I am a third generation Adventist. I have been an Adventist since long before I knew what an Adventist was. I was Dedicated in an Adventist Church when I was a tiny, tiny baby. I was baptized in an Adventist Church. I was married in an Adventist Church and my husband later became an Adventist. Further back from all of that, my parents and grandparents shared a similar legacy. Being a Seventh-Day Adventist is as much a part of me as the blood in my veins and the blue in my eyes.
My relationship with Adventism is complex at best. I have been disappointed by Adventism many times. But I have always been able to separate Adventists from Adventism. I have long understood that humans are an imperfect representation of the love of God. I can accept that people make mistakes. But I've always held strong to the foundations of Adventism. I believed that we based our Christianity on the idea of Salvation by Grace. I believe, in the very core of my being, that we are saved for one reason, and one reason only. We are saved because of the Gift that God offered us when he allowed His Son to be sacrificed on the Cross. Like most other religions, Adventism has experienced growing pains as we struggle to adapt to a changing world. While there were things that I disagreed with in our doctrines, I have always felt that my core Christian beliefs matched those of the Adventist Church.
But today I find myself at a crossroads in my life. In recent weeks, I have been forced to take a good, long, hard look at Adventism and I find myself with many reservations. I am no longer certain that my core Christian values match that of Adventism. I feel a little like someone who has been on a long trip, only to find that my compass has been pointed in the complete wrong direction. I find myself wondering where to go from here...can I continue to call myself an Adventist when I no longer share any of the same beliefs? It's my home, it's my history, it's been so much a part of me. But now all of that seems to be called into question. So I'm at a loss. I am somewhat adrift, like one of the anchors of my life has come loose.
Hi Bethany,
ReplyDeleteI saw on FB that you had posted to your blog. What a pretty format you have:)
I just wanted to say to you that I am sorry for your discouragement with the Adventist Church. I have been there and it is not a pretty place to be.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you.
Amy Wilbur
Bethany,
ReplyDeleteFound you through Google reader. So, I'm curious, what are the beliefs you're now questioning?
God bless you on your quest for truth.
As a lifelong Adventist, I have always been bothered by all of the "rules" that we live by. No jewelry, no pork, no caffeine, no alcohol...the list goes on and on. While I believe Ellen White to have been an intelligent woman with many insights on healthy living, I think too many Adventists have taken those guidelines and made them into "Salvation Issues".
ReplyDeleteSomewhere along the way, we've gotten all wrapped up in "doing" instead of "experiencing" the love and grace of God. Recent events in my own home church have shown me that Adventism is still heavily invested in all of the rules. We have taken our eyes off of Jesus and placed them on ourselves and each other, where we will inevitably find imperfection.
My Christianity is based on a single belief: that salvation is a gift that has been granted to us out of a love that most of us will never comprehend. That's all. When we start believing that any action of our own makes us more or less worthy of that gift, we are completely losing the point. I've seen Adventists who profess that they believe this truth, but don't seem to be able to put it into action. This time, though, I'm seeing AdventISM endorsing this mentality. I truly feel that God is leading me to a more enlightened relationship with Him. I struggle with wondering whether or not this is possible within the realms of Adventism.
Bethany,
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts. I think it's quite possible to seek the Adventism you speak of. However, you won't find it within the walls of your church!
You are not defined by the SDA doctrinal beliefs you grew up with, Ellen White's teachings or any institutional "rules." You're defined by your relationship with the Redeemer, the Lord of the Sabbath, the one Who saves by grace alone, through Him alone.
I know many practicing SDA's under that definition who consider themselves CHRISTIANS first. They just end up branching out and creating their own spiritual communities, while maintaining their cultural Adventism.
Ever thought of starting a small group in your own home?
Blessings,
Marcel