2017 Discussions

Date: 21 January 2017
Speakers: Dr. Denis Fortin
Position: Prof. of Historical Theology; Former Dean of SDA Theological Seminary
Topic: The Story of Steps to Christ: The Compilation, Sources, and Setting of the Book
Venue: Garber Auditorium, Chan Shun Hall
Attendance: 86

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Intro: Today’s meeting began with a formal thank you and presentation of plaques and gift cards to Gary Gray and Brian Strayer for their 12 years of service to the Michiana Adventist Forum as Chapter Vice President and Chapter Secretary respectively.

Program: Dr. Fortin began by noting that “Good books change people’s lives,” using as examples the impact of written works on Luther and Wesley. A French copy of Steps to Christ (SC) given to him in Quebec when he was young had a similar impact on him. After seeing annotated versions of other classics, Fortin thought about SC, realizing that 2017 would be the 500th anniversary of Luther’s 95 Theses and the 125th anniversary of the publication of SC. He hopes that Adventist churches can give copies to pastors of other churches.
The annotated version includes a historical introduction regarding the origin of SC. In summer 1890 a group of Adventist pastors urged EGW to prepare a booklet discussing the plan of salvation. A Christian non-SDA publisher printed the first edition in early 1892, referring to SC as an “eminently helpful and practical work…to guide the inquirer, to inspire the young Christian, and to comfort and encourage the mature believer.” Later EGW and the General Conference bought the copyright and the first Review & Herald edition came out in 1898.
Fortin explained that all EGW books after 1880 are in fact compilations of earlier EGW writings, most of them compiled by Marian Davis. A 1932 claim that Ms. Fannie Bolton was the real author of SC is demonstrably false. Davis used a system of Planning (both general and specific); Gathering (materials from earlier books, unpublished manuscripts, letters); and Arranging (into rough topical categories). Davis also made needed transpositions, minor word substitutions, and deletions. She regularly conferred with EGW, including suggesting the need for bridging material to close gaps in the narrative, but she did not engage in original writing.
Fortin checked every sentence of the book against the database of EGW writing and unpublished EGW letters, finding that 90% of the book is included in earlier EGW writings. The homiletical tone of SC probably is because much of the book is drawn from articles in the Review or Signs that originally had been EGW sermons. Only a couple chapters include a larger quantity of material not found elsewhere. In the Appendix Fortin lists sentences of the book and where he found them in earlier EGW writings. Fortin did not, however, compare SC to non-EGW writings to see what might have been drawn from elsewhere. The annotated version does not alter the text of SC at all, and includes the original pagination. There also are pictures of 19th century paintings.
Fortin shared several of the passages most meaningful to him. He noted that the book is written from a Protestant point of view, and as such there were parts of it that he, as a young Catholic, simply did not understand. Toward the end of the book, however, there are discussions of things that a believer can “Do” and that struck a chord with him as a Catholic. The quote that “Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend” also resonated with him.

Date: 11 February 2017

Speakers: Garth Woodruff, M.A.

Positions: Asst. Prof. of Horticulture and Landscape Design

Topic: Breaking Barriers in Food Equity: A Mobile Farmers Market

Venue: Garber Auditorium, Chan Shun Hall

Attendance: 40

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Over 40% of Berrien County land is in agriculture. The county has far more farms and agricultural land than the average Michigan county, and a far higher percentage of its economy is

based on agriculture. We also have numerous food processing plants. Despite this, some 47% of the county population receives food assistance, nearly a third of the population is obese, 11%

suffer from type 2 diabetes, and the county has seven identified “food deserts” where access to affordable and nutritious food is difficult, especially if someone has no car. Benton Harbor is the largest such food desert in Berrien County. Also, less than 1% of Benton Harbor’s food spending

goes to local businesses and farmers.

Over the past three summers Andrews University’s Agriculture Department (AU Ag) has worked to improve access to fresh produce. In 2014 it obtained an old FedEx truck, received a

grant, and gained approval as a farmers’ market, where people can use “double up food bucks” (doubling the value of their food stamps). In summer 2014 AU Ag served all seven Berrien

County food deserts at least once a week for 16 weeks, selling produce mostly from the AU farm. They faced several challenges in getting food to people, however, including financial

barriers, physical proximity, acceptability, and culinary knowledge on the part of their intended audience. The past two summers have been conducted in collaboration with Be Healthy Berrien. Whirlpool also provided some materials.

In 2015 AU Ag decided to go only to Benton Harbor to help narrow its study of how best to proceed. They surveyed customer preferences, needs, etc, and offered cooking classes. The

survey revealed that most of their audience prepares their meals at home, but that 77% eat fewer than the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. Most lived within a mile of the AU Ag stop; over half shopped at the stand multiple times per month; and nearly all said they had eaten more vegetables than usual as a result. All said they would shop with us again. AU Ag was not, however, breaking even on costs, and one cannot usually sustain a program on grants. AU Ag and the community both also wanted a self-sustaining and stable program.

In summer 2016 AU Ag tested three different business models for two weeks each, seeking a sustainable option. “Model 1” targeted affluent customers in an effort to make money

to use in poorer areas. They offered six vegetarian wrap lunch options and a small market w/local fruits and vegetables. In the afternoon in poorer areas they had a larger market w/local

fruits and vegetables and gave cooking demos. “Model 2” targeted poorer Benton Harbor areas. All of the produce was donated from local farms, with product sales covering overhead. They

also offered cooking demos. “Model 3” targeted the ALICE population (asset-limited income-constrained employed) and made mostly non-residential stops.

The results indicated that Model 1 can work, as the wraps were very successful. AU Ag hopes to use this model again, while seeking partnerships with churches and other groups. They

also note the environmental sustainability, given that there is no shipping from Arizona, etc. AU Ag’s staff also has the opportunity to have a lot of conversation with people in the area. The

bottom line is that there is strong demand in our customer base, but it is a small customer base, so it is challenging for the project to sustain itself economically.
Date: 11 March 2017

Speakers: Dr. Sherine Brown-Fraser

Positions: Chair and Associate Professor, Dept. of Public Health, Nutrition, and Wellness

Topic: The Nexus of Income, Nutrition, and Health: Breaking Barriers in Food Equity:

Are We Paying a High Price?

Venue: Garber Auditorium, Chan Shun Hall

Attendance: 51

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Dr. Brown-Fraser began by showing a brief YouTube video featuring cells in all their

complexity and beauty. What we put into our bodies, she noted, definitely affects our cells,

tissues, organs, and systems. Health can be defined both as a state of being free from illness and,

separately, as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. There are five basic

determinants of health: 1) biology & genetics; 2) individual behavior; 3) social environment; 4)

physical environment; and 5) access to health care and health services.

Several measurable health benefits related to good nutrition include: decrease in symptoms,

risk reduction, health maintenance, increased longevity, delayed onset of disease. One writer,

McKeown, argues that “Better nutrition is the most important factor” in explaining 19

th

century

American and British mortality declines. Preston, however, argues that public health technology

improvements account for most of the difference.

Either way, Dr. Brown-Fraser suggests that basic questions include “Does our income

influence what we eat?” and “Does it cost more to eat more nutritious food?” She noted that

trends in income inequality are consistent with trends in poverty. One expert in the field (Lynch)

argues that the loss of life from such inequity is huge. A study in 161 countries showed that as

GDP/capita increased, people live longer. The developed countries that have the highest share of

income going to the 70% least well off also have the longest life expectancy.

Dr. Brown-Fraser also noted the large shift in American causes of death from 1900, when

most deaths were due to infectious disease, to 2010, when most deaths were due to conditions

related to prosperity such as heart disease, cancer, obesity, and diabetes. Lifestyle definitely

makes a large difference in longevity.

What about the comparative cost of nutritious food versus less nutritious food, especially as

it relates to the poorest people? Cost, taste, convenience, availability, and cultural background

all affect people’s choice of foods. Some studies have shown that healthy foods actually are

more affordable per portion, but that sweet and high-fat foods are cheaper based on cost/calorie.

They also are convenient. Unhealthy diets may also cost less because food policies have focused

on subsidizing the production of inexpensive high volume commodities.

“It’s a common perception that healthy foods are more expensive than less healthy foods.

This perception, real or hypothetical, may prevent many individuals from choosing healthy

foods.” According to the USDA, prices for fruits and vegetables seem to be rising, while the cost

of meat and poultry seems to be going down. It may be a bit more expensive initially to eat

healthier foods, but after including long-term costs such as health care, that may not be the case.

Legumes also are the only food that gives us fats, protein, and carbohydrates all in one food.

On average, a healthy diet pattern can cost about $1.50 more/day/person, or about $550/year.

This would represent a real burden for some families, although the difference is small in

comparison to the overall long term health benefits, health savings, and economic costs.

Are we paying a high price? It depends on who you ask. Nutrition Economics is a new

discipline that is being developed and that will be helpful in studying this issue.
Date: 22 April 2017

Speakers: (Moderator) Nicholas Miller, Director, International Religious Liberty Institute and

Prof. of Church History at Andrews University (AU); Emmanuel Abar, PhD student at AU;

Vernon Alger, Attorney, Retired Director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty for the Lake

Union Conference of SDA; Moustafa Elsayed, Imam at the Medina Islamic Center, Benton

Harbor, Michigan; John R. Nay, U.S. Ambassador (ret.), retired U.S. Diplomat

Topic: Religious Freedom & Public Morality: Church-State Issues in America Today

Venue: Garber Auditorium, Chan Shun Hall

Attendance: 118

(no recording)

Dr. Miller led off by noting that there are multiple significant current issues of religious

liberty interest, including the appointment of Justice Gorsuch to the Supreme Court and also the

Trinity Lutheran case now before the Court regarding whether a private religious school has as

much right to state assistance for playground equipment as private non-religious schools. Miller

thinks it likely that the church school will win its case. He added that former Justice Scalia’s

track record on religious freedom was not great, and that Justice Gorsuch may be a stronger

supporter of religious freedom than Scalia. Miller also mentioned legal concerns regarding the

Presidential ban on travel from several Muslim countries; the increase in the number of

Adventists in political positions; and issues related to politics and prophecy.

Imam Elsayed said that the Muslim community is deeply concerned about recent rhetoric,

the “travel ban,” and an apparent increase in racism in the United States. The Imam said that he

has reminded his members that everything happens with Allah’s knowledge. He encourages

them to pray for protection for themselves and for this country, and advised them that if they feel

uncomfortable in this country, they should go elsewhere. Also, he urged his members not to

spread rumors, and they agree that they should be positive and truthful. Some are trying to serve

the community more, such as at the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen and in Benton Harbor, and

they are encouraging their youth to be more involved in the community. They plan to work with

churches to bring people together. The Imam also invites anyone to visit the mosque.

Doctoral student Emmanuel Abar said that people in Nigeria wonder where the world is

headed. He noted that 60% of Nigerians are Muslims, so reports of a Muslim travel ban are a

concern in Nigeria. Religious practices vary in the different areas of Nigeria. He also noted that

the attitude of American Adventists towards politics has changed. The idea of an Adventist

running for president is a new idea. In the past, the second coming of Christ was the burning

issue. There actually are more Adventist politicians in Nigeria than America, however, and also

more political divisiveness among Adventists. He cited a specific example of how partisan

politics has led to conflict in the church there.

Atty. Vern Alger discussed the possible repeal of the “Johnson Amendment,” which was

enacted in 1954 during the Eisenhower administration. Repeal would allow churches and

charitable organizations to directly endorse political candidates and be more involved in politics,

with multiple potential church-state ramifications. Eisenhower also signed the 1954 law that

added “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance and separately the 1956 law that made “In God

We Trust” the national motto of the United States and required its inclusion on U.S. currency.

Amb. Nay briefly discussed the history of Adventist interaction with government,

including early debates on whether it was ok to vote, and noted Ellen White’s statement

encouraging young people to run for public office. There are now more Adventists in the

Foreign Service than before, as well as the Chaplain of the Senate, two Adventist members of

Congress (both Democrats), and a member of the Cabinet. Congress itself has become much

more diverse. The chance to be involved is a positive opportunity to act on behalf of justice and

humanity. When asked about Adventists running for office on a party ticket, Nay noted that one

usually cannot be elected without party backing. Candidates need to be highly ethical, however.

When asked how Adventist schools should respond to the idea of vouchers, Dr. Miller

noted that it is important to think about principles, rather than necessarily simply following a

rules-based system. Miller and Nay noted that the Adventist stance on this issue varies from

country to country and even from state to state, and Alger added that one should distinguish

between aid to a school and aid to a student.

Concluding Comments:

Nay: Usually when we hear extremist rhetoric, people are appealing to fear. Learning more

about other believers, no matter their background or religion, is a way to combat extremism.

Alger: Be good citizens, neighbors, and employees. The lack of civility is a national problem.

Christians should inject more civility into society.

Abar: The greatest persecutions have originated from religious communities.

Elsayed: Keep in mind a Muslim saying that “In the middle of darkness, God will send you a

light.” Keep depending on God. We need to hear from each other, not about each other.

Miller: The New York Times suggested that Western civilization faces a crisis involving a loss of

faith in democratic ideals. If we give up republicanism and Protestantism the world will suffer.

Date: August 26, 2017

Speaker: Dr. Herold Weiss

Position: Emeritus Professor of Religious Studies, Saint Mary’s College

Topic: What Is to be Done with Difficult Texts of Scripture?

Number of Attendees: 82

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Intro: Today’s meeting began with a formal thank you and presentation of plaque and gift card to Art Robertson, outgoing Michiana Adventist Forum president. David Grellman, newly elected president, gave the opening remarks and Gary Gray, former VP, gave the presentation.

Program: Dr. Weiss grew up in Argentina where he spent time at the Young People’s Society on Sabbath afternoons. One of the things they stressed was reading the Bible all the way through each year. “It did more for my self-discipline than for my actual knowledge of the Bible,” Weiss stated. Later, he attended the Adventist College in Argentina and took a class on Bible Doctrines. He finished with a nagging feeling he still didn’t know what to do with large portions of the Bible. He decided he needed to learn how to read the Bible in the original language and came to Southern Missionary College on July 4, 1954.

Weiss explained that a text may be difficult because in order to understand it we have to cross three bridges: Language, Time, and Culture. To understand, we use historical and literary tools. But the conclusions drawn from those tools should be reviewed by competent peers. This is the historical-critical method. Sometimes a consensus is difficult even among experts.

The present crisis in Adventism is not due to women’s ordination, LGBT members, or enforcement of traditional Adventist prohibitions (dress, food, entertainment). Instead, it’s due to a self-inflicted incarceration to the idea that because God is the author of the Bible, its wording is infallible, without regard to modern scientific and historical knowledge of the world.

Weiss noted that when he began teaching at Emmanuel Missionary College in 1961, it was NOT believed that the Bible was verbally inspired and infallible. Over the years, this belief has changed and now Fundamental Belief #1 says that the Bible is “the Written Word of God” and that it is “infallible.” Seminary professors have written articles stating that “God is the author of the Bible” (Gerhard Hasel). The General Conference now insists that it is scientifically and historically true. That creates a lot of difficult texts.

Weiss said the Word of God has always been an oral word. The spirit of the Lord inspired the writers and will inspire the reader as well. The Bible has become full of difficult texts because the GC wants us to believe we can’t read the Bible while keeping in mind its historical context. “Most of the difficulties of the Bible have to do with church traditions and dogmas that in actuality contradict what the Bible teaches.”

Weiss gave a series of several texts that gave different or contradictory views on a subject and then asked the audience to decide which had been written by God. He pointed out that in themselves the texts were not difficult, but a hermeneutical presupposition made them difficult.

When the Bible is allowed to function as a testament of faith, written by men, the only difficulties are according to our ability to contextualize the times and language in which it was written. Taking into account the historical context does not detract from the meaning of the Bible, but instead enhances our understanding of those who lived their faith throughout time.

Date: October 21, 2017

Speaker & Title: Adriana Perera, Chair of Music Department, Andrews University

Topic: Contemporary Adventist Music: Facing the Challenge

Number of Attendees: 53

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Professor Perera began by discussing Martin Luther’s enormous contribution to church music. Christian music expresses its theology and conveys our concept of God. Luther’s reformation thus was in both worship and music. He said “My love for music…is abundant and overflowing,” and “Theology and music are most tightly connected.” He wrote biblical stories as songs and composed spiritual children’s songs, seeing music as the most powerful teaching tool for children. He translated old hymns into the vernacular, incorporated popular melodies into sacred music, harmonized for four-part harmony, accepted musical instruments, and invited everyone to sing Christ-centered lyrics, all as a way to teach justification by faith. This was in contrast to the Council of Laodicea (363-64 A.D.), which had banned congregational singing, the use of instruments, and borrowing secular music – prohibitions which lasted for over 1,000 years.

In terms of whether music is inspiring, Perera asked “What do the music and the lyrics convey?” She compared a bouncy lyric of “Holy, Holy…” with a Gregorian chant conveying an image of a solemn and majestic, but distant, God. She read Psalm 150 aloud with emphasis, described psalms and spiritual songs of Israel, Greece, Rome, and the African/Arab tradition, and played a hymn from 200 B.C. that had been inscribed on a gravestone using Greek notation.

Bach, Isaac Watts, William Booth, John Wesley, and the Apostle Paul (Colossians 3:16) all made important sacred music contributions. All were criticized – Watts for using his own words in hymns rather than quoting Scripture. Adventists also need more Christ-centered music. George Knight wrote that the tragedy of Adventism is that we have made the pre-advent judgment a fearful thing built upon a less than biblical understanding of sin, law, perfection, and even the judgment itself. Lack of biblical assurance results. Adventist music has reflected this.

Perera also discussed the influence of culture – the traditions, costumes, attitudes, and behaviors that distinguish a social group, nation, or country. Some react negatively, saying that our worship must not include cultural influences. Even Jesus, however, lived within His culture including in his language (Aramaic, Greek, maybe Egyptian); his food, clothing, and occupation (carpenter); and his use of contemporary literature, both secular and sacred, in his parables. The Adventist guideline regarding music recognizes the contribution of different cultures in worshiping God: “Musical forms and instruments vary greatly in the worldwide SDA family and music drawn from one culture may sound strange to someone from a different culture.” The goal of Christian music is worship, not entertainment; and it should reflect Jesus’ character.

Good sacred music is characterized by quality, balance, appropriateness, and authenticity. There should be quality, not mediocrity! There was a history of musical innovation and work in the early Adventist Church, including the publication of 23 hymnal compilations from 1849-1900. We seem to have lost some of that tradition of creativity, at least here in the United States. Perera gave examples of excellent church music innovations abroad, including in Brazil, Germany, and Spain where musical outreach, musical “clubs,” productions, and hymnals are strengthening the church. We should continue working on theology of worship through music.

As for the music of the Heritage Singers, she asked “Is music not also entertainment?” some may be uplifting, some trivializing, and some relate to individual concepts of what is sacred. Spiritual people will discern spirituality. E.G. White preferred melodies as simple as the songs of birds. It is hard to define specific lines for all, as worship is a spiritual act.

Michiana Adventist Forum