There’s nothing better for the season than lounging in a shady spot on a summer afternoon, reading a good book and sipping lemonade. If there is, I’ve yet to find it.
Wherever your particular oasis may be (and no, there’s no hammock outside my condo!), the idea of spending some time this summer reading is a good one. What’s more, there are a number of titles from Adventist authors, in particular, who can give you (or a loved one) a good read, and maybe some knowledge to boot.
Perhaps at the top of your reading list might be The Great Controversy, Ellen G. White’s masterful portrayal of the struggle between Christ and Satan. While many Seventh-day Adventists have read the book, our movement’s leadership is encouraging all church members to read it again this year, in preparation for sharing a version with others between now and the end of 2013.
I read the original a few years back, and refer to it often. This summer, my “re-reading” is of a volume termed “an adaptation in today’s language,” released this year under the title Love Under Fire. The Pacific Press Publishing Association is the publisher, and the book was created by the Ellen G. White Estate. It’s a great read: fast-moving and a good introduction to the thoughts and themes Ellen White wanted brought before the people of her day and ours.
A more recent (chronologically) story of faith under trial is told by author Bradley Booth in The Miracle of the Seventh-day Ox, a paperback from the Review and Herald Publishing Association. You read correctly: a “Seventh-day Ox.” In this instance the ox is named Maksim, and the story of how a supposedly “dumb” animal helped Nickolai Panchuk, an Adventist pastor imprisoned in a Siberian camp, fulfill the needs of his job—bringing water from a spring—and keep the Bible Sabbath is nothing short of, well, a miracle. You’ll thrill as you read this story of God’s intervention and provision, I promise!
While I’m not a parent, I was blessed to have two good people raise me. From that, and from viewing the experiences of many others, I’ve picked up a few grains of information on the subject. I can claim no expertise, of course, but I know a good manual when I see one: Raise a Leader—God’s Way, by Prudence LaBeach Pollard, a professor of business who holds appointments at Oakwood University, Loma Linda University, and La Sierra University. This book, published by the Review and Herald, is a good guide.
Pollard’s advice is liberally seasoned with something occasionally absent from such volumes: common sense. Acknowledging the injunction to “train up a child,” she responds: “Yeah, but how?” Then she answers that question with detail and determination, deftly showing how parents can guide children through the growing-up years. One key: remember that each child is unique and different, something occasionally forgotten, I’d guess!
This author, by the way, can claim some impressive results for her philosophy: Pollard and her husband, Oakwood University president Leslie Pollard, are the parents of two adult daughters, Kristin and Karin, who, she writes, “are continuing on [their] Christian journey.” If you have kids at home, or perhaps know someone raising your grandkids, this is important reading.
In June Pacific Press will release Always Prepared: Answers to Questions About Our Faith, which was coedited by Nancy Vyhmeister and Humberto Rasi. Describing the volume, Rasi said it “consists of 20 chapters in which various authors respond to questions that Adventist university students, professionals, and members are usually asked by fellow students/workers, neighbors, friends, and others.”
Those questions include “Why Do I Believe in God?” “What’s Unique About Jesus?” “Is the God of the Old Testament Different From the One in the New Testament?” and “Does It Really Matter What I Believe as Long as I Am Sincere?” Chapter authors include Clifford Goldstein, William G. Johnsson, Greg A. King, and Ranko Stefanovic. Although aimed at college students and young adults, this strikes me as a volume many will enjoy reading—and referring to or sharing when questions from others arise.
Two Adventists noted for achievement within—and outside—of church circles also have books out in the past year, each of which is worth reading. The Blessing of Adversity: Finding Your God-given Purpose in Life’s Troubles, by Barry C. Black, released in paperback a little more than a year ago by Thomas Nelson, is a must-read. There seem to be two conditions in life: either we’re facing adversity or we’re about to do so. “In the world,” Jesus said, “ye shall have tribulation” (John 16:33, KJV).
From an impoverished boyhood to the struggle to educate himself and serve his country as a U.S. Navy chaplain, Black, an Adventist pastor and peerless preacher, knows adversity. His “congregation” in the United States Senate, where he is chaplain, runs the gamut of experience—and problems. His words of encouragement and counsel are ones you’ll cherish during a rough time, or when those times come.
Another writer preaches sermons of his own, but usually with a scalpel, or with other good works. Ben Carson, M.D., is the noted pediatric neurosurgeon whose story is familiar to many readers. What may be less known is his belief that this nation is at a crossroads and that it is incumbent upon all of us to help return this land to what made it great. America the Beautiful is the title of a new book from Carson and his wife, Candy, published by Zondervan. His message was stirring enough to recently get the attention of Chris Wallace, host of Fox News Sunday, who dedicated a profile segment to the book. It’s another one you might consider for your summer reading list.
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Mark A. Kellner, when he isn’t reading for fun, is news editor for the Adventist Review. This article was published May 24, 2012.
Book/Media Recommendations
TIME TO READ
The Church, Culture and Spirits
Kwabena Donkor, ed., The Church, Culture and Spirits: Adventism in Africa, Biblical Research Institute, Silver Spring, Maryland, 2011, 242 pages, US$10. Can be ordered from the Biblical Research Institute’s Web shop at brishop.advent ist.org or at select Adventist Book Centers.
This fascinating volume, edited by Biblical Research Institute associate director Kwabena Donkor, provides a solid introduction to issues of worldview, spiritualism, and the power of the gospel in Africa. It contains 12 chapters, written (with the exception of one chapter) by theologians from Africa, and not only provides careful theological and biblical reflection but also opens new perspectives on the age-old battle between good and evil. If you are interested in biblical studies and missions, particularly mission in Africa, this volume should be on your reading list for the summer. As you read you may just realize again that this battle also happens in our part of the world—and that we are right in its center. Highly recommended for those who do not take off their thinking cap during the summer.
—Gerald A. Klingbeil, associate editor
Ambassador for Liberty
Bert Beach, Ambassador for Liberty, Review and Herald Publishing Association, Hagers?town, Maryland, 2012, 192 pages, US$12.99.
For the past several years I’ve been helping Bert Beach, former director of the General Conference Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Department for the General Conference, write his memoir, Ambassador for Liberty. The son of missionary parents to Europe, Beach is part of a vanishing breed of Adventist administrators who oversaw the growth of the church from a few hundred thousand to more than 17 million members worldwide. His memoir tells of people and events that shaped the church we know today. Beach’s book highlights his work in the larger Christian community as well as his role in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. To give an idea about the scope of his memoir, Beach has attended every General Conference session since 1946, when a GC session could be held in a venue like Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland. Read this book to get a snapshot of the church’s history from someone who lived it.
—Stephen Chavez, coordinating editor
Blood on the Moon
Edward Steers, Jr., Blood on the Moon, The University Press of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 2001, paperback, 2005, 360 pages, $22.
I’ve just started reading this book on the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, so I can’t give a solid review yet, but I’m up to chapter 7 (reading about the events leading up to Lincoln’s murder), and I am intrigued by the way Edward Steers, Jr., weaves fact into narrative. He paints a compelling picture as he examines the evidence, myths, and lies surrounding Lincoln’s assassination—an event that altered the course of American history. Curious about the title? It comes from Joel 2:31, 32. If you’re into American history and politics, this book is one you will probably thoroughly enjoy!
—Kimberly Luste Maran, assistant editor
FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE
Storyline, Hope Channel
Storyline is hosted by Chantal J. Klingbeil on Hope Channel, DirectTV Channel 368, or live streaming at storyline.hopetv.org.
Here is my disclosure: I am thoroughly biased on this one—yet I think that this would be great summer watching that would bless your entire family. Every Monday from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. my wife, Chantal, on Storyline, focuses with her guests on one biblical story. Each program includes a segment retelling the story at a unique location, followed by some expert whose insight enriches a particular narrative. Ever wondered about a blacksmith working during the time of David? What about a Roman soldier during the time of Jesus? How would women make clothing in ancient Israel? My kids love this hands-on section.
Other elements of the show include biblical scholars shedding new light on ancient stories, and young adults or families reflecting together about the significance of the narrative for our lives and families. There is also space to connect directly to the host and her guests via phone-ins, Facebook messages, or e-mailed questions and observations.
Is 9:00 p.m. too late for you or your children? All episodes are available in high-definition format as video-on-demand on the show’s Web site and also in the iTunes shop—this is great summer watching with kids and friends.
And check out Hope Channel’s other live Bible shows. There is something for everyone. If you like to dig deep into the life of Jesus, join CrossConnections with Oleg Kostyuk, a young, enthusiastic pastor, on Tuesday nights (or watch it online at crossconnection.hopetv.org). Wednesday night Brad Thorp focuses on Beginnings and the book of Genesis. Check it out at beginnings.hopetv.org. Thursday nights are reserved for Bible prophecy with Shawn Boonstra. His show Disclosure is available on Hope Channel or at disclosure.hopetv.org.
—Gerald A. Klingbeil
Parker’s Puzzle, Hope Channel
Parker’s Puzzle is the Hope Channel’s television program just for kids ages 7-10. It is all about teaching children ways to live a positive Christian life. Parker is an animated parrot with some important life lessons to share with kids. He works with his special pal, host Richard Silíe, a teacher from Spencerville Adventist Academy in Silver Spring, Maryland. In the show Parker’s four-piece puzzle is made up of the four interlocking segments of each episode: exercise, healthy diet, heart-to-heart discussions on different topics, and Bible study. When the puzzle comes together, children get a clear picture of a life that glorifies Jesus. My 6- and 8-year-old children really like “Parker’s Puzzle.” While some episodes are better than others, they are all well done—and more interesting than other similar Christian programs/DVDs for that age group. Visit www.parkerspuzzle.com for viewing schedule, clips, and more. The 28-DVD set is available for purchase for $149.99 from the Hope Channel: 1-888-4-HOPE-TV (1-888-446-7388).
TUNES FOR TOTS
Cedarmont Kids, Provident Music Distribution/Provident Label Group
Cedarmont Kids music CDs are great for babies, toddlers, and children 5 and younger (my 8-year-old still likes listening to our collection). The disks feature instrumentals, split tracks, melodious accompaniments, and children’s choral singing. They feature above-average production value, good pricing (you can get single CDs for about $4), and several Spanish-language selections. Available at iTunes, check your local ABC, amazon.com, Christian bookstores or, www.christian book.com for a variety of well-priced CDs. There’s even one titled Sabbath School Songs. One of our favorites is the Hymns collection (Himnos in Spanish), which includes “This Is My Father’s World,” “Bringing in the Sheaves,” “Tell Me the Story of Jesus,” and more.
—Kimberly Luste Maran
