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9-2010

Contextualising Recent Tensions in Seventh-day : "A Constant Process of Struggle and Rebirth"?

Arthur N. Patrick Avondale College, [email protected]

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Recommended Citation Patrick, A. N. (2010). Contextualising recent tensions in Seventh-day Adventism: “A constant process of struggle and rebirth”? Journal of Religious History, 34(3), 272-288. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9809.2010.00897.x

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Faculty of Theology at ResearchOnline@Avondale. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theology Papers and Journal Articles by an authorized administrator of ResearchOnline@Avondale. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Contextualising Recent Tensions in Seventh-day Adventism: “a constant process of struggle and rebirth”?

Arthur Patrick Honorary Senior Research Fellow, Avondale College

Abstract Between 1844 and 1863, fragments of disappointed developed the landmark ideas, the denominational name and the basic structure of what is now the Seventh-day Adventist Church with fifteen million members in 201 countries. This article contextualises the struggle of recent decades between continuity and change in Adventist teaching, suggesting that a score of doctoral theses/dissertations and other studies offer a coherence that is deeply disturbing for some believers, insufficient for some others, but satisfying for many. The demands in Western culture for faith to be aped by evidence and to offer existential meaning have elicited three stances in relation to traditional Adventist thought: reversion, alienation and transformation. While the consequent tensions may be viewed as evidence of “growth, vitality and increased understanding,” they also constitute an urgent call for effective internal and external dialogue.

Author’s Note history in . The article claimed 2010. Subsequently the Journal editors the sources were already in hand for representing the Society for the “substantial and accurate Seventh- Dated 14 April 2011: On 24 October Journal of Religious History in Australia, day Adventist history to be written” 2006 I presented a paper entitled and those overseas representing the that would “expose increasingly the “Adventist Studies Since 1986: Fractious publishers Wiley-Blackwell, negotiated inadequacies of numerous viewpoints Adolescent or Maturing Adult?” to an the final form of the article printed in current both within the denomination Avondale College Faculty Colloquium Journal of Religious History 34, No. 3 and beyond its borders.”1 Two decades (see Stephanie Arnold, “Research (September 2010), 272-288. Dr David Fellow: Adventist studies ‘maturing’,” Hilliard wrote a capable introduction 1 Arthur N. Patrick, “Seventh-day Connections, 1 November 2006, 2). for the September 2010 issue of the Adventist History in the South Pacific: A By 17 November 2006 the script for Journal. I am grateful for the policies of Review of Sources,” The Journal of Religious oral delivery had developed into the the Society and of Wiley-Blackwell that History 14, no. 3 (June 1987), 307-326. For a article reproduced word-for-word permit the original draft to be placed discussion of “Religious History” as defined below, except for the addition of the on the Avondale College of Higher by JRH, see , “Introduction,” Abstract. On 26 November 2006 the Education website, and for the insights “ and Culture in Colonial first draft of the article was submitted of so many people who helped develop Australia: Selected Catholic, Anglican, to Journal of Religious History; on 28 the article from the draft below to its Wesleyan and Adventist Perspectives, 1891- 1900” (Ph.D. dissertation: University of February 2008 a second draft was published form, now available in Journal Newcastle, 1991), 1-8; cf. J.D. Bollen, A.E. submitted incorporating my responses of Religious History held by scholarly Cahill, Bruce Manfield, Patrick O’Farrell, to helpful suggestions received from libraries worldwide. “Australian Religious History, 1960-1980,” the referees and passed on to me The Journal of Religious History 11, no. 1 by the Journal editors; on 28 August (June 1980), 8-43. The 1987 article should 2008 a third draft was submitted, As The Journal of Religious History was be read in the context provided by Hilary M. responding to additional comments celebrating its first quarter century, Carey, Ian Breward, Nicholas Doumanis, Ruth made by the referees. After that, with founding editor Professor Bruce Frappell, David Hilliard, Katherine Massan, the article queued for publication in Mansfield was facilitating an article on Anne O’Brien, Roger Thompson, “Australian a themed issue, a number of items of Seventh-day Adventist historiography Religion Review, 1980-2000, Part 2: Christian information were updated in the final as “the first in a new, occasional, series” Denominations,” The Journal of Religious edition submitted on 16 February on sources for the study of religious History 25, no. 1 (February 2001), 56-82. later it seems appropriate to revisit could select Adventist Studies as a the burgeoning discipline of Adventist Adventist Studies thematic option.9 Studies to identify trajectories and interpret their nature and significance. Seventh-day Adventists (SDAs) Contemporary Seventh-day Adventism established their first college in 1874 cannot be understood adequately A Catholic journalist, in the epilogue to and now operate 101 senior colleges without due attention to its nineteenth- a widely acclaimed volume published and universities worldwide.6 Graduate century origins and development in in 1976, describes Christian history as study offered intermittently in the the United States, even though only “a constant process of struggle and 1930s developed into the church’s one in every fourteen of its fourteen rebirth–a succession of crises, often premier institution of its type, the SDA million members now live in North accompanied by horror, bloodshed, Theological Seminary, housed at the America. Further, Adventism may be bigotry and unreason, but evidence Washington (D.C.) headquarters until interpreted as one of the many utopian too of growth, vitality and increased 1960 when it relocated to the campus communities that emerged in the United understanding.”2 Marilyn Westerkamp of in Berrien Springs States between 1787 and 1919.10 Even states that during the 1970s in the (Michigan).7 A range of accredited more specifically, it should be compared United States, religious history that PhD degree programs allowing the and contrasted with other nineteenth- had been “replete with apologetical option of a specific focus on Adventist century movements that developed in positions,” “a poor stepchild to historical history and thought have developed the United States, have a continuing scholarship,” tending “toward anecdotal, since the 1970s within such disciplines presence there and like Adventism often uncritical celebrations,” was as biblical, theological and historical have spread to other parts of the world, “transformed.” 3 During that challenging studies.8 During 1993 the seminary especially the Church of Jesus Christ of decade and especially in the 1980s, announced a PhD program in Adventist Latter Day Saints, Christian Science and Adventism felt a need to marginalise Studies and academic offerings at other the Jehovah’s Witnesses.11 or dismiss some of its historians and Adventist institutions have also moved other researchers. However, by 1979 to include the study of Adventism Sociologists and historians rightly use it had also published its first history more intentionally; for instance, when the word Adventist to describe various textbook written by a trained historian in 2006 Avondale College in Australia movements that have flourished 4 and it was becoming aware of the was accredited by the Government of throughout the Christian era up to and professionalisation of its historians.5 This to offer PhD studies including the present.12 However, in article suggests that “a constant process in history, education, pedagogy, health of struggle and rebirth,” always evident and theology, the college advertised the 9 See “Adventist Studies: An in Adventism but acutely evident during possibility that each of these disciplines Introduction for Higher Degree Students” online at www.avondale.edu.au or the the past four decades, offers continuing 6 Yearbook of the Seventh-day annotated edition in print (Cooranbong: evidence of “growth, vitality and Adventist Church (Hagerstown, MD: Review Avondale College, May 2006). While hundreds increased understanding.” and Herald, 2006). of websites offer reliable data and ephemeral 2 Paul Johnson, A History of opinion about the SDA church, its General Christianity (New York: Simon and Schuster, 7 Loma Linda University incorporates Conference, world divisions, institutions and 1976), 515-6. a Faculty of Religion but its principal focus ideas, those sponsored by the church’s archives is health sciences. The exploration of such and universities are of prime importance for 3 Marilyn Westerkamp, “Religion,” matters can be commenced with the Seventh- researchers. in Daniel Vickers (editor), Companion to day Adventist Encyclopedia (Hagerstown, Colonial America (Malden, Maine: Blackwell, MD: Review and Herald, 1996) that forms 10 This observation is contextualised 2006), 366-388. volumes 10 and 11 of the Commentary by Rick Ferret, “Charisma, Sectarianism and Reference Series. Institutionalisation: Identity Issues in Seventh- 4 R.W. Schwarz, Light Bearers to the day Adventism” ( College of Divinity: Remnant: Denominational History Textbook 8 Andrews University Seminary PhD dissertation, 2006). for Seventh-day Adventist College Classes Studies, begun in 1963, is the best-known (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press, 1979). SDA refereed journal and reports dissertations 11 The literature is abundant; for Cf. the revised and updated edition: Richard W. completed. See, for instance, AUSS 44, no. 1 example, Philip Barlow, “Book Review Schwarz and Floyd Greenleaf, Light Bearers: (Spring 2006), 172-174. The church’s “general Essay: Jan Shipps and the Mainstreaming of A History of the Seventh-day Adventist Church paper,” , has been published Mormon Studies,” Church History: Studies (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press, 2000). since 1849; geographically focused magazines in Christianity and Culture 73, no. 2 (June serve the thirteen world divisions; Ministry, a 2004), 412-426; Andrew Holden, Jehovah’s 5 Benjamin McArthur, “Where journal for clergy, commenced in 1928. Other Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Are the Historians Taking the Church?” journals focus on such issues as education, Religious Movement (London and New York: Spectrum 10, no. 3 (November 1979), 9-14; law, health, gender, mission and ethics. There Routledge, 2002); Rennie B. Schoepflin, Donald R. McAdams, “Shifting Views of is an active independent press driven by a Christian Science on Trial: Religious Healing Inspiration: Ellen White Studies in the 1970s,” range of concerns. Print has been crucial in America (Baltimore, MD: the Johns Spectrum 10, no. 4 (March 1980, 27-41; Gary throughout SDA history: see Bruce Manners, Hopkins University Press, 2003). Land, “From Apologetics to History: The “Publish or Perish: A Study of the Role of Professionalization of Adventist Historians,” Print in the Adventist Community” (Monash 12 Observe, for example, the extensive Spectrum 10, no. 4 (March 1980), 89-100. University: PhD dissertation, 2004). writings of William Sims Bainbridge, including “The Adventist Movement,” in The Page 2 this article the term Adventist Studies who wish to highlight the Millerite describes only the broader background, provenance of the SDA movement Influential persons in the early specific history, thought, polity and and the nature of its subsequent Adventist period were mostly devoid of practice of Seventh-day Adventism. development.17 theological education: William Miller was a farmer, soldier, sheriff and justice of the Adventist Antecedents and Emerging Studies of SDA origins in the peace in upstate New York; Hiram Edson Beliefs northeastern United States often was a farmer in the “burned-over district” explore the complex influences of such of western New York. SDAs identify The fact that emergent Sabbatarian impulses as restorationism, revivalism, three individuals as their cofounders. Of Adventism may be compared usefully millennialism and charisma in addition these, Ellen White enjoyed little beyond with other millenarian impulses to examining the specific role of William three years of formal education; Joseph throughout Christian history is well Miller and his principal ministerial and Bates was a retired mariner; James White recognised.13 Older SDA explorations lay colleagues. Millerite historiography received 29 weeks of formal education of Jewish and Christian apocalyptic has moved through three phases since and training in order to become a and prophetic thought, expressed the of 1844. teacher. These pioneers and others like conveniently in four volumes by LeRoy Approving “memoirs by the movement’s them remain in the focus of recent study Edwin Froom,14 have been restated in participants” were followed by a long and publication. It is remarkable that popular books as well as qualified and “debate between detractors and a handful of landmark ideas proposed extended by scholars such as Bryan Ball apologists” and “an academic interest” by Adventist pioneers were embodied and Charles Scriven.15 Ball’s ongoing that reached a high point in the 1980s.18 during 1980 in the first expression of research is already available from or Subsequently, Adventist and other SDA fundamental beliefs voted by a is currently under consideration by authors are more comprehensively General Conference in world session. It reputable publishers and has been exploring the American fascination with is unremarkable that SDA fundamentals reviewed approvingly by specialists;16 the millennium and the transition from have been at the centre of successive it has also been challenged by those Millerism to Sabbatarian Adventism.19 controversies, beginning in 1844 and Sociology of Religious Movements (New York: 17 Malcolm Bull and Keith Lockhart, flourishing in the twenty-first century. Routledge, 1997), 89-118. Seeking a Sanctuary: Seventh-day Adventism and the American Dream (San Francisco: Controversies Relating to SDA 13 For two examples, see Stephen Harper and Row, 1989), 84-6, and cf. their Landmarks Hunt (editor), Millenarianism: From the Early 2006 revision of the 1989 volume. The finest Church to Waco (London: Hurst, 2001) in the longitudinal study of Adventist millenarianism While SDA conflicts are even broader context of the writings of Kenneth Newport, derives from Douglas Morgan’s dissertation than the church’s 28 fundamentals and author of the chapter on SDA thought; observe written at the University of Chicago under their implications, they often surround the review by John Kloos of Anglo-American Martin Marty, published as Adventism and the five landmark concepts: Sabbath, Millennialism from Milton to the Millerites, in American Republic: The Public Involvement Church History 74, no. 4 (December 2005), of a Major Apocalyptic Movement (Knoxville: Sanctuary, , State of 859-860. University of Tennessee Press, 2001). the Dead and Spiritual Gifts. For the church’s first century, debates about the 14 LeRoy Edwin Froom, The 18 Gary Land, “The Historians and seventh day of the week being Saturday Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers: The the Millerites: An Historiographical Essay,” usually focused on which day of the Historical Development of Prophetic Everett N. Dick, William Miller and the modern week corresponded with the Interpretation (Washington, D.C.: Review and Advent Crisis, 1831-1844 (Berrien Springs, biblical Sabbath, established in Genesis Herald, Vol. 1, 1950; Vol. II, 1948; Vol. III, Mich.: Andrews University Press, 1994), xiii- 2, enshrined in the Ten Commandments 1946; Vol. 4, 1954). xxviii. Eerdmans may publish a biography of at Sinai and observed by Christ, the William Miller by David Rowe in 2007; if so, 15 Note Charles Scriven’s thought it is likely to be a milestone event. apostles and the early Christian church. from the publication of his doctoral Then, as more Adventist authors earned dissertation as The Transformation of Culture: 19 Cf. the writings of Russell doctorates in biblical studies and Christian Social Ethics After H. Richard Staples (Andrews University), Fred Hoyt systematic theology, a new emphasis Niebuhr (Scottsdale, Penn.: Herald Press, () and others on the was added, focusing on the meaning 1989) to his “Being and Becoming Adventist” Methodist antecedents of Adventist ideas with or spiritual significance of the Sabbath. lectures at Avondale College, August 2006. contextual treatments of Millerism such as However, in recent decades, older Ronald L. Numbers and Jonathan M. Butler debates between SDAs and other 16 Ball emphasises continuity and (editors), The Disappointed: Millerism and Christians have flared anew in the complementarity between English Puritanism Millenarianism in the Nineteenth Century and Millerism; cf. his writings from the (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, G. White’s Role in Sabbatarian Adventism completion of his doctoral dissertation 1987) and George R. Knight, Millennial from 1844 to 1849” (Andrews University: (1971) published as A Great Expectation: Fever and the End of the World (Boise, PhD dissertation, 2002); cf. Alberto Ronald Eschatological Thought in English Idaho: Pacific Press, 1993). For a cogent Timm, “The Sanctuary and the Thee Angels’ to 1660 (Leiden: E.J. Brill, analysis of the transition from Millerism to Messages 1844-1863: Integrating Factors in 1975), to The Seventh-day Men: Sabbatarians Sabbatarian Adventism, see Merlin D. Burt, the Development of Seventh-Day Adventist and Sabbatarianism in England and Wales, “The Historical Background, Interconnected Doctrines” (Andrews University: PhD 1600-1800 (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1994). Development, and Integration of the Doctrines dissertation, 1995) and note Hoyt’s ongoing, of the Sanctuary, the Sabbath, and Ellen largely unpublished research. Page 3 polemical writings of former Adventists such themes as imminence and delay are Adventist history to form the like Wallace Slattery and Dale Ratzlaff, explored. The church’s understanding of movement’s most-discussed issues. An resulting in updated historical and the Second Coming shapes its concept inter-related cluster of ideas are at stake: exegetical treatments. of conditionalism or Christian mortalism. historicism as a method of interpreting Froom’s 1960s review of the antecedents biblical apocalyptic literature,25 the Old Hiram Edson’s experience on the of this doctrine (often referred to as “The Testament prophetic office, the New morning of 23 October 1844 is still State of the Dead”) has, in the main, Testament teaching on spiritual gifts, a locus of vigorous debate, as is stood the test of time, although it will SDA identity and mission, the doctrine of his application of Hebrews 8 and be refined when a section of Bryan Ball’s revelation/inspiration and many others. subsequent SDA teachings about ongoing research (under the projected Complex debates beginning in the 1960s the ministry of Christ in the heavenly title, Resurrection and Immortality: caused the termination of scientists and sanctuary. SDAs have proposed that Christian Mortalism in English Religious biblical scholars employed by Andrews the atonement may be best explicated Thought from Wycliffe to Priestley) is University and the Geoscience Research as having phases, such as sacrificial, published.23 The fifth landmark concept Institute. When Ronald Numbers was mediatorial, judicial and executive. The that has evoked enormous effort is writing his controversial volume about claim that a heavenly judgment began SDA Fundamental Belief 17, expressed Ellen White (published in 1976) the in 1844 has been categorised as the during 1980 under the title “The Gift of church could not provide him with a distinctive SDA contribution to Christian Prophecy.” This fundamental, in constant doctrine of inspiration that embraced thought on the one hand, or as “the focus since December 1844, entered his findings adequately, but it deemed most colossal, psychological, face-saving a new phase of debate 55 years after it was necessary to dismiss him for phenomenon in religious history”20 on Ellen White’s death and an effervescent not applying its dynamic concept of the other. A huge volume of publishing literature relating to it continues to inspiration in his historical enquiry.26 has explored the linguistic, contextual, expand in the present century.24 Matters flagged at Consultation I and historical and theological issues;21 Consultation II (early in the 1980s) the church’s official position is best Ellen White Studies came into greater prominence during expressed in the consensus statement 1991with the publication of Alden of a representative conference (1980); The life and writings of Ellen White Thompson’s Inspiration and the spirited it is defended in multiple publications and the substance of Fundamental rejoinder published privately by the from the church’s Daniel and Revelation 23 (“Christ’s Ministry in the Heavenly Adventist Theological Society (1992). Committee working under the auspices Sanctuary”) have combined throughout Subsequent research by Adventist of its headquarters Biblical Research scholars including Ray Roennfeldt has of Ellen G. White” (Andrews University: Institute. PhD dissertation, 1982). 25 Note the 1989 doctoral dissertation by Kai Arasola, published as The End of Less divisive but ever crucial has been 23 LeRoy Edwin Froom, The Historicism: Millerite hermeneutic of time the discussion of the SDA teaching on Conditionalist Faith of Our Fathers: The prophecies in the Old Testament (Uppsala: a literal, pre-millennial Second Advent Conflict of the Ages Over the Nature and Arasola, c. 1990). of Christ. In the doctoral dissertations Destiny of Man (Washington, D.C.: Review by Ralph Neall22 and Rick Ferret (2006) and Herald, Vol. 1, 1966; Vol 2, 1965). 26 Jonathan M. Butler, “Introduction: The Historian as Heretic,” Ronald L. Numbers, 20 The words are those of Presbyterian 24 Arthur Patrick, “Prophets Are Prophetess of Health: Ellen G. White Donald Grey Barnhouse, contextualised in Human! Are Humans Prophets?” Spectrum: and the Origins of Seventh-day Adventist two chapters of Paul Ernest McGraw, “Born The Journal of the Association of Seventh- Health Reform (Knoxville: The University in Zion?: The Margins of Fundamentalism day 33, issue 2 (Spring of Tennessee Press, 1992), xxv-lxviii; cf. and the Definition of Seventh-day Adventism” 2005), 71-2, reviews five books about Ellen Numbers, “Preface,” Prophetess of Health, (The George Washington University: PhD White; since the article was published three 3rd ed. (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, in dissertation, 2004), 176-177. other volumes have appeared and others are press). The accounts by Butler and Numbers under preparation. Spectrum initiated the illustrate how events played out in the United 21 Raymond Cottrell offers cogent new phase of the debate with its Fall 1970 States, especially during the 1970s, whereas participant testimony from the 1950s onward, issue and has published more than ninety the doctoral dissertation by Peter H. Ballis a matter that will be better known when articles on the theme. Several positions taken (Monash University) documents the far the independent magazine Adventist Today that seemed experimental or even radical at greater fallout in Australasia during the 1980s. publishes his biography. For evidence that the the time have since become SDA orthodoxy The published form of the Ballis study is full range of options relating to 1844 remain whereas some SDAs have prided themselves available as Leaving the Adventist Ministry: under vigorous discussion, see Adventist Today on destroying, unopened, copies of the journal A Study of the Process of Exiting (Westport, 14, no. 6 (November/December 2006). The mailed to them. Spectrum presents itself as Conn.: Praegar, 1999). A doctoral dissertation issues can be discerned as lying behind the “a journal established to encourage Seventh- by Smuts van Rooyen (1995) offers the text of such works as Raoul Dederen (editor), day Adventist participation in the discussion perspectives of a South African, long resident Handbook of Seventh-day Adventist Theology, of contemporary issues from a Christian in North America, on issues treated by Ballis. Vol. 12, Commentary Reference Series viewpoint, to look without prejudice at all Forthcoming volumes will embrace recent (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald, 2000). sides of a subject, to evaluate the merits Australian research (such as that by Trevor of diverse views, and to foster Christian Lloyd and ) as well as additional 22 Ralph E. Neall, “The Nearness intellectual and cultural growth.” North American studies. and Delay of the Parousia in the Writings Page 4 the potential to resolve most of the of the White Estate and the Biblical the Adventist jigsaw puzzle the single tensions, were it applied effectively Research Institute; the Adventist most important piece relating to Ellen to the Adventist discussion.27 Conflict Theological Society is only haltingly White’s inspiration of any that have is ongoing: for instance, during 2006 supporting the church’s efforts been submitted since 1970; however, T. the White Estate again made public to embrace and proclaim a viable Joe Willey has produced a substantive its negative categorisation of Graeme doctrine of inspiration;31 independent critique of McMahon’s claims.34 The Bradford’s attempt to recount the Ellen organisations channel millions of world church knows little about the White story in popular language.28 Adventist dollars into alternative illuminating research that historian Fred programs driven by their analysis of Hoyt commenced in the 1970s. Bulging As early as 1980, a comprehensive “the ills of God’s church” or a doctrine filing cabinets and boxes of data in agenda was developed for the study of inspiration that claims “inerrancy in Hoyt’s crowded office offer potential of Ellen White’s life and writings.29 the autographs” for both the writings for a fuller understanding of early Groundwork for such objectives was of Ellen White and the Scriptures.32 Adventist charismatic experiences, the creatively started by Arthur White’s Meanwhile the church, especially in education of Ellen White, the influence papers on inspiration developed some geographical areas of the world, of Wesley on Ellen White’s life and during the 1970s, Ronald Graybill’s is still losing adherents who experience ideas, the relationship between Ellen and Robert Olson’s investigations that unbearable cognitive dissonance with White’s literary indebtedness and the flowered at the 1982 International reference to the issues.33 Even so, the doctrine of inspiration and a cluster Prophetic Guidance Workshop, Fred church is still tempted to be hesitant in of related matters. Neither McMahon Veltman’s research on The Desire of Ages fostering research, to the point that on nor Hoyt claim any expertise outside and related initiatives.30 A coherent occasion dedicated members working their respective fields of medicine and overview from the White Estate was individually are the ones that seem to history. Their findings and those of needed urgently and was promised in break fresh ground most effectively. others (not least, Fred Veltman) need to the publication by Herbert Douglass, be understood by the church’s biblical Messenger of the Lord (1998). This tome This observation might be illustrated scholars, systematic theologians and took a constructive step in the right by the research of medico Donald pastors whose responsibility it is to direction despite its profound limitation: McMahon and historian Fred Hoyt. interpret their significance for the church an effective study typically begins McMahon, in the view of some at large.35 with an inclusive literature review. As believers, may have contributed to 27 Ray C.W. Roennfeldt, Clark H. Pieces of a Jigsaw? Pinnock on Biblical Authority: An Evolving 31 Note, however, recent initiatives: Position (Berrien Springs, Mich.: Andrews the cycle of religion and science conferences, As one examines the individual pieces University Press, 1993); cf. Peter Maarten Faith and Learning events, Bible conferences of information derived from the efforts van Bemmelen, Issues in Biblical Inspiration: held in Jerusalem and Istanbul, the input of of the many who have engaged Sanday and Warfield(Berrien Springs, Mich.: regional Biblical Research committees and Andrews Univesity Press, 1987. These related attempts to foster understanding and in Adventist Studies during recent publications are, respectively, Volume xvi in unity. Of importance for the South Pacific 34 T. Joe Willey to Arthur Patrick, the Andrews University Dissertation Series Division have been biblical and theological e-mail with attached copies of several and Volume xiii in the Andrews University conferences (2003, 2006) and an Ellen White unpublished articles, 16 November 2006. Seminary Doctoral Dissertation Series. Summit (2004). Ronald Numbers kindly referred me to research by Willey and others. More than 28 See www.whiteestate.org. 32 See Russel R. and Colin D. any other person, Numbers has brought Ellen Standish, The Greatest of All the Prophets White into the discussion of American religion. 29 The topics (literary, historical, (Rapidan, Va.: Hartland, 2004); cf. the scientific, theological, hermeneutical, emphases in volumes written or edited by 35 Gilbert Valentine has recently methodological) were agreed upon jointly Samuel Koranteng-Pipim and the more irenic published an illuminating account of by White Estate and the Biblical Research tone of other independent publications such as efforts by White Estate to fulfil its mission Institute of the General Conference. For Adventists Affirm. respecting Ellen White’s writings: The analysis of the need for a mature hermeneutic Struggle for the Prophetic Heritage: Issues for Ellen White’s writings, see Michael 33 A strategy document relating in the conflict for control of the Ellen G. Leigh Chamberlain, “The Changing Role of to the life and writings of Ellen White, White publications 1930-1939 (Muak Lek, Ellen G. White in Seventh-day Adventism developed by the South Pacific Division late Thailand: Institute Press, 2006). In a volume With Reference to Sociocultural Standards at in the 1990s (the decade in which effective now being researched and written, Valentine Avondale College” (University of Newcastle: consensus started to develop) and recently offers perceptive analyses of Ellen White’s PhD dissertation, 2001). Chamberlain’s study updated, is the most constructive document relationships with General Conference is currently being edited for publication. of its type produced by an Adventist entity presidents during her lifetime of ministry. on this subject. Perhaps it is not coincidental Early drafts of the forthcoming Ellen White 30 All such historical references can that the chairperson of the Biblical Research encyclopedia indicate that the projected be verified in the Document Files of Ellen G. Committee of the South Pacific Division volume (number13 in the Commentary White/SDA Research Centres such as that (who is also general secretary of the Division) Reference Series that commenced in 1954) will serving the church’s South Pacific Division, earned a doctorate in the historical study of meet a real need. Another long-term enterprise located at Avondale College, Cooranbong, Adventism at Andrews University (Barry by a Newbold College scholar will describe the New South Wales, Australia. David Oliver, 1989). people to whom Ellen White addressed letters.

Page 5 decades, it is apparent that these can Adventist Studies, including believer- be considered to be fragments of a participants, researchers in Adventist Another important realisation from larger whole. In other words, they may and non-Adventist settings and those the past two decades is that doctrinal be characterised as jigsaw pieces that who do not identify with the church as development in Christianity and indicate a relationship to each other; adherents. In other words, the “prayer” Adventism is a reality that may be consideration of them suggests it may of Robbie Burns is helpful for those destructive or constructive. Many of the be possible to assemble them into a Adventists who desire to see themselves believers engaged in Adventist Studies coherent picture. Selected pieces may as others see them, even though the see it as part of their responsibility be identified in terms of the following process may include discomforting to contribute toward constructive observations. elements. outcomes and shape their activities accordingly. Further, the church appears The church has invested enormously Apologetics is a valid enterprise but to be fostering more effectively “the since 1972 to implement its decision to it often presents particular perils. The dialogue and dialectic of a community” enable research by enhancing access to Adventist past is littered with casualties rather than employing disciplinary primary and other sources that relate to of credibility; it could be that these measures to control research.37 Seventh-day Adventism. By establishing are diminishing in number as better Trajectories a worldwide chain of Ellen G. White/ research methods are adopted. It is Seventh-day Adventist Research Centres encouraging to note that the church If the research of historian and (or equivalent heritage entities) to serve is moving increasingly to interpret sociologist Ronald Lawson is seriously the various geographical sections of the data rather than seeking to control considered, Seventh-day Adventism world, effective research by believers and information. The advent of the is a denominationalising sect.38 others relating to Adventist history and mimeograph machine began to change The evidence is unmistakable that thought as well as the life and writings of the ethos of Adventist Studies; the ham Adventism is experiencing the range Ellen White has been facilitated. radio and the photocopier accelerated of the tensions that might be expected the change; computer technology has as a nineteenth-century movement It is evident that during the past two completely democratised the process. faces the exigencies of western decades, trans-disciplinary research has Technology in its electronic and other civilisation beyond World War II and flourished as individuals have crossed forms now require the church to into the twenty-first century.39 The boundaries between component modes function in a more open manner. tensions in Adventism are real, and the of inquiry that focus on Scripture, history, interpretations of them are prolific. theology, pedagogy, education and an This combination of realities means array of sciences (including the physical, the church has become more aware More than twenty volumes published biological, social, health and other of troubling issues, including those of by twin brothers, a medical doctor sciences). Such processes are enhancing poverty, justice and gender equality. the comparative study of Adventism, not The costly and demanding processes 37 Cf. Fritz Guy, “The Future of least with their trans-denominational that have developed far-sighted Adventist Theology: A Personal View” (1980) and “The Theological Task of the Church: qualities. It is, for instance, unlikely that approaches to Christian service (for Observations on the Role of Theology and the Adventist struggles over soteriology example, the Adventist Development Theologians in the Church” (1980) expanded can be solved without reference to and Relief Agency), responses to the and contextualised in Thinking Theologically: the Christological controversies of the issues of sexual and domestic abuse Adventist Christianity and the Interpretation early Christian centuries, the writings of (well illustrated in Australia by Adventist of Faith (Berrien Springs: Andrews University magisterial reformers and Puritans, as Support and its 2006 publications), also Press, 1999). Compare the thought of Alden well as the specific input of Adventists mean that the church’s employment Thompson, best reviewed with the help of who have engaged in the discussion practices are more transparent. It is his website at and since 1844.36 This principle can be unlikely that control of Adventist Studies explicable in terms of attitudes intimated in his article, “Conversations with the other extrapolated to every aspect of Adventist will again be exercised in the mode side,” Spectrum 31, no. 4 (Fall 2003), 54-9. thinking and doing. It is best illumined of the 1970s and1980s. The indicators by studies that investigate Adventism suggest that in both the administrative 38 Lawson’s many journal articles (for as an organic entity in terms of its and the scholarly spheres, the church instance, in Sociology of Religion, The Journal antecedents, founding and development will attempt to maintain a healthy for the Scientific Study of Religion, Review from 1844 to the present. marriage between academic freedom of Religious Research) form a record of his and academic responsibility. The ongoing research that is being incorporated self-correcting nature of effective into a major book. There is much to be gained from the processes that focus diverse minds on scholarship, the ongoing dissemination of research through print and electronic 39 Dramatic changes occurring in 36 This sentence is likely to be world Christianity are impacting Adventism illumined usefully by a conference focused on publishing (including the checks and profoundly due to its nature as a global the first fifty years of the controversial volume balances provided by the independent movement; note Philip Jenkins, The Next Seventh-day Adventists Answer Questions on press on both the church’s right and Christendom: The Coming Global Christianity Doctrine (1957). The conference will convene left) will tend to maintain balance in this (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002) in at Andrews University, October 2007. regard. relation to Adventist demographics.

Page 6 and a psychologist, call the church to fully. Furthermore, the field of Adventist many believers have adopted one of faithfulness to its pioneers and their Studies is characterised by unfinished three competing stances. Carrying what teachings. The Standish brothers business rather than tidily completed novelist Morris West might describe as “a represent what is clearly an international research; in other words, options abound heavy load of unexamined certainties,”42 impulse in Adventism that is driven by for further dissertations. Within the some have found comfort and security a determination to maintain Scripture church and beyond it, initiatives are in the nostalgia of reversion. Nothing and Ellen White as inerrant and to utilise needed and some are underway, not short of total escape has been adequate the proof-text method as the normative least in the Ellen White encyclopedia, for others; an unacceptable level of way of arriving at the truth of inspired in the Newbold study of the persons to cognitive dissonance has caused them writings. whom Ellen White addressed letters, in to reject their Adventist heritage, the early Adventist research of Fred Hoyt opting either for another form of In the polar-opposite position are those at La Sierra University, in anticipated Christianity or for secularism. A third former believers who have given up feminist and other biographies of Ellen response has sought the transformation on Adventism and advocate their new White, and in research at universities in of Adventism. In part, the discipline brands of evangelicalism, separation various parts of the world.41 of Adventist Studies must document from Christianity in general or from the various responses and analyse Adventism in particular. Struggle and Rebirth? their strengths and weaknesses. In an Arminian movement committed to the The Adventists closer to the middle are, The attempt to understand religion in a Reformation notion of the priesthood even so, varied in their perceptions. single continent is a vast undertaking. of all believers, the role of the individual Those who identify with the Adventist To illustrate the point: one Australian is crucial. The long-term outcomes of Theological Society find it difficult to religion (Christianity) has benefited the struggle to define Adventist identity accept as true believers at least some from the efforts of many historians since coherently in the twenty-first century of the 360 members of the Adventist the middle of the twentieth century. A may be, in some respects, unclear. Society for Religious Studies. Many ASRS large number of voices must be heard if However, at least one volume, tested as members are apt to feel their integrity as earlier imbalances are to be corrected: a textbook for a number of years before researchers would be compromised by Manning Clark, Bruce Mansfield, Walter achieving a final form, acknowledges signing even the updated ATS statement Phillips, Ian Gilman, Don Wright, Brian “controversy” but identifies “growing of faith. However, both groups agree Dickey, Stuart Piggin and Ian Breward understanding.”43 that biblical exegesis is the core activity are a few of them. In is global expression, for those who want to define Adventism Adventism has felt misinterpreted rather and express its identity faithfully. Both than understood in older polemical ATS and ASRS members are likely to writings such as those still stocked in 42 Morris West, A View from the advocate revival and reformation as some Christian bookstores. However, Ridge: The Testimony of a Pilgrim (Sydney: a constant necessity for individual Australian Adventists are increasingly HarperCollins, 1999), 61. believers and their community of faith. appreciative of studies that follow However, the ASRS scholar is more likely patterns illustrated by the writing, 43 Robert K. McIver and Ray C.W. Roennfeldt (editors), Meaning for to see as constructive the processes of editing or supervision of Richard Ely, the New Millennium: The Christian Faith change documented by Rolf Pöhler, Mark Hutchinson, Robert Linder, Philip from a Seventh-day Adventist Perspective whereas the ATS scholar in more likely to Hughes and others. (Cooranbong, NSW: Avondale Academic be nervous about change and to identify Press, 2000). On the potentially constructive more closely with continuity.40 In summary, since 1970, Adventists have outcomes of tensions cf. Michael Pearson, experienced what Johnson describes Millennial Dreams and Moral Dilemmas: This article suggests that there is a as “a constant process of struggle and Seventh-day Adventism and contemporary degree of coherence in about twenty rebirth” in a context so dynamic that ethics (Cambridge: Cambridge University doctoral dissertations that it lists as Press, 1990); From Christ to Constantine: 41 For instance, currently the The Trial and Testimony of the Early Church published, completed or updated University of Queensland has a number of (Worcester, PA: Christian History Institute, during recent years, reflecting research research students examining matters that are 1990), 61; the trilogy by Harry Williams in Adventist and other institutions. important for Adventism, including Mark in the Contemporary Christian Insights However, the grassroots understanding Pearce, David Thiele and Geoff Crocombe. series published by Continuum International of the church’s faith is a continuing focus Earlier, John Knight’s doctoral dissertation Publishing Group and distributed in Australia of dialogue, dialectic and sometimes at the University of Queensland equipped by Allen and Unwin. The 2001 volume by schism. Many other dissertations could him to write journal articles and to examine Williams entitled Tensions offers a bold be cited to illumine this situation more a number of dissertations on Adventism. agenda: “Tension is inherent in the universe, Many other important voices might be noted the smallest particle gets its dynamism from an 40 Rolf Pöhler’s 1995 Andrews in the public conversation about Adventism internal relationship of positive and negative. University doctoral dissertation has developed in its Australian setting; see, as examples, This work describes some of the healthy, life- into articles and books, including Continuity the writings of educator John Godfrey (Edith giving conflicts in which we are involved as and Change in Adventist Teaching: A Case Cowan University) and sociologists Robert moral and spiritual beings.” Such observations Study in Doctrinal Development (Frankfurt and Wolfgramm and Harry Ballis (Monash are illumined within their Adventist context by New York: Peter Lang, 2001). University). Rick Ferret’s recent doctoral study.

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