Each generation views Seventh-day Adventism differently. Teens today have many, varied opinions on the church.
I have personally struggled over different church issues: Is Ellen G. White really a true prophetess and should we follow everything she has written? Does it really matter what day we worship on? Why aren't we supposed to wear jewelry?
Each church has its unique set of problems, but I fear for the future of our church, because my generation has become disillusioned with it.
I asked my fellow students their opinions on our church and was a little surprised by their comments. One high school senior noted that Adventists put too much emphasis on what a person can't do, and as a result the positive aspects of God and religion aren't realized. Another said that in general Adventists are too quick to judge other people and they don't accept others differences. One student went so far as to say that his local church seemed like a place where people gathered to show off their wealth. A sophomore commented that many of the rules in the church are just too strict and unrealistic. Another believes that Adventism is the closest to biblical truth, but the people in the church have ruined its good qualities.
Not all of the comments were negative. One student said that Adventism is the best religion because we worship on Saturday. Another student enjoys the local church because of its unique emphasis on music.
Although only a few views are represented in this essay, the contrast of beliefs is clear. Unfortunately, our church seems to be ignorant of the attitudes of today's youth. We are the future generation and if something isn't done to change our views, I fear for the future of our church.