Dear Conservativejoy,
I am very familiar with the book, “Kingdom of the Cults” and it’s author, Dr. Walter Martin.
In fact, it was his testimony that I based my view upon that the SDA had moved from being a cult to an Evangelical Christian denomination. Dr Martin based his view on their repudiation of denying the Trinity.
However, after my conversation with you, I did some more checking on the SDA today. I did find the SDA’s official statement regarding essential doctrines. Their statement of faith looks very orthodox - but, apparantly the SDA has done some vacillating on some of these doctrines and many Christian theological organizations are now ambivelant about SDA’s orthodoxy. It sounds like many SDA theologians who questioned Ellen White’s claims as a “prophet” and and the church’s non-orthodox doctrines were kicked out of the SDA, or left the church of their own accord.
So, it is sounding like your contention is more accurate than I first thought.
Now, whether or not that disqualifies Ben Carson from being president, I do not know. I don’t have a problem voting for Dr Carson. Thomas Jefferson was exactly orthodox either yet believed in God and in a Christian worldview of right and wrong based on Biblical authority.
But, it does appear that the SDA needs to clarify its position on various Christian doctrinal points.
I would say the most pertinent issue to the Presidency is the teaching of Pacifism. Until the draft and Vietnam made it sometimes impossible, SDA’s only served in noncombatant roles in the military.
The teaching of Pacifism in my opinion would make it impossible for Carson to be an effective Commander in Chief. When asked about how he would deal with ISIS, he said he would first try to work through economic measures.
Carson’s persona is one of meekness, which is perceived by our enemies as weakness. I believe we would be in more danger because those who wish to destroy us would be emboldened.