How did we come to believe what we believe? How have those beliefs changed over the years? With compelling candor George Knight captures the ebb and flow of the doctrinal currents within Adventism, including controversies over the shut door, the law in Galatians at the 1888 General Conference, the Trinity, pantheism, Fundamentalism, the nature of Christ, and inspiration.
The Adventist Church was founded by independent thinkers who would have disagreed with several of the church's current 27 fundamental beliefs. But over the years strength arose out of contention, and consensus out of debate. From William Miller to Desmond Ford, Knight catalogues the colourful personalities who shaped the discussion, and shows how God has led His church into broader and deeper understanding of His eternal truth.
Chapter 1: The Dynamic Nature of "Present Truth"
Present Truth: Fluid Rather Than Static
The Avoidance of Creedal Rigidity
The Pathway of Progressive Understanding
Chapter 2: Adventism Wasn't Born in a Vacuum
The Theological Roots of Adventism
Millennial Visions
Chapter 3: The Millerite Theological Foundation
Miller's Use of the Bible
Miller on the Second Advent
The First and Second Angels' Messages
The Seventh-Month Movement and the Great Disappointment
Chapter 4: What Is Adventist in Adventism? (1844-1885)
The Centrality of the Shut Door and the Struggle for Identity
A People of "the Book"
Moving Toward an Understanding of the Sanctuary
The Sabbath and the Third Angel's Message
The Final Doctrinal Pillar: Conditional Immortality
Putting It All Together
Refining the First and Second Angels' Messages
Other Post-1850 Theological Refinements
Perspective
Chapter 5: What Is Christian in Adventism? (1886-1919)
A Setting for Disagreement
Still a People of the Book? The Issue of Authority
Uplift Jesus: Righteousness by Faith and the Third Angel's Message
Uplift Jesus: The Trinity, Full Divinity of Jesus, and Personhood of the Holy Spirit
Uplift Jesus: A Two-Track Exploration Into the Human Nature of Christ
Perspective
Chapter 6: What Is Fundamentalist in Adventism? (1919-1950)
A Polarizing Theological Context
Adventism Moves Toward a More Rigid Position on Inspiration
A People of the Book or a People of the Books?
A Revived Interest in Righteousness by Faith
The Crucial Role of M. L. Andreasen and His "Last Generation" Theology
Moves to Make Adventism Look More Christian
Perspective
Chapter 7: Adventism in Theological Tension (1950- )
Some Significant Developments
Track 1: The Search for Historic Adventism
Track 2: The Search for the Meaning of 1888
Track 3: The Search for Ellen White's Role and Authority
Track 4: The Search for a Theology of Inspiration
Perspective
Chapter 8: What Does All This Mean?
Lessons on Polarization
Lessons on "Theological Rigor Mortis"
Lessons on Theological Essentials
And What About the Advent?
Appendix: Fundamental Beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists
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