We got mail…

Christian married to an Adventist shares experience

Every relationship is different, but I want to offer some things to think about from my experience. My husband is a third generation Adventist, and I am a non-denominational Christian. When we dated, and for the early years of our marriage, he worked on Saturdays, never attended services, and didn’t even read the Bible. Religion was a non-issue. Our having children, combined with all the “signs” that he believes indicate we are in the last days, prompted him to insist we begin to study the Bible, Ellen G. White, and most importantly, to keep Sabbath. I had no strong religious background at the time, so I was open to learning more. Now, after having read and studied the entire Bible several times as well as many of EGW’s writings, I know that that Adventist theology is in error, at best, and at worst is heretical and diminishes Christ and His sacrifice. When I try to discuss these issues, my husband, like others of whom I have read, also becomes angry and defensive. There will be no reasoning or compromise in this; I have tried for years. 

Now, my husband may believe what he chooses, and it would be fine if he gave me the same respect, but Adventists believe to the marrow of their bones that non-Adventists are of Babylon, don’t understand, are being misled by Satan, and so forth. So it’s not just that they think you’re wrong, but that you, and everyone who isn’t Adventist, are evil. A marriage with disdain and contempt for your partner’s beliefs is not a comfortable situation.

I would ask yourself, are he and his family willing to respect you regardless of your beliefs? Can you respect him? How would you feel about your kids being indoctrinated into the Adventist worldview? What about their (or your) not being allowed to participate in extracurriculars like sports, birthday parties, or anything that has performances or games on Saturdays, in secular Christmas traditions, get-togethers with your family on Saturdays, or future jobs you may want that include work on Saturday? How would you feel about your joint finances being used for tithe to the Adventist church? What if he feels like the end is here and wants you to move “out  of the city”? There’s a lot to consider, and I pray you’ll be guided in the right direction.

—BLOG RESPONSE to “Caught In A Nightmare”, 12-18-20

 

Thank you for the Bible study

Thank you again for all you are doing. I wish I could find a church with a pastor like Dale Ratzlaff. He makes things so clear when he teaches. Thank God you are available and that God is sparing Dale’s life. I’ve never studied the Bible the way you do. In the past it was always topical studying, and I didn’t know any other way…

This is my first Christmas without my husband. It’s so good to know he’s with Jesus and not non-existing.

—WAYNESBORO, PA

 

Cultic Ignorance

I’m watching Tim Martin’s Roots Shoots and Those in Cahoots on Sabbatarians and Jehovah’s Witnesses, and comparing it with the quotes from the newspapers of the time as well as Harvey’s book the King Of Confidence and Dan Rogers’ online Youtube presentation “The Adventist Roots of Grace Communion International”, I’m struck by the blend of ignorance and rebellion that fueled these movements. Without judging people’s hearts, just looking at actions and the ignorance of Scripture and what it means and at the outcomes, it is quite obvious that there was a lot of rebellion and ignorance there.

The shining light of Jesus lights the way out of the darkness.

—VIA EMAIL