and disciplineĶ (Selected Messages I, p. 416).
What impresses me about
Ellen White is her humbleness and respect for the normative authority of the
Bible. She never claimed to be an infallible authority to be accepted without
questioning. She wrote: ŌIn regard to infallibility, I never claimed it; God
alone is infallible. His word is true, and in him is no variableness, or shadow
of turningĶ (Selected Messages I, p. 37). A proof
of the recognition of her fallibility and limitations, is provided by the 1911
revision of The Great Controversy. Shortly we shall see that in preparing this revision she asked
responsible workers to help her correct disputed statements and historical
inaccuracies.
We never read that
Paul, Peter, or of any other Bible writer asked competent people to help them
edit their manuscripts and remove inaccuracies. Ellen White saw no problem in
correcting her manuscripts, or in changing her views (like in the case of the
ŌShut DoorĶ), or in asking others to help her make necessary corrections to the
first edition of The Great Controversy.
The most familiar
statement of Ellen WhiteÕs understanding of the relationship of her writings to
Scripture, is found in Colporteur Ministry p. 125: ŌLittle heed is given to the
Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and women to the
greater light.Ķ Again she wrote: ŌThe Testimonies are not to belittle the word
of God, but to exalt it and to attract minds to it, that the beautiful
simplicity of truth may impress allĶ (Testimonies 5, p. 665).
The sampling of
statements just cited, clearly indicates that Ellen White pointed to the
Scripture as the final authority for defining church beliefs and practices. She
wrote: ŌI recommend to you dear reader, the Word of God as the rule of your
faith and practice. By that Word we are to be judged. God has, in that Word,
promised to give visions in the Ôlast days;Õ not for a new rule of faith, but
for the comfort of His people, and to correct those who err from Bible truthĶ (Early
Writings,
p. 78). In this statement Ellen White clearly acknowledges that her writings
(visions) are to serve, Ōnot for a new rule of faith,Ķ but to comfort and
correct those Ōwho err from Bible truth.Ķ
Ellen White Never
Claimed to be An Authority in History
Ellen White never
claimed to be an authority in history and never intended her writings to be
used to settle historical questions.
Her son, Willie White wrote to S. N. Haskell (in a letter she signed at
the end with the comment, ŌI approve of the remarks made in this letter,
[signed] Ellen White), saying: ŌRegarding MotherÕs writings, she has never
wished our brethren to treat them as authority on history. . . . When Controversy was written, Mother
never thought that the readers would take it as an authority on historical
dates and use it to settle controversiesĶ (More than a Prophet, p. 100).
Ellen White was aware
of her limitations and invited readers to point out any incorrect statement
they found, not only in The Great Controversy, but in other writings
as well. In a draft copy of the second volume of Spiritual Gifts, she makes this
comment: ŌA special request is made that if any find incorrect statements in
this book they will immediately inform me. The edition will be completed about
the first of October; therefore send before that timeĶ (Selected Messages, vol, 3, p. 58).
In spite of Ellen
WhiteÕs disapproval of the use of her writings as Ōauthority in history,Ķ to
this very day some Adventists appeal to them to condemn historians like me for
pointing out historical inaccuracies in The Great Controversy. For them, what Ellen White wrote, for
example, about the fourth century origin of Sunday or about Sabbathkeeing among
the Waldenses, is more trustworthy than any historical investigation done by
competent scholars
Examples of
Inaccurate Statements About the Origin of Sunday
In the newsletter no.
87 I discuss several inaccurate historical statements found in EGWÕs writings.
For the sake of brevity, in this newsletter I will limit my comments to her
statements regarding the alleged origin of Sunday in the fourth century when
Constantine promulgated the famous Sunday Law in 321.
This popular view is
reflected in the question people often ask me during the questions/answers
period of my Sabbath Seminar. ŌDr. Bacchiocchi, you told us today that the
change from Sabbath to Sunday began by A. D. 135 when the Roman Emperor Hadrian
outlawed the practiced of Judaism in general and of the Sabbath in particular.
But, doesnÕt Ellen White teach that all Christians observed the Sabbath in the
early centuries and that Sundaykeeping began in the fourth century with the
promulgation of the Sunday Law by Constantine? How do you reconcile the
difference between the conclusion of your research and the teachings of Ellen
White?Ķ This is a valid question that needs to be addressed
Before answering this
question, let me quote the relevant statements which are found on pages 52-53
of The Great Controversy. She wrote: ŌIn the first centuries the true
Sabbath had been kept by all Christians. They were jealous for the honor of God,
and believing that His law is immutable, they zealously guarded the sacredness
of its preceptsĶ (The Great Controversy, p. 52. Emphasis supplied).
Did Sunday Originate
in the Fourth Century?
This statement poses
some problems, because the term ŌcenturiesĶ in the plural suggests that for at
least two or more centuries the Sabbath was observed by Ōall Christians.Ķ
Apparently Ellen White believed that all Christian observed the Sabbath until
Ōthe early part of the fourth century [when] the emperor Constantine issued a
decree making Sunday a public festival throughout the Roman EmpireĶ (Ibid. p.
53).
According to Ellen White,
Constantine was urged to promulgate a Sunday law by Ōthe bishops of the church,
who, inspired by ambition and thirst for power, perceived that if the same day
was observed by both Christians and heathen, it would promote the nominal
acceptance of Christianity by pagans and thus advance the power and glory of
the churchĶ (Ibid)
The reference to the
promulgation of the first Sunday Law by Constantine in 321, is historically
accurate. We also have reasons to believe that Ōthe bishops of the churchĶ
influenced the emperor to promulgate the first Sunday Law, since we know that
he favored the Catholic church in many ways, by financing the construction of
Cathedrals and eventually donating his own imperial Lateran palace to the Pope
when he moved the capital of the Empire from Rome to Constantinople.
The problem is the
statement that the Sabbath was observed Ōby all Christians . . . in the first
centuriesĶ until Ōthe early part of the fourth century [when] the emperor
Constantine issued a decree making Sunday a public holidayĶ (Ibid., pp. 52-53).
On the basis of these statements, many Adventists, including some evangelists,
believe and teach that Sundaykeeping began in the early part of the fourth when
church leaders urged Constantine to promulgate in 321 the famous Sunday Law.
This popular view has
exposed our Adventist Church to much undesirable criticism. Non-SDA scholars
and church leaders like TV Speaker, Dr. James Kennedy from Coral Ridge,
Florida, have accused our church of plain ignorance, by teaching that
Sundaykeeping began in the fourth century. They point to irrefutable historical
evidences that Sunday observance was already widespread in the second
centuries.
Adventist Scholars
Do Not Support a Fourth Century Origin of Sunday Observance
I have spent countless
hours explaining to our detractors that the popular view of the fourth century
origin of Sundaykeeping, is reflective not of Adventist scholarship, but of
unguarded Adventist preaching. To my knowledge no Adventist scholar has ever
taught or written that Sunday observance began in the fourth century with
Constantine.
A compelling proof is
the symposium cited earlier The Sabbath in Scripture and History, written by 22
Adventist scholars and published by the Review and Herald in 1982. None of the
Adventist scholars who contributed to this symposium ever suggest that
Sundaykeeping began in the fourth century. The reason is that they are familiar
with the documents, which show that Sunday worship was already well-established
by the middle of the second century.
Some concerned
Adventists accused me of rejecting the authority of Ellen White by promoting an
earlier origin of Sunday in the second century. I am facing the same accusation
for proposing a broader interpretation to the 1260 days prophecy - and
interpretation which is not directly supported by Ellen White. I will discuss
this question in the next newsletter.
For me the issue is not
what Ellen White says about the origin of Sunday in the fourth century or about
Ōthe establishment of the papal supremacy in A. D. 538Ķ and its termination in
1798Ķ (The 1911 Edition of The Great Controversy. An Explanation of the
Involvements of the 1911 Revision, p. 4) , but whether such statements are
historically accurate. The historical data clearly show that these statements
are inaccurate. Should this fact distress us? NO! Why? Simply because prophets
are human and make mistakes.
Prophets Are Human
and Make Mistakes
In Appendix A of Prof. Graeme BradfordÕs book More than a Prophet, you will find an
informative article entitled ŌThe Question of Inerrancy in Inspired Writings.Ķ
The article was written by Robert W. Olson, who served for many years as
Director of the White Estate in Washington D. C. The article begins with the question: ŌAre there discrepancies
in the Holy Scriptures? The answer is, YesĶ (More than a Prophet, p. 237).Ķ He then proceeds giving a catalogue of contradictory
statements found both in the Bible and in EGWÕs writings.
Under the heading
ŌNumerical and Chronological Problems,Ķ Olson writes: ŌDid 24,000 die in the
plague as in Numbers 25:9, or was it 23,000 as in 1 Cor. 10:8? Did Solomon have
40,000 stalls for his horses (1 Kings 4:25) or was it 4,000 (2 Chron. 9:25)?
Was Jehoachin eighteen (2 Kings 24:8) or eight (2 Chron. 36:9) when he began to
reign? Did Ahaziah come to the throne at the age of 22 ( 2 Kings 8:26) or 42 (2
Chron. 22:2)? Was David the eighth son of Jesse (1 Sam. 16:10,11) or the
seventh son (1 Chron. 2:15)? Was the period of the judges 450 years in length (Acts
13:20) or about 350 years, as would be necessary if 1 Kings 6:1 is correct?Ķ (More
than a Prophet, pp. 237-238).
To these could be added
the numerous discrepancies in the NT. For example, the Gospels do not agree
even on the date of ChristÕs crucifixion. The Synoptic (Matthew, Mark, and
Luke) tell us that Jesus was crucified on Nisan 15, that is, the day after
Passover, while John places the crucifixion of Nisan 14, that is, Passover day.
In the second part of the article Olson
turns to Ellen White, asking the same question: ŌAre there any discrepancies in
her letters, articles, and books? The answer is, Yes. Mrs. White herself
allowed for the possibility of mistakes when she wrote, ÔIn regard to
infallibility, I never claimed it; God alone is infallible. His word is true,
and in Him is no variableness, or shadow of turningÕĶ (l SM 31; More than a Prophet, p. 243).
Robert Olson then proceeds
to list several the errors in dates, description of Biblical events, and inaccurate
historical statements found in Ellen WhiteÕs writings. Interested readers
are urged to read the whole article which is found on pages 237-246 of More
than a Prophet. This
book is a Ōmust readingĶ for any Adventist interested in a balanced presentation
of Ellen WhiteÕs prophetic ministry. This book will help you appreciate her
divine revelations on the one hand and her human limitations on the other
hand. To order a copy simply call us at (269) 471-2915 or click at this link:
http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/BradfordOffer/offer.htm
How should be deal with
the inaccuracies found in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy? The sensible answer that Olson gives is
that it is not necessary for us to have an inerrant Bible or Spirit of Prophecy
books, for GodÕs purpose to be accomplished. ŌWhile we today freely admit that
the frailties of humanity have entered into the writing of the Bible and the
books we lovingly label as the ÔSpirit of Prophecy,Õ we should not use these
imperfections as excuses for questioning or rejecting the counsels of the Lord
to us. If we do, we are the losersĶ (More than a Prophet, p. 246).
ŌGod has spoken. He has
spoken through vessels of clay. The divine oracles bear the marks of the human
channel through which they have come to us. But these messages, both ancient
and modern, also bear within them compelling evidence of their heavenly source.
Let us listenĶ (More than a Prophet, p. 246). I fully concur with Robert Olson. Let us read the Bible
and the writings of Ellen White, not looking for inaccuracies, but to learn
about GodÕs Plan for our present life and future destiny.
Ellen WhiteÕs
Writings Should NOT be Used to Stifle Biblical Research
Over the years
Adventist scholars (including myself) have faced the dilemma of harmonizing the
findings of their research with the Ellen WhiteÕs writings. On a few occasions
I have been criticized for presenting conclusions that cannot be supported by
the Spirit of Prophecy. The question that Adventist scholars have often faced
is: To what extend are we free to pursue our research? Are we bound to
ŌtraditionĶ like the Catholic Church?
This question was
already addressed at the 1919 Bible Conference by A. G. Daniells - an
outstanding General Conference President, who was deeply committed to both the
authority of Scripture and to the prophetic gift of Ellen White. He said: ŌThe question is to what
extent men are free to pursue an original investigation of the Scripture, and
to follow the honest conclusions at which they arrive. I personally stand for
liberty . . . it looks to me as
though we have another question to settle, and that is whether we are a
free people, in the matter of biblical research, and in the matter of
following the light that comes to us from such researchĶ (Letter of A. G.
Daniells to W. C. White, August 4, 1910, emphasis added).
Edward Heppenstall, a
most influential Adventist theologian who served for many years as Seminary
professor at Andrews University, indirectly replies to A. G. DaniellsÕ
question, saying: ŌEllen White calls upon us to make sure that all the truths
we hold are firmly established upon the Scriptures. Therefore we deplore the
idea that anything else should have prior authority over the Bible. Let
her writings be our guide but not our jailer, our shield but not our straightjacket. The Scriptures comprise
GodÕs final word to usĶ (ŌThe Inspired Witness of Ellen White, by Edward
Heppenstall. An unpublished paper without date. Emphasis mine.emphasis added).
HeppenstallÕs eloquent
words fittingly express my conviction that EGWÕs writings should be Ōour
guide but not our jailer, our shield but not our straightjacket.Ķ It is unfortunate that
often Ellen WhiteÕs writings have been used as a straightjacket to stifle new
original research. This has caused inner struggles to many Adventist scholars
like me. It is ironic to think the Seventh-day Adventist Church should ever use
her writings to determine who is orthodox in their teaching, when she wrote,
ŌThe Spirit was not given-nor can it ever be bestowed-to supersede
the Bible; for the Scriptures explicitly state that the word of God is the
standard by which all teaching and experience must be testedĶ (GC vii).
An Unresolved
Contradiction
There is an unresolved
contradiction between the Adventist understanding of the authority of EGWÕs writings and that of Scripture. In theory there should be no
contradiction because our general consensus is that our doctrines and practices
are derived exclusively from the normative authority of the Bible.
Incidentally, this is the position Ellen White herself maintained: ŌThe
Testimonies of Sister White should not be carried to the front. GodÕs Word is
the unerring standard. The Testimonies are not to take the place of the Word of
God. . . . Let us prove all our positions from Scripture and substantiate every
point they claim from the revealed Word of GodĶ (Evangelism, p. 256).
In practice, however,
Ellen White remains for many sincere Adventists the final interpreter of
Scripture. This has been evident
whenever I attempt to expand our interpretation of such biblical texts as
Colossians 2:14 on the bond that was nailed to the Cross, or Revelation
13:17-18 on The Mark and Number of the Beast. Some rejected a priori the
findings of my investigation, not because they violated the meaning of the texts
in their contexts, but because they could not be adequately supported by EGW
writings.
For me the question is
not: Does Ellen White offer valuable insights and interpretations of Bible
texts and teachings? My answer, as
I have shown earlier, is: YES, ABSOLUTELY. I have devoted a whole chapter to
her teachings in some of my books, because I found her teaching biblically
sound. But, Does my respect for
the authority of Ellen White preclude any fresh investigation of Biblical or
historical subjects discussed in her writings? My answer is NO! Why? Because as
we have seen, Ellen White did not view her writings as the final and infallible
authority on prophetic, exegetical, theological, and historical texts or
teachings. She did not expect
Adventists to accept whatever she wrote as the final answer to any biblical
question. This point becomes clear when you take time to read the documentation
presented by Prof. Graeme Bradford in chapter 24 of his book More than a
Prophet.
The Dilemma of Two
Conflicting Adventist Beliefs
Our Adventist church
faces the dilemma of two conflicting beliefs. As expressed in the 27
Fundamental beliefs, on the one hand we believe that ŌThe Holy Scriptures are
the infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the
test of experience, the authoritative revealer of doctrinesĶ (Fundamental
Beliefs, No. 1). But, on the other hand, we also believe that ŌAs the LordÕs
messenger, her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth
which provides for the church comfort, guidance, instruction, and correctionĶ
(Fundamental Beliefs, No. 17).
This conflict between
the Bible as Ōthe authoritative revealer of doctrinesĶ and EGWÕs writings as
Ōauthoritative source of truth,Ķ poses the problem of two conflicting
ŌauthoritativeĶ sources. This problem is reflected in the statement prepared by
an ad hoc committee of the General Conference, in response to requests for a
clarification of the relationship between the Bible and EGWÕs writings. The
statement affirms that ŌThe ministry and writings of Ellen White were a
manifestation of the gift of prophecy, that her writings . . . are applicable
and authoritative especially to Seventh-day Adventists.Ķ But it also denies
that Ōthe writings of Ellen White function as the foundation and final
authority of the Christian faith as does Scripture.Ķ (ŌThe Inspiration and
Authority of the Ellen G. White Writings,Ķ Adventist Review 159, December 23,
1982, p. 9).
The dichotomy remains.
EGWÕs writings are not supposed to be normative for interpreting scripture or
formulating doctrines, yet they are inspired and authoritative for interpreting
Scripture. It is easy to see how
different Adventists can appeal to one or the other set of statements, to
defend either the authority of Scripture or the authority of EGWÕs writings.
The coexistence of
these two positions in our Adventist church, make it impossible to offer a
unanimous answer to the question: Should theological differences be resolved by
appealing to EGWÕs writings? In theory the answer in ŌNO!Ķ but in practice the
answer of many sincere Adventist is ŌYES!,Ķ because for them Ellen White
remains the final interpreter of Scripture.
DID ELLEN WHITE
ENGAGE EXPERIENCED WORKERS TO GATHER INFORMATION FOR HER BOOKS AND TO MAKE NEEDED
CORRECTIONS?
Some concerned brethren
accuse me of rejecting the prophetic gift of Ellen White, because I have
written that she sought the help of respected church leaders to gather
information for some of her books and to correct inaccurate statement. Their
accusation stems from the belief that Ellen White received all her messages
from divine revelation, not from human agents. Unfortunately this accusation
ignores the witness of those who worked closely with Ellen White in gathering
information for her books and in making necessary corrections.
This question was
addressed soon after Ellen WhiteÕs death at a meeting known as ŌThe Bible
and History Teachers Council,Ķ which took place
immediately after the 1919 Bible Conference. The Council was attended by 22
prominent church leaders such as A. G. Daniells, president of the Seventh-day
Adventist General Conference; G. B. Thompson, field secretary of the General
Conference; F. M. Wilcox, editor
of the Review and Herald, later Adventist Review; W. W. Prescott, former editor of Review and Herald and then a
field secretary of the General Conference; H. C. Lacey, religion teacher at the
Foreign Mission Seminary. Several other prominent church leaders were also
present.
The verbatim report of
the Council help us to see how Ellen WhiteÕs life and writings were perceived
through the eyes of people who worked closely with her. An important question
that was discussed at the Council was the need to explain to the church at
large the help that Ellen White received in preparing her publications, the
nature of her inspiration, and the legitimate use of her writings. Unknown to
most Adventists even today, is the fact that Ellen White did seek the help of
respected church leaders such as E. G. Daniells, W. W. Prescott, Uriah Smith, and J. N. Andrews, when writing
on chronology and history.
An Appeal to W. W.
Prescott to Help Ellen White in Her Writings
An example is a letter
written to W. W. Prescott from Ellen WhiteÕs Secretary, Clarence C. Crisler.
ŌIn this letter he appeals to Prescott to come to give some help to Ellen White
in the work of Ezra (which must have been for writing the book Prophets and
Kings). In this letter he makes a list of the problem areas they need help and
then says at the end, ÔI am sure that Sister White would be specially pleased
and cheered, if she could know that you were coming soon to help us over hard
places.ÕĶ (More than a Prophet, p. 103).
Even in Ellen WhiteÕs
day, not everyone knew about the assistance she received in writing her books.
The result was that many Adventists believed her writings were verbally
inspired and should be used as the final authority on any subject she wrote
about. Some of the brethren who helped Ellen White in gathering information for
her books, protested against this prevailing misconception and illegitimate use
of her writings, but they protest was silenced by ultra-conservatives
determined to glorify Ellen White.
In a letter written on
the year Ellen White died, W. W. Prescott, the leading Adventist educator of
the time, who helped Ellen White in gathering information for some of her
books, wrote to Willie White these startling words: ŌIt seems to me that a large responsibility rests upon those
of us who know that there are serious errors in our authorized books [Ellen
WhiteÕs books] and yet make no special effort to correct them. The people and
our average ministers trust us to furnish them with reliable statements, and
they use them as sufficient authority in their sermons, but we let them go on year
after year asserting things we know to be untrue. . . .
ŌThe way your motherÕs
writings have been handled and the false impression concerning them, which is
still fostered among the people, have brought great perplexity and trial to me.
It seems to me that what amounts to deception, though probably not intentional,
has been practiced in making some of her books, and that no serious effort has
been made to disabuse the minds of the people of what was known to be their
wrong view concerning her writings. But it is no use to go into these matters.
I have talked to you for years about them, but it brings no change. I think
however that we are drifting toward a crisis which will come sooner or later
and perhaps sooner. A very strong reaction has already set in.Ķ (More than a
Prophet, p. 104; emphasis supplied). The warning of the last statement
found fulfillment especially in the post-1970 period, when many Adventists left
the church, claiming to have been deceived about Ellen White.
The 1919 Bible
Conference After-Meeting
PrescottÕs concern was
discussed at The Bible and History Teachers Council, that convened
immediately after the 1919 Bible Conference. It is surprising to read some of
the statements of respected church leaders and scholars. A transcription of
their conversations has survived and was discovered on December 6, 1974, Ōwhen
Donald Yost, the senior archivist at the General Conference headquarters in
Washington, D.C. was setting up the newly formed archives. He accidently
discovered two packets of papers containing some 2400 pages of typewritten
stenographic notes taken at the July 19, 1919 Bible Conference held in Takoma
Park, MarylandĶ (More than a Prophet, p. 152). This discovery has had an enormous impact in
re-evaluating Ellen WhiteÕs writings. Unfortunately my detractors are unaware
of this important discovery.
The records of the
discussions on the Spirit of Prophecy that took place on July 30 and August 1,
1919, reveals an the open and frank discussion of three major sensitive issues
we still face today:
(1) How to deal with
the historical inaccuracies found in EGWÕs writings
(2) Should theological or exegetical
differences be resolved by appealing to EGWÕs writings?
(3) Should the laity be
informed about the production of EGWÕS writings and the inaccuracies found in
them?
The discussions suggest
that most Adventists believed in the verbal inspiration of Ellen WhiteÕs
writings. Church leaders feared
that anything less than an inerrant view of Ellen WhiteÕs writings, would bring
protests. Thus, they chose to withold from church members the truth about Ellen
WhiteÕs writings. For example, J. N. Anderson asks the question, ŌIs it well to
let our people in general to go on holding to the verbal inspiration of the
Testimonies? When we do that, arenÕt we preparing for a crisis that will be
very serious some day?Ķ (More than a Prophet, pp. 104-105).
Similar views were
expressed by other church leaders attending the Council. For example, A. G.
Daniells, who had worked closely with Ellen White for over 30 years, first in
Australia and then in America and who was serving at that time as President of
the General Conference, said: ŌWell, now, as I understand it, Sister White
never claimed to be an authority on history, and never claimed to be a dogmatic
teacher on theology, like Mrs EddyÕs book on teaching. She never claimed to be an
authority on history . . . she was ready to correct in revision such statements
as she thought should be corrected. I have never gone to her writings, and
taken the history that I found in her writings, as the positive statement of
history regarding the fulfillment of prophecy.Ķ (More than a Prophet, pp. 153; Emphasis
supplied).
Spiritual Value of
Ellen WhiteÕs Writings
H. C. Lacey, a Religion
Teacher at the Foreign Mission Seminary that later became Columbia Union
College, expanded on A. G. DaniellsÕ comments, saying: ŌIn our estimate of the
spirit of prophecy, isnÕt its value to us more in the spiritual light it throws
into our own hearts and lives than in the intellectual accuracy in historical
and theological matters? Ought we not take those writings as the voice of the
Spirit to our hearts, instead of the voice of the teacher to our heads? And
isnÕt the final proof of the spirit of prophecy its spiritual value rather that
its historical accuracy?Ķ (More than a Prophet, p. 153).
W. C. Wirth, a Religion
Teacher at Pacific Union College, proposed publishing a statement designed to
refute the misconception of the verbal inspiration of Ellen White. He said: ŌI shall certainly be
discredited if I go back and give this view. I would like to see some published
statement given out by those who lead this work, so that if that thing should
come up, there would be some authority back of it, because I am in for a lot of
trouble on that thing. I would like to see something done, because that
education is going right on, and our students are being sent out with the idea
that the Testimonies are verbally inspired, and woe be to the man out there
where I am that does not line up to that. . . .Ķ (More than a Prophet, p. 153).
G. B. Thompson, Field
Secretary of the General Conference, admitted that ŌIf we had always taught the
truth on this question, we would not have any trouble or shock in the
denomination now. But the shock is because we have not taught the truth, and
have put the Testimonies on a plane where she says they do not stand. We have
claimed more for them than she didĶ (More than a Prophet, p. 154).
Statements such as
these reveal that the process of glorification of Ellen White had set in. Most
Adventists believed that Ellen White was verbally inspired and consequently
inerrant in all what she wrote. To counteract this prevailing misconception,
our church leaders and Bible teachers present at the Council, strongly felt
that it was imperative to inform church members regarding the production and
inspiration of Ellen WhiteÕs writings. With almost prophetic foresight they
predicted that failure to meet this challenge would set the church Ōdrifting
toward a crisisĶ (More than a Prophet, p. 104). But unfortunately they were reluctant to act,
fearing possible negative reactions.
The opponents of the
Council, capitalized on the reluctance of our leading brethren, to launch a
concerted attack against them. Their goal was the glorification of Ellen White
as an infallible guide for the Adventist Church. Two of them stand out in
particular: J. S. Washburn, a well-known preacher; and C. E. Holmes who was the
Washington correspondent for the denominationÕs Southern Watchman magazine.
Washburn labeled the
Council as the ŌCouncil of DarknessĶ and ŌDiet of Doubts.Ķ In a 36-page open
letter, Washburn accused Daniells of seeking to destroy confidence in Ellen
WhiteÕs inspiration. This accusation is totally false, because Daniells
reaffirmed his commitment to the prophetic gift of Ellen White to the end of
his life, as evidenced by his the book The Abiding Gift of Prophecy, which was published in
1936, just before he died.
Washburn also claimed
that the views expressed at the Council were part of the Omega apostasy
predicted by Ellen White. His ŌOpen Letter,Ķ which was widely circulated before
the 1922 General Conference, was largely instrumental in defeating DaniellsÕ
bid for reelection to the General Conference presidency.
The Policy of
Concealment Adopted After the 1919 Bible Conference
A. G. Daniells was so
upset by the negative reactions of the ultra conservatives, that he did not
even dare to circulate the minutes of the 1919 Bible Conference. They remained
buried in the archives of the General Conference for the next 55 years. It
appears that all the participants to the Bible Conference were also so
intimidated by the extreme conservatives, that they chose to keep quiet.
The policy of
concealment adopted after the 1919 Bible Conference, remained in effect for the
next 55 years until the minutes of the Conference were rediscovered in 1974.
During this period the glorification of Ellen White as the supreme authority
for faith and practice, continued unabated. She became the definitive encyclopedia to define the beliefs
and the lifestyle for faithful church members. Her writings covered a full
spectrum of issues of Adventist interest: diet, dress, education, health,
sexuality, geology, chronology, stewardship, church organization, canvassing,
and so on. The words ŌSister White saysĶ could guarantee the effective
termination of most discussions. For some Adventists the same is true even
today, as indicated by the false allegations made against me.
The wall of defence built
around Ellen White in the 1950s, began to crumble in the 1970s, as respected Adventist scholars began an
objective investigation of her writings. For example, Ron Graybill, a research
assistant in the White Estate, was asked to investigate the charge that Ellen
WhiteÕs account of the French Revolution in The Great Controversy, was based on unreliable sources which
she used carelessly.
In studying the notes
left by Clarence Crisler, Ellen WhiteÕs secretary, Graybill found that Ellen
White was not misusing sources at all. Instead, the problem was that she took
the history of the French Revolution straight out of Uriah SmithÕs Thoughts
on Daniel and the Revelation. She followed the lead of Uriah Smith who was a very poor
historian.
The 1911 Revision of
The Great Controversy
The 1911 revision of The
Great Controversy provides a helpful case study to understand Ellen WhiteÕs
recognition of her limitations and of the need to make corrections to her
writings. My comments are based on a 14 pages document supplied to me by the E.
G. White Estate office of Andrews University. The document is entitled ŌThe
1911 Edition of The Great Controversy. An Explanation of the Involvements of
the 1911 Revision.Ķ This document, which is readily available to any interested
person, contains a statement read by W. C. White (Ellen WhiteÕs son) before the
General Conference Council on October 30. 1911. Ellen White approved the
statement of her son in a statement signed on July 27, 1911.
The need for a revision
of The Great Controversy was precipitated by two factors: (1) The old plates for
reprinting the book were worn out and new plates were urgently needed (2) Some
people challenged the accuracy of certain historical statements and they wanted
references for them.
W. C. White offers us
an instructive account of how the revision was done. Essentially the process
was carried out in two steps. First, they asked anyone who questioned the
accuracy of statements found in The Great Controversy, to submit their
objections in writings. Second, Ellen White instructed competent workers in
Europe and America to search in libraries for the books needed Ōto verify the
quotations and to correct inaccuracies foundĶ (ŌThe 1911 Edition of The Great
Controversy. An Explanation of the Involvements of the 1911 Revision,Ķ p.
2). She thanked the brethren who
devoted countless hours in libraries searching the needed material.
Willingness of Ellen
White to Make Corrections
What amazes me is the
willingness of Ellen White to make the necessary corrections - a fact
that seems to be unknown by my detractors. She went as far as to ask the
various publishing departments and canvassing agents, both in America and
overseas, to submit in writing their request for any correction to be done. To
me this shows that Ellen White recognized that in her writings there were
inaccuracies that needed to be corrected.
When reading the
account of the participation of European and American researchers in locating
documents needed to correct some of the historical statements that Ōwere
questioned and challenged,Ķ one gets the impression that Ellen White welcomed
the participation of those who could help in making the necessary corrections
in the new edition of The Great Controversy. She expressly stated:
ŌI am thankful that my life has been spared, and that I have strength and
clearness of mind for this and other literary workĶ (Ibid., p. 13).
If Ellen White was
alive today, she would welcome the service of competent scholars willing to
correct the remaining inaccuracies found in The Great Controversy and other
publications. She was a humble and
open-minded woman, fully ware of her limitations. On my part I would be glad to offer my services to her,
because I can never stop thanking God for the inestimable contributions she has
made to my spiritual life and to the message and mission of our Adventist
church.
A Look at Some
Changes
A look at some of the
changes that were made in the 1911 revision of The Great Controversy, will help us determine
whether the changes were substantive or Ōperipheral,Ķ as my detractors contend.
W. C. White provides us with a few examples. For the sake of brevity we shall
consider only those statements relative to the 1260 days prophecy, since I have
been attacked for proposing a broader interpretation of this prophecy. We shall
see that the changes made are substantive, but not adequate. In the next
newsletter I will respond to the allegations regarding my broader
interpretation of this prophecy.
On page 266 of the Old
Edition of The Great Controversy, Ellen White wrote: ŌThe 1260 years of papal supremacy began with
the establishment of the papacy in A. D. 538, and would therefore terminate
on 1798Ķ The statement is modified in the New
Edition to read: ŌThe 1260 years of papal supremacy began in A. D. 538, and
would terminate in 1798.Ķ
The key phrase that was
removed is Ōthe establishment of the papacy.Ķ It is evident that the editors
were made aware of the fact that Ōthe establishment of the papacyĶ did not
begin in 538. In my dissertation From Sabbath to Sunday, I have shown that the
development of the papal primacy was already in progress in the second century,
when the Pope exercised his ecumenical authority by imposing on Christian
churches at large Easter-Sunday, weekly Sunday, besides condemning various
movements like the Marcionists andMontanists.
The same phrase is
found in page 439 of the Old Edition which reads: ŌThis period began with the establishment
of the papacy A. D. 538, and terminated in 1798. At that time, when the papacy was abolished and the pope was made
captive by the French army, the papal power received its deadly wound, and the
prediction was fulfilled, ÔHe that leadeth into captivity shall go into
captivity.Ķ
A significant
correction was made to the New Edition which reads: ŌThis period, as stated in
preceding chapters, began with the supremacy of the papacy, A. D. 538, and terminated in 1798. At that time,
the pope was made captive by the French army, the papal power received its
deadly wound, and the prediction was fulfilled,Õ He that leadeth into captivity
shall go into captivity.ÕĶ
Significant But
Inadequate Corrections
The correction that was
made in the New Edition is by no means Ōperipheral.Ķ The editors recognized the
glaring mistake that Ellen White made in the Old Edition, when she wrote that
the papacy was established in 538 and abolished in 1798. Unfortunately she
repeats the same mistake on page 579 of the Old Edition: ŌThe infliction of the
deadly wound points to the abolition of the papacy in 1798.Ķ The statement was corrected in the New
Edition to read: ŌThe infliction of the deadly wound points to the downfall
of the papacy in 1798.Ķ
The historical reality
is that the papacy was not established in 538, nor was it abolished in 1798.
The corrected reading of the New Edition is a noticeable improvement, but it is
still inaccurate. The reason is that 538 hardly marks the beginning of the
Ōsupremacy of the papacy,Ķ nor does 1798 signals Ōthe downfall of the papacy.Ķ
It is evident that the editorial workers who helped Ellen White to make the
necessary corrections, knew little about the history of the papacy.
The development of the
Ōsupremacy of the papacyĶ began long before 538. During the fourth and fifth
centuries there were influential popes like Damasus (366-384), Innocent I
(402-417), and Leo I, called Ōthe GreatĶ (440-461), who greatly advanced both
the spiritual and temporal power of the papacy.
The Year A. D. 538
Marks the Humiliation, not the Establishment of the Papacy
In many ways A. D. 538
marks, not the establishment, but the humiliation of the papacy. In theory Emperor Justinian affirmed
and expanded the authority of the papacy, but in practice he forced three popes
to promote his political agenda.
Through the influence of JustinianÕs wife, Empress Theodora, general
Belisarius selected Pope Vigilius in 537 while the previous Pope Silverius was
still alive. The pontificate of Vigilius (537-555) is characterized by repeated
doctrinal compromises made under the pressure of Emperor Justinian who kidnapped
him, brought him to Constantinople and humiliated him. The outcome was that
Vigilius was excommunicated by some Western bishops, and his papal authority
was rejected in several western provinces. These historical facts hardly
support the claim that year 538 marks the establishment or beginning of the
supremacy of the papacy.
The Year 1798 Marks
a Temporary Humiliation, not the Downfall of the Papacy.
What is true for 538 is
also true for 1798. In both instances the corrections made to the new edition
of The Great Controversy are inadequate. The change in the 1911 edition from Ōthe abolishmentĶ to Ōthe downfall
of the papacy,Ķ is a noticeable improvement, but it is still inadequate. Why?
Simply because 1798 does not signal Ōthe downfall of the papacy.Ķ The taking of
Pope Pius VI, as a prisoner by the French General Berthier, marked a temporary
humiliation of the papacy, but not its downfall. When Pius VI left Rome on
February 20, 1798, he was an old, dying man who still functioned as Pope,
though in a limited scale. He found refuge first in Siena and then near
Florence, where a small Curia was organized to administer the church. In fact,
before his death he planned for the election of his successor.
The imprisonment of
Pope Paul VI was condemned by Russia and Austria. Both nations decided to join
forces to restore the Pope to his Pontifical throne in Rome. When the French
government was confronted with this new coalition and with popular uprisings,
it decided to transfer the Pope to Valence, in France, where he died 40 days
later, on August 29, 1799.
The death of Pius VI
can hardly be seen as the ŌabolishmentĶ or Ōthe downfall of the Papacy.Ķ It was
simply a temporary humiliation of the prestige of the Papacy. In fact, Pius VI
was able to give directives for the election of his successor. Few months after
his death, the Cardinals met in Venice on December 8, 1799, and elected Barnaba
Chiaramonti, who took the name of Pious VII, in deference to his predecessor.
The new Pope was able
to negotiate with Napoleon the Concordat in 1801 and the Organic Articles in
1802. These treatises restored to the Pope some of the territories of the
States of the Church and regulated the extent of the Papal authority in France.
The Resurgence of
the Papacy under Pius IX
The following years
marked, not the downfall, but the resurgence of papal authority, especially
under the Pontificate of Pius IX (1846-1878). In 1854, Pius IX promulgated the
Dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. In 1864 he issued the famous Syllabus
of Errors, known also as ŌINDEX,Ķ which for many years listed all the political
ideologies, religious beliefs, and publications to be rejected by Catholics
(Even our Adventist books were listed in the INDEX. I learned this fact the
hard way while working as a literature evangelist in Italy for six Summers).
The crowning event of
Pius IXÕs pontificate was the convening of the First Vatican Council on
December 8, 1869. It had a remarkable large attendance from all over the Roman
world and on July 18, 1870, the Council promulgated the dogma of Papal
Infallibility. This dogma has greatly enhanced the authority of the Pope, and
discredits any attempt to attribute to 1798 the downfall of the papacy.
This brief outline of
events suffices to show that it is inaccurate to speak of the ŌabolishmentĶ or
ŌdownfallĶ of the Papacy in 1798. The historical reality is that the Papacy was
still very much alive and soon regained her prestige and power after a
temporary humiliation of a few months.
The Need for Further
Corrections
It is unfortunate that
Ellen White has passed away, because the revision that was done to The Great
Controversy in 1911 did not eliminate all the historical inaccuracies. There
is still much work that needs to be done, but without her presence and approval,
the E. G. White Estate has no authority to undertake this project. If a
mechanism were to be set up in the future to make the necessary corrections to
EGWÕs writings, we can anticipate a storm of controversies.
It is unfortunate that
over the years the limitations of Ellen White on historical and doctrinal
matters were largely concealed in order to make her writings the final
authority to settle controversies. Ellen White herself rejected this concept.
She was aware of her limitations and invited readers to point out any incorrect
statement they found, not only in The Great Controversy, but in other writings
as well. We noted earlier that in her appendix to a draft copy of the second
volume of Spiritual Gifts, she makes this comment: ŌA special request is made that if any
find incorrect statements in this book they will immediately inform me. The
edition will be completed about the first of October; therefore send before
that timeĶ (Selected Messages, vol, 3, p. 58).
The Need to Correct
Inaccuracies
When I proposed in a
newsletter the need to correct the inaccuracies found in EGWÕs writings, my
detractors condemned the plan as an outrightly rejection of Ellen WhiteÕs
inspiration and a denial of the Adventist faith. It is reassuring to know that
our leading brethren who worked closely with Ellen White for many years, did
not feel that way. They openly spoke about the need for revisions at the 1919
Bible Conference. The reason for their openness is their knowledge of how the
information was gathered and of how Ellen White called for help to identify and
correct the inaccuracies found in the old edition of The Great Controversy. She never claimed to
be an authority on historical or doctrinal matters.
For the sake of brevity
I will cite in closing only the testimony of A. G. Daniel at the Bible
Conference. He said: ŌSister White never claimed to be an authority on history,
and never claimed to be a dogmatic teacher on theology. She never outlined a
course of theology, like Mrs. EddyÕs book on teaching [Christian Science] . . .
She never claimed to be an authority on history . . . she was ready to
correct in revision such statements as she thought should be corrected. I have
never gone to her writings, and taken the history that I found in her writings,
as the positive statement of history regarding the fulfillment of prophecyĶ (ŌThe Use of the
Spirit of Prophecy, July 30, 1919, Spectrum vol 10, 1, 1979, p. 34;
Emphasis supplied).
The reason Daniells
believed that Ellen White would authorize corrections in her writings, is
because, as he puts it: ŌWe talked with her about that when The Great
Controversy was being revised, and I have letters in my file in the vault
there where we were warned against using Ellen White as a historian. She never
claimed to be that. We were warned against setting up statements found in her
writings against the various history that there is on a fact. That is where I
standĶ (Ibid., p. 36). Daniells
saw no problem in correcting inaccuracies in EGWÕs writings, because he knew
first hand that Ōshe was ready to correct in revision such statements as she
thought should be correctedĶ (Ibid., p. 34).
CONCLUSION
In this newsletter I
have attempted to respond to the false allegation that I am no longer a
faithful Adventist because I have pointed out that there are inaccuracies in The
Great Controversy that need to be corrected. Furthermore, I have written that Ellen
White sought the help of respected church leaders to gather information for
some of her books. This factual information is used by some concerned brethren as proof that I am drifting away
from the Adventist Church
In my response I have
submitted three major lines of evidence that discredit the false allegation.
First, I have
shown that I greatly value EGWÕs
writings both for my devotional life and for doctrinal investigation. In some
of my books I have devoted a whole chapter to Ellen WhiteÕs teachings on the
subject. But, true to Ellen WhiteÕs instructions and to the position of our
Church, I have never used her writings to settle doctrinal, historical, or
prophetic questions. Her writings must be tested by Scripture, not vice versa.
I stand for the Protestant principle of ŌSola Scriptura,Ķ a principle upheld
by our Adventist church.
Second, I have argued
that respect for the authority of Ellen White does preclude any fresh
investigation of Biblical or historical subjects discussed in her writings. The
reason is that Ellen White did not view herself as the final and infallible
authority on prophetic, exegetical, theological, and historical
interpretations. She did not expect Adventists to accept whatever she wrote
without questioning.
Third, contrary to the
belief of concerned brethren that Ellen White received all her messages from
divine revelation, and not from human agents, there is ample evidence that she
sought the help of respected church leaders such as E. G. Daniells, W. W. Prescott, Uriah Smith, and J. N.
Andrews, when writing on chronology and history.
Ellen White recognized
the presence of inaccuracies in her writings and engaged competent workers in
Europe and America to help her make the necessary corrections to the new
edition of The Great Controversy. We have found that the corrections were not Ōperipheral,Ķ but
significant. There are still glaring mistakes that need to be corrected. In the
light of these facts, my detractors should commend the efforts of scholars like
myself, who are committed to correct existing inaccuracies, and thus place our
Adventist beliefs on a more solid biblical and historical basis.
My ultimate goal is not
to weaken Ellen WhiteÕs authority, but to make her prophetic witness more
credible and defensible. Thank you for the opportunity to respond to a false
allegation that, if unanswered, could discredit not only my reputation but also
the credibility of our Adventist Message.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SERVICES AND PRODUCTS
UPCOMING
SEMINARS FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE
As
a service to our subscribers, I am listing the seminars scheduled for the month
of June 2008. We wish to extend a
warm welcome to those of you who live close to the location of our seminars.
Our new seminars with Words and Songs will touch your heart and expand your
mind.
JUNE
6-7: CHICAGO: BOLINGBROOK SDA CHURCH
Location:
301 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440.
For
directions and information call Elder Karl Watson at (630) 771-0394.
JUNE
13-14: HONOLULU CENTRAL SDA CHURCH
Location:
2313 Nuuanu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96817
For
directions and information call Pastor Walter Nelson at (808) 524-1352
JUNE
18: HAWAII: KAILUA SDA CHURCH
Location:
160 Mookua Street, Kailua, Hawaii 96734
For
directions and information call Pastor Robert Lloyd at (808) 261-5442
JUNE
20-21: HONOLULU - JAPANESE SDA CHURCH
Location:
2655 Manoa Road, Honolulu, HI 96822
For
directions and information call Pastor Koji Nishikawa at (808) 988-4343
CRISTINA PICCARDIÕS NEW DVD RECORDINGS
A
new recording of Cristina PiccardiÕs SACRED CONCERT
and of our SABBATH SEMINAR with WORDS AND SONGS
was made in Loma Linda few weeks ago. The recording was done with
state-of-the-art high definition cameras that provide an exceptional clear and
crispy video images.
We
felt the need to make a high quality recording to share our new ministry with
fellow believers in different parts of the world. We are happy that at this
time we can offer a professional recording both of CristinaÕs SACRED CONCERT
and of our SABBATH SEMINAR with WORDS AND SONGS.
You
can enjoy a preview of CristinaÕs outstanding singing by clicking at this
link: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/cristina/ She sings the first stanza of THE HOLY CITY.
The
SACRED CONCERT consists of 16 sacred familiar songs that cover the major
themes of GodÕs creative and redemptive love. Her marvellous singing
will touch your heart and inspire you to devote your life more fully to the
Savior. You can see the picture of this new album by clicking at this link:
http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/pic.htm
The
SABBATH SEMINAR with WORDS AND SONGS consists of 3 DVD disks
containing a total of 6 hours of recording, that is, the Cristina singing
and my preaching done on Friday evening, Sabbath morning, and Sabbath afternoon.
Cristina sings a few songs before and after each of my lectures. You can enjoy this informative and inspiring 6 hours seminar in
the privacy of your home or church, without having to travel long distances
or investing money to fly us in. You
can see the picture of this new album by clicking at this link:http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/sabbathandsong/index.htm
Who
is Cristina Piccardi?
In
my view Cristina is by far the best Adventist soprano I have heard in my life.
Surprisingly she is a slim, only 118 pounds, 5.6 feet high - not the
typical heavy-set soprano. When my wife asked her: ŌHow can you project such a
powerful voice when you are so slim?Ķ
She replied: ŌIt is GodÕs gift.Ķ
Cristina
was born in Brazil 26 years ago and came to Andrews University two years ago to
accompany her husband who is studying at the seminary. She has earned degrees
in voice performance both in Brazil and at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh,
PA, where she received full scholarship during the two years of her studies,
graduating in December of 2005.
She
has performed in a leading role with symphonic orchestras in the USA and
overseas. In the year 2005 she won the first price at an International
Competition for Opera Singers.
Special
Package Offer of CristinaÕs Recordings.
At
this time we wish to offer the complete package of CristinaÕs three albums,
together with the newly recorded SABBATH SEMINAR with WORDS AND SONGS for only
$50.00, instead of the regular price of $230.00. The package included the
following four albums:
1) THE CD ALBUM REJOICE IN THE LORD
which consists of 11 sacred songs recorded with Marcelo Caceres, Professor of
piano at Andrews University. The regular price of the album is $30.00.
2)
THE DVD ALBUM SING UNTO THE LORD which consists of 10 sacred songs recorded at
the Andrews University Pioneer Memorial SDA Church. The regular price of the DVD album is $50.00.
3)
THE DVD ALBUM BY HIS GRACE which consists of 16 sacred songs recorded in
Loma Linda with four high-definition cameras. The regular price of the DVD is $50.00.
4)
THE DVD ALBUM OF THE SABBATH WITH WORDS AND SONGS which consists of three DVD
disks with 6 hours of recordings of Cristina singing and my preaching done on
Friday evening, Sabbath morning, and Sabbath afternoon. The regular price is
$100.00.
The
special offer on the above package of 4 albums is only $50.00,
mailing expenses included even overseas, instead of the regular price of
$230.00. This special offer is extended until May 31, 2008.
How
to Order CristinaÕs Package of Four Albums
You
can order the package of the four albums containing CristinaÕs Sacred Concerts
and the SABBATH SEMINAR in WORDS AND SONGS in four different ways:
(1) ONLINE: By
clicking here: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/cart/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=26&products_id=122
(2) PHONE: By calling us at (269) 471-2915 to give
us your credit card number and postal address.
(3) EMAIL: By emailing your order to <[email protected]>. Be sure to provide your postal address, credit card number, and expiration date.
(4)
REGULAR MAIL: By mailing a check to BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES, 4990 Appian Way,
Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103, USA. We guarantee to process your order
immediately.
INTRODUCTORY OFFER
ON WILLIAM RICHARDSONÕS BOOK SPEAKING IN TONGUES: IS IT STILL A GIFT OF THE
SPIRIT?
William
RichardsonÕs book Speaking in Tongues: Is It Still the Gift of the Spirit?
has just been reprinted. You can view the cover of the book and
read a brief description by clicking at this link: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/tongues.htm
The
book was originally printed in 1994 by the Review and Herald but it has been
out of print for several years. Before proceeding with the reprint, I decided
to find out how many of our readers would be interested to purchase a copy of
this timely book. The response
surpassed my fondest expectations. I received pledges for orders from different
parts of the world, including from some Division offices. In the light of the overwhelming
interest, I hastily delivered the book to my printer who reprinted the book in
a record time of two weeks.
As
a rule I do not publish or reprint books of other authors, because my hands are
full with promoting and distributing the 18 books that I have authored. The only other book of another author
that I have published, is More than a Prophet: How We Lost and Found
Again the Real Ellen White, by
Prof. Graeme S. Bradford.
I
published More than a Prophet because I believe that
this book has been long overdue
and will do a lot to restore confidence in the validity of the gift of prophecy,
manifested in the writings, preaching, and teachings of Ellen White.
The response has been most gratifying. About 20 conferences in the
USA and a few oversea, have donated the book to their workers.
If you did not have a chance before to order this timely book before, we still
have a small supply left of the second printing. We will be glad to mail you
copies immediately. To place
an order call us at (269) 471-2915 or click at this link: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/cart/catalog/index.php?cPath=26_28
William
Richardson, Ph. D., the author of Speaking in Tongues,
has served with distinction our Adventist church for over 35 years as Professor
of NT, Chairman of the Religion Department (my chairman for many years), and
finally as the Dean of the School of Art and Sciences. He has written numerous
articles and books.
Let
me explain why I decided to reprint RichardsonÕs Speaking in
Tongues. After
reading a dozen of books and scores of articles in preparation for chapter 8
ŌSpeaking in TonguesĶ of my book Popular Beliefs: Are They Biblical?, I
came to appreciate RichardsonÕs Speaking In Tongues
for his clarity and objectivity.
Most
Adventist authors and literature have tried to prove that the gift of speaking
in tongues described in Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 12-14, are identical, namely,
the ability of speaking foreign languages. This position has been used to refute all charismatic
tongues-speakers as impostors, because they do not speak foreign languages, but
unintelligible, ecstatic utterances.
Through
a painstaking analysis of Acts 2 and
1 Corinthians 12-14, presented in his doctoral dissertation at Andrews
University, Richardson shows that there is a difference between the speaking in
tongues in Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 12-14. For one thing, the tongues in Acts 2 are known as languages
(dialektos) clearly understood by the Jews from
different countries present in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. By contrast,
the tongues in 1 Corinthians 12-14 are characterized as Ōsound-phononĶ (1 Cor
14:10) that needed to be interpreted. No interpretation was needed for
tongue-speakers in Acts 2.
Ultimately
Richardson shows that a careful study of the restrictions Paul places on
tongues-speaking during the worship service, disqualifies much of the
Pentecostal speaking in tongues today as an unbiblical, illicit activity. The
confusion caused by several people speaking in tongues at the same time without
any translation, is an illicit activity clearly condemned by Scripture.
But
RichardsonÕs concern, however, is to let Scripture speak for itself, rather than
twisting Scripture to make the gift of tongues something we want it to be. His
research shows that there can be instances when a believer is impressed by the
Spirit to pray or praise God with sounds too deep for words. Spiritual
realities are experienced in different ways by different people
I
believe that RichardsonÕs book Speaking in Tongues is
a most timely, witnessing book, at a time when the Pentecostal/charismatic
movements are growing 10 times faster than our Adventist church, that is, at
the rate of over 20 millions a year, and thus becoming the second largest
religious body in the world after the Catholic Church. Their membership today is already over
550 million and within 10 years it is expected to reach 750 million.
Your
encouraging responses gave me the incentive that I needed to proceed
immediately with the reprint of RichardsonÕs book Speaking in Tongues: Is
It Still the Gift of the Spirit?
My Adventist printer, Greg Patterson, who has served me with speed and
efficiency for many years, delivered the book to us a month ago. We are now
processing all your orders.
INTRODUCTORY
OFFER ON DR. RICHARDSONÕS BOOK SPEAKING IN TONGUES: IS IT STILL A GIFT
OF THE SPIRIT?
1
copy of Speaking in Tongues at $25.00 per copy.
Mailing expenses are included for the USA. Add $10.00 for
AIRMAIL postage to any overseas destination.
10
copies of Speaking in Tongues at $7.00 per copy,
postage paid, instead of the regular price of $25.00. ($70.00 for 10 copies).
Mailing expenses are included for the USA. Add $40.00 for AIRMAIL postage to any overseas destination.
30
copies (one case) of Speaking in Tongues at
$5.00 per copy, postage paid. ($150.00 for 30 copies). Mailing expenses are included for the USA. Add $80.00 for
AIRMAIL postage to any overseas destination.
100
copies of Speaking in Tongues
at $4.00 per copy, postage paid. ($400.00 for 100 copies).
Mailing expenses are included for the USA. Add $160.00 for AIRMAIL postage to
any overseas destination.
HOW
TO ORDER SPEAKING IN TONGUES:
You
can order William RichardsonÕs book Speaking in Tongues until
May 31, 2008, in four different ways:
(1) Online: By
clicking here: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/cart/catalog/index.php?cPath=26_36
(2) Phone: By calling us at (269) 471-2915 to give
us your credit card number and postal address.
(3) Email: By emailing your order to <[email protected]>. Be sure to provide your postal address, credit card number, and expiration date.
(4)
Regular Mail: By mailing a check to BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES, 4990 Appian Way,
Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103, USA. We guarantee to process your order
immediately.
PROF.
JON PAULIENÕS VIDEO SEMINAR ON SIMPLY REVELATION
The 2008 Daily Devotional Book The
Gospel from Patmos, is authored by Prof. Jon Paulien. He has done
a masterful job in expanding each verse of the Revelation into a daily
devotional thought.
To
help you appreciate more fully
PaulienÕs Daily Devotional, we offer you his DVD album on Simply
Revelation that was released few months ago. We have been airmailing the DVD album
to church leaders, pastors, and lay Adventists in different part of the world.
Several pastors have already shown the lectures to their congregations. They wrote to me saying that viewing
the lectures were truly an enlightening experience for their members.
My
wife and I viewed Simply Revelation on
our TV on a Sabbath afternoon. Though I had already watched Prof. PaulienÕs
lectures during the taping session which I paid for, I was spellbound to hear
him again offering so many refreshing insights into the most difficult book of
the Bible. For me it is a thrilling experience listening to a scholar like
Prof. Paulien, who knows what he is talking about.
Prof.
Paulien is rightly regarded as a leading Adventist authority on the book of
Revelation which he has taught at the Seminary for the past 25 years. His
doctoral dissertation as well as several of his books deal specifically with
the Book of Revelation.
The
constant demand for Prof. PaulienÕs CD album with his publications and
articles, led me to discuss with him the possibility of producing a live video
recording of a mini Revelation Seminar, which he chose to call Simply
Revelation. As suggested by its title, Simply Revelation
aims to present simply the message of Revelation-not to read into Revelation
sensational, but senseless views.
The
preparation of this video recording took several months. The Simply
Revelation Seminar consists of four one-hour live video
lectures, which have just been recorded in the studio of Andrews University. An
impressive virtual studio provides the background of the lectures. Each lecture
is delivered with about 50 powerpoint slides. This mini Revelation seminar will
offer you and your congregation fresh insights into the Book of Revelation. Be
sure to inform your pastor about the newly released Simply Revelation, if he is
not aware of it.
The
file with the powerpoint slides is placed on Prof. PaulienÕs CD album
containing all his publications and articles. The reason is that there was no memory left on the DVD
disks. In spite of my pleas, Prof.
Paulien was so full of the subject that he used the full 60 minutes of each
lecture, leaving no space for the slidesÕ file.
This
has been a very expensive project, both in time and money. I sponsored it
financially because I believe that many will be blessed by PaulienÕs fresh
insights into Revelation. The
regular price of the DVD album is $100.00, but you can order it at the SPECIAL
PRICE for only $50.00. The price
includes the airmailing expenses to any overseas destination.
If
you have not ordered before the CD Album with Prof. PaulienÕs publications,
we will be glad to add it to your DVD order for only $20.00, instead
of the regular price of $60.00. This means that you can order both the DVD
album with Prof. PaulienÕs four live video lectures on Simply Revelation and
his CD album with all his publications and the powerpoint slides of Simply
Revelation, for only $50.00, instead of the regular price of $160.00.
As
an additional incentive, I am offering you together with Prof. PaulienÕs DVD/CD
albums, also my own popular DVD album on The Mark and Number of the
Beast, for an additional $10.00, instead of the
regular price of $100.00. This means that you can order the DVD and CD
albums by Prof, Paulien, together with my DVD album on The Mark and Number of
the Beast, for only $70.00, instead of the regular price of $260.00.
This
research on The Mark and Number of the Beast, was commissioned
by Prof. Paulien himself. He asked me to trace historically the origin and
use of the PopeÕs title Vicarius Filii Dei
and of the number 666. I spent five months conducting this investigation which
was professionally taped at the Andrews University Towers Auditorium. I use
195 powerpoint slides to deliver this informative two hours lecture which
has been warmly received by Adventist church leaders and pastors in many parts
of the world. For a detailed description of this DVD album click: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/Beast/BeastPromo
Special
Offer on Prof. Paulien and Prof. BacchiocchiÕs Albums:
*
ONE DVD Album of Prof. PaulienÕs four video lectures on Simply Revelation at
the introductory price of $50.00, instead of $100.00.
The price includes the airmailing
expenses to any overseas destination.
*
ONE DVD Album of Simply Revelation and
ONE CD Album with Prof. PaulienÕs publications for only $70.00,
instead of the regular price of $160.00. The price includes the airmailing expenses to any overseas destination.
*
ONE DVD Album of Simply Revelation, ONE CD Album with Prof. PaulienÕs
publications, and ONE DVD Album with BacchiocchiÕs two hours video lecture on
The Mark and Number of the Beast for only $80.00,
instead of the regular price of $260.00. The price includes the airmailing expenses to any overseas destination.
Four
Ways to Order Prof. Paulien and Prof. BacchiocchiÕs Albums:
(1) ONLINE: By
clicking here: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/revelation/
(2) PHONE: By calling us at (269) 471-2915 to give
us your credit card number and postal address.
(3) EMAIL: By emailing your order to <[email protected]>. Be sure to provide your postal address, credit card number, and expiration date.
(4)
REGULAR MAIL: By mailing a check to BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES, 4990 Appian Way,
Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103, USA. We guarantee to process your order
immediately.
SPECIAL
OFFER ON 12 DVD/CD ALBUMS FOR ONLY $150.00,
INSTEAD
OF THE REGULAR PRICE OF $1150.00
This offer may sound too good to be true. At this time we are offering
together as a package all the 12 DVD/CD albums we have recorded, for only
$150.00, instead of $1150.00. Until now these recordings were sold
separately, costing considerably more.
To make it possible for many to benefit from all these timely messages,
I have decided to offer them together as a package for only $150.00, instead
of the regular price of $1150.00.
The
Package Includes the Following 12 Albums:
1)
DVD Album with Sabbath Seminar with Words and Songs
recorded at the Avon Park SDA Church on November 16-17, 2007. The album
contains three DVD disks with 6 hours of recordings.
2)
DVD and CD Album containing Cristina PiccardiÕs sacred songs. The
CD Album ŌRejoice in the LordĶ contains 11 songs. The DVD Album ŌSing Unto the
LordĶ contains 10 songs.
3)
Prof. Jon PaulienÕs newly released DVD ALBUM video seminar on Simply
Revelation.
4)
Prof. Jon PaulienÕs CD ALBUM with a dozen of his books,
and all his articles.
5)
Prof. Graeme BradfordÕs DVD ALBUM with a two hours video lecture on Ellen
White. He shares the highlights of his book More than a
Prophet. The album contains also Prof. BradfordÕs the
publications and articles.
6)
Prof. BacchiocchiÕs newly recorded DVD ALBUM called ABUNDANT LIFE SEMINAR. The album contains 2 video powerpoint
lectures: The Christian and Alcoholic Beverages and How to Build a Happy and
Lasting Marriage. These two lectures summarize the highlights of BacchiocchiÕs
two books Wine in the Bible and The Marriage Covenant. Two separate files with
225 powerpoint slides are included.
7)
Prof. BacchiocchiÕs DVD ALBUM containing 10 video powerpoint lectures on the
Sabbath and Second Advent. Some of the lectures show the documents Prof. Bacchiocchi
found in Vatican libraries on the role of the papacy in changing the Sabbath to
Sunday. This album contains the popular powerpoint SABBATH/ADVENT seminars
Prof. Bacchiocchi presents in many countries.
8)
Prof. BacchiocchiÕs DVD ALBUM on Cracking the Da Vinci Code.
The album contains a two hours video lecture, professionally taped with a
virtual studio as a background. A separate file with 200 powerpoint slides is
included.
9)
Prof. BacchiocchiÕs DVD ALBUM on The Mark and the Number of the Beast. The
album contains the two hours video lecture and a separate powerpoint file with
the 200 slides used for the lecture.
10)
Prof. BacchiocchiÕs CD ALBUM with
all his books and powerpoint lectures. The album consists of
two disks. The first disk has all his 18 books and over 200 articles. The
second disk has the slides and script of 25 of Prof. BacchiocchiÕs popular
PowerPoint presentations.
11)
Prof. BacchiocchiÕs DVD ALBUM on
The Passion of Christ. The album contains the 2 hours live interview conducted by
3ABN on Prof. BacchiocchiÕs book The Passion of Christ in Scripture and
History.
12)
Prof. BacchiocchiÕs MP3 AUDIO ALBUM which contains 2 disks
with 22 AUDIO lectures on vital biblical beliefs and practices. Ideal for
listening in your car while driving.
You
can see the picture of all the 12 ALBUMS and read a detailed description of
them, just by clicking at this link:http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/albumoffer.htm
How
to Order the Package of the 12 Albums:
You
can order the complete package of 12 DVD/CD Albums for only $150.00, instead of the regular price of
$1150.00, in four different ways:
(1) ONLINE: By
clicking here: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/albumoffer.htm
(2) PHONE: By calling us at (269) 471-2915 to give us
your credit card number and postal address.
(3) EMAIL: By emailing your order to <[email protected]>. Be sure to provide your postal address, credit card number, and expiration date. For
security reasons, you can email your credit card number in two separate messages.
In the first message you email me the first 8 digits and in the second
message the last 8 digits, plus the expiration date.
Be sure to include your postal address.
(4)
REGULAR MAIL: By mailing a check for $150.00 to BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES, 4990 Appian Way, Berrien Springs, Michigan
4990, USA. We guarantee to process your order immediately.
HOW
TO CONTACT THE CENTER FOR CANCER CARE
IN
GOSHEN, INDIANA THAT TREATED MY CANCER
Two
days following my 69th birthday, I learned that I had advanced-stage colon
cancer requiring immediate surgery. Later I was told that the cancer had spread
to the liver, infesting 90% of the organ and making its prognosis bleak.
Several oncologists that I consulted, confirmed that I had Stage 4 terminal
liver cancer, with only a few months to live. All what they could do was to
prolong my life with chemotherapy for a few months or a year at best. No Cancer
Center, including Loma Linda Cancer Center, had a clinical trial program for
liver cancer. The impression I received is that nothing could be done to heal
my cancer: I was doomed to die in a few months, at most a year.
Driven
by my faith in God and optimistic attitude, I sought another opinion at the
Center for Cancer Care in Goshen, Indiana, which is located only one hour
away from Andrews University, where I live. Following a two-hour consultation
with Dr. Seza Gulec (see the picture at my website by clicking http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/goshen),
a pioneer in the field of nuclear oncology, I learned that my cancer was terminal
but treatable with a combined strategy of chemotherapy and microsphere embolization
- a treatment unavailable at most cancer centers. Within one month, the innovative
treatment reduced the presence of liver cancer by almost 80% and decreased
total tumor volume from 2435cc to 680cc. Within two months, two more treatments
reduced my cancer by 95%.
Today
I feel like a new man with a new lease on life. I feel like an old car with a
decent looking body and a brand new motor. I have more energy than I have had
earlier in my life. I can only thank God for His providential leading to the
right place and for using the latest research to restore my health.
Click
here to see the pictures of the various stages of my cancer: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/goshen
The
Goshen Center for Cancer Care is one of the few treatment facilities in the
world to offer this breakthrough technology primarily due to the commitment
of Dr. Gulec. A world-renowned physician, Dr. Gulec has dedicated years to
research and develop the combination therapy, which greatly increases survival
rates in those with advanced types of cancer. He has also authored landmark
publications in lymphatic mapping, sentinel node biopsy, radioguided surgery
and radionuclide therapy. Dr. Gulec currently leads the endocrine surgery,
hepatic oncology, molecular imaging and positron emission tomography programs
at the Goshen Center for Cancer Care.
To learn more about Dr. Seza Gulec click: http://www.cancermidwest.com/main.asp?id=217
Truly
I can say that I believe that the Lord providentially placed me in contact with
Dr. Gulec, who has done for me what appeared to be impossible. The Lord has used Dr. Gulec to give me
a new lease on life. He is so proud of my recovery that he uses me as a show
case at international nuclear oncological conferences. Now I feel like a new
man energized to serve the Lord in a greater way in the sunset years of my
life. Somehow I feel that I have
more energy now than I had at 25 years of age.
You
can contact the CENTER FOR CANCER CARE in Goshen, Indiana in the following
ways:
1)
PHONE: (888) 491-4673
2)
EMAIL:
3)
WEBSITES: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/goshen or http://www.cancermidwest.com/
INCREDIBLE
NEW OFFERS ON HITACHI PROJECTORS
HITACHI
has released the new CP-X400 3000 lumens projector, which has an impressive high resolution, low
fan noise, and a wealth of connectivity options. The most impressive feature of
this projector is the incredible price of only $1395.00 to
help especially our churches and schools in developing countries. The price
includes a three years replacement warranty.
This
is the special offer on the following two models:
CP-X400
HIGH RESOLUTION 3000 LUMENS - Only $1395.00
This is the
lowest price for an HITACHI 3000 lumens projector.
CP-X1250
HIGH RESOLUTION 4500 LUMENS Only $3795.00
Previous SDA
price for the 4500 lumens was $4900.00
WARRANTY:
The above prices include a 3 years 24/7 replacement warranty worth about
$285.00.
You can order the HITACHI projectors online
by clicking at this link: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/cart/catalog/index.php?cPath=24 If you have a problem ordering online,
call us at (269) 471-2915. We
will take your order by phone and process it immediately.
THE
SMALLEST AND MOST POWERFUL REMOTE PRESENTER
If
you are looking for an outstanding REMOTE for your PowerPoint presentations,
you will be pleased to know HONEYWELL has come out with the smallest and most
powerful remote in the market.
The
size of the transmitter is smaller than a credit card. You can stick it inside
the palm of your hand and nobody can see it. I tested the remote in an open
environment, and the radio signal can go up to 400 feet of distance. IT IS
INCREDIBLE! The transmitter has three button: forward, backward, and laser.
You
can order online the new POWERPOINT
PRESENTER simply by clicking here: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/cart/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=27&products_id=67
If
you have a problem ordering online, simply call us at (269) 471-2915. We will take your order by phone. You
can also email us your order at <[email protected]>,
giving us your address, credit card number, and expiration date.
DOES
YOUR CHURCH OR SCHOOL NEED A SCREEN?
If
your church/school is looking for a screen, the DA-LITE SCREEN COMPANY,
the largest manufacture of screens in the world, has agreed to offer their line
of screens to our Adventist churches and schools at about 30% discount.
The
procedure is very simple. Visit the DA-LITE SCREEN COMPANY website at http://www.da-lite.com.
You will see hundreds of models of screens with their respective prices. Once
you find the screen that best suits your church, give us the model number
by phone (269) 471-2915 or email your request <[email protected]>
We will forward your order immediately to DA-LITE that will ship the screen
directly to your address. You will receive the screen at about 30% discount.
NEW
VIDEO RECORDING ON THE SANCTUARY BY PROF. ROY GANE
Few
days ago Roy Gane, Ph. D., Prof. of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern
Languages at Andrews University Theological Seminary, made a video recording
of four of his popular lectures on the sanctuary. You can see a preview of
the recording on line by clicking at this link: http://www.preludefilms.com/preview.html
The
DVD is distributed through a personal website that Roy Gane has set up. I was
unable to sponsor the recording and distribution of this informative and timely
DVD, simply because I do not have the time to take on additional
responsibilities. But I promised that I would do my best to promote this timely
recording. The title of the DVD album is Altar Call: Sacrifice, Sanctuary, and
Salvation.
Altar
Call: Sacrifice, Sanctuary, and Salvation
Altar
Call is about GodÕs plan to rescue us, as revealed in the services of His
sanctuary. These fascinating services demonstrate His character of love, which
includes both justice and mercy. They give us hope by revealing that God wants
to dwell with us. They teach us how to interact with Him in order to receive
the benefits of ChristÕs sacrifice. They show us how to get in touch with Jesus
where He is working for us right now during the final phase of His ministry in
the heavenly sanctuary.
To
many Christians, ChristÕs prolonged absence since He ascended to heaven is a
mystery. But the Bible reveals that He is continuing to save us, and it invites
us to get in touch with Him where He is now - in His sanctuary in heaven. By
becoming acquainted with what He is doing in the control center of the
universe, we can enjoy closer interaction with Him, more fully experience His
transforming grace, and have confidence that we are at peace with God.
The
DVD contains four 1 hour lectures by Roy E. Gane, Professor of Hebrew Bible and
Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Director of the Ph.D./Th.D. and M.Th.
programs at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews
University. Born in Sydney, Australia, he graduated from Pacific Union College
in 1977 with a B.A. in theology and a B.Mus. in piano performance. He completed
his M.A. (1983) and Ph.D. (1992) in Hebrew language and literature at the
University of California and taught in the Religion Department of Pacific Union
College from 1992-94 before moving to Andrews University.
How
to Order Altar Call: Sacrifice, Sanctuary, and Salvation
Simply
click: http://preludefilms.com
At
a time when the sanctuary doctrine is being challenged within and without
the Adventist Church, it is refreshing to see an outstanding Adventist scholar
showing the biblical validity and relevance of this doctrine. I strongly encourage
you to order this DVD album, simply by clicking at this link: http://www.preludefilms.com/store.html