Has anyone heard about a documentary movie, coming out on the health message of the Seventh-day Adventist Church the benefits which is being seen in members lives, and also the beliefs and the history of Seventh Day Adventist?

Yes, it's "The Adventists", by Martin Bohlmeier of Journey Films in Alexandria, Virginia. It'll be screened on PBS stations roughly at easter time, linking health with faith.

The film focuses on the Adventist health message and statistical health benefits among Adventists, but also goes in to the history of the church. I was tipped off by a church contact who gets lots of regular information.

Just had an update from my contact regarding this documentary - an Adventist who has it on DVD: it states that the church was formed by Ellen White, and virtually the whole 'health' analysis is on ordinary and somewhat strange hospital work.

Basically, it's not officially endorsed by the church, and isn't very good, actually.

Interesting!

I will need try and remember to keep a look out for that.

Had further feedback from Herbert Douglass, that the video is an adequate intro to the church's witness needing much more info thereafter.

Have you heard about "The Adventists?" It's a documentary film that airs on public TV in April. The Adventist Review ran a cover piece on the film this week. Here's the link to the article, which also includes a film clip.

http://www.adventist...10-1509&page=18

(From another SDA forum),
Suzanne

Be sure to read the entire article!!! I read it in my copy of the Adventist Review. Here are a few highlights:

The film will be premiering on PBS stations the first week of April (2010) to coincide with National Public Health Week, April 5-11. It is also available as a DVD, and was produced by Journey Films, a company that makes documentaries on topics of religion, faith, and spirituality. This 1-hour program seeks to represent fairly the unique health message that the Seventh-day Adventist Church has advocated since the very earliest years of its organization.

"Drawing on interviews of Adventist historians, theologians, and medical and church leaders, as well as compelling scenes and stories from various health institutions around North America, it traces the history of what Adventist members have long called "the entering wedge" in the mission of the church."

Yes, the Great Disappointment...is mentioned....

"The film also focuses on an awakening in medical science to the importance of current scientific studies pertaining to Adventist longevity.... It cites Dan Buettner's research project for National Geographic, "The Secrets of Living Longer," published in November 2005, which he developed into a full book entitled The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest. Referring to the Adventist Health Study as a "gold standard," Buettner points out that 'the Adventists who most strictly follow the suggestions of the church are living about a decade longer than their American counterparts.' "

Deborah Kotz, regular writer of health articles for U.S. News and World Report, relates how Florida Hospital (an SDA Institution), emphasizes the healthful benefits of community and relationships, etc. She illuminates what is being attempted there. "Doctors more and more are starting to realize that there's a lot they don't know about the human body, [that] there's a lot they don't know about healing, and I think that is where spirituality comes into play. They know that if a patient feels connected to other people, that helps in their healing. "

"She comments further on the connection between spirituality and health: 'There is that sense there that [with regards to one's health] there's a higher responsibility. It's not just to self; it's to a higher being.' "

The film also visit the Kettering Health System and St Helena Hospital in each location, "elaborating further on the unique Adventist interpretation of the nature of spirituality and health." It notes these and various other SDA medical institutions involved in cardiovascular care, fitness and nutrition for the heart, etc.

"One of the more intriguing--or troubling--questions that this film may present for Adventists is what it means to be an Adventist. Are we truly whom we are pictured to be in this film?..-.... --end of highlights.

Comment: This may be a wake-up call for some and an incentive to continue to forge ahead for others. May the Lord help us all is my prayer.

Suzanne

Suzanne