Fundamentalist Adventist Sect Kills 9 Police Officers during Shoot-out in Angola
By AT News Team, April 22, 2015: Last Thursday police arrived to serve a warrant on the leader of an Adventist splinter group in Huambo Province and members of the sect began shooting. When the gunfire was over and Julio Kalupeteca was under arrest, nine police officers and 13 civilians were dead, reports the ANGOP news service.
Shock spread through Luanda, the capital of the African nation, on Monday when the murder of the police officials, including two commanding officers, was announced. “The Angolan Head of State Jose Eduardo dos Santos is profoundly shocked,” stated the official Angola Press Agency. He expressed his “profound consternation” and condolences to the relatives of the victims, stated Eugenio Laborinho, the nation’s chief of police and fire services.
The Seventh Day Adventist Church Light of the World group began in the early 2000s. Kalupeteca has taught that Christ will return in 2015 and in recent years urged followers to sell their homes and possessions and move to rural areas, according to a bulletin from the international Prensa Latina New Agency. In 2012 the sect tried to stop a vaccination campaign against polio and last year urged people to refuse to cooperate with the national census.
The “dissident branch of the Seventh Day Adventist Church … has 3,700 followers in Angola,” reported the All Africa news service. It is unclear how many there may be in other countries.
The majority of the 24 million residents of Angola are Catholics, a legacy from the time when it was a colony of Portugal. In recent years Evangelical Protestant denominations are gaining many converts. A total of 83 denominations are officially recognized in the country, including the Seventh-day Adventist Church which had nearly 255,000 members at the end of last year in 3,000 congregations.
There are also “1,200 other religious organizations, including many cults,” according to the government’s Ministry of Culture. Some of these groups are very aggressive and often engaged in conflict and competition, which sometimes leads to violence.
In some ways this is similar to another disastrous event that occurred in Waco, Texas, in 1993. United States Federal officers attempted to arrest the leader of the Branch Davidian cult for hoarding automatic weapons and were met with gunfire. Police officers were killed and after a standoff that lasted for weeks, a final assault on the cult’s compound started a fire that killed many civilians, including children.
“Religion is a powerful thing in people’s lives,” a scholar of religious movements told Adventist Today. “When extreme fundamentalism gets out of control it can lead to violence, not matter the theological roots of the belief; as we know so painfully from more recent events involving Muslim fundamentalists. Adventists are not immune to this kind of thing.”
“The Seventh Day Adventist Church Light of the World” should have been sued for using the SDA name. They have brought disgrace to the real SDA Church, as many listeners may not understand the news as to this being a splinter group.
It was a radical mind-control cult. Kalupeteca convinced followers to sell everything and follow him, as “Christ will come this year.” Does the name “Harold Camping” ring a bell? How about Jim Jones or David Koresh?
They tried to prevent vaccinations for polio? They refused to cooperate with the national census? Sorry, but that is just crazy.
As the religion expert said, “When extreme fundamentalism gets out of control it can lead to violence.” It can also lead to stupidity.
Suing them in Angola sounds like a losing proposition. What could have been gained?
I agree…
And that is the american way. Sue Sue and Sue.
This is what can happen when people focus on being religious instead of falling in love with God; when they focus on loyalty to a religion / denomination / sect instead of faith in Jesus alone; when they follow a charismatic personality instead of following Christ.
Absolutely True.
Anyone who glories in man is not seeking God’s will.
Amen. Churches are tax free corporations. Especially those with so many medical facilities. The money they make and the property they own is a downright Sin against the name of Jesus who did not have place to lay His head.
Right on.
I concur… When people allow a human leader to become their idol…this is what happens. The bible says to fix our eyes on Jesus BUT people fix their on humans.
Haven’t Adventists traditionally claimed to be right and loyalty to the church is uppermost? It is so frequently heard: “This is not Adventist belief.”
Recently, for the first time in my life, I have taken some time to watch programs on TV from “In the Heavens Ministries,” “Amazing Discoveries (ADTV),” and “Three Angels Broadcasting Network (3ABN),” all claiming to be the voice of SDAs. I get the distinct impression they are all religious nutters who don’t preach, and possibly don’t understand, the gospel. They appear to be ones on the fringe of Christianity who could easily tip unstable people over the edge of sanity. One talking head in particular, featured on programs aired by “In the Heavens Ministries,” is an utter embarrassment who stumbles over his reading of scripture and talks almost in a monotone. I have to say, though, that his bench beard is true to the style of the 1850s and is a good match for his theology.
My guess is that Kalupeteca used the erroneous year-day theory to arrive at 2015 for the Second Advent. I wonder where he got that theory from?!! It’s a theory that has been tried by numerous false prophets and it has failed every time. Isn’t it time to call a halt to this experimentation in biblical exegesis?
TV programs, such as the three I have listed, only reinforce radicalism. Those who fund the programs have a lot to answer for.
It will be a marvellous day when the SDA Church becomes world-renown for its radio and television preaching of the simple Christian gospel.
Milton, I left Adventism about forty years ago while a minster because I realized the suggestion you propose of it moving to an emphasis on the simple Christian gospel was unlikely if not impossible. Its very name is the logo of a fortress constructed to resist all encounters with the simple teachings of Christ. And then there is Ellen, the erstwhile pope of Adventism (whether by her design or not) whose overwhelming presence cannot be exorcised, even by the simple collective turning of a blind eye.
I saw the “bait and switch” mentality, apparently still in effect, of the advertisements (evangelism and its salesmen) as confirmation of the fact Adventism had nothing straightforward to attract the public. The “offshoots” and the lonesome off shooters in my congregations adamantly opposed any move toward their definition of “liberalism,” that was, any lessening of the legal aspects of Adventism.
Adventism functions and survives because there is a “jack for every Jill.” That is, there is always a minority that finds satisfaction in every version of belief. The existence of countless cults, denominations, religions and sects verify that. There is a handful of people in the world whose perusal of “prophecy” satisfies their need to divine the future, who are willing to ignore the pain imposed on Adventism on its gestation (the Great Disappointment) and the resultant one hundred fifty year detour from reality. However, most, but not all, are willing to file their work in the folder “Soon,” as a bit of a concession to reality.
The shootout in Angola isn’t an indictment of Adventism, is a fluke by idiots. Adventism doesn’t in any way foster or encourage such extreme behavior. It is much too mired in depressive, defunct theologies to promote revolution in any sense whatsoever. It drove off on a detour as an institution about a hundred forty years ago, can’t find a good way back to the gospel highway. But there is room, and plenty of residents therein, that in spite of it all, have found the simple gospel of Christ to be their guide and live by it every day. Anecdotal Adventists.
Oh, Isaac Newton, contributor of profound scientific enlightenment, intensely studied prophecy for many years and three hundred years ago predicted Christ’s return in 2060! I’ll be 120 then, so will miss the fun surrounding that date! So I’ll just reread the 1844 debacle again, that will have to suffice!
The Adventist church does not believe in setting dates for Christ’s return. Those who do and call themselves Adventists are not true Bible-believing Christians. You cannot read the Bible and reject the 2nd coming. I’ve been an Adventist for 80 yrs. I am a retired pastor and medical doctor.
Wes Blevins
I could have left the Church long time ago to Larry. Rather than looking at the faulty men in the Church, I tell myself, “The Lord who began a good work through this church will certainly bring it to its completion. I hold onto his promises and try to do the very best I could do. I guess this is what The Lord would expect of me.
All the very best to you as you continue to serve The Lord in your own way.
Where (anywhere) within SDA Churches are the precepts of Acts 2:42-47 lived out? …and it was not a call to poverty by those who had material things; just a unloading of the excess that was liquidated and given for the ministry and needs as they were noted.
Please contact me if you can answer the “Where (anywhere)? thanks/NM
I must belong to a splinter SDA church too because 95% of what I hear in sabbath school and from the pulpit IS the simple gospel of Christ.
Perhaps you left too soon?
My dear ex pastor where did it go wrong the SDA church preaches teaches pure gospel, prophecy is spot on, the bible predicts scoffers in the,last days Timothy gives clear direction Daniel Revelation too tells the future of the world who else teaches 1844 the great disappointment. To set the record straight SDA have never set a date re Christ return as you well know, well maybe you didnt it was the Millerites. The truth the SDA church preaches is biblical, however if individuals fail in office or Church life then they are bad examples of Christ’s disciples, however truth is still the same God word never changes.
I implore you to read and study what you first accepted not the side distractions or fables but the gospels as Peter states prophecy is a sure word.Keep your eyes on Jesus not people in the church we are told in the,bible Wolves in sheep’s clothing.
I think the record is clear truth is truth God’s holy word is not for private interpretation.
Ask Holy Spirit to lead then we find the truth and nothing but the truth.
Clem Morgan UK
“‘Religion is a powerful thing in people’s lives,’ a scholar of religious movements told Adventist Today.”
Does s/he have a name? There’s nothing in that quote that would warrant anonymity. Please identify your sources.
All religions, including Christianity, even Bugs/larry Boshnell’s if he is part of Protestantism, have their extremists. Always, remember ‘abuse does not invalidate proper use.’ We saw this with the Biblical Jewish church and we saw it and see it in Christianity today, not to mention other religions. The sad thing is that God’s name is scandalized when these people do such things. However, we must remember that we are up against a great supernatural foe that caused our first parents to sin. The more he can scandalize God’s remnant church the more he will intimidate the normal ones from preaching the distinctive truths that will certain appear extreme in today’s religious unity movement. However, we must not give up. God is still in charge. We must pray that God will over rule as he did with David’s sin, and the apostasy of the kings. We must all pray for wisdom to move ahead. Obeying governments is not always the right thing to do as we all know. But to take up arms against the government is folly and unbiblical, let’s never resort to that. God will fight our battles. Let’s all solicit our God to show His face in this sad episode.
Ron, not sure why you cite me but it appears you didn’t read or understand my post above since we are in agreement. I know of nothing in Adventism that remotely suggests aggression. Of any kind.
I’m saddened that the comments here relate to Adventism, and not to the families whose loved ones have died. Can we let our hearts be broken this time, and perhaps find it easier to let our hearts cry in the future? We have analyzed Adventism in these posts, and trotted out our lists of grievances. I’d love to see us gallop out with prayers for those who are grieving.
Kermit-
You have this one correct. To use this forum to condemn Adventism shows little class IMO. Here is depicted alleged Adventism run amok. Think radical Islam although the Administration refuses to use the term.
If it were your loved one who lost his life wouldn’t a message of solace be preferable?
Netteburg: Thanks, lovely sentiments. But let’s not go to the other extreme. Of course we empathize and mourn with the families of the dead. There’s no question there. Our discussion on the perpetrators is also in place. Try not to get confused over the appropriateness of either post. Our sympathy is also shown in coming to grips with how and why such events take place. When is the most appropriate time to talk to these extremist actions? Those who mourn are at the same time looking angrily at who they think represent the SDA church. This can lead to total banning of Adventism in Angola. So yes, we grieve and simultaneously we look for explanations. God bless you my friend.
Sorry, bugs/Larry Boshell. I misunderstood you post. It seemed confusing to me. I do love my church and believe it to be the Remnant church according to the Bible (of course not everyone in the church belong to the Remnant-just like the Jewish church in OT times). Your post confused me. Nevertheless I apologise for any offence towards you. God bless my friend.
Your trust in your church, your profession of your faith, is fine with me, Ron. I’m sure it is confusing that as a critic of Adventism, I support one’s choice to be a part of it. As I see it, the quest for enlightenment has diverse corridors at the end of which we each see a glimmer of light. If we were robots there would only be one path, albeit a crowded one! We’re not carbon copies of each other! This allows us to be individuals, worlds apart, yet entangled in a mutual quest. Confusing maybe, but also exhilarating, because the glimmer of attractive light might well be from one Source.
One of my concerns about this event is whether the
Seventh-Day Adventist church disavowed any connection with this group prior to these events. Clearly the church will suffer harm from the apparent or real association with the group. The church must be vigilant in keeping any semblance of association in appearance or directly with such groups before events like this occur.
We probably have if we knew. Certainly the Angolans must have done so. However I never heard of this group or any militant Adventist group before. But as I have said, it is not strange in this sinful world. All in the name of the Creator! That is what the adversary of souls seeks to develop and activate; just to darken the name of his Creator. The battle is real and only those that are on the Lord’s side will survive. Let’s be sure to be there regardless of all the nay sayers and critics! Happy Sabbath, folks.
Amen to that. devil is trying to destroy the church as it stands for the creator God.
Critics, such as me, and that darned old devil, Lucifer, are no threat to Adventism. Nor is this maniacal event in Angola.
I’ve been the target of countless criticisms over my 74 years. None have destroyed me.
The devil is a marshmallow flipper against the Adventist church. He cannot destroy it.
I’m a critic of Adventism (and most organized religion, for that matter). My assaults are in the spirit of “if the shoe fits, wear it.” I and all critics in concert cannot harm Adventism.
Bro you are 100% right you and that darn Devil are no threat as our commander Jesus Christ is the head of the Church, so critics come critics go I wonder why critic constantly attach it self self to the host.
Study study study with Holy Spirit guidance
We need a Holy Spirit check before we depart from the sacred truth as heaven is to good yo miss out on
So prayfully re examine the path you are on and the one you have jettisoned
Get back on board,folks as the song says this train is bound for glory
Q Am I wrong no!! its God’s truths we are proclaiming do get on board
See youClem UK
Adventism is not in anyway a false religion. There are some people who try to misinterpret things for their personal gains. Unfortunately, this is very common in any religious group, whether it be Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism.
All men and women are born with the conscience that tells them what is right and what is wrong.
I was born and brought up an Anglican and chose to become an Adventist upon attending a wonderful Adventist Boarding School. Being that young, I was distinctly able to recognize the fact that the Adventist Church taught people to have personal relationship with God and make it so beneficial in this sin sick world. I have seen some horror stories in the church like many other religious organization, but I would firmly say that The Lord has been using the Adventist Church in many countries to reach out to those that are looking for answers to their day to day lives. God has been wonderful to the Adventist Church through all of its ups and downs. God is going to continue to use the Church to bless many in time to come. I am so glad and thankful that I came across the Adventist Church.
Unfortunately most church members are isolated from what goes on in other Christian groups (including persecution between them in some parts of the world). As a result we think we are the only one with problems. Then you get into other religions and much of it is violent–just like nationalism and tribalism. It’s human nature at its worst.
The NT Christians were split into many sects with Gnostic Christian sects being the then antiChrist who denied Christ had come in the flesh.
Criticism with a spirit of arrogance to attacking the faith of others is how divisions begin and can go on to confrontation and even violence in some countries.
We seem to have an escape mentality syndrome versus loving our selves and loving those around us. With our critical minds we do not know to live happily as Christians. I am so guilty.
The escape mentality has taken many of my friends from being a Christian to other faiths. 🙁
WELL i think we are hoocked up with dangerous criminal in the name of Jesus no wonder ===the sighns of the last days
Noting that the majority of Angolans are Catholic- Is there any indication that this off-shoot of Adventism adopted Adventism’s traditional antipathy toward the Catholic church in its theology and, if so, did it have anything to do with the teaching of its end-time message or with this incident?
How sad that people listen to what others SAY is in the bible rather than read it for themselves. The first time a member of this fanatical splinter group read;
Matthew 24:36 (NIV)
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
a huge red flag should have popped up. The reader should have known instantly that their ‘dear’ leader was WRONG, WRONG, WRONG, for predicting the date of Jesus’s return.
The leader must have excised it from the bibles or worse he claimed that God spoke to him.
How sad.
Now some are saying what good would it do to sue? Plenty. Deprive them of their funds to function and shame them in international news, and maybe they will shrink to the point they no longer exist.
They are using the name of a church that strives to bring the health message and the importance of education to all people whom it may contact. In my humble opinion, this splinter group is an attempt by satan to discredit the entire SDA church and AGAIN promote the image that Adventism is a cult.
The SDA leadership should not remain quiet when some slander their image. Silence in this matter will cause many to believe the splinter is a representation of the original.
When suing, one must understand the government and judge who would handle the case. All foreign courts do not operate in U.S. systems. Some are very corrupt and the outcome is uncertain.
Please remember what Ephesians 6 says,we,wrestle not against flesh or blood but Satan and his nefarious agents. If it is Baal then serve him or if it God who is in heaven
But be very very sure That its Nit Gods voice teachings that it are rejecting use line upon line precepts on precepts and pray for Holy Spirit when u pray /study you will then be in the marvelous light. Finding yourself amongst the commandment keeper. Yes bad evil men attach themselves to Hide church, we recognize andfeel for them as well as those caught up on the wake.
People can misuse the SDA name but Im smiling as I type this church shall not topple it shall remain triumphant because it’s commander is Jesus Christ.
The church will rock but it will not roll.
Here endeth my truthful discourse from scripture and hold on to sacred truths remember Revelation 12 v 12
Hold on brethren
Bro you are 100% right you and that darn Devil are no threat as our commander Jesus Christ is the head of the Church, so critics come critics go I wonder why critic constantly attach it self self to the host.
Study study study with Holy Spirit guidance
We need a Holy Spirit check before we depart from the sacred truth as heaven is to good yo miss out on
So prayfully re examine the path you are on and the one you have jettisoned
Get back on board,folks as the song says this train is bound for glory
Q Am I wrong no!! its God’s truths we are proclaiming do get on board
See youClem UK
Someone asked me whether we know for sure that the Adventists did in fact commit this crime or whether there is indeed such an extremist Adventist group. That set me thinking. 9/11, Pearl Harbour, etc. Maybe it might just benefit us to know the facts from the leaders in Angola. That way we can write more intelligently and not necessarily build castles on sandy foundations. The wise man will think and check before he speaks.
At the end of the day this is just another sad example of how far from the truth sects,cults, reformed churches ,evangelical ,protestants, non-denoms & whatever one decides to call itself have come,Satan has been working hard at manipulating the truth & confusing believers on the truth of Christ the fact that Christians believe its OK to shop for a church according to thier lifestyle & what they are willing to accept as truth & reject the Word because it seems intolerable or makes it uncomfortable to present day situations & accepting the lie against the true even taking the position of the father of lies to gain converts shows that the seed planted by Luther gave bad fruit, the Reformation was indeed a failer because at its root Pride played a great roll & this poisoned ground still reaps bad fruit Satan goal was to divide the Church of Christ by any means nessary, the greatest enemy of the native Americans was themselves they chose not to come together to defeat what would eventually be the ruin of native cultures far & wide on this continent ,the same game is also plagued by Satan on christians anytime some disagrees with a position they become their own pope and establish another group so much so that the Bible is no longer the rule of faith but everything gets voted on as accept or deny what good for you may not be good for me but I’m sure we can agree to disagree & come together on common grounds “Wake up CHURCH!!!! Jesus established One Church under One Shepard ,his prayer was for Unity in the Body not a body of division ,not an invisible body but one that would set the world ablazed with the Everlasting Gospel,as a former SDA truly feel blessed for my roots but the SDA Church USA has turned a blind eye to abortion & has allowed sacrifices to Baal to be committed in their hospitals for the love of money & with the hopes that the Government will not touch their precious Sabbath, whatever happened to thou shall not murder ,& Christ words against those who harm the little ones, God is not mocked we will reap what we’ve sowed the SDA CHURCH to me is a prime example self interpreting for gains not souls, a half truth is still a lie no matter how beautiful you try to paint it,stand watch be vigilant the devil is seeking to destroy truth & the faith of millions in these last days, Jesus is the only way!!! Through the Word & the Testimony of the Church of Christ with over a 2000 yrs witness !!!!
Amen
Interestingly, the legacy of Ellen White is typically involved in the various factions that stem from official Adventism. Since her theological views are “all over the road” on many key doctrines, this greatly spawns splinter groups. Consequently, the fragmenting of Seventh-day Adventism can be observed everywhere–even at your neighborhood SDA church.