Expert: Derrick Holland - 8/20/2006

Question
Hi Derrick:

I hope you had a nice vacation.

Maybe you can help me with this statement from Seventh-day Adventists. They use as one of their defenses for requiring Christians to keep the Jewish Sabbath that the majority of Christians keep Sunday and the majority is always wrong on religious issues. Perhaps JWs use "the majority is always wrong" defense. Can you give me any insight on this matter? I think that it is a ridiculous statement that the minority is always right. Is there perhaps a Bible example of the majority being right as opossed to the minority?

You once asked me a question about someone who, I think, was an former-SDA, at your church. How has that situation worked out? Is he still a Christian?  

Thanks for your help.

God Bless You,
Sal  

Answer
Hey, Sal.

Good to hear from you.  I hope all is well with you and your family.  Yes, I had a very nice vaction.  Actually, we were in Florida, and passed through your "neck of the woods" on the way down.  I don't know exactly what part of Georgia you are from, but I was pretty much all over the state, so I am sure we were close to you at some point.

I must say that this "the majority is always wrong" is a new one on me.  As far as I know, the JWs do not use this argument in such definite terms, although they do enjoy being different from others on many of their beliefs.  They view this as a sign that they have more spiritual insight than others who do not share their interpretation.  I recall a debate I had with a JW some time ago.  I pointed out to him that no one would ever arrive at the Society's interpretation of a certain topic just by reading the Bible alone, apart from the Society's literature.  He actually acknowledged that this was true, and he told me that this was because ONLY JWs have God's "holy spirit", and therefore only they could understand the Bible.  I guess that is sort of the same thing.

But no, I cannot say that I have ever heard them say that "the majority is always wrong on religious issues".  

I was trying to think of a Biblical example of the majority being right, and there may very well be one, but I can't think of it right off hand.  In most Biblical examples, the majority is wrong, such as in the days of Noah and the flood.  Also, Jesus stated that the majority of people would reject the true gospel, and be lost (Matthew 7:13-14).  

However, I must agree with you that this woman's statement was downright ridiculous.  Think of the problems this kind of logic could lead to....Most of the religious world believes in the existence of God.  If we use this lady's logic, we would have to conclude that God does not exist.  I could go on and on with that one.  The majority of Christians also believe the Bible is God's Word.  Does that mean they are wrong?  I think that is some twisted thinking, personally.

I have actually had people tell me I should reject the Trinity because the Catholic Church teaches it.  I always say "So what??".  You don't reject or accept something based on what the majority thinks.  You test it by the Word of God, and see what the Bible says.  

Usually someone will come up with a statement like that, due to the absence of any Scripture that supports their belief.  

As for the person who I had written you about being a member of the SDA church, it was actually the former husband of our church piano player.  Her son was also attending our church at the time, and the SDA person was his dad.  Neither she nor the son were ever members of the SDA church, but the son wanted me to get some information on Ellen White, because his dad was so big on her teachings.
I passed on to them the information you sent me, and they really appreciated it.  Sadly, the SDA man passed away about 6 months ago, and as far as I know, did not renounce it.  Perhaps that is why the Lord laid it on their hearts to try and reach him with the truth.  Also, the son is no longer in church, though his mom is still our piano player.

Well, I hope this was somewhat helpful.  It was great to hear from you again, and I hope all is well with you and your family.  God bless.

Derrick