Daniel and Revelation Progressive Understanding

Background of Adventist thinking Reformation tradition 19th century American Protestantism Widespread anti-Catholicism in US Waves of revivalism Focus on prophecy Interest in numbers American addiction to the millennium

Miller Movement William Miller  From Deist to Baptist to ‘Adventist’  Not extraordinary  Democratisation of American Protestantism  Interdenominational appeal  Pre-millennialist  Historicist

Ideas of Miller (1)‏ Rules for Hermeneutics  Look up all similar words in Concordance  Bible explains itself  Follow literal meaning if possible  Find symbolic meaning which makes sense  Year-day principle Lectures

Ideas of William Miller (2)‏ Views on Daniel and Revelation  Time prophecies Emphasis on Second Coming Gradually: setting of date – 1843/1844 Daniel 8:14  Several proofs Restrained in anti-Catholicism

Miller-movement Many Publications: Midnight Cry, etc Key thought leaders:  Joshuah V. Himes  Josiah Litch  Charles Fitch 7- month movement ‘Out of Babylon’ Disappointment of 22 October 1844

Emerging Adventism (1)‏ Adoption of historicist interpretation Second Coming remains focus  From shut door to open door Three-angels ’Messages – identity Sabbath – linked to prophecy Sanctuary doctrine Manifestation of ‘Spirit of Prophecy’

Emerging Adventism (2)‏ Key thought leaders:  Joseph Bates  James and Ellen White  Uriah Smith  J.N. Andrews Development of systematic understanding of Daniel and Revelation  Bible studies in Battle Creek  White and Smith  Books by Uriah Smith (‘Thoughts’)‏

Emerging Adventism (3)‏ Key concepts:  Self-identity: Commandment keeping remnant Seal of God vs. Mark of the beast 3 angels’ messages  Great Controversy - concept  Series of empires – Kingdom of God  Babylon Fallen Protestantism Roman Catholicism  Judgment in various phases

Emerging Adventism (4)‏ Development in organisation Development in mission concept Development in doctrine Development in prophetic understanding Question: Was development ever completed? Is it on-going?

Discussions Major discussions in early adventism:  Identity of the “daily” (Daniel 8:11)‏  Daniel 11; king of the North Turks or papacy?  Healing of deadly wound. When?  1888 – ten toes Role of Mrs. White not decisive

Later discussions Daniel 11 Role of Turks Armageddon 666 Increased anti-Catholicism Publication of SDA Bible Commentary  Year-day principle maintained

Great Controversy Earlier writings of EGW developed into ‘Great Controversy’  First published in 1884  Major revision in 1888  Milder version, with corrections, in 1911 Anti-Catholicism in line with current thinking in American Protestantism

More recent developments Desmond Ford (1980)‏ Teaching in colleges and universities Popular Publications: Traditional Scholarly and semi-popular publications:  Exploring new ways  Attention for structure  Less confrontational

Traditional views Daniel and Revelation Seminar 3 ABN and other independent ministries Clifford Goldstein Marvin Moore Lewis R. Walton Ed Reid Norman H. Gulley W. H. Shea

New approaches (1)‏ Study of structures New emphases:  ‘The Lamb among the Beasts’  Salvation themes Less emphasis on:  Roman Catholicism  Role USA  Exact time periods

New Approaches (2)‏ Authors:  Kenneth A. Strand  Hans K. Larondelle  Roy C. Naden  Jon Paulien  Ranko and Zdravko Stefanovic  Jacuqes B. Doukhan

Questions (1): Is it legitimate to explore new avenues? Is it OK to depart from traditional paths, or does this jeopardize Adventism? How central to our faith is our traditional prophetic scenario?  Are all beliefs equally important?  28 fundamental beliefs  Baptismal vow

Questions (2): Does global Adventism not also require attention to non-western and non- Christian aspects? (such as islam). Does Adventist past not show willingness to constantly refine ‘truth’? How can our prophetic vision remain (or, once again, become) present truth?