BaptoVentists

[Guest charis]

Every week my church has a potluck out in the Fellowship hall. This coming Sabbath potluck is going to be a little bit different. The Baptist church pastor and members are going to be there too, and will bring their variety of food for the potluck as well.

There's been some *worry* that the Baptists might bring **gasp** meat dishes, and wondered if *we who know better* should tell them not to do so. My hat is off to our pastor and church board for saying NO to such orders. What has been planned is that the various foods will be labeled as meat or vegetarian dishes.

The Baptist pastor has become friends with our SDA pastor - mutual interests, etc, and there is an undercurrent of interest in the Sabbath on his part.

I think it's going to be an interesting time....

[Clio]

Especially since there is a branch of Baptists called the Seventh-day Baptists. They keep Sabbath and have done so longer than Adventists.

Please keep us posted on how this goes.... I think it's AWESOME!

Clio

[Denise]

Wow, that should be interesting, can't wait to see how it turned out!

[Neil D]

This is a great begining, but I fear that it will end in failure...

The baptists will be offering thier finest dishes, which will have meat in them...

and we, 'who know better', will not eat it. which will offfend them. that is my greatest fear...our demanding that they conform to our dietary restrictions [and that is what the baptists will look at our rejection of eating thier offered dishes]...

Unless OUR members have been asked to set aside their prefrences and not offend the good will that the baptists have offered, it may be doomed to failure...Oh, that our congregation would act as one seeking kindness and look at this as a great oppertunity ....

[Woody]

Are you serving COFFEE ??!!

[Guest charis]

Hmmm.....

Are you serving COFFEE ??!!

hehehe

I don't know about other SDA members in my church, but I DO know that I and my mom are intentionally planning to sample *the other food*....

I remember an old couple in my church years ago telling me about their experiences as missionaries in the South Pacific during WWII. When offered food (which obviously had meat in it) by island natives, they never questioned what the recipe was. They thanked the villagers, and thanked God for the food, and ate it even though they were strict vegetarians.

[olger]

Neil/Charis, I think it's good that you/we are making friends with other people. That can be done with dignity on our part while staying true to the light we have.

No one has the ability to shame us into eating poorly, we alone are responsible for what we consume. You would be surprised at the people who are desperate for good information on how to eat better. This could be a good thing for them.

olger

[olger]

Seventh-day Adventists Have the Highest Average Life Expectancy in the U.S.

"Seventh-day Adventists have the highest average life expectancy in the country--88 years, according to one study. This group is quite diverse in terms of race and geographic location, but they have homogenous health habits, which are dictated by their religion. They're vegetarian, they don't smoke or drink alcohol, they regularly exercise, they eat in moderation, and they really set aside some time for family and religion. All that may help them manage stress well. And, lo and behold, they have life expetancies about 10 years greater than those of average Americans. I would venture to say that that's largely because of these health habits."

This info is from U.S. News and World Report, July 18, 2007. Here is the complete article:

health

[Jerry D Thomas]

I remember once when my father was pastoring and some new members were attending their first potluck. They proudly informed him that they had brought fried chicken for the meal. Fearing that his members would be put off and possibly share discouraging words, he thought, "I'd better hurry down and get some chicken so these new members don't get offended so early in their experience."

But by the time he got to the fellowship hall and got his plate, he was too late--the chicken was all gone!

[Neil D]

Quote:

No one has the ability to shame us into eating poorly, we alone are responsible for what we consume. You would be surprised at the people who are desperate for good information on how to eat better. This could be a good thing for them.

Olger,

Tell me...what is more important- People's feelings or being a strict vegetarian?

Is one meal with a chicken leg gonna shorten our lifespan of 88 years to just 87 years? Are a group of people who come to you bearing what they feel are good gifts of food to be rejected based upon thier food preferences?

Ok, lets say that eating that chicken leg will shorten your lifespan by one year...but in return for that year, those baptists come to see the goodness of God in a new way thru your sacrifice? What is that worth, eh? Maybe God is asking you to sacrifice your belief in keeping yourself fit for the enlightenment of those who do not know God the way we do.....

Besides, being a vegetarian is a focus on self, not God. Whereas focusing on people's feelings is focusing on something outside of self.....

[Guest gem]

But by the time he got to the fellowship hall and got his plate, he was too late--the chicken was all gone!

hehehe

[Math_Mom]

Well, I congratulate your church and pastor Charis. I personally think it is a great idea. I have had the pleasure of singing at SDA churches where there is fried chicken and curried goat. I personally love that. I will tell you why. Most potlucks at the churches I sing at are "Vegetarian", but, what they do have is a ton of cheese in everything. Well, I can't eat cheese. So at most SDA potlucks I have bread, rice and beans, if they have that. Sometimes the salad has cheese, so I can't even eat that.

So, sometimes I worry about our "vegetarian" stance. I don't necessarily think it may be a healthy thing if it is laced with cheese.

I think we as a church need to remember that Jesus came to teach how we were to be. He at with Tax collectors and sinners. Sometimes we think we are so much better, but are we?

Hey Charis.... do you live in the chicago area?If so, I think I might know you.

[olger]

Neil, the church of Righteousness by Atherosclerosis is a growing movement. You may have my share. Some favorites from their Hymnal:

* "Maximum Consumpion"-The Kinks

* "Eat It" - "Weird" Al Yankovic

* "Junkfood junkie"-Larry Groce

* "300 LBS OF Hongry"-Carlene Carter. And last but not least...

* "Big Fat Ham"-Jelly Roll Morton

Ps. Nope, I do not place feelings over truth. The Enemy evidently does, as indicated by his first temptation of The Lord (Matthew 4:3).

regards,

oG

[ChildofChrist]

There have been times that I was at a party and ate nothing but vegetables while the steak etc was on the table.

If I were allergic to wheat, "they" would not insist that I eat that bread.

My brother-in-law loves cucumbers but they don't like him so he simply by-passes that item.

Is that any different?

Vegetarianism is not what it use to be...it is accepted by the world as a lifestyle. I recall when I was a kid in middle school, the kids would ask me all sorts of questions. They thought that the new kid was way out there. :)

[olger]

Thanks for the post CoC. We need good examples like the ones you shared.

I am amazed at the people who ask me about eating healthier. People are definitely hurting and looking for light.

It helps to humble ourselves and say (when asked) "I used to struggle in that area too and this is how I obtained freedom." Let me tell you, people in out faturated culture are ready to listen.

oG

[Neil D]

Olger,

You are applying one on one evangelizing techniques on a group. Sociolgy 101 states that you can NOT do that if you wish a favorable outcome. :Jesusfish:

As Adventists, we do more harm than we realize when our group, as a group, unilaterally rejects a group...especially when that said group is offering a peace offering in the form of food.

While I am sure they have researched what SDAs are [as a group], and realize that we [as a group] will not eat pork products, they may feel that they can offer food in the form of fish, chicken and beef...things that are not against our religion and common things that they can eat.

As a first contact, it would behoove us, if we want true friends, to not insist that our vegetarian ways are absolute. That there is compromise for the sake of friendship, just like God compromised and became a man for our sake. :bible:

Now, on an individual basis [that is, a one on one situation], we can tell the baptist INDIVIDUAL of our better eating habits, and longer life styles due to our vegetarian preferences...Then when the baptists get together to compare notes, they will do thier own search and find things to substanciate our claims. This allows the Holy Spirit to act and work....We don't have to upserp the Holy Spirit's job....

But to outright reject a group as a group, without allowing the group to think for itself, and find out for itself, is just plain rude...and inhuman, and trying to be god...I'm sorry, know too many adventists like that....some, fortunately have repented of thier mistakes....

[Woody]

Thanks for the post CoC. We need good examples like the ones you shared.

I am amazed at the people who ask me about eating healthier. People are definitely hurting and looking for light.

It helps to humble ourselves and say (when asked) "I used to struggle in that area too and this is how I obtained freedom." Let me tell you, people in out faturated culture are ready to listen.

oG

Olger ... Ellen White agrees with you ....

"The world's Redeemer, who knows well the state of society in the last days, represents eating and drinking as the sins that condemn this age." Te 100

[LifeHiscost]

The Enemy evidently does, as indicated by his first temptation of The Lord (Matthew 4:3).

regards,

oG

How about this temptation;

"Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman,

"Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?"

The woman said to the serpent, "From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat;

but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.'"

The serpent said to the woman, "You surely will not die!

"For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband... " Gen 3:1-6 NASB

Regards!

[LifeHiscost]

Vegetarianism is not what it use to be...it is accepted by the world as a lifestyle.

The seeds of that lifestyle, so well accepted in this present NA society, was largely planted in the past by disciples of Christ who were willing to step out in faith, against the norms of societal mores, and accept abuse just for obeying and sharing with others, to the best of their ability.

Would that more today felt comfortable in receiving resistence of others when only striving to serve the Lord as He has led them.

"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake." Matthew 5:11 KJV

Regards!

[LifeHiscost]

Maybe God is asking you to sacrifice your belief in keeping yourself fit for the enlightenment of those who do not know God the way we do.....

Besides, being a vegetarian is a focus on self, not God. Whereas focusing on people's feelings is focusing on something outside of self.....

"And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat."

Yummy!!

Regards!

[LifeHiscost]

This is a great begining, but I fear that it will end in failure...

The baptists will be offering thier finest dishes, which will have meat in them...

and we, 'who know better', will not eat it. which will offfend them. that is my greatest fear...our demanding that they conform to our dietary restrictions [and that is what the baptists will look at our rejection of eating thier offered dishes]...

Unless OUR members have been asked to set aside their prefrences and not offend the good will that the baptists have offered, it may be doomed to failure...Oh, that our congregation would act as one seeking kindness and look at this as a great oppertunity ....

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Matthew 23:23 KJV

Regards!

[Neil D]

Originally Posted By: Neil D

Maybe God is asking you to sacrifice your belief in keeping yourself fit for the enlightenment of those who do not know God the way we do.....

Besides, being a vegetarian is a focus on self, not God. Whereas focusing on people's feelings is focusing on something outside of self.....

"And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat."

Yummy!!

Regards!

So, we are comparing the allegence of God vs the friendship/relationship of people....?

Is this what you are saying, Life?

So when someone offers something that they themselves consider good, to us, and we rebuke them for being ignorant, that is a good thing?

If we, being sinful parents, hear our child cry out in hunger, shall we give them a stone?

We have potiential friends...Shall we rebuke them for thier ignorance ? Is that how you make friends?

I have never had much success with that...have you, Life?

[Neil D]

Originally Posted By: Neil D

This is a great begining, but I fear that it will end in failure...

The baptists will be offering thier finest dishes, which will have meat in them...

and we, 'who know better', will not eat it. which will offfend them. that is my greatest fear...our demanding that they conform to our dietary restrictions [and that is what the baptists will look at our rejection of eating thier offered dishes]...

Unless OUR members have been asked to set aside their prefrences and not offend the good will that the baptists have offered, it may be doomed to failure...Oh, that our congregation would act as one seeking kindness and look at this as a great oppertunity ....

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Matthew 23:23 KJV

Regards!

Ok, you quoted the bible...what does that mean to you in this context?

[Woody]

Neil ... there can be no interpretation or context ... what you are supposed to do is to just throw out Bible texts and hope they stick.

[Neil D]

Neil ... there can be no interpretation or context ... what you are supposed to do is to just throw out Bible texts and hope they stick.

Hope they stick? What are bible texts? Are they the equivilant of luggies? Something spit out and hope it sticks to a person? Isn't that sort of vulgar???

Man, all I can do tonight is ask questions....I must be an ignoramus....

[i figured I would say it before all the rest of you do and save you the trouble....]