The following is an email I sent to the Michigan Conference of SDAs about the photo that has gone viral. Then I posted the response.
Dear Michigan Conference,
We saw a photo that appeared to be a terrorist-type capture and assassination of some youths posted on the internet taken by Pastor Alden J. Ho, whom I have personally contacted. He responded with the following:
"This image I took was from Camp Au Sable in Michigan Conference. It was the last Sabbath of camp, and this was one of the stations that they had to portray the events that will surround God's people in the last days during the time of persecution that will take place."
This Image is very disturbing for several reasons. I understand that your religion teaches that this in an inevitable future event based upon your prophetess Ellen White, but even within that context, why would you want to pre-enact it? That would be similar to the youth of Norway pre-enaacting their massacre. What could possibly be the point of this? Was this a part of survival techniques for the last days? It is coming across to Christians outside your church as brainwashing techniques, as there seems to be no purpose for this type of theatrical display other than to instill fear.
We also strongly advise you to cease from this type of mock up in the future.
God bless you,
Arthur and Teresa Beem
_______________________
From Jay Gallimore:, President Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists:
Thank you for your inquiry. You might be interested to know that Adventists are basically pacifists. See the Desmond Doss, Congressional Medal of Honor, story of WW2.
Camp AuSable has been around for over 60 years and has long put on camp fire skits etc, as many Christian camping programs do, usually with some moral story that involves the nation's beginnings, hence the costumes. Sometimes they may have a skit urging campers to be faithful to Christ in face of persecution such as this one. This camp has a great staff.
Many people, who are not of our faith, attend and return over and over. To suggest that Christians cannot coach youth to be faithful to Christ in face of persecution directly opposes the teaching of Jesus. See Matthew 10.
End time persecution themes among Christians are not new or scarce. The Left Behind Series which sold by the millions in the most popular book stores, including airports, had a theme of end time persecution of Christians by the Anti-Christ and his followers. The books and films also promote a scenario, that in the event of the rapture, that planes, trains and cars crash with their human passengers crash. Catholics, Evangelicals and Protestants nearly all teach to be faithful to Christ in face of end time persecution and for good reason. The Christian Church was born in persecution - it's Savior was crucified! Many films have shared in graphic detail the story of Christ. During the dark ages many Bible believing Christian were burned at the stake and tortured for
their faith including William Tyndale, the translator of the English Bible. Many books, films and plays have graphically told their stories. The Bible predicts the final events will contain more of the same.
In addition, Seventh-day Adventists have a representative form of church government as most Protestant denominations do. Also our churches practice open communion with people of all Christian faiths. Hardly the stuff of cults.
36 comments:
Concerning the Left Behind Movies and books: the movie was rated PG-13. A children's book series was toned down for young readers. True: children and teens can be coached for faithfulness in last days events. How better to lovingly coach with stories of real Bible heroes and learn how they demonstrated faith than to come face-to-face with weapons.
is there more? it ends abruptly like that?
at any rate, it is soooooooo lame.
dpm,
Yeah, I just wanted to post the letter and reply. I wanted to think about it before I responded to him....
sorry, I meant his response just ended abruptly like that? I'm following the comments on your FB page too...
Jay Gallimore,
With all due respect the subject at hand is the picture taken at this camp portraying "mock up of last day events" by SDA's. The photo shows young adults and children using and having guns pointed at them.
I encourage you to contact http://www.wellspringretreat.org/ to speak with a professional and let them know of the picture and the circumstances depicting the picture.
At Wellspring they have professional staff that would be able to help you decipher if this is Psychological, emotional or spiritual abuse as well as share about cult survivors.
Hello Teresa and thank you for posting it.. Would you please tell us what the link is to contact the Michigan Conference President? Thank you..
And this is me, Teresa, Martin..anonymous.
Martin I posted the into on my facebook page. Thanks!
Hello,
First..... we live in a country that allows freedom of religion. SDAs, misguided as they may be, have the right to teach their children, based on their beliefs.
Second.... Teresa, why do you keep comparing this picture to the Norway terrorist attack? SDAs are pacifists. The picture was their own erroneous belief of future events ( and their right to teach it, at least currently in the U.S..... so, what's it to you? ). And, whatever their doctrinal differences may be to yours - comparing Christians who are willing to die for their faith in Christ to victims of a pscho-killer at a liberal camp in Norway.... are worlds apart in context. Biblical teachings actually do include a promise of persecution for Christians. You are muddying the waters with your comparison to the secular, crazy Norway terrorist...
Third.... and most interestingly.... how can you, as loyal Catholic, and in light of the atrocities against Bible-believing Protestants of the Reformation, claim to to be the moral and doctrinally accurate compass on this depiction? The hypocrisy is staggering.... Pacifists standing for their faith under persecution vs. the blood-thirsty Roman Catholic Inquisition that murdered thousands and thousands of gospel-believing Christians.... the same Pope and "Co-Redemtrix (Perfect Virgin Mary) that you now give your loyalty to..... amazing! And I am referring to actual, truthful and real traumatic events in history..... not imagined depictions of 'possible' persecutions in the future... I wonder if the children of the murdered Reformers needed psychological counseling?
Lastly, maybe instead of bashing these SDAs for this mildly 'rated PG' depiction (compared to the wildly popular and demonic Harry Potter that all the kids, and adults, are flocking to.)..... we should just contend for the faith, like the Bible commands..... Say the truth in love, to our misguided brothers in Christ, the SDAs. Because, when you cast all these stones at them, you are only condemning yourself, as it is common knowledge that Catholics do not glory in Christ alone.
If anyone is offended by this, I am only trying to say the truth in love... This young, foolish Pastor Ho is probably going to lose his job and career over his poor judgment call on his "psychologically damaging picture".... and everyone on this blog and other blogs are circling like sharks with blood in the water. Where is the love? And more importantly, where is the glory of Christ?
Sincerely,
Sharon K
I'm not sure what is more scary to me? The letter from that administrative guy or the photo?
Sharon,
Do you not see that you have come onto my blog to reprimand me for my opinion? Is that any different than me posting ON MY OWN BLOG my opinion?
Where is my right to my freedom of speech?
I believe I am speaking in love just as much as you believe you are. You have to understand I am not in any way bashing Adventists. You missed the mark totally. I am bashing unbiblical doctrines of demons. If I love my fellow man I will do that. We are called as Christians to correct each other in love. Just as you are attempting to do to me! So we both have to understand we are doing the best we can with the knowledge we have.
Rather than bash SDAs I have taken up for them. I have continually said they are sincere. So please make note of my actual writing, rather than your interpretations of what I am writing! (me smiling here! I know we all do it, I am not trying to come down on you, just explain.)
As far the Norwegian comparison: The comparison I am making is that death and tragedy happen. We do not, as civilized people, go around pre-enacting it! We have fire drills, not for sensational dramas to ingrain in people fear of fire. We have fire drills to prevent loss of life. That is not what is happening at the SDA camp. It is pure sensationalism to indoctrinate children into SDA last day scenarios. It is not teaching them survival skills.
They claim they are teaching them to stand up for God when martyrdom faces them. But that is not how scripture tells us to prepare for God's second return. No early Christians pre-enacted their own martyrdoms to prepare for it. It is through prayer and living a life of holiness and with God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ that we can be certain that we will one day pass, if necessary, a test of martyrdom.
Lastly as far as Catholicism's past atrocities.
Note that none of the atrocities were part of the church's dogma. People do bad things in all church's. Protestants too. We look to what a church teaches, not to rogue and bad Catholics or Protestants.
All I can finish with is that dear Sharon, we all have a right to speak the truth. Adventists as well as others. If we see what we think is something, as Christian brothers, that the SDA church teaches that is anti-christian we are obligated to say something.
Also keep in mind that the SDA church was begun by the idea that all other Christians need to hear the truth about sabbath and it has done nothing but bash Catholics for its entire life! Why do the SDAs get carte blanche to have worldwide seminars to point the finger at Catholicism and Apostate Protestantism and yet when we point the finger back, everyone cries "persecution!" (You are not being that dramatic, but I get it from others all the time.)
And if Alden Ho loses his job for posting the picture, there is a real problem in the SDA church, because it could have easily been a camper. It was the actions, not the photo that captured the evidence of that action, that we have a deep concern about.
To Sharon, Thank you for expressing what I am sure are alot of people not brave enough to speak. I also have an opinion like yours, and, yes, Teresa, I am not speaking double talk. keep reading...
Yet, as I have read the replies, there are some who have been frightened and yes, they report traumatized by these stories in their youth in our SDA church.. So, while I understand your opinion, Please keep reading.. There are those who have left our denomination who were hurt by these stories. and they blame EGW..I do not. but I do believe posting this photo by a Pastor of the SDA church, was short sided.. Maybe in a more private forum, but not Facebook. Too many people would not understand it. Remember Waco? 1993? I was watching the news that famous Sunday morning, Ch. 8 was reporting that Mt. Carmel was a Seventh day Adventist religous group. I called the president of the University, and told him to find our Union President.. He did. But many people were not correctly informed. Teresa, I know you are loving this. In conclusion I will say that our teachings in some situations should be held close, just as not all of EGW books and compilations should be used in Evangelism. Thank you Sharon for giving your side. I do fear for Pastor Ho and his career, as the leaders are not managers but preachers. In general, they are not trained for current leadership positions yet their speaking ability gives false impressions of natural leadership. I am not speaking about anyone in the Michigan conference, only those who I have known in my walk.
everyone have a great day.
Anonymous wrote:
"Teresa, I know you are loving this."
My response:
All I can say is--Stockholm Syndrome. You believe those who have come to rescue you as the enemy. That is what brainwashing does.
Anonymous wrote:
"In conclusion I will say that our teachings in some situations should be held close, just as not all of EGW books and compilations should be used in Evangelism."
My response:
What do you mean by that? It seems as if you do not want your church to be forthcoming about what you actually believe? Hide part of it? Why if it is all biblical?
Better clarify in light of the photo. I should have written, "a theological Stockholm Syndrome."
Who's denying that there is and will be persecution of Christians? This seems to be a tack some SDA's are approaching this event from in an attempt to defend it. But no one is saying that there won't be persecution. This is clearly Biblical. But what isn't is the teaching that a little group will be hunt down and killed for their day of worship. This is an insult to those around the world who even now are being slaughtered for their faith in Christ and their refusal to deny His name.
Aaron
Dear Teresa,
I don’t know why you would be offended at my intrusion “ON YOUR BLOG.” After all, you went back and forth for quite some time on facebook, sticking your nose into Pastor Ho’s personal business... all in the name of Christian love and outreach to SDAs. And to be fair, if you don’t want the public to look at your blog, then make it private, and then you’ll be certain to never have a disagreeable opinion. (see your comment below that indicates your awareness of your intrusion into his facebook page)
Teresa Beem: Since Leigh is already his friend... her posting his picture doesn't seem unethical to me. If it was open for her to see, then he can't get upset if she can copy and paste. But for me to use it, I don't know.... any advice? I have had zero experience in this so I don't have a clue...
July 22 at 3:29pm
So, dear Theresa, you say, concerning my statement of the Catholic Inquisition and other atrocities toward Protestants...”We look to what a church teaches, not to rogue and bad Catholics or Protestants.” Well, I don’t call them “rogues”, I call them “Popes” and business as usual. Again, just read Foxe’s Book of Martyrs or most any other history book concerning the Reformation.
And to finish dear Theresa, I would have to agree that we should point out unbiblical teachings in Christian denominations as we see them, which is why I am pointing out to you that among many other errors of the Catholic church, salvation comes through grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.... NOT by faith plus works (sacraments); transubstantiation is error and idolatry; Mary is not immaculate nor a co-redeemer with Christ, nor the Queen of Heaven..... she was a sinful woman in need of Savior, just like you and me; there is only one mediator, Jesus Christ, not the Pope and his appointees; praying to dead people, ie saints, is unbiblical and occultic practices; purgatory is unbiblical and a Catholic ‘ponzi scheme’..... I think I will stop there. See, I didn’t even mention what day of the week to worship on, or how Catholic mystics talk to demons via contemplative prayer, and call it blissful union with God..
In Christ (ALONE),
Sharon K
Sharon,
The problem with all cyber communication is there is no way to show how one is meaning what one is writing via body language, smiles, etc. I was in NO WAY offended by what you wrote. I don't get offended. I am usually very light hearted and I was not being near as serious as you took me.
Sorry about that.
And I can assure you I wasn't writing dear to patronize you or be sarcastic. Again, that is the problem with not being able to see and hear someone.
Well, I think I got your message now. You are not fond of the Catholic church. I encounter that a lot. There is really not much else to say as now I am a bit worried that anything I write will be taken wrong. Not at all saying that is your fault. Just the hazards of the blogosphere.
God bless you and have a great day (I am smiling and hoping we are parting with mutual respect.)
Teresa
Revelation 13 and 14 depict an end time scenario of persecution just before Christ returns. In the end there are only two classes of people, those that worship the beast and those that worship the true God. In chapter 14 the ones who worship the true God are described as those that keep His commandments and have the faith of Jesus (vs.12).
In the Bible, God's people have always suffered persecution of some form or another, but what is interesting is the persecution of God's people that took place by "God's people". The killing of His prophets, the crucifiction of Christ, the stoning of Stephen were all done by God's "chosen people". Why? Because those that have the true Gospel of Christ are a nuisance to the unGodly, a constant reminder and witness to those that have a form of Godliness. Even in the not so distant past, again a "church" of God went on the rampage across Europe slaughtering those that dared to defy their false gospel. Proving once again that there is nothing new under the sun and the nature of man is especially evil when attached to in the name of God.
God's last day people are not killed because they "keep the Sabbath", they are killed because they are "sealed" by the Holy Spirit. To be sealed is to be sanctified and keeping God's commandments (vs 14) is a sign that they are sanctified. I have to add that this sanctifying power (the Gospel) is what gives these saints the ability to keep God's law. No man on earth, no matter what walk of life they come from, are able to be obedient to God without the sanctifying power and truth of Jesus Christ. This is what separates these sealed people from the worship of the beast. This is what is the thorn in the side to those that have a "form of godliness, but deny the power (the power to sanctify) thereof.
So to continue to say that SDA teach that we will be persecuted "because we keep the Sabbath" is a misnomer. Teresa, you always prove that you were not a Seventh Day Adventist by your'e hyperbole and misrepresentation of of our message.
Arik,
The SDA doctrines is that those who go to church on Sunday receive the Mark of the Beast and those who go to church on Saturday receive the seal of God. So the Sabbath is the seal according to SDA prophecies.
That is not a misrepresentation of the SDA doctrine. I think anyone who has ever been SDA must admit that. Have you not read the Great Controversy, the SDA church's authorized publication of their "messenger" Ellen White ( who supposedly received the contents of the book via an angelic vision?)
I understand that your church's interpretation of Revelation is that the remnant who keep the commandments are the SDA church, but here is the problem with that. Your church must have each of these in perfect alignment for that interpretation to be correct:
1. It must be a futuristic passage and not historic.
2. John must be speaking of the Ten Commandments.
3. Your church must be the sole remnant because it keeps all Ten Commandments.
Others can sincerely and logically reject that interpretation. First because Revelation is in the apocalyptic genre of the time and was meant for the Christians of the day it was written. Secondly, because even if it describes a remnant of the future, nowhere in the passage does it say or imply the commandments are the Ten.
In fact, if you read John, he specifically tells us in his letters that Christ's commandments are the NEW ones, love your neighbor as yourself. A much better interpretation for futurists is that the commandments are the New Covenant commandments and not the ten.
Even if the first two are given the the SDA church in a friendly debate, you still have two very difficult things to prove you are the remnant.
The remnant keeps ALL ten, not just preaches all ten. Can your church claim it keeps all ten? Then it can't claim the remnanthood.
Secondly, you don't even preach, much less keep the Ten as a church organization. You really preach only one commandment--the Sabbath.
When was the last time you had a revelation seminar about the six or seventh commandment? In reality you are a one-commandment church.
To "keep the Sabbath Holy" according to the commandment, one must be Holy! Simply attending church on Saturday,or physically "resting" on Saturday is NOT keeping the Sabbath Holy. So you DO misrepresent the doctrines of the SDA church. Showing yourself that you were indeed NOT an SDA or you would know this quite easily and simply.
You also can not write off John's Revelation of Jesus Christ as to just in the "apocalyptic genre of the time" without throwing away clear indications it is a message for the time just before Christ comes. Revelation 14 describes the scene of the Three Angels Message going out immediately before Christ comes (vs 14-20 just to mention one since this is what I've been referencing).
God's Church is made up of people spanning the entire globe. The remnant are not simply SDA's. The remnant are those that keep the commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. So you misrepresent again.
John did not give us a new law. Jesus did not give us a new law. The law of Love is found through out the OT. What a pity you do not see it. Even the Catechism of the Catholic Church most assuredly recognizes the 10 commandments are still binding, too bad those commandments are not God's but their own. So it will not count as righteousness.
You are right about one thing, the remnant keep all ten commandments-by the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. So you may find those even in our church who do not, and you can whip people up into a frenzy over it all you want too when you find them, but the SDA church does indeed hold as a fundamental belief that all 10 commandments of God (not man) are still binding!
Update:
I received a call from the Michigan State Child Welfare Dept, asking to see these images I shot. I sent them to him, with the explanation of what it was about, and that although at a youth summer camp, this mock up was only involving camp staff with no children present, or even remotely close. End of conversation for him.
"On every occasion when persecution takes place, those who witness it make decisions either for Christ or against Him. Those who manifest sympathy for the ones wrongly condemned show their attachment for Christ. Others are offended because the principles of truth cut directly across their practice. Many stumble and fall, apostatizing from the faith they once advocated. Those who apostatize in time of trial will, to secure their own safety, bear false witness, and betray their brethren. Christ has warned us of this, that we may not be surprised at the unnatural, cruel course of those who reject the light." {DA 630.2}
You remember this book? Please consider reading it.
Pastor Ho,
My understanding is that the campers were involved in a day exercise that included many different stops where they participated in the idea of a last days persecution including writing letters to those in prison, being searched or interrogated.
Weren't the children involved in the presentation even if guns were not specifically pointed at their heads?
Teresa,
My sister attended Forest Lake Academy in the 70's and they were in the midst of chapel one day and in burst armed police officers threatening to arrest them. It was a mock presentation of the same type of end time scenarios!! She is in her 50's now and still remembers being traumatized by this nonsense!
Pastor Ho, you're being disingenuous when you say no children were involved. Please stop twisting the truth to defend yourself.
And it is probably inappropriate to be pulling the 'persecution' card here. SDAs use that line of reasoning to justify themselves when 'outsiders' call them on their inappropriate behavior/doctrines.
At what point will the evidence (i.e., reality) override your justifications and cause you to begin to consider that you MAY be on the wrong side of this issue. Yeah, it hurts to be wrong, but this is life, and none of us are immune...
Dana
Ricky,
What do you mean that you now don't mind being the blindest of them all?
I don't want to argue with you, for I think you are right in that we all have blind spots--often huge. And we need to be very humble and open-hearted towards everyone.
I can truly understand why anyone would run from Christianity and we Christians. All the shame on us and I ask your forgiveness if I have ever said anything to you Ricky that added to Christians hatred.
I respect you and if you left Christianity, I wish you the greatest of blessings in your life and peace.
But the last line made me wonder--I am not in any way criticizing--just wondering what you meant.
Alden,
Are you saying that none of the campers even saw what is depicted in the photos you took? What's the point of the mock up if nobody saw it? That seems to conflict with what you/others have said previously concerning it being a part of the camp program for the campers.
As for the EGW books, many of us are quite familiar with them and grew up reading them as devotional books and studying them in school (grade school through college). Why would we read them again? I would ask you to take off the EGW glasses and filters and read the Bible without them, especially the epistles written to the church and look back at the Old Testament through the cross. It all fits perfectly and points clearly to Jesus only and you will be able to see with your eyes and hear with your ears.
Regarding the DA quote, persecution scripture talks about is connected to people belonging to Jesus. Persecution EGW/SDAism talks about is connected to SDA remnant theology and Sabbath keeping. In rejecting the false teachings of SDAism we do not reject Jesus Christ, instead we heed Jesus' warnings against false teachers and our decision is for Christ only rather than a Jesus+something gospel. Further, Jesus IS the truth, and even though false teachings certainly "cut directly across their practice," we avoid the pitfall by choosing Jesus only. As for "apostatizing from the faith they once advocated," I no longer place my faith in SDAism (or any "isms"), rather it is in Christ alone, my righteousness, salvation, the author and finisher of my faith. If you feel betrayed by those of us who left SDAism for Christ, I'm sorry you are feeling betrayed. I would plead with you to look to Jesus only, not the SDA system, not EGW, not yourself, or anything other than Jesus. Jesus did NOT warn SDA's that Christ-followers would treat you in an "unnatural, cruel course." Putting the false teachings of the SDA church is not rejecting the light. Jesus is the light, and we stand for him only, not a man-made religious system. And EGW is referred to in SDAism as the "lesser light," but again, I call you to the Greater Light, Jesus!
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12
I was disappointed when you removed and blocked me as a friend on fb when I commented on your picture. Did you remove all of your friends who are no longer SDA?
Gregg
I wonder when I will stop being shocked by what the SDA Church will do next? As for the Pastor involved maybe the best thing would be for him to loose his job so that he would have to start to deal with reality! I am a fourth generation SDA who heard end time stories when I was a child that have created fear my entire life and caused huge mental damage. Imagine my dismay when I began to study, as a 50 year old, and discovered that it was all a huge lie! A lifetime of fear. Shameful!! Those of you that have been posting here that are currently SDA's I encourage you to study the Bible again! I know that you think that you already have! That is exactly how I felt! I went to church school etc., and felt that I truly understood SDA doctrine and that it was completely the same as the Bible. Boy was I wrong! Take off your EGW glasses, read and study asking the Holy Spirit to guide you. You will be amazed at what you will discover! I am still discovering things that I always knew as "truth" that are not found in the Bible! I am sharing this with you in love and hoping to help other SDA's find the peace of truth.
Alden Ho,
Hate to burst you bloated sense of self-importance, but this is not 'end of story'.
I saw the other photos from the camp ... the candid ones you didn't take. Those photos tell a very different story.
Alden Ho, you are a bold-face LIAR. And, what you did to those kids makes me sick to my stomach.
There is NO EXCUSE for child abuse. You've been caught red handed and all you are doing is covering your own behind.
You lie before me, before all these people and before God Himself.
Shame, shame, SHAME ON YOU!
Karisa Brunken Rowland
We have a saying in Ulster, when the catholics and their friends come against us with their bullying tactics, manipulation, and Jezebel spirit. It is "No Surrender" stay strong Alden. Yahuwah sees their hypocrisy and will hide you under the shadow of his wings. Yahuwah how are they increased that trouble me, many there be that rise up against me. Many there be that say of my soul. There is no help for him in God. But thou oh Yahuwah art a shied for me. My glory and the lifter of my head.
It is interesting how this whole process has evolved. I post my account of that day in images that I posted to my Flickr account. The many reason I posted them because there were many saying that the guns were red tipped. And that the red tips were Photoshopped out to make the camp look bad. Look for yourself.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/robertmohr/sets/72157627202843753/
The hubbub seems to have died down now. So have you had any backlash from the SDA church for posting the pictures?
May God bless you all. After reading the messages i could not help but notice that the real issues had been set aside and instead egos had taken over. Adventists have always taught salvation via scripture and that salvation is found in noone else but jesus christ. Read Acts 4:12. Before we start bashing any particular religous group we should ask ourselves what is our purpose. Before Christ ascended he left the great commission in Matthew 28:19,20. I leave you with this question what is your mission??
Anonymous,
The first is to proclaim the TRUE Gospel of Jesus Christ and not a mockery such as the Great Controversy.
The second is to protect all children and minors from cultic practices, brain washing and abusive practices such as shown in the photographs.
If that is what goes on in the SDA sanctioned "church" camps then perhaps this verse will allay any confusion, "by their fruits you shall know them"
I am still in shock the Gallimore used Matthew 10 as a defense of this atrocity. This is child abuse. End of story.
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