demons and deliverance successful counseling is adventist

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International Journal for Clergy April 1987
DEMONS AND DELIVERANCE
LYNDON K. MC DOWELL/4_______________
SOME CALL IT HERESY
MARTIN WEBER AND 1. R. SPANGLER/8
SUCCESSFUL COUNSELING
ELLEN BRESEE/11
IS ADVENTIST
HEALTH REFORM SCBENTMC?
GALEN C. BOSLEY/26
Letters/2 • Editorial/17 • Health and Religion/26 • Biblio File/28 • ShopTalk/30
Letters
Kudos for Harvest 90 special men and women, would like administra accept people with differing ideas. Tra
Congratulations for the fine Decem tion to hear. The pressure is coming from ditionalism will only accept progress in
ber MINISTRY issue dedicated to evange the "women's libbers," who are in the the narrow path of its own definition.
lism and Harvest 90; it is an extraordi minority. As the final witness to the Conversely, the gospel is open and
nary issue that will help significantly in world, we cannot afford to ignore Scrip accepting, joyous and broad in its grasp
contributing to the success of Harvest ture.—Leonard Klein, Publishing Direc of truth. The gospel is unthreatened by
90.—Carlos Aeschlimann, Ministerial tor, Zimbabwe. some difference of opinion on matters
Association Associate Secretary for that are not wholly necessary for salva
Evangelism and Harvest 90. • Rather than argue about the "social tion. The gospel reaches out in divine
condition" of the canonical writers, Dr. love to all. The gospel recognizes that
• After picking up your special Decem Bacchiocchi gives clear theological rea people .are much more important than
ber issue on Harvest 90, I was hooked! It sons for opposing the ordination of theories and the status quo.
was one of the most provocative and women. It is my prayer (and I believe the I recognize that there are dangers in
engaging documents I have read on the desire of the vast silent majority of going from one extreme to the other, but
subject. I read it from cover to cover in Adventists) that such biblically based we seem so fearful that we hold ourselves
one sitting. wisdom may soon prevail and that this back from the joyousness of Romans 5:1,
I come from a pastoral/evangelism controversy may soon be laid to rest, 2; 8:31-39; and many other scrip
background, and after reading this issue, sparing our church a departure from the tures.—K. R. Miller, Taree, N.S.W:,
I reaffirmed a personal commitment to faith once delivered to the saints.— Australia.
remain involved in some type of evange Kenneth J. McNulty, Church Elder,
lism. .... Haverhill, Massachusetts. Salvation comes from God
I hope this special issue was as Robert Larsen is correct that man is
meaningful to others as it was to me. Rejoicing in the gospel able to respond to God's offer of salva
You, your staff, and the world leadership I thoroughly agree with every point tion (Letters, MINISTRY November
are to be commended.—Delbert W. made by H. D. Schmidt (Letters, 1986.) But it is crucial to understand
Baker, Editor, Message Magazine. MINISTRY, September 1986). We need that this ability is not ours by nature. It
more articles on the same theme as that was supernaturally implanted in human
• Enjoyed your December MINISTRY, as of Carlyle B. Haynes, to which Brother ity by the Redeemer at the time of
I usually do, but was surprised to notice Schmidt refers. I love this church, but I Adam's fall (Gen. 3:15). Without this
on page 26 that your designers left out sometimes fear for its future when I am endowment of enmity against Satan we
Baja California and Sonora (part of made aware that so many do not would be joined with Satan in total
Mexico and the 1AD) from the Inter- understand the true meaning of the hatred of God.
American Division. It looks as if they gospel of Jesus Christ. How I long to see Every part of salvation comes to us
included Baja California with the North our people grasp the concept that the from the Redeemer. By conveniently
American Division. only effective and legitimate motivation forgetting that our capacity to respond to
Then on pages 20 and 21 I noticed for good works is the joyous realization God was imparted as a free gift, we think
that John Leenhouwers gave statistics on that our salvation is complete, total, and that "our faith" contributes to our
SDA Church members in 1983 for 11 assured by our acceptance of what Jesus standing before God. Faith is not our
countries that were not included in the has done by His amazing grace and love. savior; it, too, is a gift.
Members per Thousand Inhabitants sec Brother Schmidt says that most of the God's agape love creates all the value
tion. Then in the second chart he did sermons we hear from Sabbath to Sab we have. Natural man overrates himself
calculations for nine countries that were bath are of the early Haynes type. Why is as a worm instead of what he really
not included in his first chart.—E. T. this so? My assessment is that since is—an enemy bent on driving God from
Burley, Stone Mountain, Georgia. Glacier View there has been an unwar His world (Rev. 19:19). But while we
You have keen eyes. We simply repro ranted swing of the pendulum toward were His enemies, God, through the
duced what the author had done. When we maintaining the status quo and tradi cross, made us of value (Rom. 5:10).
tried to contact him, we discovered that he tionalism, which results in an overem Though I might be the only sinner,
was working in a remote part of Africa and phasis of works. Traditionalism is satis Christ on the cross became the worm
were unable to get his input in time to publish fied with preaching that explores a very that I am (Ps. 22:1-21). Why then
it. Eds. narrow path. Traditionalism enjoys should I struggle to make my faith a bit of
being told that we are right because wormy worth when "this sacrifice was of
On women's ordination someone else said so, not that we should such infinite value as to make a man who
Thank you for "Women: Ministry intelligently explore the doctrines we should avail himself of it more precious
Without Ordination" (October 1986). I believe. Traditionalism tends to reject than fine gold, even a man than the
don't consider myself a male chauvinist, those who are thoughtful and open- golden wedge of Ophir" (The Story of
but Dr. Bacchiocchi has said what I minded—those who are willing to be Redemption, p. 49).—Norman L. Mea
wanted to say—and what many people, unthreatened by dissenting voices and to ger, Akron, Ohio.
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987
First Glance MINISTRY is the international jour
nal of the Seventh-day Adventist Min
isterial Association.
ASSOCIATION SECRETARY:
Floyd Bresee
EDITOR:
J, Robert Spangler
In this issue MINISTRY prints the full text of three significant EXECUTIVE EDITOR.-
J. David Newman
documents: "Methods of Bible Study" and "Use of Tithe," voted by
ASSISTANT EDITORS:
the 1986 Annual Council; and "Jewelry: Clarification and an
David C. Jarnes
Appeal," voted by the North American Division year-end meeting. Kenneth R. Wade
SEMINAR DIRECTOR:
Some feel that the use of the historical-critical method is at the
Rex D. Edwards
root of much of the theological controversy in the church. The first
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS:
document seeks to introduce an alternative to this method. We'd Carlos Aeschlimann
like to hear from you as to how well you think it has succeeded. Raoul Dederen
Ariel Roth
Marie Spangler
Part of our church's foundation is the tithing system. The
Gary Swanson
theological, base for the paying of tithes has never been seriously N. C. Wilson .
questioned. However, to whom it should be paid and for what it CONSULTING EDITORS:
Galen Bosley
should be used is coming under increasing attack. Thus the Annual
C. E. Bradford
Council made some modest revisions in the policy. One of the Ellen Bresee
P. Gerard Damsteegt
laymen on the subcommittee making recommendations to the
Roland R. Hegstad
Annual Council is Jerry Bartram. He makes some insightful Frank Holbrook
Kenneth J. Mittleider
comments on what he considers problems with the system.
Richard Tibbits
MINISTRY welcomes discussion on this topic. Leo R. Van Dolson
EDITORIAL SECRETARIES:
The third report, while by far the shortest, will probably bring the Ella Rydzewski
greatest discussion. Though "How to Study the Bible" and "Use of Mary Louise McDowell
Tithe" rank far higher on the scale of importance, there is nothing ART DIRECTOR:
Byron Steele
quite like the subject of jewelry, and in particular the wedding ring,
to keep discussion going till midnight. Our readers outside North DESIGNER:
G. W. Busch
America will smile at the amount of heat and the little light that is
MARKETING:
often generated.
Tom Kapusta
We trust that you will not become so engrossed, bored, or ADVERTISING SALES:
Orval Driskell
infuriated with these actions that you will fail to notice some other
SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
very significant articles. Read about the wonderful evangelism
Larry Burtnett
council held in North America. Be sure to order some of the taped
INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENTS:
presentations. They will ignite or rekindle in you a fire for saving the Africa-Indian Ocean, John W. Fowler
Eastern Africa, Harry A. Cartwright
lost. Euro-Africa, Johannes Mager
Far East, James H. Zachary
Demons have always been a problem, and still are. You will want Inter-America, Salim Japas
North America, William C. Scales, Jr.
to read what Lyndon McDowell, a pastor, has to say as he wrestles
Trans-Europe, Mark Finley
with this subject. "Some Call It Heresy" is the story of one young South America, Amasias Justiniano
South Pacific, A.D.C. Currie
minister's search for truth within the church. Our Health and
Southern Asia, Saudagar Chand
Religion article features scientific backing for our health message.
MINISTRY, (ISSN 0026-5314), the interna
And ShopTalk features a Home Study course for new Adventists. tional journal of the Seventh-day Adventist
Ministerial Association © 1987, is published
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Next year, 1988, will be the centennial of the famous Minneapolis
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VOLUME 60 NUMBER 4
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987
Demons and
deliverance
Lyndon K. s devil possession a Just what do the Scriptures have to say
reality in the twenti about demon possession? The Old Tes
McDowell eth century? Or has tament says surprisingly little but does
our advanced under make it clear that demons were alive and
standing of the brain well all through the Old Testament
and psychological period. In Psalm 106 we read that Israel
disorders explained "mingled with the Gentiles and learned
away what was once blamed on supernat their works," which led them to "sacri
ural manifestations? fice their sons and their daughters to
Does the church need
Do demons still exist? Do they still demons" (verses 35, 37, NKJV). It seems
take possession of human lives? If so, incredible that God's people would fall
a deliverance ministry
what is the church's mission? Should we so low as to sacrifice their children to
today? hire trained exorcists to lead every demons, but the demonic and social
congregation in an active deliverance pressure must have been strong. Evi
ministry? Is a yearly sermon decrying the dence from Carthage, a satellite city of
evil of Ouija boards all that is needed? Or Israel's neighbor Tyre, shows how wide
does the proper course lie somewhere spread child sacrifice was. Hundreds of
between these two? urns containing the remains of children
In this scientific age it is surprising to have been discovered. The horrible
discover that there is still an active custom was practiced even in the city's
debate in psychiatric circles about the heyday.3
existence of demons. While some psy King Saul was controlled by an evil
chiatrists would dismiss belief in demons spirit toward the close of his reign. The
as a relic from the Dark Ages, others record speaks of "an evil spirit from the
have continued to study the phenomena Lord" that came upon him. Ellen White
that historically have been attributed to says that Saul "gave himself up to the
the supernatural, and have refused to control of the wicked spirit that ruled
write them off as mere fruits of disturbed over him," and she speaks of him
minds. plunging "into a fury of passion" and
In the nineteenth century, missionary then passing "into a state of despondency
John L. Nevius described his encounters and self-contempt," when "remorse
with the scientifically inexplicable in his would take possession of his soul."4
book Demon Possession. "I brought with If he were alive today he would likely
Lyndon K. McDowell me to China a strong conviction that a be labeled a manic-depressive personal
pastors the Olney,
belief in demons, and communications ity. Manic-depressives display impa
Maryland, and the
with spiritual beings, belongs exclusively tience and intolerance when their wishes
Pennsylvania Avenue,
Washington, D.C., to a barbarous and superstitious age, and are not immediately gratified, and they
Seventh'day Adventist at present can consist only with mental indulge in impulsive and ill-considered
churches. weakness and want of culture,"1 he actions. A patient can be "transformed
wrote. But, like many other missionaries instantly to the most vicious anger if he is
to China, he was confronted with crossed or ignored."5 But the fact that
evidence that forced him to recognize symptoms can be given a name does not
that what the Bible says about demons mean that demons were not involved in
and deliverance is still relevant today.2 causing them. More will be said about
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987
the difficulties of differential diagnosis Was the boy suffering from epilepsy as
later. the NIV suggests, or was he possessed by Was the boy suffering
a demon? If one accepts the New
Demons in the New Testament Testament evidence there can be no from epilepsy or
In Jesus' time demon possession seems question that the boy suffered from
to have been particularly prevalent. demon possession, but it is also clear that possessed by a
Even the Pharisees had their exorcists. the demon had worked upon the nervous
demon?
Jesus empowered His disciples to "heal system to produce what could be clini
the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the cally diagnosed as epilepsy. The Seventh-
dead, cast out demons" (Matt. 10:8, day Adventist Bible Commentary puts the
NKJV). He thus made a clear distinction matter clearly: "So far as Inspiration has
between the sick, the lepers, and the indicated, the various manifestations of
demon-possessed. But it is also evident physical and mental disorder that "declaring persons possessed of the devil,
that Jesus saw the influence of Satan in marked the demon possessed, were, in and then praying with them and pre
ordinary physical disease, and that in and of themselves, no different from tending to cast out the evil spirits." She
healing diseases He was pushing back the similar manifestations attributable to called their actions "fanaticism which
frontiers of Satan's kingdom. He "healed natural causes. Apparently the differ will bring into disrepute any church
many that were sick of divers diseases, ence lay, not in the nervous and physical which sanctions such work." n
and cast out many devils" (Mark 1:34). symptoms displayed, but in the agency In reality physicians and psychologists
"And he preached in their synagogues that caused them."8 who believe in demon possession find
throughout all Galilee, and cast out that genuine cases are rare. William
devils" (verse 39). "For he had healed Symptoms Wilson, professor of psychiatry at Duke
many; insomuch that they pressed upon The fact that demon possession has University, states that he has seen only
him for to touch him, as many as had very real psychological symptoms makes two cases that "meet the rigid criteria of
plagues. And unclean spirits, when they it difficult for anyone interested in a Nevius for demon possession," and only
saw him, fell down before him, and deliverance ministry to know whether a three patients whose symptoms suggested
cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God" problem is caused by a demon or by demon possession.12 John Newport, pro
(Mark 3:10, 11). psychopathologic or physiopathologic fessor of philosophy of religion, South
The most fully recorded example of difficulties. Dr. John White, associate western Baptist Theological Seminary,
demon possession in the New Testament professor of psychiatry at the University believes that "demon possession is quite
is found in Mark 9:14-29, the story of the of Manitoba, defines the dilemma thus: rare. It is most likely after considerable
boy from whom the disciples were unable "I can conceive of no demonic state and persistent moral decay has taken
to drive out a demon. which cannot be explained by a nonde- place."13 This accords with a statement
The father described his son as being monic hypothesis. / can likewise conceive in the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com
possessed by a spirit that had robbed him of no experiment to give conclusive support mentary: "Wherever Inspiration points
of his speech. He had periodic seizures, to demonic rather than parapsychological out the cause, it declares that demon
falling to the ground, foaming at the hypotheses.'' Then he adds this warning: possession comes about as the result of
mouth and grinding his teeth, then "It also seems to me that Christians wrong living." H
becoming rigid. Jesus gave the command should not be found floundering in the Ellen White says of the demon-pos
"You deaf and dumb spirit, I command steps of J. B. Rine,"9 that is, delving sessed man in the synagogue: "The secret
you, come out of him, and enter him no into parapsychology. cause of the affliction that had made this
more" (verse 25, NKJV). The spirit then To add to the difficulty is the preva man a fearful spectacle to his friends and
shrieked, convulsed the boy violently, lence of both willful and unintentional a burden to himself was in his own life.
and came out of him. The boy was left deception. Not only is the devil a master He had been fascinated by the pleasures
exhausted. Matthew says the father of both simulation and imitation, but of sin, and had thought to make life a
described the boy as a lunatic (moon people themselves intentionally or grand carnival. He did not dream of
struck), which the NIV translates as unintentionally resort to deception. becoming a terror to the world and the
"epileptic" (Matt. 17:15). Nevius, who had considerable experi reproach of his family. He thought his
Dr. John Wilkinson goes so far as to ence in China with demon-possessed time could be spent in innocent folly.
make a diagnosis: "The boy suffered from people, remarks that "even if referable to But once in the downward path, his feet
the major form of epilepsy. This, how or accompanied by well-known symp rapidly descended. Intemperance and
ever, is not the final diagnosis, for toms of disease, simulated manifesta frivolity perverted the noble attributes of
epilepsy is a symptom, not a disease. It is tions, as well as automatic, may naturally his nature, and Satan took absolute
due to a sudden disturbance of the nerve be expected."10 control of him."15
cells in the brain and may have many Another problem must also be men Some Christians develop an excessive
causes."6 Dr. Frank Ervin describes tioned. There is a tendency on the part demonology interest that can be harmful
epilepsy as "that state of impaired brain of anyone interested in demonology to both to them and to others. Such
function characterized by a recurrent, see a demon behind every abnormal interest may also indicate a personal
periodic, paroxysmal disturbance in condition. Ellen White repeatedly problem. Basil Jackson remarks: "I have
mental function with concomitant encountered and denounced overuse of noted that there is an increased tendency
alterations in behavior or thought pro exorcism. In 1908 she warned against for attraction to the occult in those
cesses."7 the work of those who went about Christians who have a basic paranoid
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987
ing or drawing. On one occasion a young Heinrich Kraemer, two Dominican
How can one distin man who had demonstrated abnormal monks, published a book called Malleus
behavior patterns showed me his scrap- Makficarum ("The Witches' Ham
guish between the book. Incongruous pictures alerted me to mer"), which recognized demonology
possible schizophrenia. After hours of and also linked it with mental disease.
supernatural and the counseling at a medical clinic he finally The book has been called a handbook of
agreed to hospitalizatioh. With medica sexual psychopathies because of its
purely psychological?
tion he was able to live a normal life. A detailed sexual descriptions. It became
second case did not end so happily. The the standard reference work for both
person having problems showed me a church and state in regard to indictment,
painting that revealed some bizarre trial, and punishment of alleged witches.
personality structure," and that "this concepts. He agreed to see a psychiatrist, The book is not recommended read
type of Christian is often particularly but failed to keep his appointment. He ing, but it does give an insight into the
attracted to involvement in the deliver was later forcibly hospitalized after a thinking of that era. Zilboorg comments
ance ministry."16 He goes on to warn fracas in a restaurant. on the social situation of that period:
that "a frequently stated objection to "We must not forget . . . that the whole
dabbling in the occult is that such an Social dynamics problem of witchcraft . . . was not the
activity tends to make the individual Demon possession was especially exclusive result of a miscarried psycho-
more susceptible to invasion by outside widespread when Christ was on earth. pathology or of a psychopathological
agencies. ... I always encourage Chris The spiritual reasons for this are sug bent in theology. There was a restless
tians to stay away from this kind of gested in The Desire of Ages, page 257, ness in the body social and politic of
activity." " but there were also sociological factors Christian Europe; the Malleus was a
For Adventists the tragic story of that seemed to predispose people to reaction against the disquieting signs of
Moses Hull, the Civil War era evangelist involvement with the occult. The growing instability of the stablished
who first debated with spiritualists and masses of people were poor, unschooled, order. . . . The sort of 'persecutory
then joined them, should serve as an and superstitious. The bondage of Rome mania' which was displayed by the
eloquent warning of the dangers. Early in aroused restiveness and a nostalgia for church and the state during the period
my own ministry an interest in reading the days when prophets were among under consideration was undoubtedly
spiritist papers and corresponding with them and God ruled in their midst. The due to the sense of insecurity and the
spiritist people, purely for evangelistic upper classes longed for a political growing awareness that new social forces
purposes, had to be terminated deci charismatic who would reinstate the and new spiritual ideals were about to
sively. kingdom of Israel. Restlessness, fear, rise and to threaten the very heart of the
superstition, expectation, and a longing regime which ruled medieval Europe." n
Diagnosis for national vindication provided a Although the Malleus was designed to
In the light of the diagnostic difficul fruitful ground for occult ascendancy. describe demon possession, Dr. John
ties, how can one distinguish between At other times in history similar Nemiah describes it as "one of the great
the supernatural and the purely psycho conditions prevailed. In those times textbooks of psychopathology of its time,
logical? There are no easy answers, but interest in witchcraft and demonology and in its numerous case histories one
there are several factors that must be blossomed, and along with the interest can read accurate descriptions of clinical
considered. First of all, proper diagnosis there no doubt came an increase in syndromes that are familiar today."23
may require the counsel of several actual demon possession. Dabbling in Interest in demons and the practice of
individuals. Specialists in psychopath- spiritism often yields vile fruit. In Europe witchcraft disappeared when better reli
ology, medicine, and pastoral care may from the eleventh through the thir gious instruction became available to
each need to make an independent teenth centuries there was little growth peasants and when intellectual skepti
evaluation of the patient. in witchcraft or interest in demonology. cism increased among the ruling classes.
These specialists will need to have a The emotionally disturbed were cared for Robert Mandrou states that "the disap
thorough medical, social, and personal as a community responsibility.18 Edith pearance of Satan was also, and perhaps
history of the patient. The background Wright maintains that, at least in most important, a disappearance of
fear."24
information should include facts about France, psychosis was looked upon as a
alcohol and drug usage, accidents curable illness, caused primarily by an Once again we live in a world of fear.
resulting in concussion or shock, any emotional upset.19 The Canon Episcopi, The threat of war, the increase of crime,
traumatic experiences, relationships incorporated as part of the decretals for the failure of science to provide an
with family members, and most particu church law in the mid-twelfth century answer to our problems, and a realization
larly whether there has been any and made required reading for inquisi of our own insignificance all provide a
involvement with the occult. This latter tors, condemned witchcraft theory.20 fertile field for renewed interest in the
heading should include use of an Ouija Between 1320 and 1420 there were only supernatural.
board, consultation with palm readers or 13 treatises on witchcraft and only 12 Within the Adventist Church, along
faith healers, and possibly even overem witchcraft trials in France. But the next with recent theological crises has come,
phasis on the importance of glossolalia in 50 years saw an increase in plagues and among some, a longing for new evidence
religious experience. famines. During that half century there of supernatural intervention. A vague
Sometimes insight may be gained by were 28 treatises and 120 trials.21 myth persists that when Ellen White was
an examination of the individual's writ In the 1480s johann Sprenger and alive there was constant evidence of
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987
God's immediate and continuing inter If permitted, evil spirits can "distract 1 John L. Nevius, Demon Possession and Allied
vention guiding the church through our minds."2' They can "disorder and Themes (Chicago: Fleming and Revell, 1894), p.
290.
every problem. This divine intervention torment our bodies."30 "The senses, the
2 Kenneth McAll wrote, "I was afraid of the
set the church apart from every other nerves, the passions, the organs of men" whole subject, dismissing it as 'primitive.'" But he
denomination and gave evidence of its can be worked by "supernatural agencies found himself "quite shaken by the transformation
of some of these people who were obviously in the
mission. Even a cursory study of Advent- in the indulgence of the vilest lust."31 grip of evil and by the fact that it was our prayers
ist Church history would explode this This type of possession calls for recogni which had initiated the cure." "Taste and See," in
myth,25 but fear, uncertainty, and a tion and repentance, not exorcism, and John W. Montgomery, ed., Demon Possession: A
Medical, Historical, Anthropological, and Theological
nostalgic longing for a mythical past, who can doubt that this possession is Symposium (Minneapolis: Bethany Fellowship,
mixed with a basically paranoid person happening on a worldwide scale today? 1976), p. 269.
3 Lawrence E. Stager and Samuel R. Wolff,
ality, can easily develop pathological The merciless crimes that shock the
"Child Sacrifice at Carthage—Religious Rite or
interest in exorcism and pseudopro- world, pointless terrorism, and drug Population Control?" Biblical Archaeology Review,
phetic gifts. abuse are evidences of demonic control January/February 1984, pp. 30-51
4 Ellen C. White, Patriarchs and Prophets
Historically Anna Rice Phillips no of men. Can we question that those who (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn.,
doubt supplied a felt need when Ellen are led to revere so-called mystics who 1958) pp. 650, 651.
White was in Australia and the church preach self-indulgence and unbridled 5 Robert Cohen, "Psychotic Disorders," in
Alfred M. Freedman and Harold I. Kaplan,
in Battle Creek was left without a lust are yielding to the control of evil Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry (Baltimore:
prophet. She is one example of how a spirits? In a more veiled form, demon Williams and Wilkins Co., 1967), p. 682.
6 Gregory Zilboorg, A History of Medical Psy
person can become self-deceived.26 Were influence is seen in violent outbursts of
chology (New York: W.W. Norton & Co., 1941),
it not for correspondence and counsel temper, in obsessions, in perversions, in p. 163.
arriving from Australia providentially on heresies, and in compulsive criticism of ' Frank Ervin, "Brain Disorders Associated
With Convulsions," in Freedman and Kaplan, p.
time, she would no doubt have received church leaders. Here is a fruitful field for 796.
a good following. The Sanctuary Awak a deliverance ministry. "Intensity is 8 The SDA Bibk Commentary (Washington,
ening movement and the infamous Todd taking possession of every earthly ele D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1980), vol.
5, p. 577.
tapes are more recent illustrations of how ment. With a subtlety gained through 9 John White, "Commentary on Psychological
easily people can be misled. Paul Tour- centuries of conflict, the prince of evil Observations on Demonism," in Montgomery, p.
253. (Italicssupplied.)
nier defines the motivating factors: works under a disguise. He appears
10 Nevius, p. 290.
"Modern man, despite appearances, is clothed as an angel of light, and multi 11 Ellen G. White, Selected Messages (Washing
less aware of his own nature and motives, tudes are 'giving heed to seducing spirits, ton, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1958),
book 2, p. 46.
and is lonelier as he faces them. We pity and doctrines of devils.'"32 12 W. P. Wilson, "Hysteria and Demons,
the savage amid his mysterious, menac Multitudes today need deliverance Depression and Oppression, Good and Evil," in
ing spirits, but at least he shares his fears from racial and national animosities that Montgomery, p. 342. ,
13 John Newport, "Satan and Demons: A
with all his tribe, and does not have to so aptly illustrate Matthew 24:7 and that Theological Perspective," in Montgomery, p. 342.
fear the awful spiritual solitude which is will eventually lead to the conditions 14 The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 575.
15 Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain
so striking among civilized people. And that obtained when Jerusalem was
View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1940), p.
the primitive tribe does at least lay down reduced to ruin. And if Jerusalem is too 256.
a certain magical interpretation, which, distant, think of Hitler in his bunker in 16 Basil Jackson, "Reflections on the Demonic,"
in Montgomery, p. 259.
however mistaken, is satisfying because Berlin, surrounded by the ruin that his 17 Ibid., p. 260.
it is unquestioned. In the same way, the madness had wrought. One commenta 18 Franz G. Alexander and Sheldon Selesnick,
The History of Psychiatry: An Evaluation of Psychiat
modern fanatic, who unquestioningly tor wrote that "the inability of America
ric Thought and Practice From Prehistoric Times to the
accepts all the dialectic and the slogans and the nations of Western Europe to Present (New York: Harper and Row, 1966), p. 53.
of his party, is happier than the skeptic. recognize the demonic made it impossi 19 Ibid., p. 52.
20 E. William Monter, Witchcraft in France and
And this explains the strange resurgence ble for us to assess the significance of
Switzerland (Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell University
of the primitive mentality which we are Hitler and the Nazi movement -realisti Press, 1976), p. 17.
witnessing today."27 cally. " We could not "even see Hitler or 21 Ibid., p. 18.
22 Zilboorg, p. 153.
.Christ's warnings in Matthew 24 the destructively demonic reality he 23 Cited by Zilboorg.
about false prophets appear to be quite represented."33 What a tragedy if we 24 Cited by Monter, p. 62.
25 George Knight, Myths in Adventism (Wash
pertinent to the Adventist ministry and should be just as blind to demonic
ington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn.,
laity in our day. political movements today. What a 1985).
challenging opportunity to reach across 26 For a brief account of Anna Rice Phillips, see
R. W. Schwarz, Light Bearers to the Remnant
Wider aspects of deliverance the abyss of hatred and clasp hands to (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn.,
Those interested in a deliverance bring healing and wholeness! 1979), p. 256.
ministry should be aware that deliver What a challenge to the ministry to be 27 Paul Tournier, A Doctor's Casebook in the Light
of the Bibk (New York: Harper and Row, 1960), p.
ance covers a very wide spectrum of free and to provide freedom to those 104.
spiritual needs. Healing can come from caught up in the flood of hatred that is 28 See, for example, the experience of Richard
Trates in Collegiate Quarterly, First Quarter, 1986,
repentance and confession on the part of engulfing the world. Social or political
p. 27.
the individual, and genuine interest and change will never bring freedom until 29 Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy
concern on the part of the minister.28 the hearts of men and women are won to (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn.,
1950), p. 517.
Exorcism may rarely, if ever, be neces the Lordship of Christ and the demons of 30 Ibid.
sary. It is instructive to note the vocabu hate are exorcised by the love of God. 31 White, The Desire of Ages, p. 36.
lary that Ellen White uses in speaking of This is true twentieth-century deliver 32 Ibid., p. 257.
33 Rollo May, Love and Will (New York: W. W.
demon possession: ance ministry. Norton & Co., 1969), p. 130.
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 7
Some call it
heresy
From belief to doubt Editor's Note: Soon my mind was boiling over with
Martin Weber, assistant to George doubts. I couldn't understand what was
and back again. Vandeman, director and speaker of the It Is happening. I had been happily baptizing
Written telecast, is an ordained minister of people into the Adventist faith I loved. I
MINISTRY editor J. R.
the Seventh-day Adventist Church. During never imagined I would ever disbelieve
his 12 years of service he has been a our teachings.
Spangler interviews
conference evangelist and pastor of several At first I tried to dismiss my questions,
Martin Weber about churches. He currently does research, but couldn't. I had to be honest with
writing, traveling, and speaking for the It Is myself—I had always told our audiences
how he found faith Written telecast. Martin's struggle .with that there is only one reason to belong to
doubts over certain church doctrines led him a church: all its teachings must be found
again in the church's to a thorough reexamination of the scriptural in the Bible. So I had to get to the
support for these doctrinal positions. Several bottom of this for my own peace of mind.
understanding of the of his friends went through the same struggle
and unfortunately left the ministry and the Spangler: Did the conference administra
sanctuary and
church. Martin's struggle and findings of his tion know what was going on?
studies have been documented in his book
judgment
Some Call It Heresy. This faith-building Weber: Yes, I told them about our study
volume needs to be placed in the hands of group and the questions we had. By this
everyone who doubts the church's doctrinal time we were meeting regularly in motel
position on the sanctuary and related beliefs. rooms to study before workers' meetings.
He also helped prepare the books What I Naturally the conference administration
Like About. . . and The Rise and Fall of became alarmed. The president asked us
Antichrist, by Vandeman. In the following to stop studying together, and admon
interview Martin places in capsule form his ished me to stay in the mainstream. He
journey from doubt to belief. told me not to chase the devil's doubts,
but to keep preaching the message and
Spangler: How did you come to question leave the questions for others.
church teachings'!
Spangler: How did you respond?
Weber: It began during a summer
workers' retreat. Several young pastors in Weber: I wanted to cooperate. I agreed
our conference invited me to study the to stop our Bible studies, but explained
Bible with them. And I was happy to join that 1 could not preach the Adventist
them. Being conference evangelist, I message if I didn't believe it. As far as the
Martin Weber wanted to get close to them so we could mainstream was concerned, I told him
work well together in our meetings. that something could be wrong with the
I soon discovered that they were into mainstream, since all these years had
some pretty deep water. They had some passed and Christ had not come.
fundamental doubts about church The president became really worried
teachings. I saw where they were headed about me. He sent me to the White
with their heresy and tried to help them. Estate to get straightened out. The
But instead of helping them, I myself brethren there were very kind and eager
became confused. to help me. But nobody seemed to
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987
understand that I had to get my questions Weber: First, why would God jeopardize
settled from the Bible, not the writings of the security of believers by subjecting We asked him for
Ellen White. them to a judgment? What is the purpose
Outside the White Estate building I of judgment, since God already knows advice about
told my ministerial director that unless I those who are His?
resigning from the
could defend my faith from the Bible, I I also had doubts about our time
would have to turn in my credentials. prophecies. The New Testament seemed
ministry. He
That hurt both of us deeply. to teach that Christ was prepared to
come in the first century, not after
encouraged us to
Spangler: What happened next? waiting 18 centuries for 1844. And our
proof of the day/year principle seemed stay in our work
Weber: I searched everywhere for pretty fragile.
answers. About this time there was a Also, the book of Hebrews puts Jesus unless we were made
ministerial conference in Takoma Park. already at the throne of God within the
Some of the ministers invited me to a veil. I saw nothing to indicate two to leave.
secret meeting with Desmond Ford. He separate apartments in heaven. Besides,
had an apartment on Carroll Avenue, if atonement took place at the cross, how
right around the corner from the General could we say that the Day of Atonement
Conference, where he was preparing his didn't find fulfillment until centuries Spangler: What did Mark show you?
Glacier View manuscript. About a dozen later?
crowded into Ford's living room, there in Weber: He explained that the meaning
Spangler: How did you get your answers?
his basement apartment. of judgment, to the Hebrews, was
vindication. Judgment was not a threat,
Spangler: What did he tell you? Weber: Well, I took my family to the but a favor, a way to deliver the accused
Lake Union Soul-Winning Institute in from condemnation. I can't tell you how
Weber: Dr. Ford declined to discuss our Hinsdale. I knew that if anyone could much this simple insight helped regain
questions on the sanctuary. He said he help me, it would be Mark Finley, my confidence in our church teachings.
had promised the brethren to keep quiet director of the institute. Further study showed me that in Old
on the subject until after Glacier View. I asked Mark if he would come to our Testament times judges themselves
He wanted to honor his word. He did apartment and go head-to-head against a served as defenders of the accused. There
agree to talk about anything else on our doctoral student from the seminary who were no lawyers in the Hebrew legal
minds. had already given up church teachings. system. Witnesses of the crime pressed
We asked him for advice about resign Mark was not one for debating, but he charges, and judges defended the rights
ing from the ministry. He encouraged us agreed to a series of private discussions in of the accused. Today our judges remain
to stay in our work unless we were made order to help me. strictly neutral while the prosecuting and
to leave. He said that at the same time I'll never forget those Saturday' night defending attorneys do battle. But back
we should keep studying until these Bible conferences. I still have my notes then judges were required by law to be
matters were clear to us. from their discussions. biased in favor of the accused.
Mark was pretty impressive. He Of course, the judge still had to
Spangler: Did you take Ford's advice? proved from the book of Daniel that the maintain justice. If the evidence
prophecies stretched till the "time of the required it, he would reluctantly aban
end"—not the time of Antiochus Epi- don the defendant and execute punish
Weber: Not entirely. I thought it made
phanes. He also exposed Ford's teachings ment. But the whole Old Testament
sense to stay in the ministry as long as I
as a kind of preterism. system was predisposed toward vindica
was searching for answers. But if I
tion, not condemnation.
became convinced that the church was
You can see how this helped me accept
wrong, I would leave without being Spangler: So that's how you regained
a pre-Advent judgment. For the first
forced out. I didn't think I deserved to be confidence in the church?
time I realized that God is not question
supported by Adventist tithe dollars
ing our salvation but defending His
unless I believed Adventist doctrine.
Weber: I was beginning once more to relationship with us against the accuser
During our time in Takoma Park
see light in Adventist teachings. But still of the brethren. The celestial judgment
several of us visited you at the General
I had some basic questions. I could not does not jeopardize our security in Jesus,
Conference, if you recall. We opened
comprehend the meaning of the pre- but rather, manifests and ratifies our
our hearts about some of our questions.
Advent judgment. assurance.
You encouraged us to keep studying. You
Right at this time Mark became ill for I discuss all this in chapter 4 of my
told us that every Adventist doctrine
several days. Now, he is quite a health- book.
could be proved by the Bible and that if
minded man, who doesn't often get sick. Another thing that Mark showed me
we would be patient and keep studying
But for several days he was flat on his was a list of exciting parallels between
we would see it. That helped me quite a
back with the flu. He used the time to the judgment scenes of Daniel 7 and
bit. '
study the Bible. And when he came back Revelation 4 and 5.1 had never seen this
Spangler: just what were the doctrinal to class, he had found the basic answers I before. I consider this parallel the
questions bothering you? needed. strongest New Testament proof of the
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987
timing of our sanctuary message. You know, the sanctuary crisis came versus they" attitude, along with a
Once I understood this connection and went, leaving most of our members persecution complex. I regret that very
between the judgment scenes of Daniel scratching their heads, wondering what much.
and Revelation, that was it. I had turned really happened. Many wonder just what Even so, during those six months of
the corner. I was born again into the went on in those "gospel" study groups. I crisis I wasn't looking for conflict. I was
Adventist faith. Other questions thought I owed it to them to share my looking for hooks to hang my faith on. I
remained to be answered, but I knew firsthand perspective. was praying for answers, and 1 embraced
then that everything would work out. them as soon as they came my way.
Chapter 12 of my book explains all this Spangler: TeR us more about the book.
in detail. Spangler: What do you wish the church
You can imagine how happy I was to Weber: The first chapter is the story of had done differently?
rejoice once more in the truth. I felt on
my struggles. The next couple of chap
fire, like a new convert. ters take another look at Adventist Weber: I'm glad there were those who
history. Then comes the meaning of did not question my commitment
Spangler: What about your friends in your judgment. After that I trace the judg because I had doubts, but instead helped
home conference?
ment unfolding in Daniel, Revelation, me find answers.
and Hebrews. Back then, most of the material the
Weber: While I was.away at Hinsdale In one of the later chapters I wrestle church published dealt with the crisis
they were drifting away from the church. with the question of Ellen White. How from a historical, not from a theological,
A couple of them began quietly scouting can we live by the Bible and the Bible perspective. All those warnings about
around for other jobs. only, yet honor and benefit from her Ballenger and Kellogg frightened me,
I did my best to share with them the ministry? but did not provide Bible answers for my
good news I was learning from Mark. I questions.
even bought a ticket for one of them to Spangler: Looking back at your experi Of course, since 1979 much excellent
fly to Hinsdale and study with us. He ence, what would you have done differently? material dealing with the judgment from
came, but he was unable or unwilling to a biblical perspective has been published
see the light. I couldn't save him for the Weber: When conference leaders tried by our church. For example, I think of
church, no matter how hard I tried. to dismiss our questions, my friends and I the October 1980 edition of MINISTRY. It
Each of my friends resigned or was became frustrated. We developed a "we helped me much in preparing my book.
removed from the ministry. And all of One book I bought way back in 1973
them left the church. One started his would have helped me in 1979 if only I
own "gospel" church right there in his had read it—Dr. Heppenstall's Our High
former district. The fellow I flew up to Priest, a marvelous book.
Hinsdale, my best friend, left his wife
and family and gave up religion entirely.
Spangler: What has your life been like
As you might expect, my friendship
since your crisis?
with the group came to an end. They
accused me of compromising my com
mitment to the gospel by staying with Weber: I've lost contact with my former
the church. That hurt. friends who left the church. I've tried to
write to them, but they haven't answered
my letters. I exchanged a number of
Spangler: When did you decide to write
letters with Dr. Ford, but none lately. In
your book?
his last letter he said that Hebrews 9:23
does not involve the cleansing of heav
Weber: After getting back on my feet in en's sanctuary. I say it does. And that's
Hinsdale, I was called to pastor a church where it stands.
in California. Soon after I arrived, a My understanding of the sanctuary has
former associate pastor returned to town not changed in the past six years. It has
to set up one of the so-called gospel deepened, but not changed. I marvel
fellowships. again and again to see new dimensions in
We had quite a struggle for the souls of this special truth that God gave our
some of our members. I was thankful that church.
because I myself had wrestled through I'm happy to say I enjoy good fellow
these problems, I could help my people. ship again with my former conference
So they could understand the issues, I officials. They invited me to give my
wrote the things I had learned in a little testimony at camp meeting. It was a
manuscript. Several church leaders read delight to work again with those dear
it and encouraged me to develop it into a men.
book. And eventually Some Call It At present I'm with It Is Written,
Heresy was published by the Review and assisting in Elder Vandeman's exciting
Herald. ministry. What a privilege!
10 MINISTRY/APRIL/1987