The fourth "finding"

The fourth finding reported by the author of Feast-Keeping and the Faithful almost made me laugh, well, actually, I did laugh, but it was a sad kind of laugh.

4) Corroborated by various respected biblical scholars within the Adventist Church, my research has been publicly promoted by the now-retired Director of the Biblical Research Institute of the General Conference, Dr. Ángel Manuel Rodríguez. He notes: “Dr. Ron du Preez has produced an excellent exegetical and theological study related to the question of the relevance of the Israelite festivals for Christians. Every argument used to support its observance has been carefully evaluated and a biblical answer provided. This is not simply a study aiming at the facts, but throughout it there is a genuine pastoral concern interested in the unity of the church and its message. May this volume contribute to intensify that unity.”

Item four is less a "finding" than a quote from a well-known person in order to support the findings  already addressed and to bolster the scholarly reputation of the author. The previous three findings have not been biblically sound, as we have shown. It is true that the author does exhibit a kindly pastoral concern, but he casts feast-keepers in the same boat as those who follow nonbiblical rabbit-trails such as the lunar sabbath, 12-hour day, 2520 prophecy, etc. It is unfortunate that those groups do exist -- and even more unfortunate that their strange beliefs lead many astray who are seeking true understanding.

Ángel Manuel Rodríguez wants this volume to "contribute to intensify" the unity of the church and its message. Without a solid biblical basis, unity cannot be achieved.