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19. Adventist lifestyle development
Identity = Beliefs + Practice
Adventist Practice: Cultural or Biblical? Customs, traditions, human rules vs. Divine Principles.
Extraordinary Origins of Everyday things (Harper and Row (1989)) on handshakes: “oldest
recorded use (2800 B.C.) signified conferring of power from a god/pharaoh to an earthly priest.
Pagan priests passed that power to the people after the worship service honouring sun-god,
endowing them symbolically with divine power. Same is documented in Babylon & Assyria”
A high-five slap might be more appropriate, or even the holy kiss of the New Testament.
(Romans 16:16; 1st Corinthians 16:20; 2nd Corinthians 13:12; 1st Thessalonians 5;26)

What is foundational?
Lifestyle? Doctrines? or
Relationship with Christ?


Is it possible to know the doctrine
and not to have Christ?
Is it possible to live the Lifestyle
and not know Christ?
How shall we live as Christians? The main question for every Adventist.
Differences in lifestyle can be a determining factor in why interpreters of the Bible come to opposite
conclusions on the meaning of Bible passages even when using the same principles of interpretation.
Crucial factor in discovering truth is a lifestyle dedicated to following fully the light that God has already
given. The lifestyle determines whether one is able to receive the impulses of the Spirit in the study of
Scripture. Lifestyle ultimately impacts the "How readest thou?" restoring our lifestyle is also in Christ’s
plan of redemption, as He is working incessantly to restore in the fallen race the image of the Creator.
1. 1st Peter 1:16 call to holiness context
a. vv.6-12 – encouragement among trials, where passing tests our genuine faith is
revealed, leading to salvation
b. V.17: with fear watch/keep your time
c. V.13: use all your mental powers available focusing on Christ glorious Coming
d. V.14 do not give up/conform to former ignorant lusts of cultural relevance
e. V.18 we are redeemed from useless (vain) cultural traditions
f. V.22 being born from imperishable seed, we are to love one another, in obedience
g. V.25 filtering everything through the Word
h. V.24 our opinions are dust & are perishing like grass
i. 1st Peter 2:1-3 Word of God is the “milk” for our growth, even in lifestyle….
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1. Dress reform Movement
a. XIX century ideal woman “Submissiveness, piety, domesticity, purity”
b. 1851 - Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-1902), social activist, leading figure of the
early women's movement from Seneca Falls, New York, initiated dress reform
together with a temperance advocate Amelia Jenks Bloomer (1818 - 1894).
c. Congressmen Gerrett Smith “A reformation in the dress of women is very much
needed. It is indispensable to her health and usefulness. While in the prison of the
present dress, she is, and ever will remain, comparatively unhealthful and useless.”
d. E.G.White (1858) “My sisters, there is need of a dress reform among us. There are many errors
in the present style of female dress. It is injurious to health, and, therefore, sin for females to
wear tight corsets, or whalebones, or to compress the waist.”
e. American Costume was created.
f.
Ellen G. White (1864) reacted: “I saw that God's order has been
reversed, and His special directions disregarded, by those who
adopt the American costume. I was referred to Deuteronomy 22:5:
"The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man,
neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so
are abomination unto the Lord thy God." God would not have His
people adopt the so-called reform dress. It is immodest apparel,
wholly unfitted for the modest, humble followers of Christ…There
is an increasing tendency to have women in their dress and appearance as near like the
other sex as possible, and to fashion their dress very much like that of men, but God
pronounces it abomination. "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest
apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety." 1 Timothy 2:9. …..Those who feel called out to
join the movement in favor of woman's rights and the so-called dress reform might as well
sever all connection with the third angel's message. The spirit which attends the one cannot
be in harmony with the other. The Scriptures are plain upon the relations and rights of men
and women. Spiritualists have, to quite an extent, adopted this singular mode of dress.
Seventh-day Adventists, who believe in the restoration of the gifts, are often branded as
spiritualists. Let them adopt this costume, and their influence is dead. The people would
place them on a level with spiritualists and would refuse to listen to them.” (testimonies,
VOl.1 p.421)  Note concern about association!
g. September, 1865, Mrs. White put on reform dress, 9 inches off the floor & pants, wearing it at
all times. Her example was soon followed by several of the Seventh-day Adventist women in
northern Michigan, & numerous letters of inquiry came from many quarters.
h. She even given description of suitable dress for her days (1867) “Whatever may be the
length of the dress, females should clothe their limbs as thoroughly as the males. This may
be done by wearing lined pants gathered into a band and fastened about the ankle, or made
full and tapering at the bottom; and these should come down long enough to meet the shoe.
The limbs and ankles thus clothed are protected against a current of air. If the limbs and feet
are kept comfortable with warm clothing, the circulation will be equalized, and the blood
will remain healthy and pure, because it is not chilled or hindered in its natural passage
through the system.”
i.
1867, May 28 Review & Herald, p.284 General Conference voted to adopt the Reform Dress
j.
By 1876 E.G.White stopped promoting the “reform dress”: “Some who adopted the reform
were not content to show by example the advantages of the dress, giving, when asked, their
reasons for adopting it, and letting the matter rest there. They sought to control others'
conscience by their own. If they wore it, others must put it on. They forgot that none were to
be compelled to wear the reform dress.” {Testimonies, Vol.4 p.636}
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k. 1881 she writes on the issue: “If all our sisters would adopt a simple, unadorned dress of modest
length, the uniformity thus established would be far more pleasing to God, and would exert a
more salutary influence on the world, than the diversity presented four years ago…. Will my
sisters accept this style of dress and refuse to imitate the fashions that are devised by Satan and
continually changing? No one can tell what freak fashion will take next. Worldlings whose only
care is, "What shall we eat, and what shall we wear?" should not be our criterion…. It is a shame
to our sisters to so forget their holy character and their duty to God as to imitate the fashions of
the world. There is no excuse for us except the perversity of our own hearts. We do not extend
our influence by such a course. It is so inconsistent with our profession of faith that it makes us
ridiculous in the eyes of worldlings. (Testimonies Vol.4, p.460)
l.
Satan stands in the background, devising the fashions which lead to extravagance in the outlay of
means. In forming the fashions of the day, he has a fixed purpose. He knows that time and money
which are devoted to meet the demands of fashion will not be used for higher, holier objects.
Precious time is wasted in keeping pace with ever-changing and never-satisfying fashions. No
sooner is one style introduced than new styles are devised, and then, in order for fashionable
persons to remain fashionable, the dress must be remodeled. Thus professing Christians, with
divided hearts, waste their time, giving to the world nearly all their energies.... (Our high calling,
p.272)
m. Satan is constantly devising some new style of dress…. he exults when he sees professed
Christians eagerly accepting the fashions that he has invented. … Displacements and deformities,
cancers and other terrible diseases, are among the evils resulting from fashionable dress.
{Testimonies, Vo.4. p.634.}
n. "Christians should not take pains to make themselves a gazing-stock by dressing differently from
the world. But if, when following out their convictions of duty in respect to dressing modestly
and healthfully, they find themselves out of fashion, they should not change their dress in order to
be like the world; but they should manifest a noble independence and moral courage to be right,
…. Christians should follow Christ and make their dress conform to God's word. They should
shun extremes. They should humbly pursue a straightforward course, irrespective of applause or
of censure, and should cling to the right because of its own merits. {Testimonies Vol.1. p.458}
o. The dress reform is treated by some with great indifference and by others with contempt, because
there is a cross attached to it. For this cross I thank God. It is just what we need to distinguish and
separate God's commandment-keeping people from the world. The dress reform answers to us as
did the ribbon of blue to ancient Israel. (Testimonies Vol.3. p.171)
p. Deut.22:11  no linen & wool together; Num.15:39 blue wool ribbons. Hence, not all clothing
had same blue ribbons. Principle was  holiness sign.
q. Priests wore trousers not to expose their nakedness (Ex.28:42) as nakedness was a symbol of our
shame, fall and degradation (Genesis 3:21; Exodus 32:25). Nudity of body parts is not a “cultural
issue.” Modesty is not “culturally defined.”
r.
After healing a demoniac clothing was brought to cover nakedness (Luke 8:35). The message to
the last days church is to “dress up” (Revelation 3:18)
s. EGW  Women's Dress an Index of the Mind. – Dress is an index of the mind and heart. That
which is hung upon the outside is the sign of what is within. It does not require intellect or a
cultivated mind to overdress. The very fact that women can hang upon their persons such an
amount of needless articles of clothing shows that they cannot have time to cultivate their
intellects and store their minds with useful knowledge.--MS 76, 1900. {1MCP 289.2}
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2. Sabbath Keeping.
We are not copying how Sunday/Sabbath is observed. E.G.White: “In establishing new
churches, ministers should give careful instruction as to the proper observance of the Sabbath. We
must be guarded, lest the lax practices that prevail among Sundaykeepers shall be followed by
those who profess to observe God's holy rest day.” {6T 353.1}
b. Restoring/repairing the breach  Isaiah 58:12  restoring the Sabbath! From religious and
cultural practices to the Biblical and Edenic Experience.
a.
c.
Ellen G. White: “In order to keep the Sabbath holy, men must themselves be holy. Through faith
they must become partakers of the righteousness of Christ. When the command was given to
Israel, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy," the Lord said also to them, "Ye shall be holy
men unto Me." Ex. 20:8; 22:31. (Desire of Ages, p.283)  Sabbath is only a sign of human
holiness, not an imparting vehicle/tool of holiness. It does not make men holy.
d. Ellen G. White on Sabbath lifestyle:
 No secular stuff: “On Friday let the preparation for the Sabbath be completed. See that all
the clothing is in readiness and that all the cooking is done. Let the boots be blacked and the
baths be taken.…The Sabbath is not to be given to the repairing of garments, to the cooking
of food,…Before the setting of the sun let all secular work be laid aside and all secular papers
be put out of sight. Parents, explain your work and its purpose to your children, and let them
share in your preparation to keep the Sabbath according to the commandment. … We should
jealously guard the edges of the Sabbath. Remember that every moment is consecrated, holy
time. Whenever it is possible, employers should give their workers the hours from Friday
noon until the beginning of the Sabbath. Give them time for preparation, that they may
welcome the Lord's day with quietness of mind..…There is another work that should receive
attention on the preparation day. On this day all differences between brethren, whether in the
family or in the church, should be put away. Let all bitterness and wrath and malice be
expelled from the soul. In a humble spirit, "confess your faults one to another, and pray one
for another, that ye may be healed." James 5:16. {6T 356}
 Wake up early. “Let not the precious hours of the Sabbath be wasted in bed. On Sabbath
morning the family should be astir early. If they rise late, there is confusion and bustle in
preparing for breakfast and Sabbath school. There is hurrying, jostling, and impatience. Thus
unholy feelings come into the home. The Sabbath, thus desecrated, becomes a weariness, and
its coming is dreaded rather than loved.” {6T 357.1}
 Simple, less but special food. “We should not provide for the Sabbath a more liberal supply
or a greater variety of food than for other days. Instead of this the food should be more
simple, and less should be eaten, in order that the mind may be clear and vigorous to
comprehend spiritual things. Overeating befogs the brain. The most precious words may be
heard and not appreciated, because the mind is confused by an improper diet. By overeating
on the Sabbath, many have done more than they think to dishonor God. While cooking upon
the Sabbath should be avoided, it is not necessary to eat cold food. In cold weather let the
food prepared the day before be heated. And let the meals, though simple, be palatable and
attractive. Provide something that will be regarded as a treat, something the family do not
have every day. {6T 357.2-3}
 Family Time. The Sabbath school and the meeting for worship occupy only a part of the
Sabbath. The portion remaining to the family may be made the most sacred and precious
season of all the Sabbath hours. Much of this time parents should spend with their children. In
many families the younger children are left to themselves to find entertainment as best they
can. Left alone, the children soon be come restless and begin to play or engage in some kind
of mischief. Thus the Sabbath has to them no sacred significance. {6T 358.1}
 No studying! “My dear young brother, you have been ambitious to secure knowledge. This
ambition is praiseworthy; but in order to gratify it, you have neglected your eternal interests
and made secondary to your studies.… You have desecrated the Sabbath by bringing your
studies into that holy time which was not yours to occupy for your own purposes. God has
said: "In it thou shalt not do any work." {4T 114}
e. Many Adventists act as if Sabbath were the penalty/price for salvation, rather than a sign of our
salvation and the greatest blessing of the week.
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3. Vegetarianism.
a. Ellen G. White recognized that vegetarian died was poor, and suggested education
method rather than prohibition – teaching how to prepare good food where it is
available instead of making articles of food test of fellowship.
b. EGW advises to prepare for time when it is not safe to eat animal products.
c. Diseases in meat – contemporary research advocates avoiding meat products
d. Suffering of animals causes bio-chemical problems
e. Ellen G. White in a letter to a prominent pastor/evangelist: “It has been clearly
presented to me that God's people are to take a firm stand against meat eating. …God for
thirty years give His people the message that if they desire to have pure blood and clear
minds, they must give up the use of flesh meat… By the use of flesh meat the animal
nature is strengthened and the spiritual nature weakened. … {Ev 663.2} Remember that
when you eat flesh meat, you are but eating grains and vegetables secondhand; for the
animal receives from these things the nutrition that makes it grow and prepares it for
market. The life that was in the grains and vegetables passes into the animal, and
becomes part of its life, and then human beings eat the animal.… Not till after the Flood
was man given permission to eat the flesh of animals… Few who eat this know how full
it is of disease. Flesh meat never was the best food, and now it is cursed by disease.”
{Evangelism 663}
f. Leviticus 11: 44-45 “sanctify yourself and be holy as I am holy” says God!
Unacceptable
meat
Ideal
Creation
Acceptable
meat
Flood
Acceptable
meat
Exodus
Holiness
Egypt
Israel
Ideal
3 Angels
2nd Coming
g. Last message from Ellen G. White to the General Conference (May 31, 1909) was
a manuscript read (recorded in 9th Volume of Testimonies p. 153):
"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health." 3 John 2.
 I am instructed to bear a message to all our people on the subject of health reform,
for many have backslidden from their former loyalty to health reform principles.
God's purpose for His children is that they shall grow up to the full stature of men
and women in Christ. In order to do this, they must use aright every power of mind,
soul, and body. They cannot afford to waste any mental or physical strength. The
question of how to preserve the health is one of primary importance…God demands
that the appetites be cleansed, and that self-denial be practiced in regard to those
things which are not good. This is a work that will have to be done before His people
can stand before Him a perfected people.
h. Accepting Health reform will contribute to general Reforming attitude in Churches.
i. We begin to comprehend better the light given years ago, that health reform principles
would be as an entering wedge to be followed by a religious influence. Nov. 19, 1895.
j.
When properly conducted, the health work is an entering wedge, making a way for
other truths to reach the heart. When the third angel's message is received in its
fullness, health reform will be given its place in the councils of the conference, in the
work of the church, in the home, at the table, and in all the household arrangements.
Then the right arm will serve and protect the body.--Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 327. (1900)
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4. Jewellery – sin or virtue ?
a. The most FAQ today of our leadership is “jewellery,” causing “friendly fire” and being the
largest stumbling block. The official statement of Beliefs does not label jewelry wearing as sin,
presenting a negative perspective from a standpoint of stewardship, economy and sacrificial
giving, suggesting that the principle of Christian simplicity alone should negate use of
ornamentation.
b. Biblically speaking there are both positive and negative use of jewelry.
c. Frequently used 2nd Kings 9:30 negative argument based on “adornment” of Jezebel has no use of
jewelry, only face painting and hair styling.
d. Isaiah 3:16-24  the most comprehensive description of jewelry in the Old Testament, is not
against jewelry, but against their arrogance, for which they will be stripped of it. Contrasting this
God speaks of adorning Israel with more elaborate set of jewelry (Ezekiel 16:7-13)
e. Genesis 35:4 & Exodus 33:5-6 removal of jewelry was an issue of removing idolatry.
f. On contrary, removing jewelry was associated with their moral lapse (Exodus 32:2-3),
disobedience of God’s command to decorate their children (Exodus 3:22; 12:35)
g. Celestial “prime minister” Lucifer was surrounded with jewelry (Ezekiel 28:12-15), first human
family was given jewelry for their enjoyment (Genesis 2:10-12). Christ at his coming is
described wearing jewelry (Revelation 14:14)  metaphors
h. Revelation 17:4-5  Exodus 28:4-20, 36-38  dress of the high priest. Consider reading
Exodus 28:36 “Holiness to the Lord”  in context!
i. 1st Peter 3:1-6  is not a total rejection of jewelry, but rejection of its improper use, seduction,
disorder, insubordination, instead of functional…
j. Attitude of early pioneers: "We talked the matter over among ourselves, and decided to earn
what money we could, and spend it in buying books and tracts to be distributed gratuitously. This
was the best we could do, and we did this little gladly. . . . I had no temptation to spend my
earnings for my own personal gratification. My dress was plain; nothing was spent for needless
ornaments, for vain display appeared sinful in my eyes. . . . The salvation of souls was the burden
of my mind."--Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, p. 47-48
k. In 1855 the editor of the Review and Herald inserted as a leading article the pronouncement of
John Wesley on dress in his "Advice to the People Called Methodists" (July 10, 1855); and
"Judson's Letter on Dress" appeared in 1859. In this letter Baptist Missionary Adoniram Judson
had appealed, from his mission in Burma, to the ladies of the home churches, because of the
difficulties and embarrassments created when the Christian natives of Burma, having discarded
their ornaments, would see similar decorations worn by the wives and daughters of those who
came to his field as missionaries.
l. 1866, April 30  Battle Creek Resolution against “goatee facial hair”
m. 1874, EGW. Appeal to the Young. “To dress plainly and abstain from display of jewelry and
ornaments of every kind is in keeping with our faith. Are we of that number who see the folly of
the world in their indulging in extravagance in dress, as well as in their love of amusement?”
n. 1886. EGW. “Historical Sketches of the foreign Missions” “75 were baptized (Swiss) before
the meeting closed. After speaking to the crowd in public, I labored for the youth privately,
talking and praying with them as they came to my tent. Many were greatly blessed; but there was
a company on the ground who had no burden. I could hear their idle conversation, their trifling
laugh, while agonizing prayer was being offered for the unconverted. In the height of the interest,
one of this number came to me and said that some were in trial because Sister White wore gold.
Some time before, I had received a present of a little open-faced, gold watch. It was very ancient
in appearance, and certainly never would have been worn for its beauty. I carried it because it was
a good timekeeper. But in order to avoid all occasion for any to stumble, I sold the watch, and I
would recommend that others follow a similar course. This is in harmony with the teaching of the
apostle Paul, who says: "Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while
the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend."
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o. 1894. June 25, Signs of the Times. EGW. “What true satisfaction can persons have who load
their bodies with costly jewels, while there are thousands destitute, shivering in their nakedness,
crying to God in their hunger and distress! Oh, that those who deck themselves with jewels, and
make idols of themselves, might see how they appear in the eyes of their Creator! …. Not one
who decks himself with jewels and costly array will stand before God guiltless. No one can turn
from the truth, violate justice, give up integrity, neglect the poor, and yet flatter himself that he
has not forsaken God. All idolatry of self dishonors God, and he who dishonors God fails to
benefit humanity. The eternal principles of right and wrong are violated. Needless expenditure of
means, indulgence in extravagances, the putting on of gaudy trappings, and decking the body
with flashing jewels, is an evidence that the soul has turned from God to self, and at the last day
the poor will rise up in judgment and condemn those who have lived for the gratification of
selfish desires. The sentence will be passed that, while many were in nakedness and starvation,
the rich sinners were squandering money to gratify pride and ambition, and by so doing degraded
themselves.”
p. 1906 Arthur L. White, Biography, 6th Volume (p.30) gives this description: Ellen White made her
way to the platform for her talk and took her seat beside Elder Haskell. …Her long, dark dress
came within two or three inches of the platform floor. Her jacket, or the top part of the suit, was
also long, coming well below her waist, but the buttons reached only to her waist. Her plain white
collar was fastened with a simple brooch, and she was hatless, though several in the congregation
and on the platform wore hats.  (functional jewelry?)
q. 1908, May 1. EGW. Bible Training School on Preparation for Baptism: “The ornamentation of
the person with jewels and luxurious things is a species of idolatry. This needless display reveals
a love for those things which are supposed to place a value upon the person. It gives evidence to
the world of a heart destitute of the inward adornment. Expensive dress and adornments of
jewelry give an incorrect representation of the truth that should always be represented as of the
highest value. An over-dressed, outwardly adorned person bears the sign of inward poverty. A
lack of spirituality is revealed.”
r.
1909. EGW. Those who have bracelets, and wear gold and ornaments, had better take these idols
from their persons and sell them, even if it should be for much less than they gave for them, and
thus practice self-denial.
s. Wedding ring was disapproved in official church manuals 1932, 1934, 1938, 1940 editions
(p.175), and then in 1952 edition (p.187) wedding ring is viewed as a “leavening process” based
on E.G.White comment: (1985) “We need not wear the sign, for we are not untrue to our
marriage vow, and the wearing of the ring would be no evidence that we were true. I feel deeply
over this leavening process which seems to be going on among us, in the conformity to custom
and fashion. Not one penny should be spent for a circlet of gold to testify that we are married. In
countries where the custom is imperative, we have no burden to condemn those who have their
marriage ring; let them wear it if they can do so conscientiously; but let not our missionaries feel
that the wearing of the ring will increase their influence one jot or tittle.”
t.
1972 – Autumn Council of the General conference, October 14-29, Mexico City, statement is
issued, affirming the 1971 Church Manual (p.212) permitting cultural customs of wearing the
wedding ring. Hence, it gives permission to wear, but excluded from the wedding ceremony.
u. 1986  North American Division allowed use of ring. Today some question it as a pagan
cultural custom, used by Romans as a sign of betrothal.
v. Argument is made for “functional jewelry”  oxymoron, as “functional” does not necessary
needs “beautification.” Purpose of jewelry is beautification. So, it is not about jewelry being
functional, but about functional item appearing appealing….
w. Current church manual (2005 edition, p.176) “To dress plainly, abstaining from display of
jewelry and ornaments of every kind, is in keeping with our faith.”—Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 366.
It is clearly taught in the Scriptures that the wearing of jewelry is contrary to the will of God…
x. Intrinsically jewelry is not evil. If jewelry is an attempt to mend human brokenness – it may be
idolatry, as it cannot substitute God’s indwelling.
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5. Makeup issues – improving Adventist Appearances.
a. Questions arise regarding makeup, plastic surgery, procedures to “fix” appearance.
H.M.S.Richards replied once “if a barn needs painting – paint it.”
b. Church Manual p.177 does not prohibit use of cospetics with a commend “in keeping with
good taste and the principles of Christian modesty” adding a comment from the “Belief’s” it
is to “maintain natural healthy appearance”
c. Biblical evidence  Songs of Solomon: dark skin woman (1:5) crimson red lips and
pomegranate cheeks (4:3) done some “touch-up” even though it’s an allegorical poetic
description.
d. Make-up was in common use among rich and poor classes in Egypt (and not only for
embalming the dead). Yet, there is no prohibition in Mosaic lawswhich deals with tattooing
(Lev.19:28)
e. Righteous Job, after his trials, called his third daughter Karen-happuch (Job 42:14), meaning
“makeup box” “horn of cosmetics”
f. 1871, October 1. Health Reformer. Negative comment is made due to unhealthy
composition of make-up in those days. “Many are ignorantly injuring their health and
endangering their life by using cosmetics. They are robbing the cheeks of the glow of health,
and then to supply the deficiency use cosmetics. When they become heated in the dance the
poison is absorbed by the pores of the skin, and is thrown in to the blood. Many lives have
been sacrificed by this means alone.”
 Consider the fact: use of white lead paint (ceruse) as a complexion lightener started
during the reign of Queen Elizabeth of England (1533-1603) as the ladies assumed they
looked prettier with a white face. In the 18th century the use of white lead paint became
more rampant. Despite the awareness of its poisonous properties, many stage actresses
used it on their face and neck to look beautiful and succumbed to it. During the 19th
century, Queen Victoria's reign saw fashion and makeup become formal and decorous.
Modesty was considered in the use of white lead paint, and was essential for all respectable
women regardless of their social status.
 Eye shadow (kohl) brew of led. Red focus made from mercury sulphide. Tooth-paste made
of pumice, stripping away enamel, dilating pupils with belladonna, causing glaucoma….
 In America makeup was almost outlawed between 1700-1800, and was sign of frivolity.
 English Parliament passed an act in 1770 voiding marriages into which women lured men
by use of cosmetics. Just like ancient “lured men with eyelashes” (Proverbs 6:25)
g. 1874, January 1. Health Reformer: “While we were waiting at a railroad station, we had an
opportunity to read the character and habits of those who were, like ourselves, waiting for the
cars. We observe a young lady who looked faded and feeble. Bright red spots were upon her
cheeks which at first sight appeared like the hectic flush indicating the advanced stage of
consumption.… I entered into conversation with her in regard to the condition of her health.
She told me she was not very sick, but was suffering from general debility. By closer
observation, I saw that the bright spots upon her cheeks were not what I had supposed them
to be. They were irritations of the skin, caused by the use of cosmetics. The entire skin of the
face had lost its healthy, velvety smoothness, and showed an unnatural, disagreeable
roughness. In the appearance of her face, thus marred by poisonous substances, and in the
bright glow upon either cheek, giving such an unnatural appearance, we could trace causes
for her ill health. Here was one of fashion's slaves who had sacrificed health and natural
beauty in using poisonous preparations which had been taken up by the pores of the skin and
diffused through the system.”
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h. 1890 “Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene” EGW: “error in the dress of women of
the present day is that of wearing their skirts so that the weight is sustained by the hips
alone. This heavy weight, pressing upon the bowels, drags them downward, and causes
weakness of the stomach and a feeling of lassitude, which leads the sufferer to incline
forward. This tends further to cramp the lungs, and prevent their proper action. The blood
becomes impure, the pores of the skin fail in their office, sallowness and disease result,
and beauty and health are gone. Ladies may resort to cosmetics to restore the tint of the
complexion, but they cannot thus bring back the glow of health. That which renders the
skin dark and dingy, also clouds the spirits, and destroys cheerfulness and peace of mind.
Every woman who values health should avoid hanging any weight upon the hips. The
shoulders should sustain the weight of every article of clothing worn upon the person.”
i. Contemporary extent is presenting another extreme to which people go to deal with the
“self-esteem problem” – Botox use based on the notion that the external beauty is
important above all else. Proverbs 11:22 say that an outward beauty without an inner
reality is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.
j. Interesting that even hell’s angels or yakuza, who tattoo every inch of their bodies
consider the face a sanctum, and would not alter it. To paint a face is like painting a TV
screen and then try to watch it…
6. Temperance Movement
a. 1784  Dr. Benjamin Rush proved that the excessive use of alcohol was injurious to
physical and psychological health. Widely discussed 2000 farmers in a Connecticut
community formed a temperance association in 1789. Similar associations were formed
in Virginia in 1800 and New York State in 1808. Within the next decade, other
temperance organizations were formed in eight states, state-wide organizations.
b. American Temperance Society was formed in 1826 and benefited from a renewed interest
in religion and morality. Within 12 years it claimed more than 8,000 local groups and
over 1,500,000 members. By 1839, 18 temperance journals were being published.
c. Alcohol was banned among Advent movement in 1840s – no one would want to
meet Christ Coming being drunk. But light alcoholic content (beer) was allowed
until 1880s.
d. 1869 - The Prohibition Party was formed.
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1900 to 1948 in Prince Edward Island, for shorter periods in other provinces
1914 to 1925 in Russia and the Soviet Union
1915 to 1922 in Iceland (though beer was still prohibited until 1989)
1916 to 1927 in Norway (fortified wine & beer prohibited from 1917 to 1923)
1919 to 1932 in Finland
1920 to 1933 in the United States
e. 1890. Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, p.34. E.G.White placed caffeinated
beverages in the same category as alcohol: “Those who use tea, coffee, opium, and
alcohol, may sometimes live to old age, but this fact is no argument in favor of the
use of these stimulants. What these persons might have accomplished, but failed to
do because of their intemperate habits, the great day of God alone will reveal.”
f. 1894. Look at those that drink wine and beer and strong drink. Let them reckon up
how much money they spend in this. How many thousands and millions of dollars
have gone into the devil's treasury to perpetuate wickedness, and to carry on
dissolution, corruption, and crime.
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g. 1897. Healthful Liveng, p.110 EGW says smoking is worse than alcohol: “Tobacco using is a
habit which frequently affects the nervous system in a more powerful manner than does the
use of alcohol. It binds the victim in stronger bands of slavery than does the intoxicating cup;
the habit is more difficult to overcome. Body and mind are, in many cases, more thoroughly
intoxicated with the use of tobacco than with spirituous liquors; for it is a more subtle poison.”
{Testimonies, Vol.3I, p. 562}
h. 1898. Temperance, 34. “Men who use liquor make themselves the slaves of Satan… where
he can control their reason, as a workman handles an instrument. Then he works to destroy
….thus men co-operate with Satan, as his agents, his instruments. They cannot see what they
are about. Signals are made incorrectly, and cars collide with each other. Then comes
horror, mutilation, and death. This condition of things will become more and more marked.
The daily papers will relate many terrible accidents. Yet the saloons will be made just as
enticing. Liquor will still be sold to the poor tempted soul who has lost the power to stand
up and say, I am a man, but who says by his actions, I have no self-control. I cannot resist
temptation. All such have severed their connection with God, and are the dupes of Satan's
deception.”
i.
1899. Temperance, 79-80 “The drunkard sells his reason for a cup of poison. Satan takes
control of his reason, affections, conscience. Such a man is destroying the temple of God.
…To a user of stimulants, everything seems insipid … deadens the natural sensibilities of
both body and mind, and renders him less susceptible to the influence of the Holy Spirit.”
j.
1905. Prohibition Years. “To create the liquor appetite in little children, alcohol is
introduced into confectionery. Such confectionery is sold in the shops. And by the gift of
these candies the liquor seller entices children into his resorts.”
k. 1901, April 16, EGW in Review and Herald. “Under the influence of liquor, men would be
led to commit crimes of all kinds. Through perverted appetite the world would be made
corrupt. By leading men to drink alcohol, Satan would cause them to descend lower and
lower in the scale. Satan has succeeded in turning the world from God... He has filled men
with a craving for liquor and tobacco. This appetite, which has no foundation in nature, has
destroyed its millions.”
7. Shaping of our lifestyle.
a. “Conformity to the world is a sin which is sapping the spirituality of our people, and seriously
interfering with their usefulness. It is idle to proclaim the warning message to the world, while we
deny it in the transactions of daily life.” (EGW. Review and Herald, March 28, 1882.
b. Ellen G. White: “It is a solemn and terrible truth that many who have been zealous in proclaiming
the third angel's message are now becoming listless and indifferent! The line of demarcation
between worldlings and many professed Christians is almost indistinguishable. Many who once
were earnest Adventists are conforming to the world--to its practices, its customs, its selfishness.
Instead of leading the world to render obedience to God's law, the church is uniting more and
more closely with the world in transgression. Daily the church is becoming converted to the
world.… Their indulgence of appetite, their extravagant expenditure of money for selfish
gratification, greatly dishonors God.” {8T 118.4}
c. 1888. EGW. Great Controversy. p.464. “Before the final visitation of God's judgments upon the
earth, there will be, among the people of the Lord, such a revival of primitive godliness as has not
been witnessed since apostolic times.”
d. 1888. EGW. Great Controversy. p.478. “It is only as the law of God is restored to its rightful
position that there can be a revival of primitive faith and godliness among His professed people.
"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good
way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls." Jeremiah 6:16.
e. The Greatest Standard - I Would Be Like Jesus.
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….ways to define SDAs
You might be a Seventh-day Adventist if . . .
A. FOOD
1. You can tell the difference between Linketts and Vegelinks with your eyes closed.
2. You are trying to follow the health message by being a vegetarian, but you go for seconds when
the dessert tray comes around.
3. You won't drink Coke/Pepsi, but can't pass up that Mars bar.
4. You know the 101 ways to prepare chick peas.
5. You know more than 12 uses for soybeans.
6. You've ever worried that toothpaste ingredients may include an animal by-product.
7. You read labels on cans years before nutritional labelling was introduced.
8. You take more time at the smorgasboard counter than the prior 6 people.
9. Worry more about the caffeine in your Coke than the sugar and carbonation.
10. Would die of thirst before drinking coffee (or, heaven forbid, beer.)
11. You avoid low fat chicken and turkey like poison, but chow down on high fat veggie meat.
12. You have ever been concerned about the enzymes in cheese.
13. You will not drink coffee, but drink Caffex with 6 NoDoze tablets in it to stay awake for final
exams.
B. SOCIAL
1. The first thing you do when you are introduced to a woman is to look at her ears.
2. You went to a boarding academy that had two footpaths: one for boys and one for girls (and the
two never intersected).
3. You know all the basic square dance steps, but only know how to execute them to march music.
4. You have sex with your spouse, but you don't dance with her/him.
5. You feel mildly guilty reading Song of Solomon.
6. You know what the terms social and grand social mean.
7. You ever wondered if the earth would last long enough to get a girl (boy) friend.
8. You won't watch a movie until it comes out on video.
9. You went to banquets instead of dances in high school.
10. You know who is engaged by asking the time.
11. You look at someone's hands, see no ring, and still wonder if they are married or not.
12. You see a watch on somebody's right arm, and you wonder whether they are engaged, or just lefthanded.
13. Your first date was to vespers.
C. GAMES AND RECREATION
1. You know how to play poker with Bible Authors cards and wheat thins.
2. You have ever looked for the angels outside a movie theatre.
3. You have all the Egypt to Canaan answers memorized. (Who was the 2nd oldest man in the Bible?
Jared. He lived 962 years. Next question, please.)
4. You know how to turn any sport into a Sabbath sport (Bible verse ping pong, Bible Verse
basketball, Bible Verse football…the winner of each point must recite a Bible verse. Jesus Wept
may only be used once per game.)
5. You participate in any kind of sport on Saturday, but comment that you don't enjoy it.
6. You know how to play Rook, but have never played Bridge or Hearts.
7. You won't play poker or bridge, but stay up in the wee hours Saturday night playing Rook or
Make-A-Million.
8. You wait until you are out-of-town to see a movie.
D. SABBATH
1. You still feel guilty when you shower on Sabbath.
2. On Sabbath you catch yourself telling the children, You may wade, but don't swim.
3. On Sabbath your kids can paddle around the pool/lake, but not splash, jump, or dive.
4. You define lay activities as a Saturday afternoon nap.
5. You deliberately look for work in hospitals because Sabbath work is justified.
6. You stay up all night Friday preparing a Sabbath talk on Temperance.
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7. You find yourself counting down the seconds that you can watch your favourite show on Friday
evening before sundown.
8. You hate seeing sundown Saturday night because it means you have to wash the accumulated
dishes from Sabbath.
9. You don't make up your bed on Sabbath.
10. You have a feeling of satisfaction getting home on Friday from work at least 5 minutes before
the sun sets.
11. You find yourself counting 10, 9, 8, 7 . . . seconds before sundown Sabbath evening.
12. You get frustrated when the sun doesn't go down early on Saturday night.
13. You go to Sizzler's Friday afternoon to pay for Sabbath dinner.
14. You go out for lunch after church, but put it on your credit card so you don't actually pay for
it on Sabbath.
15. You set the VCR on Friday afternoon to catch the big Saturday football game . . . and then
smugly watch it after sunset (Saturday night).
16. You wonder whether videotaping a program on Sabbath and watching it Sunday constitutes a
sin.
17. You spend Friday evening watching videotapes of last Sunday morning's It Is Written, Breath
of Life, Lifestyle Magazine, etc.
18. You've ever gone on a nature hike on a Sabbath afternoon.
19. Friday and Saturday are your busiest days of the week.
20. The words Sabbath and Saturday are interchangeable, depending on who you're talking with
at the time.
21. You feel uncomfortable saying Saturday instead of Sabbath because of its pagan origin.
22. You do 2 days cooking every Friday afternoon.
E. MISCELANEOUS.
1. You pronounce Adventist as AD-ventist rather than AdVEN-tist.
2. You decide to go hear that new pastor across town because your church happens to be
holding Communion this Sabbath.
3. You volunteer to ingather on a corner with a good view of the drive-in theatre.
4. You wear a Rolex watch but consider a wedding ring to be ostentatious.
5. Your high school principal was an expert in female hemlines but was never considered
risqué.
6. You surreptitiously check out the grocery basket of a church member you happen to meet at
the grocery store.
7. You see the pastor in the store and head down another aisle so he/she won't see what's in your
basket.
8. Your excuse for sleeping in church is that taking a shower in the morning is part of your
wake up routine.
9. You think of kids instead of cars when someone says Pathfinder.
10. You couldn't wait until your Mum said you were old enough to get some juice and crackers
on Communion Sabbath
11. Your first Bible is plastered full of teeny-tiny bits of paper that have Bible references printed
on them that you cut out, licked, then glued during Juniors.
12. You collect books by a certain author but haven't gotten around to reading most of them.
13. You've ever referred to high school as academy.
14. You more often hear about smoking, drinking, dancing, and meat eating as sins that people
need to be saved from than anger, resentment or jealousy, etc.
15. While in church you wouldn't dare raise both hands at the same time.
16. You saved labels off of cans years before recycling became fashionable.
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Living, Lapsing, Practicing, Famous SDA:
a) Music:
- Little Richard, Prince (now JW), Brian McKnight (raised SDA), Salt from rap group
"Salt N Pepa" (current convert to SDA), Kirk Franklin (lapsed), Take 6 - Gospel music
group comprised of SDAs (Alvin Chea, bass; Cedric Dent, baritone; Joey Kibble, second
tenor; Mark Kibble, first tenor; Claude V. McKnight III, first tenor; David Thomas,
second tenor); Virtue - female Gospel music group comprised of SDAs (Karima Kibble,
Ebony Trotter, Heather Trotter and previously Negelle Sumpter: all attended Oakwood
College); Joe Lutcher - band leader in 1940s and '50s; SDA convert; was major force in
conversion of Little Richard to Seventh-day Adventism; Allen Sovory, son of SDA
minister, is the singer/songwriter of many songs in movies, including The Fan; Jason's
Lyric; Blue Crush; The Sixth Man; American Wedding; backup singer for Lenny Kravitz;
solo CD released in 1996; Jaci Velasquez, appeared in the movie Aye Papi; Busta
Rhymes – rapper (lapsed)
b) Film, Television, Radio:
Mark Brown - African-American screenwriter, director, and producer known for such
films as Barbershop (2002), Two Can Play That Game, and How To Be A Player
Clifton Davis - actor; star of TV series "That's My Mama" (1984), "Amen" (1986); star
of "The Painting" (2001), and more; also an ordained SDA pastor
Darwood Kaye - actor, best known as "Waldo" in Little Rascals film serials and TV
series (SDA convert and pastor, using birth name "Ken Smith")
Greg Mathis - famous no-nonsense TV judge, star of syndicated TV series "The Judge
Greg Mathis Show" (lapsed)
Terry Benedict - filmmaker; second unit 1st A.D. for "Terminator"; producer/director of
"The Conscientious Objector" (about fellow SDA Desmond Doss)
John Leguizamo - actor
c) Journalism:
Paul Harvey - nationally famous radio broadcaster (convert)
d) Sports:
Magic Johnson - professional basketball player, Archie Moore - heavy weight boxing
champion (convert); Muhammad Ali (when he was still Cassius Clay) - boxer
e) Activism:
Sojourner Truth - abolitionist, black activist
Paul Rusesabagina - hotel manager who saved hundreds from genocide in Rwanda;
portrayed by Don Cheadle in Oscar-nominated role in movie "Hotel Rwanda" (2004)
Malcolm X - influential African-American leader; led Black Muslim movement and
Nation of Islam (raised SDA)
f) Politics:
John Street - mayor of Philadelphia
Admiral Barry Black - became the Senate Chaplain for the U.S. Senate in August 2003;
first African-American and first SDA to hold this position
Wintley Phipps - SDA pastor, singer; founder of the U.S. Dream Academy; multiple
Grammy nominations; author of The Power of A Dream (1996)