| Author | Message | ||
| Lisa_boyldavis Registered user Username: Lisa_boyldavis Post Number: 113 Registered: 3-2005 |
Ok, this might be the least favorite thread for some out there, but I want to say that the way I've done change best in my life has been to glean the good and leave the bad behind. I thought it appropriate to ask "What good things do you appreciate that you kept with you when you left Adventism?" No, Iím not drooling over Egypt .... only finding ways to not be bitter toward a church I spent most of my life in. Similar to Luther finding some things he could agree with or appreciate inside Catholism - many don't realize he hung on to many which his contemporary reforming buds could not. So here's my turn.... Inside Adventism I met my one and only true love. Because of this tradition shared by many Christians of sending one's kids to another place where they can receive that particular church's views in higher education, my husband made his way to the SDA college town from his farming community. I would have never met him if I'd never been raised SDA, and I got a keeper. He's been such a wonderful guy. 15 years later, 3 beautiful kids, lots of fights and Iím sorryís, I'm still crazy for him... we left the church together, a miracle. Anyway, that's my treasure I took with me because I was Adventist. What's yours? It's ok to find something  LBD | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 347 Registered: 8-2004  |
Hmm, good thread Lisa! One of the things I appreciate from Adventism was the interest it began in me - I love wild foods, ways to rough it in the wilderness, etc. And I love the beauty of all outdoors! Of course the reason for beginning to learn these thngs was to 'escape the time of trouble', but it's turned into something for recreation and rejuvination. I'm thankful for impetus for learning more about nature and the God of nature! | ||
| Belvalew Registered user Username: Belvalew Post Number: 757 Registered: 7-2004 |
Maybe this is going to sound like a backhanded compliment to the Adventist religion, but because they stressed (at least idealistically, if not factually) sola scriptura I was able to determine that I would depend solely on scripture. I also met my dearest friends while an Adventist. One still is Adventist, but she loves and accepts me even though we are of opposing opinions regarding EGW. I doubt that I would have had the hunger for truth that I now have were it not for having been deceived by an organization that used the perversion of scripture to deceive. | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2011 Registered: 3-2004  |
I appreciate the emphasis the SDA church puts on education. With that and my parents encouragement, I got my BS degree. This has been a very good wage earner for me. A back handed compliment: it has taught me what to avoid, but more importantly what to hang onto, Jesus Christ. Because of what happened at the SDA school, I took my son out and put him in public school. So I do have many things for which to be thankful. Thank you for this thread. Diana | ||
| Benevento Registered user Username: Benevento Post Number: 60 Registered: 4-2005 |
I too met my husband through Adventist education and we travelled out of it together. We had studied a lot of the beliefs and discarded them, and since we found so many not true, we had planned to give the Sabbath a good going over, but unfortunately he became ill and in a very short time we lost him. So after I picked up the pieces I decided I had to do this alone, which led me to the two covenants of course and out of Adventism for good. We had not attended church but were not sure where to go next. I was so glad to find FAF. Itis pretty lonely out there without a support group of some kind. I was a convert from the Catholic church, but my husband was a third generation SDA,and the family could not understand us at all, but they have been kind. Now of course I am old and my mind is slipping!I'd like to tell them that's not it, but I didn't want to go there.I remember years ago saying to him "This church was founded on lies and they keep going on, I don't see how the Lord can bless them". But there are some lovely devout people still there. Funny, I was thinking this morning what I miss most, and I really couldn't think of anything especially, but when I left the Catholic church. I was 13,and it was "Benediction" a short worsip service with vestments and incense, sort of a Sundown worship--and maybe that is what I miss most. Friday nights when the house was clean and the food cooked, and we played music, or read. Sundown worship! | ||
| Javagirl Registered user Username: Javagirl Post Number: 93 Registered: 6-2005 |
Well I havent left, but I am so grateful for my academy friends! Its been over 20 years, and we are still very close. We speak regularly, visit, vacation, even though we live very far apart. For me, getting out of my house at a young age was a good thing, even though i hated the dorm. I wouldnt trade my girlfriends for anything. I also have two very close friends from college. Also I had some exceptional teachers all the way thru. Many showed me unconditional love, some pushed me hard, and many were supportive and loving. I miss sabbath family time, especially the outings with other families after church. Other churces just seem to go their separate ways after church or lunch in a restaurant. Since my spouse isnt adventist, we have not had that as a strong tradition like I did in childhood. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2933 Registered: 12-2003  |
Richard and the boys are definitely the best "things" I gained within Adventism. At this point I'm also thankful for the steeping I had in the religion, because the detailed studying I had to do in order to understand the church's theological nuances has taught me about Jesus and the new covenant in deep ways I would never have learned otherwise. I am so thankful that through God's leading me deeply into and then out of Adventism He has actually shown me that He wastes nothing and redeems all my past. Colleen | ||
| Lynne Registered user Username: Lynne Post Number: 87 Registered: 10-2005 |
I wasn't raised in the church. I would like to put "friendship" as number one. There are some very sincere, special adventists in my heart. It is my prayer that many will learn what it is to be saved. Tonight my husband asked me to reflect on some of the good things I came away from adventism with while we were eating Red Lobster crab legs and shrimp cocktail guilt-free. My husband and I haven't enjoyed these things that we loved 20 years ago because of Adventism. He mentioned the health message and I said I would pass on that for now since it led more to OT laws. I must go with what Colleen said about appreciating the NT freedom over the OT. Out with Hagar and on with Sarah! No more bargaining with God, like, well I haven't been going to church lately but I listen to sermons on the Sabbath on the internet, is that okay now God? I would think, well, at least I'm trying... Always trying. But now, I'm going to a Sunday church 3 times a week, and hearing about Salvation and Grace over and over. I'm feeling it. The Holy Spirit exists when we Praise God. This is The Seal of God, not the Sabbath. I'm praying and reading the bible. I'm not afraid to worship on Sunday. I'm so Grateful to the Lord. I'm Praising Him! I'm Praising Him and I'm Loving Him more! I'm taking things one day at a time. Yesterday felt like an OT day as many things went wrong, and today was a NT day, I broke free from those chains! I'm certain there will be more NT days! | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 1014 Registered: 3-2005 |
I have so many things to be thankful for in my SDA upbringing that I don't know where to start. I will start with the fact that I met my wife at Loma Linda, and today we are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary, and like Lynne we celebrated with lobster, shrimp, mussels, and even a great bottle of California wine, which ironically I learned to like at an SDA college PUC, the heart of the wine country. Then there is a great education thru med school and residency. I have great parents, and my once strict SDA dad now loves his Sunday church, and my SDA mom even goes with him. There were great campmeetings and summer camps, and music lessons, and so much more. Most importantly, my SDA upbringing laid the groundwork for my salvation, and because of that, I now rejoice even more in the gospel of God's sovereign grace, that He would save me, and open the spiritual eyes of my dad, so that he is also rejoicing in God's grace. Stan | ||
| Tdf Registered user Username: Tdf Post Number: 89 Registered: 11-2004 |
Had I never been an SDA, I would not have fully understood the meaning and beauty of the new covenant. I believe that, for 33 years, I was in essence living under the old covenant. Now that I am embracing the new covenant, I have gained a genuine understanding of the difference between the two in a way that I probably would not have otherwise. Also, I believe that my SDA parents instilled in me a desire to read and pursue an understanding of Scripture. It was that desire, combined with some amazing work by the Holy Spirit, that has led me to where I am today. I'm also immensely grateful for my wife and daughter. I met my wife through Adventist Contact and an SDA friend put us in touch with a birth mother who eventually gave birth to our adopted daughter. I appreciate this thread. The Bible says that "all things work together for good to those who are the called according ot His purpose." I believe this is true! | ||
| Freeatlast Registered user Username: Freeatlast Post Number: 447 Registered: 5-2002 |
I am thankful for 35 years in bondage to the Law because it makes freedom in Christ SO much sweeter! Who is able to experience freedom to the fullest, one who has never been bound, or one has been bound forever but was just released? Who is able to experience forgiveness to the fullest, one who has never been in debt, or one who has forever been buried hopelessly beneath his debt and then freely and fully forgiven all debt forever? | ||
| Marcell Registered user Username: Marcell Post Number: 74 Registered: 4-2004 |
Some folks might not agree with me, but the more or less non-political stuff (separation of church and state)I still value. I don't agree with the reasons they kept 'separate' or necessarily how that played out - like not taking a PERSONAL stand on abortion because there was no official SDA policy, etc. That being said, though, I really get the difference in the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the world, and how the two are not REALLY related. I learned that whatever you do as a Kingdom of God person within the realm of politics WILL involve compromise, because that is what the politics of the world are all about and I don't care who you vote for. But as a Kingdom of God member, I know what I am called to do, and it is usually at cross purposes with what the world will do. For example, in the 'world', I have to choose which candidate (or lesser evil) I will vote for, and both of them will promote some policy that I feel is morally wrong. Political subjects are so very complex, cause and effect, poverty, race, gender, socio-economic factors, the economy, the environment, education.........all impact the issue of abortion, for instance. So, I might end up voting for a candidate that might support abortion rights because I think that their overall policy towards the other issues will actually LOWER abortion rates, which is the goal. (not that I did that, just giving an example). Plus, the other candidate might be pro-war or anti-something that I can't agree with either! Other Christians might get upset with that and judge it - but whatever goes on in the political realm is and will always be a compromise. As a Kingdom of God person, my response to a woman with an unwanted pregnancy is clear - love, support, come around and walk alongside her in a non-judgemental way, helping her find ways to keep the baby and supporting her in continuing the pregnancy - taking her in, finding financial resources, etc. And even if she decides to terminate, which I feel is wrong, I would still be called to come along side her and help her to heal and to find God's will in her life. No, most SDA churches don't actually carry the idea out to this logical conclusion, but that's the gift I got. That, along with service to the poor being a high value. Hope that made sense. | ||
| Leigh Registered user Username: Leigh Post Number: 52 Registered: 2-2003 |
Thanks, Lisa for starting this thread! If I hadn't been raised SDA I woulnd't have met my husband. We met at Southern. Our first date was 21 years ago, this past Tuesday. Pathfinders taught me cake decorating and introduced me to backpacking. I have friends from academy and college that I still am in contact with. My nursing education at Southern was top notch. Like what was said before, coming from a legalistic environment and not being completely sure of my salvation, the New Covenant is so much sweeter. 1Thess. 5:18 "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." | ||
| Snowboardingmom Registered user Username: Snowboardingmom Post Number: 4 Registered: 11-2005 |
Javagirl, I think you and I have a lot in common! At least it seems that our feelings about things are the same. Like you, one of the best things about Adventism for me was all of my close friends from the Academy and college. I went to a boarding school, and there is something about being away from home that forms solid lifelong friendships. Not just with fellow students, but with faculty as well. And although I may disagree with their theology now, they will always hold a special place in my heart. Even though it's been years since I've graduated, we talk regularly, and see each other often even though many of my friends are out of state. I still keep in touch with 3 of my teachers from school. If I hadn't grown up in an Adventist setting, I doubt my past friendships would be so strong. And of course, I met my wonderful hubby in the Adventist circle. He's a PK and his dad became the pastor of our church. So because of that, we met and started dating. So what have I gleaned from my SDA upbringing? Great friendships. Of course some baggage too, but that's for a whole other thread . | ||
| Lindylou Registered user Username: Lindylou Post Number: 103 Registered: 1-2005  |
A neat twist - this thread! I would have to say that being a part of the "great advent movement" - (growing up in a church worker's family meant that we moved quite a bit) - enabled me to adapt to change - as well as see new places and experience new adventures while on the move. I am also thankful for the emphasis for being grounded in the Bible - despite the veiled perspective. Most of all, I am thankful for being exposed to OT thinking so that I can truly appreciate freedom in Christ as a New Covenant Christian. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2936 Registered: 12-2003 |
And as I've mentioned before, haystacks are one of my favorite Adventist "cling-ons". Those chips, beans, cheese, and salad stuff are always a hit! Such a silly, small detail, but what a great thing to know about! Colleen | ||
| Freeatlast Registered user Username: Freeatlast Post Number: 449 Registered: 5-2002 |
ahhh, yes... Reform Nachos! | ||
| Marcell Registered user Username: Marcell Post Number: 75 Registered: 4-2004 |
Haystacks -yea! and I'm actually thankful I grew up vegetarian - of course not for the reasons SDA's present, but for other gentler, kinder, reasons. (like the animals who are treated like a product) I feel like now I can choose what to eat because I'm not tied in to 'craving' a hamburger or whatever, I don't percieve it as something I had to 'give up.' Like I mentioned on another thread, several of my current church's staff and the senior pastor have recently become vegetarians, but not out of any legalistic, 'food laws' sort of thing, but as a way to move towards more integrity because they believe in non-violence. So, because I've been mostly 'veggie' all my life, I got to suddenly be the 'expert' in something, which was interesting! Also, there was that sense of community and purpose (a consolidaiton of so many parts of your life - school, church, hospital, friends, music lessons, etc.)that we miss in our modern way of living. So, as our church body strives to make commuity a high value, I 'get' where they are coming from. | ||
| Lynne Registered user Username: Lynne Post Number: 94 Registered: 10-2005 |
My husband said he thought the health message was something good that I got out of adventism. But I disagreed telling him that I was mostly vegetarian before I was adventist for my health and because I had compassion for animals. I thought I was going into a mostly vegetarian Evangelical Christian Church. Instead, the healthy diet part of the church was about OT laws, not really compassion or health! I was healthy before being adventist and ended up being brainwashed instead of saved. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2940 Registered: 12-2003 |
"Brainwashed instead of saved"óWow. Just today I got a call from someone in an Eastern seaboard state who, with his wife, has been attending some evangelistic meetings locally. This man, who knows Jesus but hasn't been attending church regularly for the past few years, thought the meetings were compelling at first. Then he began to sense that something wasn't right, and he went to the internet. He became concinvced Adventism is a cult, but he didn't know how to address certain questions, ie the Sabbath. At one point he said, "In evangelical churches, evagelistic meetings aren't 23 days long. This 23 day series is just brainwashing." I agreed. BTW, he would love prayer for his wife who is an Adventist but hasn't been too observant. These meetings are grounding her back into the church. We'll call him and his wife "P" and "N". He's now very concerned that she be able to see the truth. Colleen | ||
| Lynne Registered user Username: Lynne Post Number: 95 Registered: 10-2005 |
Colleen How many people go into the Adventist Church thinking it is an Evangelical Christian Church and end up brainwashed instead of saved? Could it be in the thousands? At least with other cults out there, they don't pretend to be Evangelical Christians as this church does. When I went to the church in Van Nuys, they joked about the revolving doors. How many learn the adventist truth (that the other Christians will only hurt them) kinda believe it, become discouraged and leave all churches. I read the adventist church has a 30 to 40% attrition rate of people not raised in the church. That is why they want to start get children young. You can read about it on their website: http://news.adventist.org/data/2001/10/1005680967/index.html.en In my opinion, this makes the church is satanic. Lynne | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2015 Registered: 3-2004 |
I was raised in the church from birth, went to SDA schools first grade through LLU and I left the church. It took me 63 years. Being brained washed as a child may make it harder for a person to see the truth, BUT God is still in charge and His truth will be known. So we need to really pray for all SDAs that each person will know Jesus and teach their children about him. It frightens me that the SDA church will teach the children about EGW and not the truth about Jesus. That is so sad. Diana | ||
| Jeremy Registered user Username: Jeremy Post Number: 1014 Registered: 10-2004  |
Lynne wrote: "At least with other cults out there, they don't pretend to be Evangelical Christians as this church does." I agree. That's why I believe that the SDA is the most dangerous cult--because the others don't try so hard to look like Evangelical churches, or try to make their doctrines sound Evangelical. They don't care so much what Christianity thinks of them. Of course, Adventism didn't always try so hard to appear "mainstream"--EGW would have never wanted the SDA church to be called "a mainstream Protestant church," as the NAD website proclaims on its homepage. She said that the mainstream Protestant churches were Babylon! Jeremy | ||
| Dennis Registered user Username: Dennis Post Number: 486 Registered: 4-2000  |
It is good to reminisce about the positive things in our Christian journey. Someone wisely told me, several years ago, that "There are worse things than growing up Adventist." We need to give credit where credit is due. I often think about the Christian hymns we sang that were often in complete contradiction to SDA theology (i.e., "It is well with my soul," "Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine," etc.). Oh yes, I also met my wife in an SDA school. God has graciously blessed us in spite of our exposure to a toxic-faith system. Sadly, many others still have not discovered stepping stones out of the darkness of Adventism. I am especially thankful for the many former Adventists that prayed for me while I was still submerged in Adventism. Dennis Fischer |
