Sunday: We Are All Equal
Read Proverbs 20:12. What does this teach us about the value of all humans?
Unlike the theory of evolution, which considers us all to be nothing but chance products of a mindless cosmos, the Bible teaches that all humans were created by God (see also Acts 17:26). It is no accident, either, that Thomas Jefferson asserted the equality of all humans precisely because they were created
by God. It’s in the Lord, and in Him alone, that we have our equality.
Image © Krieg Barrie from GoodSalt.com
Now, though we all have the same Maker, this doesn’t mean we are all the same. Even identical twins don’t wind up behaving exactly alike. In Corinthians, Paul talks about our differences, and stresses that they should not lead to a sense of superiority but should, instead, help us see our need for one another. The eye cannot say to the hand,
(1 Cor. 12:21, NKJV).I have no need of you
; nor again the head to the feet,I have no need of you
Read Proverbs 20:9. What else makes us all equal?
Sin is another universal equalizer. To the rhetorical question of the proverb, the answer no one
points to the tragic and hopeless condition of humankind. Humans are all weak and mortal, and all the money and power in the world will not change that. Yet in the context of the Scriptures this reference to human sinfulness should not lead to despair, because Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection have paved the way for anyone, no matter how sinful, to have the promise of eternal life. And this life comes solely through faith in Him — not by our works.
If man cannot, by any of his good works, merit salvation, then it must be wholly of grace, received by man as a sinner because he receives and believes in Jesus. It is wholly a free gift. Justification by faith is placed beyond controversy. And all this controversy is ended, as soon as the matter is settled that the merits of fallen man in his good works can never procure eternal life for him.
— Ellen G. White, Faith and Works, p. 20.
Do you ever find yourself feeling superior (or inferior) to other people? (You shouldn’t be comparing yourself to others anyway.) If so, what should the cross tell you about the equality of us all?
(39)
If there ever was a strong argument in favor of racism or superiority it is evolution; for by it men are neither created nor equal. With nothing to indicate cessation if we are still evolving who can say some of us are not ahead of others? And why not cooperate with nature by favoring the stronger and fitter? In the same way one may look down on a monkey one may look down on a perceived ‘lesser’ human.
Theistic evolution which supposedly bridges the gap between atheism and faith actually creates far more conflicts than it resolves and does further damage. It calls into question the other major equalizer – Redemption; for it insists that death is just a part of a natural process and time is what improves us, not a definite act of restoration or reset.
Trusting what they see and hear (evidence/experience) in so called science some believers have embraced these ideas which verily insults the Creator and leaves the human equality question unresolved.
The theology of Jesus is one which starts with equality in essence and is then willing to take a lesser role. What if we could only understand how to take the lesser role and be content, even if we perceive the loss of something? (1 Timothy 6:6) There is nothing worthwhile which we may lose that the Creator will not restore in due course (Mark 10:29-31). Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5-8).
What would you say to a person who says science has proven evolution and implies you are not intelligent if you believe in creation, (without being insulting to them)?
I am looking for a short soft sharing answer that I could give, after which I would refer them to a pamphlet or video or book by one of our more knowledgeable scientist on the issue.
Ultimately whatever philosophy of origin we believe in, it comes down to a matter of faith. Those who believe in evolution as a "theory for every living thing" have to accept by faith that there is some fundamental principle driving the creation of intelligent beings from matter. Putting clothes on the fundamental principle without calling it God has proved elusive. We often lose ourselves in the argument about detail of origins and development simply because most of us are not scientists and cannot evaluate the arguments in detail. But when it comes to the philosophical reason for everything, and existence itself, both sides have to accept their viewpoint by faith. And that puts us on an even footing. Having said that, if we accept that Jesus Christ is God revealing himself to us as both the creator and restorer, we have something to live in and demonstrate to others. The argument of a consistent life lived in a relationship with Jesus, tilts the argument very much in the Christian World-view's favor. That leaves us with a challenging responsiblity.
Shirley, you raised two different issues in your question. How to respond to the evolutionist. How to respond with a soft answer to the evolutionist who belittles the believer in Creation.
Second issue is first issue: There is never a Christlike need to respond in kind to being belittled. Generally, the human need to put another down is based on personal self-doubt, insecurity; hence the often profuse laughter when evolution believing scientists in presentations to like scientists and other believers in evolution make witty or jesting comments about Christian creation believers. But in some of those same meetings there are scientists who will speak up, or in their presentations remind that they are all evolutionists, but have no way of proving their theories. There are various ways in which evolutionists buttress their uncertainty.
My accepting that person's assessment of myself reveals my own uncertain self-assessment, which is triggered by their uncertain belief structure. Our certainty in knowing God, and trusting God's Word, gives great security in being a children of God, created and redeemed, and allows for a confidence and kindness to those who do not know Him. Like you already know, this is the work of the Holy Spirit in us.
To the claim as you stated, I often will ask a question, like: "Why would you say that evolution has been proven? or I think you already know that evolution is a theory, so why would you say proven when scholars in Physics, Geology, Biology, (etc, whatever) remind that there is no way to prove evolution?
Depending on the person, I will say: Evolution is a great theory for explaining nature, because of the apparent stages from simple to complex; but you know there has never been any proof of transition from one species to another, so why.......?
I have had two close friends for a while, both atheists, both evolutionists, at the start. Al is a rigid believer in evolution, and has shown no likelihood of veering from a rigid belief that finds it necessary to take ugly shots at Christians and the Bible. His insecurity shows up in other ways, very clearly. Dav, the scientist, believes that scientists have to regard the scientific method, giving credit to nature as the basis for information, not theories of origins. About a year ago he made the shift to allowing the possibility of God's existence, but kept his claim on evolution. Now, no more arguments, he is reading the Bible, and called a few days ago to ask the hard questions regarding what he is reading in Genesis.
So you will also need the guidance of the Holy Spirit in being able to read persons minds and hearts. I said to one woman unbeliever, evolutionist, after listening to her: :"I have never met anyone as empty as you are" (emotionally - she knew what I meant) Response: "I am really empty." I shared my story very briefly, and told her she needs God to fill that need. She agreed for me to pray with her. Next visit, 5 times in the conversation she said: "All I need is God".
I told an ex-marine commander atheist, evolutionist, after listening to his story some time after the loss of his wife: "You got no place to go." He agreed. I shared a compatible testimony of my trust in God: All your life, you have been an unbeliever in God...... You have never prayed, and your son next to you here has never prayed or read the Bible. But I know God, personally.........." then I offered pray. He responded: "Please" "Thank you"
God has ways of saving a few. Just keep praying in your encounters.
I would ask if they believe in the holy bible. If not, I would listen to them but not get into deep discussion. I would just simply try to keep the friendship. I would then pray and fast for Satan's darkness and strongholds to be broken over my new friend. If he/she does believe in the bible I would try to arrange a study and stick with that topic, or give them scriptures to review.
"The Bible is not to be tested by men’s ideas of science, but science is to be brought to the test of this unerring standard. When the Bible makes statements of facts in nature, science may be compared with the written Word, and a correct understanding of both will always prove them to be in harmony. One does not contradict the other. All truth, whether in nature or revelation, agrees" (Selected Messages V3 308)
The proof of evolution fails at the point where by nothing comes from nothing.
Something still needs to be understood that even the gases that now are said to have caused the big theory(that is all it is, a theory),None of it has been proven.(Is man really smarter than the God who made all that was made!). to prove it, a working model must be provided and be able to be recreated as example. The answer to your question my friend is as incomplete as the theory and is circumspect by whether that person believed in God or their own existence by mere chance.
To believe we were created by a greater being. gives proven phsycological advantage that we were made with a purpose, and leads to a more positive outlook on life and success. Where as to just exist by chance and survival of the fittest gives no hope other than becoming fertilizer hopefully to the benefit of some other being happening by chance and completely lacks any indication of love for another.
Does love come by chance also? I believe not. It was God's plan, all along.
@Shirley Wth Proverbs 20:12 in mind. They soley depend on their sences to go about their scientific research! Its only for lack of wisdom that we say there is no God.
We are all equal. We are all blessed in our own unique ways so very much abundantly.
May God give us the grace to acknowledge our neighbours as of equal space as we deserve.
Hi Sam, yes that is one answer we can give: Science excludes the possibility of God in their interpretation of the facts while we believe in God and thus must include His Word in our interpretation of the facts.
Does anyone have any other short, soft, sharing type answers?
Shirley, how has the Lord used you successfully in communicating with unbelievers, atheists, evolutionists? How did you respond to the evolutionist who was putting you down?
I remember a paper I wrote for an English composition class in college, the thesis of which was that our conclusion regarding origins depends entirely on the assumptions we bring to the question. The professor and I discussed the writing but finished with a short but pleasant discussion of the issue. His departing comment was "Good luck on changing the world." I pray that the seed planted might have born fruit.
Since then, I've only a very few times met the subject of origins in talking with those not of my faith. Proposing the idea of examining assumptions has never brought me conflict.
why is it that most of our Christian teachings remain lipstick ideals? Indeed, "as the children of God are one in Christ, how does Jesus look upon caste, upon society distinctions, upon the division of man from his fellow man, because of color, race, position, wealth, birth, or attainments? The secret of unity is found in the equality of believers in Christ. The reason for all division, discord, and difference is found in separation from Christ. Christ is the center to which all should be attracted; for the nearer we approach the center, the closer we shall come together in feeling, in sympathy, in love, growing into the character and image of Jesus. With God there is no respect of persons. {1SM 259.2}
The question of equality with what we are feeding our and children's minds through the media is a hard one in a society that has become like ANIMALS of the fields.Like an evolutionary ecosystem when it comes to gender,women are the weaker animals in the food chain. The media for instance, does not only portray women as targets for unwanted sexual aggression, but it portrays men as sexually dominant at best, mindless predators at worst. Human beings are reduced to animals, relationships are reduced to the will of the more vicious carnivores in the habitats.
I think we have to rethink our positions on EQUALITY from an holistic perspective and allow God to be the center of our interactions.
The fact that scientists are being polarized into creationist and evolutionists, also highly indicate that there are 2 sets of avilable opinions. Importantly, an opinion with the interpretations due to it, that one holds, is undenyably influenced by plenty factors of which the environment and experiences of one's childhood is crucial and exerts a significant impact on values and belifs held in adulthood. Arguebly, the Scientific method and wisdom, however, are merely means for the mind to form a set of opinion of which conviction and faith are products yield. For instance, the fact that irrespective of cultural background, ethnicity or race, parents of 2 defferent ethnicity and race can have children; is an observation of which an evolutionist would arrive at a conclusion other than the creationist counterpart . A creationist, due to his childhood background as a seasoned christian, would agree that humankind is a single race which was created and is propagated by the same designer thereby equal, etc.
Hi Shirley, sometimes no answer will suffice the doubter.Bear in mind that JESUS had just performed some of His greatest miracles when the doubters asked for a sign that He was who He was doing what He did. JESUS could have given then a trillion trillion signs and they still would not have believed. Such is the nature of the doubting mind - always seeking a sign and one more evidence that a thing is so.
At its best evolution is simply illogical. At its worst it's just a big lie and a fraud perpetrated by those who do not want to surrender themselves to GOD because doing so has obligations that they do not want to render.
I am unable to post this lesson to my Facebook/Twitter page as I do not want to start a race riot. I would want my Facebook/Twitter friends to find Jesus, not become sidetracked and start the other conversations with the lesson study. To quote Thomas Jefferson on race relations in this Black History month is very unfortunate. He was a hypocrite who kept slaves, even his own children by Sally Hemings among other things. Surely, if we must quote, we should be able to find moral men of good conscience instead of these 'founding fathers' who said one thing but committed the atrocity of being slaveholders themselves. I did not like the dislike button on the lesson, however here is an instance where I would use it. So very unfortunate.
Lord help me to keep my focus on you; not on any ideology, organization, or person.
Paulette, it just goes to show that, being human, the authors and editors of our lessons sometimes make mistakes - probably from lack of information.
Inge, with all due respect, the information is out there, in abundance. What our organization needs to do is, self examination. Failure to acknowledge the issues that affected, and are affecting the sons and daughters of Africa, to this day, makes me look cockeyed at who we are as an organization, who should be occupying till He comes. Jacques B. Doukhan heritage and studies should have exposed him, if not, why not? With all that has been happening to African Americans how can anyone not know? As Marie said, right there in our lesson study, we learn of the racial inequality with the Greek and Hebrew Jews, and how it was addressed. See what happened there? a solution was found. Today we hide behind christianity and demand that people be 'good christians' and wait for Jesus to come fix these man made problems. When will our organization end the 'Black and White conference mess? When will Whites stop disappearing in droves from churches when Blacks start worshipping in their congregations? Will there be a Black side and White side of heaven? I heard Barbara Mandrell say once on television that she would be going to the Black side of heaven for the singing. What is salvation about? Is this thing real? because if it is, why are we, in 2015 still living the way we do? Ignoring slavery and all that comes with it will not make us better people. It is said that the church in North America is not growing from without, it's growing from SDA immigrants moving in from other countries. The question then is, why? Why aren't we attracting African Americans? Why did a large number leave the church in the past? From this day hereon, I would ask that the authors and editors be mindful of this group of people when writing the Sabbath School lessons. I would ask that the General Conference acknowledge Black History month. For me, It is not enough to quote Sister White. The early church attempted to fix the problem.They did not play pretend, they realized their was a problem and they jumped on it. If the early church acknowledged the racial problem and did something about it, why are we today, 2015, acting as if it's a sin to even discuss what Black people went though and are still going through? The church will NOT fall apart, it's built on Jesus, the solid Rock, a sure Foundation. Let's move this from the pages of the bible and do something about the great ole elephant in the room. Jesus cannot return, know why? we're down here playing games.
Thank you Paulette C. for your comments regarding such a sensitive issue. The thing I feel most strongly about is your reference to "what Black people went th[r]ough and are still going through." I'm not a black person and am not sufficiently aware of what you refer to as "still going through," and so your voice needs to be heard. None of us want suffering, and we know racial feelings are never totally hidden and hurt others without knowing it. We foolishly think we can be biased without offending others, and this needs to be brought out into the open so it can be addressed over and over.
The SS committee should have known the use of Jefferson during this month would be insensitive, and I'm pleased you pointed it out, and with people of color on various committees this type of thing happens less now than before.
My Union Conference President is black, and when I heard him pray in my church last fall my heart rejoiced because he impressed me as a genuine holy person, and not just a "quota met." I praise God that all of us are working toward the same objective, and it's a shame that anyone in our organization should ever feel offended for our insensitivity in this arena.
I'm no expert in race relations, but we can all listen for voices like yours, and be willing to respond in a genuine manner.
Gerald, I so do appreciate your response. It is not enough to just scold. I think you read with your heart, and while you may not understand, your empathy to 'whatever' I meant came through. If you are not living in the US, you may not be aware of the police brutality, the discrimination in health care, housing, employment, education, marginalization, etc, etc that continues in this 21st century. We are still marching just as Martin Luther King and others did in the 60s. People are shot and killed just because...... As I explained, I post the SS lesson to my social media pages. Non-Adventists, Atheist, Agnostics, and others read the info I post. It is enough that I have to defend a 'God in the sky', my faith, and creation. I do not have time to start arguing about whether the organization I belong to is sensitive to, or values my Blackness. This would definitely be argued. I follow, and am followed by a savvy group of people; many are people who were raised as Christians of other faiths who have since left the church for various reasons.
Paulette, thank you for sharing, and while wonderful people like yourself have done so much to help heal racism in our country, I do get frustrated from time to time and can relate to your apparent frustration. Yet there is a lot of good things going on.
Let me share the things that I am very happy about. My church, the Tampa First Seventh-day Adventist Church, is a beautiful church of many races and cultures. While we are in the "white" conference we have many leaders of different races. Currently our head elder is black.
I am kind of confused by what you meant by white people leaving in droves whenever blacks start a church? There is a retired black family in our church who spent their lives setting up churches. They are highly esteemed in our church family. Likewise I have been invited to speak in black churches, and also hold seminars there on how to give Bible studies. For the last two years or so, pastors from both the white and black conferences have been meeting together for fellowship as well as planning joint ventures in the community and church for evangelism. Neither conference suggested we do this. We did it on our own. Not only are white and black pastors meeting together, but they are welcomed to these meetings with open arms, including Bible workers like myself and lay members. Nobody in the meetings, black or white, lay member or clergy, wears any label other than brother or sister.
So I encourage you, Paulette, to keep on loving and reaching out to others. Thank you for being a friend who brings healing instead of division.
Hi William, I smiled at your response, your church is one I have plans to visit if I ever visit Tampa, this from the wonderful articles you write. I am inspired by your ministry. I have friends in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Georgia, (I wont say the names of the churches) whose churches are now all Black churches but were otherwise when they first relocated to the area. It is a fact. As stated when the racial issues came up in the bible with the Hebrew/Greek Jews, the early church found a solution. I hope I am not overreaching, but whenever it comes to the big elephant in the room of race, and racial issues, there is a tendency of many members to shut down the person who dares to call this sin out. Miriam and Aaron were struck with leprosy for being mean to Moses' wife, the Ethiopian. This problem has been around for a minute. My organization will reprimand instead of dealing with this problem. I will be that 'good christian' who will call sin by it's right name. If any wishes to, they can take another look at my original statement. William, because of social media, our organization has to responsible for the message they put out in the world. This is not our grandfathers world.... Love you my brother.
Hi Paulette,
Thank you for your comment. As SSNET publisher, I just want to address a brief part of your comment with a little additional information:
1. We are not the authors and editors of the lessons. For questions and concerns about the Study Guide, please contact the editor of the Bible Study Guide, Clifford Goldstein.
2. The Sabbath School lesson is published world-wide, and "Black History Month" is essentially a US-centered event, of relevance to a very small percentage of Seventh-day Adventists, considering that the vast majority of our members do not live in the US. (The lessons are also run through editorial committees with representatives from the various world fields.)
Paulette, I ,like you, seem to have been expecting a different discussion; based upon today's header. Some of the most vial and corrupt ideations have been promoted by "Christians". To deny the racial component of the discussion while promoting that we are "all equal"? Let's not forget deacons were organized in the early church because of feelings of racial inequality when addressing the needs of non-Hebrew widows and children. Denying/ignoring a problem doesn't make it go away.
To clarify; neither do I want to instigate any race riots. But this day's lesson and comments are likely to encourage a lot of discussion; both pro and con.
Dear Paulette, We could use that word hypocrite for a lot more people than just Jefferson. We could call Solomon a hypocrite for teaching about sexual integrity while having 700 wives. We could call many people hypocrites for preaching against gossip while they let things slip that they should keep to themselves. A while back I used the word hypocrite, and a friend suggested a more fitting word my be "inconsistent." I think consistent integrity is a struggle for all human kind. Meanwhile, Jefferson actually represented a black slave in court, trying to win his freedom. the man had a white grandmother and by law should have been freed at age 31. During this trial, well before the Revolution, Jefferson was first cited using the term, "All men are created equal." Jefferson lost the case, but the fact is he was the only one at the time who would defend the man.
Jefferson also included the abolition of slavery in the Declaration of Independence. Sadly it was tossed out by the other founding fathers who edited it. Benjamin Franklin was quoted saying Jefferson sat there seething and very upset as he watched everyone editing his draft, throwing things out that he thought were important. As a writer I understand exactly how he felt!
Yes Jefferson had slaves but he made sure that Sally's children were freed. (She herself was apparently freed by his daughter after his death.) So could we say Jefferson was a work in progress instead of calling him a hypocrite? If we throw Jefferson out of the quarterly, shall we also throw John Newton's "Amazing Grace" out of the hymnal? Shall we also throw Solomon's Proverbs out of the Bible?
None of us are perfect but thank God for seeing the good in us instead of only the bad.
William,
Here are a few questions which might go along with yours:
Bringing home a lesson we studied recently, what might have been Jesus' response had Bro. Tom (whose portrait appears on a denomination of U.S. currency) been dragged before Him?
Considering their history one wonders how Uriah might feel about David in Heaven or Stephen about Paul (formerly Saul) in the Earth made new?
What if, just what if Bro. Jefferson is admitted into Heaven, how would fellow believers react? Surely Jesus would be pleased to have him.
We cannot force the lessons we study on others, but we may bring them home and make them real. It is probably a good time to pause and pray for our leaders and the diligent Sabbath School Committee.
Hi Hugh, TT in the house. Your comments are a blessing, that I look forward to. Can you take a second look at my initial comment please. No where did I say anything about who will be or not be in heaven. Chief of sinner that I am, I will be singing that old negro spiritual, "How I got over, my soul looks back and wonder, how I got over" I was very clear, I think. Here was a man being quoted for saying "all are equal" yet kept slaves, including his children who were never freed until after his death. My now many post should clear up what my concerns were/are. Much love my brother, my regards to the family.
Hi Paulette,
Thanks for your gracious and generous reply and remarks. As you know comments are not necessarily meant for the one, but the many. That said permit me a departure from the usual to share a personal testimony.
Watching the documentary “Roots” (and similar films) as a youngster bitterness welled up inside. My indignation was not just against the atrocities, but the perpetrators (and probably their supporters as well). The inflamed feelings were easily justified as being a fitting response to grievous conduct. Yet the fury inside was not of a refining quality. It tended more to consume.
Watching a good portion of the same documentary a few years ago something struck me which was overlooked the first time around. Not only did the oppressed people get invaluable help from a few people on the other side, but it was apparent the oppressors were in desperate need of Jesus. The reaction this time was pity.
The need of Christ in the life of the abuser may easily be eclipsed by passion arising from the urgent need of the abused. Jesus is very conscious of both.
EGW encourages us to regularly reflect on the life of Jesus, especially the final scenes. One remarkable scene was when the Savior sought forgiveness for His murderers in the heat of the moment, while He was being murdered, and not when things calmed down or was a distant memory. This is a tough ask, except the Spirit makes it possible.
Our unchurched friends might not think this way, but it could be an opportunity to not just teach forgiveness but demonstrate it, even in a small way by our attitude to the ‘big sinner.’
Much love to you and family as well. Always let there be love shared among us.
William, try as we might we cannot rewrite history, it is what it is. Jefferson owned slaves including his children who were not freed until after his death. His own flesh and blood under chattel slavery. Slavery in the Americas was not new. Chattel slavery on the other hand, was the worst form of slavery ever to be practiced in the history of slavery. Respectfully, my dear brothers and sisters, I will forever call a spade a spade. Nowhere did I speak of perfection, on the other hand, I will not, cannot, and will never, ever defend slavery or anyone who practiced it then or is practicing it today for whatever reason. No human being deserved/deserves that treatment. For that reason I am proud of my part in helping a 14 year old escape from sexual slavery a few years ago. I am delighted that John Newton saw the evil in the institution of slavery and stopped his participation in this dehumanizing behavior; this is a man I can respect. Getting back to my main concern; I chose not to post that lesson to my page as this would start a controversy. Many people would not view his quote from the point of view as so many who has lent their voice to my statement. I use my Facebook and twitter pages as a ministering tool ( many of your articles are posted to my pages) and also to create social awareness. Again: Miriam and Aaron were struck with leprosy for their racism and the early church came up with a solution for the problem. Beating me over the head with questions, does not negate that these are problems that are heinous to God, and needs to be fixed. Much love Brother.
Paulette, you make some very good observations about the life of one of the founding fathers of the US who was not alone in having slaves while advocating freedom. The problem those people had was in understanding the principle behind the constitution of the United States that they were drafting. While their concern was over governmental control, particularly that of colonization and how to deal with it, they missed the personal side of the issue.
Even though the lesson author obviously was ignorant or unmindful of Jefferson's involvement in slavery his point was not about slavery but about what the Bible says about equality from a creation standpoint of view. From that point we can extrapolate problems in human relations such as the slavery issue. This is a general problem where one group considers another group inferior and therefore subject to manipulation and subjugation and is a worldwide issue that transcends time.
Paulette, while the Bible does say, "Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married" (Num. 12:1 NKJV) it is clear that the issue was being used as a lever to attack the ministry of Moses and usurp his authority. I am sure that Moses was not the only one in Israel during the period of slavery in Egypt that married others outside of Judaism.
Furthermore, in Egypt during that period foreigners were not looked upon with favor as the enslavement of Israel was part of that country's transition out of the Hykos period where foreigners dominated politically. We like to think that the Jews remained intellectually separate from the rest of Egypt but we are talking about 400 years in a foreign country spanning perhaps upwards of 20 generations that were acclimated to Egyptian idolatry and the Egyptian way of life. Think in terms of the loss of African culture within only 200 years of being in North America. That whole problem was the reason for God restating the Ten Commandments again at Sinai.
What Miriam and Aaron were effectively doing was using a particular mindset to turn opinion against Moses in their attempted hostile takeover.
Tyler, didn't Moses leave the land of Egypt; and as God led him, he found his way to the settlement of the Midianite/Ismaelite Jethro the Priest, whose daughter he married? Likely there was intermarriage between Israelite and Egyptians (of which we are not definitely informed, but may deduce from the embedded reculturation, and Joseph's marriage), but Moses' situation had a uniqueness of being away from his culture, and being part of a new bond.
I did not get the impression there was Israelite/foreigner domination. They were sojourners in a small NE sector, given that it was prime property. It seems that a "new Pharaoh" was concerned about their population growth and prosperity; similar to what happened after Nebuchadnezzar died in Babylon. Not an issue anyhow. Share additional information that clarifies what you posted.
Not to be compared with loss of identity of AFricans brought to America. Their personhood was violently ripped from them.
Paulette, I believe we can agree that when it comes to race, the groups usually divide into one of two camps. The 'deniers' and the 'justifiers'. To Tyler; the motives of Miriam and Aaron are not in question. The point of discussion was their chosen METHOD. Few African Americans will deny that slavery actually started because of those "tribal" wars in Africa; with the victors selling the conquered. (Of course that was until they themselves became a desired commodity.) However, people today are still suffering the effects of sins committed long ago. And in some cases thoses sins have never stopped being committed. We can pretend and look the other way, but it changes nothing. The majority of the American south is still divided along racial lines, INCLUDING the churches. To Inge, there can be no denying that the majority of the SDA church is outside of the USA. However, an opportunity to address tribal fighting and ethnic wars in Africa and the middle east could/should have been addressed with Sunday's topic. One of the previous lessons showed a man at a divided path, trying to determine which road to travel. Yes, this is a difficult subject, but we see the 'road' the writer chose to take. It appears that we are still in the 'denial' camp; missing opportunities to reveal and treat the 'open wounds' that continue to manifest and destroy. Even among God's people.
Thank you so very much Marie. Thank you, and may God continue to bless you.
William, don't you think that you have to walk in a person's shoes to understand how they feel?
Thank you to all for your comments, we can see that this is a challenging subject to share with others.
I like to share the wonder and complexity of a single cell which for me makes it difficult to believe that it all came together by chance.
Shirley, I also think there is evidence.
Here is an article from the website "uncommon Descent" (an intelligent design website, creationism from a science viewpoint) written by Vincent Torley who has a Phd in philosophy with a background in mathematics and other sciences. He got most of his education in Australia and now lives in Japan. He currently teaches English in Japan but has also done a good bit of computer programming.
The article is an answer to Professor Moran's statement, "I am always on the lookout for evidence that some sort of god actually exists. The reason I’m an atheist is because I’ve never seen any evidence that’s the least bit convincing. I keep asking for evidence but nobody ever supplies any."
The article and the links and quotes it provides may be of interest to you in searching for ways to reach the sometimes unreachable.
Hi Tyler, yes absolutely there is much evidence and explanations of the facts that support Creation.
Awhile back I collected information from other learned source to give short answers to these four questions from a Creation point of view.
In my opinion there are 4 main issues:
1. The Origin of Inorganic Elements & the age of the Earth
2. The Origin & age of the Sedimentary Rocks
3. The Origin of Organic life
4. The Origin of Variety and Complex Life Forms
My main initial point was to get people thinking of how to get a dialogue going rather than trading insults.
Tyler, Only the Spirit of God can reveal the things of God. EGW added in Education that Jesus Christ is the One who gives brilliant ideas to these investigating scientists. It is for their judgment, whether they choose to continue on their own footprints of denial, or become open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. There is an extraordinary flow of unbelieving scientist becoming believers in God. Of those who value the scientific method, and find themselves in a world of wonder from minutiae to macro/universal, many are turning to God. But, as the Word said, the nature of man to become like God finds it difficult to surrender even to the Infinite Being and Creator. "Pray for the Father to send Laborers" who are listening to the Voice of the Holy Spirit; as we do our part in our small corners.
Tyler, in Romans 1:20, Paul strongly states that the Creation is God's evidence, in which His invisible presence is revealed in visible phenomena. "Science" is many philosophical and methodological approaches, as subjectively determined by the history, experience and motive of the specific student/scholar. The scientific method, even with its limitations, offers a correlation in methodology with authentic Biblical hermeneutic/theological methodology, and so opens the way for integrative dialogue. Both can see the hand of the Divine. Human methodology, whether represented in scientist or in theologian, will falter and mislead. Evidence is replete and clear, but the eyes have to be given from above, authentic and available.
It breaks my heart, when I try to explain why or conferences are separated. Exspecially when other denominations worship in a blended manner. We as a faith must address this issue. How can we call ourselves Christians and still harbor racist veiws...
Henry the two conferences are not necessarily about "racist views." Fact is it is mostly about job security at the conference level. Two conferences create more conference level jobs. There are white and blacks employed in both conferences. I heard the president of the Regional conference speak on this very topic at a Georgia Cumberland camp meeting a while back. Also there are white and black members in both conferences. So you can't really call it a racial issue.
Dear brother William. I love our faith and would be the last to cast decention amongst the breathen, but to deny that racisim has nothing to do with the division of conferance is less than disengenuios . I pray that this issue would be discussed honestly and in love. The mere fact that you stated that I can't make a statement is evidence of our denial. Love you my brother!
Brother Henry I am not in denial of racism. I am just saying the conference divisions are no longer racial by my perspective. Of course I tend to be naive when it comes to racism. I love everyone and just assume everyone loves me too, but I have been stung a couple of times thinking like that. Thanks for the love. Love you too!
Equal value tho different
Like Paulette I saw this lesson in terms of racial, tribal differences and the pain they've caused.
Belonging to an African nation that is just from the polls and is currently experiencing "tribal hate" and for me belonging to one of the "perceived inferior tribes", I've felt the pain and can not deny it. I almost understood (and liked the idea if it brings peace) "white/black churches" out there as being a result of such but from the discussions above, it seems not.
Having experienced the pain from ridicule, I was (am) ok to say "let's rather go our separate ways and form 2 countries out of our one nation". I seem convinced that boundaries (as in Acts 17:26) are important (including my nation's apparent natural boundaries that seem to have been ignored at time of independence, forcing all tribes on each other, hence the superior / inferior things and tribal hate. The pain is and can be that bad! In my nation's case, I seem also to be convinced that creating or recognising the ignored boundaries wud have people respect one another, being able to mix (entering other country by passport/visa) and even worship together freely knowing u are of different nations and have nothing to compete for.
Again illustrating using my nation, it seems that the "christians" who belong to the "perceived superior tribe/s" do not understand the pain the "perceived inferior tribes" feel and seem to condemn "christians" from "perceived inferior tribes" for complaining that the oppression is unbearable and wud rather go their ways. By this, the point am making is that we ought to recognise the pain those perceived inferior feel if we are to sincerely be able to pray for true unity in Christ and reach the objective of this lesson, recognising wat matters most, the true equalisers of us all.
THE DESIRE OF AGES, PAGE 403
"Caste is hateful to God. In His sight the souls of all men are of equal value. He “hath made of one blood all nations of men, ... that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might ... find Him, though He be not far from every one of us.” All are invited to come to Him and live. “The same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Acts 17:26, 27; Romans 10:12, 13."
The differences in borders, outward appearance or physical capability are not supposed to affect or cause us to feel inferior.
However, it is reality that some have felt superior over others and those that feel superior have caused pain or inferior feeling in others. As humans the pain is real and inevitable but we are reminded to know wat matters most - creation, falling to sin and redemption - the true equalisers.
By this measure we are all equal. We are also reminded that it's not ours to fight, God is in control and will fight for us. It's His battle. 2 Chr 20:15
He will save us. We shud just wait on him Prov 20: 22
Hi Nzooma,
Thank you for reminding us that the issue of ethnic clashes is not unique to the US but is found throughout the world and is found between tribes who have the same skin colour. Here in Africa we have ethnic clashes which result in discrimination, domination, atrocities even genocide.
People have tried various solutions, from "separate but equal" to re-drawing the lines of countries as you have mentioned, but nothing forced on people will work, only the LORD's solution which happens one heart at a time.
Jesus prayed that we should all be one, the method - selfless love; the tools - the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control.
Amen to that Shirley. Yes one heart at a time. May God help us surrender ourselves to Him. Thanks
Nzooma,
Thank you for sharing such deep pain and suffering for you and your people. I struggle to grasp what it means for your people to live with this every day of your life; as I struggle to understand how Israeli children may not return home from school just about any day; as I try grasp what it means for families to live in refugee camps for days and months and years with daily suffering; and now the growing threats to Islamic children, and so on. I can from your writing feel the burning pain in your heart as you recognize all efforts to cross the boundaries of anger and hate and strife are futile; for humans are given over to the nature of sin.
Here, how do I walk in the shoes of the elderly black woman who has to choose whether to buy medication or food with the last pennies she has, and 57 percent of these elderly will buy the medication, without food in their stomachs and the side effects to follow. 70 million in this country with no healthcare results in a 32 year old black woman who lost her home in a tornado and damaged her foot, and without a job not being able to care for her children, then get rejected and put out from three emergency rooms of hospitals without treatment, the last one, a Christian hospital calling the police because she stayed around too long, and she ends up in jail where she dies by the second day from lack of treatment, leaving two children behind to grieve, with no place of their own.
While we see this we cannot overlook, but give praise to God for being there for His suffering children; and how He has worked, even in the hearts and lives of some of those of the oppressive race, to bring freedom to the slaves, and today many many continue to work on behalf of those who suffer here in the US, in your country, in India, the Middle East and other places to ease suffering and pain. God is working on behalf of His children everywhere to bring deliverance inside and around. His promises are sure. He needs many of us who know this pain, and feel with those who suffer, to be advocates, helpers, supporters of His children. God is very particular that His followers represent Him in feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, bring shelter and presence to the suffering, deliver the captives, bind up the brokenhearted, visit the sick and imprisoned, and just love everyone like Him. May God richly bless the various ministries represented here, that bring peace and love and relief to the suffering and hurting. May Jesus Christ return soon.
God bless you, my Sister. Lift your head high, blessedand valued, Child of the Divine King. And let us lift up some others with us.
ht
Hurford
Thank you so much for the reminder abt the so much pain and suffering and more so the encouragement that even in such pain and suffering, God is with His children. He never leaves them. May God help us to know and trust Him enough so that tho the physical may suffer, we will be at peace becos the spiritual is satisfied.
Thanks again
This morning when I should have been studying today's lesson (17 Feb) technology let me down and I was unable to access the lesson. However, for some reason known only to God, I was able to access Sunday's and have been reading through the comments on 'We are all Equal'. Although born in England, Southern Africa and especially Namibia, has been my home for 69 of my 70 odd years. As a child apartheid was not even a word - but it existed nontheless.
My parents treated our farm laborers the same as did everyone else. They lived in 'pondoks' which they constructed themselves using local materials, as did all the indiginous people. Every week they were provided with 'rations' of maize, sugar, coffee, tea, tobacco and daily they could take as much skimmed milk as they wanted (the cream was sent to the creamery) and my dad carried his rifle wherever he went in order to provide fresh meat regularly from the plentiful game on the farm. They also received a monthly wage which they could spend or save. They were permitted to have their own herd of goats which they sold for extra income.
Then along came 'apartheid' and the hatred and segregation was given a name. Namibia has been independent since 1990 and much has changed, but now it is not the 'white' man who is oppressing the less fortunate, but the people amongst themselves - the haves and the have nots. In the whole of Namibia there is only a small handful of 'white' members. There is one little church in particular which is labeled 'racist' even though their doors are open to all races. Although my husband and I are English and German, our 'church' language is Afrikaans. Our little church was the first church building to be built in the '60's and services have always been conducted in Afrikaans. Why should I be labeled 'racist' because I choose to remain a member of this congregation which has been my spiritual home for 50 years?
In a little seaside town in South Africa there are three congregations - the members prefer it that way because they can worship in their own language. The official 'white' church has members from as far afield as Malawi, Zimbabwe, etc because services are offered in a language they can understand - English. The pastor is a 'black' man, respected and accepted by his white church members - even though he may not quite understand our culture of not having a long drawn out wedding or funeral service with a big feast afterwards!
In heaven we shall all speak the same language - race will mean nothing because Adam is our greeeeeeeeeeeeeat granddaddy and God is our Father. Let us respect each other and not judge. God bless Africa!
"No distinction on account of nationality,race or caste is recognized by God.He is the maker of all mankind. All men are of one family by creation, and all are one through redemption.Christ came to demolish every wall of partition,to throw open every compartment of the temple,that every soul may have free access to God....In Christ there is neither Jew or Greek, bond or free.All are brought high by His precious blood."-COL. p 386
So the whole point is that God is the maker and father of us all.None is placed on vintage ground above another and that our difference must promote dependence on one another.As the proverb,"No man is an island," so we all must reach to a point where equal value will be placed on everyone regardless of their social status,race or caste.
There are many types of inequality within the church; much of it a reflection of the society we live in. The race/ethnic divide gets a fair bit of press, naturally enough. However, spare a thought for other divides that have the potential to disunite us as well.
Generational differences make both young people and old people uncomfortable within the church. We have often discussed the issue with respect to our young people, but recently because I have reached a certain age, I am finding increasing references to "being past it" and "you should take it easy!" I am starting to find that my contemporaries find it easier to stay at home at watch a video stream or read a book, rather than participate in church.
The academic/non-academic divide. There is often a tension and suspicion between those who have a tertiary education and those who have not been to College or University. Academics are accused of knowing too much; and at the same time often use language that only they understand.
There are always going to be differences between race/ethic/generational/socio-economic/educational groupings. It is easy to spell out the issues that divide but Christianity is not about analysis so much as about synthesis. How do we get all our different groups to work together in Christ?
The Bible teaches us we are different to one another and that we need to appreciate those differences (all one body but different parts). There is nothing wrong with having an ethnic based church to preserve some of those features associated with your ethnicity, as long as you do not use your ethnicity to exclude others or to prevent you from looking outward to others.
A significant part of uniting with one another in Christ is accepting and appreciating one another's differences as well.
I would like to challenge all members of the remnant church who are concerned about race and inequality to be aware of the following:
Viewing others as inferior because of race, gender, religion is not new. I would recommend another reading of Acts 10 and the call of Peter to bring the gospel to Cornelius. We see a man who earlier, having preached the gospel, saw 3,000.00 souls saved in one day. He was filled with the Holy Spirit and experienced the descent of "cloven tongues of fire." Yet, for God to get him to go to the Gentiles, it required a direct intervention in the form of a dramatic personal vision. The heart of all is deceitfully wicked and only the Holy Spirit can transform us into brethren with the mind of Christ.
As a black SDA, I am challenged to forgive the past actions of the church and society if I want to receive the forgiveness of God. Some sermons preached in our black churches, as well, do not promote forgiveness and reaching out. I wonder how a white visitor would feel listening to some sermons during Black History month and at other times. I am not talking about recognizing the truth about the past, but the continual emphasis on racial superiority, and almost ascribing a genetic basis to the evil perpetuated by others; Ideology not based on the fact that all, black and white came equal from the hand of our creator.
The church in many ways travels on parallel tracks with society. Changes within it reflects the changes in society. As neighborhood demographics change (white flight) this if sometimes reflected in our changing congregations.
Lastly, racial reconciliation like any other spiritual transformation begins in the heart of the individual. I have chosen to see my brothers and sisters, regardless of how they see me, as sons and daughters of God. I recognize too that none of us are perfect. For some of us it the struggle with culturally inherited tendencies to view other races as inferior, but for others, it is loving the sister beside the pew. There is no problem quoting Jefferson or Franklin, if there is no problem quoting you and me. Choose today to view the church as a family and each member as your sibling. Ask God for the gift of forgiveness whether you need it yourself or to forgive another. Brethren, I believe this with all my heart that it is possible. All God's biddings are enabling.
Grace, its not genetic. It is the process of evolution.
130 - 150 years ago -- Anthropoid
________________ Who are between Anthropoid and Humans?
______________________
80 to 100 thousand years ago -- The highest development of Homo Sapiens
www.thefreedictionary.com/
Homo sa·pi·ens (sā′pē-ənz, -ĕnz′) n. The modern species of humans, the only extant species of the primate tribe Hominini
(A photograph is sometimes attached to this term in some scientific writings - Guess what it looks like?)
This is the reason that religion, in accepting evolution, was able to endorse and enslave the Black Race.
But it gets worse. A group of scientists in England was able to isolate a rare gene in anthropoid. This gene was found on all continents except for the continent of ___________, demonstrating that anthropoid had sexual relations with all groups except one. So on the scale of evolution, guess where those on that continent are allocated.
There is a reason why some humans love the theory of evolution. It is the greatest scientific indicator of superiority. Survival of the fittest functions relative to superiority. There is a purpose to the "White flight". The issue is not "racism" then. It is homo sapiens right to authorize superiority of the human species over a developmentally inferior species.
Is there therefore a realistic relevance to the preaching of the Gospel in some quarters? EGW had a hard time getting the leaders of the GC to involve themselves in evangelism in certain areas. The Lord had to give specific assignment and direction.
You are right Grace, it is important for God's people to focus on Jesus Christ and pray "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."
Hi Inge, I am aware that you are providing a wonderful service/ministry with the SSNET, for which I'm grateful. I also know that you and your team are not the authors/editors of the SS lessons. I had made a decision to contact the relevant people regarding my concerns. Thanks for the additional information. World-wide publication of the SS lesson is information that I am aware of. Despite Black History Month being a US-centered event, there are many, many people scattered all over the world, and throughout the diaspora who know history and know what those 'founding fathers' did. The option to post to social media means that many people including non-adventists, non christian people have access to the lesson study. Social media has made our large world a very small place. I am in the US impacting followers on a worldwide basis. This is evidenced in my engagement with you and others. If you recall, my initial concern is that I wanted people to see Jesus, learn of Jesus instead of arguing about a slaveholder pontificating on 'all men being equal'. I would prefer to stay away from that topic, and especially so, when I am trying to share the love of Jesus. I post the SS lessons to my Facebook and Twitter pages. Please know that I would have been caught up in an argument about Jefferson if I had posted that lesson. I got caught up in an argument for claiming my Scottish ancestry. I know of what I speak. People are aware. If meat makes my brother stumble, I would prefer to not eat meat. If controversy about a slaveholder will cause my brother to stumble and not listen to the word of God I would prefer to not put this stumbling block in their way. Slavery, chattel slavery was a terrible institution foisted on a people due to white superiority. I will not ignore this evil, as the ramifications of marginalization, 'colorism', discrimination and white privilege resonates to this day, and not only in the US. The United States method of slavery and segregation manifested itself as apartheid in South Africa. Belgium, Germany and many other countries learned well from the American model. It would be so Christlike if more people were sensitive to this blot on human history instead of trying to argue it away. It is what it is. I am truly concerned about any editorial committee that was so insensitive as to allow that to slip. The fact that it did, is something that should be carefully looked at. We are trying to reach people who need to hear a word. We do not need to give them more excuses to turn their backs. That's going to be on us. As Christians we need to be mindful, especially on simple things such as this. Mr Jefferson's quote did not have to be used. This is just my opinion. Thanks