| Author | Message | ||
| Bobbylog Registered user Username: Bobbylog Post Number: 7 Registered: 6-2006 |
I think the biggest yoke about leaving SDAism is when you have made or was harrassed to make the commitment of geting baptized in the cult ...are former unbaptized members affected the same way when they leave than those who get baptized in it ? | ||
| Violet Registered user Username: Violet Post Number: 419 Registered: 2-2001 |
Bobbylog, Even though I was baptized in the SDA organization and by a SDA minister I was baptized in the name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit for a public display of my remission of sins. It just so happens that membership and the organization vows come at the same time. In my mind's eye they are two distinct events that just happened to be in the same time proximity. When we joined our local Christian Church we were asked if we had been baptized by immursion. When we said yes that was good enough for them. | ||
| Lynne Registered user Username: Lynne Post Number: 455 Registered: 10-2005 |
Bobbylog, I don't think I can make any comparisons to your question. I never saw anyone being harrassed in the church. I saw problems, personality conflicts, manipulation, things of that nature that occur outside the church as well. But nobody ever harrassed me in the church. I would say the gospel was accurately presented to me initially and as a result of my conversion, being born again, I became a baptized member. The fine print didn't bother me that much. I accepted the fact that in order to be a Seventh-day Adventist I was not to smoke or drink or do certain other things. I knew that if it was important for me to do things that the church didn't approve of, I could go to a church somewhere else. I never saw Seventh-day Adventists with the same characteristics as the Jehovah Witnesses or Mormons in the way that they evangelized. I've never known any Adventists to be pushy that way. When I started with the Adventists, I never had any problems with the leadership in the church, most answers to my questions had good, thoughtful answers. I had some very good sincere friendships in the church as well. Lynne | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 1800 Registered: 3-2005 |
I was baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit into Christ at the age of 12 years old. I was baptized by my grandfather who was an SDA missionary to the Amazon river. He was a true Christian who also shared my passion for Dodger baseball. I was not baptized into a cult. Yes, later, when I truly became saved by God's sovereign grace, I realized that the SDA church was not what it claimed to be, and Ellen was not who she claimed to be, but,now looking back over all those years, I am thankful that God allowed me to grow up Adventist, if for no other reason, than that God's grace could be made known to me in even greater ways. Stan | ||
| Grace_alone Registered user Username: Grace_alone Post Number: 20 Registered: 6-2006  |
That was really beautiful Stan. Thank you for that! I'll think about that when it comes to my wonderful husband. I believe (really, hope) that he's just standing at the door waiting to pass through...  Leigh Anne | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 1801 Registered: 3-2005 |
Leigh Anne, Based on what you said on your opening introduction post, I believe your husband will come around. If he is already going with you to a true Christian church as Lutherans are, then it seems it is a matter of time. Sola Gratia (grace alone--that is your screen name) Stan | ||
| Violet Registered user Username: Violet Post Number: 420 Registered: 2-2001 |
Stan, you have the same thoughts that I do. In all of the wrong paths I have been down the Lord has allowed me to appriciate more what He is giving me now. | ||
| Accepted Registered user Username: Accepted Post Number: 4 Registered: 6-2006 |
Stan, that was a timely reminder for me, to be thankful for all the paths I have traveled to arrive at this place - a former Adventist, former SDARM, legalistic, guilt-ridden, fearful chrisian. The Christian Church I sometimes have time to attend has nourished me, but the real power comes from believing beyond doubt that the work of Jesus at the Cross was enough. That when God thinks of me, He smiles - that I am truly accepted in the beloved. PTL. Martha | ||
| Justdodie Registered user Username: Justdodie Post Number: 78 Registered: 2-2006  |
Bobbylog, In a word YES! I was raised Adventist, was never baptized, and I have spent my entire life trying to get out from under the yoke of oppression and fear. My brother and sisters experienced the ordeal of trying to officially remove their names from the membership roster, but I assure you, the psychological ramifications are the same for all of us, baptized or not. Joyce | ||
| 91steps Registered user Username: 91steps Post Number: 63 Registered: 8-2005  |
I witnessed some folks at the church I used to attend being harrassed in order to make them leave. These were good folk who got on the wrong side of the pastor and he wanted them gone. |
