| Author | Message | ||
| Weimarred Registered user Username: Weimarred Post Number: 1 Registered: 1-2005 |
Hello to all, Please excuse me if Iím presumptuous for starting a new thread. But I wanted to introduce myself, and it didnít seem quite appropriate to do so under the testimonial side of your website. So I will briefly give my story, and explain why I found your forum such a breath of fresh air! I was born and raised SDA. Looking back, Iím struck by the line from a mafia movie that says, more or less, ìUntil youíve been in the life, youíve got no idea what itís like.î That seems to fit our stories so well! As you may have guessed from my username, I attended Weimar Academy. (Iíd love to hear from you if any of you were ìWeimartionî at one time.) I got kicked out my senior year, than I graduated from MBA. As noted by some of your posts, some very strange behavior and activities occur at Adventist academies! I fooled around a bit, attending a partial year at Weimar College. But with no direction, and a bad taste in my mouth, I soon joined the Army, and sort of went to hell in a hand basket. WOW! I got my true education in the Army, and came face to face with many of the things in life that we never even dare to face as Adventists. The thing that struck me as most bizarre about Adventism was the guilt cycle and the harshness of the path. My father would read EGW to us quite often, and I still remember these 2 themes vividly: 1> even in the last days, no no, ESPECIALLY in the last days, Godís chosen people wouldnít be worrying about survival, or about escape, or about the eternal joy that would soon be theirs. No, instead they would be worrying about some minor, trivial, obscure sin that they had somehow forgotten to ask Godís forgiveness for; 2> I remember most the story of the winding path up the side of a mountain, how it keeps getting narrower and narrower, with many falling off, screaming into the abyss (that last ìscreamingî part may be my imaginative embellishment). And of course, the dangling thread from God that keeps getting larger and larger (again, I used to wonder what would happen when the thread/twine/rope/anchor chain got to be too big for me to wrap my arms around). That whole guilt cycle became a large part of my adolescent life. One of my repeated ìsinsî was to buy a record-player and rock music. Soon, I would feel so guilty, that I would smash everything and toss them into the dumpster. My reasoning was along the lines of, ìI canít just give my records and player to some sinner, as I would be perpetuating his sin.î So into the trash they would go. Then of course, the forbidden fruit would irresistibly call me back, and I would soon by jamming out againÖ.. until the next visit to the dumpster. Not surprisingly, I developed some addictive behaviors that I will always have to deal with. Obviously, Iíve no one to blame but myself for my addictions, but yet I declare that the ìmustard seedî guilt cycle is without a doubt EGW and SDA! (And unlike EGW, I will quote my source. The mustard seed is an allusion to one of Jesusí parables.) Iím sorry, I promised a short story, and now Iím acting like a longwinded pastor. Iíll wind down by saying that a few days ago, just for grins, I did a Google on the ìthe Great Disappointmentî. I was slightly bemused to find that out of the first 200 or so hits, about half dealt with the Millerites. From there I linked to a WiciPedia definition of SDA, and under one of the sites described as ìagainstî (I think) SDA, was this site. And when I linked here, I was amazed to see some of the things youíve written! It was cathartic for me! It brought back a great deal of memories, and made me ponder some truths that Iíd never quite brought myself to face. The grip of my church was so strong, that even after Iíd repudiated organized Christianity, I still believed that SDA was more pure in doctrine and gospel intent than any other Christian church. How silly! How could I esteem the very SDA things that drove me from spirituality? Well, I suppose that was because Iíd never contemplated that there could be anything to Christianity other than SDA. My knowledge of those outside of SDA was truly limited to ìBabylonî, the Papacy and holy wars, the sham artists and Bible-thumping shills, the fringe and the sects, the never-ending prejudices and blood-spilling strife. I suppose I knew that there were open-arm and pious Christians, but Iíd never really allowed myself to see you clearly, that is, until I came across your site. In my own spiritual journey, Iím not at the same place that most of you seem to be. I feel as though Iím intruding on some private interlude, and I pray that you will excuse me if this is so. But I also long to communicate, to break the verbal bread with you, learning, and offering whatever it is that I may offer. I sense the Divine, and I hope the Divine will articulate in my life. I feel as though the Divine is much more simplistic than the supposed simplicity of the Adventist faith. I will fathom my forward journey on my own, truly, but I hope that you are willing to share with me some stories from your journeys. Sincerely, T | ||
| Carol_2 Registered user Username: Carol_2 Post Number: 217 Registered: 2-2002 |
I have the pleasure of being the first to warmly welcome you, T, to this site! (Being on the east coast makes a difference! It's not yet 5:00 a.m. on the west.) I can SOOOO relate to all your fears, the guilt, etc. We are all at different places on this forum.....many of us are right where you are! Much of what you said reminded me of my brother (currently,) and myself just a few years ago. As an SDA, all the guilt and fear makes life seem so incredibly hopeless, luring us into a variety of addictions just to numb the pain. My brother has not been to church in years, and I know considers himself lost. He has such a spiritual side to him too, but believes in the SDA church and could never bring himself to go to any other church. It's so sad, he numbs himself with alcohol, and has suffered a lot because of it. Sorry to get sidetracked, just wanted to welcome you and we hope to hear more from you! This is truly a safe place, and such an incredible blessing to all us "formers." Love and prayers, Carol_2 | ||
| Ric_b Registered user Username: Ric_b Post Number: 168 Registered: 7-2004 |
Welcome. We are all in "different" places in our lives with God, and are glad to have one more voice to our discussions. | ||
| Esther Registered user Username: Esther Post Number: 109 Registered: 5-2004 |
Welcome to the forum Weimarred! I hope that you become a permanent "fixture" here as we all have a lot to learn from each other and together. I hope you find the same compassion and support that I found when I stumbled across it last year! Praise God! "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out." John 6:37 | ||
| Melissa Registered user Username: Melissa Post Number: 674 Registered: 7-2003 |
Welcome, T. I'm not a former, but have been impacted by adventism thanks to my son's father. There's safety here. | ||
| Chris Registered user Username: Chris Post Number: 544 Registered: 7-2003 |
A warm welcome to you, T! I can identify with much of what you say. I too felt that rock music was a terrible sin that I couldn't quite kick (though I tried repeatedly). I too became overwhelmed by guilt and the hopeless of it all. I decided at one point that since I was probably headed for Hell (annialation) anyway I might as well enjoy myself on the way. Then God stepped in an showed me that real authentic Christianity isn't a religion, it's a relationship with Jesus. It's been pretty exciting since then. I look forward to hearing more from you. Chris | ||
| Susan_2 Registered user Username: Susan_2 Post Number: 1336 Registered: 11-2002 |
Hello, T. Thank-you for serving our country in the army. I am a "military fan". I never have been to Weimar. My mom gets their literature in the mail. I read it. I know people who have stayed at the health resort there and have gotten well. I also attended MBA. I have numerous kin who attended MBA. I am assuming ou are from California, is this correct? I LOVE to rock out, always have, always will. I have attended two Doobie Bros. concerts in as many years. I went to hear the Beastie Boys several years ago. Years ago as a younster I hit up any and every concert that came along. I still do but now I'm old and poor and I phone the radio stations and try to talk them into giving me free tickets. Sometimes it works. Welcome. I'm glad you are joining the forum. I am looking forward to learning from you. BTW, were any of you others taught too that even the SDA's would be the only remnant left on earth at Christ's coming that even at that only one-third of the Aventists would be saved? Something in T's above testemony got me to wondering that. | ||
| Tdf Registered user Username: Tdf Post Number: 32 Registered: 11-2004 |
T- Thank you so much for sharing your story. I can relate so well with so much of it. You are right; it is cathartic to realize that there are others who have had the same experiences. I too was raised Adventist and I too have battled spiritual guilt my entire life. My life went in a slightly different direction, but the result is the same. Let's lift each other up as we travel through life! | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 1227 Registered: 12-2003 |
T, you are so welcome here! Thank you for sharing some of your story with us. Even though you say you aren't "where we are", your story sounds sooo familiar. The fact is, God does have His hand on you, and He wants you to discover the truth about Him. As Chris said, "authentic Christianity isn't a religion. It's a relationship with Jesus." You have come to a safe place where no one will think your experiences are bizarre and where your questions and observations will not be dismissed. Yes, we have some pretty close ties to Weimar. Richard's parents were there on staff on two different occasions, once for 2-3 years in the early 90s, and again for a year or two (the dates are blurring in my memory) just before 2000 until 2002, I think. Did you happen to know the Tinkers? Eloise worked in the administrative offices both times, I believe. Also Richard's aunt, Ruby Ratzlaff, was on staff, first as a teacher in the elementary school, then in the education department, for several years. She died about 3 years (2 1/2?) ago. We visited campus and stayed in the Weimar Inn on several differnt occasions and experienced the cafeteria, the campus, the hiking trails, the overwhelming sense of oppression, the smuggness and depression/anxiety that always seems to accompany this particular "truth"--yes, we have some Weimar background--but certainly not as comprehnsive as yours! We look forward to hearing more from you. Colleen | ||
| Pheeki Registered user Username: Pheeki Post Number: 450 Registered: 1-2003 |
I was 37-years-old when I finally told God that if this was Christianity (SDAism) I wanted no part of it. It was then he liberated me...and though it wasn't easy (and I am still facing stuggles nearly 3-years later) I am so glad he freed me from that system of bondage I was born into. I read a quote by Canright that struck me, he said (paraphrased) "SDAism makes more infidels than the world does." I find that to be true. Even the people who don't chunk God all together (thanks to disillusionment by SDAism) and remain SDA often aren't saved...they just go through the motions because it is all they know. All that matters is they warm an SDA pew on Saturday! I am so glad to hear testimony from people who have escaped the clutches of Ellen and are seeking God. Welcome! | ||
| Bob Registered user Username: Bob Post Number: 26 Registered: 7-2000 |
Welcome to our online fellowship, T! Having been trained to be an SDA pastor, it took me the better part of 35 years to discover the wonderful difference between being an SDA and being a real follower of Jesus. I am sure your past experiences and your current walk with Jesus will contribute much to our own spiritual growth and Biblical insights. I can't wait to hear more from you! You are in our prayers. Bob | ||
| Pw Registered user Username: Pw Post Number: 252 Registered: 6-2004 |
Welcome aboard. Looking back at the SDA beliefs and lifestyles really puts it in perspective on how freaky this religion is. I was only involved for a year but that was more than enough. | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 7 Registered: 12-2004 |
Welcome T, In my journey towards peace I have found a wealth of exciting spiritual material on the internet. I have found a website called "preceptaustin.org" that is an absolute goldmine.I especially have enjoyed the Commentaries on Romans and Galation by Michael Andrus.His sermans on the Christian life have changed my life.Definitely bookmark this site if you are a seeker and want to grow. On this forum their is great comfort to be shared. It is nice to be pulled into to lifeboat after treading water for so long. May we continue to share Christ our lifeline as we row to that haven of rest, Randy | ||
| Weimarred Registered user Username: Weimarred Post Number: 3 Registered: 1-2005 |
Thanks to everyone who responded! I really look forward to our future discussions! I'm finding that there is a certain serendipity to life, that our journeys are similar in many inextricable ways. It's fulfilling to see the ways that we are all moving towards peace from our past. - Tom | ||
| Jeremy Registered user Username: Jeremy Post Number: 248 Registered: 10-2004 |
Welcome to the forum, Tom! Your story of how you found this web site is so exciting, and shows the providence and sovereignty of God. That Wikipedia article had no links except to pro-SDA sites until just about a couple of months ago, when I discovered that and saw that anyone could edit Wikipedia articles, and decided to put some links to former-SDA web sites on there, including this one, to make it more balanced!  There is even a thread on here somewhere, where it was discussed. Here are some wonderful Bible promises, especially for us former SDAs. Jesus said: "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life." (John 5:24 NASB.) "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." (1 John 5:13 NASB.) Jesus said: "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day." (John 6:37-40 NASB.) "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand." (John 10:27-29 NASB.) "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB.) "But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." "for whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Titus 3:4-7 NASB, Romans 10:13 NASB.) God bless, Jeremy | ||
| Dane Registered user Username: Dane Post Number: 91 Registered: 4-2004 |
Welcome T, Be assured you are among friends. This is the place to share, whether it be frustration, praise, Aha! experiences, or just plain talk. We who are formers know much of what you are experiencing. Dane | ||
| Seekr777 Registered user Username: Seekr777 Post Number: 36 Registered: 1-2003 |
Randy thanks for the information about "preceptaustin.org". I just looked at it for the first time and I'll be exploring it more in the days to come. Richard | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 919 Registered: 3-2004 |
Tom, Welcome to FAF. Each of us have experienced to some degree or other what you are going through right now. Colleen has made a comment I like to copy and that is God redeems our past. So what every you have done, God will redeem it. You are among friends here. You will find understanding and caring. You will find disagreement, but the folks will agree to disagree and it is a peaceful process. You can share anything here. You will find that God is awesome. Diana | ||
| Dd Registered user Username: Dd Post Number: 301 Registered: 7-2004 |
Tom, Welcome, again. I love those texts that Jeremy shared above regarding eternal life. Notice that the verb tense is present. We HAVE eternal life the minute we accept the gift of grace through Jesus Christ our LORD. When we HAVE eternal life we no longer worry about "being ready", scary last day events or even difficult doctrinal issues...it is a peace that passes understanding TODAY as we rest in our Savior! GIVE ME JESUS! | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 8 Registered: 12-2004 |
Richard, another excellent study tool is the website "BibleGateway.com".It allows you to type in any keyword,phrase,chapter, or verse and do an instant comparison using 19 different versions of the Bible in english. Many other languages are also available for those who are multilingual. I have found this an exciting study aid as many newer versions really speak clearly. Two thumbs up and worthy of a "bookmark". I hope this might be helpful in your study. Till we meet again, Randy | ||
| Lydell Registered user Username: Lydell Post Number: 666 Registered: 7-2000 |
Welcome T--this is a great place to really talk it out. Praying the Lord leads you into a discovery of what it means to have relationship with Him. It's awesome. |
