Advent Talk

Theology Category => Dreams & Visions => Topic started by: tinka on April 22, 2010, 12:40:47 PM

Title: Wedding Rings
Post by: tinka on April 22, 2010, 12:40:47 PM
Di,
That is a "sorry" excuse and not valid according to scripture or SP. That is a justified law made by people and then inserted into the church manual like several other things recently spoken on some of these threads.  There is no law that states I must wear a ring to say I am married where I would want to go. The true believer knows what the story is and where to find it. Your just too lax in too many things. In your posts it shows that you do not except SP in the manner she speaks it in so many numerous things you have brought out. A lot of it is waste of time...
Title: Wedding Ring
Post by: Johann on April 28, 2010, 01:08:34 AM
Actually, Tinka, abotu the wedding ring, thing......it was never a hard fast rule anywhere but here in NAD.  Where wedding rings were law, it was not enforced.....at all.  the problem came in when we sent missionaries to countries where it was law, they wore their rings there in accordance to the laws of that land, and then did not take them off when they returned.  Also the in consistency was further exposed with the migration of people from one country to another.

So even though we here in NAD were told it was something as biblical and solid at Sabbath doctrine, it was not.  it was more a corporate policy, like no jeans at the office.   Sorry.


- - -

Wedding rings were added by the people in church manual. Not followed by SP. and there is no excuse, no reason that fits. It's vanity. Not important and a waste of money but yet it gives the go on jewelry to public view. It gives the go on charismatic movement, in music. I did watch one though that they had to be commented on and it was beautiful, solemn, and reverent with some happy music that was properly inspired by their appearance of true worship. I had tears and so proud of them as they appeared better then Gaither in spirituality and true behavior.  Even their dress was better at that time as previous seen strapless and gaudy. What happened to woman's apparel in the "pants". Yea, just old stuff. The new age is in. I would like to see in nationally and worldwide view strict appearance of SP. Let them see the difference in the real true worship and forget the portraying of all ones self in song, dress and actions. Forget the gyrations and let the melody flow as that is what turns the heart.  SDA do have many singers that can handle this. Some I have to get away from it. Right now I am liking the Rev series that is on. and I do miss LS and her inspirational comments. That is what made 3abn. Not the "stories" as they were told over and over until it was old and began to get doubtful or was LS a better deceiver as sympathizers portray? The fruits and actions of LS just don't portray it ...but they do...hmmmm. (Just personal thoughts) until actions prove wrong. Tommy Shelton was their (first??) mistake to portray on 3abn! Pew money supported him too. Johann, God is not a respector of this and I think TS might be left to his folly but am not going to judge as God knows all cause and sickness. He had the message, he had the light and he had his protector, his brother.  It is sad as we see humans bend to outer limits and realize they are now in space but my sympathy is with the victims. Somebody had to do something and it needs to be commended they did it. TS photo looks very sick. You cannot love God and hurt his children just for your own desires. How many people has his brother hurt?
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Johann on April 28, 2010, 01:21:19 AM

Di,
That is a "sorry" excuse and not valid according to scripture or SP. That is a justified law made by people and then inserted into the church manual like several other things recently spoken on some of these threads.  There is no law that states I must wear a ring to say I am married where I would want to go. The true believer knows what the story is and where to find it. Your just too lax in too many things. In your posts it shows that you do not except SP in the manner she speaks it in so many numerous things you have brought out. A lot of it is waste of time...
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Johann on April 28, 2010, 01:25:52 AM
I tried to make this a separate topic. An error has occurred. Sorry!
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Johann on April 28, 2010, 01:52:58 AM
This is one of the statements of Ellen G. White which has caused quite a bit of discussion. Perhaps some read only the first part while others read only the last part.

 
Quote
      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.--Special Testimonies to Ministers
     and Workers, No. 3, p. 6 (TM, pp. 180, 181). {4BIO 196.2}
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: tinka on April 28, 2010, 02:40:37 AM
Now this is where a true, true believer can have the test of vanity (smile). What will your vanity let your conscience do! "we have not burden to condemn", she put the burden on ones own choice and let the conscience "except the fault".

Remember her conscience at her baptism? She could not see how the others could be baptised and still have the rings on. This one statement alone is why I used the "poor excuse" term. She was not going to make statement against the "law of the land". But carefully put the burden on each individual and the vanity shows by the continuation of that weak excuse to the continuation to wear it.

Her statement is quite in consistency of Scripture which is quite direct in wearing of the gold, silver, jewelry etc, etc. anyways now look at what it has done for just one stumpling block. Just watch Hope channel and see what the "if" in many consciences expanded in great portrayal of "waste of time and money" in diamonds, rubies, and on and on.  There is no conscience left on that matter! How is that to watch the majority follow after their "vanity". Scripture is clear. My own actions will deter the need to display. Oh and by the way I like the beauty of jewelry but I know what Jesus says and why. I have a hard time coping with what I do unintentionally to displease him let alone do intentional things.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Johann on April 28, 2010, 07:38:43 AM
In 1913 a minister's wife in Scotland wrote a letter to Ellen G. White about the wedding ring. Ellen asked her son to reply on her behalf, and here is his letter:

  "NOW REGARDING THE QUESTION RAISED IN YOUR LETTER. THE WEARING
     OF A GOLD RING AS A MATTER OF ORNAMENT IS A USELESS PRACTICE, AND
     CONTRARY TO THE BIBLE INSTRUCTION REGARDING THE SIMPLICITY OF DRESS
     AND APPAREL. THE WEARING OF A RING AS A TOKEN OF LOYALTY IN THOSE
     COUNTRIES AND AMONG THOSE PEOPLE WHERE SUCH A CUSTOM IS SO THOROUGHLY
     ESTABLISHED THAT DEPARTURE FROM THAT CUSTOM WILL BE UNIVERSALLY
     MISUNDERSTOOD IS, IN MY OPINION, QUITE ANOTHER MATTER, AND I THINK
     THAT IF YOU SHOULD FOLLOW THE COUNSEL OF MEN AND WOMEN OF EXPERIENCE
     WHO HAVE LABORED IN GREAT BRITAIN AND IN INDIA, THE LORD WILL NOT
     COUNT IT TO YOU AS A VIOLATION REGARDING THE SIMPLICITY OF WOMEN'S
     APPAREL.
        "POSSIBLY YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN THE STORY OF MY WIFE'S
     EXPERIENCE WITH THE WEDDING RING. WHILE SHE WAS ATTENDING BIBLE
     SCHOOL IN AUSTRALIA, I BECAME WELL ACQUAINTED WITH HER, AND WHEN THE
     TIME DREW NEAR FOR OUR MARRIAGE, I PROPOSED THAT IT BE IN TASMANIA
     AT HER FATHER'S HOME. REGARDING THIS SHE WAS NOT ENTHUSIASTIC, AND
     UPON INQUIRY, I LEARNED THAT HER FATHER HAD VERY DECIDED OPINIONS
     REGARDING THE DUTY OF THE WIFE TO WEAR THE WEDDING RING, AND MY WIFE,
     KNOWING THAT AMERICANS LOOKED UPON THIS MATTER DIFFERENTLY THAN THE
     BRITISH PEOPLE, SUPPOSED THAT I WOULD OBJECT.
        "SHE DID NOT CARE FOR IT PERSONALLY, BUT I PURCHASED A RING, AND
     WE WERE MARRIED WITH IT BECAUSE HER FATHER'S FAMILY AND ALL HER
     FRIENDS REGARDED IT AS ESSENTIAL. AFTER WE HAD BEEN MARRIED A FEW
     MONTHS, AND HAD SETTLED DOWN IN OUR HOME WHERE WE WERE WELL KNOWN,
     SHE LAID ASIDE THE RING, AND WHEN I ASKED HER WHY SHE TOOK IT OFF,
     SHE SAID IT WAS IN THE WAY WHEN SHE WAS WASHING. I DON'T KNOW WHAT
     BECAME OF THE RING, BUT SHE HAS NOT WORN IT SINCE. I THINK THAT IN
     THIS EXPERIENCE IT WAS HER DESIRE TO FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTION OF PAUL
     WHEN HE WROTE, 'WHETHER THEREFORE YE EAT, OR DRINK, OR WHATSOEVER
     YE DO, DO ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD.'
        "BY THE WEARING OF THE RING DURING THAT PORTION OF OUR EXPERIENCE
     WHERE ITS ABSENCE WOULD HAVE BEEN WONDERED AT, AND CAUSED UNNECESSARY
     PREJUDICE, AND BY LAYING IT ASIDE AS SOON AS THAT EXPERIENCE WAS
     TERMINATED, SHE HAS FELT THAT SHE WAS DOING THAT WHICH WOULD BEST
     SERVE THE CAUSE OF OUR MASTER."--DF 121, WCW TO MRS. W. E. INGLE,
     APRIL 14, 1913.]--DF 121. {4BIO 197.1}
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: tinka on April 28, 2010, 08:12:07 AM
So would this be the excuse in our own country to do our own free will and vanity. It is just too close to vanity now and waste of money as the inch gave into the millions of inches and SP done away with and that is the "way it's done" while it is spread world wide. Inch by inch --Now display is everywhere for no more then the vanity obsession.

Then you must not disregard a very very direct statement.  "Is it worth taking that chance" she claims? Not for me! I do not want to be a stumbling block for anyone.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: princessdi on April 28, 2010, 02:09:06 PM
Ok, but my only concern is that if it is biblical church doctrine, that that is what it needs to be. Not depending on where you live.  This is not the case with the Sabbath.

I'm sorry, but I grew up with the mission stories about people who risked imprisonment and death to keep the Sabbath, or even be baptized.  All kinds of miraculous tales of village witch doctors and such.  The Sabbath IS biblically sound, and treated so.  There is no allowing for cultural differences.  Neither should there be. 

If we insist that the wearing of wedding bands is also biblical doctrine, then there should be no allowing for cultural differences.  Joining the SDA church and keeping the Sabbath often jeopardized even destroyed families livelihood(sp), and personal safety, yet we proudly told the stories as a testament to their faith in God, and rightly so.  Do you not beieve we should have the same such stories regarding wedding rings if as you say they are sound bibical  doctrine?   

If it is in the church manual then it should be enforced............everywhere, not just where it is most convenient. I believe this is where the church lost it's credibility in the area.  I never said if it was right or wrong, only the facts as they stand.  Personally, I dont' have a probelm with it.  I just beieve that it does create hard feelings among those who were taught it was a matter of one's salvation, an outward show of their faith.  It does seem double minded on the part of the church.to insist that only NAD needs to dispaly this particular show of faith and obedience.  Do Hawaiians get to still eat roasted pig because it is such a huge part of their culture?   
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: tinka on April 28, 2010, 05:28:05 PM
We agree (smile)

Though in the church manual they basically ok'd the wedding ring on the above issues.  I felt it was wrong as with some other issues too.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: princessdi on April 28, 2010, 11:05:05 PM
We may agree with the facts, as they stand., but I think we disagree with reason why the church cannot uphold this "doctrine".  I believe more of a corporate policy.  A feeble attempt to reproduce or imitate that which is supposed to begin inwardly.  As it stands now the policy only produced and lot of plain jane mean people. 

The reason they can't uphold the policy of jewelry, as they can the Sabbath is simply because it is not biblical.  They tried, and just could not support it.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: tinka on April 28, 2010, 11:43:03 PM
It is pretty bad when the church does not uphold the Scripture. But what can you expect in their state when they cannot stand up to "misuse of funds" either. I have been on the inner side to witness much. So all we have left is to be right with God on an individual basis as we no longer can look to the "organized church" for all correct direction. That is why it is now dangerous time to bring in people under wrong "theology" especially for those that are followers of majority. It is better they don't know as walk away after seeing corruption within. But we are told this will happen. I am afraid it is here and expecially with justifiers that uphold it. We have been given the truth in scripture, we have been shown a last message and have disregarded. The worst class to be in is the unjust. Those that had the message, in the church and then disregarded it and led others to follow. vol. 5 T.

and so why can't they support it as the God of Heaven says that His people will not wear the gold at the worship of the golden calf. Now that is a simple understandanding and command.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Murcielago on April 29, 2010, 01:01:55 PM
So the Sabbath is both Biblical and SP, and the jewellry issue is SP and not Biblical. This begs the question, in terms of doctrine and salvational issues, how should the church define between what is Biblical; what is SP, but not Biblical; and what is neither Biblical nor SP, but is tradition? There are many churches, families and friendships that have been broken apart over the lack of broadly understood definition in these matters.
We may agree with the facts, as they stand., but I think we disagree with reason why the church cannot uphold this "doctrine".  I believe more of a corporate policy.  A feeble attempt to reproduce or imitate that which is supposed to begin inwardly.  As it stands now the policy only produced and lot of plain jane mean people. 

The reason they can't uphold the policy of jewelry, as they can the Sabbath is simply because it is not biblical.  They tried, and just could not support it.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Bob Pickle on April 29, 2010, 03:28:00 PM
The jewelry issue sure seems biblical to me, and did to preachers of multiple faiths not all that long ago.

The French Revolution marks the beginning of when jewelry wearing started becoming acceptable in Europe. It became accepted in America by the mid-1800's.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Artiste on April 29, 2010, 06:03:16 PM
Ezekiel 16:9-14

Quote
"Then I bathed you in water, washed the blood off you, and anointed you with fragrant oil. I dressed you in embroidered clothing and put fine leather sandals on your feet. I wrapped you with fine linen and covered you with silk. I adorned you with jewelry. I put bracelets on your hands and a necklace around your neck. I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head. You were adorned with gold and silver, while your clothing was of fine linen, silk, and embroidery. You ate the finest flour, honey, and olive oil. You became extremely beautiful and attained the position of royalty. Your fame spread among the nations because of your beauty; your beauty was perfect because of the splendor which I bestowed on you, declares the sovereign Lord."
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Bob Pickle on April 29, 2010, 06:42:15 PM
Thus, cities may wear jewelry, according to that passage. But may people?
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Artiste on April 29, 2010, 07:48:03 PM
Not a good defense for non-jewelry wearing.

I don't think God would have chosen to depict the young woman He was using as a metaphor for His chosen people in some inappropriate garb.

Since when does a city kick around in its blood as a baby?
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Bob Pickle on April 29, 2010, 07:59:45 PM
He did tell the people to take it off at Sinai. And Jacob told his family to take it off too.

As far as the symbols God chooses to use when communicating truth, we do have the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.

Can you think of any other way to vividly describe a wealthy wife turned adulteress?

It is interesting that the baby in its blood grew up to adulthood and still wasn't wearing clothes, but was still bloody. Ezek. 16:7, 9. Clearly, God does not consider it appropriate for us to not wear clothes like that, yet He wove that description into His parable.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Murcielago on April 29, 2010, 10:34:30 PM
At Sinai he told them to take it off and melt it down to make the implements of the mobile temple, he didn't forbid them from wearing jewelry. Jacob told his family to remove the jewelry that was a part of the worship of other gods, but there was no law that he established against the wearing of jewelry. I have never seen any Biblical statement forbidding the wearing of jewelry. In fact the Bible promises crowns, which are the ultimate form of jewelry, to those who make it to heaven.

Whether or not the practice of wearing jewelry was accepted in Europe would seem to be a matter of tradition, as was the keeping of Sunday. And during the rennaisance period, two to three centuries prior to the French revolution, jewelry and fine clothes were a major part of life in much of Europe as depicted in the art and literature of England, France, Holland, the Italian states, Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, and the many countries and states preceding them.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: princessdi on April 29, 2010, 10:42:25 PM
Forgive the confusion. Just to clarify, I don't believe the policy of not wearing jewelry is actually sound biblical doctrine as it is presented, and for the exact same reason you explained in your last post.  People are cherry picking the scriptures to make it fit their beliefs.

I don't believe it would be this much confusion if the doctrine was as biblicaly sound as the Bible.  There are too many instances int he Bible where the COI ore told to take their jewelry off for one occasion or another....meaning they wore it the rest of the time.  And NO the ring in the Prodigal Son parable was not only funtional..........LOL!!!!   It is just simply a non issues for me, definitely not of any salvific value.


So the Sabbath is both Biblical and SP, and the jewellry issue is SP and not Biblical. This begs the question, in terms of doctrine and salvational issues, how should the church define between what is Biblical; what is SP, but not Biblical; and what is neither Biblical nor SP, but is tradition? There are many churches, families and friendships that have been broken apart over the lack of broadly understood definition in these matters.
We may agree with the facts, as they stand., but I think we disagree with reason why the church cannot uphold this "doctrine".  I believe more of a corporate policy.  A feeble attempt to reproduce or imitate that which is supposed to begin inwardly.  As it stands now the policy only produced and lot of plain jane mean people. 

The reason they can't uphold the policy of jewelry, as they can the Sabbath is simply because it is not biblical.  They tried, and just could not support it.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Bob Pickle on April 30, 2010, 04:15:20 AM
At Sinai he told them to take it off and melt it down to make the implements of the mobile temple, he didn't forbid them from wearing jewelry.


Actually, that wasn't the reason they were told to take off their jewelry. See Ex. 33:4-6.

Jacob told his family to remove the jewelry that was a part of the worship of other gods, but there was no law that he established against the wearing of jewelry.


In that case earrings were in some way connected to idolatry.

The fact of the matter is that both historically and today, the wearing of jewelry cannot be separated from pagan worship. Out of respect toward God, we ought to therefore remove it.

I have never seen any Biblical statement forbidding the wearing of jewelry.


We have the statements by Peter and Paul telling us to avoid it, and Isaiah 4 calls the jewelry that was being worn "filth" and God says He is going to remove it by the spirit of judgment and burning.

Have you ever seen a biblical statement forbidding slavery? Perhaps for some topics we can't stop with simply looking for an outright, explicit prohibition.

In fact the Bible promises crowns, which are the ultimate form of jewelry, to those who make it to heaven.

I don't think wearing crowns then can be an excuse for ignoring the Bible's counsel and wearing nose rings now.

And during the rennaisance period, two to three centuries prior to the French revolution, jewelry and fine clothes were a major part of life in much of Europe as depicted in the art and literature of England, France, Holland, the Italian states, Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, and the many countries and states preceding them.

The pro-jewelry books I read stated that the common people of Europe were forbidden to wear jewelry until the French Revolution. One story was told of a French king that was having problems getting compliance, and so he exempted thieves and prostitutes from that prohibition. Immediately the jewelry disappeared.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Bob Pickle on April 30, 2010, 04:27:37 AM
It is just simply a non issues for me, definitely not of any salvific value.

How do we determine what is a salvation issue and what isn't?

Since eating a piece of fruit God said not to eat definitely was a salvation issue, I think it is inappropriate for any of us to label anything a non-salvation issue. The fact of the matter is that anytime God asks us to do or not do something and we disobey, whatever that issue is, be it great or small, it is potentially a salvation issue.

As far as jewelry goes, I don't see how anyone could make a case that God never asked Christians in general or Seventh-day Adventists in particular not to wear jewelry.

Quote from: Charles Finney
When a young lady begins to backslide, she will begin to put on ornaments, jewelry, and costly attire. These things are natural indications of the state of the heart.—The Finney Sermon Collection, vol. 2, p. 838.

Quote from: Charles Spurgeon
But it is marvellous, while many are taking all the trouble they can to array this poor body, they have very few ornaments for their soul; they forgot to dress the soul. . . . really the children of God cannot now be told by outward appearance from the children of the devil, and they really ought to be; there should be some distinction between the one and the other; and although religion allows distinction of rank and dress, yet everything in the Bible cries out against our arraying ourselves, and making ourselves proud, by reason of the goodliness of our apparel. Some will say, "I wish you would leave that alone!" Of course you do, because it applies to yourself. But we let nothing alone which we believe to be in the Scriptures; and while I would not spare any man's soul, honesty to every man's conscience and honesty to myself demands, that I should always speak of that which I see to be an evil breaking out in the Church. We should always take care that in everything we keep as near as possible to the written Word.—Sermon Collection, vol. 1, pp. 516, 517.

If some people had a little more piety, they would not require such a showy dress; if they had a little more godliness, to set them off, they would have no need whatever to be always decorating themselves. The best ear-rings that a woman can wear, are the ear-rings of hearing the Word with attention. . . . the very best dress we can ever wear, is a garment wrought by the Holy Spirit, the garment of a consistent conduct. . . . It would be a good thing, perhaps, if we went back to Wesley's rule, to come out from the world in our apparel, and to dress as plainly and neatly as the Quakers . . . . If you want ornaments here they are. Here are jewels, rings, dresses, and all kinds of ornament; men and women, ye may dress yourselves up till ye shine like angels. How can you do it? By dressing yourselves out in benevolence, in love to the saints, in honesty and integrity, in uprightness, in godliness, in brotherly-kindness, in charity. These are the ornaments which angels themselves admire, and which even the word will admire; for men must give admiration to the man or the woman who is arrayed in the jewels of a holy life and godly conversation. I beseech you, brethren, "adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things."—Ibid.

Quote from: John Wesley
What is then the meaning of these scriptures [1 Pet. 3:3, 4; 1 Tim. 2:9, 10]? What is it which they forbid? They manifestly forbid ordinary Christians, those in the lower or middle ranks of lift, to be adorned with gold, or pearls, or costly apparel.—Works of John Wesley, vol. 7, p. 30.

So wrote a prominent Presbyterian/Congregationalist, a prominent Baptist, and the founder of Methodism.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: tinka on April 30, 2010, 05:03:07 AM
The scripture presents without doubt this conclusion:

You all and who all can wear or justify all the jewelry, gold,silver, pins, bleach jobs, naked clothes showing all including the back end of pants, strapless bearing all flesh in all directions as much as you want.  But you can't do it with out VANITY and VANITY will keep you from entering the gates. Put all on just one person to make it lustful and ya got a hussy.  So which one would you like to exclude to get you home scot free. (laugh) Take the least one for your sacrifice of likes. This was a no brainer for reasoning. A God fearing, intelligent person of God's will --will not jeopordize eternity for their selves and take others with them for justifying their likes and wants. This is brash and to the point of what is said in a better way and precise meaning the same thing Bibically and SP. One thing for sure "you got the freedom" to look how ever you want. I choose to walk as instructed by the "ONE" WHO GAVE ME ALL AND SACRIFISED EVERYTHING FOR ME. For love or for money...I am not stupid nor did I have to go to this extreme except for one thing. I do worry and care about the ones in this state and belief. and realize that most will not take the effort to read this below as they do not want their minds changed for their own will. How about social drinking next????

The apostle exhorted the women in the faith to be chaste in conversation and modest in dress and deportment. "Whose adorning," he counseled, "let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."  {AA 523.1}
     The lesson applies to believers in every age. "By their fruits ye shall know them." Matthew 7:20. The inward adorning of a meek and quiet spirit is priceless. In the life of the true Christian the outward adorning is always in harmony with the inward peace and holiness. "If any man will come after Me," Christ said, "let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Matthew 16:24. Self-denial and sacrifice will mark the Christian's life. Evidence that the taste is converted will be seen in the dress of all who walk in the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord.  {AA 523.2}     It is right to love beauty and to desire it; but God desires us to love and seek first the highest beauty, that which is imperishable. No outward adorning can compare in value or loveliness with that "meek and quiet spirit," the "fine
                                                                            524
linen, white and clean" (Revelation 19:14), which all the holy ones of earth will wear.  This apparel will make them beautiful and beloved here, and will hereafter be their badge of admission to the palace of the King. His promise is, "They shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy." Revelation 3:4.  {AA 523.3}


While at Brother Harris' I had an interview with a sister who wore gold, and yet professed to be looking for Christ's coming. We spoke of the express declarations of Scripture against it. But she referred to where Solomon was commanded to beautify the temple, and to the statement that the streets of the city of God were pure gold. She said that if we could improve our appearance by wearing gold so as to have influence in the world it was right. I replied that we were poor fallen mortals, and instead of decorating these bodies because Solomon's temple was gloriously adorned, we should remember our fallen condition, and that it cost the sufferings and death of the Son of God to redeem us. This should cause in us self-abasement. Jesus is our pattern. If he would lay aside his humiliation and sufferings, and cry, If any man will come after me, let him please himself, and enjoy the world, and he shall be my disciple, the multitude would believe, and follow him. But Jesus will come to us in no other character than the meek, crucified One. If we would be with him in heaven, we must be like him on earth. The world will claim its own, and whoever will overcome, must leave what belongs to it.  {LS80 250.1}

These souls brought forth fruit meet for repentance. They believed and were baptized, and rose to walk in newness of life--new creatures in Christ Jesus; not to fashion
7
themselves according to the former lusts, but by the faith of the Son of God to follow in His steps, to reflect His character, and to purify themselves even as He is pure. The things they once hated they now loved, and the things they once loved they hated. The proud and self-assertive became meek and lowly of heart. The vain and supercilious became serious and unobtrusive. The profane became reverent, the drunken sober, and the profligate pure. The vain fashions of the world were laid aside. Christians sought not the
"outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but . . . the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of  great price" (1 Peter 3:3, 4). {NL 7.2}
     Revivals brought deep heart searching and humility. They were characterized by solemn, earnest appeals to the sinner, by yearning compassion for the purchase of the blood of Christ. Men and women prayed and wrestled with God for the salvation of souls. The fruits of such revivals were seen in souls who shrank not at self-denial and sacrifice, but rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer reproach and trial for the sake of Christ. Men beheld a transformation in the lives of those who had professed the name of Jesus. The community was benefited by their influence. . . . {NL 8.1}


     I was shown that some of the people of God imitate the fashions of the world, and are fast losing their peculiar, holy character, which should distinguish them as God's people. I
                                                                            228
was pointed back to God's ancient people, and then was led to compare their apparel with the mode of dress in these last days. What a difference! What a change! Then the women were not so bold as now. When they went in public they covered their face with a vail. In these last days fashions are shameful and immodest. They are noticed in prophecy. They were first brought in by a class over whom Satan has entire control, who "being past feeling (without any conviction of the Spirit of God), have given themselves over unto lasciviousness to work all uncleanness with greediness."  If God's professed people had not departed greatly from him, there would now be a marked difference between their dress and that of the world. The small bonnets, exposing the face and head, show a lack of modesty. The hoops are a shame. The inhabitants of earth are growing more and more corrupt, and the line of distinction must be more plain between them and the Israel of God, or the curse which falls upon worldlings will fall upon God's professed people.  {2SG 227.1}     I was directed to the following scriptures. Said the angel, They are to instruct God's people. 1 Tim. ii, 9, 10. "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women
                                                                            229
professing godliness) with good works." 1 Pet. iii, 3-5. "Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time, the holy women also who trusted in God, adorned themselves."  {2SG 228.1}
     Young and old, God is now testing you. You are deciding your own eternal destiny. Your pride, your love to follow the fashions of the world, your vain and empty conversation, your selfishness, are all put in the scale, and the weight of evil is fearfully against you. You are poor, and miserable, and blind, and naked. While evil is increasing and taking deep root, it is choking the good seed which has been sown in the heart, and soon the word will be spoken to the angels of God concerning you, as was given concerning Eli's house, that your sins shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever. Many, I saw, were flattering themselves that they were good Christians, who have not a single ray of light from Jesus. They know not what it is to be renewed by the grace of God. They have no living experience for themselves in the things of God. And I saw that the Lord was whetting his sword in heaven to cut them down. O that
                                                                            230
every cold, lukewarm professor could realize the clean work that God is about to make among his professed people. Dear friends, do not deceive yourselves concerning your condition. You cannot deceive God. Says the True Witness, "I know thy works." The third angel is leading up a people, step by step, higher and higher. At every step they will be tested.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: tinka on April 30, 2010, 05:25:00 AM
What gamblers to take this on in defiance.  Your choice is plain. Gambers alone will be the first cut!! and you do not have to worry about the rest. So enjoy your jewelry! What a price to pay for that ring on the fing. You won't be taken it with ya either way!!
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Artiste on April 30, 2010, 03:56:55 PM
The fact of the matter is that both historically and today, the wearing of jewelry cannot be separated from pagan worship.

I believe that you can find other items also that are connected with both pagan worship and the Lord's people.  What about the use of altars in Old Testament times?

I adorned you with jewelry. I put bracelets on your hands and a necklace around your neck. I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears...declares the sovereign Lord."
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Artiste on April 30, 2010, 04:03:11 PM
The small bonnets, exposing the face and head, show a lack of modesty.

Since there is no clear Biblical injunction against wearing jewelry, only Spirit of Prophecy advice, why are we not preaching against exposing the face and head also, as mentioned above?
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: tinka on April 30, 2010, 04:08:22 PM
Ezekiel 16:9-14

Quote
"Then I bathed you in water, washed the blood off you, and anointed you with fragrant oil. I dressed you in embroidered clothing and put fine leather sandals on your feet. I wrapped you with fine linen and covered you with silk. I adorned you with jewelry. I put bracelets on your hands and a necklace around your neck. I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head. You were adorned with gold and silver, while your clothing was of fine linen, silk, and embroidery. You ate the finest flour, honey, and olive oil. You became extremely beautiful and attained the position of royalty. Your fame spread among the nations because of your beauty; your beauty was perfect because of the splendor which I bestowed on you, declares the sovereign Lord."

This meaning is different then you think. You are giving symbolism for another topic
Proverbs:6-9   To understand a proverb, and the interpretaion; the words of the wise and their dark sayings.
                     The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
                     My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
                     For they shall be an  of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

Your quote is an Allegory of Unfaithful Israel.  Son of man cause Jerusalem to know her abominations.

The whole chapter needs to be read here to get the right context. It is not fair to pick one part and ignore the rest of the meaning or story.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Artiste on April 30, 2010, 04:09:37 PM
Already have read it, several times.

Tinka, how large of a bonnet do you customarily wear?

Please see your quote above about wearing too small a bonnet.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: tinka on April 30, 2010, 04:22:02 PM
So what do you do with verse 13. I take this as symbolic of a kingdom and everything that they prospered in symbolism but they did what the latter verses then state. all of that was used to idolatry. and sisters sometimes means like cities or kingdoms.

and about the bonnet most people can think in terms of reasonability. The truth is I thought someone would come up with something like that if I put all her writings as stated from back then. I almost took it out but wanted to see if I was not right about a comeback and sure enough. (smile)
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Artiste on April 30, 2010, 05:05:06 PM
So we cannot just take SOP writings at face value?

We must pick and choose what is reasonable or not?

Who's reason is going to take precedence?
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Bob Pickle on April 30, 2010, 05:30:32 PM
The fact of the matter is that both historically and today, the wearing of jewelry cannot be separated from pagan worship.

I believe that you can find other items also that are connected with both pagan worship and the Lord's people.  What about the use of altars in Old Testament times?

I don't think that is a good comparison. But it is helpful to note that God was very specific about what the Israelite altars were supposed to be like. They couldn't just have any kind of altar.

People in India still worship their jewelry today, and people in this country still attribute occultic powers to jewelry, just like has been done for millennia.

We can find plenty of reasons why we should obey the Lord on this matter, or, if we want to, we can find plenty of reasons to disregard His instruction.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Murcielago on April 30, 2010, 07:09:46 PM
So fundamentally what we arrive at is that there is no Biblical injuntion against the wearing of jewelry?
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: tinka on April 30, 2010, 07:53:42 PM
Like i said everyone that wants to enjoy it --wear it. You won't be taking it with you either way. There is plenty of and more then plenty that shows what God's will is against it. All the down falls, pit falls and it is definitely amazing that to be an adventist in this day and time. EGW felt it was bad enough then and she really thought Jesus would come quicker then this generation. But I put her talk like she portrayed it in her day and of course it brought out the jesting of it. I figured it would. but I know her writing was in the same sphere as John the Revelator as in future visions he only knew to call the last people as the 12 tribes that messengers would be sent to. Now in reality, in these latter days, the tribes are scattered everywhere and who knows what lands but God knew where all tribes of all people from all generations are scattered and told John there would be messengers sent and were sealed in past tense for latter time for future purposes. So poor John he could only present his vision from what he knew in his day.and the rest of us can just figure it out --with all good sense.  That is the way of wearing of the gold. it presents reasoning everywhere.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: princessdi on April 30, 2010, 08:42:19 PM
The short and correct answer is a resounding "yes!".  But hey why let the truth get in the way of a good discussion.  LOL!!!

So fundamentally what we arrive at is that there is no Biblical injuntion against the wearing of jewelry?
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Little Grasshopper on April 30, 2010, 09:09:40 PM
Early Adventists borrowed the belief from the Puritans.

Here's the source for the following quote:

http://wedding-traditions.suite101.com/article.cfm/history_of_wedding_rings_in_the_united_states

"During early colonization, Puritans did not wear any jewelry, including wedding rings, because they believed that excess adornment of the body was a sin. In addition Puritan culture eliminated the need for marital identification since adultery was punishable by death and thus rarely occurred."

For political purposes, Adventists don't point to the true source for the "no wedding ring" doctrinal belief because public executions for adultery have lost their popularity these days.

However, the next time someone starts telling you about how they want to save the "traditional marriage" be sure to factor in the accompanying need to save the "traditional execution" of the adulterer -- or the execution of someone out-of-favor who is merely accused of such.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Bob Pickle on May 01, 2010, 05:40:04 AM
I think Peter and Paul's admonitions qualify as being God's instruction to Christians against wearing jewelry.

If the absence of more explicit commands seems to some to permit indulgence, shall we own slaves if we cannot find just as explicit a prohibition in Scripture against slavery?

The short and correct answer is a resounding "yes!".  But hey why let the truth get in the way of a good discussion.  LOL!!!

So fundamentally what we arrive at is that there is no Biblical injuntion against the wearing of jewelry?
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: tinka on May 01, 2010, 06:22:09 AM
A justify er of ones own theories can come up with every man made written article they can produce to get the meaning they want to believe. That is typical. They do the same thing as the snake handlers when out of context. The lawyers also do this in courts of law by using other cases heard instead of each individual truth statistics to win there cases. So there really is no point in a conversation of right or wrong when the answer is plain before your eyes in many many places in scripture.  The articles to believe were from Paul of the Bible and the SP where we were shown the pit falls of lost salvation through vanity & stewardship of moneyand putting forth no sacrifice of ones own desires of vanity.  As far as the Puritans goes they were right in one thing and they read correctly about adornment but the rest was written by some one similar to what posts on here. Just someones view!  Did you ever read what outsiders say about the Adventist. They wright we are a cult. Is that true. No! I am beginning to see that maybe not all are true Adventist posters on here but sound as Adversaries.

and Di it comes again to me as before, are you sure you should be a Sabbath school teacher? Your views are very liberal opinionated and do not back up with scripture your beliefs and you really have a problem with calling sin what it is. Actually, your immediate conversations are always justifying wrong doing to many topics. and you have had a lot of difficulty understanding the documents presented on the 3abn saga as you do not read before you speak and I have to say that several have been extremely polite in explaining over and over what you really do not venture in to know for your self.  

Character really has come out in posts and I find quite interesting. I do not hide my character and realize the opposition does not like it. I admit when I am wrong and did not put together a scenario correctly but will stand up for what is right as long as the documents prove it. My mind is open to all truth but when you get adversary to Bibical and SP and jesting of EGW words then I can come loose as I realize that many may watch that do not post and afraid that some will get wrong doctrine of "everything goes in this walk of life". and the adversary is just not going to get away with it.

a simpleton knows that "vanity will not get you into the gates. Does it say that your riches will go with you to Heaven? OF course not but you got the jest that it will not. So why get around it the best you all can come up with.
No jewelry is scriptural. No wedding rings! Enjoy if you choose, That may be all the enjoyment you will get. Why gamble, why take the chance why be a stumbling block to someone else that you will be accounted for.
Jesting of bonnets as you do a follow up of ....YEEEESSS!
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Murcielago on May 01, 2010, 09:53:04 AM
"I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God." 1Timothy 2:9,10

"Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1Peter 3:1-4

These passages are clearly talking about beauty coming from being clothed in good deeds and attitude rather than nice hair and apparel. They do not forbid the use of jewlery, braided hair, or nice clothes, but state that a woman's true beauty should come from good deeds, and a gentle, quiet spirit. I notice that both passages speak of braided hair and fine clothes in the same context as jewelry. Should braids then be forbidden to Christians? In the debate over jewelry I don't recall any equal fervor over braided hair.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: tinka on May 01, 2010, 01:02:44 PM
Yes, it is a little confusing..to some
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Johann on May 01, 2010, 01:45:26 PM
Back in 1954 during the summer session at Emmanuel Missionary College when most of the students were gone a number of foreign delegates on their way to the General Conference Session in California stopped by the college and asked if they could stay overnight at the dormitory. The dean asked some of these ordained ministers if they were really Seventh-day Adventists and they said they were.

- But you wear rings? he protested.

- We only wear wedding rings like all of our married members do where we come from, replied one of them.

Male college staff  sporting expensive watches, golden cuff links, and selected tie clasps as well as some female staff in dresses and make up resembling highly decorated Christmas trees were judging these fellow believers because they were wearing simple wedding rings on their fingers. These American superior Adventists knew the Spirit of Prophecy writings well enough to avoid placing anything on their fingers. By placing all of their decorations elsewhere they felt certain they were pleasing the Lord.

Such is life.

Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Bob Pickle on May 02, 2010, 06:14:19 PM
"I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God." 1Timothy 2:9,10

"Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1Peter 3:1-4

These passages are clearly talking about beauty coming from being clothed in good deeds and attitude rather than nice hair and apparel. They do not forbid the use of jewlery, braided hair, or nice clothes, but state that a woman's true beauty should come from good deeds, and a gentle, quiet spirit.

I think these passages are clearly telling us to stay away from jewelry, "expensive clothes," and elaborate hairdos.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Harley on July 21, 2010, 11:43:13 AM
"I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God." 1Timothy 2:9,10

"Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1Peter 3:1-4

These passages are clearly talking about beauty coming from being clothed in good deeds and attitude rather than nice hair and apparel. They do not forbid the use of jewlery, braided hair, or nice clothes, but state that a woman's true beauty should come from good deeds, and a gentle, quiet spirit.

I think these passages are clearly telling us to stay away from jewelry, "expensive clothes," and elaborate hairdos.

I thought when Ellen White wrote about wedding rings it was not the custom to wear them in America, but was in other countries, so she said it wasn't necessary here but could be excused there. It is the custom here now though.

When I was married I wore a wedding band. It was not fancy. It was not expensive. I didn't wear it as a decoration. I didn't wear it to be beautiful. It was a tool. I wore it to tell men I was taken. I did that because our society expects it and  I worked with the public and lots of strangers.  When I didn't men tried to flirt with me and ask me out. It is not good to tempt people or cause them to sin.

Do you think that was a sin for me to wear a wedding band?
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Harley on July 21, 2010, 11:57:23 AM
"I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God." 1Timothy 2:9,10

"Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1Peter 3:1-4

These passages are clearly talking about beauty coming from being clothed in good deeds and attitude rather than nice hair and apparel. They do not forbid the use of jewlery, braided hair, or nice clothes, but state that a woman's true beauty should come from good deeds, and a gentle, quiet spirit. I notice that both passages speak of braided hair and fine clothes in the same context as jewelry. Should braids then be forbidden to Christians? In the debate over jewelry I don't recall any equal fervor over braided hair.

I don't recall ever hearing any discussion about why men wear ties, or suits, or why they are considered appropriate when the subject of women's dress and styles comes up either. Aren't suits a subject of fashion and the times also?  I always thought ties were stupid and unnecessary and just a decoration ;) I also think men who want their wives to dress like pilgrims or a puritan (like Ellen White in her day) need to follow that same dress code and not expose the shape of their buttocks, shoulders or chests to public view, or their arms or throat. Buy a long coat, get a hat, cover your arms, don't expose your throat, sweat to death, etc. Lead your woman by example! Be strange, draw attention to yourself, be a laughingstock and then try and call that being modest and humble, when it's the opposite.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: tinka on July 21, 2010, 12:21:26 PM
Have not our sisters sufficient zeal and moral courage to place themselves without excuse upon the Bible platform? The apostle has given most explicit directions on this point: I will therefore . . . that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works." Here the Lord, through His apostle, speaks expressly against the wearing of gold. Let those who have had experience see to it that they do not lead others astray on this point by their example. That ring encircling your finger may be very plain, but it is useless, and the wearing of it has a wrong influence upon others.  {4T 630.1}
It is not where man has decided what was revelant but what the word of God says and the SP.
The red is all I need for my knowledge that states what is right in the eyes of God. The rest is sure "Vanity". How can it not be but ones own justifications.

I think in Early Writings she give one of the most important views of wearing the gold and taking the chance on your own reasoning for it. I will have to look it up. It was at her baptism as she commented on the other women not giving up their rings that she was baptised with. To me there is no other excuse for it. It is plain enough for me. I have never worn a wedding band and neither has my husband and we do not have to prove our marriage by gold other then promise to God and signed documents.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Harley on July 21, 2010, 02:57:10 PM
Tinka, this may help you. It did me. :) Part one (it's too big to post all of it)

THE WEDDING BAND, ELLEN G. WHITE,
AND THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

A Few Personal Observations by Roger W. Coon
Former Associate Secretary
Ellen G. White Estate
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

INTRODUCTION
     1.    Immediately upon the adjournment of the 1986 Annual Council Session of the General Conference at world headquarters in Washington, D.C., at 12 noon on Nov. 11, the "year-end meeting" of the North American Division Committee was convened (at 1:30 p.m.) to transact the business of this Division of the world field.
          

a.
   The first substantive issue to be discussed was the question of Division policy concerning jewelry/adornment in general, and the wedding band in particular.
          

b.
   The "lively" debate of three hours duration focused largely upon whether candidates for baptism and church membership should be permitted to continue wearing a "simple"[non-jewelry] wedding band if such had been their practice before. (1) [See Appendix A]
               (1)    Some 14 years earlier the General Conference Officers and North American Union Conference Presidents had met (on Oct. 2) prior to the opening of the 1972 Annual Council, to consider how the church in North America should relate to the growing practice of members wearing the wedding band.
               (2)    They reaffirmed their opposition to the wearing of ornamental jewelry (and an action to that effect was taken subsequently by the 1972 Annual Council).
               (3)    They voted a non-binding Statement of "Counsel Regarding the Wedding Band in North America" which:
                    

(a) Recognized that some conscientious SDA Christians felt that cultural conditions in North America were substantially different from those obtaining on this continent in 1892 when EGW counseled Americans not to wear the wedding band, but added that she would not condemn those living in countries where the custom was culturally obligatory from so doing.(2)
                    

(b) Recognized that there existed no prohibition to the wearing of a simple wedding band in the Bible, the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy, or the S.D.A. Church Manual.
(c) Recognized an "apparent" consensus still existing in North America which made little or no distinction between the wedding band and ornamental jewelry.
(d) Urged SDA ministers to continue discouraging the wearing of the wedding band among their church members in North America.
(e) Instructed SDA ministers not to perform ring ceremonies at weddings of members in North America.
(f) Yet, finally, took "the position that a person who on the basis of conscience feels Obligated to wear a plain wedding band should not be denied baptism."(3)
          

c.
   After more than "two dozen speeches, remarks, and declarations," many still opposing any liberalization from the previous de facto total ban against SDA church members wearing a wedding band in North America, a resolution reaffirming the 1972 counsel statement was adopted as church policy in North America, along with continuing explicit opposition to the wearing of ornamental jewelry and an "appeal for a commitment to simplicity in lifestyle . . . to halt the rising tide of worldly attitudes and practices" of recent years.(4) [See Appendix B]
     2.    Publication of this policy, known to be controversial when it was adopted, resulted in an expected hue and cry of opposition by ultra conservative elements within the church, whose statements were generally characterized as strident (if not bellicose and belligerent), highly emotional, and not well supported factually.
          

a.
   Much of the argumentation of the opposition was based upon four assumptions, none of which is true:
               (1)    That Ellen White, during her lifetime [1827-1915] consistently forbade the wearing of any wedding band at any time and in any place within the SDA Church, that she classed the simple non-jeweled wedding band in the category of ornamental jewelry, and that she wrote extensively and repeatedly against the practice of the wearing of the wedding band.
               (2)    That the General Conference, from its earliest days, adopted an official policy against the wearing of any wedding band, and that this policy continued until the 1986 action in Washington which overturned more than a century of precedent to the contrary.
               (3)    That the SDA Church Manual historically always reflected the GC policy against wearing wedding bands, until it was forced to reverse itself by the more recent liberalization policy.
               (4)    That the wearing of a simple, non-jeweled wedding band in North America is now no longer to be discouraged by pastors in that Division of the world field.
     3.    What are the demonstrable facts?
          

a.
   Ellen White:
               

(1)
   Recognized that in her day the custom of wearing a wedding band was considered de rigueur throughout the British Empire, Europe, and in many other parts of the world—a cultural imperative—and she accepted the status quo as applicable to SDAs in such places.
               

 
   

(a) In this particular context EGW did not equate the wedding band with articles of ornamental jewelry proscribed by Scripture.
(b) She reproved a Swiss SDA minister as being an extremist for publicly urging SDA married women in his country to remove their wedding bands because he viewed them as jewelry.
(c) She voiced no objection to the wearing of a wedding band by her future daughter in-law, when asked counsel by the young woman (an SDA) prior to her marriage to widower Elder William C. White in Australia, in 1895; and the couple were subsequently married in a ring ceremony in the State of Tasmania.
               

(2)
   Wrote once (and only once) on the subject, in 1892, in a testimony addressed jointly to SDA church members and SDA missionaries from North America resident in Australia, in which she:
                    

(a) Told the Americans they did not need to wear it in Australia because it was not then a custom of imperative obligation in America, and that Australians would understand that distinction; and
(b) Told Australians she had no disposition to condemn them (or others living in a country where the custom was "imperative") if—in such places—the SDA Christian could wear it in good conscience.
          

b.
   The General Conference:
               

(1)
   Has never explicitly addressed the question of the rightness or wrongness of SDA Christian church members wearing a wedding band, as such; in countries where it is considered a matter of imperative social, cultural obligation, it "had no disposition to condemn."
                    

(a) From 1925 through 1986 it has asked SDA ministers not to perform ring ceremonies.
          

c.
   The SDA Church Manual, reflecting the position of the General Conference (for which it serves as the official "constitution"), has referred to the wedding band in only two ways in its entire history:
               (1)    From 1932 to 1951 it reiterated the 1925 Annual Council action which looked "with disfavor upon the ring ceremony" at, SDA weddings, and
               (2)    From 1951 to 1986—the most recent edition—it recognized that in places where the wearing of a wedding band was deemed a matter of imperative social, cultural obligation the church "had no disposition to condemn this practice." [See Appendix C]
               (3)    The Church Manual will not necessarily be affected by the 1986 NAD policy action because the CM speaks for the world church, whereas the NAD policy seeks to apply an unchanged GC policy to the North American field.
          

d.
   The 1986 NAD policy reaffirmed the recommendation ("counsel") voted by the GC Officers and North American Union Conference Presidents in 1972, that in North America "we discourage the use of the wedding band" in SDA churches; and that "discouragement" is still the official policy of the church in North America.
               (1)    The only thing that changed in 1986 was that the wearing of a simple wedding band would now no longer be a bar to baptism and/or church membership.
     4.    For the past two decades, especially, the question of "to-wear-or-not-to-wear" has increasingly polarized congregations (especially in North America, where the issue is most acute).
          a.    It has threatened the life and vitality of the local church in many places.
          b.    Churches have been sundered, with "a great gulf fixed" between two opposing camps.
               (1)    Members often tend to defend their personal position to the death.
               (2)    Such tend not to listen to fellow members with opposing views, and to dismiss out of hand evidence and arguments offered by such.
               (3)    The result is two sides not talking to—but, rather, past—each other, a virtual "dialogue of the deaf."
               (4)    And they tend to consign opponents to hopeless oblivion.
          c.    As a result, the topic has been artificially (and unnecessarily) inflated to an importance vis-a-vis the subject of salvation, all out of proportion to that which it properly deserves; and other important issues, of greater significance, which should be discussed, are either relegated to the background, or are not considered at all.
     5.    This presentation, therefore, does not purport to be either the "General Conference position," nor the "White Estate position."
          a.    Rather, it represents the present thinking of one minister, as he reflects upon experiences and problems with which he has had to deal in the past 40 years of service to his church. I here speak only for myself.
          b.    My own personal policy—and practice—in North America, for the past four decades has been consistently to discourage the wearing of the wedding band by members and candidates for baptism and membership, for reasons which I think are still rational, valid, and compelling.
               (1)    And, after having made the approach which I share later in this paper, I have yet to be turned down for the first time!
          c.    I have, however, increasingly resisted efforts of those who share my conviction that compelling arguments may still be offered for the non-wearing in North America, where such have gone about their task:
               (1)    In what (for me) is the "wrong" way, rather than the "right," and
               (2)    Using what (for me) are "bad" reasons/arguments, rather than the "good."
          d.    Neither I nor my wife have ever owned or worn a wedding band, though we lived in another culture on another continent for 12 years, and though we have both traveled and worked since on all six continents of the world.
     6.    In this paper, therefore, we will examine, successively,
          a.    The historical background of the issue among Adventism.
          b.    The contribution of Adventism's prophet, Ellen G. White, on the subject, from the perspective of both her teaching and practice.
          c.    Suggestions for those who join me in continuing to seek to discourage the wearing of a wedding band by SDA Christians, in North America, with regard to what I view as:
               (1)    The "right" way, rather than the "wrong," and for
               (2)    "Good" reasons, rather than "bad."
                    
I. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE QUESTION
     1.    Seventh-day Adventism arose in the middle 19th century in New England as a result of the "Advent Movement" generated by William Miller, a Baptist farmer-turned-preacher who heralded the return of Jesus Christ to earth, first, "about 1843," and later on October 22, 1844.
          a.    The Millerites were almost universally ultra-conservative in their individual life-style.
          b.    Most (including Ellen G. White herself) came out of a very strict Methodist background which frowned on jewelry, card-playing, gambling, dancing, cosmetics, etc., as being "worldly." As such, many still heeded the admonitions of Methodism's founder, John Wesley:
               (1)    Review and Herald editor James White published a long statement "On Dress, From Mr. Wesley's Advice to the People Called Methodists." And in it Elder White encouraged SDAs to plainness in all aspects of their unique life-style.(5)
          c.    The wearing of the wedding band seems not to have been practiced by the earliest SDA founders and pioneers who for many years lived and labored exclusively in North America.
     2.    In the last half of the 19th century, however, the USA became a "melting pot," as wave after wave of immigrants arrived on our shores, first from Europe, then from other continents.
          a.    Such immigrants, quite understandably, brought with them their former national customs, including that of the wearing of the wedding band.
          b.    Some of these were converted to the SDA Church.
               (1)    Often, out of deference to local customs and traditions, they would remove the wedding band, lest anything be allowed to come in to mar the precious unity of believers in Jesus.
          c.    SDAs, responding to a growing awareness of their obligation to take the Advent message to all corners of the world, began to send out missionaries, first to Europe, then to other continents and island fields.
               (1)    Here they often came into contact with local national customs other than their own (including—in some quarters—the wearing of the wedding band by married women, and even men, as a matter of imperative social obligation).
               (2)    Apparently, in a desire to meet the spirit of the apostle (and missionary) Paul (see 1 Corinthians 9:20-23) some SDA missionaries apparently adopted the custom of wearing the wedding band.
                    (a) And also, apparently, when they returned home to North America they continued the practice, to the growing concern and disapproval of their less-traveled fellow believers.
     3.    The question of the propriety of this custom within Adventism—in North America, and in other places—was raised increasingly during the succeeding decades of the 19th century.
          a.    By the 1890s, Adventism's prophet and co-founder of the church, now residing in Australia, penned her one-and-only statement of counsel upon the subject.
               (1)    It originally appeared as "Letter 2b, 1892," written on August 3, from Preston [Melboume], Victoria.
               (2)    It was addressed to "My Dear Brethren and Sisters." The context strongly suggests that the immediate intended audience comprised:
                    (a) Primarily Australian Adventists.
(b) Secondarily American Adventist missionaries in Australia.
(c) Ultimately the church back in North America.
               (3)    It was first published July 21, 1895, by 0. A. Olsen.(6)
               (4)    And it found final published form, in 1923, in the posthumous compilation, Testimonies to Ministers, as the eighth (and final) paragraph of a testimony with the overall title "Economy to be Practiced in All Things."(7) [See Sec. II, below.]
          b.    The wearing of the wedding band was here discouraged by Mrs. White, except:
               (1)    In countries where it was seen to be a matter of imperative social obligation, and
               (2)    Where SDA Christians—in that context—could wear it in good conscience.
          c.    Mrs. White did not (in this, her only statement on the question) place the question on the level of the 10 Commandments (where no exceptions to the rule are permitted, at any time, in any place).
               (1)    It was not given the status of a black-and-white moral issue, such as the total prohibitory ban against Sabbath-breaking, lying, stealing, adultery, etc.
               (2)    This is not to say, however, that there are no moral issues involved in the total consideration of the question of wearing the wedding band.
          d.    While in Australia, Ellen White's son, Elder William C. White, a widower, remarried; and his mother expressed no objection to her new daughter-in-law's wearing of a wedding band after their marriage. [See Sec. II, below, for details.]
          e.    However, Ellen White herself never wore a wedding band, either in America, or in Europe (1885-87), or in Australia (1891-1900).
     4.    During the 20th century the question of "to-wear-or-not-to-wear" became increasingly a matter of agitation and irritation in North America.
          a.    With the passage of each succeeding decade the numbers within the SDA church who declared that the wearing of the wedding band had now become a matter of imperative social obligation in America grew increasingly larger and more vocal.
               (1)    And, today, there are many who allege that, as far as the custom goes, America in the 1980s is now at the point where Australia was in the 1890s.
          b.    Cross-cultural currents continued to take many North American SDAS abroad to lands where the wearing was held to be socially obligatory, and to bring many non-North Americans to the New World, where—increasingly—many if not most in local churches continued to resist the practice as a form of "creeping compromise" with the world.
          c.    In 1930 an Australian SDA minister was elected president of the GC. Upon arrival in the USA his wife continued to wear her wedding band.
               (1)    And some in the churches felt this justified their adopting the custom.
          d.    Some local churches (and even some local conferences) went so far as to take matters into their own hands, and (illegally) pass restrictive, punitive regulations to preclude wearers of the wedding band from:
               (1)    Baptism,
               (2)    Membership in the SDA Church,
               (3)    The holding of local church office, and
               (4)    Employment by any agency or organization of the SDA Church.
          e.    In 1969 the North American Union Conference Presidents in Council reviewed the matter of "to-wear-or-not-to-wear":
               (1)    They recognized "that custom in North America is changing somewhat."
               (2)    They still felt, however, that the custom was not yet "obligatory" or "demanded" by custom on this continent.
               (3)    They therefore continued to "discourage" its use in their territory.
               (4)    They requested SDA ministers not to perform ring ceremonies.
               (5)    They suggested that among members who felt it to be all right to wear the wedding band, they be counseled to remove it:
                    

(a) During the rite of their baptism, and/or
(b) While serving as an officer in a local church lest the consciences of fellow church members be affronted and offended.
          f.    On August 9, 1971 the North American Division Officers considered a proposal which, had it been voted [it was not adopted], would:
               (1)    Discourage the wearing of the wedding band whenever and wherever possible.
               (2)    Remind pastors of the fact that the Church Manual did not prohibit baptism for those who felt they could wear the wedding band conscientiously.
               (3)    Urge pastors "against establishing individual standards" [tests of membership or officership] in this matter.
               (4)    Remind pastors of the earlier decision that they not conduct ring ceremonies for church members.
               (5)    Discourage church employees [denominational workers] from wearing the wedding band on the grounds that to do so would exert an undesirable influence.(8)
          g.    As already noted, on Oct. 2 1972 the General Conference Officers voted a Statement of "Counsel Regarding the Wedding Band in North America," recommending that the practice need not constitute a bar to baptism/membership of conscientious Christians who felt that they must continue to wear it. But even in opening the door of accommodation ever so slightly, the leaders were concerned that the church not "lower its standard, blur its identity, or muffle its witness."(9)
          h.    Finally, again as already noted, on Nov. 11, 1986, the North American Division Committee voted to make the "counsel" of Oct. 2, 1972, the official policy of the Division.
     5.    There is a growing number in the SDA Church today who affirm, vigorously, that the custom of wearing the wedding band in North America in the 1980s is as obligatory socially as was the custom in Australia, the British Empire, and Europe in the 1890s, which was addressed by Ellen White.
          a.    Others, with equal vigor, aver that the two decades are not properly to be so equated.
          b.    The fact remains that it is probably impossible to "prove" either position.
          c.    We therefore turn next to a detailed examination of Ellen White's position.
                    
II. ELLEN WHITE'S POSITION ON THE WEARING OF THE WEDDING BAND
A.    The Published Statement
     Some have had a burden in regard to the wearing of a marriage ring, feeling that the wives of our ministers should conform to this custom. All this is unnecessary. Let the ministers wives have the golden link which binds their souls to Jesus Christ. a pure and holy character, the true love and meekness and godliness that are the fruit borne upon the Christian tree, and their influence will be secure anywhere. The fact that a disregard of the custom occasions remark is no good reason for adopting it. Americans can make their position understood by plainly stating that the custom Is not regarded as obligatory in our country. 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. If they are Christians, it will be manifest In their Christlikeness of character, in their words, in their works, in the home, in association with others it will be evinced by their patience and long-suffering and kindliness. They will manifest the spirit of the Master, they will possess His beauty of character, His loveliness of disposition, His sympathetic heart,(10)
B.    An Analysis of the Passage: EGW Raises at Least FOUR Major ISSUES:
     1.    The Issue of INFLUENCE: she holds that the wearing [by American missionaries in Australia in 1892] is unnecessary for the following reasons:
          a.    If the church worker has a pure, holy character, it will be evident in fruitage in his life.
               (1)    Therefore his influence will be secure.
          b.    The fact that non-compliance [by Americans in Australia in 1892] occasions public comment is insufficient reason for adoption of the custom:
               (1)    Americans can always say plainly that it is not [for them, in1892, in Australia] a national custom, even in their own country.
          c.    The irrelevance of the custom:
               (1)    Wearing is not a proof of marital fidelity.
               (2)    Abstinence from wearing is not proof of marital infidelity.
          d.    Compliance [by Americans, in Australia, in 1892] will not enhance their influence "down under":
               (1)    If one is a Christian, the evidence of Christ-likeness will be borne as fruit in the character.
               (2)    The true Christian will always manifest the Spirit of the Master by reflecting His beauty of character, loveliness of disposition, and sympathetic heart.
     2.    The Issue of LEAVENING OF THE CHURCH [in America]:
          a.    The wearing of the wedding band [in America by SDAs, in 1892] is another example of conformity [there] to custom/fashion, insidiously coming in among our people [there] [since the wearing of it is not a national custom there in 1892].
     3.    The Issue of STEWARDSHIP of Finances:
          a.    Not one penny should be spent [by Americans, in 1892] for this purpose.
     4.    The Issue of INDIVIDUAL CONSCIENCE:
          a.    We recognize and accept the fact that the wearing of the wedding band is a matter of imperative social obligation in some countries [in 1892].
          b.    As such, we have no burden to condemn the wearing of it, under those circumstances.
          c.    We leave this matter, therefore, at the altar of personal conscience, to be decided between the individual Christian and his God.
C.    Ellen White's Position in Europe [1885-1887]:
     1.    Mrs. White served as a missionary in Europe for two years.
          a.    During this time she had to meet the wedding band issue there.
     2.    In Basel, Switzerland, a series of meetings was held late in 1885. A Brother [a European SDA minister] was preaching on the subject of plainness of dress. One evening he denounced the wearing of jewelry, including the wearing of rings. One worshipper spoke up to inquire if he included the wedding band. He responded, "Yes, everything." It created no small stir, because in Europe the wearing of the wedding band was not viewed as a matter of ornamentation, but rather, as a token of marital fidelity. The question was referred to Mrs. White. According to her son, W. C. White (who was present), "She said that where the wearing of the wedding ring was demanded by custom as a matter of loyalty, our preachers should not press the matter of its being laid aside."(11)
D.    Ellen White's Position In Australia (1891-1900]:
     1.    Mrs. White's son, Elder W. C. White, was a widower while serving with his mother in Australia. He fell in love with, and became engaged to, Ethel May Lacey. May was a British young woman, born in India, educated in Britain, and now [in 1895] living in Tasmania, Australia. (In all three of these countries the culture not only accepted but demanded wearing of the wedding band as a sign of marital fidelity.) May's father was in the British police service, and he had now retired in Australia.(12)
          a.    Anticipating a problem, because she was British (and knowing of Ellen White's objection to American missionaries in Australia wearing the wedding band), May went to her future mother-in-law (Mrs. White) to seek counsel. Shortly thereafter May wrote to her fiance, "Willie," and reported the interview: "She [EGW] says she has no objection whatever to my wearing one."(13)
          b.    The couple was married at the bride's home in Tasmania. As there were no SDA ministers on that island at that time, the service was conducted by an Evangelical clergyman; a ring ceremony was performed. May subsequently wore her wedding band on the trip from Tasmania to Australia's mainland; and for several weeks thereafter she continued to wear it.(14)
          c.    Then, a little later, May removed her wedding band. Noting that fact, her new husband inquired as to the reason. She replied simply that it had gotten in the way while she was doing the family washing.(15)
          d.    She never again wore this simple, plain band of gold, neither in Australia, nor on the journey from Australia to the United States, nor during her subsequent years in America. Her wearing of it, in Australia, in the 1890s, was in total harmony with the EGW counsel as published in the single statement in TM 180-81.(16)
                    
III. A POSITION FOR NORTH AMERICA—A Personal Statement
     1.    I have served in North America as a pastor of three churches in Southern California (four years), as a professor of religion at Pacific Union College (eleven years), and—most recently—as senior pastor of the GC "headquarters" church in Takoma Park, MD (three years).
          a.    In addition, my wife and I spent twelve years as missionaries in West Africa.
          b.    And in our present work (I in the White Estate, she as an assistant auditor in the GC Auditing Service), we have traveled together in North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
          c.    Neither of us has ever worn (or even owned) a wedding band.
     2.    I am, however, willing to grant any SDA member his or her private conviction that the wedding band is, today, in North America, a matter of imperative social obligation.
          a.    Although I do not myself yet see it that way, and although my policy and practice in North America continue in the direction of discouraging its wearing (for reasons to be set forth in detail below), I resist relating in any kind of judgmental, condemnatory manner toward those who feel that they in good conscience should wear it.
          b.    In seeking to persuade wedding-band wearers to become non-wearers, I have strenuously endeavored to conduct myself in the right way (and not in what I perceive as the wrong way), and I have endeavored to use what I conceive to be the right reasons (even as I have endeavored to avoid using what I strongly believe to be the wrong reasons).
          c.    Let me explain what I mean by this statement.
A.    The "Wrong" Way Versus the "Right"Way
     1.    The WRONG WAY—for me—is to impose coercion in order to achieve conformity.
          a.    This may be done overtly or covertly.
          b.    Its most frequent manifestations are in refusing the "offender" the privilege of baptism, church membership, church office, or even social fellowship with other believers within the local church community.
     2.    Ellen White made it clear while she was alive that "it is no part of Christ's mission to compel men to receive Him. It is Satan, and men actuated by his spirit, that seek to compel the conscience. . . . Christ is ever. . . seeking to win by the revealing of His love. . . but He desires only voluntary service, the willing surrender of the heart under the constraint of love."(17)
          a.    In 1906 (while the prophet was still alive), her son, Elder W. C. White, received a letter from an SDA member in Grand Rapids, Mich., inquiring as to the propriety of selecting as a church officer one who wore a wedding band.
               (1)    He replied: "In the teaching of the gospel we must always be outspoken regarding the principles of simplicity in dress, but we need not enter into the specific work of saying that individuals [who] wear the wedding ring . .. are to be disciplined by the church. . . . I have seen very devoted, earnest people wearing the wedding ring, wearing the gold watch, wearing the gold chain, and I felt no burden to say to them, You must lay it off."(18)
     3.    In 1881 Ellen White wrote concerning another item in the category of dress, the "reform dress" which she had advocated for some time. Certain statements made concerning the attitude of some church members pressing this reform unduly in her day seem (to me, at least) to have somewhat of a parallel in the discussion today on the non-wearing of the wedding band:
          a.    "Some who adopted the reform [dress] 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."
          b.    "It was not my duty to urge the subject upon my sisters. After presenting it before them as it had been shown me, I left them to their own conscience."
          c.    "Much unhappy feeling was created by those who were constantly urging the reform dress upon their sisters. With extremists, this reform seemed to constitute the sum and substance of their religion. It was the theme of conversation and the burden of their hearts; and their minds were thus diverted from God and the truth. They failed to cherish the spirit of Christ and manifested a great lack of true courtesy."
          d.    "Some were greatly troubled because I did not make the dress a test question, and still others because I advised those who had unbelieving husbands or children not to adopt the reform dress, as it might lead to unhappiness that would counteract all the good to be derived from its use."(19)
     4.    An important distinction needs to be made between the teachings of the church and the tests of the church:
          a.    William H. Branson, while President of the General Conference [1950-54], addressed clergy of our church on this subject.
               (1)    He distinguished between Bible doctrines--the acceptance of which is a test of church fellowship, and therefore is required—and the teachings concerning certain standards—which the church advocates, but finally leaves to the individual conscience of the member (or prospective member).
               (2)    He wrote: "Some of these [latter] matters that are not tests for membership should be taught but not enforced upon the people. After proper instruction is given, then the matter of compliance must be left to the individual conscience." Not every teaching is a test.
               (3)    And he pointedly warned pastors and laity alike that for them to impose their own private tests of membership or officership in the church would serve only to "bring in confusion," and would thereby make them out of harmony with the body of the church generally.(20)
          b.    In 1984 Andrews University Professor Robert C. Kistler, in a slightly different context, came to the matter directly in his book on labor unions:
               (1)    "It is important to differentiate between what is a teaching of the church and what is a test of fellowship. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has some teachings which it encourages members to follow, but will not disfellowship them if they do not. Such teachings are regarded as a matter of individual conscience reflecting growth in grace rather than as a doctrine of the church. In addition to [the teaching against labor] union membership, such teachings would include the desirability of a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet; the teaching in North America against the wearing of wedding rings; the blessing that comes from giving generous offerings to the church s program in addition to the practice of tithing, and similar points."(21)
     5.    It cannot be too strongly pointed out that:
          a.    The Church Manual is the only constitution of the SDA Church.
          b.    Tests of membership and of officership for the church at large can only be voted by a General-Conference-in-Session (after which they are incorporated into the Church Manual).
          c.    The world church has never yet made the non-wearing of a wedding band either a test of baptism, or membership, or of officership.
          d.    For any local congregation, or conference, or union conference, to adopt (publicly, or privately) any other test than those published in the Church Manual is not only immoral but unconstitutional as well; and effectively places that unit of the church in rebellion against its duly constituted authority, leaving it wide open for disciplinary action by the next higher body!
     6.    What do I envisage as the RIGHT WAY?
          a.    Ellen White, in her one-and-only published statement on the wedding band, laid down two conditions where it might be worn without her prophetic condemnation:
               (1)    In countries "where the custom is imperative," and
               (2)    If persons in such places "can do so conscientiously."
          b.    Ellen White left the matter at the level of the individual, personal conscience.
          c.    It is my own deep conviction that we should follow her example in this.
          d.    Paul made it abundantly clear in Scripture that some issues are solely to be settled within the precincts of a man or woman's own conscience. [See Romans 14:5]
          e.    I believe that the minister should explain the whole matter to the member (or prospective member)—including good reasons for removing the wedding band [see below]—in an atmosphere of love, kindness, and acceptance. It is an educational activity. But, once explained, the minister should leave it where God's prophets have left it: at the altar of personal, individual conscience. That, for me, is the RIGHT WAY.
B.    The "Wrong" Reason Versus the "Right" reason:
     1.    The Christian religion is a "reasonable" religion; and the Apostle Peter urged all sanctified Christians to "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." (1 Peter 3:15)
          a.    

And lest any Seventh-day Adventists adopt the Jesuit-inspired dictum that "the end justifies the means," and thereby be tempted to use a bad argument to support a worthy cause, Ellen White added this pointed testimony:

Agitate, agitate, agitate. The subjects which we present to the world must be to us a living reality. It is important that in defending the doctrines which we consider fundamental articles of faith we should never allow ourselves to employ arguments that are not wholly sound. These may avail to silence an opposer, but they do not honor the truth. We should present sound arguments, that will not only silence our opponents, but will bear the closest and most searching scrutiny. With those who have educated themselves as debaters there is great danger that they will not handle the word of God with fairness. In meeting an opponent it should be our earnest effort to present subjects in such a manner as to awaken conviction in his mind, instead of seeking merely to give confidence to the believer.(22)
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Harley on July 21, 2010, 02:58:05 PM
Part 2

     2.    I believe that there are two very WRONG REASONS that have been advanced by Seventh-day Adventists for the removal of the wedding band in North America:
          a.    That the wedding band is "bad" because it had its origin in paganism.
          b.    That the wedding band is "bad" because it is a part of the total "Jewelry Question"—and SDA Christians are called to lay off all forms of jewelry.
          c.    Let us first examine the validity of each of these arguments.
     3.    

There can be no question but what the wedding band had its origin in paganism; that fact has been too carefully documented historically to be seriously challenged or doubted:
          a.    For example, Roman Catholic Cardinal John Henry Newman, in discussing various pagan customs which crept into the early Christian Church, states:
               (1)    "The ring in marriage [among other customs] are all of pagan origin."
               (2)    He claims, however, that the adoption of them by the Church of Rome "sanctified" them and made them legitimate.(23)
          b.    O. A. Wall, in an historical study, demonstrates in rather vivid and explicit clinical detail just how the wedding band came to be worn.(24)
     4.    Certainly SDA church members and prospective converts ought to be acquainted with the pagan origin of this custom. But solely of itself, is this a good and sufficient reason to urge the abolition of the custom? I think not. And for these reasons:
          a.    I have no trouble accepting the fact that Mrs. White was probably clearly aware of the pagan origin of the Christmas festival in general, and of the Christmas tree in particular.
               (1)    Yet she approved (and in the case of families with small children, even urged) the recognizing of this festival in the homes of SDAs, and she approved the use of unadorned Christmas trees even within the sanctuary of the SDA houses of worship, where offerings for missions might properly be placed among the boughs!(25)
          b.    I also am satisfied that Mrs. White and the early SDA church leaders were probably aware of the pagan origin of the practice of placing spires or steeples on the top of houses of religious worship (and of affixing crosses to them as well).
               (1)    Yet when the "Dime" Tabernacle was built in Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1879 (it seated 3,000 and was one of the largest SDA church buildings ever built), it had not one but a number of steeples or spires adorning it; and on top of the main clock tower there appears in old photographs of the structure something that very distinctly appears to be a Maltese or Celtic cross. At least four other lesser spires are also apparently adorned with additional ornamentation!
               (2)    Also, I understand that when the South Lancaster, Mass. Church was built in 1899 (adjoining what is now the campus of Atlantic Union College), that it, too, had a similar spire arrangement; and many SDA houses of worship built in the 1870s, 1880s, and 1890s resembled these two pioneer churches in Battle Creek and South Lancaster.(26)
          c.    I conclude, therefore, that--on the basis of the practice of the prophet of the church in our midst in the latter part of the 19th century--the origin of a custom or practice in paganism was not, alone, in and of itself sufficient reason to abandon it.
     5.    Some—perhaps many—in the SDA church in North America have tacitly concluded that the wedding band is a ring; that rings are a part of jewelry; that jewelry should not be worn by good SDAs; and therefore the wedding band should not be worn by SDAs for this reason.
          a.    It is apparent that the publishers of Testimonies to Ministers were of this conviction, for in subsequent editions of that work they have added, at the conclusion of this single statement on the wedding band on p. 181, cross- references "for further study" which deal not with the wedding band but, rather, with statements on jewelry in general!
          b.    There is evidence, however, that there was a distinction between the two in Ellen White's thinking.
               (1)    A survey of her statements upon jewelry in general make it clear that she made no exceptions for any category of ornamentation—she unsparingly condemned it in a total and forthright manner.
               (2)    Yet she never linked—in print or in oral instruction—the simple, non-jeweled wedding band with jewelry in her prohibitions against the latter. Not once.
               (3)    And she did make provision for the wedding band, when society was perceived as making it socially obligatory and the SDA Christian could, in good conscience, wear it.
     6.    A scant thirteen months after the death of the prophet, her son, Elder W. C. White, was writing to a church member in Florida in response to an inquiry concerning his mother's position on the wedding band vis-a-vis jewelry. He wrote:
          a.    "Mother was always opposed to the wearing of jewelry of any sort as a matter of ornamentation. When we were in Switzerland [in the 1880s], one of our Swiss ministers took a very radical and harsh attitude toward the wearing of the wedding ring. Mother [Ellen G. White] reproved him, and protested against that kind of work, and we all understood from what she said that it was right for us to discern a difference between wearing rings as a matter of adornment and wearing the wedding ring as a token of loyalty to the husband. In some countries custom has led people to put special emphasis upon the wearing of the wedding ring as a matter of loyalty. While serving in Australia, Mother encouraged our brethren [American missionaries serving there] not to press the matter of our sisters laying aside the wedding ring [there], but when some of our American sisters, wives of ministers, put on the wedding ring because they were criticized while traveling among strangers, Mother advised that this was not necessary."(27)
     7.    It seems unwise, then, to me at least, to employ what I perceive as unsound arguments—origin in paganism or linking the simple, non-jeweled wedding band to ornamental jewelry—in trying to persuade members and prospective members to abandon, in North America, the wearing of the wedding band.
          a.    Does that mean, then, that there are no sound arguments that may be usefully employed?
          b.    By no means. Let me share an approach with you that I employ in personal work which has never yet failed me (when presented in the right way, and not in the wrong way!).
     8.    There are RIGHT REASONS, in North America, for a minister to work—in the right way— toward encouraging members and prospective members to abandon the practice of wearing the wedding band. In my opinion they involve:
          a.    The question of financial stewardship.
          b.    The question of avoidance of idolatry.
          c.    Questions associated with the dress-code for Christians.
          d.    The question of one's personal influence, within the church and without.(28)
     9.    The question of financial stewardship:
          a.    The doctrine of stewardship holds that the Christian does not own anything; all the possessions he may have are owned by God, and as a "steward" he manages these goods for the "real" owner, recognizing that ultimately he is accountable for the faithfulness in which he operates in this trust-relationship.
          b.    Stewardship is not concerned merely with 10% (tithe) of a Christian's money; it is concerned with all of it. God should be consulted, and His will followed, as far as it is possible to ascertain it, in the expenditure of every penny.
          c.    

Of course, if the individual already owns a wedding band before coming to Christ, and becoming acquainted with the claims of Christ upon one's pocketbook, the question of stewardship does not apply; it is moot.
          d.    But for those contemplating marriage, it is a serious question which cannot be evaded.
          e.    Many couples are pressured by jewelry salesmen into expensive purchases for engagement/wedding band sets which they cannot afford; some are still paying for them when the marriage disintegrates and a divorce is sought.
     10.    The question of avoidance of idolatry.
          a.    Wedding bands, with their big stones, beautiful diamonds, jewels, etc., can easily become an idol for some Christians.
          b.    Idolatry was condemned in both Old and New Testaments—and in both the warning is given that it leads to eternal destruction.
          c.    The danger of idolatry is probably one of the biggest reasons why the church historically has frowned upon jewelry and taken a negative attitude toward anything that "smacked" of jewelry.
          d.    Of course, a minister cannot tell a church member whether or not his or her wedding band is an idol—or merely an object of sentiment. But the Christian must honestly face the possibility that idolatry could be involved here, and honestly face God with a heart willing to be led by the Holy Spirit.
     11.    While Ellen White appears to have excluded the wedding band from the category of ornamental jewelry, it is nevertheless a legitimate consideration to examine its relationship to the dress-code of a Christian. Andrews University Religion Department professor Carl Coffman, in instructions to prospective young ministers, has made some helpful, if pointed, suggestions for consideration:
          a.    Ellen White discusses a "sacred circle" about Adam and Eve before sin in Eden.(29)
          b.    In Genesis 3:7-10 two points are worth noting especially:
               (1)    With the entrance of sin, the circle was severed, and deterioration began.
               (2)    An external covering was formed to take the place of internal purity.
          c.    With the passage of time, far more than clothing was added externally:
               (1)    See especially Isa. 3:16-23.
               (2)    It is a human characteristic that the less one has on the inside, the more he seems to feel he needs on the outside.
               (3)    Note, also, that God did not approve.
          d.    The great object of the plan of restoration is to restore inward purity.(30)
          e.    Hence, we have the New Testament counsel:
               (1)    "Women again must dress in becoming manner, modestly and soberly, not with elaborate hair-styles, not decked out with gold or pearls, or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as befits women who claim to be religious." 1 Tim. 2:9-10, NEB.
               (2)    "In the same way you women must accept the authority of your husbands, so that if there are any of them who disbelieve the Gospel they may be won over, without a word being said, by observing the chaste and reverent behaviour of their wives. Your beauty should reside, not in outward adornment--the braiding of the hair, or jewellery, or dress—but in the inmost centre of your being, with its imperishable ornament, a gentle, quiet spirit, which is of high value in the sight of God. Thus it was among God's people in days of old: the women who fixed their hopes on him adorned themselves by submission to their husbands. Such was Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him 'my master.' Her children you have now become, if you do good and show no fear.

In the same way, you husbands must conduct your married life with understanding: pay honour to the woman's body, not only because it is weaker, but also because you share together in the grace of God which gives you life. Then your prayers will not he hindered. 1 Peter 3:1-7, NEB (note especially verses 2-4).
          f.    The great object of restoration is to restore inward purity. The restored "sacred circle" of holiness is God's circle of genuine safety about any married couple.
     12.    The question of a Christian's influence—within the church and without—must be studied and safeguarded:
          a.    In at least two of Paul's epistles he expresses a concern for the Christians of his day that they safeguard their influence, and not become "stumbling-blocks" to their fellow (and weaker) Christians. (See especially Romans 14:21, 13; and 1 Cor. 8:9).
          b.    He elaborates the doctrine of "expedience" by stating that although some things are "lawful" for him to do—perfectly all right in and of themselves—yet he will not do them because it is not "expedient"—a weak brother in the church might take offense, and be led astray. (See I Cor. 6:12; 1 Cot. 10:23)
          c.    In 1 Corinthians Chapter 8 his ideas are most fully developed along the line of the Christians's responsibility for the stewardship of his personal influence, in the context of an immediate, local problem in Paul's day: whether or not a Christian should eat foods that had been consecrated to pagan idols before ever sold on the public market:
               (1)    Farmers often received higher prices for food if first offered to heathen deities by pagan priests.
               (2)    Sometimes it was the best, choicest food. (Nutrition is a legitimate consideration and concern for a Christian—get the best food possible.)
               (3)    Paul's position: it is perfectly permissible for a Christian—legally—to eat this kind of food, because he knows it isn't poisoned, and idols do not exist in the "real" world in which the Christian operates. And if these were the only considerations, there is no impediment to his eating food "offered to idols."
               (4)    The "rub" comes, however, in the fact that not all Christians of that day had this knowledge. Some still believe that eating this food is a betrayal of Christ and their faith in Him. If they ate it, their consciences would be defiled; and if they saw you eat it, it might be enough of a stumbling-block to cause them to lose their way spiritually and be lost eternally.
               (5)    And so Paul said, Even though it is perfectly all right for me to do this, I will protect my influence—and my weak brethren—and refrain from doing something that otherwise would be perfectly acceptable.
          d.    Many in the church today, incredibly, are saying in effect, How close can I live to Satan, and yet win eternal life?
          e.    For Paul, the question was, How close can I live to Christ, so that in every aspect my influence is going to tell for Christ in a way that won't offend anyone weaker in knowledge than I am?
          f.    Paul made it abundantly clear that the issue was not eating the food itself; and he did not restrict anyone on that ground. But there was a moral issue: we are responsible in great measure for the effect of our influence upon others, within and without the church.
          g.    A Christian wearing the wedding band, in North America, where there are many "weak brothers—and sisters" who are morally offended and affronted by a fellow church-member wearing it, needs to ask God (not any mere man): What is the effect of my action upon others? How can I best preserve my influence and credibility among the church of Christ?
     13.    There are moral issues involved in the wearing (or non-wearing) of the wedding band, as we consider all of the ramifications, even though the matter in and of itself may be merely a matter of culture or custom.
          a.    And there are questions that each Christian must ask himself—and God—in this context.
                    
CONCLUSION: There are perhaps five questions/issues that we must finally consider—
     1.    The question of PERSPECTIVE:
          a.    It is well for each Christian to keep the wedding band question (which, as already noted, is a part of the greater, overall dress question) in proper perspective.
          b.    In 1883 the then-General Conference president, George I. Butler, wrote concerning the importance and necessity of keeping the various aspects of the dress question in an overall perspective:
               (1)    "The dress question should never be exalted to an equality with the great moral questions of the Bible, such as keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Meekness, humility, charity, goodness, patience, and other Christian graces, are ever more important than the cut of the clothes we wear or the eating of certain kinds of food. We should give those subjects just the place God gives them in His word; and if we will notice closely, we shall soon discern that that place is not near so prominent as that which He gives to the great moral principles of His law, and the teachings of Christ. We claim that Sister White in her teachings has ever taken this position."(31)
     2.    The question of MOTIVATION:
          a.    That God is generally more concerned with the motivation which prompts the deed, than with merely the deed itself, cannot be seriously challenged:
               (1)    "The Searcher of hearts weighs the motives."(32)
               (2)    "It is the motive that gives character to our acts, stamping them with ignominy or with high moral worth."(33)
               (3)    "Many acts which pass for good works. . .will . . . be found to be prompted by wrong motives."(34)
               (4)    "It takes patience to keep every evil motive weeded from the garden of the Lord."(35)
          b.    If you tend to FAVOR the wearing of the wedding band, ask yourself, "Why?"
               (1)    Is it because you desire, like ancient Israel, to be like the nations around us, so that you will not appear singularly different?
               (2)    Is it because you desire to hide your identity as a Christian who is in the world but not of the world?
               (3)    Is it because you desire to draw attention to yourself (one of the main reasons God disapproves of ornamental jewelry)?
               (4)    Or is it because you desire to exhibit loyalty to your spouse, avoid, bringing discredit against the cause of Christ, and to meet the reasonable expectations of society?
          c.    If you tend to OPPOSE the wearing of the wedding band, again, ask yourself, "Why?"
               (1)    Is it because you enjoy being the policeman of the church, and you enjoy castigating and censuring the "liberals" who "need to be straightened out"?
               (2)    Is it because such acts tend to reinforce your security found in self-righteousness, and a legalistic spirit affirms you as "good" because you do some good things?
               (3)    Is it because such opposition reinforces in you a conviction that you are better than others, and—like the Pharisee in Christ's parable—you are thankful you are not as other men are?
               (4)    Or is it because you discern in the adoption of this custom a lowering of the necessary and important standards of the church, bringing its good name into question (if not disrepute), and diluting the effectiveness of its witness by the adoption of a custom which you discern to be a leavening influence among God's people?
          d.    Can you honestly face your motive, whatever your position may be?
     3.    The question of HONESTY:
          a.    

Intellectual honesty is an absolute imperative. Can you pray—honestly and sincerely—this prayer suggested by Ellen White?

"Each day, each hour, let the heart go out after God: 'Here, Lord, am I, Thy property; take me, use me today. I lay all my plans at Thy feet; I will have no way of my own in the matter. My time is Thine; my whole life is Thine. Let the heart be constantly going forth to God for strength, for grace every moment."(36)
          b.    Now, while it is true that there are some places in the world where the wearing of the wedding band is not only appropriate but necessary, it is probably also true that there are some places where it is not yet necessary today.
          c.    Ellen White clearly indicated that, in her day, there were places (the United States was particularly singled out) where—at that time—the custom was not imperative, obligatory, or necessary.
               (1)    In such places she saw the adoption of an unnecessary custom as a leavening agent within God's people. And such (as history has since borne witness) it has become. It has, indeed and in fact, opened the door to jewelry generally:
                    (a) The wedding band itself has become conspicuously larger in size, has become noticeably more ornate, and has even become encrusted with precious and semi-precious stones—on the fingers of Seventh-day Adventist Christians.
(b) And it has paved the way for the tacit acceptance of other rings (engagement rings, class rings, friendship rings, etc.) on the hands of Seventh-day Adventist church members.
          d.    With the lessening of opposition to the wearing of the wedding band on the campuses of some of our colleges in North America in the early 1970s, we find a more complex problem with jewelry in the early- and mid-1980s.
     4.    The question of ATTITUDE:
          a.    The attitude of the individual church leader or member--whether such is for, or against—is crucial.
          b.    In the context of the advocacy of diet reform, Ellen White wrote some counsel equally applicable to those who seek legitimate dress-reform:
               (1)    "We must go no faster than we can take those with us whose consciences and intellects are convinced of the truths we advocate. We must meet the people where they are. Some of us have been many years in arriving at our present position in health reform. It is slow work to obtain a reform in diet. We have powerful appetites to meet; for the world is given to gluttony. If we should allow the people as much time as we have required to come up to the present advanced state in reform, we should be very patient with them, and allow them to advance, step by step, as we have done, until their feet are firmly established upon the health reform platform. But we should be very cautious not to advance too fast, lest we be obliged to retrace our steps. In reforms we would better come one step short of the mark than to go one step beyond it. And if there is error at all let it be on the side next to the people."(37)
               (2)    "Our ministers and teachers are to represent the love of God to a fallen world. With hearts melted with tenderness let the word of truth be spoken. Let all who are in error be treated with the gentleness of Christ. If those for whom you labor do not immediately grasp the truth, do not censure, do not criticize or condemn. Remember that you are to represent Christ in His meekness and gentleness and love. We must expect to meet with unbelief and opposition. . . . But though you should meet the bitterest opposition, do not denounce your opponents. . . . We must manifest patience, meekness, and long-suffering."(38)
               (3)    "In the advocacy of the truth the bitterest opponents should be treated with respect and deference. . . . Therefore treat every man as honest. . . . The influence of your teaching would be tenfold greater if you were careful of your words. Words that should be a savor of life unto life may by the spirit which accompanies them be made a savor of death unto death. And remember that if by your spirit or your words you close the door to even one soul, that soul will confront you in the judgment."(39)
               (4)    "Be sure that you do not make the word of the Lord offensive. We long to see reforms, and because we do not see that which we desire, an evil spirit is too often allowed to cast drops of gall into our cup, and others are embittered. By our ill-advised words their spirit is chafed, and they are stirred to rebellion. Every sermon you preach, every article you write, may be all true; but one drop of gall in it will be poison to the hearer or reader. . . . [We should use] words that will reform but not exasperate. The truth is to be spoken in love."(40)
          c.    Paul advises us that the three greatest gifts, or qualities, or attributes, in the Christian life, when all is said and done, are faith, hope, and love.
               (1)    But even here, one is more important than another: "The greatest of these is love." [1 Cor. 13:13, emphasis supplied]
               (2)    If (God forbid!) one is forced to choose between the doctrines and standards of the faith, and Christian love, then love would have to be the most important. (It is not, however and fortunately, an either/or dichotomy!)
     5.    The question of CONSCIENCE:
          a.    Whether the custom of wearing the wedding band in the United States in the 1980s is as of imperative obligation as it was in Australia in the 1890s (when and where Ellen White permitted it), is probably an issue that today cannot be objectively "proven."
          b.    The human mind is perfectly capable of believing anything it wants to believe; and the corollary also is true; as Ben Franklin once suggested, "Man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still."
          c.    Ellen White left the matter of the wearing (or non-wearing) of the wedding band, in her day, at the altar of conscience. Her example is safest for us to follow today. Let us leave it where she left it.
          d.    But let us also be sure that our conscience today is alive, active, acute, and operating well; may it not be slumbering, or—worse yet—seared with a hot iron. [1 Tim. 4:2)
          e.    The only safe course for any Christian to follow is to inquire of the Lord, in the quiet privacy of the soul, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?"
          f.    And our only safe response, after our Lord answers this prayer (and He will, if we are totally honest with Him), is that of Mary of Nazareth at the wedding feast of Cana: "Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it!" [John 2:5]
     6.    By all means, let us have convictions. And let us express these convictions to others who may not share them—in the right manner. But let us validate our convictions by the inspired word, let us evaluate our logic and our argument by reason, and let us validate our evidence by demonstrable fact. But let our advocacy be always in love, being "ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." [1Peter 3:15] And then, having given our reason, let us kindly, lovingly, leave the matter at the altar of individual conscience.
     7.    "As for me and my house," after having weighed carefully all of the evidence, pro and con, in the light of what I hope is an enlightened and progressively sanctified conscience, my personal position, policy, and practice—in North America—continues to remain one of endeavoring to persuade our members and prospective members to discard the practice of wearing the wedding band.
          a.    Having said that, I must say more: I am totally persuaded that this must be done in the right way, and for the right reason.
          b.    And in the end, the member (or prospective member) must "be fully persuaded in his own mind." [Rom. 14:5]
          c.    And, ultimately, the decision of what you will do must be left with you, to be made prayerfully as well as personally, alone with God. And so I say to you:
               (1)    It is not wrong to have things of a sentimental value; and many who no longer wear their wedding bands in public retain them as a keepsake in a bureau drawer, to look at occasionally.
               (2)    Your church or your minister will not dictate your response. We ask only that you allow God to lead you—totally—in your decision.
               (3)    And whichever way you decide the matter,
                    (a) I will respect your decision,
(b) I will support your decision—even if opposite from my position,
(c) And I will accept you, totally, unconditionally, both as a person, and as a fellow brother or sister in Jesus, who, with me, is seeking to climb the upward path to eternal life.
__________________________
First Draft: Jan. 19, 1983
                    For circulation privately to White Estate Trustees and staff, for reaction and counsel
Second Draft: Feb. 29, 1984
                    Presented to students in the SDA Theological Seminary, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Mich., in GSEM 534 "The Writings of Ellen G. White," on March 6, 1984
Third Draft: Mar. 9, 1984
                    For NAD study committee
     N.B.         
          Drafts in 1983 and 1984 inadvertently contained a technical error. On pages 4 and 5 agenda proposals were inadvertently taken to be actual committee actions and were presented as formal actions. This draft corrects that inaccuracy, which is deeply regretted. R.W.C.
Fourth Draft: Feb. 13, 1985
                    For GSEM 534 class discussion
Fifth Draft: Nov. 29, 1987
                    For GSEM 534 class discussion
Sixth Draft: Dec. 10, 1897
                    Minor editorial changes
                    

NOTES AND REFERENCES

1."North America Adopts Adornment Action," Adventist Review, Dec. 4, 1986, pp. 9,10.
2. See Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 180, 181.
3. A subsequently edited version of this statement of "Counsel Regarding the Wedding Band in North America," adopted by the GC Officers and North American Union Conference Presidents, Oct. 2, 1972, was communicated to Union and Local Conference Presidents by GC Vice President Lowell Bock on Nov. 8, 1972, with a circular letter advising that since this acting had not been officially adopted by the Annual Council [or North American Division, which then existed virtually only on paper], "this statement does not enjoy the force of policy."
4. The text was published in Adventist Review, Feb. 12, 1987, pp. 28, 29, and in Ministry, April, 1987, p. 25.
5. See RH, July 10, 1855, pp. 1, 2; an extract was subsequently reprinted in RH, Nov. 30,1972, p. 6.
6. Special Testimonies to Ministers and Workers, Series A, No.3, pp.6, 7.
7. Pp. 180, 181.
8. NADCA Agenda item 71-293.
9. As Agenda item 72-411, the original proposal was more liberal than the amended version voted. The original proposal included a further clause ("nor forbidden to hold church office") which did not survive debate. The question of whether or not to ban wedding-band-wearers from local church office has yet to be addressed definitively at the General Conference or North American Division levels.
10. Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 180, 181.
11. William C. White [WCW] letter to D.C. Babcock, Aug. 6, 1913, p. 1.
12. Arthur L. White [ALW] letter to Walter F. Wright, Feb. 22, 1971, p. 1.
13. Ethel May Lacey letter to WCW, Feb. 13, 1895.
14. ALW, loc. Cit.
15. WCW letter to Mrs. W. E. Ingle, Apr. 14, 1913.
16. ALW, loc. Cit.
17. Desire of Ages, p. 487:3; emphasis supplied.
18. WCW letter to M. W. Crother, Dec. 30, 1906.
19. Testimonies for the Church, Volume 4, pp. 636, 637; emphasis supplied.
20."What Are Our Tests of Fellowship?" The Ministry, Oct. 1951, pp. 12, 13.
21. Adventists and Labor Unions in the United States (Washington, D. C.: Review & Herald Publishing Association, 1984), p. 48, footnote 23. Kistler also devotes space to a consideration of the wedding band in Chapter 3 ("With or Without a Ring?") in his more recent work, Marriage, Divorce, And. . . (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1987), pp. 43-59.
22. Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, p. 708:1.
23. An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine (Garden City, NY: Image Books, 1960), pp. 351-53.
24. Sex and Sex Worship (St. Louis: C. V. Mosby Company, 1932), pp. 529-32.
25. The Adventist Home, pp. 477-83.
26. See Roger W. Coon, "Paganism, Culture, and Commitment: How Far Dare a Conscientious Christian Go?", Pacific Union Recorder, June 1, 1986, pp. 4-6; a synopsis of this article was published ten days later under the title, "Reviving Ancient Paganism?", Adventist Review, June 11, 1987, pp. 8-10.
27. WCW letter to J. W. Siler, Aug. 9, 1916.
28. William ["Skip"] MacCarty, now associate pastor, Pioneer Memorial SDA Church, Andrews University, pioneered in the development of many of the following ideas while senior minister of the Wasatch Hills SDA Church, Salt Lake City, UT, in the 1970's.
29. See especially Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 310:4-311:0; the context--the parable of the man without the wedding garment--is interesting!
30. See especially ibid., p. 310:3.
31. Review & Herald Supplement, Aug. 14, 1883, p. 10.
32. Gospel Workers, p. 275.
33. The Desire of Ages, p. 615.
34. Gospel Workers, p. 275.
35. Sons and Daughters of God, p. 312.
36. The Upward Look, p. 237.
37. Testimonies for the Church, Volume 3, pp. 20, 21; emphasis supplied.
38. Testimonies for the Church, Volume 6, p. 120.
39. Ibid., p. 122.
40. Ibid., p. 123.

 

(The text of this action was also published in AR, 2-12-87,28-29) MINISTRY/APRIL '1987

            APPENDIX C
            THE WEDDING BAND AND THE SDA CHURCH MANUAL

The First edition of the SDA Church Manual was published in 1932. Subsequent editions were issued in: 1934, 1938, 1940, 1942, 1951, 1959, 1963, 1967, 1981, and 1986. The SDA Encyclopedia notes that minor revisions were made in the editions of 1934 and 1940, and a major revision occurred in the edition of 1951, preceding the publication of the article on "Church Manual" in the 1976 Revised Edition.

In 1946 the General Conference Session voted that all further revisions of the Church Manual must be approved in advance by the GC in world session. At the next quadrennial session (1950) major changes were approved, and published in the edition of 1951. Since the GC Session of 1958 it has become standard practice to publish an updated edition of the Church Manual in the year following each session (quadrennial through 1970, quinquennial since).

Through the years there have been only two statements relating to the wedding band which have appeared in various editions of the Church Manual, if my research is correct and complete:

        (1) Ring Ceremony: From the first edition of 1932 through the edition of 1942 there was no section in the Church Manual on "Church Standards" (as there has been since 1951), but Section X dealt with "Marriage." This statement (which included a section on divorce) covered parts of seven pages in the editions of 1932, 1934, 1938, 1940, and 1942. The last portion of the first section on marriage cited an "Autumn [now Annual] Council" action from 1925, which was worded:

            "'Resolved, That in the marriage ceremony simplicity be observed, and that some simple formula as that in the "Manual for Ministers" be used; also that we look with disfavor upon the ring ceremony, and upon our ministers officiating at the marriage of believers with unbelievers or with those not of our faith.' Autumn Council Actions, 1925, pp. 12,

            This statement appears on p. 175 of the editions of 1932, 1934, 1938, and 1940, and on p. 187 of the 1942 edition, with no change of text between 1932 and 1942. (The next edition was published in 1952.)

        (2) Marriage Ring: With the major revision of the Church Manual in 1952, the compilers devoted an entire chapter to "Standards of Christian Living," one section of which dealt with "Dress." It consisted of a statement of seven paragraphs, the fifth of which reads:

            In some countries the custom of wearing the marriage ring is considered imperative, having become, in the minds of the people, a criterion of virtue, and hence is not regarded as an ornament. Under such circumstances, we have no disposition to condemn the practice."

            [This statement appears on p. 202 of the editions of 1951, 1959, and 1963; on p. 212 of the editions of 1967 and 1971; on p. 225 of the edition of 1976; on p. 222 of the edition of 1981, and on p. 146 of the edition of 1986, with no change of text between 1951 and 1986.]

To summarize, then: Only two statements have ever appeared in the Church Manual, from the 1st edition of 1932 through the latest edition of 1986: (a) from 1932 to 1951 the church said, simply, "we look with disfavor upon the ring ceremony;" and (b) from 1951 to 1987 it declares "we have no disposition to condemn" the wearing of a wedding band by SDA church members in such countries where the custom is "considered imperative." (The determination of which country is which is wisely left to the individual church member by the church.)

Therefore, when arch conservative opponents of the wearing of the wedding band by SDA Christians today affirm "The Church Manual has been changed," they are right. . .and wrong. A change was indeed made 36 years ago, from a statement which discouraged the performing of ring ceremonies at SDA weddings, to a recognition that cultural differences must be recognized must be recognized by the world church in determining the "rightness" or "wrongness" of a member's wearing a wedding band. But it is important to note that this change (a) is not one of recency, as some critics allege, nor (b) was it a reversal of an alleged earlier proscription against SDA's wearing wedding bands, as these critics also allege.

If the various editions of the Church Manual contain other references to the wedding band than those cited above, their respective Tables of Contents fail to indicate the page upon which the statement is to be located, nor were they detected in a rather exhaustive search of each edition which this researcher examined individually.

I have yet to find any statement in any edition of the Church Manual which prohibits or even discourages the wearing of a wedding band by an SDA Christian in any country, although it seems reasonable to infer an unspoken discouragement from the statement on ring ceremonies and the statement that approves of the wearing of a wedding band in cultures where it is deemed necessary.

Roger W. Coon
Ellen G. White Estate
Washington, D.C.
November 29, 1987
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: princessdi on July 21, 2010, 04:35:55 PM
So we are getting a new calendar ...when....the days and months are named after pagan gods.  We got the prctice of singing hymns from pagans, they sang them to their gods and heroes...........no hymnals?  If we go back and rid our lives of all things with pagan origins, I think we will be in a world of trouble.  As it is now, we are just inconsistent.  In allthis copying and pasteing, is somebody explaining why the is all onl good for NAD?  I t was really consistent for anyone to even say fromt he beginning that the corporate policy should only apply to NAD.  It truly is nto an issue anywhere else.  What is the problem?
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: tinka on July 21, 2010, 05:08:05 PM
Harley,

That was quite a run down. It is also amazing to see, find and read all the justifying comments and actions, and reasoning of what we know to be considered that God stated when he said my people will not wear the gold.  You see Harley, it never stopped even with the "gold", it gave way now to the diamonds, rubies, and the likes of it all as all visulized in the great number on HOpe channel of self proclaimed rules set by individuals that claim SDA is their religion ...and that is all it is. I have no problem deciding what God asks and commands, but it is quite amusing to see what all man has derived to take on Vanity, wasted money, and actually worthless, seditiment for their own theories and etc. etc. You know it is a simple things, it just what each individual chooses to do to suilt thereself. I choose not to be a stumbling block to no one and take the chance that EGW says she would not take and why should we try it...it may cost our Eternity.   It is no problem for me but I aim to please the one who sustains me to the best I can. I know Him and am in dire sorts when I know I did not do what my conscience has been taught. Talk about feeling distraught, I know how that feels when I don't. Wearing the ring all lead to the common sense that none is any different, earring, and spreading it on your chest, on your ankles rings on your toes, then standing out your bleached hair, with yakkie clothes all fit the same picture according to the scripture..put them all together and you got.....a hussy lol  How can you condem one and not the other...it's all gold, now silver, now jewels and now SDA are lit up lol. all displayed on Hope..amazing where it all led to. So does one still not consider that it would cause a stumbling block...It sure did. It is obvious in that whole report of man's own desires.. to be truthful, I like it, its pretty but I know when to not go there. My priority is Jesus and if he gives me a crown I am not sure I could wear it but give it back in humbleness for what and where he let me come to Him.  I feel the subject so well stated in Bible  has been made confusing, sad and lost obedience by the people.

edited to add an s to give. and added thought on the subject so well stated....
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: Johann on January 25, 2011, 03:01:14 PM
One of the saints who was preaching to Seventh-day Adventists from other countries about the evils of using wedding rings worth about $50 was sporting a ROLEX watch worth $15,000. He was annoyed when someone suggested his watch could be regarded as inappropriate jewelry. Did he have a reason to be annoyed?
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: christined on January 25, 2011, 03:44:50 PM
One of the saints who was preaching to Seventh-day Adventists from other countries about the evils of using wedding rings worth about $50 was sporting a ROLEX watch worth $15,000. He was annoyed when someone suggested his watch could be regarded as inappropriate jewelry. Did he have a reason to be annoyed?

No, he did not have reason to be annoyed.  He should have pawned that ROLEX and gave the money to missions if he felt that way about inappropriate jewelry.  Just my humble opinion.
Title: Re: Wedding Rings
Post by: tinka on January 25, 2011, 08:14:31 PM
I cannot believe that someone would spend $15,000 on a watch but I am sure some spend even more. No different then the price of wedding rings! They are in the same boat of wasteful spending, vanity and the frown of Jesus. Then there is the sports cars, hobbies, elaborate housing etc. It's all in the same category. How can this preacher stand in front of the poor in the audience with good mind.

A good wife can make her home of great comfort and ease with the cheapest of household furniture and essentials where it looks very homey and comfortable and clean and inviting. Our daughter has a home where she bought most all at goodwill and auctions and then remade them over. Her house looks like a million dollars.  I designed and sewn the drapery all in victorian for her. some with material either 50-60% off. One chair cost about $3 at second hand store and the material about $20.  It is now a beautiful white tucked high back comfortable cushioned chair. A preacher needs a watch to know when to cut it off but not to the tag of $15,000. Would this keep a person from eternity....wow what a chance to take!!!