Adventist Youth in the South Philippines are Doing More Than Just Marching

“God requires of His people now as great a distinction from the world, in customs, habits, and principles, as He required of Israel anciently. If they faithfully follow the teachings of His word, this distinction will exist; it cannot be otherwise” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 458).

It is important to recognize that there is a difference between the secular and spiritual worlds, and these two spheres are completely separate. The church is a community of believers who are called to live out their faith in the world. This means that Christians are called to engage with the world around them and to be a positive influence in their communities in a way that reflects the grace and truth of Christ. At the same time, however, Christians are also called to be set apart from the world and to live according to the values and principles of their faith, and not be seduced or tempted by our corrupt society.

Unfortunately, many of our own people will adopt worldly methods and practices because they are being influenced by our broken culture. Sometimes this is done to attract new members or students to our intuitions. In an attempt to look and sound relevant, many of our churches and schools will use popular music and techniques that are more reflective of the outside world than the standards that should exist in the church.

One of the main activities associated with the Seventh-day Adventist Pathfinders is drill marching. In the video above, you will see students from different Adventist academies in the Southern Philippines during the Annual Tactical Inspection taken during the month of March 2023. According to the official Pathfinders manual, the definition and purpose of marching are as follows:

• “The Pathfinder definition of marching for this manual is: To walk with regular and measured tread; advance in step in an organized body.” [1]

• “The Pathfinder Club uses marching as a method of: Instilling positive discipline into the Pathfinder. Moving the Pathfinder from one activity to another in an orderly way. When in the public eye, moving as an organized body.” [1]

However, you will notice that the modern youth marching in many Pathfinder events do not reflect these stated values anymore. Many of the so-called marches now incorporate elements from dance schools and group dance competitions. When you look at the video above, they are not just marching. They are performing together in complex choreographed dance-style routines. Is the Seventh-day Adventist Pathfinders department becoming an organization to showcase dancing techniques? And is this really instilling discipline in our youth to prepare them for the Latter Rain during the Loud Cry? Or is it preparing them to join this world’s attractions and temporal, earthly pleasures?

Parents need to critically examine if these kinds of church-sponsored events are consistent with our Christian values, morals, and standards. Or do these activities more closely resemble what takes place in the world’s entertainment venues? Yes, there is a time for prayer, but there is also a time to act and protect God’s gift to us, our children.

“The desire for excitement and pleasing entertainment is a temptation and a snare to God’s people, and especially to the young. Satan is constantly preparing inducements to attract minds from the solemn work of preparation for scenes just in the future. Through the agency of worldlings he keeps up a continual excitement to induce the unwary to join in worldly pleasures. There are shows, lectures, and an endless variety of entertainments that are calculated to lead to a love of the world; and through this union with the world faith is weakened” (Review and Herald p. 550).

Sources

[1] https://pathfinder.org.au/drill-and-march/