why i left the seventh-day adventist church

People leave the Seventh-day Adventist Church for various personal and doctrinal reasons that often involve a search for authenticity, freedom, and spiritual growth. Common reasons include struggles with doctrinal consistency such as disagreements with teachings on investigative judgment, Sabbath emphasis, and prophetic interpretations; feeling burdened by legalistic rules about lifestyle and behavior; experiencing limited acceptance of diverse perspectives and questions within the community; dissatisfaction with the church's conservative stance on women's roles and leadership; and a need for a more personal, meaningful connection with God beyond institutional structures. Other factors include negative experiences with church leadership, judgmental or hurtful behaviors within the community, and wanting to explore spirituality in more open and supportive environments. Leaving is often a thoughtful and difficult decision motivated by a desire for truth, freedom, and a faith that nourishes the soul authentically and personally.