I wish to publicly thank Dwight Turner for sending me the book, A Modern Subtle Challenge To God's Authority by Milton G. Crane, M.D.

About The Author The author of this book taught at Loma Linda University for thirty years. He was Research Professor of Medicine when he moved from there to be the Medical Director of Weimar Institute, Weimar, CA. 95736

This was written in response to doctrinal issues that he has encountered in connection with his occupation. p. iii.

I am greatly encouraged to know that at least one prominent Seventh-day Adventist has dared to speak out against the spiritualistic philosophy that is being taught to medical students at Loma Linda University, School of Medicine.

Dr. Milton G. Crane wrote:There are some now who are emphasizing the love attributes of God while they de-emphasize and distort His justice and denunciation of sin. It seems as though Satan now, in our time, is taking a different tack. He wants to portray God as one who never punishes. Some go too far from that "cruel justice god" that Satan has portrayed and end up a long way past the truth about the true God, believing in a sort of sentimental god who loves, but never punishes. From those who follow the "larger view" of God we hear much about the "truth about God" and the "love" attribute of God, but we notice that the way that they teach that "love," they de-emphasize God's attribute of justice when they teach that God does not destroy the wicked at the end of the millennium. ibid. p. 14.

While statements like this one by Milton Crane show an exceptional understanding of what I call pan-Gnostic Adventist spiritualism, I was disappointed to see that Dr. Crane failed to unravel Maxwellian pantheism and therefore was unable to expose the pantheism of these pan-Gnostic Adventist spiritualists.

To correct that defect, I recommend the exposé titled Seventh-day Adventist Pantheists.

Overall, I don't recommend that anyone buy A Modern Subtle Challenge To God's Authority. There is more insight to the issues raised by the pan-Gnostic Adventist spiritualists in the brief summary Musings About An Adventist Antichrist than in all 125 pages of Dr. Crane's book.

After having read your book review, I was motivated to get my own copy when I've got the chance to visit our local book store. I think it would strengthen my spirituality by reading the entirety of the book. I really appreciate your book review on the book "A Modern Subtle Challenge to God's Authority."

Hi patricia,

Just to be clear, most of that book by Milton G. Crane, M.D. is very deep philosophically and very little of it is spiritual in my opinion; and almost none of it penetrates the substantive issues. I believe that I quoted the only relevant paragraph in the whole book, which, I admit, as a brief excerpt, is extraordinarily good. But thanks for your comment.

First and foremost, please forgive me posting in a thread that's evidently almost a year old. I was perusing the web for philosophical/religious material and I managed to find this thread. Upon reading the conversation, I found myself growing very interested in A Modern Subtle Challenge To God's Authority. As someone who's trying to find religious enlightenment (whether it be finding a sect of religion or a lack of), I appreciate all sorts of philosophical resources. While I understand that you weren't necessarily a fan of this book, I'm interested in hearing about what Mr. Crane has to say. He probably has some good lessons to share. Following that read, I would certainly love to read the other aforementioned materials concerning science and religion.

Anyway, I'll hush up now. Thanks for the unintentional suggestions. I'll definitely come right back after I read everything. =)