William G. Johnsson (1934–2023)

He was there. Immersed in the events and crises that shaped the Seventh-day Adventist Church over the last quarter century, he was no spectator, but an active participant. Speaking, writing, debating, defending--his voice was heard loud and clear. You probably know William G. Johnsson best as the long-time editor of Adventist Review. Or maybe you've read one or more of his numerous books. But at age 19 the future author, editor, and respected church leader graduated from Adelaide University in his native Australia with a degree in chemical technology. How did he get from a chemist's lab to the editor's desk? Well, as Johnsson himself says, The Good Lord merely asks us to say yes to the step that lies immediately before us. Where that step and the next, and the next may ultimately take us is up to Him. Told as only he can tell it, this is his story--the story of a man who says yes when God asks him to step out in faith. And marking his many years of service to the Seventh-day Adventist Church are quite a few giant steps. But at every turn, in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, he has trusted the unerring guidance of his heavenly Father. And without fail the impossible has become reality.… (lisätietoja)

"Religion in Overalls springs from two concerns."First, I have felt increasingly troubled by the widening gulf between ivory tower and pew," writes author William Johnsson. "An enormous amount of scholarly study has focused on the Bible in recent years, but most of it remains the province of the elite – – those who understand Greek, Hebrew, German, French, and the jargon of the discipline. Yet much of this study can directly or indirectly benefit the minister and thinking layman."Second, over several years the conviction is grown that Matthew's Gospel as a message of unusual significance for the church today, and I think we continue to bypass it only at the church's peril. The first gospel has something to say which will keep the church on balance in these changing in surprising times."Religion in Overalls incisively probes these important issues, it's discussion always blending what Matthew meant then with what it means today. Writes Johnsson: "in an age that proclaims on its T-shirts,' Only believe' and' I love you!' (in red, white, and blue, of course), Matthew insists that practice balance one's profession, that faith and love put on overalls and get their hands dirty out where the people are."… (lisätietoja)

Grace is as close as the nose on your face, but you can go through life and not see it. And even when you do, it comes only in glimpses. Johnson sees Grace in friendship with a married doctor and in the eyes of a retarded child who loved green. He sees Grace in a spilled drink at the table. Grace and the music of Mozart. Grace that tames wild horses. Grace in the vacation from hell. Grace in the marathon. Grace in the family. Grace in a chance meeting between a killer and a Tutsi widow who bore his scars. Most of all, he finds Grace in a Man, and extends the invitation to join His party.… (lisätietoja)