What does EGW write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Criteria for admitting new members with extreme views"
Answer
When admitting new members, care should be taken to avoid extreme views and fanaticism, because God is not the author of disorder. To preserve unity, no peripheral or private teachings should be made a condition unless they are necessarily linked to the core message. At the same time, the spirit of prophecy warns against admitting persons without a genuine heart conversion, as this can weaken the congregation and lead to confusion.
Avoiding Fanaticism and Private Teachings
We should avoid all extravagant ideas and anything that could tend toward fanaticism. God is not the author of disorder. "Let everything be decent and in order," says the apostle. ... Anything that could turn an unbeliever away with disgust may prevent the salvation of that soul.
We should avoid introducing teachings in connection with the Second Coming and preparation for it that are not necessarily related. They only serve to distract the spirit from the main topic and to push away those who would otherwise accept the doctrine of the Second Coming.
Caution against Human Tests and Extremes
Driving things to extremes is a matter to be feared. It always leads to me being compelled to speak in order to prevent misunderstandings, so that the world has no reason to assume that Seventh-day Adventists are a group of extremists. ... May the Lord keep us from human tests and extremes.
Necessity of a Genuine Heart Conversion
The increase in members whose hearts have not been renewed and whose lives have not been reformed is a source of weakness for the congregation. This fact is often ignored. Some preachers and churches are so eager to secure an increase in membership numbers that they do not bear faithful witness against unchristian habits and practices.
Testing New Doctrines by the Community
It is not in accordance with God's order for someone to feel free to express their views independent of the body [of the church]... It is not safe for any of us to adopt a new doctrine or a new interpretation of Scripture without first presenting it to experienced brothers. Present it to them in a humble, scholarly spirit with earnest prayer.
- Avoiding fanaticism in the congregation
- Conditions for church membership
- Dealing with new doctrines and extremism
Original Sources (English)
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