Now, that said above, she was the one in a relationship and had the most obligation to make that clear. I was operating on false information which she propagated. So I'm willing to own up to my part but not all of it! Anyway, enough of that. What is is and we learn from it. The Lord has delivered me from probably a much worse fate! So, it was mentioned that I should look outside Adventism for partners and/or connections. I don't think people really understand why that's an issue. I became much more aware of this when I had dates with a couple of women in December. It struck me that there were issues in this. 1) Adventists are Sabbath keepers. We observe Sabbath from sundown Friday until sundown Saturday. During this time we do not cook, do chores, make purchases... I don't buy coffee at Tim Horton's, I would fill my gas tank the night before, and I cook meals on Thursday for Sabbath. there's more but you get the idea. We, as Adventists, spend much of Sabbath with each other or doing church stuff together. 2) We believe we are the remnant church...which means through Ellen G White's visions God gave us a special mission on this earth and you can't just in good conscience run to another church 'cuz it would be good for your relationship if you believe in that mission. 3) We are largely vegetarian and those that don't still eat meat sparingly. We do not eat pork or shellfish. Our meals together e.g. potlucks are vegetarian. We believe in the health message God sent through Ellen G White. 4) although many of our beliefs are the same as other Christian denominations many are not. We do not believe in an eternal hell. We believe that death means sleep until the second coming...no one goes to heaven before that. We believe in the sanctuary where Jesus is preparing a place for us, we practice foot washing. We don't wear wedding rings or jewellery....etc.
There's lots of stuff that makes inter-denomination relationships extremely challenging...not impossible, but difficult. So in my mind I would like to find someone who will share my beliefs and practices ...someone who will share Sabbath School homework with me (we do homework each evening), who will understand our practices and not just put up with them. Pastor says it gets harder and harder not easier. So, that's my lengthy but still very incomplete explanation for why I would prefer to have a relationship within my faith. I adhere to our practices and it matters to me that whoever I choose to share my life with is on the same page. I know that goes against the "all religions are one..." and "tolerance" camps preaching but what is is and that's where I choose to be. It may change but not today anyway A year ago (and this Sabbath it will be a year), when I returned to the Adventist church I felt like I had come home. I am an Adventist.
A year ago (and this Sabbath it will be a year), when I returned to the Adventist church I felt like I had come home. I am an Adventist.