Origin of Seventh Day Adventism
The Seventh-day Adventist Church, founded in 1863 in the United States, is a Protestant denomination of Christianity, with roots extending to the original Protestant Reformers in the 16th century. Its main distinguishing point is its belief that Saturday should be celebrated as the Sabbath instead of Sunday, because it believes that God commanded it to be Prof. Jonathan B. Herdman, a historian who specializes in Christianity and its branches, explains that the Church was founded by a woman by the name of Ellen G. White, a contemporary and follower of the teachings of William Miller. Miller was a prominent Baptist preacher who declared in 1831 that he had found the ending of humanity in a passage from the Bible.
Beliefs and Tenets
The Seventh-day Adventists hold to the basic doctrines of traditional Christianity, and like other denominations, believe in the doctrine of the Trinity and the infallibility of the Bible. In accepting the Bible as their only creed, the Adventists reject all other religious forms. They accept the teachings of the Bible as the foundation for God’s plan of salvation, and they expect Jesus to come to Earth at any time. While they accept the basic doctrines of the Christian faith, they do have some distinct beliefs which differentiate them from other denominations.
Among their beliefs is the view that humanity is divided into two classes – the righteous and the wicked. While this is generally accepted in Christianity, the Adventists believe that the righteous will be raptured and will be reunited with their loved ones, while the wicked will be removed from the world to their eternal punishment. Another difference from traditional Christianity is their belief that the seventh-day Sabbath should be observed on Saturday, instead of the Sunday observance which is common among other Christian denominations.
Seventh-day Adventism and Health
The Seventh-day Adventists also have a unique approach to health and wellness which sets them apart from other Christian denominations. They believe in the physical and spiritual wellness of the body, and in their commitment to both, they advocate a lifestyle of abstinence from certain foods and substances, as well as a balanced diet which gets the correct nutrition. They also advocate exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and upholding the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
Aside from their commitment to healthy living, the Adventists have also established a number of health care institutions which have a focus on providing quality healthcare to their community. According to Prof. Herdman, the Adventists have established hospitals, assisted living facilities, and even a health insurance plan of their own which is available to anyone, regardless of religious affiliation.
Theology of Seventh-day Adventism
The Seventh-day Adventists practice what is known as Investigative Judgment Theology. This is their belief that the judgment day is not a single event, but one that occurs through a series of events which include the Second Coming of Christ.
Their theology also includes a doctrine of Last Chance Everlasting (LCE), which is the belief that there will be a final period of extended grace on pre-Advent judgment, in which the righteous will be sealed unto salvation, and the wicked will be cut off from salvation.
The Admirable Qualities of Seventh-day Adventism
The Seventh-day Adventists are an embodiment of the principles of communal living and charity. They have a deep conviction to provide both physical and spiritual assistance to those who need it most.
The Seventh-day Adventists are also well-known for their emphasis on education and as a result have established a number of universities and academic institutions. Their own publication house, the Review and Herald, has provided a platform for the Church to educate its members and the world on matters of faith, morality and science.
The Uniqueness of Seventh-day Adventism
The Seventh-day Adventists belief differs from mainstream Christianity in the way it approaches the end of history, through its doctrine of Last Chance Everlasting. This concept asserts that the good will be taken to heaven, and the wicked will be destroyed. This is a view which is different from the traditional Christian view of Heaven and Hell, which is grounded in the belief of eternal life for all.
The Seventh-day Adventists also differ from other denominations in the belief of a Sabbath day, with Saturday being the day of rest, which goes against the common Christian practice of Sunday being the day of rest and worship. Furthermore, they also are well-recognized for their commitment to the principle of physical and spiritual health, through their establishment of healthcare societies and their commitment to promoting healthy living.
The Debate Around Seventh-day Adventism
Despite its long standing, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has faced criticism from traditional Christian denominations. This is largely due to the differences between the beliefs of these two religious groups, as well as the tendency of some of the seventh-day Adventist beliefs to move away from traditional Christianity.
While traditional Christianity has accepted the biblical narrative of death and eternal reward for the soul, the Seventh-day Adventists believe in a much broader approach to this, believing that the final judgment will involve a series of events and even a ‘Last Chance Everlasting’, which is often seen as a breach of accepted Christian Principals.
Structures of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
The Seventh-day Adventists are organized differently from traditional Christian Churches. Prof. Herdman explains that instead of one authority, the Adventists are administered through a series of regional conferences, which govern the churches in each area.
The Church is also organized differently in terms of their doctrine, which is viewed as a unifying force amongst Adventists, as opposed to division based on denominational practices and beliefs. As a result, the Church has managed to maintain an element of unity, which has helped to strengthen their resolve in spreading the gospel to the world.
The Global Impact of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
The global impact of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has been vast and far-reaching. With millions of adherents and hundreds of churches in nearly every continent, their presence is one which is felt in some of the remotest parts of the world. Their commitment to education and social service has resonated among the poor and the marginalized, making it one of the most visible and popular religions in the world.
Many credit the Church’s success in this regard to their clear and distinct view, providing a platform that can often become blurred in the ecumenical environment prevalent in many denominations of Christianity. They also provide a support network to members of the community, through their various churches and facilities across the world.
The Impact of Seventh-day Adventism on Christianity
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has had an undeniable impact on Christianity, both within traditional denominations, as well as outside of it. Their dedication to the gospel of Jesus Christ has inspired many, providing them with a sense of hope and purpose.
However, it has also created divisions within the Christian Church, with some traditional denominations viewing some of the Adventist beliefs as a violation of accepted Christian Principles. Despite this, the Seventh-day Adventists have had a profound impact on the spread of Christianity throughout the world, and remain an iconic symbol of hope and endurance.
Contemporary Significance of Seventh-day Adventism
The Seventh-day Adventists continue to be one of the most active and vibrant denominations in Christianity today. With adherents practicing the principles of communal living and charity, they have consistently found success in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and his message of hope and peace.
Moreover, their commitment to upholding the highest standards of health and hygiene, both physically and spiritually, has ensured a long standing presence of followers across the world. In this way, they have managed to remain one of the most impactful denominations in Christianity, and a symbol of hope and unity in a rapidly globalizing world.
Lifestyle of Seventh-day Adventists
In keeping with their commitment to the principles of a healthy lifestyle, the Seventh-day Adventists have a number of dietary principles which are based on the biblical narrative. For members of the church, abstinence from certain foods is seen as a form of discipline and a means of worshipping their understanding of the Godhead.
They adhere to a vegetarian diet and abstain from alcoholic beverages, caffeine, tobacco and all other substances that may be considered harmful. Members of the church are also encouraged to maintain healthy practices with regards to keeping the Sabbath Day holy and making it a special day of rest and worship.
Educational Aspect of Seventh-day Adventism
Education is a fundamental tenet of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and they have dedicated a significant amount of resources towards the spread of knowledge and understanding. The Church operates several universities and institutions of higher education, and has publications like their own ‘Review and Herald’ magazine and website, which have dedicated significant space to the education of its followers.
The Church also has a mission of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to those in need, and as such has established schools and training programs in the areas of literacy and language training. These programs are targeted to those in underdeveloped areas of the world and are committed to aiding in the development of those who are in need.
Conclusion
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a unique denomination of Christianity that has had an indelible impact on the world. With its commitment to a healthy lifestyle, educational initiatives and missionary work, the Church has managed to maintain a presence in the world, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and providing hope and solace to those in need. In this way, they remain a testament to the power of faith, and continue to be a source of strength and inspiration to many.
