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I Want To Check Out My Local Adventist Church...

honorthesabbath

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Honor, do you think we are stupid and blind that we cannot see where you are going with this? :doh:

Here's a thought: Maybe she studied for herself and came to some different conclusions than what Adventism has to offer? Wow, what a concept!

But no, this seems somehow inconceivable to you, and you instead have to find someone to pin the blame on (PROGS AND FORMERS) and assume we had some nefarious influence on her.

Crimson is a smart girl who can make her own choices and I do not doubt for a second that she is studying the Bible for herself.

Give her a little credit for crying out loud!
And why don't you just sit back and be quiet for a change. I ask Crimson the question--NOT YOU!
 
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catlover

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AndrewK788 & RND,
I don't know how long either one of you have been adventists but when I joined the church over 30 yrs ago it was common practice to get new members to sell their jewlery and give the money to the church or give the church the jewlery. That is the premise I was going on when I wrote what I did. So I appoligize as I just looked in the new church laws book and see that it is no longer stated. RND I was not trying to be insulting.
AndrewK788, thank-you for the welcome.
gc

AS someone who has pawned jewelry in the past-I know you don't get much back the value of your jewelry...it seems like an odd practice.
 
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Lebesgue

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Thank you. :) I appreciate the prayers. It was a hard choice to step back from the SDA church, it's all I knew as a Christian and sort of created a "starting all over again" feeling, like when I first stepped away from my New Age beliefs.

Nonetheless, I think it's God's will too. ^_^

Good to see ya again also, bro. I haven't been around much (and probably wont for quite awhile) due to some struggles at home with finances and stuff, but I do miss this place sometimes. :)

Crimson, I applaud your courage! It is not an easy thing to do to leave the SDA church.

I felt I had to because of STRONG disagreements with much of the doctrine. I do and always have agreed with the Sabbath and the food laws, but many of the other SDA doctrines I had problems with.

Since leaving the SDA church I have grown in the L-rd like I never thought I could.

I know it was G-d's will for me to leave.

Now I am not advocating someone leaving the SDA church IF they are happy there and IF they are growing in the L-rd there. I WASN'T and I had to go somewhere where I could.

Shalom,

Lebesgue
 
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ChrisCarol

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Catlover,
You need to understand an idol is something you bow down to. It can be religious or not-religious. If you do not bow down to it or put it above the Lord then it is not an idol. If you keep it in your jewlery box or put in your china cabinet (if you have one) on display to remind you of your loved one then that is o-kay.
Be ye careful of the SDA church because if you have something of value even if it is from a charished family member they will want you to sell it and give them the money. I know as I went through this with the church as I have my moms wedding set and they tried their darnedess to get me to give it to them for the money they could get out of them but I stood my ground and would not give it to them and I am so thankful I didn't. Are they an idol to me? No. They represent the love my christian parents had for each other and for their children. I hope this helps,
Interesting little truths you can find out when you're not even trying. Thanks
 
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ChrisCarol

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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisCarol
Interesting little truths you can find out when you're not even trying. Thanks

There is no truth in the statement you quoted.
Thank you for more truth that makes me all the more cautious of SDA.

Maybe you do not realize that you have just proclaimed a sister in Christ a liar.

And SDA followers wonder why some of us have no use for that kind of thinking. There is only ONE JUDGE. I praise God He is the one who judges me.
 
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RND

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Thank you for more truth that makes me all the more cautious of SDA.

Maybe you do not realize that you have just proclaimed a sister in Christ a liar.

You mean a Christian isn't allowed to say something is untrue?

There is no truth in her statement. If you conclude then that she's a liar based on my objection to her statement then so be it. I would be doing a greater disservice not defending the truth than allowing the fostering of statements based on -zero- facts to go unchallenged. Adventist's do not confiscate the jewerly or other personal property of another.

And SDA followers wonder why some of us have no use for that kind of thinking. There is only ONE JUDGE. I praise God He is the one who judges me.

Does that mean we shouldn't have trials and jury's then because after all, we can't "judge" anyone for anything then can we?

The fact is that someone on this post made a statement that is untrue and without any basis in fact. While it is certainly true that many Adventist do not wear jewlery it is incorrect and a gross misrepresentation of the truth to say that it is confiscated and sold from other people.
 
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ChrisCarol

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Originally Posted by gcfrankie
I know as I went through this with the church as I have my moms wedding set and they tried their darnedess to get me to give it to them for the money they could get out of them but I stood my ground and would not give it to them and I am so thankful I didn't.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisCarol
Thank you for more truth that makes me all the more cautious of SDA.

Maybe you do not realize that you have just proclaimed a sister in Christ a liar.

You mean a Christian isn't allowed to say something is untrue?

Look at what gcfrankie said of which I have quoted then tell me if you have the right to say: " There is no truth in her statement"?

There is no truth in her statement. If you conclude then that she's a liar based on my objection to her statement then so be it. I would be doing a greater disservice not defending the truth than allowing the fostering of statements based on -zero- facts to go unchallenged. Adventist's do not confiscate the jewerly or other personal property of another.


Quote:
And SDA followers wonder why some of us have no use for that kind of thinking. There is only ONE JUDGE. I praise God He is the one who judges me.
Does that mean we shouldn't have trials and jury's then because after all, we can't "judge" anyone for anything then can we?

The fact is that someone on this post made a statement that is untrue and without any basis in fact. While it is certainly true that many Adventist do not wear jewlery it is incorrect and a gross misrepresentation of the truth to say that it is confiscated and sold from other people.
 
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RND

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Look at what gcfrankie said of which I have quoted then tell me if you have the right to say: " There is no truth in her statement"?

As I said before:

"There is no truth in her statement. If you conclude then that she's a liar based on my objection to her statement then so be it. I would be doing a greater disservice not defending the truth than allowing the fostering of statements based on -zero- facts to go unchallenged. Adventist's do not confiscate the jewerly or other personal property of another."
 
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AndrewK788

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Well, since my knowledge of my very own church has been questioned here it goes:

I've been an SDA my entire life. I've lived in more than one Adventist "ghetto" so I have been to many many many SDA churches with 500+ memberships. And from my earliest memories until now, I have never known the SDA church to ask for money from jewelry. I'm not saying it never happened, but in this modern day, it is uncommon and actually quite unheard of.
 
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juneil

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AndrewK788 & RND,
I don't know how long either one of you have been adventists but when I joined the church over 30 yrs ago it was common practice to get new members to sell their jewlery and give the money to the church or give the church the jewlery. That is the premise I was going on when I wrote what I did. So I appoligize as I just looked in the new church laws book and see that it is no longer stated. RND I was not trying to be insulting.
AndrewK788, thank-you for the welcome.
gc
I guess the church your talking is not SDA church maybe its having similar name. Many denomination who have almost similar in name or is SDA but fallen because of some reasons they exclude there church, thus, not giving there tithes to the conference. So even jewelry, even lot, house and other stuff they required the members to sell to raise funds because they are not supported by the Conferrence. I have heard that they somehow manupulate there members to give because of brain wash and some uses of verses in the bible. In my place i know a Remnant church (ex sda).
 
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ChrisCarol

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Originally Posted by gcfrankie
I know as I went through this with the church as I have my moms wedding set and they tried their darnedess to get me to give it to them for the money they could get out of them but I stood my ground and would not give it to them and I am so thankful I didn't.


As I said before:

"There is no truth in her statement. If you conclude then that she's a liar based on my objection to her statement then so be it. I would be doing a greater disservice not defending the truth than allowing the fostering of statements based on -zero- facts to go unchallenged. Adventist's do not confiscate the jewerly or other personal property of another."

According to the quote on top gcfrankie is declaring this did happen. When you say there is no truth in her statement you call her a liar.

Not the kind of "truth' I want to be a part of.

I rest my case.
 
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RND

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According to the quote on top gcfrankie is declaring this did happen. When you say there is no truth in her statement you call her a liar.

So if I said I was the Easter Bunny would you believe me?

Guess what Chris, I'm the Easter Bunny!

Not the kind of "truth' I want to be a part of.

Evidently.

I rest my case.

Me too.

Signed,

The Easter Bunny.

479.jpg
 
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gcfrankie

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RND,
You better do some research before making calling me a liar. For you information I have the following book: Comprehensive Index to the writing of Ellen G. White and under the jewlery section-sale of, to provide means for God's work Ev.270-1. When I joined the church this practice was in effect. Now as to whether it is still in practice today I do not know. If I can still find a copy of the book (which I do not have) I will gladly post it.
 
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RND

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RND,
You better do some research before making calling me a liar.

I have and based on your cite I would have to say again that there is no truth in your statement. You would have to provide me concrete evidence instead of antidotal evidence that conclusively shows that this was a common practice in the Adventist church. Whether or not you are citing an isolated incident I cannot say. But if you are relying on the cite you provided to prove you case I believe you have come up woefully short.

Deu 17:6
At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; [but] at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.

For you information I have the following book: Comprehensive Index to the writing of Ellen G. White and under the jewlery section-sale of, to provide means for God's work Ev.270-1.

Here is the complete language from your cite. I'll leave it to yourself and other's here in the forum to decide whether you are merely mistaken or not.

However, there is absolutely nothing in this cite that would give any indication that this passage "requires" or "demonstrates" that the Adventist church takes people's jewlery, sells it and keeps the proceeds.

To be fair I included other pages besides page 270 just in case you may have inadvertantly cited the incorrect page.

Evangelism - Chap. 8 - Preaching the Distinctive Truths

"There should be no carelessness in dress. For Christ's sake, whose witnesses we are, we should seek to make the best of our appearance. In the tabernacle service, God specified every detail concerning the garments of those who ministered before Him. Thus we are taught that He has a preference in regard to the dress of those who serve Him. Very specific were the directions given in regard to Aaron's robes, for his
269
dress was symbolic. So the dress of Christ's followers should be symbolic. In all things we are to be representatives of Him. Our appearance in every respect should be characterized by neatness, modesty, and purity. But the Word of God gives no sanction to the making of changes in apparel merely for the sake of fashion,--that we may appear like the world. Christians are not to decorate the person with costly array or expensive ornaments. {Ev 268.3}

The words of Scripture in regard to dress should be carefully considered. We need to understand that which the Lord of heaven appreciates in even the dressing of the body. All who are in earnest in seeking for the grace of Christ will heed the precious words of instruction inspired by God. Even the style of the apparel will express the truth of the gospel. {Ev 269.1}

All who study the life of Christ and practice His teachings will become like Christ. Their influence will be like His. They will reveal soundness of character. As they walk in the humble path of obedience, doing the will of God, they exert an influence that tells for the advancement of the cause of God and the healthful purity of His work. In these thoroughly converted souls the world is to have a witness to the sanctifying power of truth upon the human character. --Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 96, 97. (1900) {Ev 269.2}

In Keeping With Our Faith.--Self-denial in dress is a part of our Christian duty. To dress plainly, and abstain from display of jewelry and ornaments of every kind is in keeping with our faith. Are we of the number who see the folly of worldlings in indulging in extravagance of dress as well as in love of amusements? If so, we should be of that class who shun everything that gives sanction to this spirit which takes possession of the minds and hearts of those who live
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for this world only, and who have no thought or care for the next.--Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 366. (1875) {Ev 269.3}

Conformity to Christ or the World.--A sister who had spent some weeks at one of our institutions in _____, said that she felt much disappointed in what she saw and heard there. . . . Before accepting the truth, she had followed the fashions of the world in her dress, and had worn costly jewelry and other ornaments; but upon deciding to obey the Word of God, she felt that its teachings required her to lay aside all extravagant and superfluous adorning. She was taught that Seventh-day Adventists did not wear jewelry, gold, silver, or precious stones, and that they did not conform to worldly fashions in their dress. When she saw among those who profess the faith such a wide departure from Bible simplicity, she felt bewildered. Had they not the same Bible which she had been studying, and to which she had endeavored to conform her life? Had her past experience been mere fanaticism? Had she misinterpreted the words of the apostle, "The friendship of the world is enmity with God, for whosoever will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God"? {Ev 270.1}

Mrs. D, a lady occupying a position in the institution, was visiting at Sr. _____'s room one day, when the latter took out of her trunk a gold necklace and chain, and said she wished to dispose of this jewelry and put the proceeds into the Lord's treasury. Said the other, "Why do you sell it? I would wear it if it was mine." "Why," replied Sr. _____, "when I received the truth, I was taught that all these things must be laid aside. Surely they are contrary to the teachings of God's Word." And she cited her hearer to the words of the apostles, Paul and Peter, upon this point, "In like manner, also, that women adorn
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themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but, as becometh women professing godliness, with good works." "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel. But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit." {Ev 270.2}

In answer, the lady displayed a gold ring on her finger, given her by an unbeliever, and said she thought it no harm to wear such ornaments. "We are not so particular," said she, "as formerly. Our people have been overscrupulous in their opinions upon the subject of dress. The ladies of this institution wear gold watches and gold chains, and dress like other people. It is not good policy to be singular in our dress; for we cannot exert so much influence." {Ev 271.1}

We inquire, Is this in accordance with the teachings of Christ? Are we to follow the Word of God, or the customs of the world? Our sister decided that it was the safest to adhere to the Bible standard. Will Mrs. D and others who pursue a similar course be pleased to meet the result of their influence, in that day when every man shall receive according to his works? {Ev 271.2}

God's Word is plain. Its teachings cannot be mistaken. Shall we obey it, just as He has given it to us, or shall we seek to find how far we can digress and yet be saved? Would that all connected with our institutions would receive and follow the divine light, and thus be enabled to transmit light to those who walk in darkness. {Ev 271.3}

Conformity to the world is a sin which is sapping the spirituality of our people, and seriously interfering"

When I joined the church this practice was in effect.

I believe you are mistaken.

Now as to whether it is still in practice today I do not know.

As has been pointed out to you, it is not.

If I can still find a copy of the book (which I do not have) I will gladly post it.

Done.
 
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gcfrankie

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Before I joined the church the pastor at the time came to me personally asking me to give the church my wedding set so they could get the money, as this is what was required at the time and I refused but said I would discontinue wearing my rings which I did.
You can believe what you want.
End of discussion.
 
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RND

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Are you satisifed that Evangelism page 270 does not contain what you thought it contained?

Before I joined the church the pastor at the time came to me personally asking me to give the church my wedding set so they could get the money,

Other have said that they have been in the church just as long as you have yet find your report odd and out of character with their experience.

as this is what was required at the time and I refused but said I would discontinue wearing my rings which I did.

Obviously several people here have stated that this is not a 'church requirement.'

You can believe what you want.
End of discussion.

That's correct and I will.
 
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thecountrydoc

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Hi GCF,

In your last post you said:
"...the church the pastor at the time came to me personally asking me to give the church my wedding set so they could get the money, as this is what was required at the time and I refused but said I would discontinue wearing my rings which I did."
Please understand that, I for one, do not question your statement concerning what the pastor did. All I intened in my post was to say that it was not, and is not, a practice of the SDA Church. The mentioned pastor took it upon himself to make the request which, in my opinion, was in extreamly poor taste. I should also say that I do know of individuals that have given jewelry to the church but did so because of their own decision. God loves a cheerful giver. He does not force anyone to give.


Respectfully, your brother in Christ,
Doc


 
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Lebesgue

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Hi GCF,

In your last post you said: Please understand that, I for one, do not question your statement concerning what the pastor did. All I intened in my post was to say that it was not, and is not, a practice of the SDA Church. The mentioned pastor took it upon himself to make the request which, in my opinion, was in extreamly poor taste. I should also say that I do know of individuals that have given jewelry to the church but did so because of their own decision. God loves a cheerful giver. He does not force anyone to give.

Respectfully, your brother in Christ,
Doc



Doc, I agree with what you are saying. I believe what GCF said I have heard of incidents like hers happening but I didn't encounter this stuff when I was an SDA. Is this wedding ring thing peculiar to "mainstream" North American Churches? Most of the SDAs I know are Indonesian or Filipino and they ALL wear wedding rings.
I was baptised in an Indonesian SDA church and my wedding ring was not even an issue, the pastor himself wore one.

Shalom,

Your brother in Messiah Y'shua,

Lebesgue
 
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