Monday, February 13, 2012

Why I left Adventism

Growing up Adventist, I rarely heard of people leaving the Adventist church.  The few that day were thought to have backslidden, apostatized, or turned their backs on God.  Not once did I hear of anyone studying their way out of Adventism or leaving due to doctrinal reasons - after all, we had the truth.  And yet that is the sole reason I ended up leaving the Adventist church - over doctrines.  After months & even years of intensive Bible study, I realized that I could no longer reconcile the Bible with Ellen White or Adventist doctrines.  For that reason alone, I had to have my membership removed and find a Biblically-based church to attend.

My experience is far from unique.  It was only after studying my way out of Adventism that I became connected with a network of other former-Adventists who had very similiar experiences to mine.  In fact, just a few months ago, someone took an unofficial survey of "formers" to see why people left.  The vast majority left over doctrinal reasons after discovering that the Bible and SDA doctrines didn't line up.  Why isn't that common knowledge in Adventism?  Why do people still think people just leave over a "bad experience" or because they are backsliding?  This is clearly not the case.  Here is a link to the survey - https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K5T52NM - You can sign up to receive the results of it, too.

This experience of studying my way out of Adventism has been by far the most challenging and difficult thing I've had to face.  I've lost my reputation.  I've lost friends.  I've been personally insulted and had my motives & sanity questioned.  Why?  All because I posted what I've learned along the way.  It's not a pleasant task.  It would be much easier to keep quiet and let everything think I was still an Adventist.  But that would not be the right thing to do.

“I love you, and because I love you, I would sooner have you hate me for telling you the truth than adore me for telling you lies.”  Pietro Aretino


So, for the record, I didn't leave because I had a bad experience in Adventism.  I didn't leave because I wanted the easy way out (trust me, this is much harder).  I didn't leave because of the people.  I don't share what I've learned to hurt or attack anyone.  I don't want to offend anyone, but I would rather share what I've learned than keep quiet to avoid possible offense.

I would never, ever want someone to go against their conscience.  I'm not asking anyone to blindly give up with they believe in.  All I'm asking is that you check it out for yourself.  Look at the evidence on BOTH sides.  Pay attention to what happens when you start asking questions - especially honest, heart-felt questions.  It will surprise you...

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