Originally published in The Southern Accent, Nov. 3, 2010
The Adventist Church is in danger of losing its understanding of what makes itself unique, says George Knight, professor emeritus of church history at Andrews University.
Knight, the author of more than 30 Christian books, spent most of last week speaking to Southern students, faculty and alumni at several events including convocation. He spoke about Church history and advocated a different approach to preaching end-time events.
Knight believes the Adventist Church needs to reignite a passion for sharing Christ’s soon coming. He says that message should emphasize God’s love and grace rather than fear and perfectionism.
He said the Adventist Church’s understanding of end-time events is what set itself apart from other Christian denominations.
“If we don’t recapture our vision, we’re dead in our tracks,” Knight said. “We’ll become just another toothless denomination that happens to keep Saturday instead of Sunday, and has a few dietary peculiarities.”
Ethan White, a junior theology and archaeology near east and classical studies major, agreed with Knight’s statement that Adventists should remember their purpose.
“I thought that he was right on,” White said. “It is important for Adventists to remember our reason for existence, we are a movement that was raised up for the last days to preach God's message to the world in preparation for His second coming.”
Knight also addressed some Adventists’ use of Ellen White’s writings to condemn certain activities and dietary habits. He said many of her writings were letters of advice for specific people with specific problems, and were not meant as advice for the general public without those problems.
“Every statement has a person behind it, has a problem behind it, has an issue behind it,” Knight said.
Knight was invited to speak at Southern as part of an annual lectureship from the School of Religion’s new Institute for the Study of Ellen G. White and Adventist Heritage. The Institute will sponsor the Adventist heritage tours and research on Adventist history and Ellen White, said Jud Lake, professor at the School of Religion and director of the Institute.
Knight said he was impressed with Southern’s campus and with the friendliness of the students.
He continued, “I just hope that they keep it up and let Jesus shine through them.”