| Author | Message | ||
| Olga Registered user Username: Olga Post Number: 10 Registered: 11-2005 |
There's a chance lots of folks in this forum have already seen the stuff I copied from the church's official website. But it's new to me and I was in disbelief as I read it (particularly the first few paragraphs). Here's the link since it is too lenghty to post here: www.adventist.org/beliefs/neighbor/index.html I think it is hard to live up to the SDA expectations of its members; how many of them are like the neighbors they so describe (I mean, I know some good SDA people, my parents for example, though they aren't perfect, but I also know lots of other good people who don't even have a religion). It was lenghty so I left lots of stuff out; here's the stuff that bothered me: ________________________________________________ Your Seventh-day Adventist Neighbor What to expect from your Seventh-day Adventist neighbor, or, a few answers to frequently asked questions It's 9:00 Saturday morning and your neighbors have just come out of their front door dressed as though they're going to a symphony concert. But two of them are carrying Bibles! Chances are your neighbors are Seventh-day Adventists on their way to Sabbath morning worship services at their church. That means you're in for a very special relationship, a friendship marked by kindness, openness, and honesty--one that could well enrich your life. You will find your Adventist friends committed to some very specific beliefs about God and about God's relationships with people. They will be genuinely concerned about the needs of others and interested in bettering your community. If you observe them at their workplace, within their families, and at their church, they will be busily involved in many activities. Watch your neighbors closely, and you'll probably notice (at least) the following: Their love for God supersedes everything else in their lives They worship on Saturday instead of Friday or Sunday No beer cans or wine bottles dot their trash They value their health They appear upbeat and friendly They work hard to make the community look great They want to hear what makes you and your family happy You will soon discover that your neighbors genuinely like you and accept you as you are. They share their friendship across the back fence, in the marketplace, and at the bus stop. You'll see smiles that come from a depth of peace--in the midst of chaos. That's right, "chaos." Your Adventist neighbors are just like you. They experience the same stresses and disasters that strike everyone else in the neighborhood. Yet you'll notice a difference in how they respond to the challenges. They have a deep inner peace that allows them to look the enemy in the eye and smile. They are looking far beyond today's troubles to the certainties of the future. Because they already know the outcome, they are comfortable with final victory! Peace, strong inner contentment, is a personal trait of committed Seventh-day Adventists. Your neighborhood will see this peace in the lives of your Adventist friends, even when the well runs dry, a tree falls on the house, or the car is stolen from the parking lot. No, this peace is not a cavalier, "Oh, whatever!" attitude. It is the intense peace that comes from knowing that God has already won the battle against good and evil; that whatever happens here is as "nothing" when compared to the joys of living forever in heaven with God. If you stop by your neighbors' home at breakfast time, you'll probably find someone praying and reading a thought for the day from a book or the Bible while the others eat their meal. Evenings often include a time of thankfulness to God for a good day, Bible reading, and prayer. Many Friday and Wednesday nights your neighbors will participate in Bible study classes, public lectures on religion, or special activities for youth and children at their church. Saturday morning the whole family will join other church members for Sabbath School and a corporate worship service. Don't be surprised if your neighbors invite you to join them at one or more of these activities.raise! You'll see that purpose when your Adventist friend talks about his son who is going abroad as a student missionary to help build a church. You'll see it on the many evenings your neighbors go to church rather than stay home and watch TV. You'll see it in their visible commitment to healthful living, to protecting life, to caring for the earth, and to building friendships with their neighbors. __________________________________________________ No way I could ever measure up! So much pressure! Have they ever published a brochure with this stuff above? What would the neighbors with SDAs not meeting the above requirements think about this? | ||
| Pheeki Registered user Username: Pheeki Post Number: 710 Registered: 1-2003 |
Talk about the Pharisee praying to God that he is not like that "other" man! It makes me sick...as if they have cornered the market on Christian behavior. Also...I lived in Keene, Texas...an SDA ghetto and I never saw such upbeat, friendly people...I saw guarded, frightened people...frightened that their peers might fing out they are less than perfect! | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 1061 Registered: 3-2005 |
I agree Olga, what a display of prideful arrogance those statements are. Stan | ||
| Lynne Registered user Username: Lynne Post Number: 119 Registered: 10-2005 |
Olga, Yes, that is the sort of Christian we were to try to be as Adventists and some of us even wished we could be that way. However, how could I work hard to make the community look good when the Arbor Day Foundation planted trees on Saturdays in my neighborhood? We have an adventist in the neighborhood who is divorced from her alcoholic adventist husband and curses and is verbally abusive to everyone, even the cats that cross her lawn and she pulled out a large bb gun and started shooting a dog once that was on her lawn. People in my Saturday church rarely smiled. My husband thought adventists appeared very uptight. People at my Sunday church smile a lot and Praise Jesus and are very upbeat. I remember the old ladies at the adventist church that worked hard for the community that gave away food and clothes, well, they cursed a lot! It was so weird to me. After all, why didn't the church people appear as the church said they should appear. I had that desire for years to be as the church said it was.... The only perfects on my street were the Jehovah Witnesses and you knew that they were there because all of them and their family and friends knocked on everyones doors regularly. I don't think they ever converted anyone around here. But the husband and wife got divorced when the kids grew up and they moved, and all the Jehovah Witnesses went away. The neighborhood is quiet now. We have had beer and wine bottles in our trash. I have had adventist friends who told me they drank wine in secret. And I never lived in a pure adventist home. YOU KNOW THIS - SDA CHURCH - NOT EVEN THE PASTORS AND THEIR WIFES ARE HALF THIS PURE! Just pray and keep educating other Christians on the truth about adventism and pray for adventists and their children. Lynne | ||
| Sabra Registered user Username: Sabra Post Number: 375 Registered: 10-2001 |
that is the craziest page I've ever seen. "Look at us, we are better than your other neighbors." Welcome Olga, I haven't been here in a while but I'm glad you are here. Sabra | ||
| Lynne Registered user Username: Lynne Post Number: 120 Registered: 10-2005 |
Dressed as though they're going to a symphony concert????? Is that why I always worried about what I was going to wear to church? | ||
| Olga Registered user Username: Olga Post Number: 11 Registered: 11-2005 |
"You will soon discover that your neighbors genuinely like you and accept you as you are." (Unless of course you are like the Publican and, "beer cans or wine bottles dot" your trash). Unfortunately, having been raised SDA, I must admit I wouldn't have seen anything disturbing about their statements if I was still a practicing SDA (it is like a veil was definitely covering my eyes); I grew up to be very judgmental of people and it is something I pray to God about (for deliverance of course). Even as I'm writing about this I wonder if I'm still being too critical of the SDA people since I do know some that are very humble. | ||
| Heretic Registered user Username: Heretic Post Number: 224 Registered: 2-2005 |
"a friendship marked by kindness, openness, and honesty"... Sure, unless you ask about the Pope as Anti-christ, the IJ, Sabbath as the end-time test, ineligibility for translation if you eat meat, no hope at all if you eat bacon or shrimp, the authority of EGW, etc. Heretic | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3025 Registered: 12-2003  |
Olga, I think there has been a brochure with the above material. At least, I've read it somewhere before, and I don't think I read in on the SDA website. I think it's possible that the printed brochure might be out of print now; I have a faint memory of possibly reading it on an old promotional piece from the 60's or 70's. Lynne, you really analyzed it well. I did not feel that deep peace as an Adventist, and I don't know any that did. I've met some very comfortable Adventists who loved their Adventist identity, but deep peace--I can't attest to that. What really struck me as I read your post above, Olga, was how much it sounded like Mormons with the exception of Saturday church: interest in health, no beear or wine, community service, families involved in home worship, Wednesday church, etc. And isn't the absence of Jesus and even God glaring? I pray that God will expose the spirit of Adventism and set free those in bondage to deception and dishonesty. Colleen | ||
| Lynne Registered user Username: Lynne Post Number: 121 Registered: 10-2005 |
Colleen, At least the Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses are not trying to appear like other Christians. They are who they are and that is that. The SDA church is so deceptive. When I wanted to find a Christian Church 18 years ago, I would have never become a Jehovah Witness, Morman or Catholic. I wanted to become a Christian and thought they were just another evangelical denomination. I didn't know the bible, so I didn't know the difference. It is definately the doctrine of demons as I've heard said of here. Another gospel. Lynne | ||
| Bb Registered user Username: Bb Post Number: 110 Registered: 7-2004 |
What I felt reading that was a bit of pity. It seems to me that what they are writing is what they WISH they were like and would love to portray. I know I wanted and hoped for and tried to help change the image of SDA's, but it wasn't possible. Another thing is that you can't put a "type" as specific as they did on a whole group. I would say in my new church they have a WAY more upbeat and happy and peace-filled attitude than any SDA church I've ever been to (aside from maybe a college church). In any church or group you will have outgoing, upbeat, melancholy, etc. They are just doing wishful thinking. I almost think the peace thing is humorous! Peace and fear don't go well together. | ||
| Goldenbear Registered user Username: Goldenbear Post Number: 126 Registered: 12-2004 |
Colleen you are right. I believe it was a book. Very nice set up, with an odd page size. I always thought the whole thing was a little weird. I often wonder if it was done, not to be a missionary outreach but a fence to keep members in line. "What if I am not like this". The further I travel away from adventism, the more I believe that the SDA church is just like a blowfish. Full of air and puffed up. spines to keep people from getting to close. when its spines are down and the air is out, it is just a little insignificant fish in a very large ocean. | ||
| Insearchof Registered user Username: Insearchof Post Number: 39 Registered: 8-2005 |
Where is the part about 'they may ask you not to cut your yard on Saturday' out of respect for the Sabbath? I know that has to have happened to more folks than just our neighbors - my dad used to do that when I was younger... Of course, he reciprocated by not cutting on Sunday - but only if they asked... InSearchOf | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 83 Registered: 12-2004 |
I have been fortunate in that most, if not all of the Adventists in my neighborhood are the most kind and generous people I know. They would give you the shirt off their back, or their last piece of bread. As you can tell I live in a very special neighborhood. My Adventist dentist neighbor has bailed me out of MAJOR dental pain in the middle of the night on more than one occasion (thank-you Bob). Two years ago during a firestorm evacuation our Adventist neighbors rescued our pets while we were out of town. They tended to our needs even though they could have been packing their own belongings (thank-you Christine and gang). The Adventists in my neighborhood pull together in times of need, be it the death of a friend and loved one, or the loss of a pet. The Adventists in my neighborhood live their Christianity. The above article does sound a bit like Mayberry or the Waltons, but I would hesitate to tarnish all with too broad of a generalization. Then again I live in a special neighborhood. Upon reflection, Randy | ||
| Melissa Registered user Username: Melissa Post Number: 1204 Registered: 7-2003  |
Here's a link to an earlier discussion on this article if anyone's interested: http://rtinker.powweb.com/discus/discus/messages/11/2679.html?1108049123 Regarding the lawnmowing, I have a friend who had quite a feud with his SDA neighbor on this issue of the lawn. Not only the when it was cut, but the length it was cut and exactly where the property line was and who shouldn't cross over this line, etc. It's the kind of thing that increases fence sales. It does not, however, bode well for either's Christian witness. | ||
| Susan_2 Registered user Username: Susan_2 Post Number: 2073 Registered: 11-2002 |
It seems to me that the brouchure presents the ideal SDA, not a real person with real emotions and ups and downs and failures and blessings just like everyone else. I think were other Christian denominations to put out a brouchure about "Your Lutheran Neighbors", "Your Presperterian Neighbors", etc. the brouchures would emphasize that these people put Christ frist in their lives and they are forgiven with the assurance of eternal life and would like their neighbors to have this assurance too. The local SDA church in my community has stacks of these pamophlets for its members to take with them to pass out in their neighborhoods. Now, I have a question about a SDA neighbor. Actually he is a very nice man. What troubleas me is that he is giving SDA studies to a very dear and wonderful young lady that I hope will someday be mu daughter-in-law. If this never happens then oh well, I still just think she's the dearest, sweetest young lady I've ever met. However, they do the terroit cards together han he is well known to be spending every night in the next town over with his girlfriend. I wish I could figure out how to approach Miss Wonderful with a proposal that she take Bible atudies from someone who is involved in actually living as a Christian. She is a hippie and the man is approaching her with the commonalities of the hippie way of life and the SDA way of life. Vegetarianisn, healthy living, the emphasis on being close to nature and simplisity, etc. Jesus is not being brought into the discussian so far. She told me this week she has aklways wanted to be baptized a Chrisytian and the SDa religion seems to make the most sinse to her. I have known several practicing SDA's who do terriot cards and several who do ouiji boards. When I tell them that is wrong and it is courting satan I always get the same response, that it is just a game and besides it's fun to see if what the cards or the board says will happen really happens. Please, pray about this situtation because I just love this young lady deeply and I don't know how to tell her she needs to be taking classes on Christianity from someone else who is in a different organization. Thank-you. | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2083 Registered: 3-2004  |
Susan, I have put your young friend on my prayer list. How is everything with you and your family?? Diana | ||
| Carol_2 Registered user Username: Carol_2 Post Number: 382 Registered: 2-2002  |
Hey Susan, I have an idea! Go to alpha.org and see if there is an Alpha course being offered in your area. Offer to go with her to it. If it's run like the recommended model, like my church does, you'll have a wonderful dinner and dessert each week along with the video and discussion. It's a good basic Christianity course, very casual and non-threatening. You'll be in my prayers! | ||
| Derrell Registered user Username: Derrell Post Number: 118 Registered: 10-2002 |
Susan, I can assure you that tarot cards and ouija boards are considered evil by the Adventist church and by Adventists at large. Those who engage in such activities are a very tiny fraction. The Church would probably be interested in knowing about one of their members using such things while giving Bible studies. That person would probably be placed under a dicipline such as censure, or disfellowshipping. The Church views such things as a very serious offense. | ||
| Pheeki Registered user Username: Pheeki Post Number: 711 Registered: 1-2003 |
My SDA MIL, sat there the other night bragging on her grand daughter that lives with her. Apparently when she went to public school, she was very vocal to tell everyone that she knew exactly where the dead went when they died and she went to church on the "right" day of the week Saturday, etc. But I was thinking to myself...is that so important? What about sharing Jesus with the kids there instead of bragging how correct you think your docrine is? I don't get this mode of thinking? I wouldn't stand up at a school or at church or where ever and be rude like that? Yet I have seen SDA's do this over and over. It's like they think that having correct doctrine is what saves you...not Jesus. Where is the testimony of Jesus? Isn't that part of the infamous Revelation 14 that the SDA says prove they are the "remnant"? And...what makes SDA pastors think they can just drop in on someone unannounced? This has happened to us like 3 times now. My husband is a member in absentia from the local SDA and Sat. night, 2 pastors just drop in. No one called. Now don't you all think that is common courtesy? I don't drop in on people anytime any where...it's rude. So why do SDA pastors think they have this right? | ||
| Susan_2 Registered user Username: Susan_2 Post Number: 2083 Registered: 11-2002 |
Pheeki, I think the unannounced dropping in is to try to observe the person in his or her natural state. Is cigerette smoke in the air, is their a beer can in the trash, when I was a kid this included seeing if the ladies werwe by any chance wearing a sleeveless shirt or a tanktop, etc. It's a "if you're doing it I'm gonna catch you" tactic. I have numerous former in-laws who are diehard JW. They also are constantly having to be on guard because of the JW snitches. Anyway, that is exactialy why I think the SDA ministers pop in unexpected. | ||
| Pheeki Registered user Username: Pheeki Post Number: 712 Registered: 1-2003 |
I think they are afraid you won't want to see them. If that is the case, then why push youself off on people who don't want to see you? I sent an email to a church memeber to tell them to please call next time because my husband is nearly never home. And I also said, "If my husband wanted to come there he would." | ||
| Susan_2 Registered user Username: Susan_2 Post Number: 2084 Registered: 11-2002 |
At the same time i have known and I currently do know several very dedicated SDA's, mostly elderly and also disabled and mostly homebound because of age or disability that would truly love for someone from their local congreation to stop by for a visit once in awhile. Even the occassional phone call would be appriciated. i recently had a SDA elderly loved one tell me that that was/is the main thing she has never liked about the SDA church, that its hard to make friends and have opersonal relationships with others in the congreation. So, I asked her then how come she doesn't find a Christian group where relationships can be developesd and nurtured. The answer was that the SDA church doctrinally is closest to Bibical truth and maybe God is trying to teach her to rely on Him and not on other people for conpanionship. It was really sad. I would like to see the SDA churches take a more active interest in their members who are elderly and/or disabled. Some churchs organize a visiting copmmittee. Some churches have someone apointed to phoning a member who has been absent from church several weeks in a row. The format varies. The result is the same. The person realizes his or her value to the greater body and they also experience Christian brotherhood. Jeaus spent a lot of time addressing the need for friends. i would like to see this aspect of Jesus's teachings be more evident within the local SDA churches. | ||
| 91steps Registered user Username: 91steps Post Number: 31 Registered: 8-2005 |
Now that I have been away from the GC for two months I really see how blessed I am. Most of the long time SDA's I worked with at the GC would have balked at the thought of associating with ANYONE other then another SDA!!! They led such sheltered lives it isn't funny. | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2176 Registered: 3-2004 |
And I used to think I wanted to live in Loma Linda or any other SDA community. I thought that would be such a blessing!!! Thank God He did not listen to me. 91steps, How is the new job going? Diana | ||
| 91steps Registered user Username: 91steps Post Number: 33 Registered: 8-2005 |
Diana, the job is going well, although the 145 mile daily commute is taking its toll. I am looking to changing sites to one closer to home. I am waiting for the Dept of Defense to process me for a Top Secret Clearance, and that will take quite a while. | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2182 Registered: 3-2004 |
91steps, I am glad the job is going well for you, and I am sure the 145 mile round trip is hard on you and your family. I will remember you in prayer about changing to a site closer to home. Father in Heaven, you know how hard this 145 mile round trip is on 91steps. He has followed you where ever you lead and I know you will not lead him where you do not want him. Please get him a position closer to home. Be with the Dept of Defense as they process him for a Top Secret Clearance. You know how long that takes. Take care of him on the highway. You are Awesome, God. Diana |
