Why follow the medical teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church?

The Seventh-day Adventist Church places great emphasis on health, perhaps more than any other Christian denomination. Its system of hospitals and clinics can be found in many countries, and it is proud of its achievements in medical research and health education. Adventist teachings warn against the use of alcohol, tobacco and flesh meats, and abstinence from these are generally required for church membership. Historically, the church has anticipated a threat to their religious liberties from the circles of government, making even greater the following dichotomy: how does a Christian church that places such strong emphasis on health, that anticipates a threat from government, be found at the forefront of a germ warfare research program in partnership with the government? "It seemed like they were just trying to get along with the government and stroke the government so they wouldn't have any problems," Lester Bartholomew told The WINDS. "As a church we really want to get along with ...  more