This book offers a scrupulous examination of Seventh-Day Adventism, dissecting its controversial doctrines and practices. The author, once an active member within the sect for nearly three decades, furnishes an insider's perspective, illuminating the Adventists' distinctive beliefs on the Sabbath, the nature of the soul, and the interpretation of prophecy. The text delves into the movement's origins, tracing its development from the failed prophecies of William Miller to the emergence of Ellen G. White as its spiritual leader. Critiquing its exclusivist stance towards other Christian denominations, the author exposes the manipulative tactics employed to attract and retain followers. This book provides an invaluable resource for understanding the historical significance and enduring influence of Seventh-Day Adventism, offering a nuanced exploration of its beliefs and practices.
Pastor in the Seventh-day Adventist Church for 22 years, who later left the church and became one of its severest critics.
He joined the church in 1859, at the age of 19, and rose through the ministry to a position of prominence on the General Conference, a committee of Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders.
D.M. Canright exposes the cult of Adventism and pulls no punches. His candor is refreshing. He was high up in the church and acquainted with the founders and well versed in Adventist dogma. Boy did he receive vitriol and gas-lighting from Ellen and company, exposing the non-loving nature of the founders. There are multiple typographic errors which make reading unpleasant at times. Hopefully soon corrected by the publisher. This book helped open my eyes to the lies and half truths fed to me in 70 years of SDA immersion. Thank you Mr. Canright for setting the record straight!
I primarily read for the Sabbath information in chapters 9-21, but there are other useful topics of discussion such as Mr. Canrights testimony of his involvement for 28 years with that organization, many of which while he was one of the highest ranking members of that organization and what caused him to leave, also many of his objections of the SDA system. Other topics such as the 2 horned beast, the sanctuary, etc. are informative.
This book is around 100 years old, yet the topics that Mr. Canright are refuting are still currently being preached in the SDA churches. So the book is still relevant for today's readers interested in the counterpoint to the SDA position on the Sabbath.
I chose to look at the Sabbath question and how it relates to a Christian after the cross because this is what primarily makes an SDA unique in the Christian circle. If their claims are true, then I need to walk away from what the rest of Christendom teach and convert to the Adventist doctrine. If not, I can feel assurance that I am not worshiping the Beast (not that I believe Sunday keeping is worshipping the Beast as claimed by that organization). The sound logic, scriptural references and historical facts presented in this book mandate (to me) that the Jewish Sabbath was in fact abolished at the cross. I am completely at peace with that knowledge. The SDA religion stands or falls with the validity of the Jewish 7th-Day Sabbath after the cross. To me, it is no longer a question. It is a false doctrine.
While this book is very repetitive, it makes it clear why Canright was considered Adventism's best debater and why Ellen White begged him not to speak out on what he knew about her and the organism. He clearly proves Adventism errors and deceptions, and Ellen White visions as fake. Also that she was a plagiarist and that plagiarism was considered improper and unethical in her time(contrary to what Adventist’s say defending her).
Wonderful book on the beginnings of Seventh Day Adventism and the "Glass Looker" movement, coming from a man who was close to the church founders and also well credible.