Elections and Adventism

[Gregory Matthews]

Elections and Adventism

R 110524

 We in the United States are at the place in an election season where the votes have been cast. All have had the opportunity to state their view on the issues. All that remains relates to the determination of the final decisions and the extent to which that decision will be accepted by the public at large. Generally, the SDA Church has taken the position that voting is an individual decision to be made by the member. It has refrained from endorsing candidates, and it has limited recommendations on issues to those related to the mission of the Church. I agree with this position, as I believe that the SDA Church must be a safe place for a group of people who are united in our spiritual mission, but may differ on the issues and candidates on which we vote. From this perspective I have attempted to refrain from publishing any comment that might be understood to advocate a position that should be the choice of the individual.

 In our historical past, early Adventists were more likely to take political positions than we may be today. To the surprise of many, Ellen White advocated involvement in the political process. Arthur L. White, the grandson of Ellen, writing on page 399 of the first volume of his biography tells us of a discussion that those early leaders had in which it was thought right to vote ”in favor of right and against wrong.” The context seems to indicate that Ellen agreed with this view.

 Writing in volume 3 of this same set, Arthur L. White on page 160 tells us of a specific instance where Ellen White said: ” . . . 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.” This statement has been understood to tell us that Ellen White believed it proper to vote on the Sabbath when moral issues were involved and votes could not be made at any other time. That is a position that I take. Without discussion as to what position I think that she would take, I clearly think that she would advocate voting on Sabbath on the issue of abortion, if it was needed to vote at that time.

 This election has raised issues that has resulted in some Adventists advocating more Adventist involvement in the election process, perhaps to an actual recommendation as to who should be elected. Calvin B. Rock, is a well respected scholar and administrator. He has served the SDA Church for some 60 years. This service has included being the President of Oakwood University and as a Vice President of the General Conference. He has now filmed a video in which he endorses a candidate for President of the United States. The following link takes you to an article with a link to that video. 

 https://atoday.org/calvin-rock-retired-gc-vice-president-records-promotional-video-for-kamala-harris/

 The following article is well worth reading and it suggests that Christians should not remain neutral on some aspects of the political agenda.

 https://atoday.org/should-adventists-remain-neutral-when-politicians-have-a-religious-agenda/

 In the following article, Alexander Carpenter and Daniel Weber discuss the issue of SDA involvement in political issues. That article also contains a link to a 46-minute discussion of this subject.

 https://spectrummagazine.org/views/analysis/should-adventists-go-public-with-their-politics-alexander-carpenter-daniel-weber-debate/

 SATIRE: The following article is pure satire, and it is not factual. I am posting it as I believe it presents a comment on Adventism and politics that is worth considering.

 https://atoday.org/satire-adventist-claims-to-be-above-politics-while-posting-47-political-memes-during-sabbath-hours/

The following article is an important one, on this subject, that was published by the Adventist Review. If you access it, you may want to read the eight comments on the article that has also been published.

 https://adventistreview.org/perspectives/columnists/politics-liberty-and-the-christian-vote/#comment-6562676246

 The following article provides good advice as to where God is in this election.

 https://atoday.org/aunty-im-suffering-such-anxiety-about-the-american-election-what-can-i-do/

 The following article suggests that all people, both heroes and villains are imperfect.

 https://spectrummagazine.org/views/columns/who-should-lead-dissecting-heroes-and-villains/

 During this election season I have come to two fundamental conclusions:

1) In recent times, arguments have been made that End Time predictions of Ellen White are unrealistic and not likely to happen. What I see occurring in the political world today suggests to me that her predictions could very well happen.

2) We humans do have some control over future events. This is true, I believe, for End Time Events. However, regardless of what those events may be, God is in charge of the final outcome. His objectives will ultimately come to pass, regardless of the manner by which they occur.