Call Us: 423 661-4734 | Email: requests@comeandreason.com      
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.

Email me the blog whenever a new one is published.

Donate online, securely via PayPal using your credit or debit card (no PayPal account needed, unless you want to set up a monthly, recurring payment).


cancel recurring payment

 

Want to use zelle instead?
See how on our
Support and Donations page.

Upcoming Events

calendar

Testimonial Post Slider

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 16

Your seminars are still inspiring and changing our lives and we continue to share the principles we have learned from you. Your ministry has changed our lives!

E.W.

 

Testimony 63

I’ve been very blessed by “The God Shaped Brain” and this ministry, through video and podcast, over the last few years. It’s truly opened up my eyes more to the truth about God and the importance of that truth in the present world. The message is so inviting, freeing and enlightening and MORE people need to know about it. I believe it is the last message that can truly, not only prepare a people for salvation and translation, but vindicate the character of God.

Michael V., Yonkers, NY, USA

 

Testimony 66

I am incredibly grateful for the transformative impact you’ve had on my life, and words cannot fully express my appreciation. Over the years, I have been an avid listener and follower of C&R and extend my heartfelt thanks for creating the C&R mobile app. It has allowed me to immerse myself in your lessons repeatedly, enabling me to grasp the profound significance about the Character of God, Design Law, the protocols for life, the reasons behind the current chaos, and Christ’s mission to restore everything. They have deeply touched me. Having studied with various churches, I came away with the perception that God is no different from the deities of ancient Greek or Roman mythology—demanding sacrifices and taking pleasure in bloodshed. Thanks to your transformative teachings, I have experienced a profound awakening to the true nature of God and the immense power of His love. It is truly a remarkable and liberating sensation to finally grasp the truth and embrace the empowering nature of God’s laws. My self-perception has become brighter and more infused with love. My journey of growth continues on a daily basis.

Chris P., Lake Mary, FL, 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 35

I am so pleased with the response your message is receiving at my church from the middle-aged to the young adults. I have given out 100 copies of the first two seminars and there are more request every week. One of my [class members] came to me after viewing the series, grateful and impressed with how easy the message was retained. He had been a Seventh-day Adventist in fear all his life, and felt like the scales were removed from his eyes after viewing the seminars. I am so impressed by the change I see in members who have received this message, we are in one accord. However, I am sadden by the negative response of the older people. I am verbally attacked anytime I talk about imposed laws, but I believe my mission is to enlightened everyone I can. I watch your Bible Study Class on YouTube every Friday night and I feel like I am apart of the class. All of you are in one accord and I am so blessed to have found you. I pray that all of you continue to spread this message and I am committed to doing my part.

Clara S., Westfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 58

I have been watching your videos in The Power of Love seminar and I must say these have liberated me and have improved my relationship with the Lord. I am no longer terrified of him as I was before following your teachings.

Thando N., South Africa

 

Testimony 24

I wanted to thank you very much for presenting your understanding of God. I’ve always been troubled by this question: Why did Jesus have to die? Since my conversion I understood that The Father & Jesus are one, I did not have issues with that. But was there not any other way to save us than for Jesus to die? I guess I actually had a question about God – if He is so wise, how come He did not find another way? I did not see the real ‘beauty’  in the cross. Only when you explained the picture in the medical context, Jesus providing medicine for my selfishness, have I started to finally ‘see the light’. Thank you so much. Your seminar, “Healing the Mind,” are absolutely marvelous & have shared them with my family and many other people, including colleagues at work. Thanks, thanks, thanks. May God bless you abundantly in your ministry.

M. W., Australia

 

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 13

I borrowed “Healing The Mind” DVDs from a friend and showed them at my home for a small gathering of women friends. Neither of my friends are Adventist, but they both enjoyed and embraced the messages you taught. In fact, one of the ladies prayed out loud in our group and that was the first time she had ever had public prayer.

J.B. ,Dalles, OR, USA

 

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 56

I cannot thank you enough for opening my understanding to the beautiful truth of God’s Law of Love and how it applies to everything. I have been a Christian for over forty years, but I feel like I am only now seeing with my eyes open. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Tammy Cinzio, Australia

 

Testimony 23

I would just like to add my voice to the many people who, I believe, must have contacted you to express their appreciation for the “Healing the Mind” DVDs. I’ve been listening to your Bible study class discussions for many years and I’ve been personally blessed by your research and teaching about the character of God.

L. G., Oakland, MI, USA

 

Testimony 51

I Love This Ministry!!!!!!! I see first hand how this message is desperately needed, how erroneous beliefs about God and His Character negatively affect humanity at every level. I thank God for your ministry, as I was searching on my own and was discovering some of your same beliefs and was blown away when I found your ministry. I know you hear it all the time, but it is truly life changing. May God continue to reveal His Will to you and Bless you!

Eric S., Sanford, FL, USA

 

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA