Editorial: The Truth About Our Church’s Troubles—& How to Fight Back
Adventism is unraveling, and it stings. A bloated church structure lets a few strongmen smother debate, block women’s ordination, and cram our dear church into a suffocating, General Conference-approved box.
Honest dialogue? Routinely crushed. Conspiracy theories, anti-intellectualism, and contempt for “outsiders” fester in the pews. Evangelists wield fear and guilt to corral the flock.
Meanwhile, the “soon” Second Coming feels ever more distant, and our boldest claims are losing their spark.
Yet, our roots promise hope. Adventism’s pioneers defied tradition, chasing truth with unrelenting zeal. Present Truth—light that burns brighter with time—demands we grow. That same God-given fire is alive today in local Adventist churches that are shaking things up—welcoming refugees, championing women’s leadership, and building communities where justice and compassion are more than just buzzwords. These aren’t pipe dreams—they’re proof that Adventism can still be a force for good.
At Adventist Today, we want the very best for our church. Our accessible, independent journalism exposes hypocrisy, demands accountability, and opens bold space for truth-driven dialogue. We’ve helped fuel real change—rising demands for policy reform, safeguarding of abuse victims, and inclusivity bear our mark. Adventist leaders read us, and many quietly applaud our stand.
Some call our vision of a fairer, safer, and more generous faith community Pollyannaish, a naive dodge of the church’s dire straits. But that’s shortsighted, because our hope is forged in gritty progress and the resolve of those who are already turning the tide. Dismissing it hands victory to stagnation and decay. It’s downright unAdventist.
You can power this fight. Our Spring Fundraiser needs your gift to sustain this mission. Your bold donation fuels journalism that shakes complacency, amplifies silenced voices, and keeps Present Truth in Jesus front and center. God’s work in Adventism burns on, and our momentum is growing. Give now to help build a church that inspires the world again. Pray for this journey, and join the movement for a faith that offers hope.
Björn Karlman
Executive Director, Adventist Today
26 April 2025
ANNOUNCEMENTS & LINKS
Today’s ATSS class (1:30 PM Eastern US) with Reinder Bruinsma
One-click link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81546951849
Passcode: CHURCH {ALL CAPS}
Previous weeks’ ATSS recordings can be accessed here.
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