Desmond Doss Testimony

[Ed Sutton]

https://youtu.be/xNDXQRnmXSU    HACKSAW RIDGE - THE CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR

[Linda K]

Something to seriously consider:

Dear Friends,

There is a movie which has just been released titled "Hacksaw Ridge".

It is about the life of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA), Desmond Doss who was a Conscientious Objector during world War Two, who refused to fight or harm others while helping and saving the lives of many.

I am grateful for his sacrifice because it made my military experience infinitely easier than what he experienced.

He was my neighbor for a year or so. I knew him fairly well.

As you may know he had difficulty hearing. So, he was encouraged to get a hearing ear dog. To the best of my recollection, from conversations we had, I recall that the dog he chose was about to be discarded because of its incorrigible nature. However, Desmond insisted that this was the dog he wanted. Again, as I recall, that dog saved his life at least twice. Once was when a fire was starting in his kitchen. His dog pounced on his chest to wake him up. Another time, it seems to me was when the dog grabbed Desmond's pant leg and pulled him back keeping him from stepping out in front of a vehicle.

I remember clearly how that small dog would greet me and my young daughters when we would visit with Desmond. As we would approach, the dog would run out, barking. He would jump up on the hood of the car and then on to the rear roof of that car. He would meet me and bark into my ear as we would walk along beside that car. He would escort us to the door and only stop when Desmond would appear. He was a very loyal, loving and affectionate dog.

However, because of the personal knowledge I have of Desmond, I do not believe he would approve of this movie.

Before you decide to view this movie, there are some thoughts which I believe Desmond, himself would want you to consider.

We have been counseled by the Bible and our dear friend Ellen White, that we should not expose ourselves to artificial excitement, theatricals, or things which are not 100% true.

This movie is definitely filled with artificial excitement. Considering that the producers historical strong point has been to make violence as near to real as possible.

Theatricals are nothing more than frivolous entertainment. And were invented to provide pleasure and to take time away from more important things. Like Bible study and caring for the sick.

100% true? The only way this movie could be 100% accurate is if it had been filmed while the actual events were taking place. So, to whatever degree this movie is not accurate, we would be embracing a lie.

Here is the final word on this subject. 

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

This is not a preference! It is not a request! It is a command to be honored by those who sincerely desire to be saved. For their own good.

I have learned that researchers now know that when we have exposed our mind to intense violence in movies for instance, we to some degree, receive the same damage that the men who experienced those events for real, received. Sort of a modified Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, only worse because it is so subtle. Our minds are not able to differentiate between the real and the make believe events.

Exposure to this class of violence desensitizes people to the horrors of violence in general. And sets them up to do more of the same on various levels. Whether it be relationship violence or something worse.

However, those who have been exposing themselves to violence of varying degrees habitually, will probably not notice the negative effect on their soul mind.

This would explain why Satan would promote a movie which exults the SDA beliefs in order to entice as many as possible into this kind of nearly irreversible damage. Especially enticing those SDA's who will go watch this movie by the thousands, possibly by the millions.

I wonder if this conspiratorial trap could contribute to the condition we are told would prevail just before the close of probation, where only 1 in 100 would be ready to meet their judgement.

Because of the potential danger, I  have decided it would be best for me not to go see this movie. By my choosing not to do this (a faith mechanism), I give my Creator the legal/lawful right to bless according to His wisdom and good pleasure.

May you be most wonderfully blessed as you sincerely seek our Lord's very best will for your life.

Your friend, brother and humble servant in Jesus,

C. Dale Ruebush

PS If you feel this as being worthy, please share it with others. Someday, they will thank you.

[Richard Myers]

Thank you for sharing, Linda. We see the effects of movies, television, and computer games in the youth today. By beholding they become changed. By beholding we become changed.

If we uplift movies, then we are saying that someone needs to be taught to act. Do we want our children to become actors? If so, then we are saying we need to begin drama classes in our schools, beginning in the lower grades. Is this what we want? Or will we pay someone else to do that which we do not think we ought to do?

[Wally]

Was anyone able to give away some of the books from Remnant Publications ("Hero of Hacksaw Ridge)?  It is an abridged version of the original book published in 1967.  It gives the true story, and has a 20 page postscript by Doug Batchelor, entitled "The Faith that Shaped the Man."  In spite of what we make think of Hollywood and the movie industry, this is a golden opportunity, while the minds of people are focused on this story, to get the true story out, and point people to present truth. 

There is a 5-screen theater across the parking lot from my business.  The owner and I are on very good terms and help each other out when we can.  He gave me permission to place the books in his theater.  I took a box of them over there yesterday and the staff seemed pleased that they could give them away.  One man (who is also one of my customers) was buying a ticket, and when he heard what I was saying, requested a copy.  I'm guessing all the books will be gone in a few days.  It may be only small seeds planted, but one never knows.

[Dorine]

Wally, hubby has given away 500 in our area. Although I do not support the movie in any way we can certainly take advantage of this opportunity to get this little book into the hands of the people who otherwise would not accept it. We can only pray that the message within those pages will inspire people with a desire to know more about our God.

[Richard Myers]

Amen!

What does the movie reveal that the documentary does not? What is the difference between the two?

[Dorine]

I have not seen it but I'm thinking there would be a big difference. Violence for one thing and the exaggeration of  real events to keep you  riveted to your seat. One thing I do know is that a friend of ours was invited to the screening and there was so much blood and bodies being blown apart that she became nauseated. But that's the kind of thing that draws the crowds and makes the producers richer than they already are.

Linda's post is very interesting.

[Richard Myers]

Yes, Dorine, a movie is entertainment. There are liberties taken that are not truth.

One of the problems that has become apparent, is that there is now public discourse between church members as to what means the commandment "thou shalt not kill."   A wonderful testimony is now revealing division within the church in public.

Desmond was a Christian. That he would not touch a gun was his right, even if God allowed him to. It ought not become an argument over the commandment. God does kill. He killed every living person on this earth except what was in the ark. God does not violate His own commandment. The commandment does not forbid killing. It forbids murder. Man is commanded to execute the murderer. It is not a violation of the commandment "thou shalt not kill".

Desmond's conscience would not allow him to touch a gun. The United States was founded upon the principle of liberty of conscience. The discussion today needs to focus on freedom, a Protestant principle which few, even in God's church are discussing at a time when America and the world have become oblivious to the principle. Much of the misery in the world has come from religion that persecutes those who will not follow their doctrine of worship. We see this today and few point out the fact. Seventh-day Adventists ought to be out in front on this for those seeking understanding. We are to be a light in a world growing darker each day.

Desmond Doss was persecuted, but America's Protestant heritage had provided for his freedom of conscience and he was the victor in his fight for his liberty. This ought to be on the lips of church members at a time when we need to be preparing for what is coming upon the church because America has repudiated it's Protestant heritage. There are consequences to remaining in a Laodicean condition.

[colporteur]

There is some controversy regarding handing out books at the Desmond Doss movie. A few have concerns that to do so associates us with the  movie and the main actor. The actor is a Jesuit who apparently is homosexual or at least plays that part sometimes on film. The other side says that to hand out our books at the movie is a mixing of truth with error in order to justify the end. They say that irrespective of what the movie goers think or don't think regarding those handing out books the truth is in the book and those handing out the books are simply capitalizing off the movie to reach souls with our message.

[Ed Sutton]

  They say that irrespective of what the movie goers think or don't think regarding those handing out books the truth is in the book and those handing out the books are simply capitalizing off the movie to reach souls with our message. 

Jesus Christ & the Apostle Paul capitalized off the poetry and writings of pagan authors to reach souls with Heaven's message.   In Doss's story faith in God, that takes initiative, surrenders to Scripture, refuses to kill, and keeps Sabbath - keeps coming to the forefront. Satan hates each afore mentioned point, and stirs up his troops from every direction, to stop - the bringing of - faith in God, that takes initiative, surrenders to Scripture, refuses to kill, and keeps Sabbath-over and over to people's minds and hearts.

Keep the books flowing faster and more of them. 

God will soon do great things for us if we lie humble and believing at His feet. . . . More than one thousand will soon be converted in one day, most of whom will trace their first convictions to the reading of our publications.--Review and Herald, Nov. 10, 1885.  {CM 151.3} 

   The power which stirred the people so mightily in the 1844 movement will again be revealed. The third angel's message will go forth, not in whispered tones, but with a loud voice. --Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 252. (1885)
                                                                           694
 {Ev 693.4} 
     The Loud Cry.--During the loud cry, the church, aided by the providential interpositions of her exalted Lord, will diffuse the knowledge of salvation so abundantly that light will be communicated to every city and town. The earth will be filled with the knowledge of salvation. So abundantly will the renewing Spirit of God have crowned with success the intensely active agencies, that the light of present truth will be seen flashing everywhere.--Review and Herald, Oct. 13, 1904.  {Ev 694.1}   

   The results of the circulation of this book [The Great Controversy] are not to be judged by what now appears. By reading it some souls will be aroused and will have courage to unite themselves at once with those who keep the commandments of God. But a much larger number who read it will not take their position until they see the very events taking place that are foretold in it. The fulfillment of some of the predictions will inspire faith that others also will come to pass, and when the earth is lightened with the glory of the Lord in the closing work, many souls will take their position on the commandments of God as the result of this agency.--CM 128, 129 (1890).  {LDE 214.1} 
    In a large degree through our publishing houses is to be accomplished the work of that other angel who comes down from heaven with great power and who lightens the earth with his glory [Revelation 18:1].--7T 140 (1902).  {LDE 214.2}   

 The Best Way to Reach Souls.--In the very shadows of the houses of God there are multitudes of godless sinners, without a knowledge of the truth, without hope. . . . In every city, in every settlement where Christians meet to worship God, there are men and women and children to be gathered into the fold. Many never hear a discourse on God's Word. Who will take upon himself a burden for souls? Who will learn from the Great Teacher that the best way to reach souls is by direct, personal appeal to erring individuals, to those who are dead in trespasses and sins, to behold their uplifted, crucified Redeemer, and live? Christians, let your hearts be filled with sympathy and love for those who know not the truth.--Manuscript 81, 1900.  {WM 101.2} 
     Situations Adapted to Our Talents.--If the teachers of His Word are willing, the Lord will lead them into close relation with the people. He will guide them into the homes of those who need and desire the truth, bringing them into the situations best suited to their talents.--Letter 95, 1896.  {WM 101.3} 
     Talents of All Needed.--The Lord has a place for everyone in His great plan. Talents that are not needed are not bestowed. To every man God gives
                                                                           102
talents, which are to be improved according to His several ability. Supposing the talent is small, God has a place for it; and that one talent, if used, will do the very work God designed that it should do. The talents of the humble cottager are needed in house-to-house labor and can accomplish more in this work than brilliant gifts. And he who uses aright his one talent will be as verily rewarded as he who uses aright five talents. It is for working according to the ability given that God rewards His servants.--Letter 41, 1899.  {WM 101.4} 
     How to Find Time for Neighborly Visits.--If the young men and the young women would solemnly consecrate themselves to God, if they would practice self-denial in the home life, relieving their tired, careworn mothers, what a change would take place in our churches. The mother could find time to make neighborly visits. When opportunity offered, the children could give assistance by doing, when quite young, little errands of mercy and love to bless others. Thus thousands of the homes of the poor and needy could be entered. Books relating to health and temperance could be placed in many homes. The circulation of these books is an important work, for they contain precious knowledge in regard to the treatment of disease--knowledge that would be a great blessing to those who cannot afford to pay for the physician's visits.--Manuscript 119, 1901.  {WM 102.1} 

Do what you can, where you can, when you can, how you can - and God will, if leading in it - bless it.