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Who is Spectrum?
We live in Africa. We live in Australia. We live in Lincoln, Nebraska.
We are seminary students. We are lawyers. We are Sabbath School teachers. We work at the General Conference. We’re out of a job. We’re retired. We’re looking for a post-doc position.
We run from the church. We run the church.
We are all the 99% Wall Street occupiers. And some Tea Party members, too.
We love the church. We left the church. We love to talk about the church. We defend institutions. We love the people.
We are the readers of Spectrum, the Spectrumites as some like to call us. We are the several hundred thousand unique visitors who came to the web site in 2011, and 35% of us are new to the site.
Seeing that the Sabbath School lesson is about the Trinity, we let everyone know we don’t believe in the Trinity. Or we say anyone who disbelieves in the Trinity is a heretic. Either way, if we teach the lesson, and it’s Friday night, we go directly to the Sabbath School commentary: Can it provide an idea about where to take the discussion?
We love the blog, but hate the rancor in the comments. We love the comments and can’t wait to read what the regulars have to say. We wish that they would pipe down a little. We miss the ability to vote a comment up or down. We can’t read the comments anymore, it just gets us too upset.
Can’t we just have a cordial exchange between educated people with well-thought-out opinions? Can just anybody join the conversation? Why do we let people continue to comment when all they want to do is to tear down the site? Or, tear down the church? Or, tear down each other?
We’re erudite, gracious, bombastic, sarcastic, diplomatic, wrong-headed, right-minded, critical, enthusiastic community members.
We love each other. We tolerate each other. We have to keep talking to each other.
We want to believe that they will know us by our love. Or, is it by our honesty?
We thank each and every one of you for being part of Spectrum. Let’s all reach for our higher selves and take the conversation to new heights of cordiality and grace in 2012.
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In the immortal words of Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along?"
yes, and it's late Friday night, I'm trying to prepare the lesson for tomorrow and there is no entry yet for tomorrows lesson. Still, it promises to be an interesting spectrum discussion when it arrives.
We all perceive reality from the limited scope of viewing around our small little corner. Samir Selmanovic states: “We look at others and say, We are insiders with God, and God is an insider with us. We are right and in, and they are wrong and out. We thus keep God in our servitude, in a cage built with words, meanings, and the teachings of our religions.” Selmanovic asks, “Have we turned our religious texts, traditions, and rituals into containers and dispensers of God?”
It takes work and a love for understanding to widen our view and try to see the world from many angles. Myopic vision causes division, the death of the ego unifies.
Thank you for this, Bonnie.
Bonnie, you did pretty good up to this point: "We are all the 99% Wall Street occupiers. And some Tea Party members, too."
The Wall Street occupiers are not the 99%. They are far less than 1% of Americans.
"Beyond their general demands for redistributive policies, Wall Street occupiers have radically different plans for America’s governmental structure than the Tea Party movement. “Since we can no longer trust our elected representatives to represent us rather than their large donors,” the Zuccotti Park occupiers explain, “we are creating a microcosm of what democracy really looks like.” Zuccotti Park is meant to be a model of the governmental structure that should replace America’s constitutional system. On July 4, 2012, some Wall Street occupiers plan to hold a new Philadelphia convention to recreate American democracy. Their birthday gift to America will be eliminating the constitutional system.
But what about the Tea Party movement?
It, too, was outraged by the bailouts—but not for lack of access to the government’s coffers. The Tea Party argued that government did not have constitutional authority to bail out anyone on Wall Street or Main Street. Far from the 99 percent waging class warfare against the 1 percent, the Tea Party wanted the same rules for 100 percent of Americans." Occupy Wall Street Is No Tea Party -- Heritage.
tg
"Either way, if we teach the lesson, and it’s Friday night, we go directly to the Sabbath School commentary: Can it provide an idea about where to take the discussion?"
"timp - Fri, 01/13/2012 - 03:16
yes, and it's late Friday night, I'm trying to prepare the lesson for tomorrow and there is no entry yet for tomorrows lesson. Still, it promises to be an interesting spectrum discussion when it arrives."
Hey...here is a major cause of empty pews.. the approach of waiting until final moments for SS class or sermon presentations.
Anyone ever heard a SDA pastor say that he was frustrated and waited until Frdiay night to begin working on a sermon? (I have heard a SDA pastor say this) If this is a usual habit....convert him or TERMINATE HIM ASAP
Anyone ever heard a SS teacher admit likewise???? Convert or dismiss them as a teacher ASAP.
Hey timp...there are several SS presentations online that have a SS class before the usual schedule
http://comeandreason.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=3...
http://www.amazingfacts.org/television/central-study-hour.aspx
The SDA denomination is cursed with weekend warrior SS teachers and pastors.
timp, like you I am teaching this week and am very aware that the commentary hasn't been posted yet. But, there is an entire series ont he blog archives of great pieces from Herold Weiss on Creation. You can find them on the site by searching under Dr. Weiss's name.
Brent Stanyer
I love what Bonnie wrote!
Spectrum is an electronic mirror of hopes and fears for anyone who cares to look and comment. Lovers, lurkers and lunatics meeting in the Bar of Adventist Delights (BAD to some!). We tell the truth about ourselves while masking it in religious and reasoned symbols, images, arguments, satires and jeremiads. Many transfer their disappointed hopes in the Church and the Holy of Holies to this site, expecting it to be "the answer" or the new e-church of purified thought and truth. Others see it as a hunting ground: where are the liberals, LGTBs, democrats, socialists and apostates so I can shoot my arrows of opinion into them and watch them digitally die. All types of opinionated self-righteousness types treat it like a zoo....we come to watch the feeding and mating habits of the inmates, never aware that there is another ring around us watching us watching them.
There is no safe, sanctified place or person to be, here on this site. I write dumb stuff too, and the world sees it and projects my hubris back to me. If anything at all, Spectrum has become the exemplar of the core visual image of Adventism--a suffering world, watched by planetary and interplanetary observers, awaiting redemption we hoped had already arrived, engaging in a great controversy without end.
Graeme
I am one of those who absolutely love Spectrum. I've seen the forums that are out there, and there's definitely a level of analysis, thoughtfulness and civility here that is without peer. I hope with Bonnie for "new heights of cordiality and grace" in the year ahead... if that is possible.
Don Tucie
The voice of one crying
And I should have to included coherence in my list.
Don Tucie
The voice of one crying
Many of the forums lack people and lack participation as well as diverse viewpoints.
Unreasonable hostility is in the DNA of Adventism; we were birthed in it, right from the first vision, making a huge chasm of the 'them and us'; if you are not with us, without any questions, then you are for Satan. This has bled through into oncoming generations.
I find Spectrum a HUGE leap forward; at least people can discuss, defend, probe, wonder, without being told to shut up and get out because they have been deemed a child of the devil. Without this fear, I have learned from others new ways of thinking and approaching ideas, and seeing my own blind spots. It took time to realize that this was possible. When I first came on, everytime i said something, I would find myself going into a mental 'fetal position', suspecting that i would get a note from Alexander, to 'move along out'. Sounds rather paranoic, doesn't it! Well this paranoia didn't develop in a vacuum. When I was in church I was stripped of my right to make flannel puppets for the kiddies, because word had got out that my husband was listening to materials of Dr. Ford; somehow, as a result the puppets would be tainted, and Lord knows what would result from that!
Spectrum website is like marriage - if you really want it to succeed, you have to be willing to get a lot of rough corners knocked off because you marry someone who is a very different person from yourself. So, our great Adventist Church is full of all kinds of people and if we stick with it, we are going to eventually get smoothed out by contact with the great variety of people God has made.
And, btw, I miss the "like/dislike" arrows!
They put too much of a load on our machine, and we are nearly maxed out as it is, with traffic growing (up ~ 30% last year). We are working to upgrade but it won't happen overnight. Until then we have to keep the site from getting overloaded, and the arrows took quite a bit of compute power. After we upgrade we will consider putting them back in. - website editor
Brent and Jim, don't worry I have actually being planning this lesson for a couple of weeks and have it under control, my comments were a bit tongue in cheek. I do very much enjoy my Friday evening read of Spectrum and often gives me something else to think about. My Friday night just comes a bit earlier than most Spectrum readers, this is after all a global community.
Hi i'm African i'm relatively new to this site. Are you officially affiliated with the church?
Spectrum is not officially affiliated with the church. No monetary support is provided by the church. Publishing Spectrum since 1969, we are a group of Adventists who are supportive of the church (although some critics disagree) and we seek to provide a safe place to foster exchange of ideas. - website editor
Thanks a lot i hope to become a regular and offer a new perspective on things. By the way what is your mission statement and what are your goals?
website editor: Here is some info from a recent Annual Report.
creating community...
It’s the toughest assignment in the Bible; and yet, its status as the New Commandment
given by Jesus means it is one that we dare not shirk. How do we
go about loving one another? We begin by talking to each other. It is through
significant conversation that we build friendships and a sense of belonging
within a community.
Adventist Forum is a lay organization with a mission, a vision, a publication,
and a website: www.spectrummagazine.org
Mission
We create community through conversation. Every Adventist Forum is a circle
of friends who embrace the adventure of truth.
Vision
We will be Adventism’s leading champion of serious Christian conversation.
Affiliated discussion circles, visitors to our website, and Spectrum subscribers
will grow in number every year.
Spectrum magazine and website
These were established to encourage Seventh-day Adventist participation
in the discussion of contemporary issues from a Christian viewpoint; to look
without prejudice at all sides of a subject; to evaluate the merits of diverse
views; and to foster Christian intellectual growth.
In addition, the Adventist Forum sponsors an annual meeting and forms a
confederation of local chapters to strengthen the conversation.
Our efforts are supported by our members, donors, and friends. The need for
love within the Adventist community has never been greater.
- website editor
Tapiwa, get the info you need by clicking the 'About AF' tab on the top right menu bar. Welcome.
Don Tucie
The voice of one crying
Thanks a lot. By the way happy sabbath. I'll definately be a regular and offer perspectives outside the western paradigm.
Great, tapiwa, expanding our global perspective is one of my goals for the blog in 2012.
You said it well, Bonnie, Thank you!
Can someone tell me what happened to the "vote up/down buttons"? I am curious as to why they were discontinued?
They took up too many resources on our server. Due to traffic loads we are reaching the capacity of our box and will need to upgrade. We pulled the voting capability to reduce the pressure on the machine. When we get more machine capability we will review whether to restore them. - website editor
O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. Isaiah 3:12.
www.thenarrowwayministries.org
440-224-2227
I want to thank Tammy for being here on Spectrum. If some here are on the orange part of the colour spectrum,. I believe you are in the violet range ;--) and an important part of our community.
I just quickly read Tammy's husband Al's book "The New World Order, Even Among Seventh Day Adventists?" online, which exposes belief in the "New World Order" and similar conspiracy theories. Although I barely understand these theories, and know no Adventists who hold to them seriously, I love his BS detector and willingness to engage those who believe such rubbish.
Would Al be willing to post an essay some time here? Keep in mind he'll be writing for a much wider and varied audience than his two books address. Something like: "Why Adventists are Attracted to New world Order Theories" or similar. I am sure it would generate a lot of discussion.
Graeme
"we are a group of Adventists who are supportive of the church." Shouldn't one of the objectives be "are also totally honest"?
I seriously doubt that any objective person would characterize spectrumite philosophy as being almost invariably supportive. I'm not accusing you of being dishonest because I can understand that in your way of thinking you may well have convinced yourself that it is generally supportive.
Y.F.: if your definition of "supportive" must mean supportive of the status quo, then I don't think Spectrum qualifies. But I doubt any objective person would demand supportive to always mean that, otherwise there would never be any momentum toward change. And change is not inherently bad. Depends of the direction of the change.
But I think that you view the sorts of change frequently discussed here as pretty much all bad. You've drawn a line around Adventism, as you interpret it, and options outside that line are not just bad - pragmatically - but morally wrong. At least that's how you come across to me.
Now I'm not accusing you of being dishonest because I can understand that in your way of thinking you may well have convinced yourself that your perspective correctly and fully captures Adventism.
But temper your perspective with this line from Hamlet: "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."
I don't consider myself to be a part of Spectrum. I only come here occasionally to beat the stupidity out of people.
Great piece, many thanks.
Tapiwa, mhoro, and welcome to a circle of friends. Looking forward you your contribution in the future. We may agree or disagree here, but generally respect each others views, no matter how differing.
As we come from so many different places, I hope for just one change at Spectrum: I't love to see it lose its US focus. Most Adventists, post-Adventists, former Adventists and friends of Adventism do not live in the USA.
"I don't consider myself to be a part of Spectrum. I only come here occasionally to beat the stupidity out of people." -- Pagophilus
----------------
And here I was thinking you weren't into self flagellation! :)
Thank you, Editor, for explaining to me what happened to the Up/Down buttons....
and Thank You, Graeme, for the welcome. My husband is very busy working on another book right now, but he said he would help me if I wrote something up as to why SDA's are so attracted to Conspiracy theories. I too, think it would create alot of good discussion. Please let me know the guildlines for the essay.
I hope you all have a blessed Sabbath!
Tammy
O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. Isaiah 3:12.
www.thenarrowwayministries.org
440-224-2227
Bonnie,
...your wonderful essay beautifully describes what I was feeling when I wrote that check last month to Spectrum/AF.
Bill Garber
Bonnie,
Thanks for that shout-out to Lincoln, Nebraska, the unacknowledged epicenter of niceness. Your compendium made me think again that the closer we get to truth the closer we get to paradox.
Then "Your Friend"'s remarkably civil and generous comment had me considering what "supportive" truly means. Surely there are some people posting here who would smile to see the Adventist church spiraling down the toilet. At the very least, people with such a motive are not forbidden to post.
However, as Proverbs 27:6 points out, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, / But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful" (NKJV). A true friend points out the broccoli stuck between our teeth.
Like democracy, freedom, and humankind, open conversation is messy.
God bless this mess.
SPECTRUM ESSAY GUIDELINES
As Tammy has posted her email to me above, I will now post my email response to her....
Hi Tammy
If you look at the essays posted on Spectrum, you'll see they run from a few lines (with a video link) to perhaps 1,000 words, with majority round 750 words. (See, for example, today's SS commentary, " Curious Comments About Science In Glimpses Of Our God" at just over 700.) More important than the length is the rhetorical approach you use, the language and backup you provide for any claims or interpretations you make.
In my opinion, the best essays approach topics popular among thinking Adventists, but include something new: new data and evidence from literary, scientific or historical sources, or new perspective and viewpoints that complement or challenge other views. Assume your audience has an Adventist background, a college education, or perhaps more, and you won't be far off. Perhaps they offer a new perspective on ideas, something others have not thought of. Keep in mind you have readers from all perspectives and parts of the world. It is also good to include links to web resources such as PDFs, websites, youtube or vimeo which provide backup or images for what you say.
I'm sure that I, Alex, or Bonnie or others who write for Spectrum will be glad to assist at any time. Send a draft when you have it and we will gladly assist. (I teach writing so that's my excuse.) We don't have to agree with what writers say. In fact, I have helped edit and publish many essays that I think are attractive or well-expressed, even if I don't agree with them. It's part of the open-heartedness and open-mindedness that Spectrum stands for.
Peace, love, joy
Graeme Sharrock
Chicago
Graeme
Thanks again, Graeme!
O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. Isaiah 3:12.
www.thenarrowwayministries.org
440-224-2227
Bonnie, thanks so much for all the work that you and the whole Spectrum team put into providing us with news in the SDA church and with topics that aren't so easy to discuss. Thanks for making us think.
Thanks for providing an oasis in an often mindless spiritual community.
Controversy is only controversial because it makes people think. Exercise of the brain is good for all of us. I am so happy that we are allowed to have this forum of free speech (from both sides).
I too love what Bonnie wrote to describe us, in her essay. The forum has become an important part of our home's life. I have avoided reading comments for quite a while because vindictiveness and outright hostility are signs of a life in pain and anger, that in turn hurts me, like many small wounds, to be avoided. The Forum community is such a open, really accepting community, Let us rejoice in that.
Thank you Graeme for your comments and the lovely way you have of expressing yourself.
janene
For a long time I was looking for a more dynamic SDA forum to participate in. I also appreciate a forum to ask questions in and not feel like I'm a heretic (or worry about undermining anyone else's faith). I like stories and like to hear how others resolve similar conflicts.
Among others, I like Loren Seibold and Steve Moran. I don't now feel so alone in my thinking anymore.
Sometimes things get a bit heated. I do not like some of the bitterness--although I can only imagine how hurt some people are. I wish we could ridicule less and provide more solutions.
Who is Spectrum?
We are spiritually delusional? We are in apostasy? We are determined to destroy the Seventh-day Adventist message of the Three Angels!
It is utterly unbelievable and abominable the articles and info presented on this site. Anything goes here! You can do anything as a Christian, listen to rock/heavy metal music, watch secular movies and TV shows (Family Guy - this show actually makes fun of Jesus but yet this site wants to introduce you to this show). make fun of Ellen White. Complete apostasy.
Revelation 3
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Laodicea's problem is they don't realize they're in apostasy.
David R.
Apparently, 'anything goes' includes giving you the freedom to speak your mind in the very place where all that apostasy is happening. Odd, somehow. - website editor
Anything goes here! You can do anything as a Christian, listen to rock/heavy metal music, watch secular movies and TV shows (Family Guy - this show actually makes fun of Jesus but yet this site wants to introduce you to this show).
"Complete apostasy."
I've seen this 'analysis' of Adventist Christianity be the very thing that convinces some to walk away from this church. In a broken & tragically suffering world, it's in essence claiming God is most concerned w/ the problems of rock music or TV.
Where are our mindfulness & witness against hunger, war, child abuse, oppression, human trafficking, intractable pain, violence, . . . & so many other heart & life breaking results of sin?
Davis R, I'm not accusing you of not caring about these, but I question any definition of apostasy that diverts our focus off what Christ said is the basis of His judgment--
Matt 25:34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
____________________________________________________
"be reverent in behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good" titus 2:3
One thing we have been told and I don't know how many times -- when the GC under Neil Wilson gave assent to Spectrum. But never have I seen any info when the GC decided Spectrum was over the top and withdrew its approval. Please tell us how long the mariage de convenance lasted.
@Website editor:
Letting David R speaks his mind on this forum is not a proof that Spectrum is spiritually sound so don't mix up things.
When the Greeks let Paul speak to them they were still in confusion. Yes, they were open to other doctrines but still in confusion. The same can be said of Spectrum.
Wasn't trying to suggest 'proof', just openness. We see openness as a virtue but folks speaking like David R seem to be suggesting that the sort of issues raised here ought to be stopped as they indicate apostasy. We let him speak (within limits) but I wonder if he would reciprocate. - website editor
As I promised Tammy above, I have been working with her on an essay regarding Adventists and conspiracy theories. It starts with the experience of her own relatives around Y2K and will be posted soon. I hope readers here encourage her efforts and send the link to others when it is published.
Graeme
Graeme
Dear David,
This world is a very big place. God is a very big God. We can't not confine him or put him into a box and label him. This would make him an idol.
Just as creation speaks of diversity - God has made all of us beautiful in our own way - like flowers each perfume the world differently.
Please, if this site offends you, stay in your own garden. Do not be quick to label as weeds those flowers you have not seen before.
Peace and grace,
Donna
Dear David,
If I may be so bold as to address you personally again. As I thought read your remarks I was reminded of Martha. She came to Jesus because she was concerned that Mary was not following the rules. She was acting like a proper Jewish woman, she was sitting with the disciples instead of helping her in the kitchen. So Martha said: "Jesus make her behave. Make her act like she has been taught to act."
David, I believe Jesus says to you, "It's OK David to think outside the box. It's OK David to examine others positions. You are my child, I created you to think - to grow - to enlarge your horizons. Many sheep have I, some not of this fold. My sheep know my voice."
You have encounter on this site, people who love the Lord - they express themselves in ways that make you uncomfortable, but you must not call what God has made, unclean. The faith expressed by individuals on this site - is a growing - an alive faith - not a static faith.
David, take what if valuable to you from the many expressions here. Those thoughts that make you uncomfortable - take them to God in private and discuss them with him in the quietness of your closet.
We here on this site, love you. We respect your concern for upholding God. We are your friends.
Donna
@Hopeful:
You are introducing a false dichotomy here. God is interesting is all aspects of our lives. For example, He wants us to think about people, to serve and help them but He also wants us to preserve ourselves from the impurities of this world.
And He wants us to obey Him.
We are supposed to do all of that. We cannot pick and choose.
@Website editor:
Openness is a good thing but it was not what David R. was speaking about. He was addressing the doctrines and attitudes being displayed by many here on Spectrum. He questioned their positions (which he called apostasy) not the fact that they have a forum to express them.
@Donna Haerich:
I find your words to David R. a little bit condescending. As if David doesn't know how big God is. But you do, right?. And, of course, you know what Jesus is saying to him? So much insight!
You spoke of flowers, I will just mention the wheat and the tares. You belong to one group or another.
I hope it is not too static for you.
On another thread, David Read labels as "Spectrumites" those who post comments contrary to his beliefs. It is rather oxymoronic to call someone a Spectrumite merely by the personal opinions expressed when it should be for those who are frequent posters and he is one of the most frequent who comment on Spectrum so he should rightfully be called a "Spectrumite" as there are a wide diversity of opinions expressed by all us "Spectrumites."
A proud Spectrumite and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this site.
Elaine
@Elaine Nelson:
Don't make yourself more a smart alec than you already are. You perfectly know what David Read (and others) means by "Spectrumites". Spectrum has particular "progressive and liberal" tendencies and has particular takes on WO, homosexuality, the Bible, EGW, the SDA church... (takes that often go contrary to the official positions of the SDA church). For David Read, the Spectrumites are those who align themselves with these views, one way or another. Those writings in opposition to these "progressive and liberal" views (hence, in opposition to what Spectrum stands for) are thus not Spectrumites (even if they leave their comments on Spectrum. But after all what is the best place to answer Spectrum than on Spectrum?).
Anon& -"Those writings in opposition to these "progressive and liberal" views (hence, in opposition to what Spectrum stands for) are thus not Spectrumites (even if they leave their comments on Spectrum. But after all what is the best place to answer Spectrum than on Spectrum?)."
I never read what "she" writes but you have hit the nail on the head. Good to have you writing here as well as Read. Not many who do write in the vein that you two write but it is often a blessing. Stay with it!
Who has been given the authority to define a "Spectrumite"? If you live in Texas, regardless of your political or religious preferences, you can still be a "Texan." It is the location which is the identifying mark. Spectrum is a particular site, and all who post here are rightfully called Spectrumites for contributing to the blog.
His meaning was his definition. Let the official website editors define who is a Spectrumite.
Such definitions are not important. - website editor
Thank God for freedom of the press! For those who get their knickers in a twist, what official SDA site gives you such freedom of expression? There is no such privilege with any SDA publications. Where would those who enjoy posting here be able to go?
Elaine
Anaon&
Immediate classification pejudkces all subsequent thinking. There is a wide range of readers and contributors to Spectrum. Each should be judged by the sum of their contributions.
I was there at the beginning--initiated by the need for a voice among Christian Scholars not considered within the denominational thought structure. When the Church was drawing in its neck like a turtle---this brave Christian Scholars took steps within the stakes of Adventism to call all thought leaders within or without the Presidents select to an open conversation on critical issues facing Christians of every hue.
The valid assumption was and is that men and women of learning could sift the wheat from the chaft.
Notice the editors are quick to curb personal attacks---wonder why they allowed your post on Elaine Stand. I think it was to learn more about you--we certainly know Elaine. Tom Z
Hi Elaine
if you look above in this thread you will notice one of my very first posts.
When you told me to check out
official websites for traditional
views, was it an inadvertant
admission on your part that this
site is decidedly anti official sda?
My definition of spectrumite was
based on context and usage. If
you notice carefully, most who
use the phrase it to denote
liberals, ex adventist etc. So called
liberals never actually use the
word to denote conservatives. In
most instances where the word
was used what did it imply? Be
honest!
Most official church websites and
traditional sites are mainly about
what adventism is and or
defending the adventist faith.
This is clearly stated in their
mission statements and
mandates. When I first came to
spectrum, I was informed by the
editor that this site is supportive
of the church and is about
dialogue. Now I don't have a
problem with site being liberal.
My point is that spectrum must
be honest enough to admit it!
Most of the articles, editorials,
threads and authors are
theologically liberal. This is the
site's idea of dialogue:
1. Ted Wilson is a bad guy blah
blah. Lets discuss or
2. IJ is cultic and Egw is a fraud.
Lets talk
Wouldn't it be something to see
titles like these in spectrum :
1 why ij is the most biblical
proposition or
2 the fallacy of theistic evolution
if there was a balance of topics
then the site would be truly
about dialogue. There mission
statement as of now is
misleading as the website is
biased but hides behind a veil of
pretentious mediation. If this
does not get deleted it might be
a start in the right direction!
"You're a spectrumite!!"
No, I'm not.
"You are too!!"
Am not.
"Spectrumite! Spectrumite!!"
I know you are, but what am I?
"Spectrumite!! Spectrumite!!"
Same to you, but more of it. Kids.....
I can't help about the shape I'm in,
I can't sing, I 'aint pretty,
and my legs are thin.
But don't ask me what I think of you,
I might not give the answer that you want me to.
Oh, well. Peter Green
Bonnie-
Are you going to tell us when Spectrum no longer had the approval of the GC? Isn't it a bit misleading to indicate when the GC said it would "tolerate"(My word) Spectrum but later disowned it and you don't give us a time frame?
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