As I begin my work as the new editor of Reflections, I stand on the shoulders of my colleagues Dr. Ekkehardt Mueller, who founded this publication in 2003 and served as editor until 2008, and Dr. Clinton Wahlen who served from 2008 to 2012. They will continue to enrich this newsletter with their scholarly contributions. It is my intention to continue the editorial line established by my predecessors, and keep serving the worldwide church by sharing information concerning theological developments among Adventists, and fostering doctrinal and theological unity of the church in an increasing pluralistic and divided world.

The main topic of this issue is worship. In recent years a discussion has arisen about proper styles and modes of worship. In some local churches and denominations the struggles have become so furious that they came to be known as “worship wars.” As contradictory as such a label may be, it has become a sad reality in some quarters. Worship certainly stands as a dividing and defining issue in the great controversy. But among God’s remnant people, worship should play a uniting and harmonizing role.

An understanding of worship from a biblical and theological perspective can enrich our worshiping experience and deepen our relationship with God. Ekkehardt Mueller contributes to our theological understanding of this topic by expounding on the nature of worship in the hymns of Revelation. And I offer a short study on worship and ethics in Psalm 15, pointing out the implications of conduct and obedience for a true worship experience.

This newsletter also includes a Bible study on sexuality and a book review of a recent publication about Ellen White’s influence on the leadership of the early Seventh-day Adventist church.