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Wisdom From Graham Maxwell

Wisdom From Graham Maxwell

Arthur Graham Maxwell, born July 18, 1921 and passed to his rest November 28, 2010. Graham, as he liked to be called, was a husband, father, consummate gentleman, Bible scholar, expert in Biblical languages who wrote the SDA commentary on Romans and beloved teacher.

He spent the majority of his life sharing  the truth about God, that God is just as Jesus revealed Him to be, with all who would listen. And because of his steadfast loyalty to revealing God’s character of love with such clarity, he came under constant attack from those who didn’t appreciate his view of God. The most common attack was in the form of spreading rumors about his teaching, claiming he taught things contrary to Scripture.

In 1996, after suffering from long standing misrepresentation regarding his beliefs and what he taught, Graham wrote a short paper entitled, “The Scourge of Theological Gossip.” As was typical for Graham he gently exposed the dangers of this insidious practice and directed us back to safe paths.

As 2010 comes to an end, I have reflected on the events that have transpired this past year. And as I look forward to 2011 I not only want to wish you all a Happy New Year but hope we might ever move forward in taking the truth about God to the world, and given the place we find ourselves thought we might benefit by starting this New Year by reconsidering the wisdom of Graham:

The Scourge of Theological Gossip

Written by A. Graham Maxwell

August 2, 1996

“I hate to have to do this,” said the voice on the telephone, but I must warn you that pastor so-and-so is teaching heresy.”

“Are you sure?” I inquired. “What heresy is the pastor accused of teaching?”

“They said it was something called ‘the morally influential theory.’”

“Actually it’s pronounced ‘moral influence,’” I corrected. “But do you know what this theory is all about?”

“I was hoping you could tell me. But at least I understand it has something to do with the cross and atonement. Evidently the pastor is confusing people by saying that Jesus didn’t have to die.”

“That’s a very serious charge. Have you told many others about it?”

“Yes, I think we owe it to our fellow believers to help protect them from such false theology.”

“Why did you say earlier that you hated to have to pass on this information?”

“Because the pastor is a good friend of mine, and I’ve found some of his ideas very helpful to me personally.”

“Well, since you’re both such good friends, can I assume that his reputation is safe in your hands?”

“What do you mean?”

“Would you agree that one of the great joys of friendship is that friends can always be trusted to protect each other’s reputation? This means to me that if you should hear a damaging report about someone of whom you claim to be a friend, you would never think of passing it along without first checking the accuracy of the accusation. Can I assume, then, that as the pastor’s friend, you have already given him a face-to-face opportunity to explain what he is actually teaching?”

“I don’t believe I need to do that,” concluded the voice on the phone. “I know enough already to make up my mind.”

THE SPIRIT OF LOVE IS THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH

“I love him, but…” seems a not infrequent introduction to the passing on of hurtful rumor. But the Spirit of love is also the Spirit of truth. It is always possible that the rumor of heresy may prove later to be correct. But until such a destructive report has been verified by presentation of specific evidence, it remains just irresponsible rumor, mere theological gossip. And the tale-bearer’s claims of friendship have a somewhat hollow sound.

THEOLOGICAL GOSSIP STARTED THE WAR UP IN HEAVEN

“Of course I still love Him, but…” explained the father of lies (John 8:44) as he spread his malicious rumors about God. Lacking evidence to support his claims, the deceiver resorted to “misconstruing and distorting the purposes of God.” Under the guise of pretentious piety, and protesting his perfect loyalty, he confused even brilliant angels with his “subtle arguments.” “Everything that was simple he shrouded in mystery, and by artful perversion cast doubt upon the plainest statements of Jehovah. And his high position, so closely connected with the divine government, gave greater force to his representations.” (See Patriarchs and Prolphets 38, 41) As the theological gossip spread among the angels, there was a ready reply to those who might ask for verification of such shocking reports: “They came straight from top administration. The Lightbearer himself says they’re true.”

How different was the method used by Jesus on the Emmaus road. He knew that if He revealed Himself as the resurrected Son of God, the two disciples would be all too ready to believe anything He said, just on the basis of “His personal testimony,” just because of who He was. But Satan too, the one who can transform himself into an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14), could have walked with those men, presenting himself as the Son of God. And they would have been just as ready to believe what he said. Therefore, Jesus “maintained His disguise” as humbly just one of us until He had led them to “an intelligent faith” based on “unquestionable evidence.” Only then did He reveal who He was. (See Ellen White’s memorable explanation in Vol 3 of Spirit of Prophesy 214)

When Satan comes claiming to be Christ, he hopes to win our faith and worship by an overwhelming display of might and power. On that day we shall do well to remember the meaning of the story of the Emmaus road. God never asks us to believe on any other basis than the clear, calm presentation of truth and evidence.

THE SCOURGE IS REACHING EPIDEMIC PROPORTIONS

The purpose for writing this article is to submit the observation that once again the scourge of theological gossip seems to be reaching epidemic proportions. More and more unverified rumors are finding their way into print, onto television, even onto worldwide Internet.

As I look back over my seventy-five years, I recall that one of the unique hazards of growing up with Uncle Arthur as our dad was that any significant misbehavior on our part could well become the substance of another Bedtime Story. Telling falsehoods that would hurt other people was recognized as a particularly despicable crime and would have run special risk of inclusion in the next volume of Bedthnes.

As a young minister I often sat with my father at various councils of the church. I listened with some awe to the forceful arguments of Carlyle B. Haynes, H. M. S. Richards, F. D. Nichol and others. I found it reassuring to observe that our church seemed to encourage honest disagreement and discussion. If these leaders were alive today, I cannot imagine them not rising to deplore the wide circulation of so much unverified rumor.

In rereading the extensive correspondence between my father and Elder Nichol during the many years they served as editors of the Signs of the Times and the Review and Herald, the utter candor of their disagreements, their total commitment to the truth, and their warm affection for each other were all equally conspicuous.

But now I sense an undermining of such freedom to trust. And one villain is theological gossip. Have we forgotten how this scourge has hurt us before?

False rumors, coupled with much bias and meanness of spirit, wounded our church severely in the days of Minneapolis and Battle Creek.

False rumors, motivated by prejudice and jealousy, cut short the ministry of the apostle Paul. On his last visit to the headquarters of the Christian church, he knew that unfavorable reports about him and his work had already reached the ears of church leaders. He also knew that among them “he would find few friends and many enemies…and some, even of the apostles and elders, had received these reports as truth, making no attempt to contradict them.” (Acts of the Apostles 397, 398. Read the rest of the sad story on pp. 399-418.)

Above all, false rumors, false witnesses, and the malicious twisting of his words, were used to justify arresting Jesus and sending Him to the cross.

WHAT DID YOU SAY? WHAT DID YOU MEAN?

Theological gossip can do irreparable damage to the influence and reputation of the one falsely accused. But fortunately, as Ellen White has observed, “while slander may blacken the reputation, it cannot stain the character.” (Mount of Blessing 32)

In this respect, it is the publisher of gossip who suffers the most serious damage, both to his character and reputation. He becomes known as an untrustworthy purveyor of rumor based at best on superficial research. And since hurtful gossip is never inspired by the Spirit of truth, he leaves himself vulnerable to the perverting influence of Satan, the father of lies.

There is damage, too, to the one who uncritically accepts unverified gossip. He is forming habits that leave him susceptible to deception at the hands of the master deceiver.

As Hebrews 5:14 advises, we need to have “our faculties trained by practice to distinguish good from evil.” There is one helpful procedure that can be readily practiced. If, for example, you should hear a rumor of heresy, and if the accused is still alive, go to him personally if you can and ask these two basic questions: “Have you actually said such things? If so, what did you mean?”

Until these inquiries have been honestly made, no one has any right to accuse. We may be censuring someone for beliefs he has never held, of teaching ideas he may have opposed all his life. To do this is folly. Worse, it is sin. And Ellen White spoke of it very seriously.

“If a brother differ with you on some points of truth, do not stoop to ridicule, do not place him in a false light or misconstrue his words, making sport of them; do not misinterpret his words and wrest them of their true meaning. This is not conscientious argument. Do not present him before others as a heretic, when you have not with him investigated his positions… You do not yourself really know the evidence he has for his faith, and you cannot really clearly define your own position.” (Letter 21, 1888; also Counsels to Writers and Editors 50)

“To condemn that which you have not heard and do not understand will not exalt your wisdom in the eyes of those who are candid in their investigations of truth.” (Counsels on Sabbath School Work 32, 33, 1892; also Counsels To Writers and Editors 50, 51)

CURBING THE SCOURGE

What can be done to bring the scourge of theological gossip under some measure of control and to limit the damage to individuals and the church? In 1897, during a crisis in Australia, Ellen White offered this advice: “When man assails his fellowmen, and presents in a ridiculous light those whom God has appointed to do work for him, we would not be doing justice to the accusers, or to those who are misled by their accusations should we keep silent, leaving the people to think that their brethren and sisters, in whom they have had confidence, are no longer worthy of their love and fellowship.

“This work, arising in our very midst, and resembling the work of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, is an offense to God, and should be met. And on every point the accusers should be called upon to bring their proof. Every charge should be carefully investigated; it should not be left in any uncertain way. The people should not be left to think that it may be or it may not be.” (3 Selected Messages 348, 349)

And what should be done if all else fails to curb the gossip? “The hasty, reckless use of the faculty of speech lies at the foundation of nearly all the church troubles that exist. Evilspeaking should be dealt with as a misdemeanor that is subject to church trial and separation from church membership if persisted in; for the church cannot be set in order in any other way.” (Ms 74, 1897; also The Voice in Speech and Song 31)

If this should seem too severe, remember how Paul describes the worst of sinners in his letter to believers in Rome. Having “exchanged the truth about God for a lie,” they are “filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, covetousness, malice. Full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, craftiness, they are gossips, slanderers… foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. They know God’s decree, that those who practice such things deserve to die…” (See Rom 1:25, 29-32, NRSV.)

To admit gossips and rumormongers into God’s kingdom would be to risk starting the war all over again. Sin began in heaven and on earth with a lie. But John assures us that in the hereafter there will be no one who loves and tells a lie. (See Rev 14:4, 21:8,27, 22:15.)

As we face the devil’s final efforts to deceive, we shall need our faculties trained by practice to distinguish falsehood from truth. Then let us resist irresponsible gossip and put an end to circulation of malicious rumors and unverified reports.

We shall need the help and encouragement that trustworthy friends can give. If we have gossiped ourselves, we should apologize to those we may have hurt and try to repair the damage to their ministry and reputation.

I believe we would do well to follow the example of the board chairman of one of our church colleges. The religion faculty had been summoned to the president’s office to hear charges of teaching heresy brought by a distressed alumnus who claimed to have heard it in their classes. The president voiced his opinion that “where there is smoke there is fire.” But the chairman called for evidence. And finding that there was none, he solemnly tore up the lengthy document and dropped it in the wastebasket right by the president’s desk.

I still cherish the memory of that decisive act, now forty-five years ago. I recommend it as an example of what should be done today.

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We listen to your bible studies lessons in our class in Montana. You actually were the main reason I decided to get a laptop, so I can go to your site and listen, read, learn, and print the class notes. I am so grateful to learn the correct view of God and his character. Now, to just have others have an interest in knowing, so I can share it with them. Good thoughts your way.

R. N., MT, USA

 

Testimony 69

After reading your book, ‘Could It Be This Simple,’ someone was explaining Christianity in a way that made sense to me for the first time in my life. One morning, I simply prayed “I’m sorry and I love you.” As soon as I silently said that, I could literally feel God’s presence and light flood down on me from above and fill me up with love and joy. I sat there crying my eyes out, because I was so overpowered with this feeling of love and joy. It was just so incredible. I hope that more people can read this book and get a blessing from it. It’s really amazing.

Rachael H.

Testimony 28

I have been following your Bible study class for about a year now. I must say I am impressed with how your ministry has grown. I took it upon myself to listen to all your lesson podcasts from the past and they have both enriched me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have learnt a lot from this class. I have also noticed how the class has grown in spiritual strength. One of the things that benefited me is that now I am not afraid of God. I use to be, but now it has melted away. The second thing is that you helped me to have a real life relationship with God. Now He is my friend that was always there and I love having him with me all the time. Thirdly, because of this class, it inspired me to take over and lead a class. I have called it “Let Us Reason Together,” adapting your inquisitive style and creating a class of free thinkers.

T. Banda, Malawi, Africa

 

Testimony 45

I have been confused for years about what [christianity] calls [its] most disgusting teaching. It has never made much sense to me and for that reason has been evermore empty. I have listened to your class off and on and have struggled determining what is truth, because of the resistance design law encounters in the church. So, I thank God for your ministry. What you teach makes sense. It’s logical and backed up by the power of love. I have never seen that in Christ until now. I am astounded by the insight that is found when we look at God’s ministry through design law. All strength to this message, as I believe it to be the power of God.

Brendon S.

 

Testimony 27

Your teachings about our heavenly Father have changed my life. Thank you sooooooo very very much! I know He’s doing some serious healing in my heart and life and I look forward to each new day to learn something new about Him and to just hear you speak about Him. Thank you, forever.

Nancy S.

 

Testimony 29

Thank you for all of your work to correct misconceptions about God’s character. So many people that my husband and I have talked to seem to be against the natural law construct and view it as “errant” and “dangerous.” Having learned more about it through your blogs and lessons, I don’t really understand why they view it that way, except that it means they have to relearn theology they have known for their entire lives. But I’m so excited to relearn this. For the past few years I have been questioning how I could trust a God who punishes arbitrarily and is full of wrath for those who don’t obey His commands. That view made me afraid to “mess up” or “not be good enough,” even within my relationship with God. I really appreciated the point you bring out about God not wanting us to serve Him because we are afraid, but because we love Him.

Melissa H., IN, USA

 

Testimony 61

I grew up in a prominent protestant church and had what I like to call religious anxiety. I’ve always had questions about God and Salvation that no one could seem to answer.  I didn’t know how to find resolution. During 2020, at the height of my anxiety, I fell to my knees and begged God to show me truth and light and to give me the hope that I’ve been longing for. Days later, I stumbled upon your online videos and it was like a veil was lifted and EVERYTHING made sense! For the first time in my almost 39 years of life, my religious/spiritual anxiety has lessened. I feel a sense of freedom and peace I’ve NEVER had before… and it’s all because my view of God has changed. Thank you!

Ashleighn C.

 

Testimony 1

Thank you! I love listening to the Come And Reason Ministries Bible study classes and am using some of your notes to get the lessons together that I will be teaching. You always have such good quotes and Bible texts and pull things together to make good sense.

T. C., IN, USA

 

Testimony 40

I was brought up in a different faith and have been petrified my whole life of God. I believed that I would burn in hell for eternity. When I was 12 I started pursuing the things of this world, but for the next 45 years the Spirit was always calling me, as I knew there was a God through nature. I could see the vast sea of stars in the universe and knew there was something bigger out there. Five years ago, through a Revelation seminar, I was blessed to learn about God’s character and government.

Then I found Come and Reason Ministries and have come under some extreme pressure when I speak about the ministry. One time a member sent me an internet article titled “Whats wrong with Tim Jennings?” I asked her what she thought of it and she said “I don’t know, I didn’t read it.”

I have always wanted to find out for myself the truth about God, so I stayed with the Design Law construct and have been liberated to understand the big picture. Once we consider Design Law, all other Bible stories and prophecies seem to fit perfectly. It is truly beautiful to see people grasping how God operates this Universe of Love and the liberation it has provided in their lives. It blows my mind to see how consistent Design law is with what our founders believed. I hear statements like “This makes so much sense.”

Tom W., Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA

 

Testimony 38

Since November 2015, when I started studying Gods word from this God Is Love point of view, my life has been transformed. My troubled marriage of 15 years has been healed and my husband and I are truly happy for the first time in 15 years. Now When I read the word of God I understand it so much better and I can’t help but see Gods love radiating through the pages to humanity. Gods word is living and active and I am blessed beyond measure to be having this amazing experience. God has given me a beautiful understanding of Jn 3:16 that amazes me more and more each day. Thank you again for your ministry.

Helen D., London, England

 

Testimony 37

Hearing Dr. Jennings’ presentations in person came at a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey that began about nine months ago, when the fault lines inherent in my belief system began to crack under questions that most reasonable people end up asking about God and His nature. These were questions I couldn’t find answers to, and they shook my faith. I was unable let it go any longer and be satisfied. My Christian experience became distant. I was afraid; the fear in me rose like thorns, pushing me away from Jesus. And then someone heard my questions and introduced me to this ministry, and my life has totally changed.

I can tell you that this new, “present truth” message is far grander and life-changing than when I shifted from being an agnostic and then a nominal Christian. It has radically altered my worldview, because it reveals a God that makes sense. It is a revolution. I believe that Dr. Jennings’ message is the final message that must go to the world. If any message could be called “righteousness by faith,” as abused as that term is by the right and the left, this is that message, because Jennings’ biblical message identifies a God who is different, whose character isn’t an impossible contradiction.

I walk this path now without fear. I see people differently, and the Holy Spirit burns in my heart. Many call Dr. Jennings’ message false and compromising, but it isn’t false, because I’ve seen the fruits within my mind and body. It is not compromising, because in this message is the only road to holiness that makes any sense. No longer do I behold a pagan god who is always angry and suspicious. Instead, I behold a God who is freeing and loving, always working for our good, and giving me every reason to love my enemy even to my own death, just as Jesus pleads with us. God is good.

Anthony L., CA, USA

 

Testimony 42

I am just writing to say that I have been so blessed by the teachings of Come And Reason Minitries recently. I watched last week’s bible study lesson on Youtube and am thankful that the error in the printed lesson guide you use was pointed out and this week’s study was of equal benefit, if not more so. My understanding of God’s nature has been very confused of late and I am so grateful for clarity in this matter. I have never really fully understood previously how a good God can cause bad things to happen and now I realise that He doesn’t, it’s a natural consequence of sin. May the almighty Father and His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, continue to bless your ministry.

Laura P., United Kingdom

 

Testimony 20

I just wanted to personally thank you for your teachings and insight into scripture. I came across your website via my cousin who suggested I look into “Healing the Mind” information. My youngest daughter has been struggling over the last couple of years and it all came to a head this spring. When I started listening to the “Healing the Mind” lectures my own life began to be transformed. I began sharing with all my daughters the concepts you laid out so clearly. I ordered your book and soaked it up. I just want to say “Thank You!” My walk with the Lord has been refreshed and renewed. Your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to so many.

R. K., Anderson, SC, USA

 

Testimony 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia

 

Testimony 53

I was so blessed by a friend who gave me your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” while I was sitting in church asking God to please help me learn more about Him and help me not to be so confused and scared. That was about 2 years ago. Your books have helped me to love God even more. I’m not confused or scared anymore! I have listened to all of your bible study classes and feel like I know the wonderful people that attend every week. Thank you for all that you’re doing in spreading the true message about God and His law of love. God bless you and your whole class.

Elssy P., Modesto, CA, USA