A COLLABORATION OF ADVENTIST ACTIVISTS
OCTOBER 2024 ISSUE 7
HOW SHOULD A CHRISTIAN VOTE?
A DISARMING HISTORY OF THE SECOND AMENDMENT
CHRISTIAN STATEMENTS AND RESOLUTIONS
A NEW BOOK ABOUT SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIPS
JESUS FIRST, POLITICS SECOND
InSpire
Begin
with the end in mind.
—Stephen Covey
There’s no reason to imagine that God would choose to surround Himself into infinite time with people whose only distinction is that they failed to transgress Marilynne Robinson MORE THAN EMPTY SPACE
LISTEN . . .
Another world is not only possible, she’s on her way. Many of us won’t be here to greet her, but on a quiet day, if you listen carefully, you can hear her breathing. Marilynne Robinson
Peace if possible, but truth at any rate. Martin Luther REMAIN WHOLE
ASSEMBLY REQUIRED
In our world the road to holiness necessarily runs through the world of action. Dag Hammarskjold
If we are to better the future we must disturb the present. Catherine Booth RIPPLES
Fame is the illusion that one person has more value than another.
Marty Rubin ILLUSORY
TIPPING POINT
Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.
Harriet Beecher Stowe
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed ” Amendment 2, Constitution of the United States
Although Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz’s Loaded: A Disarming History of the Second Amendment appears to be a relatively quick read, I found myself taking my time to sit with the uncomfortable truths exposed about our nation’s barbaric founding While we tend to sit in our history classes and romanticize early colonialism and Manifest Destiny, our nation is built on the ruthless extermination of Indigenous people, whose indiscriminate killings were made efficient by firearms This book goes there It goes to the shameful place in which colonizers who brought back the scalps of slaughtered Indigenous children were rewarded and called heroes; genocide was the patriotic way of life in early America It was an obligation to participate in the expansion of America on bloody land.
The author moves on to give insight to the patrol participation was, again, required of the white citizenry Gun ownership came along with
it, and by the time the Constitution was written, the Second Amendment secured and justified this aspect of the social contract Meanwhile, westward expansion continued at the cost of more Indigenous lives.
Don’t you dare take our guns that God gave us the right to carry.
So was born gun culture in the United States We have since romanticized outlaw icons, manly hunter-men, and oh, so many “good guys with guns ” We have also brought God into our warm and fuzzy founding myth, telling ourselves that everything happened exactly the way God wanted it to happen. If we fully believe that, let’s give ourselves 50 gold stars for being God’s special favorite! God bless America! And don’t you dare take our guns that God gave us the right to carry
The recent evolution of the National Rifle Association from a safety and marksmanship
society to a gun fetish cult has fueled American gun culture to explosive levels Its lobbying efforts include those that allow domestic abusers not to be deprived of their perceived right to bear arms We dive deep into gun culture links to white nationalism and blatant racism with roots that go back long before the Trump presidency and today’s alt-right.
Our nation is built on the ruthless extermination of Indigenous people, whose indiscriminate killings were made efficient by firearms.
Sales trends from the firearms industry indicate that after mass shootings, and when gun control advocates take high-level government office, sales of firearms increase. Gun sales skyrocketed after the Sandyhook massacre and throughout Barack Obama’s presidency They decreased when Donald
Trump took office We learn that this phenomenon comes from fears of the government taking away guns and nervousness about the impending loss of white supremacy
While Dunbar-Ortiz does not attempt to forcefully sway her readers’ opinion one way or another regarding the correct interpretation of the Second Amendment, her well-researched, logical look through a historical lens allows us to make an educated assessment of our own. This might be a good title for your next book club if you enjoy a spirited debate. It might get uncomfortable
Marcia Nordmeyer lives and works in Lincoln, Nebraska Union Adventist University employs her, and she can be found in the library Marcia and her husband, Jeremy, are parents to two kids who are encouraged to read banned books
Ten Suggestions for 2024 and Beyond
Whenever voting season arrives, we face questions. How do we navigate a field mined with incompatible claims? Whom can we truly believe? Which storylines are most important? The following are guides to consider when, as committed followers of Jesus, we prepare to cast a ballot in any election.
1. Thou shalt remain reasonably knowledgeable about issues.
Jesus directs, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” (Mark 12:17) Evidently, He knew what was in Caesar’s salad and what wasn’t Romans 13 begins, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities” and provides an impassioned defense for paying taxes (verses 6, 7) Jesus isn’t commenting on Herod’s good looks when referring to the regional governor as “that fox” (Luke 13:32)
The argument that Jesus didn’t involve Himself in the politics of His day so we shouldn’t in our day, is misguided His context living in an occupied country under a dictatorship without voting rights was different from most nations today. We might as well refuse to use cell phones or wear eyeglasses because, after all, Jesus didn’t
The key word is reasonably, which connotes balance. In one sense everything is political, including the air we breathe and the streets we drive on To stay clear of all “politics” is to veer from life. Voting matters because it profoundly affects the day-to-day lives of people who are dearly loved. Sure, we can’t be expected to know every proposition and county supervisor, but we can review proposition summaries and candidate statements.
Apathy is not a Christian virtue In the true Lord’s prayer, Jesus sends us into the world (John 17:18) to help a suffering planet One way is by being an intelligent, engaged citizen
2. Thou shalt not hitch thy wagon to one political party, right or wrong.
A close friend of mine in his mid-70s confided, “I’ve been a registered since I was 18, but I’m changing parties this year.” We are never too old or young for healthy change
Political parties are not sacred vessels. God is not a Republican or a Democrat, a Libertarian or a Green, or a member of the Inanimate Objects Party Our personal identity is inextricably, joyfully bound up with Jesus
We may land upon a convincing political point of view, an agreeable pulse and trajectory, but in the end, every political party can rightly admit that they are, along with all humanity, “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” (Rev 3:17)
3. Thou shalt acknowledge that complexity cannot fairly be reduced to a 15-second sound bite.
The Information Age morphed to our Age of Entertainment, in which what attracts attention and heightens affection is style over substance. Unfortunately, shimmer and bounce do not help us to assess justice, love, and truth. In his classic Amusing Ourselves to Death, Neil Postman laments, “Americans no longer talk to each other; they entertain each other. They do not exchange ideas; they exchange images They do not argue with propositions; they argue with good looks, celebrities, and commercials” (pp 92, 93) He wrote that four decades ago.
Within today’s complex realms of immigration, healthcare, energy, inflation, abortion, homelessness, and free speech we encounter layered nuances and knotted suppositions. We may feel like muttering “Whatever” and bolting, or else join the spin merchants. Neither approach honors Jesus, who said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matt. 22:37).
Sift Read Investigate Compare Reach beyond easy pieties and cynical offerings. Remain patient and attentive Don’t tell time by the second hand.
Love with your mind 4. Thou shalt weigh integrity of character.
Adlai Stevenson quipped, “Your public servants serve you right.” Character matters. We are voting not merely on a candidate’s recorded past but on a foreseeable future.
In a culture where lying is epidemic, simply
telling the truth sets people apart Mistrust in any relationship sooner or later violates and imprisons By contrast, Jesus declares, “The truth will set you free” (John 8:32)
The apostle Paul warned, “Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days People will be selfish, greedy, boastful, and conceited; they will be insulting, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and irreligious; they will be unkind, merciless, slanderers, violent, and fierce; they will hate the good; they will be treacherous, reckless, and swollen with pride; they will love pleasure rather than God; they will hold to the outward form of our religion, but reject its real power Keep away from such people” (2 Tim 3:1-5 GNB)
Avoid voting for them.
5. Thou shalt obtain decisionmaking information from multiple sources.
Whether it’s MSNBC, CNN, FOX, CBS, or ABC, TV news is a medium of disconnected images. Postman calls the result disinformation that “creates the illusion of knowing something but which in fact leads one away from knowing” (p. 107).
In addition, “news” is driven mostly by fear I knew a household that was tuned to one cable news network 15 hours a day During those 15 hours fresh fears were concocted, coddled, and proclaimed. Finally, the family decided to limit their news viewing
at last, “so much for open-mindedness.”
He shrugged “Yep ”
That question is one I have wrestled with myself: At what point would I change my mind on any subject? We all need humility Naming a tipping point enables us to remain fluid, to concede that something does exist on the other side of our present conviction.
Everything is political, including breathing.
If you watch TV news you can battle confirmation bias by clicking the “other” stations including PBS and BBC to honestly examine differing perspectives. For political reading, The Week magazine features excellent contrasting ideas and pithy international views. If you’re on digital platforms make certain to sample outside your “input bubble” and stay aware that your information avenues are being bought and sold
Followers of Jesus see life primarily through the lens of the living Word, who challenges His followers to be unafraid and to look beyond their worldview. (For evidence, see Matt. 6:25; 8:26; 12:7; 28:10; Mark 5:36; 9:35; 12:43; Luke 4:21; 5:10; 9:55; 24:27; John 14:1, 27; 16:12; 20:21.)
Jesus also assures, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). This guided tour is rarely a quick trip.
6. Thou shalt be willing to change thy mind.
Such a change isn’t flip-flopping; it’s called education We should grant the same freedom to political players.
In a college public speaking class I taught one student delivered a persuasive talk on climate change His premise was plain: Climate change is a hoax. During question-and-answer time I asked, “What evidence would make you believe you were wrong about this?”
He thought for a moment. “Nothing.”
I tried to stifle my astonishment “Well,” I said
7. Thou shalt not be a generalizing, one-issue voter.
Voting issues are multi-faceted. For example, pro-life actually includes nutrition, housing, pollution, war, prescription drugs, education, adoption, racism, and eldercare. If we discount these elements, pro-life is nothing more than probirth.
Jesus announced His public ministry to “preach good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18). He was speaking to helping people spiritually, physically, and mentally through discipleship, healing, and education. That’s why Seventh-day Adventists focus on churches, hospitals, and schools
During the past year I’ve heard people declare that their U S presidential vote is based on one issue only. “Climate change.” “Abortion.” “Inflation.” “Universal healthcare ” “Civil rights ” These choices are definitely more than tomato/tomahto, yet we don’t have to pick one and ignore the others. Include multiple items from the menu
8. Thou shalt not vote only for thine own interests.
As followers of Jesus we are called to stand up for the vulnerable, to carry a voice for the voiceless. With persistence and love we speak truth to power (Eph. 4:15).
Poor people are not peripheral to God They are central. More than 2,000 Bible verses point out the sacred duty to protect and uphold those of us who are poor
Though the roads to efficacy may differ, policies and budgets ought to seek the common good. This “common good” is
is aimed especially at people on life’s margins, no matter their age, race, beliefs, wealth, nationality, or orientation (Isa 1:17; 10:1, 2)
Voting primarily for our own bank accounts is monstrous. We cannot serve both money and Jesus (Matt 6:24) With defiant optimism and by God’s grace, we refuse to conform to a grasping culture (Rom 12:2) Like the Shepherd, we live with compassion and courage.
Jesus always came down on the side of real people rather than systems Which candidate is treating the populace as loved individuals, not data points or conduits to power?
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you [voted on behalf of] one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you [voted] for me’” (Matt. 25:40, NIV).
9. Thou shalt truly love thy enemies.
In addition to the commandment “Love your enemies” (Matt. 5:44) as much a command as the original Ten Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matt. 5:9).
Find at least one thing on which you can agree with the opposing side. The two churches where I served as pastor welcome believers of every hue on the political spectrum, yet we work together as one body. As distasteful and destructive as “that side” appears, followers of Jesus do not react with dismissive rancor.
By the way, Jesus didn’t say, “Like your enemies ” We don’t have to like people or their words or acts. Jesus does call us to love everyone as He does to treat all people with grace and dignity, created in the image of God (Gen 1:27) Christ calls us to comprehensive civility.
History reverberates with stories of gracious inclusion While hanging on the Cross, Jesus prayed for the very people who had Him crucified (Luke 23:34)
Following the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln ordered the military band to play “Dixie.” Mohandas Gandhi, a Hindu, protected and
served Muslims Eleanor Roosevelt refused to fear anybody, thus birthing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Nelson Mandela included his former captors in restructuring South Africa Democrats and Republicans joined together multiple times to pass funding to fight the coronavirus outbreak
All were determined to “cross the aisle,” to keep their heart and hands open for the better promises of peaceful love.
10. Thou shalt vote each moment of every day.
Our ultimate allegiance extends to Jesus of Nazareth How we live each day is in itself an act of voting (Col. 3:23). Each moment is a precinct gathering with God Conscience, context, the Bible, and thoughtful consideration provide our best voting guides.
The ballot box of daily living confirms our status as liberated, teachable, grace-saturated citizens of the New Earth Everything matters Each thought and every action, all day long, channel to one choice.
[ ] Follower of Jesus
Chris Blake is professor emeritus of English and communication at Union Adventist University, a former editor of Insight magazine, and author of hundreds of articles and many books
CHRISTIAN STATEMENTS AND RESOLUTIONS
Why They Matter
As president of an organization committed to the biblical call to social justice, I get asked to sign a lot of letters, statements, and resolutions. Sometimes, I help write these statements or organize other leaders to sign on with me. Over the past year, I’ve signed on to a quite a few, including a letter calling on President Joe Biden to take urgent action on the crisis in Sudan, a letter urging Congress to pass an expanded Child Tax Credit, and the Call to Civic Discipleship for which I was lead writer, organizing 30 other Christian institutions and denominations to embrace a less polarized but still robust faith in our civic life and politics
When I think about why I sign these letters, I think of verses such as Proverbs 31:8, 9, which commissions us to “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” While I always want to empower and support people to speak for themselves, I see statements and resolutions as an instrumental way we can amplify people’s voices, demonstrate our solidarity, and defend the rights of those who are so often unheard or marginalized.
I know it’s easy to be skeptical, even cynical, about the value of sign-on statements as vehicles for achieving any true progress The key criticism I hear is that these statements
and resolutions don’t actually do anything. To some, signing on to statements might seem performative or even harmful: a way to soothe our consciences over the brokenness we see all around us by making us feel an illusory sense that we have done something, a sense that creates the permission structure for us not to take any real action to solve the issue in question To others, these statements aren’t useful because they don’t change anyone’s mind on the issue in question, and instead merely “preach to the choir ”
There’s some validity to that skepticism. We need to be on guard against any statement or resolution that serves as a substitute for more tangible direct action. But we often misunderstand the purpose behind these statements. I often sign on to statements and support resolutions because they shine a spotlight on an issue and serve as catalysts to inspire direct action.
After the horrific October 7 [2023] massacre by Hamas, I publicly joined with many others in issuing a statement condemning the attacks and calling for an immediate cease-fire. Since then, I’ve lent my name and my organization’s name to a number of statements and letters renewing that call for an immediate cease-fire that leads to the freeing of hostages, addresses the dire humanitarian
crisis, and creates new momentum to ensure the long-term dignity and security of all Israelis and Palestinians, including a two-state solution But here’s the key: Signing these statements is only one facet of how I and others at my organization support peace and justice in the Middle East. Our editors have worked to publish extensive coverage of the escalating violence, including an interview with an Israeli lawmaker opposed to the war and an essay by a Palestinian peace activist, to give just two examples. Our campaigns and mobilizing team has created action alerts that press elected officials to take our concerns seriously. I have also spoken about the need for a cease-fire at several ecumenical and interfaith protests and vigils, and have met directly with Biden administration officials
Often, sign-on letters pave the way for inperson meetings with decision-makers where we can make our case to them directly While it can be frustrating that these and so many other efforts haven’t succeeded in the way we want, I believe that they have played some role in influencing and pressuring the Biden administration.
The same can be true for denominational resolutions, which do not often contain any actual policy changes but rather lay down a marker of where a denomination stands on a particular issue. Last year at its biennial assembly, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination adopted a formal resolution condemning Christian nationalism. By taking an official stance and concrete action to counter this harmful and heretical ideology, the denomination put themselves in a unique place in terms of the institutional church in the U.S. In the statement, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) “denounces Christian Nationalism in all its forms as a distortion of the Christian faith, and commits to opposing it wherever it appears, for the sake of the gospel and the good of the human family.” The resolution also emphasizes the ways in which Christian nationalism promotes violence and
authoritarianism, including “white supremacy, antisemitism (and other forms of religious bigotry), xenophobia, persecution and scapegoating of LGBTQ+ persons, misogyny, and ableism” by appropriating “the name of Jesus Christ and the language and imagery of scripture to promote this ideology, in direct contradiction to the gospel Jesus preached ”
While this resolution isn’t binding on the denomination’s congregations, the statement does provide guidance and pressure I appreciated that the statement doesn’t treat the heresy of Christian nationalism as simply a problem to be addressed “out there” beyond our churches or ourselves, but instead offers repentance for the ways in which all of us can promulgate both subtle and overt beliefs aligned with Christian nationalism In talking with the denomination’s general minister and president, Rev Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens, I learned that the resolution started with two dozen congregations that joined together to propose the resolution to the wider denomination And though leaders had anticipated the resolution generating controversy at the denomination’s 2023 assembly, it passed resoundingly. But again, the Disciples of Christ didn’t stop with a resolution: Since its passage, the denomination has been developing and providing resources to further support congregations in discipling people away from Christian nationalism. The denomination has partnered with the Baptist Joint Committee to equip other ministries and make resources available to their 31 regions. . . .
Statements and resolutions have the power and potential to illuminate injustice, raise awareness, galvanize action, and build desperately needed social and political will The question isn’t whether we should utilize this tool, but how can we deploy it in ways that are most strategic to advance the cause of liberation and justice
Adam Russell Taylor is president of Sojourners and author of A More Perfect Union: A new vision for Building the Beloved Community This article appeared June 27, 2024 bit ly/PulseChristianStatements
WHO WE ARE
Pulse is the monthly digital magazine of JustLove Collective
This month’s issue is edited by Stephen Chavez and designed by Jeffers Media
Unless indicated otherwise all Bible references are from the New Revised Standard Version.
STEPHEN CHAVEZ
Retired after a career as a parish pastor, then as a staff member of Adventist Review He is Director of Church Relations for Seventh-day Adventist Kinship International.
MARCIA NORDMEYER
Marcia is a circulation/reference associate at Union Adventist University's library in Lincoln, Nebraska.
CHRIS BLAKE
Taught Conflict and Peacemaking and Critiquing Film at what is now Union Adventist University. He has also served as an academy teacher, editor, author, and pastor
InterAct
VOTE LIKE IT COUNTS
Seventy countries around the world, encompassing 44 percent of the world population, have had or will have major, significant elections in 2024. In several countries democracy is hanging by a thread. In some countries election results are ignored and those who protest are jailed. In nearly every country wild, unsubstantiated rumors abound, seeking to sow doubt on election results. While it’s tempting to believe “my vote doesn’t matter,” our participation in the election process is our witness that we care about our communities.
In the 2020 U.S. presidential election, roughly 158 million Americans turned out to vote, the highest number since 1900, about 20 million more than in 2016. That number—158 million—represents what percentage of eligible voters?
A. 19 percent
B. 39 percent
C. 66 percent
D. 88 percent
C Even with two-thirds of its eligible voters casting ballots in 2020, the United States lags way behind countries such as Rwanda (98 percent), Singapore (93 percent), Uruguay (90 percent), and Bolivia (88 percent) bit ly/PulseVoterTurnout
Which country has the lowest minimum voting age?
A. Bangladesh
B. Ethiopia
C. Nicaragua
D. Samoa
C Nicaragua joins Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, and Cuba, among others, for which the minimum voting age is 16. On the other end of the spectrum, voters have to be 25 to cast ballots in the United Arab Emirates bit ly/PulseMinimumVotingAge
Which state makes it most difficult to vote?
A. Alabama
B. Arizona
C. New Hampshire
D. Wyoming
C. New Hampshire is considered the most difficult of all 50 states to cast a ballot. It requires proof of identity and citizenship when registering to vote It does not allow early voting Those without an absentee ballot must show up in person at their polling place on voting day bit ly/PulseVotingDifficulty
California, Connecticut, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, and Washington all enacted laws in 2023 to make it easier to vote. Which state passed the most pro-election laws?
A. California
B. Connecticut C. Michigan D. Nevada
C Legislators in Michigan voted to expand access to voter registration, extend automatic voter registration, and expand access to online and same-day voter registration
Fourteen states enacted more restrictive voting laws in 2023. That year, 356 restrictive voting laws were considered by lawmakers in 47 states. Which state has the most restrictive voting laws?
A. Colorado
B. Idaho
C. North Carolina
D. Texas
C North Carolina shortened the period for returning mail-in ballots, eliminated ballot drop boxes, and made it more likely that those who use same-day registration will not have their ballots counted bit ly/PulseVotingLaws
It has to be said that the 14 states that enacted more restrictive voting laws did so primarily because of the oft-repeated lie that the 2020 presidential election was “stolen.” It’s also worth noting that the subsequent restrictions most often affect those who are poor, elderly, and people of color, effectively restricting their rights as citizens
Stephen Chavez
ReView
The Finish Line Knows No Gender
When 26-year-old Tracy Edwards wanted to enter the Whitbread Round the World Race, the most dangerous sailing competition on earth, she was turned away. No team wanted her. In a previous race she had been a cook where, she says, “I was treated like a servant.”
Tracy looked to enter the race on her own terms, with her own boat and all-female crew She chose a helmswoman, first mate/navigator, bowman, cook, doctor, watch captain, and sail trimmers. To enter the race, she needed to obtain a yacht and a sponsor and raise funds totaling one million pounds ($6 million) Hundreds of companies turned her down.
After two years of striking out, she remortgaged her house to buy a secondhand boat renamed Maiden that was, as Edwards puts it, “quite scruffy looking ” One of her crew describes it in starker terms. “I thought, Bloody hell, would you look at the state of that?” The crew spent an entire year refurbishing the 58-foot sailing vessel. Eventually, Royal Jordanian Airlines and Jordan’s King Hussein stepped up to sponsor them.
The film is punctuated with interviews and archival news reports One crew member observes, “Being a girl in the sailing world is like being disabled ” Another notes, “We felt patronized. You know, the little ladies.”
This is women’s ordination on the high seas.
Tracy Edwards had endured a troubled youth
Maiden (2018) 93 minutes (PG) Rotten Tomatoes 98% positive Directed by Alex Holmes Available on Apple TV and Prime Video
that included running away from home from an abusive, alcoholic stepfather and getting thrown out of school. As an adult, she grappled with fears and self-doubt After three years of work only three weeks before Whitbread the crew of 12 shrank to 10 as they lost the cook to a broken wrist (“I was gutted,” she remembers) and the first mate, fired.
Edwards observes, “We were a real mixed bag of mostly dropouts, misfits, gypsies, and nomads. We were all running away from something, but we were family units I mean surreal family units.” Competing against their Great Britain team stood male crews from New Zealand, Spain, Belgium, Germany, France, and Soviet Union.
Nobody in the press believed they would finish the first leg.
The 1989 race itself was astounding. From September to May, traveling 167 days at sea over 33,000 miles, navigating at -20 degrees windchill past nighttime icebergs, plugging leaks, surfing “with a rooster tail” down 50-foot waves, and being stuck with no wind, they ran 24/7 each crew four hours on, four hours off.
(Try that for nine months )
Though it was an endurance race, nobody in the entire press corps believed they would finish the first leg to Uruguay “People were scathing,” recalls a crew member of the rampant sexism. Bets were placed on abbreviated distances, including one day Yet when the first leg was completed, media questions were not about race tactics but whether the women had “squabbled.” One Maiden woman remarks, “You never saw them ask the guys those questions.”
Leveling the field
Fast forward to decades later. After she had sold the boat, Tracy Edwards learned that Maiden was rotting on the rocks in The Seychelles, a small group of islands in the Indian Ocean where it had been abandoned She crowdfunded money to repurchase the wreck in 2016, then took another year to restore it at Southampton, where she and her crew had rebuilt it the first time.
In 2019, she began a world tour to raise money and awareness for girls’ access to education in poorer nations Her project is “The Maiden Factor ” Edwards notes, “We were told we couldn’t do it, but we showed how sailing is a level playing field Now, I’m making it my mission to advocate for girls’ education around the world ”
Decades after the race, Alex Holmes, the film’s director, heard Edwards speak at his daughter’s elementary school graduation He calls Tracy the next morning and says, “I’m a documentary maker and I have to tell your story. I suppose it will need to be a drama because there’s no footage ”
This is women’s ordination on the high seas.
Of course there’s footage,” replies Tracy. “We filmed the whole thing.”
I won’t spoil the race results here Much like the towering waves, there are peaks and valleys. As Jo, Tracy’s childhood friend and Maiden cook comments, “If you believed in everything that people tell you you can’t do, what would humankind have achieved?” Tracy herself admits, “This was the first time in my life I had stood up for something I believed in ”
If you’re not weeping at the end, check your pulse to see if you’re alive
Chris Blake
Childlike Wonder—Makayla Castillo
Makayla Castillo studies Studio Art at Montgomery College in Maryland. She hopes to start her own business, supporting artists in her community.
NEW ADVENTIST BOOK ABOUT SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIPS
A Valuable Resource for Pastors and Church Members
Queer Insights: Contributions to a more balanced discussion on sexual orientations and relationships,Werner E Lange, Dennis Meier, and Reinder Bruinsma, editors; 353 pages, Association of Adventist Forums/SPECTRUM (under license from STAB-Verlag, Germany), 2024
Twenty-four years after same-sex relationships were sanctioned in the Netherlands in 2001, the Adventist Church still wrestles with how to deal with its LGBTQI+ members. Nearly 40 countries now recognize same-sex unions, with only the most repressive (think Russia, China, several countries in Africa and the Middle East) still maintaining archaic restrictions based on ancient traditions or rigid religious orthodoxy
Those of us who have friends in the queer community, both in and out of the church, have heard countless variations of the same stories: young persons who come out to their families and are put out of their homes (or the church); church members who post on social media their support of LGBTQ+ people and are removed from positions of responsibility; clergy members who are disciplined for presiding over same-sex commitment services
Ironically, while Seventh-day Adventists and other Christian Fundamentalists insist that
homosexuality is one of the last great deceptions of Satan, the society in which we live has moved on to more substantive issues, thus leaving this Christianity to appear as increasingly bigoted, out of touch, and irrelevant.[1] According to Gallup, in 1996 28 percent of Americans thought that gay marriage should be allowed In 2024 it was 69 percent.[2That number will undoubtedly increase as professional athletes, entertainers, politicians, neighbors, and family members publicly identify as homosexual.
"Conversion therapies" maintain, without evidence, that one can "pray the
gay away."
Until recently, Christians who wrote about “homosexuality” did so from a narrow, traditional interpretation, based on a handful of Bible texts that may or may not have been correctly translated and interpreted One of the first Adventists to take a scholarly look at the historical, linguistic, and cultural context of these texts was a young pastor who lost her job when she came out as bisexual Alicia Johnston’s book, The Bible and LGBTQ
Adventists: a Theological Conversation about Same-sex Marriage, Gender, and Identity, is the result of her study. Johnston’s book not only provided a counterargument to the few Bible verses used to condemn homosexuals and homosexual practice (so-called “clobber texts”), it gave lay Christians a vocabulary to understand that twenty-first century concepts of consensual homosexual relationships have little or no correlation with Old and New Testament restrictions
Werner E Lange, a retired Adventist pastor and book editor of the German Adventist Publishing house (Advent-Verlag), now a freelance editor and owner of his private STABVerlag (which cooperates with the AdventVerlag, STAB being an acronym for Seventhday Adventist books), was approached by Dennis Maier, president of the North German Hanse Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Churches, about publishing Johnston’s book in German Subsequent considerations led Lange together with co-editors Dennis Meier and Reinder Bruisma to assemble a completely new volume by soliciting manuscripts from a variety of mostly German authors who could write authoritatively about same-sex relationships from a biological, therapeutic, theological, Adventist historical or practical perspective. It has now been translated into English and the Association of Adventist Forums, publisher of Spectrum, agreed to publish it in North America. The book is a work of more than 25 chapters by more than 25 authors It’s 350 pages sometimes feel like overkill, but they are a testimony to the thorough and comprehensive treatment this important subject deserves
[WEL2]
The great tragedy is that those who need its message most are least likely to read it. [3]
misguided efforts to change people’s sexual orientation Third, a comprehensive look at Bible references to same-sex relationships and how they should be understood when properly considering the ancient meanings of the words and the historical context. Fourth, how the Adventist Church treated its queer members over the past decades and how Seventh-day Adventist Kinship International was founded and developed. Two reports from queerfriendly Adventist congregations are also included Fifth, chapters that describe how to implement civil conversations on personal and corporate levels to ensure that queerness is no longer, or even a primary descriptor or a person or group.
The book is divided into five sections. First, stories of Adventists who were forced to reconcile their attraction to people of the same sex while understanding the church’s antipathy against such relationships. Second, the biological causes of same-sex orientation, and why it’s inaccurate and disingenuous to insist on a binary understanding of sexual orientation. Failed attempts to change sexual orientation are surveyed, as well as the Adventist Church’s
Queer Insights is not recreational reading Its list of authors and their qualifications demonstrates the seriousness with which the editors approached this topic Except for the chapter that contains reflections of Adventists who’ve had to grapple with their sexual orientation, the chapters written by specialists in their fields of expertise are thoroughly sourced. Indeed, one of the book’s minor weaknesses may be that a few of the authors of the various technical chapters use vocabulary (especially in biology and biblical languages) that may be difficult for lay readers, although quite understandable to those familiar with those fields of study. Much more straightforward and understandable are the chapters about the Adventist Church’s historical efforts to deal with the issue and practical suggestions for implementing fundamental change in our congregations and communities
Nothing in Queer Insights is unique to those who have been working to demonstrate Christian grace, love, and justice to members
of the LGBTQI+ community What is unique is the attempt to take this message to Adventists, whether pastors, administrators, educators, or lay members It should be in the libraries of all Adventist colleges and universities, as well as widely available in Adventist book stores. Those who care about this issue will find the book useful for combating the ignorance and prejudice often heard in public pronouncements, private conversations, and social media posts
[4]
The great tragedy of assembling a book like this, with its weight of persuasive writing supported by professional scholarship, is that those who need its message most are least likely to read it. Decades of a narrow, literal reading of the Bible, combined with a pathological inability to admit past mistakes, makes it likely that as an institution the Adventist Church is condemned to wander in the wilderness of ignorant bigotry for the foreseeable future Ignoring scientific evidence to support the theory of a recent, literal, six-day creation harms no one But willfully ignoring science and supporting “conversion therapies” that maintain, without evidence, that one can “pray the gay away” inflicts irreparable harm on those who follow its false claims Those involved in sexual orientation or gender identity conversion efforts (SOGICE) are more than twice as likely as the general population to attempt suicide [5]
[5]
[WEL2]
authors of the various chapters don’t minimize the meaning of Scripture Instead, they understand that a surface, literal reading of the Bible without taking into account its historical context is inadequate to judge the modern reality of sexual orientations and same-sex relationships. Everyone knows that heterosexual relationships are less about sex than about sharing one’s life with someone who has the same spiritual, emotional, and intellectual interests Our queer friends and family members know, as we all do, the truth of the statement, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Gen 2:18, NIV)
Adventists around the world owe a huge debt to the editors and writers of this book. It will be much referenced as the church, Christ’s body, endeavors to reflect His character to
“I am proud of my church because it takes the Bible seriously,” writes co-editor Dennis Maier in one of the book’s prefaces “I want to be faithful to the Bible.” This is the great strength of Queer Insights. The editors and
Stephen Chavez, retired after a career as a pastor and editor, is director of Church Relations for Seventh-day Adventist Kinship International
A new confession of conviction aims to inspire evangelicals to publicly proclaim their loyalty to Jesus Christ, to serve as theological backing for beleaguered pastors, and to set an example of faith for a younger generation of Christians.
“This statement is designed to hold up a mirror to those who read it and reflect back either the image of Jesus or the image of their partisan idolatry,” said Skye Jethani, author, speaker, and co-host of “The Holy Post” podcast
“Ultimately, this is a moment for us all to take stock of where our allegiances lie Who’s teaching and what teaching are we really called to pursue in this world? If it’s not the teachings of Jesus and if it’s not the values of his kingdom, then maybe we shouldn’t be calling ourselves his followers,” Jethani said
The confession presents seven convictions central to fostering revival and civic renewal, beginning with “We give our allegiance to Jesus Christ alone.”
“We reject the false teaching that anyone other than Jesus Christ has been anointed by
God as our Savior, or that a Christian’s loyalty should belong to any political party,” it says “We reject any message that promotes devotion to a human leader or that wraps divine worship around partisanshi
We give our allegiance to Jesus Christ alone.
We will lead with love, not fear” follows with biblical reminders that Jesus never will abandon his people: “We reject the stoking of fears and the use of threats as an illegitimate form of godly motivation, and we repudiate the use of violence to achieve political goals as incongruent with the way of Christ ”
The truth of Scripture and its warnings against bearing false witness also are affirmed: “We reject the misuse of holy Scripture to sanction a single political agenda, provoke hatred or sow social divisions, and we believe that using God’s name to promote
misinformation or lies for personal or political gain is bearing his name in vain.”
Belief in the gospel’s healing power over world divisions also is affirmed, as is God’s care for every nation and race: “We reject any attempt to divide the church, which is the body of Christ, along partisan, ethnic, or national boundaries, and any message that says it is God’s desire for the human family to be perpetually segregated by race, culture or ethnicity is a rejection of the gospel ”
“We reject the false teaching that anyone other than Jesus Christ has been anointed by God as our Savior.”
A commitment to the church’s prophetic mission of sharing the gospel and bringing social and racial reconciliation is another key conviction affirmed: “We reject both the call for the church to withdraw from societal issues out of fear of political contamination, as well as any attempt to distort the church into a mere vehicle of political or social power ”
The sixth conviction states, “We value every person as created in God’s image ” That belief compels Christians to act with mercy and love toward all people because they are made in God’s image, the document says “We reject any messages that employ dehumanizing rhetoric, that attempt to restrict who is worthy
of God’s love, or that impose limitations on the command to ‘love your neighbor’ that Christ himself removed ”
The final conviction is the pledge to “recognize godly leaders by their character” including by evaluating them by the fruit of their actions: “We reject the lie that a leader’s power, popularity, or political effectiveness is confirmation of God’s favor, or that Christians are permitted to ignore the teachings of Christ to protect themselves with worldly power ”
The statement concludes with a resolution to uphold the gospel regardless of cultural shifts or political pressures: “We commit to being a light in the world, and faithful witnesses to the transforming power of Christ’s love We pray that God’s Spirit will revive our church and strengthen Christ’s people to be agents of his presence and blessing in this turbulent age.”
Among the more than 375 initial signers of the confession are scores of pastors, scholars and other evangelical leaders from across the theological and political spectrum
Jeff Brumley is senior news writer for Baptist News Global He lives in Jacksonville, Florida This is adapted from bit.ly/PulseConfession It originally appeared September 9, 2024
INSPIRATION
Podcasts We Just Love
COLLECTIVE
A House on Fire: This Adventist Peace Fellowship podcast series is based on the excellent book on race and racism
Adventist Voices: Weekly podcast and companion to Spectrum designed to foster community through conversation
The Social Jesus Podcast talks about the intersection of Jesus, faith, and social justice today
INSPIRATION
COLLECTIVE
Red Letter Christian Podcast: Christian commentary on the way of Jesus in the world today
Adventist Pilgrimage: A lively monthly podcast focusing on the academic side of Adventist history
Just Liberty: A fresh, balanced take on religious liberty where justice and liberty meet
Gratitude
As we launch, we are particularly grateful for every contribution to JustLove Collective. Donations are tax-deductible. Though we are a global movement of volunteers, we do need to pay for expenses related to this magazine and to the Summit For more information, please see our website at justlovecollective org
$500
Norma and Richard Osborn
Something Else Sabbath School
Anonymous
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SDA Kinship International
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Harry Banks
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Heart, Soul & Mind
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