Signs of the Times - November 2024

DO WE

Worship WAR?

a christian perspective on the world today

In this issue November 2024 WHAT IN THE WORLD Pg 04 SHOULD WE STOP THE RACE THAT STOPS THE NATION? Pg 06 MANAGING SCREEN TIME Pg 12 CAN’T GET NO MOTIVATION? Pg 14

DO WE WORSHIP WAR?

The sacred and problematic enshrinement of our military PAGE 32

THE SOUNDTRACK OF MY LIFE Pg 20 PRINCES AND PROPHETS Pg 26 ASK PASTOR JESSE Pg 38 EVERY WEEK’S HUMAN RIGHTS DAY Pg 40 REMEMBERING THOSE WHO FOUGHT NOT TO FIGHT Pg 46

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HEALTH NEWS FOR EVERYBODY Pg 52 A WATERY CONNECTION Pg 54 COULD YOU BE LOW IN VITAMIN B12? Pg 60

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SUDOKU AND CROSSWORD PUZZLE Pg 62

46 FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 2

SIGNSMAG.COM • NOVEMBER 2024

@SIGNSMAG

What are you thankful for?

I find it hard to believe it is November already. In my part of the world, spring has sprung and this month, I celebrate my birthday and my wedding anniversary.

There is so much to be thankful for. And I find that when things are going well in my life, sometimes I take it for granted. An injury, illness or accident can quickly take health or mobility away.

So as the year rushes to its conclusion, I’d like to encourage you to take some time to think about what you’re thankful for. It could be work and relationships.

It could be a significant milestone you’ve reached (or are about to). It could be beauty or balance you’ve noticed around you.

I’ve started a practice called morning pages.

Popularised by Julia Cameron in The Artist’s Way, the idea is basically to write two or three handwritten pages in a journal every morning (or as often as you can) within 15 minutes or so. I will admit to using my laptop at the moment but I’ve been still finding the process so beneficial. The idea is, you just write and try not to stop, within the timeframe.

It helps me take stock of things, and often, things that bother me come out and are worked through on the pages. But the other thing it does is it gives me an opportunity to be thankful. As a man of faith, it often turns into a prayer—of thanks for things going well and for help for things going poorly. This practice has helped me to focus.

Time in prayer, self-reflecting, figuring out how to be a better human, is time worth taking. As another crazy year careens to its end, I encourage you to enjoy this magazine and also to find some time for yourself to reflect and pray.

JARROD STACKELROTH Editor

VOL 138 NO 10

ISSN 1038-9733 EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER Brad Kemp EDITOR Jarrod Stackelroth ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jesse Herford ASSISTANT EDITOR Zanita Fletcher COPYEDITOR Tracey Bridcutt GRAPHIC DESIGN Theodora Pau’u Talia Valderrama PHONE +61 2 9847 2222 EMAIL info@signsmag.com WEBSITE signsmag.com ADDRESS Adventist Media PO Box 1115, Wahroonga New South Wales 2076 SUBSCRIPTIONS Kelli Geelan PHONE +61 3 5965 6300 Australia/New Zealand, $A28/$NZ30; South Pacific countries, $A41; Other countries $A51 Published since 1886, Signs of the Times is printed 11 times a year by the Seventh-day Adventist Church and is registered as a periodical.

Seventh-day Adventist Church (SPD) Limited ABN 59 093 117 689 NOTE The inclusion of a person or their image within does not imply their endorsement of the Seventh-day Adventist Church or its beliefs.

Unless otherwise stated, Bible verses are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, Anglicised.

Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc®. Used by permission of Hodder & Stoughton. All rights reserved worldwide.

COVER IMAGE: Midjourney

WHAT IN THE WORLD

Wellington’s first “wet house” A year ago, New Zealand opened its first “wet house” for homeless people with alcohol addictions. Te Pā Maru houses 18 men and its staff provide residents with mental health services. All other forms of shelters have alcohol bans, leaving those with severe addictions on the streets. City missioner Murray Edridge, said sobriety won’t be the reality for everyone, so it is “harm-reduction focused, which is saying, how do we reduce harm from these individuals to themselves, to their whānau and the harm they create in the community?” When provided with care, connection and something to do, research shows many reduce their alcohol intake over time.—Radio New Zealand

Auctioning off last minutes AUSTRALIA

Emily Lahey, aged 32, was given nine months to live after being diagnosed with a rare carcinoma. She teamed up with the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) in an art installation where strangers paid to sit with her while a timer counted down from three minutes. The staff at ACRF hoped this would highlight the need for research and give those with cancer the gift of more time.

—Australian Cancer Research Foundation 4

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GESEL, SHOTPOT, ADRIEN OLICHON—PEXELS, AUSTRALIAN CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION & WIKICOMMONS

NEW ZEALAND

The weather and your morals UNITED STATES

Researchers from the University of British Columbia analysed responses from Americans, Canadians and Australians, and found that seasonal changes can influence our moral compass. Values that promote social cohesion (purity, loyalty, respect for authority) are embraced more during spring and autumn, coinciding with elevated anxiety levels. Ian Hohm, the study’s first author, said, “The effects on people’s moral values at the individual level are quite small . . . but when everybody is endorsing these values a little bit more, there are large consequences.”—Vox

World record for the Pacific PACIFIC ISLANDS

A record number of Paralympians from the Pacific Islands competed this year at the Paris Olympics. Seven women and six men competed in taekwondo and athletics, inspiring the next generation to rise above challenges.—Pacific News Service

A semi-apology from Meta UNITED STATES

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said he regrets caving to pressures from the US government to censor content on Covid-19 and vaccines. Zuckerberg claims that the Biden administration presured Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to take down certain content and expressed great frustration when he resisted.

Zuckerberg wrote, “I believe the government pressure was wrong, and I regret that we were not more outspoken about it.” Republicans said this is a “big win for free speech”.

—The Guardian NOVEMBER 2024 • SIGNSMAG.COM

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Should we stop t that s

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the race stops the nation?

It’s an Australian institution—but is it finally time to say goodbye to the Melbourne Cup? JESSE HERFORD NOVEMBER 2024 • SIGNSMAG.COM

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There are two sides to the Melbourne Cup

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ALI TALHA—PEXELS

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ver since 1861, thousands of people have gathered once per year at Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, for the “race that stops the nation”. Participants don their Sunday best for the “Fashions on the Field” competition, with ladies sporting fascinators and expensive dresses and men adorned in fine tailored suits. Like the ancient Roman Circus Maximus, it is a day that blends patriotism and sport together to create an almost religious experience.

Edward Gibbon said in The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire that despite the influence of Christianity, even in the fifth century AD, the Romans “still considered the Circus as their home, their temple, and the seat of the republic”. In secular Australia, such a claim could just as easily be made. Like the Roman circus, sporting institutions like the Melbourne Cup serve as a galvanising moment for Aussies (and Kiwis alike). Many an office closes for the afternoon, friendly wagers are made and for a few hours, the entire nation pauses to attend the church of horse whips, leather and gambling. And like the Circus Maximus, the Melbourne Cup often ends with violence.1 The Cup’s 2024 winner can expect to earn $A4.4 million, with second place getting $1.1 million.2 In 2020, Aussies collectively bet $221.6 million, which is only one-third of the $667.3 million spent across the Cup’s fourday run. The following year, $724.1 million was spent.3 Though gambling companies earn a large chunk of

that money, there’s a government incentive to keep the Cup going. Victoria alone earned $468.3 million in 2023—the most it’s ever earned from the Cup and the most the Victorian government earned from a single event all year long.4 All this isn’t even to mention the big picture of gambling in Australia and the on-average $6 billion the federal government earns from gambling tax each year.5

suits and slaughterhouses

There are two sides to the Melbourne Cup: the side that is televised to the nation, and the behind-thescenes side that until recently, was an open secret.

On the one hand, the Cup is undoubtedly an impressive show. From fine dining, musical events and more, it’s a chance for the average (paying) attendee to pretend to be glamorous for a day. It’s also a popular calendar date for the rich and famous. The Cup has hosted many such people throughout the years, including Princess Diana (1985), Paris Hilton (2003), Eva Longoria (2005) and even Snoop Dogg (2008). For all the money that the Cup makes, it’s easy to see the appeal.

On the other hand, the Cup has started to become emblematic for the kind of excesses many now find unpalatable. With the rising cost of living and the wealth inequality gap widening, people (especially younger people) are less excited to celebrate what was once seen as aspirational make-believe. As Dr Katie Greena-

way, a psychology lecturer at the University of Melbourne, says, “In recent years, though, the meaning of the race has changed in people’s minds. It’s become controversial, associated with things people don’t want to be associated with, like animal cruelty, gambling problems and wealth disparity.”6 We could also add to the list: problem drinking, drug use as well as general excess and depravity.

the great wealth transfer

It shouldn’t be lost on us that the millions of dollars in revenue the Cup generates each year doesn’t come out of thin air—the vast majority comes from punters’ pockets. Each year, Australians lose around $25 billion on gambling. That’s not even mentioning the social losses it incurs, such as the financial impact, cost to relationships, mental health and productivity. In Victoria alone, those extra costs (as of 2017) were estimated to be around $7 billion.7 The researchers for the study are quick to remind us that it’s not just the gambler who suffers but also their friends, colleagues, family and wider community.

meat for the grinder

One of the uncomfortable questions in horse racing, as in any sport involving animals, is what happens to the animal once it is no longer fit to compete.8 Until 2019, Racing Australia claimed the vast majority of its unfit horses were literally “put out to NOVEMBER 2024 • SIGNSMAG.COM

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of the slaughterhouses, the horses were treated with incredible cruelty.

I’ll spare you the grisly details, but I can’t help but be reminded of the analogy I made at the beginning of the Roman Circus Maximus. At the circus, the athletes and animals alike were likewise fodder for gruesome violence—but out in the open, for all to see. It feels even more sickening to consider how glamorous horse racing is in public, yet how cruel it is behind closed doors. Some called for a Royal Commission when the investigation was released but according to the RSPCA,10 there have been steps to reform the industry, particularly in Queensland and Victoria—though much more needs to be done.

flush with cash

Of course, as has been mentioned multiple times already, the only reason the Cup is as popular as it is,

ALI TALHA—GETTY IMAGES

pasture”, with less than one per cent ending up at an abattoir—equating to around 34 horses per year. Horses slaughtered this way end up as either dog food or exported overseas. This all changed when the ABC conducted an investigation9 that found the number of horses ending up in a slaughterhouse far exceeded what was originally claimed. The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses told the ABC that at a single abattoir, more than 34 horses were killed in a single week, and at least 4000 in a year—again, at just one abattoir.

Despite numerous laws passed at both state and federal level designed to ensure industry accountability and protect the animals, it was revealed in the investigation that thousands of perfectly healthy horses ended up inhumanely slaughtered—simply because it was cheaper than rehoming. It was found that in many

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is because of the revenue it generates and the primary way it generates said revenue is through gambling. Sponsors have been a major part of that equation but following the ABC investigation, many brands are quietly distancing themselves from the Cup—such as Myer, who has sponsored the event for 40 years.11 The retailer isn’t alone, with Country Road, AAMI and Network 10 all either discontinuing their partnerships with the Melbourne Cup or scaling back their involvement. From a grassroots level, the Nup to the Cup movement has gained traction in recent years, supported by the Greens and independent parliamentarians. Nup to the Cup promotes holding a party in lieu of a traditional Melbourne Cup Day and many are taking them up on the offer. On their website, they say, “We’re asking people who really care about animals (not just horses) to use this day to remember and respect the important role that all animals play in our world.”

Sadly, like many Australian traditions, the Melbourne Cup is stained with an ugly undercoat. I’ll admit, those words are difficult to write. I’m proud of my heritage. I honestly believe Australians have much to offer the world. As elegant and glamorous as the Cup appears, its reality is predictably grim. If you Google “Melbourne Cup aftermath”, you’ll be greeted with thousands of images of people trudging through garbage, high or hungover, committing random acts of stupidity or just

passed out, face-down in the grass.

Is this really the best we as a country can offer?

As Nup to the Cup argues, the Melbourne Cup brings out the worst in us. The catastrophic problems of gambling addiction, alcohol-anddrug-fuelled violence, as well as the grotesque treatment of animals is a damning picture.

Perhaps it really is time to say “Nup” to the Cup. What do you think? If you’d like to share your thoughts on the Melbourne Cup, Nup to the Cup or anything else, scan this code.

Jesse Herford is a pastor and associate editor for the Australia/New Zealand edition of Signs of the Times. He lives in Canberra, Australia with his wife, daughter and miniature schnauzer.

1. <abc.net.au/news/2019-10-17/racehorses-sent-slaughterhouses-contravention-racing-rules/11611688> 2. <sportingnews.com/au/horse-racing/news/melbournecup-prize-money-2023-winners-purse/fbe767ee5e1dda545b67c20b> 3. <thelatch.com.au/how-much-do-people-gamble-on-themelbourne-cup> 4. <thoroughbrednews.com.au/news/story/record-return-from-the-2023-melbourne-cup-carnival-162738?section=industry> 5. <statista.com/statistics/1207348/australia-annual-government-revenue-from-gambling/> 6. <theguardian.com/sport/2022/oct/30/ambivalence-towards-horse-racing-leaves-melbourne-cup-half-full> 7. <aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-welfare/gambling> 8. It should be noted that “fit to compete” doesn’t necessarily mean the horse has suffered an injury or a health condition.

Most thoroughbreds have a “racing life” of two to three years but can live up to 30 years—or beyond.

9. <abc.net.au/news/2019-10-17/racehorses-sent-slaughterhouses-contravention-racing-rules/11611688> 10. <rspca.org.au/latest-news/blog/racehorse-welfarewhats-happened-final-race-was-aired-abc/> 11. <theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/nov/05/melbourne-cup-2023-race-day-businesses-brands-step-back>

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how to win at parenting

Managing screen time show on Netflix? Perhaps you’re worried about the impact screen time has on them.

“Most of us spent our childhoods

SOURCE

unplugged and staring at the sky, not a

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screen,” says Dr Kristy Goodwin, a digital

wellbeing expert. “So our natural tendency SIGNSMAG.COM • NOVEMBER 2024

is to worry about a childhood filled with screen time, because it’s very different to the childhood we experienced. We

assume that because it’s different, it must be ‘bad’ for them. That’s simply not the case.”

As with most things in life, it’s difficult

to give a blanket statement and declare something “good” or “bad”. Screen time

KAMPUS—PEXELS

Are you tired of feeling guilty for letting

your kid play with an iPad or watch a

for kids is no different, although most media reports tend to say otherwise.

“We’re bombarded by news reports

and headlines that claim screen time is toxic and harmful for kids,” says Dr

Goodwin. “As a researcher in this field, I

want to assure you that this is not what

the neuroscience tells us at this point in

time. These headlines are inflammatory

and incite parental panic. Sadly, studies showing the positive impact of tech-

nology and its effect on kids and teens is often overlooked by the media and

doesn’t make for good clickbait. So it’s

little wonder that mums are left riddled with techno-guilt.”

Of course, that doesn’t mean children

should be allowed unlimited access to screen time. Physical activity and real, in-person interaction are still highly

Here are 7 things to keep in mind: 1. Consider the quality of the content they are consuming, over the quantity of their screen time.

2. While not obsessing over quantity, they should still avoid excessive screen time. How much is excessive? When it impacts on their sleep, physical movement levels, language and social skills, as well as their fine and gross motor skills.

3. Model and offer something better.

prioritised. What this simply means is that

4. Establish rules and boundaries.

about the “damage” we

5. Identify no-go tech zones.

by handing over the

6. Watch out for eye strain.

focus on helping

7. Provide age-appropriate access.

beneficial for children and should be

rather than feeling guilty and obsessing are causing our kids device, we should them develop

healthy technology habits.

Melody Tan is project manager of Mums At The Table. She lives in Sydney with her husband and their primary-school-aged son.

Mums At The Table is a multimedia initiative aimed at supporting mothers in their parenting journey through parenting resources, as well as connecting with mums through local events. For more parenting tips, visit <mumsatthetable.com>.

NOVEMBER 2024 • SIGNSMAG.COM

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Can’t get no motivation?

The deeper problem behind your lack of motivation, and how you can solve it.

BRUCE MANNERS

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I

f you can’t get motivated, you aren’t alone. The people at Therapy Central recognise that many of us struggle with feelings of “nothing gets me going”, “I don’t care about anything” or “I just don’t care about getting out of bed”. In these situations, keeping motivated can be a chore.

The good news is that whether the cause is from such things as depression, burnout, fear of failure or some other factors that have reduced your willpower, they can be worked on. The solution will differ depending on the cause, but there are ways you can tackle the problem—and that’s important. “Having to literally force yourself to get up in the morning and get to work, not giving your 100 per cent, not using your time efficiently, these are just some of the consequences of low motivation.”1 And it’s important to understand the why—or cause—to work on the issue.

It’s helpful to recognise that there are two types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. “Intrinsic motivation occurs when you want to do something that satisfies you. You’re thinking of your own wellbeing and interests. If you care about animals, for example, intrinsic self-motivation might spur you to volunteer at a local pet shelter.”2 Intrinsic motivation is centred on you and what you want to do. Extrinsic motivation, in contrast, comes from external forces, which could

PRISCILLA DU PREEZ—UNSPLASH

understanding motivation

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be your workplace—setting goals or rewards. Here are some examples:

intrinsic motivation • • • •

Picking up new hobbies that interest you.

Following a self-care routine to feel better.

Helping someone move from one house to another.

Playing on a community sports team for fun.

extrinsic motivation •

Working toward a work bonus.

• Finishing all your tasks at work to avoid being disciplined.

• Sticking to the trail while hiking to avoid fines.

• Following a trend because of social pressure.

Leadership coach Elizabeth Perry sees a link between motivation and inspiration. “Inspiration influences how you feel. It’s something that catches your eye, makes you curious and moves you to get creative or consider taking action.

“Motivation, on the other hand, is the reasoning behind your actions, like the reason you felt compelled to go to college or push for your next promotion. Inspiration is a pulling force that tugs you in a new direction, while motivation is a driving force that pushes you to actually move in that direction and set new goals.

“Motivation is something you have 16

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to work to sustain. Inspiration, on the other hand, makes you creative, energetic and joyful, and your positive feelings influence you to set new goals. Inspiration tends to be short term, but for employees, it is paramount. Research shows that it would take nine uninspired employees to do the work of four inspired employees.”3 That’s something employers need to recognise and work out how to assist in building inspiration.

a whole-of-life approach

In his book, Motivation, Stefan Falk, a performance coach working mainly with business people and elite athletes, makes an important point: “The clients I work with who seem to have the most relaxed view of their work demands are the ones who actively maintain and pursue other priorities that are just as strong, whether they are family, friends or hobbies. Note: I am not talking about clients who only say they have other priorities (which most do), but clients who actively pursue them.

“Does this give them a better work-life balance? Yes, for sure. But an even more profound benefit is that they accelerate their skills and self-awareness, becoming more effective across all their priorities.”4 Healthcare ethicist Jen Zamzow goes further and asks questions about the excuses we make and suggests that “if we make excuses too convenient, we’ll let ourselves off the hook too often”. On the other hand, “making the default ‘yes’ for

our priorities makes us more likely to follow through”.

She adds, “For life to be good, we need to do more than just subtract the negative; we also need to add the positive. We need meaning, connection, joy, purpose and awe.

“But pursuing these values can sometimes require the kind of slow, hard, awkward and deep work that makes our resistance cringe.

Our resistance will try to grab onto any excuse it can for why we can’t or shouldn’t or don’t need to do the work right now.”

She suggests that making our default position “yes” “lowers the decision-making burden” and that changes things.

For instance, “Suppose I really want to get in shape, but I don’t

usually find myself having a hankering for going to the gym or going outside for a walk. Instead of just waiting around for exercise inspiration to strike, I can make working out my default choice and then not let myself override it unless I have a really good reason.”5 Saying “yes” to what’s important to you can make a difference.

Joyce Marter from Mental Wealth adds that to keep motivated, we should embrace both the challenges and triumphs along the way. “By embracing setbacks with a growth mindset, you can cultivate resilience, deepen self-awareness and gain a better understanding of your circumstances.”

And, going further, she says, “Embrace life’s complexity: accept

Motivation is the reasoning behind your actions

Boosting motivation Life coach Elizabeth Perry suggests several strategies we can use to boost our motivation. They include: setting clear and specific goals; visualising success; using positive affirmations (positive self-talk); being organised; maintaining a healthy lifestyle; rewarding yourself when you reach a milestone; and being AELSEY KUPRIKOV—PEXELS

persistent—don’t let failure demotivate you.6

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and appreciate life’s intricate, multifaceted nature rather than seek simplistic, black-and-white interpretations. Acknowledge the diversity of experiences, perspectives and emotions that make up the human experience.”

Then, she adds, “Focus on progress, not perfection: If you keep waiting for something to be perfect (like your athletic performance, business plan or resumé), you may never put it out in the world. At some point, it has to be good enough, and you have to pull the trigger.”7

one brick at a time

John Heywood (c. 1497-1580) was an English playwright remembered for his poems, proverbs and plays.

However, it’s his popular sayings that have lasted: “the more the merrier”; “many hands make light work”; and “out of sight, out of mind”. He also came up with “Rome was not built in a day.”

Writer James Clear notes that, “Typically, people use the phrase ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ to remind someone of the time needed to create something great. And it’s true.

It takes time—sometimes years—to master a skill, craft or habit.

“And while it’s good to keep perspective on your dreams, I think it’s better to remember the other side of this story: Rome wasn’t built in a day, but they were laying bricks every hour. The problem is that it can be really easy to overestimate the

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importance of building your Roman empire and underestimate the importance of laying another brick.”

It’s just another brick. Why worry about it? Much better to think about the dream of Rome. Right?

“Actually, Rome is just the result, the bricks are the system. The system is greater than the goal.”

Focusing on your habits is more important than worrying about your outcomes.

“Of course, there’s nothing necessarily impressive about laying a brick. It’s not a fantastic amount of work. It’s not a grand feat of strength or stamina or intelligence. Nobody is going to applaud you for it.

“But laying a brick every day, year after year? That’s how you build an empire.”8 And understanding that can help keep you motivated.

Bruce Manners is an author, retired pastor and former editor of the Australia/New Zealand edition of Signs of the Times. He is based in Lilydale, Victoria.

1. <therapy-central.com/2023/06/25/overcoming-lack-ofmotivation-6-common-causes-and-ways-to-get-motivated> 2. <betterup.com/blog/examples-of-motivation-and-inspiration> 3. Op Cit. 4. Stefan Falk, Motivation: How to Love Your Work and Succeed Like Never Before, Macmillan, UK, 2023.

5. <psychologytoday.com/au/blog/a-well-lived-life/202403/ are-you-too-good-at-making-excuses> 6. <betterup.com/blog/author/elizabeth-perry> 7. <psychologytoday.com/au/blog/mental-wealth/202403/ how-to-stay-motivated-on-your-self-improvement-journey> 8. <jamesclear.com/lay-a-brick>

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The soundtrack of my life The story of how music has shaped me.

JADE WALES

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SUPPLIED

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I

was eight years old when I first experienced the influence of music in a profound way. It had physical effects on me. Listening to it made my heart beat faster or slower and would sometimes raise the hairs on my arms. But even more than that, it had a way of speaking to what I was going through as a child.

The first song that really moved me was “Numb” by Lincoln Park.

Although it’s not a song I would gravitate towards today, at that stage of my life, it encapsulated the very thoughts and feelings I was wrestling with as a young boy experiencing violence in my home. I remember some of the lyrics that resonated with me: “All I want to do Is be more like me And be less like you, Can’t you see that you’re smothering me, Holding too tightly, afraid to lose control?”

When I listened to the lyrics of this song, I felt like I had finally been seen and understood. Around that time, I was trying to make sense of the anger, manipulation and control that was happening in my family.

Music became my therapeutic outlet and it wasn’t long until I began writing songs. First, I wrote my own lyrics over the soundtrack “Numb”.

prophets and poets

Songwriting became an intrinsic

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part of my life and I started to survey my circumstances as a soundscape.

Whether things were beautiful or chaotic, everything seemed to have musical notes hanging from it. Life was like a song, playing in motion.

Around that time, my older brother was invited to join a church youth group. Soon after, he was baptised and took on the role of lead singer in the worship band. I’ll never forget the first time I heard him lead out in song up the front. It stirred something deep within me. It was as if worship awakened a dormant part of my soul, a sense of connection and purpose that had been absent until that moment.

More than 2500 years ago, a prophet named Zephaniah penned these words that we now read in the Bible: “The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).

to this very idea. My chorus reads: “I will sing forever, We will sing together Of our love story, And how much You mean to me Those who are in love Write love songs to sing And this would be Our love song For all eternity.”

New Testament scholar NT Wright said, “Some theologians have suggested that the act of creation is akin to a divine song, with God’s voice infusing the universe with harmony, beauty and purpose.” Now that’s a song I would have loved to have heard. And if that’s true, then it means the very world we live in is composed of God’s words materialising.

the music of creation

Stand under the canopy of an ancient family of trees and you are

Music became my therapeutic outlet SUPPLIED

Have you ever imagined a God Who sings? Not just sings but pours love ballads over you with triumphant gladness. We often hear in the creative industry that nothing is original. But if God created everything, then He is the producer who our inspiration comes from. His music is original.

Another ancient poetic text describes God’s thoughts about His children—namely, you and I. It reads: “How precious are your thoughts towards me oh God, how great is the sum of them. Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand” (Psalm 139:17,18).

Just for a moment, forget about all the preconceived ideas you have about who God is and what He’s like. When you think of these two texts, what is the picture of God that comes to mind? Take a moment to close your eyes and imagine.

I stopped to do the same, and being the songwriter I am, was inspired to write a song in response

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As much as I love writing songs, I also find it daunting. It requires me to open my journal for the world to read. In my hopes to reach those who are hurting, I first have to be vulnerable and share my brokenness.

If I want others to feel acknowledged and understood, I must enter their world and empathise with their struggles. This is the example Jesus lived for us, “a man of suffering and familiar with pain . . . surely He took up our pain and bore our suffering” (Isaiah 53:3,4).

But as daunting as it is, it’s an incredible thing to be able to meet people where they’re at, wherever they are in their life’s song and to help them feel seen through music.

Just as I experienced as a boy.

You and I are dearly loved children of God, and our lives are like an original song in the making. Tension and release, sobering minor chord moments and major, mountaintop breakthroughs.

It’s easy to forgo silence and lose sight of the beauty in the world that God has made. It’s easy to miss the beautiful song He is weaving together in our lives. But if we turn our ears to Him, become more aware, more curious and attuned to His voice, we will move away from the discordant towards a collective harmony of love.

Why not listen out for His voice?

Jade Wales is a musician in the indie folk band One Glory. He lives with his wife Adriana in Northern New South Wales and together they write songs about faith, hope and love.

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surrounded by the articulation of God’s mouth. “For when he spoke, and it came to be; It appeared at his command” (Psalm 33:9). Behold the warm glow of sunset sitting on the horizon and you are experiencing the result of God opening His mouth. As the English poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning said, “Earth’s crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God, but only he who sees takes off his shoes.”

We live in an age of productivity and usefulness, where the arts are seen as merely a hobby or an unnecessary decor to one’s life. Something dispensable. Something to sit on a dusty bookshelf. But that’s not how God created the earth to be. God created the awe-inspiring beauty around us with intentionality. He created colours, textures and sounds . . . and if you ask me, that sounds a lot like music.

I believe music is intrinsic to human flourishing. And I’ve devoted my life’s work to being a songwriter and to write about what matters most in this life: faith, hope and love.

Each of our lives has a soundtrack. Just as life has high and low notes, so does music. Just as time is measured by movement, so is music. Music falls apart without a rhythm, and life would cease to exist without motion. Music is a kind of emotional time travel. With each musical note, there is either a statement being made, or a question being asked, extending the scale from major to minor.

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25

Princes

and prophets

Some people think prophets are just scam artists, but what if they’re the real deal?

JUSTIN BONE

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—GETTY IMAGES

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27

I

read about a scam recently.

Someone will email 10,000 people to tell them they knew who would win a particular football match. Half of the envelopes would say one team, half of the envelopes would say the other. Once the game is played, 5000 people now believe you are good at guessing the results of a game. So, the scammer does it again. Predicts the outcome of a game next week and sends an email to half of those 5000 people saying one team will win, and to the other 2500, that their opponents will win. They get it right for half of them; now they have 2500 people who have seen them get two guesses right in a row. Do that two more times and you will have 650 people who have seen you guess four games in a row accurately. Then the fifth email says, “Send me your money and I will bet it on the game, and you can be sure I’ll know the outcome.” Of course, they disappear with your money once you give it

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to them. The scam works because it builds confidence in what will happen based on what the scammer has accurately predicted.

Most scams work similarly and for the same reason—people want to know what will happen in the future.

While the future can be exciting— containing all kinds of unexpected surprises—its uncertainty can also be unsettling for many. People look at their horoscopes, visit psychics or watch the weather forecasts just to help understand the future so that they are not surprised by it.

Life tends to not often let us get away with this unfortunately and sometimes seems to perversely delight in surprising us. I think God, being considerate of this, gives some people a little advanced knowledge.

Those people have been described as having the gift of prophecy. We often expect prophets to be able to see the future clearly for our benefit.

But I never saw a prophet winning

what?

First and foremost, God communicates with His people through them.

In some way God lets someone know that He has a message for His people and gives it to those He has selected to share that message.

who?

Hebrews 1:1 says, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways.” God could speak in a dream as He did to Daniel when He showed him animals that represented the coming kingdoms in history (Daniel 2), or a vision like Isaiah who saw into God’s throne room (Isaiah 6), or maybe even as a still small voice like the one Elijah heard (1 Kings 19).

why?

There seem to be several themes we see repeated in the messages prophets deliver. First, God sends prophets to His people when they forget about Him. He calls them back to true worship and away from worship of false deities that were being worshipped by the people living around them. Sometimes this message was given in dramatic acting out of messages in a prophet’s life. Hosea is told by God to marry a woman who would cheat on him as an object lesson to His people that were behaving in the same way toward God. God isn’t shy about telling people what could happen if they continue to reject Him and His protection.

The second theme is of God calling His people back to Him. These messages call on God’s people to make amends for being unfaithful and come back to the love of God. Jeremiah passes on the message to

I never saw a prophet winning the lottery . . . so, if they aren’t here to make us rich, what are prophets for?

NOVEMBER 2024 • SIGNSMAG.COM

MIKHAIL NILOV—PEXELS

the lottery, so I suspect prophecy might serve some other purpose. So, if they aren’t here to make us rich, what are prophets for?

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return to God. “‘Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and will bring you back from captivity’” (Jeremiah 29:12–14).

The third main theme is that God will one day return to save His people and that He will make a better world where they can live without fear, death, sickness or tears. He will make sure that justice is finally done and that everything wrong is put right.

This is often called the “day of the Lord”; a day of judgement and justice.

“The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord” (Joel 2:31). Great in its awe, dreadful for those receiving judgement—but ultimately full of hope for those who have suffered at the hands of evil. Those who belong to God will be healed and saved. It is this third theme that draws a lot of attention as God will often describe events surrounding the future, some of which humanity has now lived through and can be confirmed to have come to pass. This is remarkable, because between you and I, the horoscope never seemed to mean anything, but biblical prophecy turning into history gives me confidence that the messages from God are the real deal. If He can predict the march of nations through time as he has in Daniel 2, then I can trust the other words of the Bible too.

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was Jesus a prophet?

While Hebrews tells us how prophets spoke in the past, it says something interesting about Jesus.

“But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe” (Hebrews 1:2). This seems to say that as well as being the Son of God, Jesus also had the gift of prophecy, and was a prophet, meaning He had a message from God for His people.

His message certainly matches all of the main themes we have. Jesus called people to repentance. Matthew 15:8,9 shows Jesus speaking to the church people saying, “These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.” Luke 5:31,32 says, “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’” This was Jesus’ way of calling us to stop worshipping strange gods or even our own desires—and return to God. Perhaps most remarkably, Jesus called people into the kingdom of God now. “Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can

Lord to come, His day, the day when He would return to put all things right. John 14 shows us Jesus telling His disciples that on that day He would return, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

I think we can conclude that Jesus was a prophet, giving a message that is still relevant to us today—but that He was also much more than just a prophet. He is my Lord and Saviour, and the King of both my heart and the universe. We should turn back to the Lord, and then we can have confidence in the day He comes again that we will be with Him forever!

Justin Bone supports and trains pastors and congregations around Victoria, Australia, for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He is passionate about helping people understand the Bible better.

FREEPIK.COM

be observed, nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There!” for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you’” (Luke 17:20,21). He preached a message of love and acceptance, teaching that the defining mark of His disciples should be the love they have for each other. And of course, Jesus taught about the day of the

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DO WE

Worship

WAR?

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JARROD STACKELROTH NOVEMBER 2024 • SIGNSMAG.COM

ROSS SNEDDON—UNSPLASH

As Western nations all around the world abandon their religion, another religion rises: a nationalised faith centred on war. In the face of increasing secularisation, will this religion fill the void?

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E

dinburgh Castle sits proudly on the hill overlooking the city.

Buildings and tourist shops crowd its feet, right up to the gate, where the square is being prepared for the famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Before you enter the castle, you walk through an unnatural framework cage, reaching into the sky, where grandstands will be set up for the spectacle of kilt-clad, bagpipe-playing soldiers marching back and forth. Crowds flock to the spot for entry into this famed castle.

It is a Scottish summer: the sky grey, the wind bracing.

Edinburgh Castle is, in a sense, a modern castle, built more for prestige than to repel an invading army. It is also still a working castle, hosting army battalions and events of state. We gather with crowds of people around us, near the tiny chapel as well as below us, to watch

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the gun salute. On the lower level, where a cannon waits in anticipation, a soldier brings some people past the barricades and they get a close-up look of the ceremony. Another soldier marches out a huge shell and proceeds to load the artillery piece. Eventually, the gun is fired; a resounding boom that carries for miles across the peaceful-looking city below.

Behind where we are standing is a large, neo-gothic style structure, with darkened windows and a deep sense of mystery. The style is different from the rest of the buildings, so we take a look.

The line is not long and soon we’re inside a massive hall, with walls reaching heavenward, crowned with arches. This is the war memorial, with all the gravitas of a cathedral.

A deep sense of mystery rests on the basilica. The vaulted ceilings and

take me to church

At 11am on November 11, light shines through a gap in the roof of the Melbourne shrine illuminating the word “love” in a quote with biblical origins set into an open box on the floor—“Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Gathering in the pre-dawn light, laying wreaths and lighting candles, spending time in contemplative silence, even hymns and poems with special meaning attached—there are a lot of elements shared by religious observance and military memorial services.

The West has largely lost its connection to traditional religion but having a common national story that pulls everyone together seems to be the void that these commemorations fill.

I asked Dr Daniel Reynaud, an emeritus professor at Avondale University who has studied and written several books on Anzac history, why war memorials are such an important cultural site in Western culture.1 “They help us remember and celebrate events that have taken on a meaning that transcends the actual event,” he said. “In effect, they contribute to the national mythology in a way that matters.”

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long stained-glass windows make the building seem bigger inside than it did out.

Colourful scenes depicting servicemen—army, air force and navy—mingled with religious imagery play out in each alcove, enhancing further the feel of being on holy ground. Ushers man the floor of each room, ensuring quietness and a strict no photo/video policy is adhered to.

The quiet adds to the gravitas of the place.

In many ways, it is a religious experience, bringing up feelings of sorrow for lost life, gratitude, freedom, nostalgia, all mixed up in a heady cocktail of emotion.

Scotland is an increasingly-secular country. In a 2022 census, 51.5 per cent of its citizens selected “no religion” as their belief system. Yet, even as Western countries lose the faith that once informed the construction of many of these memorials, their dignity and significance remains. The National War Memorial in Canberra, ACT, and the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Victoria, have the same sense of “holiness”—meaning set apart, dedicated or consecrated to a religious purpose.

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The West has largely lost its connection to religion

Former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison called the National War Memorial in Canberra the “soul of the nation”.

“It is sacred to us all,” he said in 2018. “It transcends politics—it transcends all of us.”2 The days that we celebrate those events are especially “religious”. “[Days like Anzac Day and Remembrance Day] embody the classical elements of religion: an ideology that appeals to something greater than ourselves, saints and heroes, rituals, sacred places and pilgrimages, relics and a popular dogma,” said Dr Reynaud.

“I think that honouring the sacrifices that people have made on behalf of their community is valuable,” he continued. “That includes what people have done in war. But it should also include what firefighters, police officers, emergency services, medical personnel and teachers do on a day-to-day basis.”

While these are some of the positive aspects of these memorialised days, academics have noticed some of the dangers in the increasing religiosity of war commemoration.

altars of sacrifice

KS Inglis in his book Sacred Places: War Memorials in the Australian Landscape, describes the phenomenon as a civil religion and calls out the growing “cult of Anzac”.

There is a danger that these kinds of commemorative events can be hijacked to mythologise and glorify 36

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war, nationalise populations and foment violence.

“Mythologising war can be a dangerous tool in the hands of an aggressive nationalism that channels discontent into violence against any group perceived as ‘the other’,” said Dr Reynaud. “Hitler did it, Stalin did it and many modern leaders are currently doing it—in Russia, China, North Korea, but also particular politicians across Europe, America and even Australia.”

Of course, mythologising war isn’t an end unto itself—it’s key in mobilising a population toward a common goal, even if that goal is not in the best interests of the population. To stop this from happening, Dr Reynaud suggests we must become more comfortable telling the complete and unvarnished truth about the good and bad in our history.

“The best way [to balance the dangers and positives] in my opinion is to tell the truth. For example, not all the Anzacs were heroic: some were downright criminal; others were incompetent. One-in-five were born in the UK and their accents were common across the AIF. They fought to keep Australia white—an idea that was virtually unquestioned at the time but now is lost from view.

One-in-four-or-five was actively Christian. Four-out-of-five were from cities and towns, not the bush.”

the whole truth and nothing but the truth

There are many assumptions and

misconceptions that have grown up around the Anzac legend over the years including those just listed.

Interestingly, Dr Reynaud points to the Bible as a good example of how to honour and commemorate important stories while at the same time, telling the warts-and-all truth.

“I think the Bible is brilliant in the way that it can honour men and women of faith without having to whitewash their behaviour or character,” he said. “We can do the same with war memorialisation.”

The “heroes” of the Bible are always described alongside their flaws and failings. Abraham, the father of the nation of Israel, tried to protect his life by offering his wife to foreign kings; King David was a murderer and adulterer; even Peter denied Jesus.

Being realistic about our national heroes can help us balance a sense of awe and appreciation for their sacrifice with an understanding that not everything was perfect—and that we all have an opportunity to make positive changes in our society.

All the imperfect heroes in the Bible were used by God and their stories still inspire today. Perhaps our Western societies can still learn a thing or two from the Bible.

Jarrod Stackelroth is the editor of the Australia/New Zealand edition of Signs of the Times and Adventist Record.

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1. For another great piece on this topic by Dr Reynaud, visit <signsmag.com/2021/03/why-shall-we-never-forget-them>.

2. <independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/anzac-religion-unfitting-in-multicultural-australia,18717>.

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As a pastor, there are questions I’ve encountered over and over again, sometimes about the Bible but usually about everyday life. If you’ve never had the opportunity to ask a pastor tough questions this is the right place. I’ll do my best to respond authentically and biblically!

What’s the best translation of the Bible?

Anonymous user from Reddit There isn’t one “best” translation.

Every translation exists on a spectrum, with one side being “as close to the original text as possible” and the other being “as close to the original meaning as possible”. You’d think those are the same thing—but they aren’t. Translations like the NASB or the NRSV stick pretty close to what the original words meant, whereas the NLT or NIV attempt to take those words and convey them in a way that modern readers will be able to best understand. Then there are paraphrases like The Message that go to the far end of that spectrum!

Check out <biblegateway.com> or <biblehub.com> to see which translations you resonate with most.

Plus, they’re free!

How should I pray? Are there certain things I should be saying or doing while praying? I’m autistic and having things explained to me helps me understand it and feel more secure doing it. Laurie, Perth, Australia There is no “right” way to pray to God but there are a few “wrong” ways. Prayer isn’t like asking things 38

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from Santa. We also don’t get any brownie points for repeating ourselves, praying for long periods of time or generally “putting on a show”. God isn’t impressed with theatrics because He’s really just interested in our heart. When you pray, are you sincere? Are you honest with yourself and with God? Do you truly wish to see the world through His eyes, to allow Him to shape you?

Prayer is also an opportunity to respond to God’s good work in you.

When you spend time in the presence of a friend or a spouse, over time you will become more like them. Whether it’s a small mannerism or an oftrepeated turn of phrase, we become like those we spend time with. The same is true of God. The more we spend time with Him, whether in prayer or reading the Bible (or both!), we will naturally become more like God.

My best advice would be to forget about the ritual and focus on the One you want to connect to. Find a place where you can sit in peace and remove any distractions that might get in the way. Focus on what God has to say to you now, and you will find many treasures in that time.

I’m a Shia Muslim and I’m looking into other faiths, including Christianity. I’ve been raised to refrain from pork—so, would it be bad if I continued that?

Anonymous user from Reddit Eating pork is not a prerequisite to becoming a Christian. Neither is drinking alcohol, even though some Christians do that. Many people groups including Muslims, Jews and

some Christians like myself refrain from eating certain foods. Eating or drinking certain things doesn’t mean you’re a “good” or “bad” Christian; the main prerequisite is believing in Jesus as the Lord and Saviour of your life. As a Seventh-day Adventist, I don’t eat pig products. It is a stance encouraged in our faith, with some biblical grounds (that we probably don’t have space to debate here) but also personal and health reasons. So, if you find Christianity attractive, you can continue refraining from foods you are culturally uncomfortable with.

In fact, I’d recommend it. The more you learn about Christianity, the more you’ll be able to figure out which issues are super important core things, and which things are just cultural.

Will my dog be in heaven? Louise,

Sydney, Australia I sincerely wish I knew the answer to that question. Sadly, I don’t but I have always liked the quote from American commentator Will Rogers: “If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”

Of course, a biblical view on death is more sophisticated than this but I still love the sentiment.

Want to get your question published in the next issue?

Ask Jesse a question by scanning the code!

NOVEMBER 2024 • SIGNSMAG.COM

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Every week’s human rights day 40

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NATHAN BROWN NOVEMBER 2024 • SIGNSMAG.COM

SEBASTIAN—PEXELS

How the ancient practice of the Sabbath is a modern reminder of your human rights—and your responsibility to your fellow human beings.

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A

rticle 24 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a counterpoint to the previous article in the Declaration that recognises the right to work and to do so in fair conditions. After affirming the human right to work, Article 24 reads, “Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.” It is a recognition that human beings are not intended to work incessantly, nor should they need to or be required to.

At its simplest, the practice of Sabbath as the weekly cessation of work described in the Bible counts “among the first laws to protect the rights of labourers”1—and is a practice that fits with Article 24. But the Bible’s concept of Sabbath was much more than a regular day off.

In his classic study of Sabbath in the modern world, Abraham Joshua Heschel urged that “there are few ideas in the world of thought which contain so much spiritual power as the idea of the Sabbath”.2 Such is the

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spiritual power of Sabbath that it also has significant social and economic implications. Even if ignored or misunderstood today, Sabbath was a key Jewish contribution to the antecedents of human rights from the ancient world. “No ancient society before the Jews had a day of rest.”3

the seventh day

The practice of Sabbath as described in the Bible—the weekly observance of the seventh day of the week as a day for religious activity, worship, growing relationships and resting from other labours—was a unique innovation among ancient religions and cultures. Not only was it a defining religious habit, in the Bible’s understanding, it was a rhythm embedded—and blessed—in the creation of the world and so understood as part of what it means to be be human. Remarkably, in the story of Hebrew liberation from slavery, Sabbath was included as one of the Ten Commandments given to them by God (see Exodus 20:8–11) as

a foundational ethical imperative and embedded in the legal framework of the fledgling nation (see Exodus 23:12 and Leviticus 25).

In comparison with many of the religious practices of the ancient and modern world, Sabbath was a practice rooted in equality. Rather than undertaking difficult and expensive pilgrimages to a holy place or being required to make sacrifices only the wealthy could afford, Sabbath as time was available and accessible to all. Heschel points out that the first holy object in the history of the world was not a mountain or an altar. Referring to the first time the word holy— qadosh—is used in the Hebrew scriptures (see Genesis 2:3), he comments “how extremely significant is the fact that it is applied to time”.4 While holy places tend to become contested, conflicted and controlled across religions, cultures and history, Sabbath is a “sanctuary in time . . . a truce in all conflicts, personal and social, peace between man and man, man and nature, peace within man”.5 Rightly understood and celebrated, Sabbath is a practice of spiritual and practical equality.

freedom from slavery

More than any other law or regulation, the Sabbath commandment reminded the Hebrew people of their experience of slavery and referenced this as their motivation for fulfilling their duties to those whose rights might otherwise be forgotten: “Remember that you were once slaves in Egypt, but the Lord your God brought you out with his strong hand and powerful arm. That is why the Lord your God has commanded you to rest on the Sabbath day” (Deuteronomy 5:15).* In contrast with the appeal to rescue from Egyptian slavery, the Bible’s first—and better known—rendering of the Ten Commandments gives this alternative creation rationale for Sabbath as a pre-existing, ongoing and human spiritual practice: “For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy” (Exodus 20:11).

Notably, the Sabbath is the most detailed of the Ten Commandments, not only in its practice and rationale, but also in its application.

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GIAMMARCO BOSCARO—UNSPLASH

Sabbath is a practice of spiritual and practical equality

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freedom from labour

The focus on the benefits of the Sabbath to these outsiders is repeated beyond the Commandments: “You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but on the seventh day you must stop working.

This gives your ox and your donkey a chance to rest. It also allows your slaves and the foreigners living among you to be refreshed” (Exodus 23:12). In this formulation, the master was to rest so that the servant and the foreigner would also be allowed to rest. It was a day for their benefit and, in The Lost Meaning of the Seventh Day, theologian Sigve Tonstad argues that this focus was unique among ancient cultures of the world—“no parallels have been found in other cultures”. The Sabbath commandment, he explains, “prioritises from the bottom up and not from the top looking down, giving first consideration to the weakest and most vulnerable members of society.

Those who need rest the most—the slave, the resident alien and the beast of burden—are singled out for special mention. In the rest of the seventh day the underprivileged, even mute animals, find an ally.”6

freedom from suffering

In this way, Sabbath should never be an isolated spiritual practice.

Rather, those who remember and observe Sabbath—as the fourth commandment stated it—will be recalibrated each week into a greater practice of equality and the human 44

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rights reflected in it. While the work mandated for the other six days of the work week is important, it is the seventh day that is transformative— and, in turn, must reprioritise and inform the work of the other six days.

Borrowing from Jewish thought, “all the days of the week must be spiritually consistent with the seventh day. . . . The Sabbath is one day, Shabbesdikeit [the spirit of Sabbath] is what should permeate all our days.”7 Rejected and displaced largely amid anti-Jewish sentiment in the early Christian era, Sabbath is an almost-forgotten spiritual practice in much of the contemporary world, but “the Sabbath is surely one of the simplest and sanest recommendations any god has ever made”.8 Embedded in the history and laws of the Hebrew nation, the principles and practice of Sabbath were remarkable spiritual, social and economic innovations in the ancient world, and should be considered among the earliest sources from which the modern understanding of human rights began to flow. It might also be a spiritual practice worth re-considering and re-drawing for the human rest and social recalibration it offers in a frantic, always-connected, unequal and polarised world.

In Jewish and biblically Christian faith, “it is eternity within time, the spiritual underground of history”.9 Tragically, too much of the history of the Jewish people has been instructive in the cause of human rights for the wrong reasons. Indeed

it was the aftermath of the Holocaust and its horrors that led to the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. But in the roots of the Jewish faith tradition— and pre-eminently in the practice of Sabbath, including the practice of those Christians who continue to follow this biblical command—are still to be found meaningful insights into the dignity and worth of human beings and their living together in community for the wellbeing of all people and all nations. While practising the rights that would be expressed in the Universal Declaration’s Article 24, there is much more about what it means to be human in the practice of Sabbath than a holy day off, as beneficial as that might be.

Nathan Brown is a keen reader and book editor at Signs Publishing Company. *Bible quotations are from the New Living Translation.

1. Milton Konvitz, Judaism and Human Rights. 2nd edition, Routledge, 2017.

2. Abraham Joshua Heschel The Sabbath: Its Meaning for Modern Man (2005 edition), Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1951, page 101.

3. Thomas Cahill, The Gifts of the Jews: How a Tribe of Desert Nomads Changed the Way Everyone Thinks and Feels, Nan A Talese/Anchor Books, 1990.

4. Heschel, ibid.

5. ibid.

6. Sigve Tonstad, The Lost Meaning of the Seventh Day, Andrews University Press, 2009.

7. Abraham Joshua Heschel, God in Search of Man: A Philosophy of Judaism (1976 edition), Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1955.

8. Cahill, ibid.

MIDJOURNEY

9. Heschel, ibid, 1955.

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Rememberin fought no

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ng those who ot to fight

VICTOR HULBERT

MIDJOURNEY

Seventh-day Adventists have a long and storied relationship with war— contributing to the war effort peacefully, though often not without controversy.

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I

t was called “the war to end all wars”. Sadly, history tells another tale. Despite the World War I (WWI) deaths of 17 million soldiers and injury of 21 million more, the Imperial War Museum in London records that war has taken place every single year since 1900 to now, killing an estimated 187 million people.

However, it cautions, the actual number is “likely far higher”.1 In 2018, the world looked back 100 years to Armistice Day 1918 and the end of WWI. Yet reflecting—and looking forwards—provides a paradox for Seventh-day Adventist Christians.

As a Christian, I recognise that war and rumours of war is one of the signs of “the end of the age” (Matthew 24:6) but that whether WWII, Palestine or Ukraine, we still struggle with the horror of man’s inhumanity to man. Whether you are a Christian or not, we all long for the day when war is no more, those we love who suffer are given relief and “all things are made new” (Revelation 21). If you’re not a believer, such a day might seem like a pipe dream but regardless, each of us has a responsibility to make our corner of the planet better. For Seventh-day Adventists, this has been particularly difficult in times of war.

If you didn’t know, Adventists have generally, although far from totally, held a pacifist position. At the commencement of centenary memories of WWI, Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist world Church, wrote an article in Adventist World, “The Battle: Should Adventists

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serve in the military?”

“As with other difficult questions, the pioneer leaders studied the issues using the Bible as their guide, and concluded that the position most consistent with biblical principles was noncombatancy (the conscientious objection to bearing arms),” Wilson wrote. “The primary reason for this position was that Adventists serving in the US military would be forced to compromise their loyalty to God if they obeyed the commands of their officers. The two Bible commandments most directly involved were the fourth—to keep the Sabbath holy, and the sixth—not to kill.”

Adventist objectors in history

British Adventists added another primary reason when they were called to active service during WWI. William George Chappell worked selling Christian literature. He was called to a tribunal in Brynmawr, South Wales on March 25, 1916. In his notice of appeal, he stated that “as I am a Seventh-day Adventist [I] am opposed to war”. Noting Bible verses that supported a pacifist stance he stated he felt it more important for him to “go preach the gospel” (the good news of Jesus) than be involved in the war. Unsurprisingly, the tribunal disagreed, stating that his work was “not of national importance” and only exempting him from combatant service.

How do you kill people you should be sharing the gospel with? That was the almost unanimous view of the Adventist Church in Britain.

to ask questions about the Sabbath, which his friend was free to answer in the same way, in my grandfather’s cell. As a result, Grandfather became convicted of the Sabbath and, once the war was over, became Seventh-day Adventist.”3 Witnessing activities were sometimes reported in the Missionary Worker magazine with COs witnessing4 while on service in France and elsewhere. Other accounts shared their Sabbath keeping5 experiences, with answers to prayer.

Not all prayers were answered as expected. The documentary film A Matter of Conscience tells the story of 14 young men harshly punished to “within an inch of their lives” for their refusal as COs to work on Sabbath.6 After the war, many in that group went on to become leaders in the Adventist Church both in the UK and across the world.

a new class of soldier

Their experience in WWI, and their consistent testimony, bore fruit as the UK government prepared

WIKICOMMONS

In some other parts of Europe, conscientious objection was not an option. For them, life was more difficult and Adventists, Quakers and other groups with traditionally pacifist traditions often found themselves in the army, though many sought roles that did not necessitate bearing arms.2 Some 130 British Adventists became conscientious objectors (CO) during WWI. Some served in non-combatant units but others ended up in prison. All took what opportunity they could to share their faith.

Elizabeth Yap writes about her Methodist grandfather, Gilmour Dando, incarcerated in Dartmoor Prison as a CO: “Whilst he was there he became acquainted with another prisoner who was an Adventist. They were not allowed to speak to each other, I gather, but both ‘happened’ to clean the other’s cell. As a result, my grandfather was able to leave ‘notes’ of chalky stone written on the brick walls in this man’s cell. This arrangement enabled Grandfather

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for WWII. Discussions with the war office gave Adventists exemptions from military service so long as they were involved in work of national importance. Pastor HW Lowe states, “Through the years I have reflected often on the trials of life that seem so inexplicable at the moment. It is in those moments that acts of loyalty are the seeds sown for another to reap.”7 Such experiences can, no doubt, be recounted, in many different places. Sakari Vehkavuori tells how, during the 1918 civil war in Finland, his great-grandfather, Viktor Ståhlberg, pleaded to save the lives of prisoners who were going to be shot as revenge killings for the unlawful death of his son and nine other youth from the opposing army. He broke a cycle of revenge by preaching the gospel and challenging them, “Now this slaughtering is enough; you cannot kill any Reds for my son’s lost life, not one.”8 Ståhlberg put into practice the words of Peter: “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9 NIV).

After more than 100 years of constant war somewhere in the world, perhaps our only full hope is the one provided by Scripture: “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28).

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Yet until that day, we each have an opportunity to be people of peace.

British Adventists planted a peace garden9 to remember those conscientious objectors of 100 years ago.

The peace garden, at a deeper level, also has the potential to help visitors focus on the peace that Christ can bring into our hearts, even in times of suffering and difficulty.

British Adventist leader Ian Sweeney says that “while we are citizens of two kingdoms, when those kingdoms clash, the kingdom of God must take priority”. May the commitment of those “alternative heroes” of 100 years ago be the inspiration for us, in our lives, to honour further the words of Jesus, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

Victor Hulbert is the former editor of news and communication director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Trans-European region.

1. <iwm.org.uk/history/timeline-of-20th-and-21st-centurywars> 2. <adventistworld.org/nad-august-2014> 3. <adventist.uk/wwi-and-the-adventist-church/commentson-wwi> 4. <documents.adventistarchives.org/Periodicals/MW/ MW19180101-V22-01.pdf> 5. <documents.adventistarchives.org/Periodicals/MW/ MW19160701-V20-07.pdf> 6. <youtube.com/watch?v=-qSLHb0TGcQ> 7. <documents.adventistarchives.org/Periodicals/BAM/ BAM19731228-V78-26.pdf> 8. <ted.adventist.org/news/forgiveness-stronger-than-revenge> 9. <ted.adventist.org/news/watford-peace-garden-a-livingtribute-to-those-who-stand-for-right-though-the-heavensfall>

ERXMART—PEXELS

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Health News for

HEALTH HACK: USE THE STALKS Leafy greens are nutrient powerhouses, with an array of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and fibre. The stems often contain just as many nutrients, if not more, than their beloved leaves. Next time you go to bin your stems or stalks, try to add them into your cooking.

Chop them fine and add them to a soup or stir-fry. Mix them into pesto, roast them with vegetables or add them to a salad. With your new kitchen “stem gam”, you’ll no longer have to leave it to the leaves to get the most nutrition out of your greens and you’ll have less waste too!—Signs staff 52

SIGNSOFTHETIMES.ORG.AU • NOVEMBER 2024

HEATHER BARNES, SERGIO ALVES SANTOS, CHRISTIAN BOWEN & IAN DOOLEY—UNSPLASH

everybody

EAT WELL EARLY We know the benefits of eating well, but many wait too late to make changes. Research by the American Society for Nutrition shows a high-quality diet during youth and middle age is key to maintaining cognitive function later in life. The earlier one adopts healthy eating patterns, the more likely they are to stay sharp into old age.—Medical News Today THE ENERGY TO CREATE LIFE Australian researchers estimated that pregnancy demands almost 50,000 dietary calories over the course of nine months—that’s about 50 tubs of Ben and Jerry’s ice-cream. Previously scientists assumed most of the energy involved in reproduction wound up stored in the fetus. But they found that the energy stored in a human baby’s tissues accounts for just four per cent of the total energy costs of pregnancy. The other 96 per cent is extra fuel required by a woman’s body.—The Conversation RISKS OF EVEN A LITTLE ALCOHOL For years, the American Cancer Society recommended simply limiting alcohol consumption.

But recently they claimed that even low to moderate amounts increase the risk of seven different types of cancer and decreases brain function and decision making.

—Amen Clinics

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Aw con 54

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watery nnection

FREEPIK.COM

Baptism is one of the strangest traditions in the Christian faith. What is it and why does it matter?

SISI TORO

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I

magine a wild, stormy afternoon at Milk Beach, Sydney, on September 6, 2008. A tight-knit group braves the shore, battling the fierce wind that snaps umbrellas inside-out, straining to hear the pastor’s voice against the cacophony of the elements. I stand in the water next to the pastor, not to go for a swim, but ready for baptism, the chill of the waves paling in comparison to the fire of my conviction. Lightning tears through the sky and thunder echoed my resolve; nothing can sway my determination.

This moment was mine—to symbolically turn my back on an old life and rise, refreshed in Christ. The storm raged, but my conviction did not falter.

I was prepared to begin anew, even in the rain—besides, rain didn’t bother me knowing that I was going to be fully drenched soon.

Just a couple of weeks before, God had opened my eyes through the Bible to the true essence of baptism—it’s so much more than mere tradition or ritual. Baptism marks the start of a significant spiritual journey, leading one from a past marred by sin to a rebirth with Jesus. It stands as a bold declaration of faith, a solemn vow to pursue a life in unwa-

vering adherence to Jesus’ teachings.

As I was immersed in the water, even the storm seemed to hold its breath, as if acknowledging the weight of my pledge. And as I rose from the baptismal waters, although the storm raged on, I had been made new—fortified, ready to weather any tempest with unshakable faith.

“go therefore”

My personal revelation on baptism started with the profound commission found in the Gospel of Matthew 28:19,20. Here, Jesus presents His disciples with a mission of unmistakable clarity; “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This mandate, known as the “great commission”, is the cornerstone upon which baptism rests.

It’s far from a mere suggestion; it’s a divine mandate, fundamental to the Christian faith. Baptism is set forth as an overt act of a person’s resolve to embrace and live out Jesus’ teachings and to integrate into the fellowship of believers, embarking on a journey

Baptism is a powerful stride forward

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it’s all Greek to me

The term “baptism” comes from the Greek word baptizo, which paints a picture of immersion, of being fully drenched. It’s a whole-body commitment, not just a tip of the hat. In the Bible, baptism is a full-immersion experience. Jesus was dipped entirely underwater and then swiftly raised back to the surface, as an example for new believers to follow. This isn’t just for show—it’s packed with meaning. Going under the water symbolises joining Jesus in His death, leaving old ways and mistakes, buried in the depths. And just as Jesus rose from the grave, when a person comes up from the water, it’s a picture of a

fresh start, a resurrection into a life filled with Christ’s spirit.

Romans 6:3,4 hits right at the heart of baptism. The apostle Paul tells us, “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death?

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

It’s a profound thought—in baptism, we’re not just getting wet; we’re joining in Christ’s death and resurrection, starting afresh, empowered by the glory of God. It’s a transformative experience that beckons us to a life renewed.

And let’s not forget the promise of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 reminds us that baptism is connected with receiving the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live a life that reflects the character of Jesus. With baptism, you’re not just turning a page, you’re starting a whole new chapter with

ZACH LEZNIEICZ—UNSPLASH

of faith that is both personal and collective.

For those just beginning their walk with Jesus, baptism is a powerful stride forward. It’s a visible expression of an invisible transformation—a change of heart, a decision to follow a new path.

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God as your guide. Think of baptism as the ultimate “status update” for the soul. In the Bible, it’s part of the fabric of a believer’s new life. It’s an outward symbol of an inner revolution, a public declaration of a very personal choice.

moments of turnaround

The Bible is full of stories where baptism is the exclamation point to a life-changing decision. Like a spiritual grand opening, it’s the believer’s way of saying, “Here I am, ready to start fresh, ready to follow Jesus.” Take, for example, a story from Acts 8. Picture Philip, one of Jesus’ disciples, guided by an angel, travelling down a desert road. He encounters an Ethiopian official—a man of importance in charge of the queen’s treasury. This man had been to Jerusalem to worship and was now on his way back, sitting in his ride, reading prophecies about Jesus given by the prophet Isaiah.

The Holy Spirit nudges Philip to talk to this man. Philip jogs over, listens in as the official reads and asks if he understands what he’s reading.

From there, Philip shares the good news about Jesus and it hits home with the Ethiopian. As they travel, they pass some water and the official says, “Hey, why can’t I get baptised right now?” And just like that, they stop the chariot, hop out, and Philip baptises him then and there. This official was so jazzed about his new understanding, his new-found faith in Christ, he couldn’t wait another 58

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minute. He wanted to dive into this new life head-first. Acts 8:39 tells us the Ethiopian “went on his way rejoicing”.

So, why does this all matter? Well, choosing baptism means committing to a lifelong journey of faith, which begins, not ends, at this sacred moment. This path is one of consistent prayer, dedicated study of the Bible and a vibrant relationship with Jesus. Whether you’re considering baptism or just curious about its significance, it’s crucial to grasp the depth of its meaning. It’s not merely a formality but a transformative experience that marks the beginning of a new life in Christ. Baptism was not just a personal milestone for me, but a step closer to the ultimate reunion with my Creator. And that, my friends, is what makes every baptism not just a ceremony, but a celebration of eternal promise and hope.

That’s why, more than 15 years after I entered my watery grave, baptisms still strike a deep chord within me. Witnessing this fusion of divine grace with personal dedication moves me profoundly. Baptism connects us to something (and Someone!) far greater than our individual existence, and truly, there’s nothing more remarkable than this connection.

Sisi Toro is a Hawaiian-based health educator and speaker who promotes a plant-based life.

She enjoys creating recipes, hiking mountains and going to the beach.

positively different From family LIFE to physical HEALTH, sacred MUSIC to vibrant SPIRITUALITY, Faith FM programs will brighten your day and guide you on the way.

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Find your nearest station or listen online at WWW.FAITHFM.COM.AU

COULD YOU BE LOW IN VITAMIN B12?

Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient that we all need to help our bodies make red blood cells, DNA and to supports our nerves, brain and immunity.

I

t’s the vitamin that our Sanitarium dietitians usually get the most questions about because it can be tough to get enough B12, especially if

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you are vegetarian or vegan. This is because vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk and other dairy products.

can you get enough if you are vegan?

There aren’t any plant foods that are naturally high in vitamin B12. It can be found in dairy and eggs for those following a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet. However, if you don’t have enough of these foods regularly or if you are following a vegan diet, it is important to get vitamin B12 from fortified food products.

Vitamin B12 is often found in fortified plant-based milks, formulated meal replacement shakes, some yeast spreads and fortified meat alternatives. Look at the nutrition information panel and ingredients list to check whether it is added.

what are signs of vitamin B12 deficiency?

Signs you may be low in vitamin B12 can be slow to develop and appear gradually, as our bodies’ stores are drained. Not getting enough vitamin B12 can lead to megaloblastic anaemia and nerve damage.

Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency include: fatigue, mood changes including depression and irritability, confusion and memory issues, shortness of breath, tummy troubles such as diarrhoea or loss of bladder control, sore tongue or mouth ulcers, pale skin, heart palpitations, issues

with vision and muscle weakness.

These symptoms are easy to pass off as other health problems and are not exclusive to vitamin B12 deficiency, so you should always check with a health professional if you are experiencing any of them.

does it affect pregnancy or breastfeeding?

If you are low in vitamin B12 while you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your baby is also likely to be low in B12. It’s important for babies and children to get enough B12 to support healthy growth and cognitive function.

Signs and symptoms of B12 deficiency in infants and children can include irritability, failure to thrive, developmental delays, abnormal reflexes, paleness, jaundice and/or bruising. If you are at all concerned about how much vitamin B12 your child is getting speak with your GP, paediatrician or health practitioner.

How much do you need each day?

Adults should typically aim for 2.4mcg per day, with pregnant women needing more at 2.6mcg per day, and breastfeeding women needing as much as 2.8mcg per day.

Recommended intakes for all life stages can be found on the National Health and Medical Research Council’s site.

N VOITKEVICH—PEXELS

Here’s their answers to the commonly asked questions:

Article courtesy of Sanitarium Health Food Company. Visit sanitarium.com.au or sanitarium.co.nz and subscribe to Recipe of the Week for a delicious plant-powered recipe in your inbox each week.

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CROSSWORD

Crossword Puzzle

How closely have you been reading? (Almost) each keyword in this puzzle is contained within this issue of Signs of the Times. Happy digging!

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DOWN 1 New Zealand’s first “wet house” 2 This and the NASB are two Bible translations that stick closely to what the original words meant 3 Gilmour Dando was incarcerated in this prison 6 50,000 calories equates to around 50 tubs of this 10 This season coincides with elevated levels of anxiety ACROSS 4 Ancient Hebrew word for “holy” 5 Picking up a new hobby is an example of this kind of motivation 7 Jesus had this gift according to Hebrews 1:2 8 Called the Canberra War Memorial “the soul of the nation” 9 Wrote “He [God] will rejoice over you with singing” 11 Phar Lap’s birthplace 12 City where an annual military tattoo is held Hint: 6 Down

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SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE SIGNSMAG.COM/FUN NOVEMBER 2024 • SIGNSMAG

AMERICAN HERITAGE CHOCOLATE—UNSPLASH

crossword clues

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