Why do Adventists refuse pork when 1 Timothy 4:4 says no food is to be rejected?
Q: I was asked by a friend why Adventists don’t eat pork and other foods we consider as unclean, while 1 Timothy 4:4 states that nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. How would you explain this verse? — Raymundo, Philippines A: To understand 1 Timothy 4:4, let’s look at the…
Read MoreWhy does the church force its employees to pay tithe?
Q: I thought that the church teaches that one important point of giving is that it’s voluntary and from the heart. That’s what my grandfather, a Seventh-day Adventist minister, taught. Why does the church force its employees to pay tithe as a condition of employment? — Tim, United States A: Tim, the church does not…
Read MoreIs there such a thing as tithe arrears?
Q: Is there anything like paying tithe in arrears? For the past few months I’ve been working but haven’t been paying tithe. But now I want to start paying tithe. Should I cover the previous months? — Name withheld A: Yes, there is. In “Counsels on Stewardship,” Ellen White encourages the “paying back” of tithe.…
Read MoreWhy do church guidelines on tithe not mention the fatherless, the stranger, and the widow?
Q: My question concerns the use of the tithe, based on Deuteronomy 26:12-13. Church guidelines on the use of tithe don’t mention the fatherless, the stranger, and the widow. They seem to only talk about those involved in ministry, including conference workers. What about the poor? — Wallace, Britain A: The tithe mentioned in Deuteronomy…
Read MoreWhy aren’t all Adventist teachers paid with tithe money?
Q: Why aren’t all teachers — rather than just Bible teachers — in our denomination paid with tithe when they are ministering to their students? — Imadylle, the Philippines A: Imadylle, although only Bible teachers are paid directly from the tithe, this does not in any way diminish the importance of the work that other teachers…
Read MoreCan Adventists work in the tobacco or alcohol industry?
Q: My country is dependent on tobacco revenue. Are Seventh-day Adventists allowed to be tobacco farmers, traders or workers in the tobacco manufacturing companies? Also is it acceptable for Adventists to work in a beer brewing company, whether it be as a manager, an accountant, or some other position? — Kudzala, from Malawi A: Kudzala,…
Read MoreI’m feeling afraid and alone, especially with current world events
Q: Please, please pray for me. I’m feeling afraid and alone, especially with current world events. — Rachel, from London A: Rachel, in light of the horrific violence, social upheaval, political unrest, financial instability and uncertainty we see on a daily basis around the world, many people are feeling alone and afraid right now. Surely…
Read MoreWill God destroy the Earth because of violence?
Q: Will God destroy the Earth because of violence? As we see more violence everyday—in France, the U.S., Turkey, Iraq, South Sudan and other places, I remember that violence is singled out as a main reason for God’s decision to destroy the Earth with the Flood (“The earth also was corrupt before God, and the…
Read MoreCan you prove the Earth is 6,000 years old from the Bible?
Q: I’ve heard that since the creation of our little world about 6,000 years have passed. Is this true? If yes, can you help me prove it using the Bible? — Gidion, From Tanzania A: Gidion, belief in creation is core to our beliefs as Seventh-day Adventists, especially since worshipping God as the Creator is…
Read MoreCan an Adventist have a pig for a pet?
Q: As Seventh-day Adventists, we know about clean and unclean animals, and we know that dogs and cats are unclean animals. What is our stand about having these animals as pets in our homes? And what about having a pig for a pet? — John A: From the food laws given in Leviticus 11 and…
Read More