Should I leave the Adventist Church? Prefer Adventist Answer but Open to Anyone?
August 2, 2009 by Arthritis and Joint Pain Tips
Filed under Rheumatoid Diseases & Joint Pain
Hey everyone! I’m currently an Adventist and have been so since birth. I’ve believed my entire life that the Adventist have the most accurate interpretation of bible.
Recently I decided to research more on Ellen G. White (one of the main founders of our church who’s writings are considered God Inspired to most people in the church, and who is considered an end time prophetess by some) just for the heck of it and was startled by what I had found.
I found that she was accused of Plagiarism in some of her works, including, “The Great Controversy” and was accused of making testimonies or claims that was “God Inspired’ that didn’t come true (e.g False Prophecy).
I didn’t believe it of course, because people come under criticism all the time, especially God’s people. But then I found more…
I found a quote in which White said that masterbation causes “affection of the liver and lungs, neuralgia, rheumatism, affection of the spine, diseased kidneys, and cancerous humors”(told it came from Ellen G. White (1870). Solemn Appeal)
I found that claim to be absurd and was hoping that Ellen White never said such a thing. While searching for answers, I found an online posting of a book entitled “Life of Mrs. E.G. White — Her Claims Refuted” by Dudley M. Canright (who worked with Ellen White for years and had later left the Adventist Church).
By the way, the link for the online version is here : http://members.tripod.com/~Help_for_SDAs/LifeofEGWHerClaimsRefutedCanright.html
While reading the online version on his book. Canright had established several examples in which Ellen White had plagiarized, and he supplied quotes showing the comparison. Also he established a long list of arguments based on quotes from her own books in showing that she was wrong on a lot issues and had given several prophecies that didn’t come to pass in her time(not including the 1844 prediction that Christ will return).
I hope that there are any Adventist that can effectively counter every reasonable argument that D.M Canright made against Ellen White but the evidence(in which he showed through quotes of some of her early writings) against her being ‘inspired by god’ is quite strong.
Right now I’m in a dilemma, as an Adventist, I personally believe that only the teachings of the bible are sufficient in understanding God and getting to know him and I know other Adventist in my church who feel the same way(I know alot of nice godly Adventist who mean the best, so no personal bashing please). But I’m not sure if I can ignore the fact that the person who founded our church might have been a fraud (no matter how well intentions might have been or how inspring or helpful their books are). Also, I’ve noticed that a lot of her teachings are quoted in church study lessons and in some sermons so I can’t sit in church an ignore that.
Should I leave the Adventist Church? Thanks!
Thanks for the Questions so far, for those who might be curious, I do not read the Clear Word Bible, as do most adventist in my church and I personally still believe that we should at least remember the Sabbath day and rest and keep it holy (I believe the definition of ‘rest’ and keeping it ‘holy’ should be left for people individually, through study of the bible to define, not the church)
Again, thanks for all of your answers/adivce so far, I respect and appreciate everyone’s opinion and it is greatly appreciated.
Just to answer a question that was asked, I really meant that I’ve grown up in the Adventist Church and in an Adventist home since birth, but I was officially baptized when i was 10.
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Arthritis Feedback: Get a copy of the bible from another source and compare it
Arthritis Feedback: You should leave it. White was a false prophet.
You should believe the Bible without the Adventist slant. The Bible says that faith alone in Jesus saves, without works (Ephesians 2:8-9). So forced keeping of sabbaths is wrong, and Romans and Colossians says not to have any such legalistic bondage.
Believe in Jesus alone for salvation, and believe in the Bible.
Arthritis Feedback: Most of my family are SDA, but I’m a generic “evangelical” Christian.
Do or do not do, according to the text. As long as you have Bible (book, chapter and verse) for what you decide . . . . you are fine.
I believe people are generally of good conscience, and are in the churches they are in because they BELIEVE in their theology.
Dan in Miami
Arthritis Feedback: wow. well when you choose a religion you need to do research (like you have done) and decide if the teachings are true and bible based. if they’re not, you shouldn’t stay.
don’t become a “die-hard” religion member just because you were brought up in that religion. if your parents were of a different religion, you’d be of that faith now.
you need to prove it to yourself and right now you do not seem convinced.
Arthritis Feedback: You might look at the faith that the SDA’s hate the most and also ask why?
There are many former SDA’s that have become Catholic, as for me, I was a main line Protestant before becoming Catholic.
Read a book form Scott Hahn called “Rome sweet Home”
Whatever you decide, may God Bless your Journey!
Peace and God Bless.
Arthritis Feedback: I’m not an adventist but I believe EGW is a false prophet like J Smith, Mohammad etc. The prophets were sent to announce the arrival of Christ, so why do we need them after Christ ?
St. Paul: “When the perfect arrives the partial will pass away”.
Why do some ex SDA members believe their church was corrupted by Jesuits ?
Arthritis Feedback: I would investigate right now not leave. I am assuming you are socially melded with those you attend with. I also would not, at this time, discuss this with them, but as I said quietly look around. You have reason in you mind and heart to see these fallacies but allow the others to worship. If and when you have established yourself in the Church of your choice, then, with a smile give your cause….. (LDS)
Arthritis Feedback: Even assuming allegations against her were correct, a religion is not wrong if they corrected errors for the facts.
Early ones of most faiths had bizarre ideas. The Bible does matter greatly. John 17:17, Acts 17:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
Is what they teach now true and correct? For example, see my question at this link.
Debbie
Christian Bible teacher, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Arthritis Feedback: Hard decision. Leaving a church is like leaving a family, but in your case it’s just not because your upset with the song selection or the way the leadership spends money. You’re questioning the basic foundations and principles of your church. Is it good to question? Yes. In fact, I think that the research like you’ve been doing is how all of us grow closer to ‘Truth.’ Keep searching. Keep looking at the Bible as your source of Truth and God will guide you. At my first reading of your question, I notice that you found inconsistencies with what your faith has said in the past. In the Bible there are many places where God / Jesus talks about false prophets as being those who claim to know God’s direction, but the facts and outcomes don’t line up. It says to not listen to them because there is the risk of getting caught going in a direction or belief that God wouldn’t want you to. Hope that helps.
Arthritis Feedback: No, you shouldn’t leave it. Even if what he says is true (which I don’t believe), that is not a good reason to leave the church. The point of Ellen White’s prophecies was ALWAYS to point people back to the Scriptures. We are not to “worship” her prophesyings, but she would have wanted us to examine the Bible.
If you still believe that Adventists have the most accurate interpretation of Scripture, then by all means stay. You know that in the End Times, God will call His people out of all churches in the world - so it would be foolish to switch to an apostate church now. Stay where you are, and prepare for Christ’s return.
Arthritis Feedback: Do an honest investigation, and look for something better. Knowledge isn’t your enemy, but ignorance. Let the chips fall where they may. Make it a matter of soul searching prayer. Ask God for guidance, and he will send someone, or send you to someone who can help you.
Arthritis Feedback: I think you know already what you need to do.
I would point out only the following: Salvation is never found only in one particular denomination, but only in the person of Jesus Christ.
And God has said that if one be found a false prophet, that they should no longer be “feared” or, listened to.
Whether or not you choose to leave, you will always know inside there is something amiss. Can you live with that?
I will not point you to any denomination; this is not the direction. The direction is towards the Savior alone, Jesus Christ.
You must be aware by now that no one can add to the words from God. Even today, there are many that have claimed to be “inspired” in their works. White was merely one from long ago. But it is a true thing, that nothing can be added. Christ is sufficient, and the Bible complete for all we need know here, on this side of our lives.
I do feel bad for you, having gone through something similar I can relate…it is not easy, especially if other family members are still involved. I do believe God is opening your eyes, and it is the fact that you are thinking and doing the studying that tells me you are sincere.
God honors sincerity.
He will direct, to wherever you do worship.
Arthritis Feedback: Sadly you have some principles of church wrong. As a christian, Jesus founded my church. Unfortunately, man has made a mess of the church by introducing his own twist to what church should be. Read Acts Ch 2 v 42-47. If only we could recognise the simple truth contained in this passage church would be easy, fun and full of supernatural miracles again. Seek the anointing of the Holy Spirit, read your bible because it is here that the truth and real prophesy is contained.
I have a question for you, how can you be an adventist from birth? you, unless you are very anointed, could not understand or make a decision to follow a particular creed or denomination.
God bless you in your search for truth, He has even written it down for you to seek. Get a recognised version of the bible, KJV, NLT, NIV to study,do not concentrate on the sayings/teachings of ellen white.
Arthritis Feedback: I am a Catholic which Adventists say “beast” but now I am studying in an Adventist University. ( and I will remain Catholic )
Now, you know the truth that EGW was wrong…
Just pray and decide what you think is good. But remember, whatever your denomination is, our Savior is Jesus