ATSS: Kevin Burton, “Enemies, Aliens, Socialists, Spies: The Surveillance of Seventh-day Adventism during WWI”
10 May 2023 |
This presentation focuses on the (Federal) Bureau of Investigation’s ([F]BI) surveillance of the Seventh-day Adventist Church during World War I, when scores of Adventists, both lay and clergy, and many of their institutions, were regularly watched by government agents and their associates. The Bureau infiltrated local Adventist congregations, gathered witness reports from anti-Adventist neighbors and/or colleagues, detained Adventist immigrants at various entry points, and confiscated Adventist publications.
Adventists were also targeted by the federal government because of their numerous non-combatant members and their supposed religious fanaticism and enthusiasm. Not only does this information reveal valuable information about Seventh-day Adventist history, but it also “bears directly on important questions about state security, the separation of church and state, civil liberties . . . and the treatment of political dissent.”
Teacher:
Kevin M. Burton (Ph.D. Candidate, Florida State University) is the Director of the Center for Adventist Research and Assistant Professor in the Church History Department at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University. He concentrates his research on Millerite and Seventh-day Adventist history, with particular interest in the topics of race, gender, and politics. He has presented numerous academic papers at conferences and published several journal articles, academic book reviews, and encyclopedia entries. His Ph.D. dissertation explores Adventist political involvement in the anti-slavery movement. He lives in Berrien Springs, with his wife, Sarah; daughter, Adelia; son, John; and dog, Rouge.
Moderator:
Loren Seibold is the Executive Editor of Adventist Today.
How to join:
One-click link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81979815513
Passcode: RAHAB
ATSS starting time depends on where you are. If you’re on the west coast of the United States, it’ll be 10:30 AM. On the east coast, 1:30 PM. Because of time changes in various parts of the world, please double-check the correct time where you live.
The class is intended to last about 2 hours, though the conversation often continues to 4 PM (Eastern time).
About our class:
- The AT Sabbath Seminar is intended to be a courteous forum. We discuss and ask questions politely. We don’t accuse, get angry, put people down, or judge the state of their salvation.
- Stick to the topic in both comments and chat discussion.
- Make your comments and questions short—don’t dominate.
- Keep your microphones muted unless you are called upon to make your comment or ask your question.
- Indicate your interest in speaking by raising your electronic hand—under the “reactions” button.
- Please use your name when you sign in! Not your phone number, not your initials. This will help us differentiate you from unwelcome guests who want to disrupt us. You can set your name after signing on by clicking on the 3 dots next to your picture, which drops down a menu.
We look forward to getting acquainted with you!
Coming up:
- Bryan Ness
- Reinder Bruinsma
- Mathilde Frey
- Austin Archer
- Jody Washburn
- Laura Wibberding
