Hey Everyone,
To begin with, I'd like to apologize if this comes out as a rant in any way. That is not my intention. I'm just genuinely bothered by what I am seeing going on with this subject and feel I'd rather post a new thread about it, rather than an opinion in the various ones there are.
Over the past week I've been too busy to be here much, but have tried to be around for the poll voting whenever possible. (Thank you for keeping me updated on the various things going on, by the way, Lainie!). Anyway, I got a chance to check things out a bit more and found all of this stuff about a proposed split.
I want to express how deeply saddened I am by this. To see us all in such a state that we need to separate, or that it's even being considered in a serious manner! Oh Lord, how Satan has gotten into our midst! To see His church (meaning Christian church, no debating whether it's the remanent or not) in such a state! That we can let technicalities such as doctrinal beliefs create a wall between us that overrides the love!? *shakes her head* This is just..so sad.
You know, I remember once (before I came here) that an Adventist friend of mine said he got so angry when he saw people who called themselves Adventists yet they did not believe the 27 (28 now) fundamental beliefs. To him, why would someone want to do that in the first place? It's either lying to people because they will assume you believe something you don't, or it's creating a bad image for the church itself (Which 'this' arguing is doing). At the time I could sort of agree, but figured it was better to see someone at least a believer than not. Especially since I have not fully decided on everything yet, being new.
When I came here I saw a 'bit' of this. I couldn't figure out why so many people felt so differently about the main beliefs..but let it slide, figuring it's better we discuss them because 'someone' is right, no? Now, though, it has gotten to the point that we actually want to divide the church into two separate parts? I understand that the beliefs many Progressives hold are different than Traditionals, so maybe this is the only way that both will be happy..But I honestly hope not. Actually, I find it sad and hard enough to even label people as a Traditional or a Progressive. Do you guys have any idea what this looks like to newbies? It's not giving a good feel about our church, nor will having two separate areas in general.
Now, I'm aware that nothing I say is going to magically transform anyone's beliefs..and I do not wish for that to happen. I'd rather see every person believe differently as long as they are 'true' to what they believe, and have valid reasons with themselves for those beliefs. What hurts me (and God too, I bet) is when this difference in beliefs turns into issues that become greater than love and acceptance of one another. Especially when those who are His followers are concerned.
Has it really gotten to the point that we cannot live with eachother in the limited time we spend at this forum in a peaceful, understanding environment? Is it so that moderators or separate sub-forums are simply not enough now because we cannot be fair to eachother in the main area? *Sigh*
To be clear on this, I voted for the Progressive sub-forum in the first poll because I felt it was only fair since we wanted a Traditional one. Why shouldn't there be a place that people of the same beliefs can go and discuss them without creating debate? I did find it interesting, though, that many only wanted a debate forum rather than a Progressive one. It sort of makes you question why they would only be interested in debate, and not fellowship of like-minds. However, that is not for me to decide because I am not a part of that.
Actually, don't even consider myself a Traditional or Progressive. If people must know, I believe in all of the fundamental beliefs. I have not yet decided on Ellen White, though, because I am trying to focus on scripture study before I branch out to her books. I have no problem calling myself an Adventist with this, however, because I am not against her. I simply have no opinion at all...yet.
I want people to know that I'm not going to be voting for or against the split as of this point. I don't feel that I have been around enough of what is causing the issue to have a educated judgement on this. Also, I'm neither here nor there. I honestly have hope that we can live in peace and respect one another as Adventists, with sub-forums for specific purposes. We are all Christians, so I hope we could act like them.
But if this is the only way it will work, then I trust you guys to decide on that. I just don't feel comfortable choosing.
I hope you all understand where I'm coming from, and know that I love you all dearly..Because you are all my brothers and sisters in Christ. I sincerely hope that God's Will will be done in this matter, and not Satan's.
Love, Blessings, and Prayers
Sarah
To begin with, I'd like to apologize if this comes out as a rant in any way. That is not my intention. I'm just genuinely bothered by what I am seeing going on with this subject and feel I'd rather post a new thread about it, rather than an opinion in the various ones there are.
Over the past week I've been too busy to be here much, but have tried to be around for the poll voting whenever possible. (Thank you for keeping me updated on the various things going on, by the way, Lainie!). Anyway, I got a chance to check things out a bit more and found all of this stuff about a proposed split.
I want to express how deeply saddened I am by this. To see us all in such a state that we need to separate, or that it's even being considered in a serious manner! Oh Lord, how Satan has gotten into our midst! To see His church (meaning Christian church, no debating whether it's the remanent or not) in such a state! That we can let technicalities such as doctrinal beliefs create a wall between us that overrides the love!? *shakes her head* This is just..so sad.
You know, I remember once (before I came here) that an Adventist friend of mine said he got so angry when he saw people who called themselves Adventists yet they did not believe the 27 (28 now) fundamental beliefs. To him, why would someone want to do that in the first place? It's either lying to people because they will assume you believe something you don't, or it's creating a bad image for the church itself (Which 'this' arguing is doing). At the time I could sort of agree, but figured it was better to see someone at least a believer than not. Especially since I have not fully decided on everything yet, being new.
When I came here I saw a 'bit' of this. I couldn't figure out why so many people felt so differently about the main beliefs..but let it slide, figuring it's better we discuss them because 'someone' is right, no? Now, though, it has gotten to the point that we actually want to divide the church into two separate parts? I understand that the beliefs many Progressives hold are different than Traditionals, so maybe this is the only way that both will be happy..But I honestly hope not. Actually, I find it sad and hard enough to even label people as a Traditional or a Progressive. Do you guys have any idea what this looks like to newbies? It's not giving a good feel about our church, nor will having two separate areas in general.
Now, I'm aware that nothing I say is going to magically transform anyone's beliefs..and I do not wish for that to happen. I'd rather see every person believe differently as long as they are 'true' to what they believe, and have valid reasons with themselves for those beliefs. What hurts me (and God too, I bet) is when this difference in beliefs turns into issues that become greater than love and acceptance of one another. Especially when those who are His followers are concerned.
Has it really gotten to the point that we cannot live with eachother in the limited time we spend at this forum in a peaceful, understanding environment? Is it so that moderators or separate sub-forums are simply not enough now because we cannot be fair to eachother in the main area? *Sigh*
To be clear on this, I voted for the Progressive sub-forum in the first poll because I felt it was only fair since we wanted a Traditional one. Why shouldn't there be a place that people of the same beliefs can go and discuss them without creating debate? I did find it interesting, though, that many only wanted a debate forum rather than a Progressive one. It sort of makes you question why they would only be interested in debate, and not fellowship of like-minds. However, that is not for me to decide because I am not a part of that.
Actually, don't even consider myself a Traditional or Progressive. If people must know, I believe in all of the fundamental beliefs. I have not yet decided on Ellen White, though, because I am trying to focus on scripture study before I branch out to her books. I have no problem calling myself an Adventist with this, however, because I am not against her. I simply have no opinion at all...yet.
I want people to know that I'm not going to be voting for or against the split as of this point. I don't feel that I have been around enough of what is causing the issue to have a educated judgement on this. Also, I'm neither here nor there. I honestly have hope that we can live in peace and respect one another as Adventists, with sub-forums for specific purposes. We are all Christians, so I hope we could act like them.
But if this is the only way it will work, then I trust you guys to decide on that. I just don't feel comfortable choosing. I hope you all understand where I'm coming from, and know that I love you all dearly..Because you are all my brothers and sisters in Christ. I sincerely hope that God's Will will be done in this matter, and not Satan's.
Love, Blessings, and Prayers
Sarah
