January 1, 1994 - 12:00pm - Bj. Christensen

Four articles, each claiming to truly reflect the heart of Adventism. How do we react? Our natural tendency is usually to side with one of these positions. Let’s have a thorough discussion of the views, but ultimately we want to take a vote and clear up the dilemma. Thus we will determine who is right!

I submit that this kind of reaction is detrimental to the health of the church. Democracy is not helpful in determining identity. It leads to “losers” and further exacerbates the polarities already present. It causes segments of the church to entrench, searching for a better argument that further disproves other views. It plays havoc with unity.

If we truly believe in the notion of progressive revelation (as claimed by the preamble of the Statement of Fundamental Beliefs), we will allow tensions in our belief system as we continue to grow in an understanding of God. If we are on a spiritual journey together, we will create room for diversity of thought and opinion, perhaps even interpretation. Tension is not bad. It can be productive. Growth thrives best in tension.

It is time for us to minimize the differences elucidated by these four views. It is high time to focus on what we can learn from each other, carefully listening, prayerfully considering views that differ from our current positions. The synergism of such dialogue allows for diversity and addresses changes of position slowly and thoughtfully. It also avoids the static views which have become the battle cry of some.

The church needs historic Adventism because it provides perspective and balance, keeping our bearings in the swirling sea of change around us. The church needs evangelical Adventism. It keeps alive the thrust of the 1880’s discussions. It serves as a reminder of 2 Corinthians 3:6: “He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant-not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (NIV) The church needs mainstream Adventism. It reminds us of how the church has remained centrist in the midst of previous tensions created by a diversity of viewpoints. And the church needs progressive Adventism. It disrupts our complacency with realities of a world that is to receive the gospel through us. To exclude any of these views is to be less than whole in the constant quest for growth in our understanding of God and the representation of his character to a dying world.

Plurality in the kingdom of God is nothing new to this time and this generation. The very point of the first letter to the Corinthians was an appeal to unify around central themes of belief in the midst of diversity of thought and practice. Here are the great passages regarding spiritual gifts. The unity of the church is compared to a body of many parts, and the emphasis is on the great remaining three-faith, hope, and love.

While we tend to see the early Adventist church as having one uniform viewpoint, on dearer examination one sees a different picture. There were real differences in theological views, some vehemently argued through church publications. Through the Holy Spirit’s guidance, the church grew in its understanding of God. Views such as the Shut Door doctrine and the doctrine of the Trinity changed, not by vote, but by a coalescing of opinions through Bible study, prayer, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. It was progressive revelation at its best.

Religious pluralism produces two extremes. One is a relativistic mindset which celebrates choice. Choice is good in itself, no matter what is chosen. But the risk is that tolerance, which is good, becomes indifference to truth and morality, which is a deadly error. The other extreme is the conservative backlash. Clark H. Pinnock is right: “Instead of opening them up to more generous attitudes, pluralism actually has produced a hardening of attitude among traditionalists. It has produced a refusal to rethink almost anything and a resistance to fresh ideas that might help resolve the problem.”

There needs to be a greater appreciation of how wide God’s mercy is. Walls of separation need to crumble. Self-protective nervousness in the presence of competitors needs to diminish. We need a greater willingness to acknowledge the positive aspects of various views, says Pinnock.

If we are serious about our mission of communicating the gospel to today’s world, we will have to talk more together. We must learn to cooperate better. Trusting one another, whatever our inclinations may be, is crucial. To this end, Adventist Today, by publishing these four views of Adventism, has served a useful purpose in furthering and fostering the dialogue. Put away the ballots!