The Future of Adventism: Theology, Society, Experience

The Future of Adventism offers a stimulating introduction to the cutting edge of Seventh-day Adventist thought. Authored by leading scholars from multiple strands of the Adventist community, the essays that make up this collection are rooted in an understanding of Adventist history and the Christian heritage while simultaneously attuned to vital contemporary issues. Non-dogmatic and reflective, they are designed to prompt ongoing conversation about possible directions Adventist faith and life might take in the new millennium.

"On the basis of this volume, the future of Seventh-day Adventist theology—rather than mere doctrine—looks bright indeed. As these theological thinkers make clear, Seventh-day Adventism has much to contribute to wider conversations on topics like eschatology, anthropology, the doctrine of God, and hope. This volume will serve as an essential touchstone for new generations of Seventh-day Adventist theological thinkers."

—Linn Tonstad, Yale University

"Based on an insightful re-reading of Adventist history and a careful description of current spiritual and existential trends, this collection delineates reasonable and meaningful potential horizons for Adventism. While remaining loyal to our church, these heterogeneous and complementary essays encourage an honest dialogue with the rest of God’s world and welcome—with fidelity and clarity, realism and creativity—some pressing questions posed by that world as sources of opportunity for tomorrow."

—Hanz Gutierrez, Adventist Theological School, Florence, Italy

"On the 150th anniversary of their forbears’ Great Disappointment in October 1844, a group of male Seventh-day Adventist scholars gathered at La Sierra University to present and discuss essays that predicted and prescribed the future of Adventist faith and practice in the context of its history. Twenty years later this volume makes those essays available to a wider public. Although a generation of change has significantly altered both Adventism and the world in which its believers live, the historical and theological trajectories mapped in this volume offer unique and revealing insights into the movement’s shifting identities. Both insiders and outsiders seeking to understand contemporary Adventism will find much to ponder in this fine volume—both what it does and what it does not include."

—Rennie B. Schoepflin, California State University, Los Angeles

"This volume offers carefully-crafted lectures delivered by some of Adventism’s best minds, presenting fascinating evidence that the tradition of affectionate self-critical examination continues in the Church. It supplies some important pieces in the puzzle of Adventist self-understanding, and so aids the community’s maturing process. It poses the question which is crucial to the prospering of the Church in the future: Is the Adventist imagination alive and well?"

—Michael Pearson, Newbold College

"This book is exceptional. It will undoubtedly contribute to the future of Adventism as it is received with concern and assessed with sympathy. It examines crucial traditional and present positions with great care. That does not mean all problems are solved. The achievement is that they are here recognized and competently discussed. We have waited for this a very long time. It provides the needed opportunity for honest discussion, inviting participation in the renewal of Adventist theology."

—Edward W. H. Vick, author of From Inspiration to Understanding and Philosophy for Believers