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Comments of the Week September 1-8

Comments of the Week September 1-8

Welcome to a new feature, where we select the best comments of the week, and invite you to revisit the essays where they were made. —Editors

How Much Can We Trust Your Conscience?

“Adventists generally do not have a true conscientious objection to anything. While some are conscientious objectors against war, they often display a lack of conscience when it comes to spreading misinformation, including spiritual blackmail. Unfortunately, there are instances where individuals have degraded, persecuted, discriminated against, and ostracized the GLBTIQ community, and there can be a troubling trend of misogyny and discrimination towards women within certain circles.

“However, it’s important to recognize that not all Adventists share these views or behaviors. Many are actively working towards inclusivity and understanding. To foster a more compassionate community, it would be beneficial for Adventists to engage in open dialogue about these issues and to actively support those who are marginalized.
“Thank you, Loren, for encouraging conversations that promote acceptance and challenge harmful attitudes, striving for a community that reflects true conscience and compassion.”

–Keith Paulusse

The Crusade to Christianize Public Schools

“History has been forgotten along with current societies who try using religious belief as way to prosper and have a better world. It has failed down through the decades and continues to fail. Organized religion continues to give itself and their God a bad reputation!”

–James Ray Stovall

Theology as Autobiography: Looking at the World Through My Lens

“This seems to me one of the most significant statements AT has ever published. Why are we insisting on using only our own rather old and narrow lens to speak to the world?”

–Loren Seibold

“I’m glad that the Michigan Conference has done this, but, why did they wait so long? Excuse my cynicism, but did they not care that people died because of the messages that went out from these people? This isn’t hearsay, I know some personally. But now that Vine’s message threatens the church finances, suddenly it’s a problem for them. It’s better late than never, I suppose, but it seems to me that they don’t really care that people died, only that they may lose some tithe over it.“
–Judy Nay
“Well, miracles never cease. Now if AFM [Adventist Frontier Missions] would ditch him. I would think this would be seen as poisoning their ministry if they keep him on, unless AFM has gone down the same rabbit hole as Vine. I do notice, however, that in the conference statement nothing is said about his erroneous views and dissension around COVID. Again, this is unconscionable, considering the damage, and likely even loss of life, these kinds of views have caused.”
–Bryan Ness

“Well written. I had spent a couple of years studying the history of our church and trying to determine if everything I had been taught from childhood on up was biblically based or human based. The conclusions I often reached left me feeling like I had been deceived on many levels.

“The struggle was very real. But in the fall of 2023, when I heard Ted Wilson say (quoted in your article), ‘Personal opinions and convictions are to be laid aside,’ I no longer questioned myself. That is a statement that indicates an abusive relationship.
“Convictions should never be laid aside because someone in a powerful role tells you to.”
–Ruth Kent Stewart

Aunty, What’s the Term Limit for a General Conference President?

“Has President Putin ever considered contacting President Wilson for tips on staying in power? Asking for a friend.”

–Steve Ferguson

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