Laodicean? Whatever.

Musing on the people and events of this past weekend.

I spent this past weekend hanging out with the people of North Hill Adventist Fellowship at our annual church retreat. There wasn't much of a program. Friday night people trickled in, came to the kitchen to get a sandwich, sat around and talked. Sabbath morning we sang four or five songs accompanied by Karin on her harmonica. (The acoustics of the room were phenomenal making up for the lack of our customary instrumental support) Alan led us in Sabbath School study of 2 Thessalonians (the week's assignment in the Sabbath School Quarterly). I led a brief discussion of Acts 10 and 19—two conversion stories that begin with an affirmation of the goodness of the people prior to their conversions. Haystacks for lunch then we went for a leisurely hike along the falls on the East Fork of the Lewis River. Saturday night some spent hours sitting around a campfire, others played table games.

Leisurely, undirected fellowship.

I didn't hear any talk of the “shortness of the time.” No hand-wringing over the hypocrisy or dishonesty or (name your favorite lament) of church leaders. In my zealous teen years I would have labeled these people as Laodicean—lukewarm. Which is extreme opprobrium in Adventist circles. And would be entirely misplaced.

These “lukewarm” Adventists enjoy warm relationships with their teenage and adult children. That counts for something. They are taking care of their parents and their aged neighbors. They are volunteering in community organizations. They are the financial backbone of the local congregation and the denomination. They are “salt of the earth.”

According to Adventist historicist interpretation, the church of God after about 1844 is symbolized by the seventh church of Revelation--Laodicea. This final church is repugnant to God. Since the Adventists I spent the weekend with live post-1844, they must be “Laodicean” which is a very bad thing. Actually, it's the interpretation that is a very bad thing. The people are good.