We cannot fully support the very radical religious liberty part of the Adventist Church. Why? Because fighting against false and harmful religions is something we as Christians must do. We cannot remain silent, nor tolerate things that are blatantly unchristian. There is a right and a wrong. For decades, the Adventist Church seems to want to remain silent on political matters. That cannot be anymore. We are seeing more and more political activities by Adventists, and it's about time.How can we remain silent when people do despicable things to our Christian values, literature, art, writings, and beliefs?
The Adventist Church would want it's members to remain silent. To not talk about who you are voting for. Not to be discussing political ideas. To refrain from trying to persuade people on how to vote. Why? Do we give up our rights as US citizens solely because we are Adventists? We think not. In fact, we have only the Apostle Paul to look to for guidance. He demanded justice as a Roman Citizen, and was not going to give up his rights just because he converted to Christianity. In fact, the more he preached The Gospel, the more it seems he talked about converting those in power! What a contrast to the way we are asked to remain silent.
It had to happen. As Christian values have been attacked more and more, we have allowed other churches to dictate the narrative. Why? Why cannot Adventists stand up and be counted!
We claim we need to get rid of Ten Commandment displays in public, then turn a blind eye and deaf ear as Antichristianity is on full display! Why are we cheering such nonsense?
We have a moral, ethical, and yes, religious obligation to speak up about these things. What more right should we exercise than voting?
Ellen G. White was a champion of the temperance movement. She readily joined the fight against tobacco and alcohol. She knew the evils they cause. Did she remain silent? Absolutely not! In fact, she told people that if laws are to be voted on to ban these things, and that voting was to be taken on the Sabbath, then go ahead and vote on Sabbath!
Now what more important moral issues today are to be decided by the Supreme Court? And guess who gets to decide who is on the Supreme Court?
If you think that Adventists should be timid and silent, you not doing your duty.
If there was ANY church that should be standing up, taking a stand, in a loud voice, it the Adventist Church!
Yes, we are talking about members.We are talking about your workplaces. The streets. The parks. Your neighborhood. We know that individual churches cannot endorse, nor can pastors endorse from the pulpit.
But you cannot remain silent in church. You can indeed mention things that are important, and what needs to be considered when you vote. And yes, they can encourage you to vote!
Indeed, we have religious liberty. We have the liberty to proclaim right from wrong, and The Gospel of Jesus Christ. Remaining silent is NOT and option.
