Exploring the Culture of Adventism

[Sunrunner]

Just for a little side project, I'm trying to observe different "mini-cultures" of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. For example, one of the most notable is abstinence from jewelry. I'd like to compile all of this into a webpage eventually, just for a neat and fun collection.

So far I've found the Adventist Unleavened Bread (Communion Bread) recipe (which is unique to Adventists) and of course I have the world famous Haystack dinner.

I'm looking for Adventist stories that we all know (such as the Desmond Doss story, a classic).

Then I'll be looking for Sabbath activities and different Sabbath traditions.

Also, there are two other fields I'm considering. Prayers and poetry. I'm not sure if there are any classic Adventist poems. Also, I'm not sure if there are any uniquely SDA recital poems (like the Lord's Prayer, prayers that you memorize and recite at different occasions or times).

So anyways, I'd like to hear about some of your Sabbath customs, some of your Adventist recipes, any stories you would suggest, and some insight on the prayers/poetry question.

Thanks!

 

[Sophia7]

To go along with the no-jewelry thing, I thought of a uniquely Adventist custom that really struck me as odd when I first heard of it: engagement watches. Although I grew up Adventist, my parents wore wedding rings, and so did most of the other people that I knew. It wasn't until I went to an SDA college that I found out about engagement watches. It reminded me of the joke about how we'll be able to recognize Adventists in heaven because they will have watches in their crowns instead of jewels.

Obviously, our dietary practices set us apart from many other people although Adventists are not the only group who avoid unclean meats, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, etc. Veggie-meats, though not very healthy, are often associated with Adventists.

As far as Sabbath activities, I've heard a lot of Adventists talk about "lay activities," meaning a Sabbath afternoon nap. Sunshine Band is another fairly common Adventist activity, involving going out to sing at nursing homes or hospitals on Sabbath afternoons. Nature hikes are always a good Adventist pastime, especially if you bring back some items as object lessons.

Pathfinders would also be a big part of Adventist culture--and for the younger kids Adventurers and Eager Beavers. I never had an opportunity to be in Pathfinders when I was a kid, so I felt really clueless when I was asked to help teach a Pathfinder group a few years ago.

I'll add more later if I think of anything.

 

[Sunrunner]

Thanks! Excellent idea with the engagement watches (I've seen a lot of those) and Pathfinders. I'm going to use all of your ideas.

 

[Dasdream]

I was part of Pathfinders aswell as a teacher or "supervisor" for the Adventurers. What they did was learn how to make knots, learn how to make food from nature etc. I wasn't in the group very long as the leaders left for another state and noone continued it. But going to nursing homes, hospitals etc. is something we used to do alot, we talkd to them about God, sang a bit, they loved it. We also went to prisons, whih is only good for the strong at mind, because it can be headache dealing with everyone screaming at you.

We also have potlucks or lunch at the park or lake we stay and study the Bible for a bit. We also used to visit people that did not go to church that day ( illness etc. ) or we will do my favorite activity....sleep lol

 

[Sunrunner]

Trying to compile some of this on a page right now. Working out a format.