Research ProjectResearch Project REL 100 – Introduction to the Study of REL 100 – Introduction to the Study of

ReligionReligion

Seventh-day Seventh-day AdventistAdventist

Tammy MadaganTammy Madagan

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Origins of Seventh-Day Origins of Seventh-Day AdventistAdventist

The Seventh-day Adventist church originated from the Millerite movement of the 1840’s. William Miller (pictured at right), was a Baptist preacher from New England that predicted, based on his interpretation of Daniel 8:14, that Jesus Christ would return on October 22, 1844. When Miller’s prediction did not come to fruition, most of his followers left, but a few still believed.The followers that remained, believed that Miller interpreted the Bible passage incorrectly. This lead to much discussion and the unique Seventh-day Adventist concept of ‘Investigative Judgment’.

The followers that remained were a loosely knit group that observed the Millerite principles (adhere to Sabbath, conditional immortality, Christ’s imminent return).

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History of the ChurchHistory of the Church Church formally established in Battle Creek, Church formally established in Battle Creek,

Michigan on May 23, 1863Michigan on May 23, 1863 Church Founders wereChurch Founders were

Ellen and James Springer White Ellen and James Springer White (pictured below left)(pictured below left)

Joseph Bates Joseph Bates (pictured below right)(pictured below right)

Church headquarters moved several timesChurch headquarters moved several times Now located in Silver Spring MDNow located in Silver Spring MD

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Facts & FiguresFacts & Figures Over 60,000 Congregations worldwideOver 60,000 Congregations worldwide

Ethnically DiverseEthnically Diverse Established in almost every country in the worldEstablished in almost every country in the world

202 of the 228 UN recognized countries/areas202 of the 228 UN recognized countries/areas Church Membership over 14 millionChurch Membership over 14 million

Less than 10% live in USLess than 10% live in US Over 15,000 Ordained Ministers that are Over 15,000 Ordained Ministers that are

activeactive Operate a number of hospitals & clinicsOperate a number of hospitals & clinics

Over 100 Hospitals, Over 100 Nursing Home, Over 100 Hospitals, Over 100 Nursing Home, Almost 500 Health Clinics, and Over 30 Almost 500 Health Clinics, and Over 30 Orphanages and Children’s HomesOrphanages and Children’s Homes

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Facts & Figures, continuedFacts & Figures, continued One of fast growing religions in Third-world One of fast growing religions in Third-world

countriescountries Operates almost 7000 schools at various Operates almost 7000 schools at various

educational levelseducational levels Enrollment of over 1 million studentsEnrollment of over 1 million students

Adventist Dept. of EducationAdventist Dept. of Education Luma Linda Medical CenterLuma Linda Medical Center

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Adventist Organizational Adventist Organizational StructureStructure

The SDA Church operates under The SDA Church operates under democratic representation, similar to the democratic representation, similar to the Presbyterian model of church Presbyterian model of church managementmanagement Church consists of four levels of organizationChurch consists of four levels of organization

Local ChurchLocal Church Foundation level of churchFoundation level of church All Adventists are members of a local churchAll Adventists are members of a local church Each local church has a governing bodyEach local church has a governing body

Local ConferenceLocal Conference Organization of local churches based on geographic Organization of local churches based on geographic

boundariesboundaries Directly above ‘Local Church’ levelDirectly above ‘Local Church’ level Appoints ministers, owns land, and distributes tithesAppoints ministers, owns land, and distributes tithes

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Adventist Organizational Adventist Organizational Structure, cont’dStructure, cont’d

Union ConferenceUnion Conference Organization of local conferences based on larger Organization of local conferences based on larger

geographic areageographic area Directly above ‘Local Conference’ levelDirectly above ‘Local Conference’ level

General ConferenceGeneral Conference Highest level of churchHighest level of church Made up of 13 Divisions based on geographic regionsMade up of 13 Divisions based on geographic regions Final say is administrative issues and matters of Final say is administrative issues and matters of

conjectureconjecture

Each level within the church holds a general Each level within the church holds a general session at periodic intervals where decisions session at periodic intervals where decisions are typically voted onare typically voted on

Tithes collected at local churches are passed Tithes collected at local churches are passed up to the Local Conference for distributionup to the Local Conference for distribution

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Seventh-day Adventist LogoSeventh-day Adventist LogoThe Seventh-day Adventist Logo, The Seventh-day Adventist Logo, pictured right, is one of the most pictured right, is one of the most recognizable symbols of the recognizable symbols of the Church. The logo reflects the Church. The logo reflects the core values of the church and core values of the church and contains numerous symbols.contains numerous symbols.

The green open Bible symbolizes the foundation of the church in scripture

The cross symbolizes the gospel of salvation

The three flames represent the 3 angels in Rev. 14 circling the earth and the Adventist mission to spread the gospel

The entire flames symbolizes the holy spirit

The upward points of the flame symbolize resurrection at Christ’s second coming

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Adventist’s Fundamental Adventist’s Fundamental BeliefsBeliefs

11. Holy Scriptures 2. Trinity 3. Father 4. Son 5. Holy Spirit 6. Creation 7. Nature of Man 8. Great Controversy 9. Life, Death, and

Resurrection of Christ 10. Experience of Salvation 11. Growing in Christ 12. Church 13. Remnant and Its Mission 14. Unity in the Body of Christ

15. Baptism 16. Lord’s Supper 17. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries 18. The Gift of Prophecy 19. Law of God 20. Sabbath 21. Stewardship 22. Christian Behavior 23. Marriage and Family 24. Christ’s Ministry in the

Heavenly Sanctuary 25. Second Coming of Christ 26. Death and Resurrection 27. Millennium and the End of

Sin 28. New Earth

Seventh-day Adventist Church maintains 28 Fundamental Seventh-day Adventist Church maintains 28 Fundamental beliefs based on the Church’s interpretation of the Biblebeliefs based on the Church’s interpretation of the Bible

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Seventh-day Adventist Seventh-day Adventist DoctrineDoctrine

Adventist are Christian basedAdventist are Christian based 28 Fundamental Beliefs Previously listed28 Fundamental Beliefs Previously listed View Bible as Holy Scripture and word of View Bible as Holy Scripture and word of

GodGod Believe God Inspired Authors of BibleBelieve God Inspired Authors of Bible Belief # 1 of the 28Belief # 1 of the 28

Follow many of same beliefs as Follow many of same beliefs as conservative Christianityconservative Christianity Christian Trinity, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Christian Trinity, Father, Son, Holy Spirit,

Creation in 6 days, Resurrection, Salvation, Creation in 6 days, Resurrection, Salvation, Fundamental Beliefs #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #9, Fundamental Beliefs #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #9, #10, respectively#10, respectively

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Uniquely Adventist DoctrineUniquely Adventist Doctrine The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church

doctrine differs from orthodox Christian doctrine in several ways Gift of Prophecy

The SDA believe that Ellen Murphy (pictured right), one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, was blessed with the gift of prophecy. The ‘Gift of Prophecy’ is the 18th of the 28 Fundamental SDA beliefs. 18. The Gift of Prophecy:

One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church and was

manifested in the ministry of Ellen. G. White . As the Lord's messenger, her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth which provide for the church comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction. They also make clear that the Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested. (Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:14-21; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 12:17; 19:10.)

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Uniquely Adventist Doctrine, Uniquely Adventist Doctrine, cont’dcont’d

Investigative JudgmentInvestigative Judgment Belief that since 1844 mankind has been being Belief that since 1844 mankind has been being

judged based on their beliefs and sin by God to judged based on their beliefs and sin by God to determine who will reach heaven and who will be determine who will reach heaven and who will be annihilatedannihilated

ImmortalityImmortality Belief in Conditional ImmortalityBelief in Conditional Immortality

Saved will live forever in the Heavenly SanctuarySaved will live forever in the Heavenly Sanctuary Wicked will be destroyed (annihilation)Wicked will be destroyed (annihilation)

Conservative Christianity believes wicked will burn Conservative Christianity believes wicked will burn in Hell for eternityin Hell for eternity

Religious LibertyReligious Liberty Church Founded International Religious Liberty Church Founded International Religious Liberty

Association in 1893 to help ensure religious freedom Association in 1893 to help ensure religious freedom for all people regardless of faithfor all people regardless of faith

Advocacy group with intent to protect all religious Advocacy group with intent to protect all religious groups from unfair legislationgroups from unfair legislation

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Adventist MissionsAdventist Missions While many religions require followers to

complete a pilgrimage or holy journey, the Seventh-day Adventist do not

Seventh-day Adventist believe in spreading the gospel through missions J.N. Andrews (pictured below), First Official

Missionary sent out in 1874 Church has now sent missionaries to over 200

of the world’s countries

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Seventh-day Sacred TextsSeventh-day Sacred Texts The Bible is the Primary Adventist Sacred The Bible is the Primary Adventist Sacred

TextText The First of the SDA 28 Fundamental Believes The First of the SDA 28 Fundamental Believes

is that of ‘Holy Scripture’ is that of ‘Holy Scripture’ Adventist believe in both the Old & New Adventist believe in both the Old & New

TestamentsTestaments 66 Books that were supernaturally inspired66 Books that were supernaturally inspired

Bible part of SDA Logo (see slide 6)Bible part of SDA Logo (see slide 6)Adventist First Fundamental Belief

1. Holy Scriptures:The Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the written Word of God, given by divine inspiration through holy men of God who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. In this Word, God has committed to man the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are the infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the test of experience, the authoritative revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of God's acts in history. (2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Ps. 119:105; Prov. 30:5, 6; Isa. 8:20; John 17:17; 1 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 4:12.)

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Seventh-day Sacred TextsSeventh-day Sacred Texts Ellen White: Co-founder of the ChurchEllen White: Co-founder of the Church

Writings viewed as authoritative sources Writings viewed as authoritative sources by the churchby the church

SDA Fundamental belief #18SDA Fundamental belief #18 White Recognized as prophetWhite Recognized as prophet Best Known WritingsBest Known Writings

The Great ControversyThe Great Controversy Desire of AgesDesire of Ages Steps to ChristSteps to Christ

Criticism of Ellen White’s writingsCriticism of Ellen White’s writings Suspected of plagiarism by criticsSuspected of plagiarism by critics

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Adventist’s Concepts of the Adventist’s Concepts of the DivineDivine

Views based on Holy Scripture and Views based on Holy Scripture and Fundamental BeliefsFundamental Beliefs Adventists are monotheistic and believe God Adventists are monotheistic and believe God

is:is: A personal GodA personal God OmnipresentOmnipresent OmnipotentOmnipotent OmniscientOmniscient

Belief in the Holy TrinityBelief in the Holy Trinity 2. Trinity:

There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three co-eternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful, all-knowing, above all, and ever present. He is infinite and beyond human comprehension, yet known through His self-revelation. He is forever worthy of worship, adoration, and service by the whole creation. (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Tim. 1:17; Rev. 14:7.)

View of Divine and Ultimate Reality consistent View of Divine and Ultimate Reality consistent with conservative Christianitywith conservative Christianity

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Adventist’s Views on OriginsAdventist’s Views on Origins Views based on Holy Scripture and Fundamental Beliefs

Belief in Christian view of Creation Fundamental Belief - 6. Creation:

God is Creator of all things, and has revealed in Scripture the authentic account of His creative activity. In six days the Lord made "the heaven and the earth" and all living things upon the earth, and rested on the seventh day of that first week. Thus He established the Sabbath as a perpetual memorial of His completed creative work. The first man and woman were made in the image of God as the crowning work of Creation, given dominion over the world, and charged with responsibility to care for it. When the world was finished it was ``very good,'' declaring the glory of God. (Gen. 1; 2; Ex. 20:8-11; Ps. 19:1-6; 33:6, 9; 104; Heb. 11:3.)

“Heavens and the earth” created in 6 days by God

Belief God made man in his image Fundamental Belief - 7. Nature of Man:

Man and woman were made in the image of God with individuality, the power and freedom to think and to do. Though created free beings, each is an indivisible unity of body, mind, and spirit, dependent upon God for life and breath and all else. When our first parents disobeyed God, they denied their dependence upon Him and fell from their high position under God. The image of God in them was marred and they became subject to death. Their descendants share this fallen nature and its consequences. They are born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil. But God in Christ reconciled the world to Himself and by His Spirit restores in penitent mortals the image of their Maker. Created for the glory of God, they are called to love Him and one another, and to care for their environment. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:7; Ps. 8:4-8; Acts 17:24-28; Gen. 3; Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:12-17; 2 Cor. 5:19, 20; Ps. 51:10; 1 John 4:7, 8, 11, 20; Gen. 2:15.)

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Adventist’s TheodicyAdventist’s Theodicy Adventists believe that man is inherently evil and

sinful• Fundamental Belief - 7. Nature of Man: Man and woman were made in the image of God with individuality, the power and freedom to think and to do. Though created free beings, each is an indivisible unity of body, mind, and spirit, dependent upon God for life and breath and all else. When our first parents disobeyed God, they denied their dependence upon Him and fell from their high position under God. The image of God in them was marred and they became subject to death. Their descendants share this fallen nature and its consequences. They are born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil. But God in Christ reconciled the world to Himself and by His Spirit restores in penitent mortals the image of their Maker. Created for the glory of God, they are called to love Him and one another, and to care for their environment. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:7; Ps. 8:4-8; Acts 17:24-28; Gen. 3; Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:12-17; 2 Cor. 5:19, 20; Ps. 51:10; 1 John 4:7, 8, 11, 20; Gen. 2:15.) • Adventists believe that man is evil because of original sin• Man denied dependence on God• Man is born with weakness and tendencies of evil

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Adventist’s Views on Nature of Adventist’s Views on Nature of ManMan

Adventists believe man must follow the word of God, The Bible, to reach salvation

Man must be saved from himself 10. Experience of Salvation:

In infinite love and mercy God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might be made the righteousness of God. Led by the Holy Spirit we sense our need, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our transgressions, and exercise faith in Jesus as Lord and Christ, as Substitute and Example. This faith which receives salvation comes through the divine power of the Word and is the gift of God's grace. Through Christ we are justified, adopted as God's sons and daughters, and delivered from the lordship of sin. Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified; the Spirit renews our minds, writes God's law of love in our hearts, and we are given the power to live a holy life. Abiding in Him we become partakers of the divine nature and have the assurance of salvation now and in the judgment. (2 Cor. 5:17-21; John 3:16; Gal. 1:4; 4:4-7; Titus 3:3-7; John 16:8; Gal. 3:13, 14; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; Rom. 10:17; Luke 17:5; Mark 9:23, 24; Eph. 2:5-10; Rom. 3:21-26; Col. 1:13, 14; Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 3:26; John 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:23; Rom. 12:2; Heb. 8:7-12; Eze. 36:25-27; 2 Peter 1:3, 4; Rom. 8:1-4; 5:6-10.)

Adventists believe soul is separate from body

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Sacred SpacesSacred Spaces ““Church” is number 12 of the Adventist’s 28 Fundamental BeliefsChurch” is number 12 of the Adventist’s 28 Fundamental Beliefs

12: Church - The church is the community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In continuity with the people of God in Old Testament times, we are called out from the world; and we join together for worship, for fellowship, for instruction in the Word, for the celebration of the Lord's Supper, for service to all mankind, and for the worldwide proclamation of the gospel. The church derives its authority from Christ, who is the incarnate Word, and from the Scriptures, which are the written Word. The church is God's family; adopted by Him as children, its members live on the basis of the new covenant. The church is the body of Christ, a community of faith of which Christ Himself is the Head. The church is the bride for whom Christ died that He might sanctify and cleanse her. At His return in triumph, He will present her to Himself a glorious church, the faithful of all the ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish.

For Seventh-day Adventist, as well as most Christian based religions, For Seventh-day Adventist, as well as most Christian based religions, the church is a sacred spacethe church is a sacred space

Believe that they are called out from the world to come together in Believe that they are called out from the world to come together in the church to worshipthe church to worship

Believe “Church” is more than Believe “Church” is more than just a space. It is a community, just a space. It is a community, a place to worship, and thea place to worship, and thebody of Christbody of Christ

Seventh-day Adventist

Church in Boston, MA

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Seventh-day Adventist Seventh-day Adventist SacramentsSacraments

BaptismBaptism Life-Cycle Rite Believe in adult

baptism by water immersion

#15 of the SDA 28 Fundamental Beliefs

Communion (Lord’s Communion (Lord’s Supper)Supper)

Calendar Rite Typically held 4 times

annually #16 of the SDA 28

Fundamental Beliefs Commences with foot washing

ceremony; Concludes with Lord’s Supper of unleavened bread and unfermented grape juice

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Adventist Personal Adventist Personal SacramentsSacraments

SDA Fundamental Belief # 22 Defines SDA Fundamental Belief # 22 Defines Christian Behavior and Personal Christian Behavior and Personal Sacraments. Adventists adhere to the Sacraments. Adventists adhere to the following:following: DietaryDietary

Abstain from foods identified as unclean in ScriptureAbstain from foods identified as unclean in Scripture For example porkFor example pork

Abstain from tobacco, alcohol, and drugsAbstain from tobacco, alcohol, and drugs Health & WellnessHealth & Wellness

Body viewed as templeBody viewed as temple Recommend regular exerciseRecommend regular exercise

Dress and AdornmentDress and Adornment Modest, Simple, and Neat form of dressModest, Simple, and Neat form of dress No additional adornment to draw attentionNo additional adornment to draw attention

For example no necklaces, ear rings, etc.For example no necklaces, ear rings, etc.

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Adventist EthicsAdventist Ethics Seventh-day Adventist Ethics come Seventh-day Adventist Ethics come

from divine commandfrom divine command God and the word of God, The BibleGod and the word of God, The Bible Fundamental BeliefsFundamental Beliefs

Indicates that scripture defines “standard of Indicates that scripture defines “standard of character”character”

Must lead a Christian lifestyleMust lead a Christian lifestyle Obedience to God leads to Christian CharacterObedience to God leads to Christian Character

Seventh-day Adventist Ethics very Seventh-day Adventist Ethics very similar to those of conservative similar to those of conservative ChristianityChristianity

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Adventist View on Adventist View on EuthanasiaEuthanasia

Adventists use the literal definition of Adventists use the literal definition of euthanasiaeuthanasia Euthanasia meaning “good death”Euthanasia meaning “good death”

Adventist’s do not believe in or condone Adventist’s do not believe in or condone contemporary view of euthanasiacontemporary view of euthanasia Mercy KillingMercy Killing

Adventists do belief in passive Adventists do belief in passive euthanasiaeuthanasia Withholding of medications and medical Withholding of medications and medical

treatment that artificially extend life and treatment that artificially extend life and prolong sufferingprolong suffering

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Seventh-day Adventist Holy Seventh-day Adventist Holy DayDay

Adventist Celebrate the Sabbath on Adventist Celebrate the Sabbath on SaturdaySaturday Observed from sunset on Friday to sunset on Observed from sunset on Friday to sunset on

SaturdaySaturday SDA believe Fourth Commandment from God requires SDA believe Fourth Commandment from God requires

observance of Sabbath on Saturdayobservance of Sabbath on Saturday SDA Fundamental Belief # 20 SDA Fundamental Belief # 20

Religious Education classes called ‘Sabbath Religious Education classes called ‘Sabbath School’, not Sunday SchoolSchool’, not Sunday School

Observation of Sabbath on Saturday has Observation of Sabbath on Saturday has caused some Adventists to be discriminated caused some Adventists to be discriminated against at work and schoolagainst at work and school

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Seventh-day Adventist Seventh-day Adventist HolidaysHolidays

Common misconception that Common misconception that Adventist do not celebrate holidaysAdventist do not celebrate holidays Adventists are sometimes confused with Adventists are sometimes confused with

Jehovah’s Witnesses which do not Jehovah’s Witnesses which do not celebrate holidays/birthdayscelebrate holidays/birthdays

Adventist celebrate standard Adventist celebrate standard Christian HolidaysChristian Holidays Easter, Christmas, etcEaster, Christmas, etc

Adventist celebrate birthdaysAdventist celebrate birthdays

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Adventist Views on Salvation Adventist Views on Salvation and Afterlifeand Afterlife

Adventist believe that faith in God leads to Adventist believe that faith in God leads to salvationsalvation Unlike conservative Christianity, Adventist Unlike conservative Christianity, Adventist

believe those that are not saved will be believe those that are not saved will be annihilated, not sent to eternal hellannihilated, not sent to eternal hell

Adventist believe in a heaven or ‘new Adventist believe in a heaven or ‘new earth’ where the the righteous/saved will earth’ where the the righteous/saved will dwelldwell

28. New Earth28. New Earth: : On the new earth, in which righteousness dwells, God will provide an On the new earth, in which righteousness dwells, God will provide an eternal home for the redeemed and a perfect environment for eternal home for the redeemed and a perfect environment for everlasting life, love, joy, and learning in His presence. For here God everlasting life, love, joy, and learning in His presence. For here God Himself will dwell with His people, and suffering and death will have Himself will dwell with His people, and suffering and death will have passed away. The great controversy will be ended, and sin will be no passed away. The great controversy will be ended, and sin will be no more. All things, animate and inanimate, will declare that God is love; more. All things, animate and inanimate, will declare that God is love; and He shall reign forever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:13; Isa. 35; 65:17-25; Matt. and He shall reign forever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:13; Isa. 35; 65:17-25; Matt. 5:5; Rev. 21:1-7; 22:1-5; 11:15 5:5; Rev. 21:1-7; 22:1-5; 11:15

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Summary of Seventh-day Summary of Seventh-day AdventistsAdventists

Seventh-day Adventist Church Founded in Seventh-day Adventist Church Founded in 18631863 Grown significantly since then to over 14 million Grown significantly since then to over 14 million

members with predominant growth areas in members with predominant growth areas in third-world countriesthird-world countries

Many of the core Adventist beliefs mirror Many of the core Adventist beliefs mirror those of conservative Christianitythose of conservative Christianity Christian Trinity, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Christian Trinity, Father, Son, Holy Spirit,

Creation, Resurrection, Salvation, etc.Creation, Resurrection, Salvation, etc. Unique Adventist BeliefsUnique Adventist Beliefs

Sabbath on SaturdaySabbath on Saturday From sunset on Friday to Sunset on SaturdayFrom sunset on Friday to Sunset on Saturday

Gift of ProphecyGift of Prophecy Ellen WhiteEllen White

Investigative JudgmentInvestigative Judgment Conditional ImmortalityConditional Immortality

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Website AnnotationsWebsite AnnotationsSeventh-Day Adventist Official Church Website

www.adventist.orgThis site is the official website for the Seventh-Day Adventist church and as such would be considered an “insider” site. The site provides a broad range of information relating to the church, from the Adventist beliefs to the structure and governance of the church. The site includes access to the official church manual, information on the church’s stance regarding certain issues (abortion, etc.), the history of the church, and facts/figures relating to membership.

Wikipediahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seventh_Day_AdventistThis site is an online encyclopedia that is typically kept very current and would be considered an “outsider” site. The site provides excellent information on the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The information ranges from facts/figures, to the origins of the church, as well as criticisms of the church. Wikipedia is especially nice because most articles contain keywords that will link the user to more information, and typically another article, about the keyword.

Religion Facts

http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/denominations/seventh_day_adventist.htmThis site is an online resource that provides information on various religions and would be considered an “outsider” site. The site, much like Wikipedia, provides a wide range of information relating to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The information found at this site relating to Seventh-day Adventist appears to be non-biased, accurate, and confirmation of the information found through other resources.

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Website Annotations, cont’dWebsite Annotations, cont’dReligious Tolerance

http://www.religioustolerance.org/sda.htmSite maintained by the Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. This site provides excellent information of the Seventh-day Adventist church origins, current practices, beliefs, and stance on specific issues.

St. Thomas Aquinas Forumhttp://www.saintaquinas.com/Seventh_day.htmlCatholic Theology site. Site provides a snap shot of facts on the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Additionally, the site provides a nice chart comparing the basic beliefs of many Christian religions.

Earth Historyhttp://www.earthhistory.org.uk/genesis-6-11-and-other-texts/the-tradition-in-sumer/Site describing history of earth through use of artifacts and religious texts. Only used this site to obtain images.

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Works CitedWorks CitedHistory of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Seventh-Day Adventist

Official Church Website. 4 September 2007 http://www.adventist.org/. Copy right 2007. General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

Seventh-day Adventist Church. Wikipedia. 5 September 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seventh_Day_Adventist . Wikipedia Foundation, Inc.

Seventh-day Adventists. ReligionFacts. 5 September 2007 http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/denominations/seventh_day_adventist.htm. Copyright 2004-2007.

Seventh-day Adventist Church. Religious Tolerance. 11 September 2007 http://www.religioustolerance.org/sda.htm. Copyright 1997-2007. Robinson, B.A.

Seventh-day Adventist Church. St. Thomas Aquinas Forum. 18 September 2007 http://www.saintaquinas.com/Seventh_day.html

Earth History: a new approach. 30 October 2007 http://www.earthhistory.org.uk/genesis-6-11-and-other-texts/the-tradition-in-sumer/ . Copyright 2007. Robinson, Steven

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ReflectionsReflectionsI selected the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA) as the topic of my research project. I select the SDA based on my results to the ‘Belief-O-Matic’ survey that we completed during the first week of the course. My results listed the SDA second in my list with an 86% match. Second only to the religion I practice, mainline/conservative Christianity. Before completing the ‘Belief-O-Matic’ survey I had heard of the SDA religion, but knew very little about it. I knew, or thought I knew, that the church was Christian based and that Adventists observed the Sabbath on Saturday. Based on the SDA church being returned high in my ‘Belief-O-Matic’ results and my apparent lack of knowledge relating to the religion, I decided to study the SDA Church for my research project. The Seventh-day Adventist church originated from the Millerite movement of the 1840’s. William Miller was a Baptist preacher from New England that predicted, based on his interpretation of Daniel 8:14, that Jesus Christ would return on October 22, 1844. When Miller’s prediction did not come to fruition, most of his followers left, but a few still believed. The followers that remained believed that Miller interpreted the Bible passage incorrectly. This led too much discussion and the unique Seventh-day Adventist concept of ‘Investigative Judgment’. The followers that remained were a loosely knit group that observed the Millerite principles (adhere to Sabbath, conditional immortality, Christ’s imminent return). This group formally formed the church in Battle Creek, Michigan on May 23, 1863. Ellen and James White and Joseph Bates are credited with forming the church. Since its formation the church has grown to over 14 million members in over 200 countries. The SDA church operates under 28 fundamental beliefs. These beliefs range from ideas on Holy Scripture to prescribed behavior for Christians. Many of the core SDA beliefs are consistent with mainstream/conservative Christianity and most likely familiar to most Americans. These beliefs include the ideas of the Christian Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and similar beliefs in creation, resurrections, salvation, etc. SDA beliefs that differ from conservative Christianity include the observation of the Sabbath on Saturday, the belief in the Gift of Prophecy, Investigative Judgment, and Conditional Immortality. Adventists observe the Sabbath from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday. Adventists believe that Ellen White was a prophet and that her teachings and writings are an authoritative source for the church. Investigative Judgment is the Adventist belief that judgment of Christians has been ongoing since 1844. Conditional Immortality is the Adventist belief that the evil and wicked are not banished to eternal hell, but they are annihilated. While studying the SDA church I learned several interesting things. First, the SDA church founded the Religious Liberty Foundation in 1893 to ensure religious freedom, for all people regardless of faith. I found this interesting because must Christian based religions (mine included) feel that their way is the ‘right way’. Secondly, I found it very interesting that the Adventist’s believe in the Gift of Prophecy and that Ellen White was a prophet. Actually, this is a point of contention among Adventists. Many do not belief that Ellen White was a prophet. Thirdly, I found it interesting that the Branch Davidians originated from the SDA church. In general I found it extremely interesting that the SDA church is very similar to conservative Christianity and my own beliefs, but that several key ideas make it very different.

The most informative ‘insider’ site I found during my research was the SDA Church site (http://www.adventist.org/). The most informative ‘outsider’ site I found was the Wikipedia page on the Seventh-day Adventist (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seventh_Day_Adventist)