Allen Parr's Concerns about Seventh Day Adventists
Nov 25, 2021
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In this insightful discussion, Allen Parr, a content creator known for evaluating various religious groups through biblical Christianity, shares his concerns about Seventh Day Adventism. He highlights the influence of Ellen G. White's writings on the church's beliefs, examining their alignment with traditional Christian teachings. Parr explores the theological distinctions regarding Jesus, differences in Sabbath observance, and debates surrounding doctrines like the concept of investigative judgment. His analysis invites a thoughtful reevaluation of key SDA teachings.
Seventh-Day Adventists hold orthodox views of the Trinity but exhibit significant variations in biblical interpretation and Ellen G. White's authority.
The SDA belief in investigative judgment and differing views on Sabbath observance creates unique challenges and tensions with broader evangelical thought.
Deep dives
Understanding Seventh-Day Adventist Beliefs
Seventh-Day Adventists (SDAs) align with orthodox beliefs about God, sharing the traditional view of the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus. However, there are nuances in their interpretations that can complicate discussions with them. Moderate Adventists might assert a 'Bible only' doctrine, while more radical adherents may elevate the writings of Ellen G. White to a level of authority comparable to biblical scripture. This divergence creates challenges, particularly when it comes to conversations about biblical interpretation and the meanings ascribed to certain texts.
The Role of Ellen G. White
Ellen G. White's influence within the SDA church is significant, with some members regarding her writings as a continual source of divine truth. This perspective has led to a degree of contention, as some figures within the Adventist community have expressed the belief that her writings are on par with the Apostles. Notably, her assertions about the significance of Saturday worship can paint those who attend Sunday services as receiving the 'mark of the beast,' complicating relationships with other Christian denominations. This belief can lead to tensions, especially when challenging Adventists about their interpretations and adherence to her teachings.
Salvation and Afterlife Views
Salvation beliefs within the SDA community vary, with moderate members viewing Sabbath observance as a gift rather than a requirement for salvation. Conversely, more extreme views posit that Sabbath observance is essential, leading to the claim that those who do not observe it cannot be saved. Additionally, their doctrine of 'investigative judgment' suggests that Jesus is currently assessing believers' worthiness for heaven, a concept not embraced in broader evangelical thought. This brings them to a unique stance on afterlife beliefs, as they reject eternal torment in hell in favor of annihilation, a viewpoint that often conflicts with traditional interpretations of eternal punishment in scripture.
This is one of several clips I will be uploading from a big video I did with Allen Parr evaluating a few different religious groups in light of biblical Christianity. Subscribe to my channel to get notified when the other videos in this series go up.
Here is Allen Parr's channel. I recommend you check it out: https://youtube.com/user/thebeatagp