Should SDA products from Logos reflect “big tent” philosophy regarding doctrine, or should we pursue a particular theological agenda?
That’s a core question for me as your SDA product manager at Logos. Over the decades, as an author I’ve communicated my convictions on a number of controversial topics. Even as an editor I could editorialize with my own opinions. But if I’m going to faithfully serve the Seventh-day Adventist Church as a publishing gatekeeper—essentially a one-person book committee—I must be inclusive of others, even those with whom I may fervently disagree.
This discussion came up in reaction to the suggestion that Logos seek publishing rights to The Clear Word, which is not a translation of the Bible or even a paraphrase but rather what I would call a running commentary on Scripture by Dr. Jack Blanco, which many have regarded (against the stated wishes of the author himself) as Scripture itself.
Let us be clear: The Clear Word is not the Bible. Should it not then be published—or is there a legitimate place for it among Adventist publications?
I certainly have my own opinion about The Clear Word. While I respect commentator/theologian Dr. Blanco—who has blessed so many students in his classrooms—I have concerns about how Clear Word is being used (and I think Dr. Blanco would also agree that his work has been abused). In fact, when TCW was released about 20 years ago, we editors at Ministry went on record expressing concerns about it. But remember, I’m not an editor anymore. I’m a product manager serving Seventh-day Adventists everywhere across the theological spectrum that exists within the church’s fundamental beliefs. (More on this shortly.)
Besides, Logos has a "big tent" philosophy--otherwise there would not be a Seventh-day Adventist product manager sharing office space with various denominational reps (all of whom have become my dear brothers, even as we disagree doctrinally in many key areas). It's like a big classroom, with books being read across such a theological spectrum that no clear-thinking person could endorse them all. But in the marketplace of ideas, God's truth can and will triumph over its counterfeits.
That's how it was with the early Christian church as truth battled heresy and doctrine was formulated (e.g., even the Biblical canon itself). This was also true in early Adventist history at the 1848 Bible Conferences. Truth emerged victorious amid its rivals when it has a chance to be seen and heard.
And that's my goal here at Logos--not to restrict our Adventist publications according to those I personally agree with, but rather to engage all of those who seek to teach within a reasonable interpretation of the 28 Fundamental SDA Beliefs.
Dr. Blanco certainly fits that category, and thus I am planning to seek the publishing of TCW--just as today we signed a publishing contract with a leader of the One Project (who may have some distinctly different theological perspectives from Dr. Blanco).
And that's how I plan to move forward here at Logos, hoping to publish materials from 1P and GYC, from both Amazing Facts and Spectrum magazine--and everywhere in between theologically and philosophically.
The one proviso is that I will not knowingly publish anyone who is openly involved in moral behavior that is condemned in Scripture--against whom we are admonished to abstain from doing business with.
One more thought--I intend to operate in collaboration, not competition, with established Adventist publishers (both official denominational publishers and independent ministries). Logos has win-win partnerships with 150 publishers, including longstanding agreements with such entities as the Review & Herald. I am keenly aware that Adventist publishing in North America is going through a crisis right now, and I want what we are doing at Logos to give them a boost by increasing their business through their association with us. (The ultimate goal of all religious entities is to build up local churches—but that’s another blog post.)
To summarize: Personally, I will continue to contend for the faith and argue against beliefs that I consider opposed to Scripture. But when representing the corporate body of 17 million Seventh-day Adventists here at Logos, I must be inclusive of views not my own in what I approve for publication. And I must operate collaboratively with Adventist publishers (both official and independent) in seeking to expand the Adventist market for the good of all.
There's a lot I just said there! Any reactions? (I anticipate a wide spectrum of opinion!)
