| Author | Message | ||
| Palorenz (Palorenz) |
All, First of all, let me say that I'm not at all a fan of the US entertainment industry. But, about a year or so ago, my wife an I were watching the "Whatever Ever Happened To..." series on that TV show 'Entertainment Tonight'. One of those people they presented was actor Clifton Davis. They basically told his story of him as an actor in the 1970's, having some personal crisis, and then joing the SDA church. He apparently also has a theology degree from an SDA university and apparently is know as Rev. clifton Davis in some circles. Now, my problem is they showed an interview of him before he became a Christian and then after. You know, I don't claim to have any special gift of discernment, but I saw a huge difference in the 'before' and 'after'. The man has clearly had his life changed by God. BUT...apparently he's still an SDA too. He is also doing things that don't fit SDAism. He is (or did) MC some kind of contemporary Christian music competition program on the Inspirational network, not something you would associate with SDAism. And, I saw him interviewed some years ago on Dale Evans TV show on TBN. No mention by him of being SDA. I'm having trouble reconciling his obviously being saved and an active Christian with being an SDA minister. I realize you can be both a Chrsitian and SDA, after all I tried for a while, but..... You all now what I mean? Any help out there? | ||
| Chris (Chris) |
I guess this doesn't bother me much. I have no trouble at all with acknowledging that there are many evangelical/orthodox SDAs who don't believe or practice much of historic Adventism, who accept much historic/orthodox Christian doctrine, who have Jesus Christ as their focus in life, and who are most definately saved. I think this is a fact. Unfortunatly, I would say that in my experience there are many more SDAs who live in constant guilt, legalism, and fear of being lost. Many of these don't really know Jesus in a personal way and are much more focused on the law than on Christ. This is the history and the legacy of the denomination. I think it's also fair to say that historic Adventism is still taught, promoted, and even enforced by much of the leadership in Adventism. So the question is not so much "Are there some evangelcal/orthox Christian Adventist?" as it is, "In what environment are you most likely to experience the fullness, peace, joy, and assurance of walking by the Spirit in the grace of Jesus Christ alone? Are you more likely to fully experience Jesus within a hetrodox legalistic sect like Adventism or within a well balanced evangelical church family?" Yes, there are probably quite a few evangelical SDAs, but until the leadership changes, I don't see the overall organization ever experiencing a radical shift toward orthodoxy. Chris | ||
| Sabra Registered user Username: Sabra Post Number: 4 Registered: 10-2001 |
I've wondered about him too. He is on TBN a lot and -not that it matters- but he wears jewelry and he doesn't preach very "Adventist". Is anyone sure he is really SDA or is that one of those rumors? Maybe he isn't anymore, I dunno. | ||
| Godssonjp Registered user Username: Godssonjp Post Number: 5 Registered: 1-2007 |
I was actually baptized by Clifton Davis back in 1983, '84. He was an SDA evangilist back then. I researched his status and got conflicting reports. If I had to guess, I would say he's no longer adventist. From one resource, he was a minnister under non-demoninational. I don't know for sure, though. | ||
| Bmorgan Registered user Username: Bmorgan Post Number: 103 Registered: 7-2000 |
Susan, thank you for starting this thread. I also want to add my "voice" saying THANK You to Richard and Colleen for this forum. I marvel at the personal attacks, unfair accusations and castigation you receive sometimes. I don't understand why. Actually, I do. We are in spiritual warfare. While this forum is a good place for exiting, questioning or support for the burned, tired or weary adventist, I don't think it is an end in itself. I am more than surprised about the expectation some have from you-perfection. As helpful as this place is, it is still a virtual world. No one is demanding people stay here. If the forum does not meet my personal needs and expectations I don't have to stick around or become abusive and disruptive. RESPECT! That's what it's all about. My respect and appreciation for you both have increased. I appreciate people who are consistent being humble, open and honest. I appreciate the integrity you have demonstrated in difficult times. I appreciate people who have integrity and are not swayed by flattery, nor compromise to save face. You will never please everyone. I have come to appreciate the years I was deceived by Adventism. Though I have moved past the hurt, sometimes I still feel stupid and responsible for allowing myself to be duped. However, it has made me more compassionate and understanding of people caught in a web of lies. I find I have since developed a keen sense and love for truth and honesty(God be praised). Richard, I respect your authority, ownership and control of your forum. No one is entitled, I deem it a privilege for us to be able to post here. Thank you for making this a place where people can feel safe to vent(within limits) their grief, hurts or pain they felt inflicted on them by association with or in Adventism. I am glad you can dictate parameters and prevent divisiveness no matter what form it shows itself. I love this freedom and free market this country allows. One is not bound to this website. If I think this forum is a turn off or does not give adventists sympathy or love, I can start my own where I could evangelize Adventists. I think you have been very tolerant. Even when things get tense and a few people seemed overbearing, espousing and loudly insisting adherence to their theological brand of the gospel, you allowed them free reign and expression. "Former Adventist" --Is this forum a denomination called Former Adventism? Do we have free expression of faith? Should we be limited in defining and describing our experiences and thoughts about SDA? Should we adhere to a particular expression of faith? I will not trade one ism(Adventist) for another ism. We MUST be kind and credible sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. I don't find it honest, virtuous or loving to sugar coat or refrain from speaking the truth about the deception of the SDA organization. I believe God is Sovereign. I appreciate and respect people's choices and the expression of faith represented on the forum; Baptists, Pentecostal, Lutherans, EV Free, PCA , AG, Calvary Chapel, etc. etc. However, my family has been led or chosen to belong to a non denominational Bible Church, I hope I get the same respect as I give and no one would persistently try to point out every fault and promote a brand of theology I am not yet led to subscribe to at this point in my life. Most importantly, again, I say thank you Richard and Colleen. Thank you for even attempting to keep this a safe place. Sincerely, Erma bmorgan Toussaint Austin, TX | ||
| Freeatlast Registered user Username: Freeatlast Post Number: 491 Registered: 5-2002 |
I heard that he got defrocked because his character kissed the character played by Anna-Marie Horsford on the TV show "Amen" and he was a married man at the time. Just more SDA urban myth? | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 5207 Registered: 12-2003  |
I think so. I have spoken to Clifton Davis, and he alludes to the fact that he left the ministry because of denominational displeasure with his acting avocation...but I don't think kissing a character was the catalyst. Colleen |
