Woody Posted April 17, 2007 Posted April 17, 2007 The following event has been confirmed. But all the details have not been confirmed. I will give you what I know. Today ... An Andrews Seminary student was angry at Professor Russell Burrill for a book the Professor had written. The student locked the door of the room and knocked the professor down on the ground and attempted to chock him at his neck. The professor screamed for help but others could not get in the door until a key was found. The police were called and the student was arrested on attempted murder charges, jailed and was expelled from Andrews. The professor was taken to the hospital and released. I should have more confirmed tomorrow and will give you a report. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Dr. Shane Posted April 17, 2007 Posted April 17, 2007 I read one book written by Russell Burrill and it was pretty good. I am glad they decided to expel him. I would say disfellowshipping him is also in order. Quote Pastoral Family Counselor... Find me at www.PostumCafe.com Author of Peculiar Christianity
Robert Posted April 17, 2007 Posted April 17, 2007 I read one book written by Russell Burrill and it was pretty good. I am glad they decided to expel him. I would say disfellowshipping him is also in order. What would Jesus do? Quote
Woody Posted April 17, 2007 Author Posted April 17, 2007 Quote: What would Jesus do? Jesus would make him a disciple and President of Andrews. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Amelia Posted April 17, 2007 Posted April 17, 2007 Quote: What would Jesus do? Jesus would make him a disciple and President of Andrews. That statement makes a mockery of Jesus. Quote <p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">"Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you."</span></span> Eph 4:29</span><br><br><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetemp_both/US/OR/Fairview.gif" alt="Fairview.gif"> Fairview Or</p>
Moderators Bravus Posted April 17, 2007 Moderators Posted April 17, 2007 I think Redwood meant that Jesus has the transforming power to turn a violent person into a disciple and transform that person's life to the point where s/he is ready for leadership. The case of Saul/Paul seems to bear out that idea. Quote Truth is important
Dr. Shane Posted April 17, 2007 Posted April 17, 2007 That was my first impression too, Bravus, but I guess Redwood would have to confirm that. Quote Pastoral Family Counselor... Find me at www.PostumCafe.com Author of Peculiar Christianity
Woody Posted April 17, 2007 Author Posted April 17, 2007 I think Redwood meant that Jesus has the transforming power to turn a violent person into a disciple and transform that person's life to the point where s/he is ready for leadership. The case of Saul/Paul seems to bear out that idea. Exactly Bravus ... What did God say and do with the murderers David and Moses ? Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Woody Posted April 17, 2007 Author Posted April 17, 2007 Quote: That statement makes a mockery of Jesus No Amelia ... It just speaks to God's forgiveness and transforming power. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
puddles Posted April 17, 2007 Posted April 17, 2007 This is what I received a short while ago: Incident at Andrews By Rebecca May, Director of University Relations at Andrews University At approximately 9:15 a.m. today [April 16], Seminary professor Russell Burrill was threatened and assaulted in his office at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary by an Andrews University student. There was no weapon involved. Office staff heard the struggle and calls for help, went to Russell Burrill's aid and called Public Safety and the police. The student also assaulted a police officer and medic personnel. The student is in police custody, and has been dismissed from the university. The student's name is not being released at this time. Russell Burrill sought medical attention, was released, and returned to the classroom this afternoon. Charges are being reviewed by the prosecutor's office. Dr. Denis Fortin, dean of the Seminary, will address Seminary students, staff and faculty about this incident at a regularly-scheduled chapel service tomorrow [April 17], 10:30 a.m., in the Seminary Chapel. Representatives from Student Life, including campus-based counselors, will also be present to offer support and steps towards healing. Quote
Robert Posted April 17, 2007 Posted April 17, 2007 Representatives from Student Life, including campus-based counselors, will also be present to offer support and steps towards healing. What healing? Quote
Moderators lazarus Posted April 17, 2007 Moderators Posted April 17, 2007 I would surprised if this was just about the contents of book. I could be wrong. Quote Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence. Einstein
Dr. Shane Posted April 17, 2007 Posted April 17, 2007 Be interesting to see if the book's sales takes off when the title of it gets out - if it gets out. Quote Pastoral Family Counselor... Find me at www.PostumCafe.com Author of Peculiar Christianity
Woody Posted April 17, 2007 Author Posted April 17, 2007 What I find amazing is that I just do not see how anyone could be offended by one of Russell Burrill's books. I've read several of his books. I spent 6 weeks with him in the South last year during an evangelistic series that he did. I found him to be one of the very best evangelists that we have. He has lots of good innovative ideas for church growth. He presents the gospel in a kind , direct, and loving way. He is retiring next month from what I understand. He and his wife are wonderful people. I hope this has not hurt them terribly. I can only imagine the pain that they must feel after all their years of service. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Dr. Shane Posted April 17, 2007 Posted April 17, 2007 Quote: good innovative ideas for church growth. Women in church? Drums in the sanctuary? What kind of innovative ideas are we talking about? Quote Pastoral Family Counselor... Find me at www.PostumCafe.com Author of Peculiar Christianity
Woody Posted April 17, 2007 Author Posted April 17, 2007 Methods of evangelism which is his expertise. Also ... he has good ideas on the use of spiritual gifts in the church. He believes in empowering the individual to use their spiritual gifts. To often we stifle members' spiritual gifts by our stringent structure. After his class lectures ... I felt inspired that we as a church could better utilize each person's spiritual gifts. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Clio Posted April 17, 2007 Posted April 17, 2007 Quote: I am glad they decided to expel him. I would say disfellowshipping him is also in order. Quote: That statement makes a mockery of Jesus. Quote: What healing? Quote: I would surprised if this was just about the contents of book. I could be wrong. Quote: Be interesting to see if the book's sales takes off when the title of it gets out - if it gets out. Quote: Women in church? Drums in the sanctuary? What kind of innovative ideas are we talking about? :sad Reading this thread, it feels like somehow it's the victim's fault that he was attacked. Or maybe Redwood's for being the messenger, or an unwillingness to see that even someone who attempts murder, as Peter did in the Garden, is somehow too far gone for Jesus saving and transforming power. Depressing thread from beginning to end. Clio Quote A heart where He alone has first place.
Dr. Shane Posted April 17, 2007 Posted April 17, 2007 I am sorry (Please make note Redwood, I am apologizing) I should have put TIC before my comments "Women in church? Drums in the sanctuary? What kind of innovative ideas are we talking about?" Quote Pastoral Family Counselor... Find me at www.PostumCafe.com Author of Peculiar Christianity
darlene Posted April 17, 2007 Posted April 17, 2007 Yes, I am surprised at the response here also. It seems we must forgive people for whatever they do without holding them accountable. Shouldn't each one of us be responsible for our actions or do we blame others and then because they are Christians they must forgive us and we go scott-free? Doesn't seem like something Jesus would expect us to do. Last year I attended SEEDS at Andrews and this past Janauary/February we had a Church Planting Convention here in Vancouver. Russell Burrell was, of course, one of the main presenters. If we have an Apostle Paul in the midst of the Adventist Church today it would be Russell B. He is such a sincere and talented man! God is certainly using him in a mighty way! This past weekend I received training in Natural Church Development in St. Charles, Illinois (Chicago). Russell Burrill wrote an excellent little booklet on Natural Church Development. If you have not read it, it costs $2 from the Seminary at Andrews. All would do well to read it! (and it's probably in ABCs) So....this fellow who assaulted Russell Burrill should be held accountable for his actions, shouldn't he? Or do we just forgive and forget? Quote
Clio Posted April 17, 2007 Posted April 17, 2007 Absolutely he should be held accountable. There are always consequences to the choices we make. HOWEVER, there is always the possibility of the transforming power of Jesus saving Grace. That doesn't mean a lack of accountability. It means justice tempered with mercy, and not making it seem like the victim was somehow asking to be assaulted. Quote A heart where He alone has first place.
Woody Posted April 17, 2007 Author Posted April 17, 2007 Quote: So....this fellow who assaulted Russell Burrill should be held accountable for his actions, shouldn't he? Or do we just forgive and forget? Darlene ... In my opinion both are correct. He should be prosecuted by the authorites and pay the price for what he did if he is alive. But also ... the church should do as Christ would do ... and FORGIVE him. We should love him and point him to Christ. We should go to jail if he is alive ... and witness to him the love of God and the Love of the Church towards him. We should bring Christian reading materials to him. We should bring Christian music to him in Jail. If he is alive and got out of prison we should invite him to church and help provide for his needs. I could go on and on. Prison ministries is alive an well. And should be encouraged. OR ... Do you believe that God does not accept and love sinners and particularly murderers or attempted murderers? Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
darlene Posted April 17, 2007 Posted April 17, 2007 Oh, no, I'm not saying he should not be forgiven. I am saying he should be held accountable. If we do something wrong God forgives us but we still have to pay the price for our actions. Quote
Woody Posted April 17, 2007 Author Posted April 17, 2007 Oh Good. I was just not aware of anyone here suggesting that he not have to pay the price by going to Jail. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Moderators lazarus Posted April 17, 2007 Moderators Posted April 17, 2007 In my comments I didn't seek to blame the Author. I admire his work alot. I simply wanted to make the point that there must be more going on with the perpetrator than being upset about church growth ideas or whatever the book is about. Quote Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence. Einstein
Woody Posted April 17, 2007 Author Posted April 17, 2007 Laz ... you could be very right. I just don't know. Burrill does not toe the line of being as aggressive in Evangelism as some conservatives would promote. So ... this may have been upsetting to this Seminary student. But ... Who knows. During his evangelistic series last year ... he emphaisized "the Bible and the Bible alone". This may irritate the Ellen White thumpers. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
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