Editorial: What Are We For? A Call to Beautiful Vision
In a world increasingly shaken by corruption, exclusion, and abuse of power—whether in political systems or religious institutions—it’s easy to fall into a mode of resistance. We see and feel deeply that something is not right.
Many of us are no longer willing to allow our identities to be passively associated with systems that perpetuate harm. We protest. We deconstruct. We speak truth to power. And rightly so. Naming injustice is essential, and dismantling oppression is holy work.
But in the midst of all this resistance, we must pause to ask a deeper question: what are we for? What do we love enough to build? What gives us hope in the quiet moments of the day; what makes us believe that this life, even with all its darkness, is still full of light? There is an urgent need not only to reject what is broken, but to lift up what is beautiful. Our faith, our politics, our communities must not only critique the old, but offer compelling alternatives that breathe life.
Throughout history, movements have succeeded not only by tearing down what was, but by offering something better—something irresistible. The most transformative revolutions began with vision: of justice, of compassion, of dignity, of belonging. We need more than outrage; we need imagination. We need people who are willing to build something so radiant, so rooted in love and creativity, that the old systems begin to fade into irrelevance. This isn’t naïve optimism. It’s a strategy for enduring change.
At AdventInnovate, this is our goal. We believe that Adventism—like all living traditions—must evolve or risk losing its relevance. We exist to support creators, theologians, artists, and entrepreneurs who dare to dream of what the Adventist message could mean in a new and different world. Re-contextualizing our theology for emerging generations may be messy, imperfect, and even controversial—but it is necessary. We cheer for those who are building new models, new communities, new expressions of faith. Love it or hate it, but let it move you. Let it stretch your imagination.
So we ask: what are you building? What beautiful, Christ-centered vision are you willing to fight for? What if your creativity, your compassion, and your courage are the seeds of a future we haven’t yet seen—but desperately need? Because in the end, YOU are the church. You are the vision-bearer. The future of our faith will not be dictated by institutions alone, but by those who dare to imagine what’s next.
Rebecca Barcelo
Editor, AdventistInnovate
10 May 2025
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Today’s ATSS class (1:30 PM Eastern US) with Donald McAdams
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