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Flyinglady
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Username: Flyinglady

Post Number: 754
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 - 7:14 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I want to give my unchurched SDA relatives a book to read about becoming a former SDA. Which one should I start with. These relatives have not been practicing SDAs for years, have not kept the sabbath and I want to share with them. Which book would you recommend?

I just received Taylor's book and it is fantastic. I also received Sabbath in Crisis, Cultic Doctrine of SDAs, White Out, Discovering the New Covenant and Healing Spiritual Abuse.
I am more than half way through Taylor's book.

I also want to give some books to my church library about SDAs. Which ones would you recommend?? God has placed a burden on my heart to let others know about SDAs and what they believe, so I want to give the church library some books.
Thanks for your suggestions.
Diana
Dd
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Username: Dd

Post Number: 217
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 - 7:47 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Diana,
I think Dale's small little booklet "The Truth About Adventist's Truths" is very good for "wetting" someone's interest. I think the unchurched SDA's especially. I have been in their shoes. I remember throwing in the towel and "giving up" trying to be good enough. I was so indoctrined that in my thinking God was just like the SDA church. Very harsh and judgmental. Jesus was just "human" and I knew I had not a chance being perfect like him, though I had been taught I must be as Christ in order to be saved. I know for myself, the unchurched SDA is where my heart goes out the most. They are still living with the SDA-guilt we have been talking about on another thread. They really need to understand the lies and deceptions that have pushed them away from God before they can even begin their search for the real joy and freedom of rest in Jesus.

As far as church libraries - Greg's book would be my vote in helping other Christians understand the cultish side of SDA. I also think "The Truth About Adventist's Truths" would be good. It is very short sheds light on the basic doctrines that are unbiblical.
Thomas1
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Username: Thomas1

Post Number: 149
Registered: 4-2002
Posted on Wednesday, November 17, 2004 - 6:42 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Along with these types of books, include some "meat" for the soul. Try Bob George's "Classic Christianity', Steve Brown's "Born Free", some of Swindoll's books on grace are excellent. Being a former is a wonderful thing if you turn your eyes to Jesus ahnd learn of His wonderful GRACE!

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Thomas
Colleentinker
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Username: Colleentinker

Post Number: 961
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Wednesday, November 17, 2004 - 10:09 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Diana, depending on the condition of the person, I think Taylor's book might be a good first book, or Cultic Doctrine. (Cultic Doctrine might be better for someone who wants a spiritual life but is confused about Adventism.)

Sometime, simple stories are the best first "thing". In fact, we have a story from a man (you'll read it in the next issue of Proclamation which is going to press this week) who got his first glimpses of hope after decades in "the world" by reading stories of people who had found Jesus and left. That's why Taylor's book is so good--and also the stories posted on this website on the "stories" page.

Dd's suggestion and Thomas's are also good. Sometimes you just have to pray that God will direct you to recommend the right book--and He will!
As far as the church library is concerned--I believe The Truth about the Truth, Cultic Doctrine, Sabbath in Christ, and Taylor's Discovering the New Covenant are wonderful.

Actually, all those you mentioned are great!

Colleen
Madelia
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Username: Madelia

Post Number: 95
Registered: 2-2003
Posted on Wednesday, November 17, 2004 - 11:50 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Diana,
I just received a videotape from sdaoutreach.org titled "Seventh Day Adventism: The Spirit Behind the Church" . I would recommend that for your church library. It includes interviews from formers such as Dale Ratzlaff, Walter Rea and Mark Martin. And it gives some choice EGW quotes that just made me shake my head and ask myself how I ever got involved in this church
Ric_b
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Username: Ric_b

Post Number: 85
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Wednesday, November 17, 2004 - 5:22 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I think that much of the decision is based on how the person currently feels about SDAism. Some people's first response to strong criticisms would be to support the SDA church, even if they haven't been in years. The style and tone of Greg's book is less threatening and may encourage the person to keep investigating. OTOH, for a person who is already fed up with SDAism but is still "trapped" by some of the teachings, Dale's books systematically break down all of the lingering objections.
Seekr777
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Username: Seekr777

Post Number: 35
Registered: 1-2003
Posted on Friday, January 07, 2005 - 8:43 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Colleen, over the past several weeks I've been revisiting the discussions here. As usual I've been blessed by what I read. I want to say thanks to those who take the time to post and share their experiences. I'll try to check back more often and maybe even post. ??

God works in mysterious ways. A few weeks ago I was in a Starbucks in San Bernardino and looked over where I saw a lady sitting and writing. I was impressed to walk over and speak with her, and found out she had taught with you when you were chairman of the English department at the Christian school you taught at previously. We had a very pleasant time talking. I'm not in the habit of walking up to ladies and starting conversations :-) but was blessed by the time we spent.

I've read several of the books mentioned here, "Which book to begin with?" Personally the one that blessed me the most was Greg's book. I was very interested and touched by his journey. Please keep up your support of those seeking a new life in Christ.

Thanks, Richard

PS: You are probably aware that we lost the pastor of our church recently and have had a new one for about 3 months. God works in mysterious ways. :-)
Colleentinker
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Username: Colleentinker

Post Number: 1207
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Saturday, January 08, 2005 - 12:15 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Welcome back Richard!

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