Woody Posted September 2, 2009 Posted September 2, 2009 I am curious about the differences in Adventism from one country or culture within our church. For instance ... some cultures drink wine. Some wear rings. Some have more than one wife. Some go to movie theaters. Some particiate in sports swimming or school on Sabbath. Some have women pastors. Etc Etc. Do you have any more to add to this short list. And how do we reconcile this? Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Stewart (SDA) Posted September 2, 2009 Posted September 2, 2009 I find this to be an interesting area, Redwood. There are some relevant comments in the Spirit of Prophecy, but I think this is probably one of the clearest: "There must be a firm determination on the part of our laborers to break with the established customs of the people whenever it is essential to the advancement of the work of God. The work might be much farther advanced in Europe if some of those who have embraced the truth were not so wedded to the habits and customs of nationalities. They plead that the efforts of our ministers must be made to conform to these customs and prejudices, or nothing will be accomplished. This has had a binding influence upon the work from its commencement. The effort that has been made to conform to English customs, to eat and drink English, to dress and sleep English, has circumscribed the work, and it is now years behind what it might have been. The effort to keep bound about by French customs and ideas has hindered the work in France. My heart aches as I hear our brethren say, Such an one does not understand how to labor for these nationalities. Does not God know what the people need? and will He not direct His servants? Is not the truth one? Are not the teachings of the Bible one? Let God give His messengers the word to speak, and His blessing will not fail to attend their labors." RH Dec. 8, 1885 ____________________ There is certainly a need for balance and discretion when working in an unfamiliar culture, but as far as Spiritual principle goes, the words of the apostle are good: "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (1Cor 1:10) This is entirely achievable... _________ Regards, Stewart Quote
Woody Posted September 2, 2009 Author Posted September 2, 2009 Thanks Stewart. Appreciate your post. But I was wondering ... have I mischaracterized the post by labeling the differences as "culture" ? Could it be that they just have a different understanding of scripture and the SOP compared to others? Perhaps I should apologize. What do you think? Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Stewart (SDA) Posted September 2, 2009 Posted September 2, 2009 Thanks Stewart. Appreciate your post. But I was wondering ... have I mischaracterized the post by labeling the differences as "culture" ? Could it be that they just have a different understanding of scripture and the SOP compared to others? Perhaps I should apologize. What do you think? Thank you. You've got me thinking Redwood. "We differ so widely in disposition, habits, education, that our ways of looking at things [do] vary. We judge differently. Our understanding of truth, our ideas in regard to the conduct of life, are not in all respects the same. There are no two whose experience is alike in every particular." (MH 483) And yes, in terms of different nationalities, all these points would certainly be magnified. Quote
Woody Posted September 3, 2009 Author Posted September 3, 2009 Excellent thoughts. Thank you. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Moderators Bravus Posted September 3, 2009 Moderators Posted September 3, 2009 My paraphrase of that EGW comment: "If those dang Frenchies were a lot more like Americans, this American religious group would spread a whole lot quicker over there". Maybe that's too cynical, but why is it that for 'them' it's culture, for 'us' it's either just what folks do or (worse) it's how God ordained things should be done... Quote Truth is important
Stewart (SDA) Posted September 3, 2009 Posted September 3, 2009 My mind has gone to what I think could reasonably be called "a cultural problem" in the early days of the church. It involved Paul and Timothy. I do think that Paul's decision here was a very good one. It had the effect of removing what could have become a serious "cultural barrier". It appears that the barrier/impediment was un-necessary, so it was simply removed. The barrier was the "uncircumcision" of Timothy. ____________________ "As a precautionary measure, Paul wisely advised Timothy to be circumcised--not that God required it, but in order to remove from the minds of the Jews that which might be an objection to Timothy's ministration. In his work Paul was to journey from city to city, in many lands, and often he would have opportunity to preach Christ in Jewish synagogues, as well as in other places of assembly." "If it should be known that one of his companions in labor was uncircumcised, his work might be greatly hindered by the prejudice and bigotry of the Jews. Everywhere the apostle met determined opposition and severe persecution. He desired to bring to his Jewish brethren, as well as to the Gentiles, a knowledge of the gospel, and therefore he sought, so far as was consistent with the faith, to remove every pretext for opposition. Yet while he conceded this much to Jewish prejudice, he believed and taught circumcision or uncircumcision to be nothing and the gospel of Christ everything." (AA 204) ________ Stewart Quote
Woody Posted September 3, 2009 Author Posted September 3, 2009 How did they know he was not circumcised. Did they have the right to look? Or did you have to carry proof of the procedure from a licensed MD ? Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Guest Posted September 3, 2009 Posted September 3, 2009 That's what I was wondering. How many times did he have to show it? Did he have to show it everywhere he went? Quote
Stewart (SDA) Posted September 3, 2009 Posted September 3, 2009 How did they know he was not circumcised. Did they have the right to look? Or did you have to carry proof of the procedure from a licensed MD ? It was fairly commonly known that Timothy's father was a Greek. And so I expect that the Jews would have had suspicions about Timothy. Initially at least, the Jews would have been looking for anything that could be called a fault. I don't know how it would have been confirmed either way, but of course public baths were then in common use, as also were public toilets. If Timothy had remained uncircumcised, it would eventually have become known among the Jews, I am sure. Stewart. Quote
Woody Posted September 3, 2009 Author Posted September 3, 2009 I knew I could depend upon you for a good answer. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Members phkrause Posted September 3, 2009 Members Posted September 3, 2009 Maybe he wore the cut off around his neck on a string? pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Lutz13 Posted September 3, 2009 Posted September 3, 2009 Maybe he wore the cut off around his neck on a string? pk Ooooh man. I laughed really loud at that... Quote
Woody Posted September 3, 2009 Author Posted September 3, 2009 Oh no. What have I started. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Twilight Posted September 3, 2009 Posted September 3, 2009 This is an interesting question... Remember when God ordered King Saul to wipe out a whole race of people. Could they have used the "culture" argument? Example: "Well, it is cultural for us to sacrifice our children, especially the first born. Are you sure there is not a way to allow that by "interpreting" scripture?" "And what about "beastiality", you might not indulge, but it is part of our "culture"? Why is that wrong?" ........... Simple point, culture is not above Gods standards. Gods standards come first, then within that culture can operate. But many percieve it the other way around... Mark Quote The best wisdom is always second hand...
Woody Posted September 3, 2009 Author Posted September 3, 2009 Some cultures interpret things differently than others. I don't think we need to accuse them of putting 'culture' ahead of God. I don't think that is the case. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Twilight Posted September 3, 2009 Posted September 3, 2009 Some cultures interpret things differently than others. I don't think we need to accuse them of putting 'culture' ahead of God. I don't think that is the case. So what if a "homosexual" culture comes to the bible? Quote The best wisdom is always second hand...
Woody Posted September 3, 2009 Author Posted September 3, 2009 I have no idea what you are trying to say. Perhaps it is the culture I am from. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
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