Seventh-day Adventist Church

Formation: 1863

Founders: William Miller; Ellen G. White

The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a denomination of Christianity that formed in the United States in the 1860s. A main founder of the church, William Miller (1782–1849), preached about an “advent,” or a return of Jesus to Earth, set for 1844. Although this did not occur, Adventists held on to their belief that Jesus would return. A later major founder of Adventism, Ellen G. White (1827–1915), revised Miller’s proclamations to explain that Jesus had taken a preliminary step to returning but still remained in Heaven.

The Church grew from a small group of about 300 members in 1850 to approximately 18.5 million members in modern times. Adventists share many beliefs with other Christian groups. Unlike most other Christians, they observe the Sabbath day on Saturday, believe in a holy Sanctuary in Heaven, and believe in prophesy. Adventists are noted for their interest in promoting faith-based health care and education as well as following specific ethical and behavioral guidelines.

History

In Christian belief, Jesus Christ was the son of God who came into the world in human form to save sinners. He was crucified and believers hold that he then returned to Heaven. Many Christian sects believe that Jesus will return—a so-called Second Coming—to continue God’s work on Earth. This return is often termed an advent.

An American preacher named William Miller was a strong proponent of the idea that Jesus would return. In fact, he claimed that Jesus was set to reappear on Earth in 1844. Thousands of people, motivated by Miller’s claims, joined his Adventist movement and eagerly awaited the stated date. When that date passed uneventfully, many people turned away from Miller. In Adventist history, that event was termed the Great Disappointment.

The next major figure in Adventism was Ellen G. White, whose followers felt she had the gift of prophecy. White explained to her followers that Jesus’s action had actually occurred as scheduled, but instead of returning to Earth, Jesus had instead traveled to a divine Sanctuary in Heaven. There, Jesus would clean and prepare the temple before undertaking another mission to Earth.

White’s teachings helped to bolster the ranks of Adventists shaken by the 1844 Disappointment. By 1850, about 300 people were members of the faith, guided by about 15 ministers. They did not have their own churches or other religious facilities, but they did write hymns and publish their beliefs via the Seventh Day Adventist Publishing Association, founded in 1861.

This early activity of the faith helped it to grow over time. In 1863, the Adventists officially declared themselves as a distinct denomination of Christianity. Three years later, Adventists began opening health-care facilities in the belief that a religion should help to heal people physically, mentally, and emotionally. By 1880, the Church had finalized its list of beliefs and observances.

Beliefs & Practices

The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a branch of Christianity. Some of the church’s major beliefs are reflected in its name. The seventh day in the church’s name refers to members’ observance of the Sabbath day, a day set aside for rest and religious matters, on Saturday. Church prophet Ellen G. White believed Saturday was the true seventh day of the week and thus the appropriate day for Sabbath. The term Adventist refers to the belief that Jesus Christ, a main holy figure in Christianity, would have an advent, or return, to Earth to judge all humans and decide upon their fate.

Seventh-day Adventists share many beliefs with other Christian groups. They are most closely related to Protestants of the Millennialist system, which holds that the return of Jesus will be accompanied by a transformation of the world into a paradise. Adventists also have their own beliefs that make their members distinct from other related groups. These beliefs include their devotion to White and her teachings and their observance of the Sabbath day on Saturday (most other Christian groups observe it on Sunday). Adventists also differ from some other denominations in their belief that Jesus would return after performing specific Heavenly tasks.

Some of the other important beliefs for Seventh-day Adventists involve a constant struggle between God and Satan, the need for a church that stays true to Jesus and God even in trying times, and the salvation of those believers who have followed correct rules and faiths. People who die are not immediately moved to Heaven or Hell, but rather kept in an unconscious state until Jesus arrives to judge their souls. Adventists believe that Heaven is a structured place with different areas, most notably a Sanctuary, which is the holiest place and home of God. In addition, Adventists think that people, most famously White, are capable of prophesy and expressing the will of God.

As of 2021, the Seventh-day Adventist Church reported 95,297 churches worldwide, with 20,924 active ordained ministers, serving approximately 21.9 million members. These members, along with more than 322,120 additional employees, ran more than 72,000 church-aligned business ventures. Church companies were primarily health-care facilities, mainly hospitals, sanitariums, nursing homes, and clinics. In addition, the church operated publishing facilities and other media centers, producing material in 366 languages.

Another vital function of the church is missionary work. Adventists feel responsible to share and spread their faith as widely as possible. Adventist missionaries operate in 212 of the world’s generally recognized 235 countries. These missionaries employ some 535 languages to communicate with potential converts. In addition, the church operates about 9,419 educational facilities, including primary and secondary schools and worker-training programs. Approximately 2 million people attend these schools.

Adventists are known for their serious codes of ethics and behaviors, seen to many outsiders as strict. However, members of the faith believe these codes contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. Adventists are not permitted to drink alcohol, smoke, or eat foods that violate Biblical teachings; vegetarianism is preferred. The church permits only modest and conservative clothing, free of excessive decoration or accessories. Most popular movies, music, and television shows, along with entertainments such as dancing, are discouraged or banned as contributing to moral decay. The church is against same-sex marriage and marriage between Adventists and people of other faiths.

Bibliography

“Adventist History Slide Shows.” General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research, 2024, www.adventistarchives.org/adventist-history-slide-shows. Accessed 1 May 2024.

Casanova, Amanda. “10 Things Everyone Should Know about Seventh-Day Adventists and Their Beliefs.” Christianity.com, 28 Sept. 2023, www.christianity.com/church/denominations/10-things-everyone-should-know-about-seventh-day-adventists-and-their-beliefs.html. Accessed 1 May 2024.

“Official Beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.” Seventh-day Adventist Church Website, 2024, www.adventist.org/en/beliefs/. Accessed 1 May 2024.

“Seventh-day Adventism.” Catholic Answers, 2024, www.catholic.com/tract/seventh-day-adventism. Accessed 1 May 2024.

“Seventh-day Adventists.” BBC, 30 July 2009, www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/subdivisions/seventhdayadventist‗1.shtml. Accessed 1 May 2024.

“Seventh-day Adventist World Church Statistics 2021.” Seventh-day Adventist Church Website, 2024, www.adventist.org/statistics/. Accessed 1 May 2024.

Taylor, Jessica. “All Your Questions About Seventh-Day Adventism and Ben Carson Answered.” National Public Radio, 27 Oct. 2015, www.npr.org/sections/itsallpolitics/2015/10/27/452314794/all-your-questions-about-seventh-day-adventism-and-ben-carson-answered. Accessed 1 May 2024.

“28 Fundamental Beliefs.” Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2020, www.adventist.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ADV-28Beliefs2020.pdf. Accessed 1 May 2024.