Anti-Adventist? Hardly.
Some might be tempted to paint me, and this blog, or even you as a reader, in the light of being “anti-Adventist.”
Let me say this plainly: I want only the very best for this body of believers. If my ideas, questions and intentions are wrong, I’ll happily welcome what is right. But I will seek the truth.
In fact, those who want to continue on like it’s still 1845 (or even 1995) are the real anti-Adventists in my view.
I’m not condemning the Adventist church. The Adventist church itself as done a fine job of that without my help. But neither will I condone it outright.
Let it be known that I am neither anti-Adventist, nor ex-Adventist. I am a person who cares too deeply about my faith to settle, to look the other way when things just aren’t right or to excuse excuses. I care too deeply about doing something meaningful for God, and empowering His followers to do the same, not to ask tough questions.
I would, however, like to see sweeping reforms made in the Adventist church. If that is not possible, then a full-on revolution.
Because the Adventist institution in it’s current form is no longer the best place for many, especially younger people, to be an Adventist. I believe that with all my heart, mind, body and soul.
Decide for yourself whether or not belonging to a denomination is optional. Decide for yourself if being a Christian is synonymous with having your name “on the books” in the Adventist church. Decide for yourself if you can believe what you believe—even if that is exactly what the Adventist church believes—outside of the walls of Adventism.
Here’s where I fall:
I believe in the denomination’s fundamental beliefs, but have all but lost faith in the institution itself.
I’ve lost faith in the “leadership.” I’ve lost faith in the “efficiency.” I’ve lost faith that it serves all age groups equally. I’ve lost faith that the organization spends tithe money appropriately, much less reports financial information transparently. I’ve lost faith that the church is as useful as it should be both to Adventists and non-Adventists. I’ve lost faith in the sincerity of “administrators.” I’ve lost faith that many Adventists pastors would be pastors if they weren’t paid. And I’ve all but lost faith that the organization will find a way to correct it’s shortcomings.
But I haven’t lost faith. The Adventist organization is not God. Why would I not serve Him, or believe in Him, just because the denomination I have belonged to my whole life has let is letting me down?
In fact, my faith is stronger than ever. I won’t let it be said that the stones had to cry out on my watch. Hence these thoughts. Hence these actions.
I fully embrace the fundamental Adventist beliefs. They are my beliefs. But I reject large swaths of current Adventist culture, thinking, traditions, leadership and behavior.
Above all, I reject the mediocrity. I reject the constant rehashing of ideas, as if slapping a new label on the same meeting is doing something new.
This—the Adventist church—is just not good enough. Not like this. I expect more. I need more.
Maybe the best thing for the body is a new, leaner, fairer, smarter, stronger, faster, more empowering, more efficient framework within which to operate?
Start A Conversation On Facebook And Twitter: #
Want to get your friends involved in the discussion? Here are a few intriguing title suggestions you can use to get their attention on social media.
- Since When Is Wanting To Improve The Church Anti-Adventist?
- If The Adventist Church Cherishes Mediocrity And You Do Not—Are You Anti-Adventist?
- Is The Adventist Church Still The Best Place To Be A Seventh-day Adventist?
- Should People Who Care Too Deeply About Their Faith To Settle Really Be Labeled Anti-Adventist?
- Is Losing Faith In The Adventist Institution The Same As Losing Faith In God?
Are you following @adventuprising on Twitter?