Dialogue with an Adventist pathologist and writer

36 Pages·2002·0.54 MB·English

The Christian
and politics
Suicide: What
you should know
The Flood: Just a
local catastrophe?
God so loves the city!
VOLUME 9: NO. 1
PUBLISHED IN
English ❏✓
French
Portuguese
Spanish
CONTENTS
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Letters...........................................................................................................................3 College and University Dialogue,™
an international journal of faith, thought, and
action, is published three times a year in four
Essays
parallel editions (English, French,
The Christian and politics — Bert B. Beach....................................................................5
Portuguese, and Spanish) by the Committee
Suicide: What you should know — Judy Cushman........................................................7
on Adventist Ministry to College and
The Flood: Just a local catastrophe? — William H. Shea.............................................10 University Students
God so loves the city! — Bruce Campbell Moyer.........................................................14 (AMiCUS) of the General
Conference of Seventh-
day Adventists: 12501
Open Forum
Old Columbia Pike;
Where on earth is the Third World? — Humberto M. Rasi ..........................................17
Silver Spring, MD
20904-6600; U.S.A.
Profiles
Vol. 9, No. 1. Copyright © 1997 by the
Dialogue with Ethel Nelson — Christina Hogan..........................................................18
AMiCUS Committee. All rights reserved.
Dialogue with Raymond Romand — John Graz...........................................................20
DIALOGUE affirms the fundamental beliefs
of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and
Logos supports its mission. The views published in
The center makes the difference — Robert S. Folkenberg ...........................................22 this journal, however, are the independent
thoughts of the authors.
Action Report CIRCULATION INQUIRIES should be
African students in India meet in fellowship — Nemwel N. Bosire .............................24 addressed to the Regional Representative
Nigeria Association holds convention — N. John Enang.............................................25 located in the area where the reader resides.
See names and addresses below.
First Person SUBSCRIPTIONS: U.S.$11 per year (three
My search for truth — K. Shanmuganathan..................................................................26 issues). See coupon on page 24 for details.
AMiCUS Committee
Books
The Apparent Delay (Wallenkampf) — Loron Wade ...................................................28 MATTHEW BEDIAKO, Chairman
BARAKA G. MUGANDA, HUMBERTO M. RASI,
Literacy and Religion (Kapitzke) — Sylvia Rasi Gregorutti........................................28
AND RICHARD STENBAKKEN, Vice-chairmen
Ten Who Left (Cornforth and Lale) — Mike Bernoi .....................................................29 JULIETA RASI, Secretary
Members: RICHARD BARRON, JOHN M.
For Your Information FOWLER, JOHN GRAZ, JONATHAN KUNTARAF,
A walk around the world — Reg Burgess.....................................................................30 GEORGE REID, MARIO VELOSO, ALBERT
WHITING, MARY WONG.
Interchange...............................................................................................................31 Editorial Board
Editor-in-chief: HUMBERTO M. RASI
Etcetera......................................................................................................................35 Editor: JOHN FOWLER
Associate Editors: RICHARD STENBAKKEN,
DAVID WONG
Managing Editor: JULIETA RASI
Senior Consultants: JAMES CRESS,
Regional Representatives
GEORGE REID
Africa-Indian Ocean Division: Japheth L. Agboka. Address: 22 Boite Postale 1764, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Eastern Africa Division: Hudson E. Kibuuka. Address: H.G. 100, Highlands, Harare, Zimbabwe. Euro-Africa Copy Editor: BEVERLY RUMBLE
Division: Ronald Strasdowsky. Address: P.O. Box 219, 3000 Bern 32, Switzerland. Euro-Asia Division: Harry Editorial Assistant: MARY WONG
Mayden. Address: Isakovskogo Street #4 Korpus 1, Stroghino, 123181 Moscow, Russia. Inter-American International Editors: JULIETA RASI (SPANISH)
Division: Carlos Archbold and Alfredo García-Marenko. Address: P.O. Box 140760, Miami, FL 33114-0760, DANIELLA VOLF (FRENCH), EVA MICHEL
U.S.A. North American Division: Richard Osborn, Jose Rojas, and Richard Stenbakken. Address: 12501 Old (PORTUGUESE).
Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600, U.S.A. Northern Asia-Pacific Division: David Wong. Editorial Correspondence:
Address: #10-01 Suntec City Tower, Temasek Blvd., Singapore 0103, Republic of Singapore. South American 12501 OLD COLUMBIA PIKE;
Division: Roberto de Azevedo and José M. B. Silva. Address: Caixa Postal 02-2600, 70279-970 Brasília, DF,
Brazil. South Pacific Division: Lester Devine and Barry Gane. Address: 148 Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga, SILVER SPRING, MD 20904-6600; U.S.A.
N.S.W. 2076, Australia. Southern Africa Union: Jonathan Julies. Address: P.O. Box 468, Bloemfontein 9300, TELEPHONE: [phone]
Orange Free State, South Africa. Southern Asia Division: Edwin Charles. Address: P.O. Box 2, HCF Hosur, FAX: [phone]
Tamil Nadu, 635110, India. Southern Asia-Pacific Division: Hiskia I. Missah. Address: #10-01 Suntec City E-MAIL VIA COMPUSERVE: 74617,464
Tower, Temasek Blvd., Singapore 0103, Republic of Singapore. Trans-European Division: Ole Kendel and AND 104472,1154
Orville Woolford. Address: 119 St. Peter’s Street, St. Albans, Herts., AL1 3EY, England.
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LETTERS
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O
nce more this issue of Dialogue demonstrates the astonishing variety Encouragement to
remain faithful
that enlivens Adventist life. And where better can it be shared than
I await with great expectation the
with young people, who by study and thoughtful experience are
arrival of each issue of Dialogue. The
loading their lives with skills and insights sure to transform them into
more I read the journal, the more I enjoy
more effective witnesses in the future!
it. Thanks to “Interchange” I am in
For some Christians the outlook is far too reductionistic. Broad truth
correspondence with a dozen Adventist
becomes constricted into narrow confines where in the midst of turbulence and
students from other countries who,
limitation truth gets sequestered into a few interest points and some boring facts. through their letters, encourage me to
In the absence of depth, trivia crowd in to fill our days with busywork that remain faithful to my convictions while
exhausts our energy even as it robs us of satisfaction. In contrast, deeply centered studying at the public university. The
in Christ, the Christian life becomes an empowerment that penetrates every cynicism and addictions that are com-
corner of existence—to unfold before us our rightful place in God’s sweeping mon there move me deeply and have led
me to distribute several attractive
cosmic panorama.
Adventist publications on campus. Some
In one sense the Christian is a living enigma, with one foot in each of
of my fellow students laugh at the high
two worlds. Jesus spoke rightfully of us as being in the world but not of the
ideals they present; others read them
world. For many of us this looks like a tough assignment, for we find ourselves
thoughtfully. I pray that 2 Peter 3:18 will
pulled in two directions. Where do we really belong? As a matter of fact, our
be a reality in my life and in the life of
heritage is in two places, this world where we are at work for Him, and a new all readers of Dialogue.
world to come.
ELENA CARINA BURGER
Although there are those with an otherworldly bent who would urge us
Escobar, Buenos Aires
to abandon everything around us, this planet is our legitimate home. In every ARGENTINA
sense we have the right to participate in it, for it was designed for us by the
Creator. No sooner had He completed its creation than He placed us here with Free catalogue
explicit instructions to make it our home. Even as we live in this home, we are I am a physical therapy student
attending one of the local public univer-
expected to be conscious that what is really happening is that He invites us to
sities in Cebu City. Dialogue is very
share His magnificent universe, because we are part of His family. Despite its
interesting and educational and it
present damaged condition, our world abounds with intensely interesting things
continues to enrich me both mentally and
we can explore. Around every corner is something new, something fresh,
spiritually. In the article “Making the
something challenging, each opening a new window on both now and eternity.
most of your college and university
And what does this have to do with the contents of this issue of
experience” (6:3) there is an offer of a
Dialogue? To borrow Paul’s phrase, much in every way. Each article spreads free catalogue of 250 essays that show
before us penetrating insight into yet another segment of our world. And our how to approach many academic and
world is God’s world. If we let fresh ideas flow, stimulating in us new insights, professional fields from a biblical,
and fitting it all together in His one grand plan, life becomes so very rich, an ever- Christian perspective. Is that offer still
expanding matrix of fresh ideas, an opportunity to share our marvelous Lord with valid?
people caught up in the shallow life’s tattletale cycle of petty things. This journal JEROME G. CANAMA
is now in your hands: enjoy it. Cebu City, PHILIPPINES
The editors respond:
Yes, Jerome, the offer of a free
catalogue from the Institute for Christian
Teaching is still standing. In fact, the list
of essays published in the Christ in the
George W. Reid
Classroom collection continues to grow.
Dialogue Editorial Board As you write to us, make sure that you
include with your request your full postal
address.
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Dialogue 9:1—1997 ●
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LETTERS
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Our international When internal resources are exhausted, the answer is affirmative, appoint a
network external resources of healing become group to outline the objectives of the
My sister Roxana and I are deeply more important. association, draft a constitution and
grateful to the editors of Dialogue When someone is physically ill, we statutes, and propose an organizational
because through it we and others have encourage them to receive treatment. We structure. (5) Find out if it is necessary
been blessed. Since the journal reaches do not condemn them for being vulner- and/or convenient to register the
us with considerable delay, we requested able and becoming ill. In the same association with the university authori-
and received from the managing editor manner, emotional illness requires ties. Some countries require it. (6) Pray
copies of several recent listings of treatment and understanding, not that God may help your group find a
“Interchange.” Now we are exchanging condemnation for being vulnerable and balance between nurture and outreach
letters with readers from Egypt, France, having limited resistance. activities that will support the mission of
Kenya, Philippines and other countries. Keep publishing continuing chal- the church and be a blessing to all
One of our correspondents is an Adven- lenges to our understanding. involved. We are sending you several
tist student in China who is delighted to documents that will help you in the
SELMA A. CHAIJ MASTRAPA,
be in contact with fellow believers like PH.D. process of getting organized. You will
us. This experience has encouraged me Beltsville, Maryland, U.S.A. also receive a packet with copies of
to be more open in sharing my Christian Dialogue to distribute among your fellow
faith with others. For those who wish to Help to organize a students. We are glad that you and your
be included in our international corre- student association friends discovered us!
spondence network, here is our address: I am studying literature and commu-
Apartado Postal 352; C.P. 2002 nication in Santa Cruz, Bolivia—one of Likes cartoons
Valencia, Edo. Carabobo; Venezuela. several hundred Adventist students Dialogue is performing a valuable
CAROL R. GRILLET attending public universities in this city. service for Adventist students and
Valencia, Carabobo We recently saw the first copies of teachers in public university campuses.
VENEZUELA Dialogue and learned of the Committee Since I have gone through that experi-
on Adventist Ministry to College and ence, I know how isolated from the
A matter of attitude? University Students (AMiCUS). Would church one can feel. In addition, as the
As a school psychologist and you kindly tell us how we can organize a director of Children’s Ministries at the
counselor, I read with interest Mary student association here? We welcome General Conference, I use materials from
Wong’s article “Attitudes can make or contacts with other Adventist students the journal in my workshops in many
break” (Dialogue 8:3). Feelings of who have experience in this type of countries. The cartoons, converted into
depression or bitterness are rarely a activity. My address: Casilla 610; Santa transparencies for overhead projection,
choice. These attitudes are often an Cruz; Bolivia. make strong points without offending
automatic emotional response to unen- anyone. The audiences learn more from
GERSON RIVERO
durable losses—losses that deplete a Santa Cruz, BOLIVIA the humor than they would if I just
person’s ability to cope. In such cases verbalized the same concepts.
the internal chemistry of the brain
The editors respond: VIRGINIA L. SMITH, PH.D.
changes so drastically that it takes more
Here are some suggestions on how to Silver Spring, Maryland
than will power to overcome these start a student association: (1) Begin U.S.A.
“attitudes.” Those who have experienced
compiling a list of Adventist students in
depression or emotional illness can tell
your city, with their name, address,
you that the last thing they want is to
telephone number, and the university
Write to us!
experience those feelings ever again.
they attend. (2) Find out if there are
We welcome your letters, with
There is some choice in what we
Adventist university teachers, profession-
reactions and questions, but limit your
choose to focus on and on how we
als and pastors interested in supporting
comments to 200 words. Address
respond to it (attitudes). However, there
such an association. (3) Seek the counsel
them to Dialogue Letters: 12501 Old
are limits to emotional endurance. Stress
of the Education or Youth Department
Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD
resistance depends on the availability of
director of your conference or union. He
20904, U.S.A. You can also send
both internal and external resources.
will help you to obtain copies of Dia-
them via fax: [phone], or E-
logue for free distribution. (4) Convene
mail (via CompuServe): 74617,464. If
an informal meeting to discuss the
selected for this section, your letter
possibility of starting an association. If
may be edited for clarity or space.
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F rom the birth of the Christian First, the doctrine of Creation. God
church, these questions have been created ex nihilo a universe and estab-
raised again and again: What is the lished us as the ruling stewards of this
role of the Christian in politics? Can world. Stewardship entails both responsi-
either a church member or the church bility and accountability for the domain
herself be involved in politics? How over which one has jurisdiction.
should they relate to the state and to the Second, the doctrine of humanity.
political authorities who are in charge? Human beings are created in the image
Some Seventh-day Adventists think of God. The parameters of human
that the church has no political role to responsibility for service lie within this
play, and the individual Christian, at biblical concept of human nature. The
most, a minuscule part. This view is
predicated on the concept that Christ’s The Christian
kingdom is not of this world. Other
Adventists insist that both individuals
and the church have uncontestable socio-
political responsibilities to improve
living conditions. Some Christians go
several steps further and claim that and politics
Christianity’s main task is to work
toward creating a Christian political
order that will result in establishing the
kingdom of God on earth. In between,
there runs a whole gamut of views.
Christ’s example A case for judicious involvement in
Jesus rarely referred to the type of
political society to which His disciples socio-political issues without
should aspire. He did not claim to be a
socio-political reformer or crusader. He
compromising Christian priorities
did not enunciate any political platform.
The temptations in the wilderness clearly
had a political dimension and He resisted
them. Even though He had more than
one opportunity to take over society’s Christian view is that men and women by
rule by a sort of coup d’état (e.g., the are not flotsam on the sea of life, but Bert B.
feeding of the multitude and the trium- persons with a responsible role to play
Beach
phant entry into Jerusalem), He did not and a radiant future. This human
choose that option. potential gives purpose, direction, and
At the same time, the teachings of optimism to Christians serving others in
Jesus are bound to have a significant a communal setting.
socio-political fallout when lived by the Thus Christianity is not a religion of
Christian community. He offered good isolated individualism or insulated
news for the poor, liberty for the op- introversion; it is a religion of commu-
pressed, and “life in all its fulness” (John nity. Christian gifts and virtues have
10:10, TEV). Therefore, contemporary social implications. Commitment to
Adventists, following the example of Jesus Christ means commitment to all
Christians throughout the centuries, must God’s children and commitment begets
acknowledge a social responsibility responsibility for the welfare of others.
resting on their shoulders. Adventist
pioneers preached not only the gospel of The dilemma of dual
personal salvation, but were also citizenship
concerned about alcoholics, the slaves, Sincere Christians face the dilemma
oppressed women, and the educational of dual citizenship. On the one hand they
needs of children and youth. belong to God’s kingdom, and on the
other, to their country of citizenship.
Biblical basis of socio- They are part of the “new humanity” and
political responsibility they live in the midst of the “old human-
Christian socio-political responsibil- ity.” Is there here an inherent conflict?
ity is based on two biblical foundations. Must Seventh-day Adventists choose one
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citizenship and renounce the other? than statements and policy actions filling political activity, but also to the interpre-
There is little doubt that on occasion mountains of recyclable paper. tation of the Christian faith and gospel in
there may be a conflict when the Second, the duty to vote and petition terms of political values. Interest in
demands or duties of one citizenship government authorities. Adventists many churches seems to have shifted
collide with those of the other. In such should vote, even when at times the from individual morality to social
cases the Scripture is clear: ‘We must choice may be between a lesser of two or morality. The result has been that in
obey God rather than any human more evils. In this connection, registra- certain segments of church society,
authority’” (Acts 5:29, NRSV). tion to vote is a necessary first step. secular ideas have been permitted to
However, God’s kingdom is not Third, the duty of education and mold Christian values so that there is
isolated outside of the present world; it being informed. Adventists, no less than precious little difference between the
“is among you” (Luke 17:21, NRSV). In other citizens, need to be involved in secular and the sacred. It is sad to see
other words, the kingdom of God is a ongoing self-education regarding issues that often Christian attitudes are the
sphere, a commitment, an attitude, and a that affect life both now and in the same as those of society in general.
way of life and thinking that permeates future. Political ignorance does not
our total existence and gives special increase spiritual bliss. Circumspect church
meaning to national citizenship. It is Fourth, the duty to run for and hold involvement
God’s sovereignty invading human public office. Adventists have this What we have just said points to the
living. constitutional right. There are also need for judicious political involvement.
appointments to government offices that A world-wide church with thousands of
Do-nothingism is political do not involve campaigning. Ellen White institutions, 10 million adult members
action states that there is nothing wrong in the and many more followers, cannot avoid
The political ordering of society is aspiration to “sit in deliberative and contact with the state and involvement in
God’s providential provision for fallen legislative councils, and help to enact politics—the art of governing. Not only
humankind. God does not ask the “good laws for the nation.”1 However, she does people, but also church organizations,
people” of society to stay out of the counsel denominationally employed have rights and responsibilities. The
political governance process and leave ministers and teachers to abstain from church has the right to intervene regard-
socio-political and economic control in partisan political activities.2 The reason ing legislation or regulatory actions that
the hands of “evil doers.” Christians are she gives is quite clear: party politics affect—either positively or negatively—
to be the salt and light of the societal risks to be divisive. A pastor could easily the church’s mission.
world, and therefore cannot simply opt split the congregation along party lines The church must never (and never is
out of the political process. Actually, and greatly weaken his or her ability to a strong word!) identify herself with a
such an abdication is in itself a political serve as pastor of the whole flock. particular political party or political
action which opens the way for political system. Such identification may bring
control by those supporting less than Danger of politicization about a quick alpha of temporary
Christian values. “Do-nothingism” is a Having underlined the responsibili- privilege, but it will inevitably sweep the
sure prescription for sin becoming the ties and privileges of citizenship, it church down the slippery political slope
master. Adventists have both the right becomes necessary to warn against the toward the omega of evangelistic and
and duty to use earthly citizenship to danger of politicization of both individu- prophetic paralysis.
keep the church free to fulfill her divine als and the church. Adventists, like other In short, “the church must be the
mandate and help as individuals to meet Christians, can be deceived by Caesar. church,” not another sociological
crying social needs. Success in politics frequently involves agency. Her most promising approach to
compromise, exalting self, hiding changing society is to change individu-
Duties of political weaknesses, and playing partisan roles. als, people. In so doing, Seventh-day
citizenship At times, it becomes necessary to accept Adventists fulfill on a binary tract, God’s
Seventh-day Adventists face at least an expedient course that may not square mission in the world: evangelism and
four duties of political citizenship. with one’s best moral convictions. service.
First, the duty of prayer for those in Politics is a hard task master and can
government authority. We need to pray become all-absorbing. Christian politi-
Bert B. Beach (Ph.D., University of Paris,
for divine help in solving some of the cians walk a difficult tightrope. They
Sorbonne) is the director of inter-church relations
socio-political problems that negatively must avoid becoming tainted by the at the General Conference of Seventh-day
affect human life and the proclamation ironical and all-consuming quality of Adventists. His address: 12501 Old Columbia
of the gospel. The prayers and supplica- political activism that can downgrade Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, U.S.A.
tions of the faithful rise much higher their efforts to a level where it seems
there is no God involved in human
affairs. Notes and references
There is an increasing danger of 1. Ellen G. White, Messages to Young People
politicization of churches. This has led (Nashville, Tenn.: Southern Publ. Assn.,
not only to church involvement in 1936), p. 36.
2. White, Gospel Workers (Washington, DC.:
Review and Herald Publ. Assn., 1915), pp.
391-395.
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Lately, Cindy has been acting strange. Why suicide?
A second-year medical student from Why do people commit suicide? Does
Japan, she is hard-working and the problem lie with the suicidal person,
highly motivated. Sometimes it’s not the society, or a combination of the
clear whether she is training to be a individual and the environment? So far as
doctor for herself or for her parents. Her the individual is concerned, the problem
parents have everything mapped out for often is his or her striving to reach a high
her life, including her future husband. goal and the failure to achieve that goal.
They have high expectations for her. She “At the core of every suicidal individual’s
dare not disappoint them. Last quarter personality is a demanding perfectionistic
she scored average in her classes, but this streak consumed with criticizing, cutting
quarter trouble looms ahead. In fact, last
week she flunked an important chemistry Suicide:
test. And then came the blow: a letter
from her fiance that he has found
someone else; he couldn’t wait for her to
finish medicine.
Cindy seems to have lost interest in
everything. Her behavior is erratic. She What you
hardly sleeps. She hardly eats. Once a
happy, bouncy person, suddenly she has
turned inward. She avoids friends. She
says it would be better if she weren’t
around. But she won’t talk about what’s
hurting her. Last night she gave me her should know
favorite dress, saying she won’t be
needing it any more.
Cindy is in trouble. She is giving out
warning signals, signals that could well
lead to the infamous escape route that
some people in trouble resort to—suicide.
A global tragedy down, nit-picking, and downright tyranniz-
by
Suicide is one of the great tragedies ing every major, minor, and even minuscule
Judy
of life. From the biblical examples of behavior. The perfectionist leaves no stone
Saul and Judas to the latest cases in unturned in order to yield an unfavorable Cushman
today’s newspaper, “suicide touches report card of one’s self.”3
every socio-economic strata, every age Depression is another common cause
group, all educational levels, every of suicide. Very little work has been done
profession, all religions and both gen- on anger and its relationship to suicide, but
ders.”1 it seems to be a significant factor. “The
Suicide is a global, growing prob- suicidal person saves up angry feelings in
lem. In the United States, among 15 to 24 the same manner that other individuals
year olds, suicide registered an increase collect trading stamps. Because they never
of 202 percent between 1950 and 1990. fight with others (or at least wait until the
In Japan and Denmark, one out of three last few days before the attempt), they
males and one out of four females in the generally end up fighting themselves.”4
age group of 25 to 34 commit suicide. Family background plays a vital role in
Quebec province in Canada has had an overcoming or succumbing to suicidal
increase of 800 percent in suicide in the tendencies. Among college students who
15 to 24 age group from 1961 to 1981. thought of, attempted, or completed suicide,
Finland has the highest suicide rate in “a common characteristic is a disruptive
Europe. (families that have experienced divorce,
A 1977 study revealed that as many separation, death of a parent, or remarriage,
as 50 to 60 may attempt suicide for each or a single parent) and chaotic family
completed suicide. Among students “an environment.”5
equal percentage of males and females Pressure to perform well in studies and
experienced suicidal thoughts and, on the failure in romance also play a role in
average, did so at the same levels of suicidal behavior among students. “More
intensity.”2 than 90% of the students who attempted
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Dialogue 9:1—1997 ●
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suicide had experienced a failure in work Christ can, and should, be involved in
Ten Myths or school. The next most common problem every area of our lives, loyalty to Christ
was difficulty in a romantic relationship.”6 and religious activities are not always the
Lack of social support is another same.
1. Young people who talk about explanation for high incidence of suicides
suicide will not go ahead among college students. Social support, in Prevention of suicide
with it. the form of family, friends, co-workers, When college and university students
2. Suicide happens without neighbors, and church members, “pro- were asked if they wanted to provide
warning. motes mental health and buffers psycho- preventive help to their suicidal peers, they
3. Improvement after a suicide logical stress.”7 always said “yes,” but they didn’t know
attempt signifies that the how. Because 20 to 60 percent of college
suicide risk is over. Suicide and culture students have suicidal tendencies, the
4. Once a person is suicidal, he Studies show that attitudes toward college or university administration should
or she is suicidal forever. suicide vary from culture to culture. get more involved in addressing the
5. The suicidal person wants to Although both Australian and Singaporean problem. Courses or seminars on death and
die. students feel that suicide is not an accept- suicide prevention, more student-faculty
6. Everyone who commits able behavior, Australians are more willing social involvement, more encouragement
suicide is depressed. to accept suicide and Singaporeans turn to for and recommendation of counseling,
7. Asking someone about it as a problem-solver.8 and better communication between
suicide will cause them to When asked whether they would feel students, faculty, and staff would help.
attempt suicide. ashamed if a family member committed If you think a friend or acquaintance is
8. Suicidal persons rarely seek suicide, 21 percent of New Zealand considering suicide, here are some
help. students and 53 percent of U.S. students immediate steps you can take to help:13
9. All who commit suicide responded “yes.” While both groups felt
leave a suicide note. that almost everyone has thought about • Ask the person if he or she is
10. Causes and motives for suicide at one time or another, New suicidal.
suicide are easily established. Zealand students tended to “experience • Get the person to talk about his or
suicide ideation [the obsession of thoughts her plans.
—David Lester and Tulin Icli, “Beliefs on one theme] to a lesser extent than • Try to eliminate the means for
About Suicide in American and Turkish United States college students.”9 carrying out such a suicide plan.
Students,” The Journal of Social Psychology, In Japan, suicide is historically • Encourage the person to get in touch
130:6, p. 826. accepted as an act of honor and appears to with a suicide prevention center or a
be a more culturally visible and acceptable crisis hotline. Provide phone
phenomenon than in the United States.10 In numbers.
Warning India, while suicide attempts have in- • Get the person to make a verbal
creased, the suicide rate itself has remained agreement or a written contract with
constant during the past century. One of you stating that he or she will not
Signs
the common causes of suicide in India is attempt suicide without calling you.
failure in examinations.11 • If possible, remove the problem that
Arab and Latin American countries is causing the person to feel suicidal.
1. Giving away prized posses-
have a relatively low rate of suicide, • Stay with the person who is suicidal
sions.
possibly due to a strong religious faith and or arrange with someone to stay until
2. Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol.
close family ties. the crisis is over.
3. Remaining depressed over a
Studies have shown that religion has a • Encourage the person to get profes-
period of time.
direct impact on whether a person is sional counseling; offer to accom-
4. Acting-out behaviors such as
tempted to commit suicide. Faith in pany him or her.
violent arguments.
5. Suddenly changing eating or anything, especially in God, gives people
that extra strength to cope with stress. At Adventists and suicide
sleeping patterns.
the same time “being too immersed in the What should be the attitude of
6. Indicating no hope for the
religious life (such as in the case of cults) Seventh-day Adventists regarding suicide?
future.
makes one subject to overregulation and The Scriptures record two instances of
7. Taking unusual risks.
thus more prone to commit fatalistic suicide, both involving men in leadership.
8. Making indirect comments
suicide.”12 This has a significant implica- First, the story of King Saul. Saul had been
about not being around in the
tion for Adventist culture. While our strong slowly turning away from God. In 1
future or about people being
faith in religion may protect us from Samuel 31, he is watching with horror as
better off without them.
9. Talking about death much of pressures of stress, the tendency toward Israel is losing a vital battle and three of his
legalism and perfectionism may open the sons lay dead. Then he is wounded and
the time.
possibility of breaking down under knows there is no way of escape. He asks
pressure. The key is balance, as Ellen his armor bearer to kill him, but the man
Lawrence and Ureda, pp. 165, 166.
White often advises in her writings. While refuses. Saul chooses to fall on his own
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sword, rather than be captured by the those involved, we are not to pass judg-
enemy. Apparently suicide was more ment that one has committed the ultimate Facts to
honorable than captivity. Ellen G. White sin.
comments: “Thus the first king of Israel Know
perished, with the guilt of self-murder upon
Judy Cushman is working on a master’s in
his soul. His life had been a failure, and he
Marriage and Family Counseling at Loma Linda
went down in dishonor and despair, because University, in California. Her address: 35512 Rodeo 1. Most people who commit
he had set up his own perverse will against Rd.; Yucaipa, CA 92399; U.S.A. E-mail: suicide give verbal or
the will of God.”14 [email protected] behavioral clues.
The second person mentioned in the 2. They feel an ambivalence
Bible as killing himself is Judas. Jesus Notes and references about life and death. They
warned Judas that he was headed for 1. Ira David Welch, Encountering Death: do not so much want to die
trouble (Matthew 26:23-25), but Judas Structured Activities for Death Awareness but rather do not want to go
believed he was doing the right thing by (Muncie, Ind.: Accelerated Development on living in the present
betraying Jesus. Not until he saw his plan Inc., 1991), p. 133. situation.
2. M. David Rudd, “The Prevalence of Suicidal
totally falling apart (Matthew 27:3-5) did he 3. Most people who are
Ideation Among College Students,” Suicide
realize life was too embarrassing to live. suicidal are only so for a
and Life Threatening Behavior, (Summer
Ellen White says Judas “felt that he could brief period.
1989) 19:2, pp. 174-178.
not live to see Jesus crucified, and in 3. Howard Rosenthal, Not With My Life I Don’t: 4. Suicide cuts across all social
despair went out and hanged himself.”15 Preventing Your Suicide and That of Others classes.
Jesus knew what Judas was planning, yet he (Muncie, Ind.: Accelerated Development 5. People who are suicidal may
“spoke no word of condemnation. He Inc., 1988), p. 76. be very unhappy, but not
looked pityingly upon Judas and said, For 4. Rosenthal, p. 81. necessarily mentally ill.
this hour came I into the world.”16 If Jesus, 5. Rudd, p. 180. 6. Three to five times as many
knowing human hearts, can continue to 6. Philip W. Meilman, Janice A. Pattis, and women attempt suicide, but
Deanna Kraus-Zeilmann, “Suicide Attempts
work with people without condemnation, men are three to five times
and Threats on One College Campus: Policy
can we be any different? more likely to succeed.
and Practice,” Journal of American College
Ellen White mentions that Pilate too 7. While suicidal tendencies
Health, 42 (January 1994), p. 152.
committed suicide. “Rather than risk losing 7. Sherry L. Whatley and James R. Clopton, are not genetically traced,
his position, he [Pilate] delivered Jesus up “Social Support and Suicidal Ideation in suicide does appear in some
to be crucified. But in spite of his precau- College Students,” Psychological Reports, 71 families more than others.
tions, the very thing he dreaded later came (1992), pp. 1123-1127. 8. Although depression is
upon him. His honors were stripped from 8. George Domino, Sushila Niles, and Sunita generally associated with
him, he was cast down from his high office, Deviraj, “Attitudes Toward Suicide: A Cross- suicide, there are many other
and, stung by remorse and wounded pride, Cultural Comparison of Singaporean and emotions that can be linked
Australian University Students,” Omega,
not long after the crucifixion he ended his to suicide, such as revenge
28:2, pp. 126-134.
own life.”17 and anger.
9. George Domino, Janet Catherine MacGregor
From these biblical cases, we can 9. Suicide and alcohol use are
and Mo Therese Hannah, “Collegiate
discern that the real issue is the pattern of Attitudes Toward Suicide: New Zealand and strongly linked.
one’s life. All people are given the opportu- United States,” Omega, 19:4, pp. 355-360. 10. Asking someone to discuss
nity to know God. Then they must decide 10. George Domino and Yoshitomo Takahasi, his or her thoughts about
what they will do with that knowledge. “Attitudes Toward Suicide in Japanese and suicide is evidence of
Those that reject Him and His values often American Medical Students,” Suicide and concern and may be the very
feel life is not worth living and want to end Life-Threatening Behavior, 21 (Winter 1991), thing that can prevent the
their lives. However, not all suicide p. 346. suicide.
11. Dr. Adityanjee, “Suicide Attempts and
involves the rejection of God. There are 11. Suicide rates increase with
Suicides in India: Cross-Cultural Aspects,”
other factors over which one loses control: age and are very high for the
International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 32
stress, loneliness, betrayal, shame, depres- elderly.
(Summer 1986), pp. 65-70.
sion, mental illness, terminal diseases. 12. Frank Trovato, “A Durkheimian Analysis of 12. Women are more likely to
While we may not fully understand the Youth Suicide: Canada, 1971 and 1981,” use guns to kill themselves
causes and motivations behind suicide, as Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 22 than they are to use drugs.
Adventists, we can affirm three important (Winter 1992), pp. 415-416.
principles. First, life is precious and is a gift 13. Rosenthal, pp. 36-47.
—Margaret T. Lawrence and John R.
of God, to be lived by His grace through 14. Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, Ureda, “Student Recognition of the Response
(Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publ.
faith. No problem is too big to be brought to to Suicidal Peers,” Suicide and Life-
Assn., 1958), p. 682.
God in prayer. Second, when we find a Threatening Behavior 20 (Summer 1990), p.
15. White, The Desire of Ages (Washington,
person with thoughts of self-destruction, we 166.
D.C.: Review and Herald Publ. Assn., 1958),
have a duty to minister to that person.
p. 710.
Third, judgment is not ours. While we are 16. Ibid., p. 709.
to extend ministry of love and tenderness to 17. Ibid., p. 739.
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A
n examination of archaeological they came to another layer of occupation.
evidence, linguistics, and literary Standing in the trench with one of his
traditions shows that a local workmen and his wife, he asked the
Mesopotamian river valley flood cannot question, “You know what that is, don’t
adequately explain the biblical flood. you?” The workman looked puzzled but
his wife promptly responded, “That’s
Creationists and evolutionists Noah’s Flood!” And so was born the
disagree about the Flood. Creationists theory of the local flood in Mesopotamia
argue that the Bible is a divinely inspired as an explanation for the biblical flood.
document and its record of the Flood After World War II, Sir Max
describes an actual historical event, a Mallowan, while digging at Nimrud
(Calah), proposed a revision in
Woolley’s theory. He wanted to assign
The Flood:
the biblical flood to a different level of
flood deposit in Mesopotamian sites.
While Woolley’s flood was dated to
approximately 3500 B.C. in conventional
archaeological dating, Professor
Mallowan proposed a date of 2900 B.C.
Just a local
to the stratum that gave rise to the
Mesopotamian and then biblical flood
stories.
Our purpose here is not to evaluate
or endorse these archaeological dates,
but to use them as a basis for compari-
catastrophe?
son. The local flood theory raises many
problems, which may be examined from
three different perspectives: archaeology,
linguistics, and literary traditions. Such
an examination will determine whether
the biblical flood story ultimately goes
back to the story of a local river flood in
Mesopotamia or to the Bible as a
by universal deluge. Evolutionists have historical record of a universal deluge.
William responded to the biblical narrative in
various ways. Some have dismissed it as Test of archaeology
H. Shea
unhistorical and unworthy of serious When it comes to archaeology, there
examination. Others, however, have is considerable difficulty in trying to find
provided an explanation that does not the right stratum in various cities to
accord with the creationist view. They connect with the biblical flood. That is
suggest that there was a historical event because there are different flood levels at
that provided the basis for the story, but different Mesopotamian cities, and other
the story has been blown up out of all cities with no flood levels at all. Thus the
proportion from the original event. They picture of the local floods in
think there was a serious local flood in Mesopotamia is like a patchwork quilt in
either the Tigris or Euphrates River (or which many of the patches differ.
both), and that this flood was built up to Consider the deposits from the
such an extent that by the time the story earlier period that Woolley favored as
reached the biblical writer or writers, it had providing an explanation for the Flood.
been exaggerated into a universal deluge. These have been found at only two sites:
Ur and Nineveh. The differences
The local flood theory between these two sites should be noted.
This theory began with an archaeolo- Nineveh is on the Tigris in northern Iraq.
gist. Sir Leonard Woolley was excavating Ur is located on a canal off of the
at Ur in southern Iraq in the late 1920s Euphrates River in southern Iraq. Thus,
when in one particularly deep trench his these two cities are at opposite ends of
workmen came to a sterile deposit of clay the country and are located on different
without any further signs of civilization. rivers. None of the other sites, between
He had his workmen continue to dig them that have been excavated have
through this level. When they got deeper, produced the same “flood” layer.
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