The Progress in Fatigue…
15 April 2025 |
Adventism in Latin America arose from the impact of literature, brought by ships and missionaries from other continents, that pointed to the imminent return of Jesus. Of course, the history that the first Adventists received in Latin America was somewhat modified. That message of the imminent end of the world had its basis in a shameful disappointment suffered by the Millerites in 1843 and 1844; the investigative judgment was formed as a desperate explanation for that disappointment.
The first Adventists in Latin America did not know that the preaching came to them after the Adventist pioneers, including Ellen White, abandoned the idea of the closed door (that grace had closed after 1844). Seeing that nothing happened in the following years, the pioneers had resigned themselves to the fact that Jesus could take a little longer to come, so they had to open themselves to the foreign fields.
Latin American Adventism was formed with the fundamentalist residues of North American Adventism and the strong Catholic traditions of the surrounding area (with the exception of a few countries). But, as with the original American or European Adventists, things are beginning to progress here.
I grew up hearing that Jesus’ imminent return was based on apocalyptic evidence. The sharp distinctiveness of our Adventist micro-culture from the surrounding society and culture. The persecution we would suffer, the expectation with each pope elected in the Vatican. The readings of Ellen White’s books, the rules imposed by the leaders, and the idealization of the organization and the church.
Today things have changed. While Jesus waits to return, the fundamentalist discourses continue to increase the fatigue of the Adventists in Latin America. Although it may sound paradoxical, that fatigue is making Adventism progress in areas that were unthinkable 25 years ago. So much in music, dress, food, and norms. As well as doctrinal understanding. To the point that contemporaries feel uncomfortable with positions such as the theology of the Last Generation and perfectionism. And other topics, such as the investigative judgment, are looked on as historical memory.
Currently, Adventist Today is the only medium in Latin America that offers Adventist readers a perspective free of fundamentalism and attached to progress. Since the project opened in August 2021, we have been able to reach millions of readers in our different digital formats. Bringing unique topics. Showing our commitment against religious corruption.
Every story is like a coin; it has two versions. And Adventist Today is part of that version, uncomfortable for those who are used to sectarianism and fundamentalism but a balm for the new generations, who can find a friendly space within the society and culture that surrounds us. Fatigue is nothing more than an opportunity to redefine ourselves and be more friendly with our environment, without losing the hope that one day Jesus will come.
Your support of Adventist Today allows us to continue operating in Latin America—with a population of more than 638 million inhabitants, and where Adventists have a wide presence—in the Inter-American Division and South American Division. Thanks to your support, we will be able to continue supporting the progress of Adventism.
