Jared, the similarities you point out are real.

In Adventism, people are "sold" on the truth or falsity of the propositions given. How many times have we heard that a prospect saw the "truth" and chose it over their previous beliefs?

How many have voiced the opinion that because a good friend invited them and was an SDA they respected, made the decision to join?

In past "crusades" or "efforts" the focus has been on a new, and perhaps exciting presentation the speaker has given on the "hidden" books of Daniel and Revelation that have "wowed" the convert. Never having heard it so "simply" decoded, he is properly impressed. Of course, when the importance of the Sabbath to one's salvation is finally given, it separates those who were either convinced, or "lost," because they couldn't accept it, or change their entire lifestyle, or prejudice from family.

Others may disagree, and these are only my personal recollections of having sat through multiple such "efforts."

Elaine,
You stated another rare point on which we agree! I hope you won't sleep better tonight because of it!
"Never having heard it so "simply" decoded, he is properly impressed. Of course, when the importance of the Sabbath to one's salvation is finally given, it separates those who were either convinced, or "lost," because they couldn't accept it, or change their entire lifestyle, or prejudice from family."

I believe that one must limit themselves to "generalities" in prophetic interpretation. I believe we get into trouble when we become "to distinctive and specific."

I also believe as a "Creationist and Sabbatarian" that when either Sabbath or "Lord's Day" proponents(yes I know the difference) becomes PRIMARILY a "source of contention" among believers it is being forced out of proportional importance. That does not mean there may not be a more scriptural position.

Some SDA’s “thrive” on that "contentious area" with non SDA’s and thus can not share "sweet" christian fellowship. Likewise in the past “blue laws” created contention from the other side.“M” on the “evangelism that corrupts post” noted just that happening in China.(contention over Sabbath)

Who are we to judge "another man’s" servant? Rom.14:4

Whatever the outcome of the nomination process resulting from the presidential primaries and eventual election of this country's chief executive, American culture will still be the same. That's as far as elections go in the United States of America.

The same may also be true in a former American colony which is the Philippines, but with one important difference: political candidates in the latter change political parties as often as Americans buy a new car. A new car simply makes one feel more comfortable with one's presumed social position, whatever that is.

Needless to say, changing one's religion for another can also result in nothing less than a radical change especially when the shift we're asking is from a religion that has been part of one's native culture to one that's completely foreign. This sounds like stating the obvious, but don't many evangelists fail to consider this? Why is it so much harder for Buddhists to convert to Christianity, for example, yet it seems easier for Roman Catholic Christians in Latin America and the Philippines to become Protestants?

That said, elections or evangelism, such as those conducted on behalf of a foreign government, usually don't result in any significant change in the colonial culture. Social scientists, at least in my country, sometimes refer to this phenomenon as Split-level christianity. Simply put: many professed Christians (Adventists), especially those residing in the colonies, may have only been half converted regardless of what the growth charts and accession rates seem to project.

Joselito,

I suggest the reason for it being easier to convert is that the "world view" is similar versus the Buddhist.

Scriptural principles have nothing to do with "colonialism" or "nationalism."

PS.

Of course it is true that the "world view" was transmitted over many years by "Colonialism." It did not seem to have that numerical effect in Hong Kong however did it?

Pat,

Glad you mentioned "world view". Wonder if SAU student/faculty evangelists receive orientation along this line as well?

I'm not sure if numerical growth stats, especially those reported by evangelists following their campaigns, is the best indicator of effective discipleship. Primaries - harvest evangelistic crusades - mostly mirror the denominational culture of those who bear the message. Longterm social change, on the other hand, if this is our real objective, may be expected mainly as a result of painstaking effort at discipleship. Good government, in every facet of congregational and institutional life, must be established as well. Isn't this the object of all democratic elections and the point of the current thread as well?

Joselito,
In the "Spiritual" and "Secular" realm it is so Isn't it? Unfortunately the Philippines has perhaps sufferred from lack of both "nationally."
Blessings in your work...Even though poor it is a beautiful country once one is outside of the cities!

Boy, I sure like that insight! Jesus did indeed call for lives changed. Sometimes changed lives can include a series of decisions (not just a cleverly packaged progression of decisions in an evangelistic series)over time that make up the spiritual formation.