Question about SDA

[daveleau]

How many sects or divisions are there in the SDA congregation? I know Baptists have many, as do Lutherans and many other Christian congregations. I am not asking "how many you agree with", but instead how many claim the SDA monicker.

Thanks
Dave

 

[smooze]

We have a main church and a break away group of church members. We call our group "Living word" We are a cell based church. Our church has a website. The cell based church is a church that meets in small groups and we switch around the groups so we can meet and greet others on a less impersonal level. Like in the body of a whole church structure. I believe the Cells reach more people, are more laid back. We have some scars on our "sects" list. the branch dividiens. But basically all SDA believe in the same things.
www.reallyliving.ca

 

[Windmill]

We have a main church and a break away group of church members. We call our group "Living word" We are a cell based church. Our church has a website. The cell based church is a church that meets in small groups and we switch around the groups so we can meet and greet others on a less impersonal level. Like in the body of a whole church structure. I believe the Cells reach more people, are more laid back. We have some scars on our "sects" list. the branch dividiens. But basically all SDA believe in the same things.
www.reallyliving.ca

I'm confused (my computer is junky, it won't let me access the site ) you mean to say, you don't go to a church?

 

[smooze]

NO we all meet once a week inbetween Sabbath to read the word of God and fellowship.

 

[Windmill]

Wow... really? Why not just join a church? Eh, I suppose I'll have to read the website >.< *goes to restart computer*

EDIT: Oh I get it! Thats neat! Wish my church was more like that Hehehe, since I'm planning on moving to Cananda when I'm older, maybe I'll check out this area and the church!

 

[daveleau]

How prevelant is the Reformed sect of SDA? What are the differences in beliefs between the Reformed SDAs and the traditional SDAs?

 

[smooze]

Oh much more enlightening and less draconic. repetative and boring. No thanks . Our church blasts the walls with our praise and worship. WE definately tell it on the mountains GOD bless everybody no matter how they come to know Jesus and fellowship with HIM

 

[daveleau]

So their beliefs are the same but their way of worship is more liturgical?

 

[SassySDA]

So their beliefs are the same but their way of worship is more liturgical?

You would have to look at each individual sect to determine the differences. In some way, each broke away from the General Conference.

Davidians believe something different from the ROG's, for example, and it goes on and on.

I am not familiar enough with each one to tell you specifically, what the differences are. You can Google it, though, and I'm sure you would be able to find a specific list of differences in beliefs.

PaleHorse would be an excellent source for this kind of information.

 

[TrustAndObey]

PaleHorse is out getting some thai food before Sabbath comes (I lurve that man!)...so I'll just have to "do."

Daveleau, there are different sects within our church, just like every other denomination. However, the fundamentals are the same within them all or they cannot claim the Adventist name in any fashion. (There was one group of homosexuals that claimed the Adventist name and it caused quite a ruckus).

What I mean is this...someone cannot claim to be Adventist that believes the 4th commandment was "nailed to the cross." Our faith stands firmly on God's Ten Commandments that endure forever. You won't hear of a member of any of the sects telling you that people go directly to heaven or hell upon death either.

It's been a long day (I'm a nanny), so I hope I'm being clear....there are certain unchangeable beliefs that our faith has. So even if you talk to an "Historical" SDA you will basically hear the same message, only a little stricter.

Is that what you're asking? Are you basically wanting to know how far the sects within the church differ from each other?

 

[daveleau]

Yep, that's it. Thanks!

 

[statrei]

I'm waiting for the next shoe to drop.

 

[daveleau]

What do you mean, statrei?

 

[honorthesabbath]

So their beliefs are the same but their way of worship is more liturgical?

Dave--The few groups that have broken off is over disagreements with the General Conference. You asked about the reformed SDA--they are actually the "HISTORIC" SDA's--in other words-they reject the "modernization" of the church. The Dividians are just plain whacked!! lol. That gay bunch that Lainie referred to are NOT part of our church. The SDA church denounces any kind of homosexual behavior.

Even though there are a few "sects"--the basic theology is the same.

Hope this helps---Honor

 

[statrei]

What do you mean, statrei?

The same question that nonChristians ask of Christians. Which one is the right one? If Christ prayed "that they may be one" how do Christians as a whole, or any sect in particular, explain the divisions they experience?

We are missing something. The train is heading down the wrong track, our of control, while the people in the railcars are arguing over which car is best appointed. This is plain insanity.

 

[NeverADullMoment]

I respectfully disagree that all Davidians are whacked. I'm not Davidian, but they do hold the same fundamental beliefs as we do so even though some of them have gone extreme, we cannot turn our backs on them.

The same question that nonChristians ask of Christians. Which one is the right one?

He didn't ask which one was right. I don't think any of our moderators are Adventist, so he's asking what a person can believe in and still be considered Adventist. It's a fair question.

 

[statrei]

I respectfully disagree that all Davidians are whacked. I'm not Davidian, but they do hold the same fundamental beliefs as we do so even though some of them have gone extreme, we cannot turn our backs on them.



He didn't ask which one was right. I don't think any of our moderators are Adventist, so he's asking what a person can believe in and still be considered Adventist. It's a fair question.

But now you have detailed SOME of the different groups the question follows. They can't all be right.

 

[NeverADullMoment]

They can't all be right

.They can't all be Adventists either. If a church teaches things that are not within our fundamental beliefs, they must change their name. If I say I am Baptist but do not believe in eternal torment, then I'm sure the people within that church system would ask me to seek a church that teaches the way I believe.

 

[daveleau]

The same question that nonChristians ask of Christians. Which one is the right one? If Christ prayed "that they may be one" how do Christians as a whole, or any sect in particular, explain the divisions they experience?

We are missing something. The train is heading down the wrong track, our of control, while the people in the railcars are arguing over which car is best appointed. This is plain insanity.

I didn't ask what was right. I asked a very different question that has nothing to do with what you are talking about. Frankly speaking, I think SDA has several incorrect theologies or else I would be SDA. (Christians gravitate to whatever you think is most Scriptural.) I am asking how divergent SDA can get and still be considered under the most liberal terms an SDA.

 

[Cliff2]

I didn't ask what was right. I asked a very different question that has nothing to do with what you are talking about. Frankly speaking, I think SDA has several incorrect theologies or else I would be SDA. (Christians gravitate to whatever you think is most Scriptural.) I am asking how divergent SDA can get and still be considered under the most liberal terms an SDA.

I do not believe that Branch Davidians can be called SDA's

Livingstone Fagan states that "God is Thought" (Fagan, p. 14) and as a result the Branch Davidians are greatly concerned with the "Mind of God." Their idea of God is not, however, impersonal, as they believe in a Godhead with a Heavenly Father, and with a feminine Holy Spirit as a Heavenly Mother (The Holy Spirit, She, 1979 and other works by Lois Roden).

That statement is not main stream SDA Theology.

Salvation

To the Branch Davidians "salvation" entails knowing and understanding the Seven Seals, as Koresh "Prophesied" and wrote

Again the SDA Church does not accept this concept at all.

Jesus is seen as having achieved this unity and becoming Christ sometime before his 40 days of fasting in the wilderness, this 40 day fast proved that he was one with the Eternal Mind of God, and could live forever, even without food and water (Fagan, p. 28). Jesus is seen as having come to teach the Seven Seals. But, mankind did not accept the Seals. Jesus had failed in his mission and was crucified. Fagan explains:

Just not Biblical at all.

Back to your original question.

I am asking how divergent SDA can get and still be considered under the most liberal terms an SDA

There are always going to be some members who will try and stretch the limits of what is acceptable and what is not.

One must believe in the Second Coming and the 7th day Sabbath.

The belief in the Trinity is also a must.

Belief in basic Christianity as along with other Christian denominations is required. In other words one must believe that Jesus Christ is the Saviour and Redeemer.

To be a geniune historic SDA I believe that one must believe in the "Sanctuary" doctrine. That includes end time prophecy, investigative judgement.

Creation of the world in 6 days and about 6,000 years old.

The "State of the Dead", soul sleep.

There are probably a few others but others can add to them if they so desire.

Once you start to leave the above list then it starts to get a bit tricky.

Take the "Trinity", if one openly disagrees with that then they may be asked to come forward and state what they believe. If there is too much difference then that person may be asked to surrender their membership. I have seen it happen.

If one smokes, drinks, or uses/sells drugs the same will also happens.

I do not go to the movies, but if someone else does then that person will not be asked to come and present a case for movie going so they can remain members. Same as coffe and tea drinking. It is something that is not promoted but one does not surrender Church membership for using them.

Most SDA's do not wear or use jewellery, but if one does then in most cases will not be asked to give up membership.

I suppose there are two main groups of SDA's, the liberals and the conservatives.

Trust that this will help you.