Editorial: Fighting for Freedom We Don’t Embrace

The pursuit of truth, a hallmark of our Adventist heritage, seems to have given way to a rigid adherence to established interpretations. Open-mindedness and the search for “new light,” principles championed by our pioneers, appear increasingly discouraged.

Questioning established doctrines, even within respectful boundaries, can feel like career suicide within the denominational bureaucracy. This stifles intellectual discourse and hinders growth of faith that thrives on open dialogue and exploration.

We must remember that the founders of our movement were not afraid to challenge the status quo and embrace progressive interpretations of scripture. Ellen White herself emphasized the importance of continuous learning, stating:

“There is no excuse for any one in taking the position that there is no more truth to be revealed, and that all our expositions of Scripture are without an error. The fact that certain doctrines have been held as truth for many years by our people, is not a proof that our ideas are infallible. Age will not make error into truth, and truth can afford to be fair. No true doctrine will lose anything by close investigation.” – RH. Dec 20, 1892

It’s time we, as a church, embody the spirit of our pioneering heritage. We must foster an environment where critical thinking and respectful dialogue are encouraged, not silenced. This doesn’t necessitate abandoning core beliefs, but rather allows for their deeper understanding and contextualization in a constantly evolving world.

This call for openness is not a threat to our unity; it is a vital step towards a more vibrant, intellectually engaged, and ultimately, Christ-centered church.

Bjorn Karlman
Executive Director, Adventist Today
24 February 2024