I need to explore this website (Proclamation Magazine) more before understanding what motivates these folks. However, from the limited information I've been able to obtain, it does focus on grace and Jesus Christ.
While they should be respected for their choice, as those who remain Adventist should be respected for theirs, I feel that while these folks are more honest by leaving instead of fighting what they see as the imperfections of Adventism, they are quitters in a sense.
Yes Martin Luther and his followers left the Catholic hegemony and what a wise move that was. However, Luther's followers did not think of themselves as ex-Catholics, but rather as newfangled Protestants or Christians.
On the other hand, it is my belief that at least some, and hopefully most, of these ex-Adventist should come back to us and war inside the church regarding what seems wrong and worth changing, instead of devoting their energies to combating Adventism from the outside.
Please see the following site for the Proclamation Magazine.
Update: 8/27/10
I just chanced upon the following site: Non-Sda. It's good to be aware of what is being said by those whom oppose one's religion. Hopefully, no one reading this blog will take this site too seriously, but if you do, then, be my guest. Your life is what you make it. God bless.
And, it is my belief that you and at least some, and hopefully most, of these ex-Adventist should come back to us and war inside the Church regarding what seems wrong and worth changing, instead of devoting their energies to combating Catholicism from the outside.
ReplyDeleteGod bless...
Brother Timothy, I apologize if I offended you by affirming my protestant, Luther-inspired, religious tradition. I'm not one usually to even critique Catholics, as I feel folk that find sustenance and blessing in the Catholic tradition should be celebrated, and not vilified as some Adventists and others are wont to do so.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to leave a comment on my blog, realjesuscristo.blogspot.com. More non-Adventists than Adventists leave comments which should tell me something right there about where my power-of-attraction lies.
I appealed to Martin Luther and his separation from your church to make a point regarding ex-Adventists which I have known personally through the years.
I'm glad to see that you classify yourself as a "Born-again Christian disciple attending a Bible-believing and Bible practicing Catholic church." It is a first to see those words, "born-again" coupled with the word Catholic. I have had limited contacts with mostly secular Catholics at work and in bars and such through the years, but have ocassionally run into very devout and, as you say, "born again catholics."
God bless you in your ministry, as well.
sir, I'm curious what draws you so strongly to religion. I have no interest in it and have no idea why. Just a curiosity.
ReplyDeleteW. Evans, hello. Thank you for asking me a question no one's ever asked me before.
ReplyDeleteI've thought about it some, but didn't want to think about it excessively so as not to spoil the spantaneity of my response.
I thought I'd say that an interest in religion is a gift since not everyone is able to acquire it just by looking for it, but that's not exactly right.
If you don't mind me saying so, the very fact that you took time to leave your very important and candid question suggests to me, at least, that to some degree you are remotely interested in religion. Most people wouldn't even bother to wonder, as you do, why you have no interest in it. Most people would not even state that they are curious.
I hope that this mild curiosity admission that you're unsure as to why you have no interest in religion, may very well begin an exploration of all the possible approaches to religion that are out there. Perhaps one day you will find one of which you feel as strongly as others feel about theirs.
God bless, and thanks again for taking the time. Raul.
thanks for the comment back, but i'm fairly sure that's not it at all. religion does, in fact, intrigue me. But it is sort of like, let me think. The "Iraq War" intrigues me. That is not supposed to be an offensive statement, but it intrigues me in the sort of way that, while i can see why people might practice religion or send so many troops into Iraq creating a serious problem, i cannot possibly put myself in the shoes of the person doing it. Sorry if that was a little weird but i can't think of another way to put it.
ReplyDeleteActually, I understand. I'm glad it intrigues you at whatever level it does. Others could care less. I hope my statement did not offend you; it was not my intent if it did. Thank you again for taking time to post and repost. All the best.
ReplyDelete