ATSS: Michael Scofield, “Anxiety in Early Adventism: What kept the saints awake at night?”
31 July 2024 |
In addition to the formal, voted doctrines, Adventism harbors and perpetuates a wide range of beliefs and fears about threats to the church and its members. Of the eight major sources of anxiety, six come from beyond the church community, and two come from within Adventist popular thought. External threats included the Roman Catholic Church, labor unions, calendar reform, and one world government. None of these seem to pose a credible threat today.
From within Adventist thought (developed over 180 years), the imminence of Christ’s second coming (often instilling fear) and the uncertainty or precariousness of salvation combine to keep devout Adventists awake at night.
We will look at examples of expression stirring up these anxieties through the years.
Teacher:
Michael Scofield, M.B.A., is a sixth-generation Adventist and a specialist in data asset management. He has given over 830 slide lectures both in his primary field of data management and topics of general interest for religious and community audiences. As a sideline, he is a reckless amateur sociologist.
Moderator:
Bjorn Karlman is the Executive Director of Adventist Today.
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The class is intended to last about 2 hours, though the conversation often continues to 4 PM (Eastern time).
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We look forward to getting acquainted with you!
YouTube channel:
You can see all of our previous ATSS recordings here.
Coming up:
- Charles Scriven
- Reinder Bruinsma
