Fear of the Outside

Growing up in the Adventist faith, there was – in my family – a pervasive belief that non-Adventists could observe our practices, but we should never look outward. In my family, curiosity about the world beyond the church walls was viewed with suspicion, and asking questions about external beliefs was discouraged. This created an environment where questioning the core tenets of our faith was not encouraged. That was my parents’ take on the Adventist faith, but it seems that this view is interwoven in the Adventist message. Why is that? Why does our church seem to discourage critical thinking or curiosity about its teachings?

These questions come to mind when we consider the General Conference’s (GC) recent adoption of item #6 – a GC working policy addition that means people working under the GC are not allowed to speak to independent Adventist media. Why is asking questions seen as stepping away from our fundamental beliefs? What is the church afraid of when someone seeks answers to uncomfortable issues?

The fear of challenging beliefs is common in many faith communities, but it is particularly relevant for Adventism today. A faith that is not tested, questioned, and reexamined risks stagnation. Faith must be a dynamic, growing process, not a static set of beliefs.

Without thoughtful inquiry and the willingness to confront uncertainty, faith becomes irrelevant.

This is where Adventist Today (AT) plays a crucial role. AT embraces the opportunity to engage with complex issues facing the church. It doesn’t seek to undermine Adventism but to strengthen it by fostering open, respectful dialogue. AT encourages members to ask tough questions, demonstrating that inquiry is not a threat to faith, but a vital tool for growth.

For Adventism to thrive, it must welcome questioning, differing perspectives, and uncomfortable truths. This approach not only promotes growth but also ensures that faith remains connected to the real world, meeting its moral and spiritual challenges head-on. Through critical inquiry, we can ensure that our faith is vibrant, responsive, and ever-growing.

Thank you for supporting Adventist Today today on Giving Tuesday.

Annet Johnston

Director of Operations, Adventist Today