Editorial: Inclusive Wisdom From My Conservative Adventist Dad
Often when I’m at my wits end about the state of the Adventist Church, I turn to my dad for a long conversation.
It’s not because we agree—we often don’t. Although labels are restrictive and don’t truly capture anyone’s essence, I would describe my father as an Adventist conservative and myself as an Adventist liberal. But that doesn’t stop us from talking. We view many of the issues that divide our church differently, but with Father’s Day approaching and as I reflect on what I truly appreciate about my dad, one significant aspect stands out: he has always insisted there is space for a whole range of opinions and persuasions within the Adventist Church. He believes in the big tent.
When I started blogging publicly in my 20s, I often criticized my ideological opponents harshly. My dad noticed and quickly encouraged me to lay off. “Be generous to those you disagree with, Björn,” he would say. His advice resonated deeply with me. My dad, now in his 80s, has seen even his younger colleagues in Adventist academia retire and leave positions of institutional leadership. Despite this, I hope that the spirit of generosity he embodies can endure within our faith community – I pray it never leaves. We should not be a church where we wish for those who disagree with us to be silent or to leave.
My father’s inclusive advice is a reminder that diversity of thought should not only be tolerated but welcomed. The strength of our community lies in its ability to hold different perspectives in tension, fostering a richer, more nuanced understanding of our faith. As we navigate our differences, we do well to remember the wisdom of Romans 14:19: “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
Björn Karlman
Adventist Today Executive Director
15 June 2024
ANNOUNCEMENTS & LINKS
Today’s ATSS class (1:30 PM Eastern) with Olive Hemmings
One-click link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89767942958
Passcode: ADVENTIST
ATSS on June 22: Horace Alexander
Previous weeks’ ATSS recordings can be accessed here.
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