If you had the power to make changes in Adventism, what would they be?

[mrsducky]

For the record, I wasn't complaining; just stating that I'd like to see a different and more meaningful focus in our church.

My understanding of "Adventism" is that it is a looking forward to the Secoming of Jesus with great anticipation because of the tremendous gift of salvation He has given us and our love for Him. In a lesser way, it is also about being reunited with our universe wide family and being able to love Jesus even more as the years roll by.

[DeeAnna]

You don't think focusing on the plan of salvation and Jesus is a good idea ?

It's not just a bunch of complaining......it is the voicing of concerns that have hurt our members individually and as a church. It's things that shouldn't have had to be voiced, in my opinion. We should never have gotten to this point, as a church, and certainly not as Christians.

[Overaged]

People have been saying this for so many years, and no matter how the Church changes; it still isn't good enough.

Too many people are way too concerned about their "concerns" Isn't it time we moved beyond that?

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

Overaged, I don't like the term, "Adventism" either. When something becomes an "ism" it becomes a label reminiscent of oppressive and unshakeable belief systems with no room for change or growth. The word "Adventism" is used, more often than not, as some nebulous term to describe innumerable facets of the Adventist church and its members.

I'm an Adventist. I do not *practice* Adventism. I think its a stupid word.

[DeeAnna]

Those concerns or issues are very damaging if they aren't corrected.

That's they easy way out: to move on, minimize them, and pretend it's not important.

I'll be happy to not mention it anymore, but that won't make it "go away".

[Overaged]

I agree; the word [Adventism] does not belong in my vocabulary.

[Overaged]

Sometimes there is a point reached where even if you are right, you just need to move on. All I am saying is this has been my personal experience, and I have never regretted doing this. There has already been quite a parade of people before you & I who have entertained the thought that they can "correct" all the "damages" that the Church has allegedly done; most of them fail and end up even more miserable. Is it really so wrong of me to suggest that we move beyond that kind of "Christianity?"

[mrsducky]

Yes it is time to move beyond that. That is what I am saying.

I have been an Adventist most of my life and it is disheartening to me to hear these meaningless discussions about trite "issues" that we think we can control into the 21st century. Our focus must move away from all of that and toward strengthening our relationship with Jesus. This is after all what is going to take us through to the Kingdom!

What do you think would help us move in that direction?

[DeeAnna]

Can anything that stands between us and that relationship with Jesus be considered "trite" ???

Can things be considered "trite" that divides a church or a family or a relationship?

I have no illusions about changing anything --- or that anything will change.

I see that I have caused someone to be disheartened.............not my intent.

It was very disheartening for me to be told by pastors that I must do petty little things to be a SDA, too ! It's all a matter of your perspective and what your experience has been whether it's "trite" or not !

I will leave all this to you all.

Happy Sabbath !

[Overaged]

Maybe I came across as a bit crusty in my last few posts; just bear in mind that I had a strenuous day installing drywall sheets on 10 foot ceilings by myself. I am edging towards 56 years old; and this is not easy for guys half my age to do. But the thing that really made a difference, and made those 80 lb sheets of drywall light as a feather was just talking to Jesus about my worries. I even turned the "work music" off so I could concentrate.

Somedays; Church can be almost as hard or harder, than doing those 10 foot ceilings. We have to do what it takes so we can concentrate on Jesus.

[Overaged]

I didn't use the word "trite" or any other similar word; and you have not disheartened me in any way. Pastors can get pretty dippy sometimes; but then so can we. It's all in what kind of perspective we want to put it in.

[mrsducky]

Yes things that stand in the way of our relationships with Jesus can often be old, worn out, recycled arguments that don't amount to a hill of beans in the first place! You did not dishearten me. The endless struggle with trying to make ourselves righteous apart from Jesus is what disheartens me. I was sort of thinking of Colossian 2:20-23

Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

DeeAnna, I think that many people (and the cause of Christ) have been wounded by imposed human rules that have no merit. I am glad that God looks at my heart rather than my outward appearance.

[mrsducky]

Exactly!