ATSS: Lindsey Abston Painter, “Seventh-day Adventists’ Troubled Relationship with Sex & Gender”
26 April 2023 |
Read this essay in preparation for the presentation.
Almost from the beginning, Adventists have struggled to deal constructively with questions of sex and gender. Both James and Ellen White wrote books repeating common myths about “self-abuse”—a theme that devolved into abusive treatments by such Adventist medical luminaries as John Harvey Kellogg and Harold Shryock. The church made it nearly impossible for people to remain in the church after a divorce, and Adventists have taken an unusually hard line on pre-marital sex.
Though the denomination was founded by a woman who was denominated a prophet, women have subsequently been frozen out of almost all positions of clerical leadership and ordination for ministry. Yet male pastors who are known to have committed sexual offenses have not infrequently been moved on. As for LGBTQ people, our denomination has not only rejected them but, to our great shame, still promotes the discredited idea of “gay change.”
Lindsey Painter will explore the history, past and current, of Adventists’ relationship with sex and gender, and suggest how we can do better.
Teacher:
Lindsey Abston Painter is a mental health training supervisor living in Northern California. She is also a member of the Adventist Today editorial team. She is passionate about feminism, social justice, and sci-fi. She is a proud parent and has too many cats and one goofy dog.
Moderator:
Loren Seibold is the Executive Editor of Adventist Today, and the founder and pastor of the Adventist Today Sabbath Seminar.
How to join:
One-click link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81974741614
Passcode: MATTHEW
ATSS starting time depends on where you are. If you’re on the west coast of the United States, it’ll be 10:30 AM. On the east coast, 1:30 PM. Please double-check the correct time where you live.
The class is intended to last about 2 hours, though the conversation often continues to 4 PM (Eastern time).
About our class:
- The AT Sabbath Seminar is intended to be a courteous forum. We discuss and ask questions politely. We don’t accuse, get angry, put people down, or judge the state of their salvation.
- Stick to the topic in both comments and chat discussion.
- Make your comments and questions short—don’t dominate.
- Keep your microphones muted unless you are called upon to make your comment or ask your question.
- Indicate your interest in speaking by raising your electronic hand—under the “reactions” button.
- Please use your name when you sign in! Not your phone number, not your initials. This will help us differentiate you from unwelcome guests who want to disrupt us. You can set your name after signing on by clicking on the 3 dots next to your picture, which drops down a menu.
We look forward to getting acquainted with you!
Coming up:
- Daniel Duda
- Bryan Ness
- Reinder Bruinsma
- Mathilde Frey
- Austin Archer
- Kevin Burton
- Laura Wibberding
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