I recently conducted an intriguing conversation between Pastor Molatudi Lotlamoreng Abraham Modiri on some of the challenges facing the Seventh-day Adventist church in South Africa. Pastor Modiri has extensive experience in the church, having grown up in Alexandra in Johannesburg, South Africa and has been involved with pastoral and theological work for over 30 years. In this post, I want to provide an overview of their discussion and Pastor Modiri’s perspectives on upholding Adventist standards and beliefs within the church.
Overview
Early in the conversation, Pastor Modiri provided some background on his upbringing in the Adventist church and his struggles in 2013 with Trans Orange Conference. He initially supported a group that broke away from the Orange Grove Conference but later rescinded his support due to issues with how things were handled. After a period of resignation, Pastor Modiri rejoined the church and currently serves as a pastor.
Trojan-Horse Article
We discussed his article: Trojan-Horsed: Attacked From Within and below are summary of the key topics:
– Pastor Molatudi wrote an article entitled “Trojan Horse, the Attack from Within” responding to a TOC Women’s Conference that sparked debate on various issues and principles within the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Africa. He expresses concern over divergent views being advocated for from inside the church that go against Adventist principles and standards.
– The concept of a “Trojan horse” refers to enemies entering undetected by hiding within something trusted. Pastor Molatudi feels this applies to efforts to change church standards and rationalize sinful behaviors.
– There is also discussion around the disregard for authority that Pastor Modiri sees taking place inside parts of the church.
We also discussed what inspired the writing of the article Trojan-Horsed, impact of the article on social media, What is to be trojan-horsed, why the Church is trojan-horsed and whether this similar to Balak and Balaam’s attack through the Trojan Horse and church standards (Behavior, Dress, Music, Dress and Diet), why there is a shutting down of divergent views as a trojan horse, consequences of moabitesses on leadership and morality. We also explored the blatant disregard for authority (anti-authority movement) the destructive epidemic of immorality and what is causing it and why there is a privatization of morality and preaching of soothing sermons.
It was insightful to hear Pastor Modiri’s perspectives on protecting core Adventist beliefs and where he sees the main threats arising from today. This is a conversation that likely resonates with many church members who care deeply about upholding biblical principles. I welcome reactions and thoughts from readers on the issues raised.
Part 1: Trojan Horsed: Unveiling A Surprise Attack From Within (PT 1) – You Won’t Believe What is Happening! discusses a scenario where an organization or group is unexpectedly compromised from the inside. This piece likely examines the dynamics and implications of such internal betrayals or attacks, emphasizing the shock and disbelief commonly associated with these events.
