Cultic Doctrine of Seventh-day Adventism: An Evangelical Wake-up Call

by Dale Ratzlaff, Paul Carden (Foreword)

This book, by author and pastor Dale Ratzlaff, is a careful, in-depth, yet quite readable analysis of the Investigative Judgment doctrine held by Seventh-day Adventism .

378 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously this book appeals to a certain population, but it was really good for me right now.

[Ana Hernández · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read, especially as someone who has been involved in the church. The book provides an accurate look at SDA beliefs and some of Ellen G. White’s writings, while thoughtfully contrasting them with Scripture. It's clear that the author took the time to be as accurate as possible.

For me, the experience was bittersweet. Reading this book felt like waking up from a fever dream of a distorted gospel. Nothing compares to the one true gospel and the security it brings. I started reading because I was familiar with some of Ellen G. White’s writings, and I noticed they didn’t always align with Scripture (although she does have some wonderful writings). I was aware that church members knew this, yet there was a lot of ambiguity around it. Many of the doctrines felt ambiguous as well. Reading the book and doing my own research felt like a breath of freedom.

I had doubts about what truth was and whether it could truly be found. I didn't know it was possible to have faith and still think logically. This book showed me that truth does exist and that God created us as logical thinkers for a reason. Even Jesus, God Himself, didn’t ask for blind faith—He performed works to prove Himself, and people believed, including those who wanted to kill him, as they still witnessed his miracles.

I hope God blesses you with a heart and mind that are willing to seek the truth openly, because after all, He is the truth.