What Is the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Beliefs & Meaning

I once felt quite perplexed and even a little bad about challenging the Seventh-day Adventist Church. I grew up thinking I had to follow everything perfectly, but over time, I started wondering if I truly believed it all or if I was just scared to leave. If you’ve ever felt stuck between your faith and your doubts, you’re not alone. It’s acceptable to ask questions since it’s a difficult place to be.

In this blog post, I’ll share some honest, personal insights about why people leave the Seventh-day Adventist Church and what that journey can look like. Whether you’re exploring new ideas or just trying to understand your own feelings better, this post might help you see things more clearly. Let’s have an honest, open, and judgment-free discussion about it.

The Origins of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

The Seventh-day Adventist Church was born from the Millerite movement in the 1840s. Baptist preacher William Miller foretold that Jesus would come in 1844. When that didn’t happen, an event now called the Great Disappointment, many followers were crushed.

But a small group, including Ellen G. White, James White, and Joseph Bates, regrouped. They believed the date was right, but the event was misunderstood. Instead of Jesus returning to Earth, they taught that He began a heavenly investigative judgment. In 1863, the church officially formed with these ideas at its foundation.

What Seventh-day Adventists Believe

Christians who adhere solely to the Bible are known as Adventists. However, they also have certain distinctive beliefs:

• Sabbath on Saturday: They believe the 7th day (Saturday) is the true biblical Sabbath.
  
• Jesus’ Second Coming: A heavy emphasis on the imminence of Christ’s return.
• Investigative Judgment: A belief that judgment began in heaven in 1844.
  
• Healthy Living: Many people abstain from alcohol, smoke, and dirty foods and are vegetarians.
• Soul Sleep: They hold that until the resurrection, the deceased are not cognizant.
• Ellen G. White and prophecy: According to them, White is a prophet whose writings serve as a guide for both faith and behavior.

These teachings help Adventists live a disciplined, hopeful life focused on preparing for eternity.

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Sabbath: Why Saturday?

One of the most noticeable things about the Seventh-day Adventist Church is that it worships on Saturday, not Sunday. Why?

They believe that the seventh day mentioned in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11) is Saturday, and that Jesus and the apostles kept it too. From Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, Adventists avoid work, focus on God, attend church, enjoy nature, and spend time with family.

To them, Sabbath is more than a rule, it’s a weekly gift from God.

Education, Health, and Mission Work

Adventists don’t just talk , they invest in schools, hospitals, and humanitarian work around the world.

•  Healthcare: The church runs over 200 hospitals and clinics, promoting plant-based diets and wellness.
  
•  Education: With thousands of schools globally, including Andrews University and Loma Linda University, Adventists educate millions.
  
•  Missions: Adventist missionaries are active in over 200 countries, focusing on both spiritual and physical needs.
  

These efforts help improve lives and reflect their belief in whole-person care  mind, body, and soul.

Family, Culture & Youth Life

Life in the SDA community often includes church potlucks, summer camps, Pathfinder clubs (like Christian Scouts), and youth-led worship. Many Adventist children attend SDA schools, go to church every week, and grow up around others who share their beliefs.

The church culture emphasizes:

• Modesty
  
• Clean entertainment
  
• Avoiding caffeine and meat (for many)
  
• Bible reading and prayer
  

This tight-knit culture helps some feel grounded  but can feel strict or isolating to others.

Common Criticisms and Challenges

No church is perfect, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church has faced its share of criticism.

• Legalism: For certain people, the emphasis on regulations (such as the Sabbath, food, and attire) can resemble “salvation by works.”
• Gender roles: Women’s ordination is still debated; LGBTQ+ inclusion is minimal.
  
• Prophetic Authority: Critics question Ellen G. White’s influence, claiming it borders on over-dependence.
  
• Disfellowshipping: Members may be officially expelled, which some claim instills guilt or terror.

• Religious Trauma: Former members sometimes report anxiety or shame related to end-time teachings or church pressure.
  

Many ex-SDAs speak of walking away from church but still wrestling with what they were taught.

What Happens After Leaving the Church?

Not everyone stays. Some leave and find peace in other denominations. Others become agnostic or spiritual-but-not-religious. Many still wrestle with big questions  heaven, hell, grace, and guilt.

Healing can take time. For others, it entails seeking secure online communities, therapy, or dissecting faith. For others, it’s rediscovering God in a way that finally feels freeing.

Leaving the SDA church isn’t always about rejecting faith — sometimes, it’s about reclaiming it.

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Conclusion

The tenets of the Seventh-day Adventist faith are dedication, hope, prophecy, and health. Regardless of your stance on its principles, it is a global movement that has impacted millions of lives.

You’re not alone if you’re investigating it, thinking about it, or recovering from it.Understanding this church’s beliefs and culture is the first step toward clarity, connection, or even closure.

FAQs 

 Is the Seventh-day Adventist Church Christian?

Yes. Adventists believe in Jesus Christ as Savior, follow the Bible, and share core Christian teachings like salvation by grace.

Why do Adventists go to church on Saturday?

According to them, Saturday is the actual biblical Sabbath, as defined by the Ten Commandments and Genesis.

Who is Ellen G. White?

She is regarded by Adventists as a prophet and was one of the church’s founders. Her writings guide lifestyle, theology, and church practices.

Do Adventists eat meat?

Many Adventists are vegetarian, but eating clean meats (like chicken or fish) is allowed. The church encourages a plant-based, healthy lifestyle.

What do Adventists believe about death?

According to its doctrine of “soul sleep,” the deceased remain asleep until they are raised at the second coming of Christ.

Are Adventists allowed to drink coffee or alcohol?

No. The church discourages caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and other substances that can harm the body.

Why do people leave the SDA Church?

Reasons include doctrinal disagreement, pressure from strict rules, LGBTQ+ exclusion, or personal disillusionment. Many ex-SDAs still seek spiritual connection.