SOP on Political Issues

[reddogs]

This is something I came across that as brethren we must all read and think about... 'Our Attitude in Regard to Politics
—Those who have charge of our institutions and our schools should guard themselves diligently, lest by their words and sentiments they lead the students into false paths. Those who teach the Bible in our churches and our schools are not at liberty to unite in making apparent their prejudices for or against political men or measures, because by so doing they stir up the minds of others, leading each to advocate his favorite theory. There are among those professing to believe present truth, some who will thus be stirred up to express their sentiments and political preferences, so that division will be brought into the church. {GW 391.1}
The Lord would have His people bury political questions. On these themes silence is eloquence. Christ calls upon His followers to come into unity on the pure gospel principles which are plainly revealed in the word of God. We cannot with safety vote for political parties; for we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety take part in any political scheme. We cannot labor to please men who will use their influence to repress religious liberty, and to set in operation oppressive measures to lead or compel their fellow-men to keep Sunday as the Sabbath. The first day of the week is not a day to be reverenced. It is a spurious sabbath, and the members of the Lord's family cannot participate with the men who exalt this day, and violate the law of God by trampling upon His Sabbath. The people of God are not to vote to place such men in office; for when they do this, they are partakers with them of the sins which they commit while in office. {GW 391.2}

 

[BobRyan]

indeed - religious teachers/leaders should not be promoting politics because this makes it all the more difficult to evangelize someone who happens to have a different political opinion

 

[BobRyan]

Having said that Ellen and James White claimed God would curse the Adventist that did not vote in favor of abolition of slavery - because that was a "value of human life" moral issue not a strictly political one.

Come to think of it ... we still have those "value of human life" moral issues to vote on.

 

[Gary K]

Ellen White on the question of becoming politically involved with the prohibition question.

Use Influence for Temperance—The advocates of temperance fail to do their whole duty unless they exert their influence by precept and example—by voice and pen and vote—in favor of prohibition and total abstinence.—The Review and Herald, November 8, 1881. {DG 123.2}

We talk of the results, tremble at the results, and wonder what we can do with the terrible results, while too often we tolerate and even sanction the cause. The advocates of temperance fail to do their whole duty unless they exert their influence by precept and example—by voice and pen and vote— in favor of prohibition and total abstinence. We need not expect that God will work a miracle to bring about this reform, and thus remove the necessity for our exertion. We ourselves must grapple with this giant foe, our motto, No compromise and no cessation of our efforts till the victory is gained.... {GW 387.3}

“‘Shall we vote for prohibition?’ she asked. ‘Yes, to a man, everywhere,’ she replied, ‘and perhaps I shall shock some of you if I say, If necessary, vote on the Sabbath day for prohibition if you cannot at any other time.’”— Ibid. {3BIO 160.1}

I'd say Ellen White advocated for political involvement during the time the vote on prohibition came up. And no SDA should ever question that Ellen White advocated for political involvement in the Sunday Blue Laws question.

What Ellen White advocated against was party politics. Meaning joining a political party and then voting a party ticket. There is a lot of that type of advice against becoming involved in politics that way. And the reasons why are blatantly obvious. But on the other side of politics, getting involved in moral issues that affect the moral direction of the nation and the harm those moral practices cause those involved in, affected by, them, she was very clear that SDAs ought to be very involved in standing for what the Bible teaches on the principles of morality.

When we look at how Ellen White stood, politically, on moral issues, I don't think it should take us even half a second to understand how she would stand on political questions like transgenderism, pedophilia, homosexuality, abortion, etc....

If we stay silent on these types of questions we are failing in our duty to stand up for what is right. And that is a very serious moral problem on our part.

 

[Gary K]

Having said that Ellen and James White claimed God would curse the Adventist that did not vote in favor of abolition of slavery - because that was a "value of human life" moral issue not a strictly political one.

Come to think of it ... we still have those "value of human life" moral issues to vote on.

I have looked in vain for such a quote on slavery. I don't doubt that God would view slavery and not being fully opposed to it in such a manner. I've found multiple quotes on the evils of slavery, but I guess I just can't come up with the right parameters for the vote search. So could you post a/the quote where she says that?

 

[BobRyan]

Here is one of them --


There are a few in the ranks of Sabbathkeepers who sympathize with the slaveholder. When they embraced the truth, they did not leave behind them all the errors they should have left. They need a more thorough draft from the cleansing fountain of truth. Some have brought along with them their old political prejudices, which are not in harmony with the principles of the truth. They maintain that the slave is the property of the master, and should not be taken from him. They rank these slaves as cattle and say that it is wronging the owner just as much to deprive him of his slaves as to take away his cattle. I was shown that it mattered not how much the master had paid for human flesh and the souls of men; God gives him no title to human souls, and he has no right to hold them as his property. Christ died for the whole human family, whether white or black. God has made man a free moral agent, whether white or black. The institution of slavery does away with this and permits man to exercise over his fellow man a power which God has never granted him, and which belongs alone to God. The slave master has dared assume the responsibility of God over his slave, and accordingly he will be accountable for the sins, ignorance, and vice of the slave. He will be called to an account for the power which he exercises over the slave. The colored race are God’s property. Their Maker alone is their master, and those who have dared chain down the body and the soul of the slave, to keep him in degradation like the brutes, will have their retribution. The wrath of God has slumbered, but it will awake and be poured out without mixture of mercy. {1T 358.1}


At Rochester, New York, December 25, 1865, I was shown many things concerning the people of God in connection with His work for these last days. I saw that many professed Sabbathkeepers will come short of everlasting life. They fail to take warning from the course pursued by the children of Israel and fall into some of their evil ways. If they continue in these sins they will fall like the Israelites and never enter the heavenly Canaan. “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” {1T 533.2}


I saw that many would fall this side of the kingdom. God is testing and proving His people, and many will not endure the test of character, the measurement of God. Many will have close work to overcome their peculiar traits of character and be without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, unrebukable before God and man. Many professed Sabbathkeepers will be no special benefit to the cause of God or the church without a thorough reformation on their part. Many Sabbathkeepers are not right before God in their political views. They are not in harmony with God’s word or in union with the body of Sabbathkeeping believers. Their views do not accord with the principles of our faith. Sufficient light has been given to correct all who wish to be corrected. All who still retain political sentiments which are not in accordance with the spirit of truth are living in violation of the principles of heaven. Therefore as long as they thus remain they cannot possess the spirit of freedom and holiness. {1T 533.3}

 

[BobRyan]

“I was shown some things in regard to you. I saw that you were deceived in regard to yourself. You have given occasion for the enemies of our faith to blaspheme, and to reproach Sabbathkeepers. By your indiscreet course, you have closed the ears of some who would have listened to the truth. I saw that we should be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves. You have manifested neither the wisdom of the serpent nor the harmlessness of the dove. {1T 359.1}

“Satan was the first great leader in rebellion. God is punishing the North, that they have so long suffered the accursed sin of slavery to exist; for in the sight of heaven it is a sin of the darkest dye. God is not with the South, and He will punish them dreadfully in the end. Satan is the instigator of all rebellion. I saw that you, Brother A, have permitted your political principles to destroy your judgment and your love for the truth. They are eating out true godliness from your heart. You have never looked upon slavery in the right light, and your views of this matter have thrown you on the side of the Rebellion, which was stirred up by Satan and his host. Your views of slavery cannot harmonize with the sacred, important truths for this time. You must yield your views or the truth. Both cannot be cherished in the same heart, for they are at war with each other. {1T 359.2}

“Satan has been stirring you up. He would not let you rest until you should express your sentiments upon the side of the powers of darkness, thus strengthening the hands of the wicked, whom God has cursed. You have cast your influence on the wrong side, with those whose course of life is to sow thorns and plant misery for others. I saw you casting your influence with a degraded company, a Godforsaken company; and angels of God fled from you in disgust. I saw that you were utterly deceived. Had you followed the light which God has given you, had you heeded the instructions of your brethren, had you listened to their advice, you would have saved yourself and saved the precious cause of truth from reproach. But notwithstanding all the light given, you have given publicity to your sentiments. Unless you undo what you have done, it will be the duty of God’s people to publicly withdraw their sympathy and fellowship from you, in order to save the impression which must go out in regard to us as a people. We must let it be known that we have no such ones in our fellowship, that we will not walk with them in church capacity. {1T 359.3}

At the Conference at Roosevelt, New York, August 3, 1861, when the brethren and sisters were assembled on the day set apart for humiliation, fasting, and prayer, the Spirit of the Lord rested upon us, and I was taken off in vision and shown the sin of slavery, which has so long been a curse to this nation. The fugitive slave law was calculated to crush out of man every noble, generous feeling of sympathy that should arise in his heart for the oppressed and suffering slave. It was in direct opposition to the teaching of Christ. God’s scourge is now upon the North, because they have so long submitted to the advances of the slave power. The sin of Northern proslavery men is great. They have strengthened the South in their sin by sanctioning the extension of slavery; they have acted a prominent part in bringing the nation into its present distressed condition.{1T 264.2}

 

[Gary K]

“I was shown some things in regard to you. I saw that you were deceived in regard to yourself. You have given occasion for the enemies of our faith to blaspheme, and to reproach Sabbathkeepers. By your indiscreet course, you have closed the ears of some who would have listened to the truth. I saw that we should be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves. You have manifested neither the wisdom of the serpent nor the harmlessness of the dove. {1T 359.1}

“Satan was the first great leader in rebellion. God is punishing the North, that they have so long suffered the accursed sin of slavery to exist; for in the sight of heaven it is a sin of the darkest dye. God is not with the South, and He will punish them dreadfully in the end. Satan is the instigator of all rebellion. I saw that you, Brother A, have permitted your political principles to destroy your judgment and your love for the truth. They are eating out true godliness from your heart. You have never looked upon slavery in the right light, and your views of this matter have thrown you on the side of the Rebellion, which was stirred up by Satan and his host. Your views of slavery cannot harmonize with the sacred, important truths for this time. You must yield your views or the truth. Both cannot be cherished in the same heart, for they are at war with each other. {1T 359.2}

“Satan has been stirring you up. He would not let you rest until you should express your sentiments upon the side of the powers of darkness, thus strengthening the hands of the wicked, whom God has cursed. You have cast your influence on the wrong side, with those whose course of life is to sow thorns and plant misery for others. I saw you casting your influence with a degraded company, a Godforsaken company; and angels of God fled from you in disgust. I saw that you were utterly deceived. Had you followed the light which God has given you, had you heeded the instructions of your brethren, had you listened to their advice, you would have saved yourself and saved the precious cause of truth from reproach. But notwithstanding all the light given, you have given publicity to your sentiments. Unless you undo what you have done, it will be the duty of God’s people to publicly withdraw their sympathy and fellowship from you, in order to save the impression which must go out in regard to us as a people. We must let it be known that we have no such ones in our fellowship, that we will not walk with them in church capacity. {1T 359.3}

At the Conference at Roosevelt, New York, August 3, 1861, when the brethren and sisters were assembled on the day set apart for humiliation, fasting, and prayer, the Spirit of the Lord rested upon us, and I was taken off in vision and shown the sin of slavery, which has so long been a curse to this nation. The fugitive slave law was calculated to crush out of man every noble, generous feeling of sympathy that should arise in his heart for the oppressed and suffering slave. It was in direct opposition to the teaching of Christ. God’s scourge is now upon the North, because they have so long submitted to the advances of the slave power. The sin of Northern proslavery men is great. They have strengthened the South in their sin by sanctioning the extension of slavery; they have acted a prominent part in bringing the nation into its present distressed condition.{1T 264.2}

Thank you, Bob. I knew these quotes existed just couldn't figure out the correct search terms. This will be a great help.

 

[BibleDisciple]

I think we could all see the importance of opposing slavery. But Ellen White lumps abstinence from alcohol into the equation. How many SDA's think it's important today to vote to ban alcohol sales, (if they could)?

 

[reddogs]

There are moral issues that Christians have to stand up for, and temperance was one of them.

 

[Gary K]

I think we could all see the importance of opposing slavery. But Ellen White lumps abstinence from alcohol into the equation. How many SDA's think it's important today to vote to ban alcohol sales, (if they could)?

So you don't see abstinence from alcohol as a moral issue? Why not? Look at all the immoral things done under the influence of alcohol which otherwise would not have happened: child abuse, spousal abuse, adultery, theft, physical violence against other people, murder, etc....

Would I sell alcohol to make a living? Nope. It's a very profitable living but to live off it's sale and production is, in my eyes, a major moral issue. To me it's the same as voting against selling alcohol.

I once heavily used alcohol on a daily basis. Since I met Jesus I've been free of that bondage. So why would I want to help inflict that type of bondage on others? Isn't the keeping of God's law involved in living by the Golden Rule?

Matthew 7: 12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Do I want others to sell alcohol to my friends and grand kids and destroy their lives by/through consumption of it? No. So should I be willing to sell it to other people? No. That is the fulfilling of the entire law and the prophets. In other words, that is loving my fellow man as myself, and I can only do that if I love God with all my heart and all my soul. And I don't think it should be legal to sell poison for human usage, and alcohol is poison. Neither do I think it should be legal to sell tobacco for human usage for it clearly poisonous. So would I vote for that if it once again became a political issue? Of course for it is also a moral issue just like slavery for alcoholism and addiction to tobacco are forms of slavery.

 

[BibleDisciple]

I commend you that you are willing to vote your faith. I was reading this morning about how Joe Biden is a devout Catholic, and I thought to myself "How can he be a devout Catholic and support abortion?".

 

[reddogs]

Here is more from SOP..."Our work is to watch, and wait, and pray. Search the Scriptures. Christ has given you warning not to mingle with the world. We are to come out from among them and be separate, “and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” (2 Cor. 6:17, 18). Whatever the opinions you may entertain in regard to casting your vote in political questions, you are not to proclaim it by pen or voice. Our people need to be silent upon questions which have no relation to the third angel’s message. If ever a people needed to draw nigh to God, it is Seventh-day Adventists. There have been wonderful devices and plans made. A burning desire has taken hold of men or women to proclaim something, or bind up with something; they do not know what. But the silence of Christ upon many subjects was true eloquence. . . .

My brethren, will you not remember that none of you have any burden laid upon you by the Lord to publish your political preferences in our papers, or to speak of them in the congregation, when the people assemble to hear the Word of the Lord. . . .

We are not as a people to become mixed up with political questions. All would do well to take heed to the Word of God, Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers in political strife, nor bind with them in their attachments. There is no safe ground in which they can stand and work together. The loyal and the disloyal have no equal ground on which to meet.

He who breaks one precept of the commandments of God is a transgressor of the whole law. Keep your voting to yourself. Do not feel it your duty to urge everyone to do as you do.--Letter 4, 1898. 2SM 337.

 

[Gary K]

Here is more from SOP..."Our work is to watch, and wait, and pray. Search the Scriptures. Christ has given you warning not to mingle with the world. We are to come out from among them and be separate, “and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” (2 Cor. 6:17, 18). Whatever the opinions you may entertain in regard to casting your vote in political questions, you are not to proclaim it by pen or voice. Our people need to be silent upon questions which have no relation to the third angel’s message. If ever a people needed to draw nigh to God, it is Seventh-day Adventists. There have been wonderful devices and plans made. A burning desire has taken hold of men or women to proclaim something, or bind up with something; they do not know what. But the silence of Christ upon many subjects was true eloquence. . . .

My brethren, will you not remember that none of you have any burden laid upon you by the Lord to publish your political preferences in our papers, or to speak of them in the congregation, when the people assemble to hear the Word of the Lord. . . .

We are not as a people to become mixed up with political questions. All would do well to take heed to the Word of God, Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers in political strife, nor bind with them in their attachments. There is no safe ground in which they can stand and work together. The loyal and the disloyal have no equal ground on which to meet.

He who breaks one precept of the commandments of God is a transgressor of the whole law. Keep your voting to yourself. Do not feel it your duty to urge everyone to do as you do.--Letter 4, 1898. 2SM 337.

I went and read the entire letter. It seems to me Ellen White is once again talking about joining ourselves to political parties and then pushing party politics.

Look at what follows.

The principle for which the disciples stood so fearlessly when, in answer to the command not to speak any more in the name of Jesus, they declared, “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye,” is the same that the adherents of the gospel struggled to maintain in the days of the Reformation. When in 1529 the German princes assembled at the Diet of Spires, there was presented the emperor’s decree restricting religious liberty, and prohibiting all further dissemination of the reformed doctrines. It seemed that the hope of the world was about to be crushed out. Would the princes accept the decree? Should the light of the gospel be shut out from the multitudes still in darkness? Mighty issues for the world were at stake. Those who had accepted the reformed faith met together, and their unanimous decision was, “Let us reject this decree. In matters of conscience the majority has no power.”—Merle d’Aubigne, History of the Reformation, b. 13, ch. 5. {AA 68.1}
This principle we in our day are firmly to maintain. The banner of truth and religious liberty held aloft by the founders of the gospel church and by God’s witnesses during the centuries that have passed since then, has, in this last conflict, been committed to our hands. The responsibility for this great gift rests with those whom God has blessed with a knowledge of His word. We are to receive this word as supreme authority. We are to recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment, and teach obedience to it as a sacred duty, within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict with the claims of God, we must obey God rather than men. God’s word must be recognized as above all human legislation. A “Thus saith the Lord” is not to be set aside for a “Thus saith the church” or a “Thus saith the state.” The crown of Christ is to be lifted above the diadems of earthly potentates. {AA 68.2}

Right now liberty is under attack in ways we as a church have never seen. So we are to stay out of this big political fight because it is a political fight? Really? Is that what Ellen White said here?

I think you need to put all of her quotes together rather than just looking at one side of the issue. Remember what Ellen White said about the slavery and prohibition political issues? That we would be held morally responsible by God if we didn't join the fight on the right side of it. Your quotes seem to always be on the side of not doing anything in the political arena no matter what the issues at stake. These issues need discussion and we need to look at the political realities of who is doing what. We are looking at the destruction of religious liberty and the right to speak freely on political issues. If we cannot freely exercise these rights we have no liberty left. We will be living under a totalitarian regime in which if we speak out we will end up on jail. Silence on political issues is exactly the wrong thing to do.

 

[reddogs]

I went and read the entire letter. It seems to me Ellen White is once again talking about joining ourselves to political parties and then pushing party politics.

Look at what follows.



Right now liberty is under attack in ways we as a church have never seen. So we are to stay out of this big political fight because it is a political fight? Really? Is that what Ellen White said here?

I think you need to put all of her quotes together rather than just looking at one side of the issue. Remember what Ellen White said about the slavery and prohibition political issues? That we would be held morally responsible by God if we didn't join the fight on the right side of it. Your quotes seem to always be on the side of not doing anything in the political arena no matter what the issues at stake. These issues need discussion and we need to look at the political realities of who is doing what. We are looking at the destruction of religious liberty and the right to speak freely on political issues. If we cannot freely exercise these rights we have no liberty left. We will be living under a totalitarian regime in which if we speak out we will end up on jail. Silence on political issues is exactly the wrong thing to do.

That is my take on it, and what I told my classmate who is going overboard on some of these political issues and these groups, is that we know from SOP that eventually it will lead to the image of the beast.

God sets up and takes down kings, and we have to leave it in His hands. So we need to vote our conscious and leave it at that, or we may find our words supporting groups of hate and destruction, as prophecy is fullfilled.

 

[BibleDisciple]

Reddogs, I don't understand what you mean here:

"So we need to vote our conscious and leave it at that, or we may find our words supporting groups of hate and destruction, as prophecy is fullfilled."

How is not voting our conscience supporting groups of hate and destruction?

 

[Gary K]

That is my take on it, and what I told my classmate who is going overboard on some of these political issues and these groups, is that we know from SOP that eventually it will lead to the image of the beast.

God sets up and takes down kings, and we have to leave it in His hands. So we need to vote our conscious and leave it at that, or we may find our words supporting groups of hate and destruction, as prophecy is fullfilled.

I'm also not sure of your meaning.

It seems to me that you're saying never to vote in a presidential election, or help elect any politician. Well, I don't understand that. In these days when one political party is openly supporting every immoral behavior around, and working their hardest to destroy the constitution that voting against them is a spiritual and a patriotic duty for a Christian. The desire for the common man to support a Sunday law is going to come about because because of all the evil we could ever imagine, and then some, is being pushed by one side. That's what is going to bring about the swing from one extreme in evil to the other. And, the less opposition there is to evil the greater will be the swing in the opposite direction.

Ellen White tell us to support the fight for liberty: to get fully involved in that fight. Are we supposed to not support that fight because that side will eventually turn on us? I don't see that as a reasonable behavior on our part. Not standing up for truth and liberty, including religious freedom and liberty of conscience, will only make matters worse. People need to know where we stand and that we have the courage to stand by our convictions. Whenever did Jesus hide His principles and positions? I can't think of a time. Yes, He used parables, but that wasn't hiding what He thought for the parables He used made truth stand out clearly to those who wanted to know truth. Those who misunderstood His parables either deliberately misunderstood them, or their minds were so closed it was impossible for light to enter.

 

[BobRyan]

I think we could all see the importance of opposing slavery. But Ellen White lumps abstinence from alcohol into the equation. How many SDA's think it's important today to vote to ban alcohol sales, (if they could)?

There is the rub.

Most of the last six commandments are legally enforceable at some level - and most american approve of laws against Cocaine and Heroine ... but they do not "imagine" alcohol abuse to be in that same category.

Now lets take killing babies, redefining gender, redefining marriage... are these also the sorts of things that fit into that same category of "vote against those measures"?? Surely if "vote to not let them sell alcohol" is a valid political statement for SDAs as a denomination - then so also on these other topics.

 

[reddogs]

Reddogs, I don't understand what you mean here:

"So we need to vote our conscious and leave it at that, or we may find our words supporting groups of hate and destruction, as prophecy is fullfilled."

How is not voting our conscience supporting groups of hate and destruction?

Adventist believe in the prophecy that the image of the Beast will enforce the laws and traditions of the Beast of Revelation, and these laws will be used against the remnant. We are seeing this being put in place and if we support these ideas of enforcing a 'day of rest' for climate change as we see and the pandemic, etc.. we may find these same people pushing these ideas, persecuting the remnant at the end.

 

[reddogs]

Here is a few of the quotes I was looking for....

The United States Will Pass a Sunday Law
When our nation shall so abjure the principles of its government as to enact a Sunday law, Protestantism will in this act join hands with popery.—Testimonies for the Church 5:712 (1889). LDE 128.2

Protestants will throw their whole influence and strength on the side of the papacy. By a national act enforcing the false sabbath they will give life and vigor to the corrupt faith of Rome, reviving her tyranny and oppression of conscience.—Maranatha, 179 (1893). LDE 128.3

Sooner or later Sunday laws will be passed.—The Review and Herald, February 16, 1905. LDE 128.4

Soon the Sunday laws will be enforced, and men in positions of trust will be embittered against the little handful of God's commandment-keeping people.—Manuscript Releases 4:278 (1909). LDE 129.1

The prophecy of Revelation 13 declares that the power represented by the beast with lamblike horns shall cause “the earth and them which dwell therein” to worship the papacy—there symbolized by the beast “like unto a leopard”.... This prophecy will be fulfilled when the United States shall enforce Sunday observance, which Rome claims as the special acknowledgment of her supremacy.... LDE 129.2

Political corruption is destroying love of justice and regard for truth, and even in free America rulers and legislators, in order to secure public favor, will yield to the popular demand for a law enforcing Sunday observance.—The Great Controversy, 578, 579, 592 (1911). LDE 129.3

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