|
THE ETERNAL GOSPEL HERALD Vol. 3 no. 10
|
|||
|
Adventists Create a “Solid Foundation” with the Papacy |
|||
|
Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for promoting Christian Unity. |
Pope John Paul II sitting upon his throne in Rome. “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” II Thes. 2:4. |
||
|
Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity 2003 Plenary Report—By Cardinal Walter Kasper
[to view a copy of this report online please do the following: (1) Go to the Vatican archives by typing in your web browser the following address exactly as given, do not use “www” — http://vatican.mondosearch.com (2) in the search engine type the word “Plenary 2003” (3) Click on the “Plenary 2003: Introductory Report of the President Cardinal Walter Kasper” and (4) scroll down to section IV. “Dialogue with the Western Ecclesial Communities.” We have reprinted Section IV paragraph 1 in its entirety]
IV. Dialogue with the Western Ecclesial Communities
The differences with the Western Ecclesial Communities are not only historical and cultural, but also of a doctrinal nature, and are more serious than those with the Eastern Churches (UUS 64–68). However, what we have said about the changes in the ecumenical scene and on the lights and shadows of ecumenism is also relevant to dialogues with Western Ecclesial Communities. We are committed to many of these. Among the Churches and Ecclesial Communities, the Catholic Church is by far the one that undertakes the greatest number of ecumenical dialogues. After the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (1999), and as will be clearly evident in the Activity Reports of the officials of this Dicastery, the dialogues continue to progress, albeit slowly, yet seriously, within a context of positive relations. Many dialogues have had positive developments, particularly with respect to the World Evangelical Alliance with the document on Church, Evangelization and Bonds of Koinonia, and the Methodists, who have initiated a process of adhering to the Joint Declaration on Justification. New dialogues, or rather conversations, have been established with Mennonites and Adventists. Difficulties arose after the publication of the Declaration Dominus Iesus (2000), the Encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia (2003), and after the Kirchentag in Berlin (June 2003). Yet overall, a solid foundation based on trust has been created, enabling us to overcome difficulties and disagreements, and to resolve them within the degree that is possible.
|
|||
|
St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, Rome. |
Offices of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Silver Springs, Maryland. |
||
|
Editors’ Note: “Put yourselves in array against Babylon round about: all ye that bend the bow, shoot at her, spare no arrows: for she hath sinned against the LORD. Shout against her round about: she hath given her hand: her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down: for it is the vengeance of the LORD: take vengeance upon her; as she hath done, do unto her.” Jeremiah 50:14-15.
It is sad that the Adventists have changed their policy towards the antichrist power of Revelation. The papacy, with its world-loving political systems and its distorted doctrines, is still the same power that has set itself against God by speaking “great words against the most High,” by wearing out “the saints of the most high,” and by thinking “to change times and laws” (Daniel 7:25).The Bible further warns: “And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.” Revelation 2:21.This power mocks at God’s call for repentance: “How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.” Revelation 18:7.“Popery is just what prophecy declared that she would be, the apostasy of the latter times.” GC 571. Have we completely lost our minds that we would build a “solid foundation” with the papacy? Have we also fallen under the influence of her intoxicating power?Sister White described this fatal condition in her days: “Worldly policy is taking the place of the true piety and wisdom that comes from above, and God will remove His prospering hand from the conference. Shall the Ark of the Covenant be removed from this people? Shall idols be smuggled in? Shall false principles and false precepts be brought into the sanctuary? Shall antichrist be respected? Shall the true doctrines and principles given us by God, which have made us what we are, be ignored?” Manuscript Releases Vol. 21 , p. 448.
Recently, as predicted in Selected Messages vol. 1 p. 204, Adventism has undergone major transformations with the intention of changing its image. Our distinctive truths, messages, prophetic emphasis, and missionary work is being replaced. We have become non-threatening to the Babylonian family. Church leaders today are desiring everything modern and mainstream. The faithful believe that all these changes are being made at the expense of our unique identity and characteristics. There is a war between the contemporary and the historic, the modern verses the traditional, with each side trying to define or redefine the mission and message of the Seventh-day Adventist people.
“The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith…” Selected Messages vol. 1 p. 204. We have truly forgotten the founders of the Adventist faith and the work which they did. Notice how Sister White relates the experience that God’s people used to possess: “During the past fifty years of my life, I have had precious opportunities to obtain an experience. I have had an experience in the first, second, and third angels' messages. The angels are represented as flying in the midst of heaven, proclaiming to the world a message of warning, and having a direct bearing upon the people living in the last days of this earth's history. No one hears the voice of these angels, for they are a symbol to represent the people of God who are working.” Selected Messages Book 2, page 387.“In the very time in which we live the Lord has called His people and has given them a message to bear. He has called them to expose the wickedness of the man of sin who has made the Sunday law a distinctive power, who has thought to change times and laws, and to oppress the people of God who stand firmly to honor Him by keeping the only true Sabbath, the Sabbath of creation, as holy unto the Lord.” Evangelism, p. 233.Have you noticed what we’ve been called to do? It is not to be building a “solid foundation” with the man of sin. On the contrary, God has placed us here at the end of time in this world’s history to expose the final deception that Satan has introduced in this world. How? By boldly proclaiming God’s message:“The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of enforcing the observances of the church by civil authority, the inroads of spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power--all will be unmasked. By these solemn warnings the people will be stirred. Thousands upon thousands will listen who have never heard words like these. In amazement they hear the testimony that Babylon is the church, fallen because of her errors and sins, because of her rejection of the truth sent to her from heaven.” The Great Controversy, pp. 606-607.
As we can clearly see the experience that God wants us to have is completely different. He wants us to have an experience in the three angels’ messages, and not the one that Sister White warned of when she said that some were “following in the track of Romanism” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 362). What would Sister White say today if she would have lived to see this wicked foundation being built with Rome? Surely, she would no longer be saying that we are on the track to Romanism, but rather that we are already in! How can you call someone out—when you are building a foundation to get in!
Today the church is regrettably experiencing cooperation and fellowship with the entire Babylonian family. There was a time when Adventists fulfilled and possessed exactly the characteristics described in the word of God: “I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the LORD. The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.” Zephaniah 3:12-13.Ellen White gives this same description of God’s remnant people during the final crisis: “The saints then will be an obscure people, little known to the Catholics…” Spalding and Magan Collection, p. 1.
Tragically, we have gone from being little known to the Catholics to becoming mainstream, contemporary, and very well known in the ecumenical circles. Worse yet, this report is not being reprinted in the Adventists Review. It is the Vatican that is reporting this news.In recent years Adventists have been actively participating in various inter-faith dialogs. And after years of dialog, relationships have been formed and mutual respect and understanding have been created. The problem with having dialog with the representatives of other churches and with writing reports or signing agreements is this: Once you’ve establish a friendly relationship and once you’ve been socializing with them for decades and once trust and respect has been created with them—once that has happened then it becomes difficult to see them as members of the Babylonian family. And after your feelings and emotions take over your principles then it becomes “hateful” and “bigoted” to give the second angel’s message by identifying those churches as Babylon Fallen—fallen morally and spiritually.That is why God has commanded us to stay away from her and to separate from her communion a people to stand in the day of the Lord. God doesn't want His people to be influenced by her.“Now the Lord has said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house [ancient Babylonian cities], unto a land that I will show thee.” Gen. 12:1.“Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you [out from them] unto myself.” Exo. 19:4.“Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth; say ye, The Lord hath redeemed his servant Jacob.” Isa. 48:20.“Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins.” Rev. 18:4. But now, today, we’ve gone from signing agreements with the antichrist to actually building a solid foundation with him. Unbelievable! Have we completely forgotten who’s behind that system? “And the dragon [Satan] gave him [the papacy] his power, and his seat, and great authority.” Rev. 13:2. Look at how the Lord feels about this: “The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying, Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother: And they committed whoredoms in Egypt: they committed whoredoms in their youth: there were their breasts pressed, and there they bruised the teats of their virginity...Thus were their names [two daughters]; Samaria...and Jerusalem.” Eze. 23:1-4.Brethren, have we also become bruised? Has not the new theology, the rock music, the books of a new order, the lowering of standards, the discarding of fundamental principles, and the rejection of true health and education bruised the people of God? Yes, indeed. God’s people have been bruised. Are we committing whoredoms by selling ourselves to everyone as ancient Israel did? Have we become that easy? What has happened to our spiritual chastity and spiritual virginity? How does God describe His people?“These [144,000] are they which were not defiled with women [a third party, or other churches]; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.” Rev. 14:4. Why were they not defiled? Because they are joined unto their Lord: “For I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” II Cor. 11:2.
|
|||
|
General Conference Bulletin 8 -Ninth Business Meeting 57th General Conference Session, July 4, 2000, 3:00 p.m. Toronto, Canada
Carol E. Rasmussen, Recording Secretary
B.
B. BEACH:
One of the happy traditions of General Conference sessions in recent
decades has been to have honored guests and obse
And we also have in our midst Monsignor John A. Radano, an old friend with whom we’ve been in contact for many years, who attended the session in Utrecht five years ago, representing the Roman Catholic Church. —General Conference Bulletin 8, July 4, 2000, page 22, paragraphs 1-2.
Note: Monsignor
John A. Radano is a senior member of the Roman Catholic delegations and is
head of the Western Section of the Pontifical Council for Promoting
Christian Unity [PCPCU], and principal liaison person between the
Monsignor Radano was an
observer during the General Conference Sessions of 2000 in Toronto,
Canada. He was
|
Receive Them NotGod’s people are described as virgins because they keep themselves from both the world and from fallen churches: “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not unto your house, neither bid him God-speed: for he that biddeth him God-speed is partaker of his evil.” 2 John 10-11.Did you notice that the word of God clearly prohibits us from receiving false teachers in our midst? Not only are we inviting these people into our meetings; furthermore, we are raising their banner in during the General Conference Sessions.“I dreamed that I was in Battle Creek [former headquarters of the GC] looking out from the side glass at the door and saw a company marching up to the house, two and two. They looked stern and determined. I knew them well and turned to open the parlor door to receive them, but thought I would look again. The scene was changed. The company now presented the appearance of a Catholic procession.” Testimonies for the Church Vol. One, page 578.“God has ever required his people to remain separate from the world, that they might not be allured from their allegiance to him. He delivered the Israelites from bondage in Egypt because he would not have them corrupted by the idolatry with which they were there surrounded…It was to separate the church of Christ from the corrupting influence of the world that the first angel’s message was given. But with the multitude, even of professed Christians, the ties which bound them to earth were stronger than the attractions heavenward. They chose to listen to the voice of worldly wisdom, and turned away from the heart-searching message of truth.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, pp. 230-231. |
||
|
“A prayerful study of the Bible would show Protestants the real character of the papacy and would cause them to abhor and to shun it; but many are so wise in their own conceit that they feel no need of humbly seeking God.” Great Controversy p. 572.
The Implications of Ecumenical Dialog
“And his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.” Rev. 13:4. The final ecumenical movements are being set into motion. The journey back towards Rome, the healing of the deadly wound, and world wondering after the beast is one of the signs that this world is reaching the limits of God’s forbearance.
The word ecumenism comes from the Greek word “oikumene” meaning “house, dwelling, or inhabited.” It traces back to the root word oikos, meaning house.
In his 2003 Plenary Report, Cardinal Kasper stated that “the Catholic Church is by far the one that undertakes the greatest number of ecumenical dialogues.” This should come as no surprise because God reveals this very fact in the book of Revelation: “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the “habitation” of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” Rev. 18:2. The Greek word for “habitation” in Rev. 18:2 is “katoikaytayrion.” You will see the exact root word “oikos,” meaning house, is also found in “oikumene” or ecumenism.
In other words, God predicted that Babylon would become an ecumenical forum for every unclean spirit and hateful bird. Remember, Rome has become a world forum for both religious and political dialog, which includes pagan and eastern religions and even socialists and dictators. The roadmap back home to Babylon is a well-marked and a well-worn path. It’s not hard to find.
What a tragedy that the professed people of God are also being found in these last days in the midst of this “habitation.” The Healing of the Protestant Schism
The first major division in the Roman Catholic Church [RCC] came in A.D. 1054 when the Eastern [now Orthodox] church separated from Rome. The reason was that the pope was changing the church doctrine on his own authority, and the Eastern church protested that he had no right to do that.
The Reformation in the sixteenth century then separated the RCC further. Martin Luther wanted to reform the church without dividing it, but he was excommunicated in 1521. The Anglican church did not separate from Rome, but was excommunicated in 1570. They declared, “We suffer schism, we did not cause it.”
On the other hand, there were many Protestants, especially among the Anabaptists, who wanted to form their own churches, and began as early as 1525 to form separate churches in Switzerland and then in other parts of Europe. In the centuries following the Reformation, Protestantism splintered into hundreds of smaller groups. Most of the time, it was often the case that matters of conscience or religious freedom forced the division, as with the Puritans. Sometimes language differences among immigrant groups in America led to the founding of separate groups. In a few cases pride and selfishness or personal ambition created divisions.
For hundreds of years the Papacy has been anxious to bring these religious bodies or the “separated brethren” back in under her one roof. The Decree on Ecumenism [Unitatis Redintegratio] given during the Second Vatican Council in Rome, November 21, 1964 states: “The restoration of unity among all Christians is one of the principal concerns of the Second Vatican Council. Christ the Lord founded one Church and one Church only.”
Cardinal Casper begins his 2003 Plenary Report with this introduction: “The PCPCU [Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian] has continued, in accordance with its mandate, to encourage and promote ecumenism, ‘as it is understood by the Church’ on the basis of Catholic principles formulated by the Second Vatican Council in the Decree Unitatis Redintegratio [Decree on Ecumenism].” 2003 Plenary Report, Section 1 paragraph 1.
What are they saying? The RCC reveals that the dialogs that they participate in are on the basis of Catholic principles formulated by the Decree on Ecumenism. And that decree states that there is one church and one church only.
Ecumenism unites the Babylonian family together into one “habitation” (Rev. 18:2)—and God is trying to separate for Himself a people from the world by pulling them apart from Babylon by proclaiming in a loud voice, “Come out of her my people” (Rev. 18:4). The ecumenical movement and the second angel’s message are in conflict. One is a message from God while the other is Satan’s counterfeit! Why can’t we see that?
If all we saw were Protestants and Evangelicals involved in the tide going back towards Rome again, we’d have little to be surprised about. But there is more. Adventists themselves have become partakers of the ecumenical epidemic.
“Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.” 1 Cor. 10:21.
We are stunned when Seventh-day Adventists embark down this road. How could this be? Have we become completely forgetful as far as our church history is concerned? Do we suffer from amnesia? Are we in a state of Laodiciean coma? Have we forgotten who we are? God has called us to finish the work of the Reformation, but instead we are drinking out of the same cup at the table of Rome!
“But Romanism as a system is no more in harmony with the gospel of Christ now than at any former period in her history. The Protestant churches are in great darkness, or they would discern the signs of the times.” The Great Controversy, p. 565.
One by one the religious bodies are lining up and heading home to mama church and papa Pope. And they are being welcomed. We can readily and gladly embrace dialogue with individuals who are open to hear the messages found in Revelation 14:6-12. Jesus is the one who has commanded us to share this message with every nation, kindred, tongues, and people. Christ mingled with all classes of people so that He could reach them with a message of salvation and to help them become a part of God's people.
“Reward Her Double”
God has indicated which position and attitude His people are to maintain towards Rome: As difficult and perilous as this work may seem to be, let us not forget that God’s people have always been given a challenging work to do: “Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.” Rev.18:6.
Our Lord commands us to reward this wicked religious system a double punishment of her wicked deeds. How do we reward her double? By having their leaders as honored guest in our World Conference Sessions? By creating a solid foundation with her? No! It is all the opposite. “So much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.” Rev. 18:7.
What kind of torment are we to give her—physical torment? No, this is a spiritual warfare that God speaks of; He will destroy her, but before His judgments fall He has called us to expose her abominations and call the faithful out from among her.
“The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of enforcing the observances of the church by civil authority, the inroads of spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power—all will be unmasked.” The Great Controversy, p. 606-607.
What will be the results when the church does this work? Notice how this statement ends: “ By these solemn warnings the people will be stirred. Thousands upon thousands will listen who have never heard words like these. In amazement they hear the testimony that Babylon is the church, fallen because of her errors and sins, because of her rejection of the truth sent to her from heaven.” Ibid.
Jeremiah gives us the same instruction and admonitions regarding Babylon: “Shout against her…[God doesn’t say to sit down and sip tea with her] for it is the vengeance of the Lord: take vengeance upon her; as she hath done, do unto her.” Jer. 50:15.
“A sword [God’s word is a two-edge sword] is upon the Chaldeans, saith the Lord, and upon the inhabitants of Babylon, and upon her princes, [including Monsignor Radano] and upon her wise men.” Jer. 50:35..
What is this sword if not the three angels’ messages: “The truth is to be taught in clear lines. The sword is to cut both ways. The third angel's message is to find its place in the world.” Manuscript Releases Volume Twenty-one, page 442.
“Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I will raise up against Babylon, and against them that dwell in the midst of them...because it is the vengeance of the Lord, the vengeance of his temple.” Jer. 51:1, 11.
“In the very time in which we live the Lord has called His people and has given them a message to bear. He has called them to expose the wickedness of the man of sin who has made the Sunday law a distinctive power, who has thought to change times and laws, and to oppress the people of God who stand firmly to honor Him by keeping the only true Sabbath, the Sabbath of creation, as holy unto the Lord.” Testimonies to Ministers, p. 118.
After reading and seeing all this evidence, we can conclude that we are at a crossroads: “There are only two parties upon this earth—those who stand under the bloodstained banner of Jesus Christ and those who stand under the black banner of rebellion.?” S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol. 7, p. 974.
One side is the beast—who receives its power from the dragon, and who glorifies herself and exalts herself above God and has attempted to change His law. The whole world has been mesmerized and is wondering after her—in worship, fellowship, partnership, and friendship. On the other side is God’s faithful remnant people who fear Him and give glory to Him, and not to themselves or to the beast (Rev. 14:7). They are faithful in keeping His commandments and in giving His final message of warning, in spite of all the opposition and challenges. —Editors
|
|||
|
Churches Rally in Support of a Constitutional Amendment
A religious climate is being created that could easily bring about the final scenes depicted in the prophecies of the Bible and the predictions found in the book The Great Controversy. Religious forces are rallying to take-over the state to eventually destroy religious liberty for God’s remnant people. Religious groups are organizing to influence our elected representatives and to write the laws under which we live. Since the passing of our US Constitution, Americans have been cautious when it comes to mixing politics and religion. Most US Presidents and other public servants have usually kept their religious views private. For example, John F. Kennedy became the first non-Protestant U.S. president and confronted the church-state issue during his campaign before the Greater Houston Ministerial Association on September 12, 1960 by saying that he would resign from office if his religion and his presidency ever came into conflict. However, in the recent elections, politics and religion have joined forces to combat today’s “evil,” secular society. Religious forces are raging a war against the worldly social systems that are in contrast and conflict with their morality. In this last Presidential campaign, the churches lobbied against politicians who held views different from those of religious groups.
Recently, President Bush has openly announced that he will back a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. Many believe that President Bush is proposing this change to better our nation, while others believe that he is serving the “Religious Right” in its efforts to “bring our nation back to God.” The churches are tired of the immorality, violence, fraud, vanity, vice, and this so called “assault on Christian morals.”
Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, and other religious leaders are uniting to support efforts to help pass a Federal Marriage Amendment for our US Constitution. It may appear on the surface as something to be highly praised when religious groups call for an amendment to the US Constitution. Most Americans, religious or otherwise, already define marriage as a union between one man and one woman. God’s word is clear enough to define the position that Christians should take: “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife.” Matt. 19: 4-5.
If two-thirds of both houses of Congress propose this amendment and if three-fourths of the state legislatures ratify it—then the US Constitution will be changed. Throughout the years, some 2,700 amendments have been introduced into Congress, but only 17 have been adopted since the passage of the Bill of Rights in 1791. Twelve amendments have been passed during the 20th century. This is the first time in 71 years that the proposed change in our Constitution addresses a moral issue. President Bush’s Federal Marriage Amendment is reawakening and rallying the religious groups into action. The last time that our Constitution was changed due to morality was the 21st Amendment [passed in 1933] which abolish the National Prohibition Act and once again permitted the sale of alcohol. Since 1933, every change to our US Constitution has dealt with presidential terms and succession, voting issues, and congressional salary.
The Federal Marriage Amendment has brought a rekindling and a revival of organized religion as a national force—eager to reshape our “godless” culture and bring us back to the early colonial days of America.
|
|||
|
Let us never forget that we have been warned how Satan, through his agents, will use these so-called “good reforms” as the means to bring about the final crisis. We have been told one day Sunday legislation will be imbedded collectively with many good moral reforms. Notice how vividly God has warned us about this over a hundred years ago.
“Here the temperance work, one of the most prominent and important of moral reforms, is often combined with the Sunday movement, and the advocates of the latter represent themselves as laboring to promote the highest interest of society; and those who refuse to unite with them are denounced as the enemies of temperance and reform. But the fact that a movement to establish error is connected with a work which is in itself good, is not an argument in favor of the error. We may disguise poison by mingling it with wholesome food, but we do not change its nature...The leaders of the Sunday movement may advocate reforms which the people need, principles which are in harmony with the Bible; yet while there is with these a requirement which is contrary to God's law, His servants cannot unite with them. Nothing can justify them in setting aside the commandments of God for the precepts of men.” The Great Controversy, pp. 587-588.
Supreme Court Rulings on Sunday Laws
Are we not seeing this fulfilled before our very eyes? Did you notice how these “moral reforms” will be promoted with the “highest interest of society.” Are you aware that the U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled in two separate cases that Sunday laws are not in violation of the First Amendment—which separates church from state—but rather that Sunday closing laws are actually secular laws that are to improve the “health, safety, recreation, and general well-being” of citizens? [See McGowan v. Maryland 366 U.S. 420 (1961).]
In this case you will see how Satan has already been working in the US Supreme Court since 1961, preparing the minds of the people to accept Sunday closing laws as a uniform day of rest—but not for religious purposes, rather for secular purposes, to give people time off work. Here we have the highest tribunal authority in the United States whose sole purpose is to defend and interpret cases involving the American Constitution. And they assert the Sunday closing laws are not religious but rather secular and are necessary? Unbelievable!
Where were the faithful watchmen during the 1960’s? What were they doing? Were they sounding a note of warning as we’ve been instructed? “I do hope that the trumpet will give a certain sound in regard to this Sunday-law movement.” Last Day Events, p. 128. No. They were being entertained during late 1950’s with the Evangelicals Conferences. At that time, certain Evangelical Protestants asked some leaders at the General Conference to reconsider certain doctrinal beliefs, and, if possible, to restate them in “theological terms” so that it could be acceptable to the Protestants around the world. These discussions, which led to the publication of the book “Question on Doctrines” consumed the church throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s. A doctrinal crisis began and the errors of Babylon began being introduced into Adventism. Obviously Satan kept us distracted and has “stolen a march upon us” with regards to Sunday laws.
“If every soldier of Christ had done his duty, if every watchman on the walls of Zion had given the trumpet a certain sound, the world might ere this have heard the message of warning. But the work is years behind. While men have slept, Satan has stolen a march upon us.” Testimonies for the Church , Vol. 9, p. 29. These Supreme Court decisions are precedents that have already been established. In these two cases you will see how both the religious and economic questions relating to Sunday laws have already been decided. No doubt these court decisions will be used against God’s people in the near future. Brethren, the ground has already been laid out. This nation has already, through the highest court, ruled that Sunday laws are not in “violation” of anyone's rights—even if it creates a “direct or indirect burden” on people.
On the contrary, inspiration says that Sunday laws are in direct conflict with the US Constitution: “If, in our land of boasted freedom, a Protestant government should sacrifice every principle which enters into its Constitution, and propagate papal falsehood and delusion, well may be plead, ‘It is time for thee, Lord, to work, for they have made void thy law.’” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, December 18, 1888.
Where is the Spirit that constrained Jones and Waggoner to raise up the banner inscribed with the third angel’s message? Where are the men and women who will stand true in this world at this time of history? Should we be voicing the warnings of the third angel, warning against the formation of the image of the beast, warning against the union of church and state, and the union of church towards Rome through radio, publications, newspapers, billboards, or any means of communicating the truth for such a time as this? Where are the so-called watchmen on the walls of Zion to wake up and warn both the church and the world? The sad news is that they are “building a solid foundation” with Rome.
“It will be declared that men are offending God by the violation of the Sunday-sabbath, that this sin has brought calamities which will not cease until Sunday observance shall be strictly enforced, and that those who present the claims of the fourth commandment, thus destroying reverence for Sunday, are troublers of the people, preventing their restoration to divine favor and temporal prosperity.” The Great Controversy, p. 590.
“If the people can be led to favor a Sunday law, then the clergy intend to exert their united influence to obtain a religious amendment to the Constitution, and compel the nation to keep Sunday.” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, December 24, 1889.
We can see from all these statements that for the final conflict to come, a religious awakening in public life must be created. All these reasons that are being given today for a constitutional amendment can only lead up to the big reason—which is a Universal Sunday observance which Satan will persuade is needed to stop God’s wrath—but in turn Satan will try to use it to destroy God’s work. Let us move forward while we still can and take the third angel to the world. The time is now!
—The Editors, Special Thanks to Ralph Moss of California who helped contribute to this article.
|
|||
|
McGowan v. Maryland 366 U.S. 420 (1961) Docket Number: 8 Abstract
Argued: December 8, 1960
Decided: May 29, 1961
Subjects: First Amendment: Establishment of Religion
Facts of the Case
Several employees of a discount department store sold a few items, such as floor wax and loose-leaf notebooks, to customers on a Sunday. By doing so, they violated Maryland's blue laws which only allow certain items, such as drugs, tobacco, newspapers and some foodstuffs, to be sold on Sundays.
Question Presented
Do Maryland's blue laws violate the Free Exercise and Religious Establishment clauses of the First Amendment?
Conclusion
No. The Court found that the blue laws did not violate the Free Exercise Clause because the employees allege only economic injury and not infringement on their own religious practices. The Court also found that the blue laws did not violate the division between church and state. Sunday closing laws started out to facilitate church attendance in colonial America; however, the present Maryland laws are based on secular rather than religious state interests. The laws are to improve the "health, safety, recreation, and general well-being" of citizens. The present purpose of the laws is to provide a uniform day of rest for all. The fact that this day is of particular significance for various Christian sects does not bar the State from achieving its secular goals.
|
Braunfeld v. Brown 366 U.S. 599 (1961) Docket Number: 67 Abstract
Argued: December 8, 1960
Decided: May 29, 1961
Facts of the Case
Abraham Braunfeld owned a retail clothing and home furnishing store in Philadelphia. As an Orthodox Jew, he was prohibited by his faith from working on Saturday, the Sabbath. The Pennsylvania blue law only allowed certain stores to remain open for business on Sundays. Braunfeld's store was not one of those types allowed to be open. He challenged the law as a violation of the religious liberty clauses because he needed to be open six days a week for economic reasons and was prohibited from doing so by a tenet of his faith and the blue law.
Question Presented
Did the Pennsylvania blue law violate the First Amendment's protection of free exercise of religious beliefs?
Conclusion
In a 6-to-3 decision, the Court held that the Pennsylvania blue law did not violate the Free Exercise Clause. The freedom to hold religious beliefs and opinions is absolute; however, the freedom to act (even in accordance with religious convictions) is not totally free from government restrictions. The Court found that the Sunday Closing Law had a secular basis and did not make any religious practices unlawful. The blue law is valid despite its indirect burden on religious observance unless the state can accomplish its secular goal of providing a uniform day of rest for all through other means. That an indirect burden, such as economic sacrifice, may be a result of the statute, does not make the blue law unconstitutional.
|
||
|
|
Picture Left: US President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush along with Florida Governor Jeb Bush are accompanied by Roman Catholic Monsignor Jude O'Doherty after services at the Church of the Epiphany in Miami, Florida. During Mass Monsignor O'Doherty praised Bush from the pulpit for his belief in prayer and his dependence on God (Photo: AFP/Stephen Jaffe).
|
||
|
'Moral Values' a Key Issue in Elections for Evangelical Christians
By Elizabeth Clarke Palm Beach Post Religion Writer Thursday, November 04, 2004
Call it a moral victory for the man upstairs. Millions of Christians do — with an emphasis on the “moral.” President Bush got support from 76 percent of white evangelical Christians and 50 percent of Catholics, exit polls showed. Nationwide, moral values edged out terrorism and the economy as the top issue in the election. Eleven states overwhelmingly approved initiatives banning same-sex marriage.
"I believe it is a statement that there is a desire by our nation to maintain a strong, moral, principled base and foundation," said Tom Mullins, pastor of Christ Fellowship, the nondenominational congregation that reaches about 10,000 people each weekend at churches in Palm Beach Gardens and Wellington. "I think it's a statement that people are for the protection of the traditional marriage and family, and I believe there is a growing support for the rights of the unborn child," Mullins said. "I believe those moral issues are very clear."
Members of Christ Fellowship even got the message in their e-mail boxes Monday. "This week's election ... will be one of the most important we, as Americans, have had in over fifty years," Mullins wrote to 15,000 churchgoers.
He urged them to consider that the winner could select as many as four Supreme Court justices in the coming years and to consider the impact those judges would have on "our lives, our families, our culture and the direction of this nation." He spelled out three "non-negotiable" issues: abortion, same-sex marriage and honoring God and country.
"Our vote should be less about our party affiliation and more about the issues that matter most to God," wrote Mullins, who voted for Bush but didn't endorse him by name. "I believe very strongly that our vote is a reflection of our faith." Laws prohibit churches from endorsing candidates, but voters were encouraged to consult their Bibles, their consciences and then their voter guides.
At Grace Fellowship Church in suburban West Palm Beach, the Rev. David Nelms provided parishioners with a news magazine voter guide and the Christian Coalition voter guide. The guides told them Kerry wouldn't select a Supreme Court justice who would limit abortion and that he supports civil unions for gay and lesbian couples, although not marriage.
That was all Nelms needed to know — although he declined to reveal his presidential choice. "When you mess with those two, boy, the others don't hardly matter," he said. The Bible is simple and to the point on both issues, he said. "On same-sex marriage, the Bible could not be more clear: one man, one woman, one lifetime," he said. "The Bible is very clear that what we call the fetus, the Bible calls a living human being. And there are millions and millions and millions of Americans — Catholics and Protestants — who understand this." Among those are 2.8 million Christians who joined an Internet prayer team at www.presidentialprayerteam.com. Posted on that site Wednesday was a note: "Thank you for 'praying the vote.'" Still, other Christians are troubled by a forced lock step on "moral values."
Consider the 85-year-old Hobe Sound woman who said she left Mass on Sunday |
|||
|
Bush Asked Pope to help Him in the 2004 Presidential Elections
A Word From Rome, June 11, 2004 By John L. Allen Jr. Vatican Correspondent National Catholic Reporter
During his June 4 visit, Bush asked the Vatican to push the American Catholic bishops to be more aggressive politically on family and life issues, especially a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
A Vatican official told NCR June 9 that in his meeting with Cardinal Angelo Sodano and other Vatican officials, Bush said, “Not all the American bishops are with me” on the cultural issues. The implication was that he hoped the Vatican would nudge them toward more explicit activism.
Other sources in the meeting said that while they could not recall the president’s exact words, he did pledge aggressive efforts on the cultural front, especially the battle against gay marriage, and asked for the Vatican’s help in encouraging the U.S. bishops to be more outspoken. According to sources, Sodano did not respond to the request.
Sources say Bush made the remark after Sodano thanked him for his stand on the issues of family and life. They also said that while Bush was focusing primarily on the marriage question, he also had in mind other concerns such as abortion and stem cell research.
Bush supports a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage and has urged Congress to take swift action. Since polls show that in several battleground states in the fall election a majority of voters is opposed to gay marriage, some Bush analysts think an aggressive push on the issue will help the president’s prospects.
|
“Most of Us Are with President Bush” Says US Catholic PriestsEWTNews Brief—November 2, 2004—WASHINGTON DC, USAA well-known Catholic priest said he thinks most U.S. priests will vote for President George Bush in today’s election.Father Frank Pavone heads up several national organizations (Priests for Life, the National Pro-life Religious Council, and Gospel of Life Ministries). He said he was speaking in his personal capacity, based on his conversations with priests across the country, and not as the representative of those groups. Father Pavone said he thinks Bush “understands Christian moral values far better than John Kerry does.” Catholicism is “a religion that does not allow us to privatize human rights to the realm of personal belief,” he said, adding that this is why Kerry is wrong in supporting abortion. Father Pavone said he does not mean that the President should be a Catholic, but “if one claims to be a Catholic, then that person should adhere to what Catholicism teaches. Otherwise, have the integrity to say that you can no longer embrace that religion.” “That lack of integrity, furthermore, will spill over into other areas of life. And in the case of a President, that’s particularly troubling,” he said.
Copyright 2004 Eternal World Television Network
|
||
