wfn.org | Adventist President Calls For Emphasis on the Spiritual

["Christian B. Schäffler" <APD_Info_Schweiz@compuserve.com>]

January 5, 2000
Adventist Press Service (APD)
Christian B. Schaeffler, Editor-in-chief
Fax +41-61-261 61 18
APD@stanet.ch
http://www.stanet.ch/APD
CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland

Adventist Church President Calls For Renewed Emphasis on 
the Spiritual

Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.      "While the consumer society 
ends one century and begins a new one with eyes firmly fixed 
on production output, the stock markets, low inflation, low 
interest rates, low unemployment, etc., we have a lurking 
sense within us that something else is required to secure the 
future and to sustain hope. Only Jesus Christ and the 
spiritual values He offers can fill the voids within us 
personally and within our societies. And that is our 
primary need," says Dr. Jan Paulsen, president of the 
Seventh-day Adventist Church. "At this time when many 
people around the world are considering what lies ahead, 
we want to focus on the things that really matter and that 
ultimately shape our lives."

Speaking during an interview at the Church's World 
Headquarters on January 4, Paulsen reflected on the 
significance of the 1900's and said that they had been marked 
by disturbing trends.

"We have seen a great increase in materialism and secularism,
particularly in the West," he said. "Over the past hundred 
years, the consumer society has developed, radical political 
ideologies have come to power, with war and violence on an 
unprecedented scale. All this coupled with a lessening of faith 
has had tragic results. The Lord calls us to spiritual values 
which give meaning and purpose to life."

Commenting on the ongoing role of the Church, Paulsen said 
it remained committed to its founding beliefs and to 
witnessing for the Lord everywhere and anytime.

"We will continue to preach the Biblical message of salvation, 
making God's good news relevant to our generation," said 
Paulsen. "We take our responsibility both humbly and 
seriously and look forward to an exciting future under God's 
guidance." The Seventh-day Adventist Church has promoted 
Christian beliefs, healthy lifestyles, moral and ethical values, 
religious freedom, human rights, humanitarian aid and 
community involvement since ist organisation in 1863. It now 
numbers in excess of 10 million baptised believers in 207 
countries around the world. (12/2000)