Answer: Generally today " cul t&rdquo is a pejorative term applied to small groups who follow a charismatic leader. They also often depart from well accepted doctrines in the established churches. In earlier times the word cult had a broader meaning. In the New Testament early Christians were referred to as a sect, although that word carries less condemnation than cult (Acts 5:17, 15:5 et
al.) More recent translations often use different terms. Incidentally, under John Wesley's leadership early Methodists were condemned by many in the Anglican communion as a cult.

Adventists do not well fit the current use of cult. The very name of the church, "Adventist,&rdquo is a focus on the second coming of Christ, which is found in virtually all the creeds of traditional churches. The Seventh-day part derives from the apostolic practice of observing the seventh day as sacred time, following the instruction of the Creator (Genesis 2:2,3), repeated in the fourth of
the 10 commandments (Exodus 20). One of several examples of apostolic Sabbath observance is found in Acts 16:13, where the Sabbath was being honored by Paul in Philippi, in the absence of any Jewish community. It is a serious effort to follow the actual teachings of the Bible that leads Adventists to depart from the tradition on which Sunday observance rests. It is for this
departure some people apply the word cult to us. The teachings of our church rest firmly on the Scriptures themselves. The church has a statement of 28 topics that define the basic beliefs of our denomination, which is available on our website.

Another item that draws frequent condemnation is that we recognize that the prophetic gift may be given at any time, even today in the Christian faith. (See Ephesians 4:11-13). We recognize that gift in the work of a 19th century woman named Ellen G. White. We see her work as comparable to other non-canonical prophets found in the apostolic church, for example in four daughters of Philip who prophesied and the work of Agabus (Acts 21:8-11). None of these contributed a book to the Bible, but were counselors guided by the Spirit to enrich the church. Those who believe the prophetic gift of the Spirit ended with the apostles, of course have difficulty with a modern inspired person. To be perfectly clear, Ellen White saw herself as an encourager of the church, not an originator of doctrines or practices, which is the way we see her work.

Others criticize our emphasis on healthful living. However, the Scriptures teach that God has an interest in the body and mind and that we belong to Him and are responsible for care of His property. While we do not observe the rabbinic rituals that imposed uncleanness on people who violated their rules, we honor God in care for our bodies (1 Cor. 3:16 -17) . As part of a healthful diet we avoid flesh God designated as not for food, the distinction beginning at the time of Noah, many centuries before the first Jew (Gen. 7:2). In recognition that God gave to Adam and Eve the ideal diet (Gen. 1:29) which was a plant-based program, we encourage our members to consider the plant based menu now so strongly praised on scientific grounds, but this is no church requirement. We acknowledge that in parts of the world a fully plant-based diet is unavailable.

I have gone to some length to cite several reasons why we are criticized, providing brief responses. We do not believe these justify the application of the term, cult, to us. We are dedicated Christians with a faith in Jesus as the sole source of salvation, and a way of life living for Him as taught in the Scriptures. As is the case with all Christian groups, each has its special points that differ
from others. Respecting salvation, our position is very near that of the reformer, Martin Luther. In fact at the conclusion of a recent series of conferences with theologians of the World Lutheran Federation, they concluded after an intensive investigation, that the Adventists should be recognized as a legitimate free church in the Christian communion and should not be identified as a cult.

As a rapidly growing evangelical body, now with more than 16 million members in 185 countries, we do not see how we fit what is usually meant by a cult. I invite you to investigate for yourself the Adventist church, not relying on our enemies to provide your source of information. You will find Adventists a deeply committed Christian group doing its best to fulfill Christ's parting command that we go to all the world carrying the good news of His saving grace and His return in glory to take His children to the Kingdom.

May God lead you in all you do.

Your brother in Christ,
George W Reid, Th D
Retired director, Biblical Research Institute
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists