tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89526650428468376142024-03-04T21:43:55.732-08:00Sevy Taliban: Refuting the Seventh Day Adventist Reform MovementWe have all heard of the Taliban, extremist fundamentalist Muslims, who adopt a 7th Century Middle-Eastern mindset. But are there equivalents within the Christian Seventh-day Adventist Diaspora with a similar 19th Century Victorian mindset – a Sevy Taliban? This site is dedicated to challenging the radicalisation of dangerous cult-like SDA offshoots. "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves" – Matt 7:15 Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05956358481190607154noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952665042846837614.post-60599956509461921982013-06-11T03:16:00.002-07:002013-11-03T19:04:06.620-08:00Quick Survivor’s Guide: Basic information about the Seventh-day Adventist Reform Movement (SDARM)<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">SUMMARY<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">- The Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement (<b>SDARM</b>) comprises a number
of ultra-conservative offshoots separated from the ‘mainstream’ Seventh-day
Adventist Church (<b>SDA</b>). Thus, the term 'SDARM' is used as a generic term and not necessarily limited to just one legal entity. It is very important not to confuse the 'mainstream' SDA Church with the various SDARM Churches. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">- This site is primarily dedicated to the SDARM because it is the biggest and best organized of the SDA schisms. However, other SDA offshoots are also explored in other articles, as well as on our sister-site "Sevy Taliban: Ex-Adventist Cults". Our sister-site discusses: David Koresh, Wayne Bent, Chirck McGill, John Thiel, Walter Veith, Christopher Hudson, Samuel Pipim and more.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">- In a nutshell, the SDARM are fanatically conservative and extreme,
treating ‘non-essential’ questions as ‘salvation' issues and tests of
membership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, baptism will
be refused or Church discipline initiated (i.e. censor or excommunication) on
the basis of failing to comply with Reformist standards concerning
vegetarianism, long hair and dress reform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
adopt a Pharisaic attitude to religion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">- The SDARM arose during World War One Germany, and there is a strong
authoritarian German element to their religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A major split within the SDARM occurred in
the 1950s, with two major groups now both claiming to be the SDARM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are in turn a number of ‘independent
historic’ Reformist groups as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">- Reformist devotees </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">typically
seek to live a rigidly parallel life to that experienced by the SDA pioneers,
who lived in a Victorian society of 19<sup>th</sup> Century America. By obsessing with regulatory minutiae, the SDARM arguably can become assessed with law-keeping which in itself can become an idol, defeating the very good to which God originally intended. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">- Although some might argue about classification, the SDARM Church(es)
is probably a cult. Some members of the ‘mainstream’ SDA Church adopt a
similar mindset; however, the vast majority of mainstream Adventists are not so caught up in regulatory minutiae. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
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</td>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Who or what is the Seventh-day Adventist Reform Movement (SDARM)?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The SDARM is an offshoot of the mainstream
Seventh-day Adventist Church. It is important not to confuse the two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The mainstream SDA Church is quite different from the SDARM. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">As will be discussed below, the SDARM does not represent one particular organization or church, but is an umbrella term, representing a range of different ultra-conservative groups, some large, some one-congregation churches, often hostile to each other and the mainstream SDA Church, but who all share a wide range of very conservative Adventist beliefs and practices. The 'M' in SDARM does after all stand for 'movement', not church. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Not every group will agree with the label 'SDARM', and some may wish to deny that label to others, whilst some may argue they have divergent beliefs from the SDARM. However, for the purpose of this website, the overwhelming similarities between these groups outweigh their differences, and the term SDARM offers a convenient label to describe groups with shared beliefs and practices. That said, readers should be aware that there may be small differences from place-to-place, and group-to-group. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">This author is not intending to insult groups who would prefer not to call themselves SDARM. The term is largely a matter of classifying convenience. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">How does
the SDARM and the mainstream SDA Church differ?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">This article will not attempt to describe in
detail every nuanced difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of
the differences will be explored in other future articles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvcOBz8MOCTNnWt2gKK2DqRc85w9GPYo7XgcCnFOM6OJNqXccbkdhu5NE3_K50Q5bg_ANE2caw5MoLwQS4AF64Nt3wkKK-6Hgkr3EgXIUTZnKWAdRiQjk05yDWiq-5ohyphenhyphenlbyHm6YI0ZlB/s1600/pharisees2%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvcOBz8MOCTNnWt2gKK2DqRc85w9GPYo7XgcCnFOM6OJNqXccbkdhu5NE3_K50Q5bg_ANE2caw5MoLwQS4AF64Nt3wkKK-6Hgkr3EgXIUTZnKWAdRiQjk05yDWiq-5ohyphenhyphenlbyHm6YI0ZlB/s320/pharisees2%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">In a nutshell, the SDARM is an
ultra-conservative cult-like group of offshoot Adventists, who have left the mainstream
SDA Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the whole, the SDARM
adheres to many of the major doctrinal beliefs of the mainstream SDA
Church, as found its 28 fundamental beliefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> There are some major theological differences on the Godhead (denying the Trinity), divorce (forbidding marriage in any circumstance, even adultery), belief in a special resurrection for those who have died since 1844, belief they alone are the 4th Angel of Revelation 18 and teaching the mainstream SDA Church is apostate and in Babylon. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">However, the SDARM largely differs on minor matters. They create proverbial storms in a tea cup over matters such as the 144,000 (which they believe is literal), mandatory vegetarianism, extreme dress reform (something out of a 19th Century period drama), and excessively long hair for women (often worn in enormous buns). </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">In this way, the SDRAM differs from Adventists in turning ‘minor’ or ‘non-essential’ issues into ‘major’ or ‘salvation issues.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
example, whilst most Adventist would agree on the importance of modest dress
and apparel or vegetarianism, only the SDARM makes these tests of membership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One is reminiscent of the Pharisees, who Jesus
describes in Luke 11:42 as follows:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;">Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of
your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and
the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the
former undone.</span></i></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The SDARM also differs from the mainstream SDA Church by the lack of open and transparent checks and balances.</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Whilst the SDA Church is not perfect in this regard, the SDARM is in a whole other league when it comes to control. </span></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">The SDARM has a range of minor beliefs about Church organization, which like most cults, in effect serve to ensure the authoritarian control of the SDARM leadership. These include teaching the leadership is the 'voice of God' (not far removed from Papal infallibility), 'Gospel Order' (no new idea is permitted without the leaders' ok), 'Church organization' (code for the leaders to have almost total control of the church and its monies), the 'missionary work of the church' (unnecessary and excessive funds spent on travel for leaders) and 'unity and submission' (code for those who do not submit to the leaders can expect swift disfellowshipment).</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span> </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">How
might one describe the culture of the SDARM?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LjH03Luuhk7-ZOwBm8LUgI2QOjSSQYZe6Pg7b4oy9_gSLlIJUi3Y6muCHOjhv5nwL5pLBHpV9wELPdVOTKukqQvfW9bZhvGljr8J_FvknwGF_ajwzh8Cs0exmhKhv6AxZIqvnCVFyQuG/s1600/Handling-Criticism%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LjH03Luuhk7-ZOwBm8LUgI2QOjSSQYZe6Pg7b4oy9_gSLlIJUi3Y6muCHOjhv5nwL5pLBHpV9wELPdVOTKukqQvfW9bZhvGljr8J_FvknwGF_ajwzh8Cs0exmhKhv6AxZIqvnCVFyQuG/s320/Handling-Criticism%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">On the whole, and as a generalisation, the
SDARM has an authoritarian culture that seeks to impose a Victorian mindset. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even by the standards of conservative
Christianity, and much of mainstream Adventists fits within that, the SDARM is imbibed
with an overwhelming spirit of criticism.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Most mainstream Adventists would agree on certain
eternal biblical principles, but then seek to adapt them to changing cultural
circumstances, dependent upon geographical location and the historical passing
of time. The SDARM Reformers, by contrast, typically seek to live a rigidly
parallel life to that experienced by the SDA pioneers, who lived in a Victorian
society of 19<sup>th</sup> Century America. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">A biblical analogy might be the circumcision
faction of the early Church, who are mentioned in Acts 15 and elsewhere, as teaching
Gentile converts to obey all the laws of Moses in order to be saved and
accepted as full members (Acts 15:1).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
its judgment, the Council of Apostles and Elders condemned these Judaizers, as
making it more difficult than was necessary for those Gentiles who wanted to convert
(Acts 15:19). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Another common analogy might be the Pharisaic
faction of Judaism, where Jesus warned in Matt 23:4:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;">They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other
people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to
move them.</span></i></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">How
many members does the SDARM have?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKacnvJ1r6UqNwcl_N9X16dqRzfbyqDnXA2Lw3Q8pZJ9muYPGgmHSf2_KRHtHo9DGdaxxj0kWHeOZltzDObfuE88HNXS3sdtvs6WkKs-mkWB3E2j1g4VD6PDH9kjYUU2B65AY3Ubr_wHa/s1600/6a00e54ee984f1883400e54f9c9ee18833-800wi%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKacnvJ1r6UqNwcl_N9X16dqRzfbyqDnXA2Lw3Q8pZJ9muYPGgmHSf2_KRHtHo9DGdaxxj0kWHeOZltzDObfuE88HNXS3sdtvs6WkKs-mkWB3E2j1g4VD6PDH9kjYUU2B65AY3Ubr_wHa/s320/6a00e54ee984f1883400e54f9c9ee18833-800wi%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Exact figures are hard to come by to those
outside the Church(es).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it
appears the SDARM has less than 60,000 people after approximately 100-years of
existence since 1919.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By comparison, the
mainstream SDA Church has been around approximately 150-years since 1863, but
has grown to approximately 20 million members worldwide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The SDARM usually boasts of their small
numbers, using it to justify their elite and selective status – a common
argument used by most cults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is true
that only a handful of people can change the world, and God would rather a
handful of honest followers than a legion of unrighteous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, Jesus never raised an army but
merely taught 12 disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, a
group’s growth after a reasonable period of time does appear to be a test of
its fruit-bearing worth, as Gamaliel in Acts 5:38-39 observed:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em><span style="color: red;">Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For it their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will find yourselves fighting against God.</span></em> </blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">How do the respective successes of 150-years
of the mainstream SDA Church compare with 100-years of the SDARM?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Consider another example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Compare the growth of the SDARM in
approximately 100-years to the Sabbath-keeping True Jesus Church in China.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Established in 1917, around the same time as
the SDARM, it now has some 2.5 million members! Which group is being blessed by the Holy Spirit?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Where
do most of the SDARM members come from?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Again, hard data is hard to come by for those
outside the Church(es).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it
appears the majority of new converts to the SDARM are either born into the
Church(es), or come from the mainstream SDA Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result, they engage in what many
consider to be ‘sheep stealing’, and do not really add to the Kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">What
are the origins of the SDARM?</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxU5hTwrhW2qr9BQ58fX7-w7qQazx6NMKcoFEXsdSCk7wPQG_DegUuIXXb3N6McF90-irJWUF_xY9b4ZVJG015yaYkRJvfFHtDVUeedzdxpLxJzBlPMRb9Smma2BNBFEPr3bMtiaTy8tRp/s1600/World_War_One%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxU5hTwrhW2qr9BQ58fX7-w7qQazx6NMKcoFEXsdSCk7wPQG_DegUuIXXb3N6McF90-irJWUF_xY9b4ZVJG015yaYkRJvfFHtDVUeedzdxpLxJzBlPMRb9Smma2BNBFEPr3bMtiaTy8tRp/s1600/World_War_One%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxtEMW6n22jPVbvpcxsWM-d7tvvSfU3msklYZbauoLPeMLxTbETcPgTNEF4m1XdUBR6m_8GUtBOM8oEuO0V9lPLfXmfpt-dga5T4sdfgSsHgqyt6RCaJGVKeBhQXPhAJbnA61w6RKD3rJ/s1600/imagesCAP7912K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="height: 297px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 221px;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxtEMW6n22jPVbvpcxsWM-d7tvvSfU3msklYZbauoLPeMLxTbETcPgTNEF4m1XdUBR6m_8GUtBOM8oEuO0V9lPLfXmfpt-dga5T4sdfgSsHgqyt6RCaJGVKeBhQXPhAJbnA61w6RKD3rJ/s1600/imagesCAP7912K.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">In short, the background to the Seventh-day
Adventist Reform Movement is as follows:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">In 1914, World
War One begins.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">In 1915, SDA
pioneers and messenger Ellen White dies.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The German
Government introduces conscription and the leadership of the SDA Church in
Germany buckles under the pressure, encouraging Adventists to enlist in
the military.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The General Conference
in the USA, who ended up on the Allied side of the conflict, was too far
removed from this crisis now taking place within the German Conference.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Many SDAs in
Germany, citing Adventist beliefs and traditions about Sabbath-observance
and pacifism, refuse to comply with the German Conference’s acquiescence
to join the military.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">A number of
German Adventists protested and were disfellowshipped.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The
disfellowshipped German Adventists begin a bitter campaign, distributing <span style="color: black;">10,000 copies of a pamphlet describing the Adventist
Church as the great apostate woman.</span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">In
1919, the disfellowshipped </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">German Adventists <span style="color: black;">organise themselves into a church body called the
“International Missionary Society of Seventh-day Adventists.” They later
change the name to “Seventh-day Adventist Reform Movement.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">In 1920, after
the War ends (thus making it possible for officials from the General
Conference in the USA to re-establish contact with the German Adventists
again), a delegation from the USA, led by GC President Daniells, travels
to Germany.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">In July 1920, before
some </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">200 pastors and laypersons, </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Elder Daniells apologises,
making clear the German Conference was in error for its actions during the
War. Elder Daniels then attempts to heal the rift with the new <span style="color: black;">“Seventh-day Adventist Reform Movement.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The
attempt at reconciliation ultimately fails, primarily because the General
Conference did not adhere to the demands of the Reformers, who request the
German Conference be disbanded and its leaders disfellowshipped as
punishment. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The
SDARM has ever since continued its bitter campaign against the mainstream
SDA Church, and continued to accuse it of being in apostasy and being part
of Babylon.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">SDARM Churches:
What there’s two of them?<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Yes, there are in two major SDARM Churches – the ‘American’
SDARM and the ‘German’ International Missionary Society of the Seventh-day
Adventist Reform Movement (‘IMS’). In addition, there are also 'independent historic' Reformist groups as well </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">– offshoots of offshoots of offshoots. In that sense, the term 'SDARM' does not describe any particular oganization or church as much an ultra-conservative movement within Adventism </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">– after all the 'M' in SDARM stands for 'Movement', not 'Church'. As it states in Mar 3:25, a house divided against itself cann't stand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9odlwuFMQnC6FLNvK1PF-lwg_hzlvql7-tAAepAPycM8E2IQEHfeje_KkPaKM6ZdKcd_l_cmZfbGALuAcsfS7bPirlht89w7w9UYy1yI103cJ5ITzlqTg9_23u8SOhSugtnEm93wIpfl/s1600/House+Divided%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9odlwuFMQnC6FLNvK1PF-lwg_hzlvql7-tAAepAPycM8E2IQEHfeje_KkPaKM6ZdKcd_l_cmZfbGALuAcsfS7bPirlht89w7w9UYy1yI103cJ5ITzlqTg9_23u8SOhSugtnEm93wIpfl/s1600/House+Divided%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The story of the SDARM’s origins does not
stop in 1920, because there was a major schism within the SDARM itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In short:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">In
1951 there was a major split during the session held in </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeist" title="Zeist"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Zeist</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrecht_(province)" title="Utrecht (province)"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Utrecht (province)</span></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands" title="Netherlands"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Netherlands</span></a>,
where nearly half the delegates of the SDARM walked out following the then
Secretary of the movement. Apart from accusations of maladministration,
there was a power-struggle as to who was entitled to be elected President,
and whether </span><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">proxies from delegates stranded on
the communist side of the Iron Curtin should be accepted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">In 1952, the faction subject to the protest reorganized
itself, under an old but unofficial name, ‘</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">International Missionary
Society of the Seventh-day Adventist Reform Movement’ (‘IMS’),
headquartered in Baden Germany.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">In 1955, the faction who had walked
out formally registered the name ‘Seventh-day Adventist Reform Movement
General Conference’ in the USA.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Between 1952 and
1967, there were various legal actions between the two groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">In 1967 and
1993, attempts were made to further reconcile the two factions, but were
again ultimately unsuccessful. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The important lesson to take from this is
again about judging by fruits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Despite the clear exhortations of Paul in 1 Cor 6:1-8, brother sued
brother before the state courts of Caesar, rather than judging the matter
themselves in Christian humility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
makes one wonder how the SDARM Church(es) say with a straight face that the
mainstream SDA Church is supposedly apostate and in Babylon. One might recall the old cliche about those living in glass houses daring to throw stones!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">What
are the doctrinal differences between the two branches of the SDRM?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCoT8CSzMrpdBBzJJQk-dJVQtPH2hsbgxfTmFGYOavepp3C68uMunpDJ9x6HdP7WBYCbk1BO_dly74awJt9UN5yMYSb2nSWIQVmlTzB9z253RGVvlPvFQupYB-li4yI6jo5Hy47bzvHx9/s1600/200502_086_squabble_350%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCoT8CSzMrpdBBzJJQk-dJVQtPH2hsbgxfTmFGYOavepp3C68uMunpDJ9x6HdP7WBYCbk1BO_dly74awJt9UN5yMYSb2nSWIQVmlTzB9z253RGVvlPvFQupYB-li4yI6jo5Hy47bzvHx9/s320/200502_086_squabble_350%5B1%5D.jpg" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Not much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There appears to be some slight differences about the nature of Christ (which
is still an open discussion within the mainstream SDA Church with no official
position) and certain ideas about organisation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">If
there are no major doctrinal differences, what is stopping the two branches of
the SDARM from re-joining?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Good question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would appear the major problem is
essentially one of money, status and power. The behaviour of the SDARM leaders,
of both groups, is somewhat reminiscent of the behaviour of the disciples in
Luke 9:46-48, arguing over who would be the greatest: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em><span style="color: red;">An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”</span></em></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">What is
the psychology or sociology behind those who join the SDARM?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">It is hard to say, and it is unknown to this
author whether any professional studies have been undertaken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, as a matter of anecdotal evidence,
and keeping in mind the subjective nature of these comments, the SDARM, like
many cults and other extremist groups, offer an escape mechanism for those who
feel trapped in a personal crisis of overwhelming life-changing choices.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLhEZbiwTM6whhqsyMGtGXvLGg8SOgYLja_LXKGOB4Ik2hi5pVLEa2tCk1PwxmpPfVCFdjPztZ9wnLPWhwprTlvFqUR1AHFSzV5DvIevUR5TOUw9qm27gPi-dhEVfrxqKYFb6p-oIH8xt/s1600/drinking-the-company-koolaid%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLhEZbiwTM6whhqsyMGtGXvLGg8SOgYLja_LXKGOB4Ik2hi5pVLEa2tCk1PwxmpPfVCFdjPztZ9wnLPWhwprTlvFqUR1AHFSzV5DvIevUR5TOUw9qm27gPi-dhEVfrxqKYFb6p-oIH8xt/s320/drinking-the-company-koolaid%5B1%5D.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Often, but not always, new converts to the
SDARM have undergone some sort of significant personal crisis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often it is a divorce, and the number of
separated or divorced women who join the SDARM is on the surface quite
surprising, given its misogynistic teachings. Like those who become anorexic, cut
themselves or undertake other forms of self-harming behaviour, the SDARM offers
a somewhat paradoxical benefit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">In particular, it gives someone a sense of
safety and certainty, where most aspects of daily decision-making become
delegated to the SDARM leadership. Much like those who join other extremist
groups, including Islamic fundamentalists, many of those who are in crisis are
looking for a religion where every aspect of their lives is regulated in
minutiae.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">This is not that dissimilar from the
Pharisees of Jesus’ own day, who dealt with the uncertainties of Assyrian,
Babylonian, Persian, Greek and then finally Roman domination, by creating a
highly regulated religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another analogy
may be with the ancient Essenes, who withdraw from Jewish life and live in tiny
seclusion on the Dead Sea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus in
effect criticised both groups in his sermon about salt and light in Matt
5:13-16,20:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em><span style="color: red;">“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven… For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.</span></em></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Keeping in mind, many of these underlying reasons for
conversion to the SDARM will probably be subconscious, and would no doubt be hotly denied by
adherents.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Are all
Adventist Reformers bad?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">No of course not. In fact, most of the
ordinary SDARM members are exceptionally good people, who are crying out for
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often what people really want is
fellowship, and have been wronged somehow by brethren within the mainstream
SDA Church – much like that first WW1 generation of SDARM pioneers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Where forgiveness of those who did us wrong is hard, the SDARM provides a sense of elite self-righteousness, where one's enemies can be scorned as belonging to Babylon. </span>With most cults and extremist groups, it is
the system itself, and the leaders who dominate that system, which is the
problem. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">What
things should a mainstream Adventist watch out for when dealing with a Reformer
from the SDARM?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvTuWm6-ebHgoNcq2Nshv49_WPBI1kJX4w5AexMDf5pa0gyswE9EROfSuYnuIVe6DS5ylFZ_x-ZtScprtIfnqkeeGFNQn9qmUD7wDvbIBgilyCjQ0m9V8XR_CNSv2zMKo3LqBkZLCi74g/s1600/pharisees-matthew-23-33-c%5B1%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvTuWm6-ebHgoNcq2Nshv49_WPBI1kJX4w5AexMDf5pa0gyswE9EROfSuYnuIVe6DS5ylFZ_x-ZtScprtIfnqkeeGFNQn9qmUD7wDvbIBgilyCjQ0m9V8XR_CNSv2zMKo3LqBkZLCi74g/s320/pharisees-matthew-23-33-c%5B1%5D.png" width="320" /></a><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Like the Pharisees,
the Reformers often have an astounding memory of the minutiae of the scriptures,
and that knowledge should not be underestimated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like the Pharisees, they love to be greeted
as ‘Rabbi’ (teacher), with people being astounded at their knowledge (Matt
23:7).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember that even Satan knows
the scriptures (Luk 4:9-13), so that Bible knowledge does not in itself prove
anything. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Reformers will also typically utilise a
proof-text method of biblical interpretation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They usually will tell you ‘let scripture interpret scripture’ as code
for this approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whilst the Bible
obviously does endorse this method to some extent, the Reformers will often
string along random texts, often out of context, to fit their agenda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">It is not that dissimilar from the method
used by Jehovah’s Witnesses and other ultra-conservative Christian groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Using this method, the Reformer can make the
Bible say whatever they want it to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Again, given they will have already memorized long chains of texts in
advance, they can easily overwhelm the casual observer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="woj"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">What is the best approach when dealing with a Reformer?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9Iho-3fqTxtvRma9lu9dEzhy3_ylWjZVvz_Lw1wpvLW3DOThmJINsfzuJ3A2TsTk9eiDUhyphenhyphenBpTvo7ZqNGQDKLaDIRzGHHwECq6aDo-yVywMRzGJZRuf4AlKlhQ3eG8KpXNxut6Z2i0D3/s1600/Helping+the+POOR+-+101+Blog.%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9Iho-3fqTxtvRma9lu9dEzhy3_ylWjZVvz_Lw1wpvLW3DOThmJINsfzuJ3A2TsTk9eiDUhyphenhyphenBpTvo7ZqNGQDKLaDIRzGHHwECq6aDo-yVywMRzGJZRuf4AlKlhQ3eG8KpXNxut6Z2i0D3/s320/Helping+the+POOR+-+101+Blog.%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">As outlined above,
engaging in a theological tit-for-tat may not be the best way of dealing with a
Reformer. To be honest, given the amount of hours they routinely spend
memorising chains of proof-texts, they will no doubt beat most mainstream
Adventists hands down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However again, it
should be remembered the Pharisees, who were in fact laymen, had knowledge of
the scriptures far superior to most other factions of Judaism, including the
official clergy of the Sadducees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Rather, a far better
approach is to follow the advice of Jesus in Matt 7:15-20, and look at their
fruits:</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr90Q8fFM7e__-FYizbqBYU0nekgz0FYfQCkQrMP4AVpk6qn9BXG4dLYhmCHsm1sJ9TBQVwxnR4w6m8HaSgI7JRhr8i6dEIVdfoxmkTv-Nwy9a8RZxhHaeLsP24mghe-pvM6ZSH6zh5L-0/s1600/helping-a-sick-elderly-woman-1%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr90Q8fFM7e__-FYizbqBYU0nekgz0FYfQCkQrMP4AVpk6qn9BXG4dLYhmCHsm1sJ9TBQVwxnR4w6m8HaSgI7JRhr8i6dEIVdfoxmkTv-Nwy9a8RZxhHaeLsP24mghe-pvM6ZSH6zh5L-0/s1600/helping-a-sick-elderly-woman-1%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><em><span style="color: red;">“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.</span></em></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Actions speak much louder than memorised
words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As James 1:22 tells us, simply
memorising and preaching words in of themselves are meaningless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Paul instructs in Rom 2:13, <span style="color: #001320;">it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in
God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.</span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And righteousness is more than simply
eating the right type of food, or not mixing with the wrong sort of person, or
wearing the right sort of clothing, as these are the mere outward signs of righteousness,
which the Pharisees had in abundance (Luk 12:23; Matt 23:1-8).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Instead, try simply asking a Reformer how
their Church(es) have fulfilled the command of Christ in Matt 40:34-40:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRsUeyrrbxZm7yv9EM0P9Ul3-dKsIZ3Y8ot3Cy2qotzm7iIC7ZbkR2pHCNpPRSS6lQ1URuyJWAKISvUf7UyDQY0SsAXik6REJqfIxTfUycV4hhgaQL3jd2gXuQAd3LTlvp2knxPPe7Oz-/s1600/know-them-by-their-fruits-271x300%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRsUeyrrbxZm7yv9EM0P9Ul3-dKsIZ3Y8ot3Cy2qotzm7iIC7ZbkR2pHCNpPRSS6lQ1URuyJWAKISvUf7UyDQY0SsAXik6REJqfIxTfUycV4hhgaQL3jd2gXuQAd3LTlvp2knxPPe7Oz-/s1600/know-them-by-their-fruits-271x300%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><em><span style="color: red;">“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’</span></em></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Ask the Reformer how may prison ministries
their Church runs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask how many medical
missionaries, hospitals and clinics it operates?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask how many schools and colleges it has, and
how many Christian teachers are moulding young lives for Jesus? Ask how many
welfare programmes it has, how many international emergency disaster relief and
development organisations they operate?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally,
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>then compare their response to that of
the SDA Church, which whilst far from perfect, does all of these things,
perhaps at a greater level on a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pro rata</i>
basis of membership size than any other Christian group on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">What
should I do if a family member or friend becomes involved in the SDARM?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">If a family member becomes involved in the
SDARM, you may wish to consider some or all of the following:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Educate
yourself, by reading resources such as this and some of the articles found in
the further information section below. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being forewarned is forearmed.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Contact
your local SDA Pastor or someone you know is solidly grounded in their own
faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be especially careful of having
anything to do with SDARM leaders without sufficient support.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Avoid
tit-for-tat theological discussions with Reformers. Do not underestimate the
Reformers ability to recite on command a string of random scriptural verses,
which may well overwhelm you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whilst
many of these texts will be out of context, it may be difficult for you to
respond on the spot.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">When
discussing the issue with your family member or friend, appeal to the spirit of
the scriptures rather than their form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whilst the Reformers can memorise enormous chains of Bible verses, they
are not so successful at demonstrating their adherence to their spirit, such as
the commands of Jesus in Matt 40:34-40.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Most
importantly, if they chose to remain in the SDARM, stay a friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As often happens, they may eventually decide
it is not after all a place for them.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5POFRoiI82UGMxmr3CDSX0U2jGCpTFhQHn5qhwh1xW-TOapISuRSf2635_S4mKeKgJFmYLdWuy1LY3QqyMnQiKaAdt-KzToSngVL_AvmD7bYla4mjDxc6PMhNHBtHCF35xyZQzeWZP2zy/s1600/imagesCAX7E9LW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5POFRoiI82UGMxmr3CDSX0U2jGCpTFhQHn5qhwh1xW-TOapISuRSf2635_S4mKeKgJFmYLdWuy1LY3QqyMnQiKaAdt-KzToSngVL_AvmD7bYla4mjDxc6PMhNHBtHCF35xyZQzeWZP2zy/s400/imagesCAX7E9LW.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<img height="56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCoT8CSzMrpdBBzJJQk-dJVQtPH2hsbgxfTmFGYOavepp3C68uMunpDJ9x6HdP7WBYCbk1BO_dly74awJt9UN5yMYSb2nSWIQVmlTzB9z253RGVvlPvFQupYB-li4yI6jo5Hy47bzvHx9/s320/200502_086_squabble_350%5B1%5D.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 401px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 4257px;" width="96" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05956358481190607154noreply@blogger.com3