Have you ever tried having a respectful conversation with a Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) about their beliefs—maybe pointing out errors in their doctrines using Scripture—only to be met with insults, name-calling, or personal attacks?
You’re not alone.
What is Ad Hominem Anyway?
That’s not dialogue. That’s defensiveness, pride, and often fear of being proven wrong.
Why Do Most SDAs Act This Way?
This isn’t coming from hate—this is coming from understanding. Here's why many SDAs fall into this trap:
1. They’re Conditioned to See Critics as Enemies
From childhood, many SDAs are taught that anyone who criticizes Ellen White or the SDA Church is being used by Satan. So, the moment you raise a question, you're automatically labeled as rebellious, deceived, or anti-Christ. This mindset shuts down critical thinking.
2. They’re Taught That SDA = “Remnant Church”
When you believe your church is the “one true church” and all others are Babylon, it becomes emotionally painful to even consider that it might be wrong. So instead of honestly examining the issue, some lash out personally to defend what they believe is “God’s last-day people.”
3. They Lack Solid Gospel Foundation
Many SDAs don’t have deep, personal confidence in the finished work of Christ. Instead, they rely on performance, rules, and the writings of Ellen G. White. So, when confronted with real gospel truths—salvation by grace alone, justification by faith alone—they feel unstable. And when someone is unstable in their faith, they lash out instead of listening.
Here’s the Real Problem: Ad Hominem Is a Sign of Spiritual Bankruptcy
Let’s be real. Personal attacks are sinful. They're not just unkind—they’re unbiblical. Let’s be blunt but biblical: resorting to personal attacks is not just bad manners—it’s a spiritual red flag. It shows that the person:
- Has no solid biblical answer
- Is avoiding the truth
- And may actually be spiritually bankrupt—that is, lacking the substance of genuine, Spirit-filled faith
The Bible gives us clear guidance:
1 Timothy 6:4-5
“They are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels… who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. They have been robbed of the truth.”
This describes someone who talks spiritual but has been emptied of truth. They argue, but don’t learn. They debate, but don’t repent.
Titus 1:16
“They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.”
If a person constantly attacks the character of the person instead of humbly examining truth, they may claim to follow God—but their actions tell a different story.
What Should SDAs (and All of Us) Do Instead?
The Bible calls us to truth and humility. The goal isn’t just to win arguments—it’s to know God, to love the truth, and to be transformed.
Ephesians 4:15
“Speak the truth in love.”
If you're truly in the truth, you won’t be afraid of questions. And you won’t need to attack people.
James 1:19-20
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”
You don’t defend the truth with pride and harshness. You defend it with patience, grace, and confidence in God’s Word.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up…”
Proverbs 18:2
“A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.”
When someone refuses to listen and just argues to defend their group—they’re not pursuing truth. They’re just trying to “win.”
2 Timothy 2:24–25
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting opponents with gentleness…”
If you’re truly standing for God, you don’t need to insult people. You correct with gentleness, not aggression or personal shots.
A Loving Rebuke for Our SDA Friends
Dear SDA friend, if your first reaction to biblical correction is to attack the person—not the argument—please examine your heart.
Ask yourself honestly:
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Why am I reacting this way?
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Is it because I’m afraid they’re right?
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Am I more loyal to my church than to the Word of God?
Truth can handle questions. Falsehood needs to silence people.
Jesus said:
“You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32
But if you block out every challenge with sarcasm, insults, and anger, you’ll never get to that freedom.
Truth Doesn’t Fear the Light
If SDA doctrine is truly biblical, it should stand strong under scrutiny. But if it crumbles the moment someone opens the Bible, that should make you pause.
So next time someone questions your beliefs, don’t take it personally. Take it biblically. Go to the Scriptures. Pray. Think. Be humble enough to admit if something doesn’t add up.
Because the goal isn’t to be “right” for pride’s sake—it’s to be right with God.
Final Words: Don’t Attack the Messenger — Examine the Message
Dear SDA friend, if your first response to critique is to attack the person—not the Scripture they present—you’re missing the point.
Ask yourself:
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Am I defending God’s Word, or just my religion?
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Am I humble enough to listen if I’ve been wrong?
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Am I secure in Christ, or am I afraid to be corrected?
The gospel gives us freedom. You don’t have to fight or attack to protect your identity. Jesus already secured your identity—if your trust is in Him, not in your denomination.
Don’t run from the truth. Don’t attack it. Embrace it. That’s how real faith grows.
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Amen!
ReplyDeleteYes the truth will set you free but this clan is already in deeps of hell they own a church but they use n abuse pipol just to say they're the true servants of God
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