p. 6 | Avoid Extremes by G. B. THOMPSON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 30, 1915

Avoid Extremes

By G. B. THOMPSON

That the remnant people of God will be subjected to the fiercest assaults and most subtle deceptions of the enemy in the closing days of the message is taught

in the Scriptures. If he cannot keep them frozen in the ice of indifference, he will endeavor to kindle in their midst true the fatal fire of extremes and fanaticism. The servant of God whose pen is now laid aside as she sleeps in death, while exhorting us to purity and holiness, has repeatedly cautioned us against this great danger.

As the end draws near, the enemy will work with all his power to bring in fanaticism among us. He would rejoice to see Seventh-day Adventists going to such extremes that they would be branded by the world as a body of fanatics. Against this danger I am bidden to warn ministers and lay members. . . . Those who do the work of the Lord in the cities must close and bolt the doors against excitement and fanaticism.—“Gospel Workers,” page 316.

I was pointed back, and saw that in every important move, every decision made or point gained by God’s people, some have arisen to carry matters to extremes, and to move in an extravagant manner, which has disgusted unbelievers, distressed God’s people, and brought the cause of God into disrepute. The people whom God is leading out in these last days, will be troubled with just such things.—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. I, page 212.

The definition of the word “extreme” carries with it the meaning of the extreme point, edge, or border; utmost; most remote; excessive; radical; ultra; utmost limit supposable or tolerable.

Extreme positions, especially on religious questions, are usually closely allied to fanaticism. The Twentieth Century Dictionary gives the following definition of a fanatic: “An enthusiastic, visionary person, who, in religious matters, adopts extravagant opinions. Among the ancient Romans, the term obtained from its having been given to a class of priests who were often seized with a frenzy of supposed inspired enthusiasm.”

We need to be constantly on our guard against fanaticism and extremes, which are closely related. The words of the apostle, “Let your moderation be known unto all men,” apply here. The word “moderation” suggests gentleness, inexcitability, sobriety, tranquillity, serenity, composure, mental calmness, toleration of others, patience, command of temper, self-restraint, submission, coolness, weighing carefully all points involved, a calm and respectful consideration of the opinions of others, a balanced mind, and a well-developed, all-round righteousness.

The element of extremes lurks in human nature and is constantly seeking an opportunity to manifest itself. Notice this statement: “There is in human nature a tendency to run to extremes, and from one extreme to another entirely opposite. Many are fanatics. They are consumed by a fiery zeal which is mistaken for religion; but character is the true test of discipleship.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. V, page 305.

Here is another statement we will do well to consider:—

Those who are close students of the Word, following Christ in humility of soul, will not go to extremes. The Saviour never went to extremes, never lost self-control, never violated the law of good taste. . . . Those who follow the example of Christ will not be extremists. They will cultivate calmness and self-possession. The peace that was seen in the life of Christ will be seen in their lives.—“Gospel Workers,” page 317.

From the above extract it is apparent that while extremists claim to be following Christ, and leading people to the Word, they are doing neither, are not balanced Bible students, and in many instances are leading people away from Christ.

An extremist, in his earnest and sometimes fanatical zeal to press home some point upon which he deems the destiny of a soul hangs, usually deals in strong and unguarded statements. Forceful language is used, and things are painted beyond their real beauty. A molehill is made into a mountain. His vision is narrow, and some small and perhaps unessential points are made to bear the weight of a strong and labored argument, to the exclusion of other related truths which, if considered, would have a modifying influence upon what is being taught. Hence, when analyzed, the statements of an extremist are usually found to contain figures of hyperbole. Through mistaken zeal he has overstated the truth, has exaggerated. Some of the synonyms of exaggeration are, expansion, hyperbole, stretch, strain, high coloring, caricature, extravagance, magnify, pile up, overstate, overshoot the mark, run riot, talk at random, bombastic, fabulous, preposterous, etc. A study of these words gives one a fairly accurate picture of a promulgator of extreme, fanciful, and fanatical ideas.

That a good cause has oftentimes been hindered, and many a righteous principle placed in an unfavorable light, and truth caricatured by extreme positions, we all know. It is quite easy even to unintentionally convey a wrong impression when pressing home what we deem important truth, unless we consider related questions, and present a carefully worded, balanced argument. We have heard of men emphasizing so strongly the keeping power of God as to lead some to conclude that the doctrine of “once in grace always in grace” is taught in the Scriptures. When cautioned of this they have swung to the other extreme, and emphasized the weakness of man to such an extent that some lost hope, believing there was not grace

or salvation sufficient to keep them from falling. One speaker will paint the darkness of the heathen world so black and draw such a picture of its ignorance and superstition as to almost discourage us in making any effort toward its evangelization. Another will give such an optimistic, roseate account of the progress of the gospel through all these lands as to lead some to conclude that the work for the heathen is about finished. Either of these conclusions is unfortunate.

Some, from lack of proper poise, arrive at radical and extreme conclusions, based upon fragmentary and unreliable information. Others press a sentence or two gathered from some writer so far that violence is done to both reason and common sense, and the teaching of the author upon that particular question is distorted and mutilated, while the real truth upon the question sits weeping, clothed in sackcloth.

Extremes on religious questions are usually advocated by those who are quite conscientious, but whose minds dwell on little things. They play continually upon one string and in a high key. They take a gloomy, pessimistic view of the outlook, and frequently set up a man of straw and waste their strength upon him.

There are persons with a diseased imagination to whom religion is a tyrant, ruling them as with a rod of iron. Some are constantly mourning over their depravity, and groaning over supposed evil. Love does not exist in their hearts; a frown is ever upon their countenances. They are chilled with the innocent laugh from the youth or from any one. They consider all recreation or amusement a sin, and think that the mind must be constantly wrought up to just such a stern, severe pitch. This is one extreme. Others think that the mind must be ever on the stretch to invent new amusements and diversions in order to gain health. They learn to depend on excitement, and are uneasy without it. Such are not true Christians. They go to another extreme. The true principles of Christianity open before all a source of happiness, the height and depth, the length and breadth, of which are immeasurable.—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. I, page 565.

Those with extreme tendencies for themselves and others, often make impressions their guide, instead of mature judgment, and the true principles of truth and righteousness.

Extreme and fanatical views tend to unwarranted conclusions. Take, for instance, the question of diet. God has given us as a people great light upon the subject of healthful living. Health reform is as closely connected with the message as the arm is with the body. The light which has been given us upon this question has not only been a blessing to us as a people, but a blessing to thousands of others who have come in touch

with it through our institutions and otherwise. I am very thankful to God for the light on this question, and for what it has done for me personally.

But the instruction which comes to us on this question, the same as on all other questions, is to be received by faith, and followed according to the best light we have, after careful study and earnest prayer. The Lord has not committed to any one the task of interpreting the light, and determining under all and every circumstance what it means, and fixing an unerring rule for others.

Upon this question, while teaching the truth, we need to guard against advocating extremes, lest we do harm. “Health reformers, above all others, should be careful to shun extremes. The body must have sufficient nourishment. We cannot subsist upon air merely; neither can we retain health unless we have nourishing food.”—Id., Vol. II, page 538.

Pure religion (James 1:27) and pure food are not synonyms. A man can eat the purest of food, drink uncontaminated water, and breathe the best of air, be as rigid as a Pharisee in all matters pertaining to the body, and yet not have pure religion. One can be an ultra-extremist in the matter of diet, or dress, or other things, and at the same time be exacting, cold, harsh, and domineering in the home and elsewhere. While prescribing the course for others to follow, laying down the law concerning this or that, interpreting the instruction given, and setting up his interpretation as a standard for others to follow, and even rejecting as unworthy of confidence those who do not harmonize with his prescribed ideas, one can yet be far from right at heart himself. While very conscientious, and judging others by his own human standard, there can be practiced in the life things of which God does not approve. Righteousness does not come into the life by works, but by faith.

Extremes are peaks in human experience and teaching. But we always find valleys between peaks, and in these valleys of human nature it is possible sometimes to find lurking things far worse than that against which an extremist may be declaiming. It is a perversion of the gospel principles, and contrary to the purposes for which the Lord has given the beautiful principles of health, to use them as a club, or to use our limited ideas of them as a measuring rod by which to test the religion of others.

Again the pendulum swings. Others go to the opposite extreme, and disregard the light revealed in the Bible and the spirit of prophecy. They throw off all restraint, eating and drinking all that their soul desires. A perverted appetite rather than correct principles govern their lives. Harmful food, bad combinations, and gormandizing impair body and mind. Whichever extreme one may impale himself upon is detrimental both to himself and the cause of truth.

While imparting light to us in reference to the principles of health, and urging reforms along this line, the Spirit of God has endeavored to guard us against extremes, and the consequent injury both to the cause of hygiene and to the people. We read:—

There is real common sense in health reform. People cannot all eat the same things. Some articles of food that are wholesome and palatable to one person, may be hurtful to another. . . . Narrow ideas, an overstraining of small points, have been a great injury to the cause of hygiene.—“Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene,” page 57.

And while we would caution you not to overeat, even of the best quality of food, we would also caution those that are extremists not to raise a false standard, and then endeavor to bring everybody to it.—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. II, pages 374, 375.

Thus while urging carefulness in diet and in dress, the spirit of prophecy warns us against the dangers of taking fanatical and extreme positions, and binding hard and exacting burdens of our own manufacture upon others, and denouncing them for their seeming delinquencies. It is never wise, or proper, for men to climb into the judgment seat. God is judge. He can and does weigh circumstances, and reads the motives which actuate us in what we may do. If some of us had seen David in the temple eating the showbread, which it was lawful for only the priests to eat, we would doubtless have forthwith condemned him without further ceremony. But God, who could weigh and understand every circumstance, did not do so.

God has never used an extremist or a fanatic to lead out in any desired reform. Though he is boastful and confident and self-reliant, others are never certain as to the course he may pursue.

Quiet, calm, dispassionate, thoughtful consideration is necessary in these days when every element of life is on a mighty tension. Extremes abound everywhere, for we are near the end. Every wind of doctrine will blow. Heresies of the most dangerous sort will appear. Faddists are on hand to urge their opinions. Various theories will be advocated by some lacking in mental poise and spiritual vision. Satan transformed into an angel of light will appear as a great healer. We need to think, meditate, ponder, and carefully weigh the bearing of questions; to counsel with men of age and ripe experience. Above all, we need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, and by earnest prayer and personal consecration lead the Israel of God in right paths, as a united body. These are days of peril to the struggling people of God, and we must know that our hand is in God’s hand and that he is leading. We must have reforms along many lines, but let them be set forth in moderation, and tempered with the love and gentleness of Christ. G. B. THOMPSON.