| Author | Message | ||
| Nowisee Registered user Username: Nowisee Post Number: 924 Registered: 5-2009 |
OK, I've had it with those of us who have left adventism being called bitter!!! Also with the articles in Proclamation being called bitter and angry! I'd like to start a collection of "bitters"....I think we all understand why we are perceived as such (disagreeing with SDA doctrine), but I think it's about time that we challenge those making these accusations to 'put their money where their mouth is'. I am going to ask from now on, for specific examples. Where in the article is the bitter/angry statement? What has any former adventist said, what have I said, that's bitter? Let's see what kind of answers we get. I think it's about time to challenge these accusations and at least get proof of such, since that is how we're being painted. It may make the accuser think a bit and if I have been bitter, I certainly want to correct that. | ||
| Jonvil Registered user Username: Jonvil Post Number: 625 Registered: 4-2007 |
It's inconceivable that disagreeing with Adventism could have anything with doctrine/theology because Adventists are the only ones who have the truth, therefore your response must be emotional because you were 'hurt', 'hate' Adventists and are 'bitter'. | ||
| Jeremy Registered user Username: Jeremy Post Number: 3754 Registered: 10-2004  |
Nowisee, It sounds like you are angry about being called "bitter" and "angry."  Jeremy | ||
| River Registered user Username: River Post Number: 7429 Registered: 9-2006  |
Sounds to me like she's got more 'righteous indignation' than anger.  | ||
| Kelleigh Registered user Username: Kelleigh Post Number: 87 Registered: 7-2011 |
Calling Former Adventists “bitter” is a psychological defence mechanism – to protect against the anxiety aroused when a cherished belief system is challenged. The mechanism provides a psychological refuge from a situation which an individual is unable to currently cope. We have all used these unconscious strategies from time to time. These 'coping strategies' are usually harmless, unless of course the belief we are defending is detrimental to our mental, physical or emotional wellbeing or to others'. A defence mechanism is an emotional response. Not a logical response. The problem with calling all Former Adventist’s “bitter” is when logic is applied the proposition is unjustified. Some points to consider, • The majority of 'Former Adventists' in organised ministries for Adventists do so because they care. Adventists of all people should understand this, after all Adventism's Three Angels Messages call people from an alleged 'false religious system' to true worship. Former Adventists appeal to people in the false gospel of Adventism because they care. • When Jesus and the Apostles spoke out against the false gospel of the day, they did so in far stronger terms than used by Former Adventist Ministries today. Strong, direct language cannot always be avoided in defence of the true Gospel. Some interpret this as bitterness - this is nothing more than a convenient, throw-away response. • Some Former Adventists do experience a period of anger which is a normal phase of the grieving process. Anger is also a normal and reasonable response to having been deceived. This anger is due to a 'sense of injustice' and is not sinful or amoral. • A few people can develop maladaptive responses to the psychological trauma of leaving Adventism and may experience long-term bitterness and other emotional scars. These people should arouse our sympathy and care. Not scorn. Calling all Former Adventists “bitter” is an illogical, unjustifiable emotional reaction. (Message edited by Kelleigh on August 07, 2011) | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 9354 Registered: 3-2004  |
My brother, Joe, in Montana called me Friday evening. He is finally learning why I left adventism on his own, with God teaching him of course. He was telling me how angry he is at the adventist church because of the deceit practiced by the church and how angry he is that he has been deceived. I am so thankful he is finally learning as I have been praying for him since I left adventism 7 1/2 years ago. Diana L | ||
| Thegoldenway Registered user Username: Thegoldenway Post Number: 58 Registered: 5-2011 |
Diana, when I discovered the real "truth" about the New Covenant and how the SDA church deceived me about the "Good News"....I WAS FURIOUS! I was angry at the organization for deliberately deceiving people and also angry with my family cuz I was a 6th generationer and angry at myself for not thoroughly checking things out for myself. Whats crazy tho is that I thought I had checked things out for myself cuz I did study my bible for myself...however I studied it the way I was taught by SDAs. So I can totally relate to what your brother is going thru. Sometimes when I do happen to see a SDA around town this anger wells up in me. It used to be all the time but its getting better. It's not as often now. haha I do realize that I am projecting my anger towards people that really are innocent but sometimes its hard to separate them from the actual church. I am so glad that your brother is coming into the real reality, the real truth....Praise God. Every SDA that comes into the truth and leaves the SDA church is an absolute miracle! He is a walking miracle lynn | ||
| Skeeter Registered user Username: Skeeter Post Number: 1543 Registered: 12-2007 |
So happy for you and your brother Diana that he is "getting it" Now that the veil has fallen, he will probably communicate much more and have a lot of questions for you Just be patient with him (I know you will). It takes time to mentally process so much new information after spending so many years believing that we HAD "truth". I have been reading "Seventh Day Adventism renounced " by Canright. It was written while Ellen was still alive and it is amazing how much information was already out there at that time. I can't understand why (except as a purposeful deception of Satan) the SDA church even survived from that time till now  | ||
| Skeeter Registered user Username: Skeeter Post Number: 1544 Registered: 12-2007 |
The book is a FREE ebook from Barnes and Noble. I HIGHLY recommend it. | ||
| River Registered user Username: River Post Number: 7430 Registered: 9-2006 |
I wasn't aware that Barnes&Noble allowed free books, that's good news because several of mine qualified to go to Barnes&Noble as well as Soney. I am still having a problem with the formatting with two of them. Hoo Hoo! I will reach 2,500 downloads this week. I would pat myself on the back, but I had given up until I prayed about it, so I still know who is in charge and it ain't mwaa. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 12811 Registered: 12-2003  |
Great post, Kelleigh. Colleen | ||
| Cloudwatcher Registered user Username: Cloudwatcher Post Number: 517 Registered: 5-2009  |
I usually say, "Okay. Maybe I am.... let's just assume that I'm bitter. It doesn't change the facts. Is what I'm saying true or not?" | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 2882 Registered: 8-2004  |
Good point Cloudwatcher! | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 12822 Registered: 12-2003 |
Yes, Cloudwatcher. I love it! Colleen |
