Here at BarelyAdventist we think it’s healthy to laugh at ourselves. But we love our Church and want it to be the best it can be. So as much as we joke about our idiosyncrasies, we also think it’s smart to remember things that are good about Adventism. Things like:
Progressive Revelation – Set aside weird church politics and ultra-conservative leaders that want to double down on yesterday’s Adventism. REAL Adventist thinking – the spirit of our pioneers – is focused on learning more, course correcting and growth. That goes for beliefs, culture and church admin.
Obsession with health WAY before it was cool – We’ve literally harped on health for the better part of two centuries. And that’s awesome. It’s time we reclaimed the healthy living brand and had more than just one Blue Zone to talk about.
Healthy About Hell – Deliberately choosing to read the Bible in a way that believes a loving God would not torment sinners in an everlasting hell? That’s refreshing. And true in a very liberating way.
BIG on education – We’ve had schools basically from the get-go in Adventism. As much as we may have overbearing leaders currently that try to silence dissent, we have a tradition of asking questions and deepening knowledge.
Balance – Yes, we are pretty typical Protestants in terms of having a serious work ethic but we are equally big on the weekly break: Sabbath. The day with God and family that allows for recalibration.
Urgency – OK, so nobody can quite define what we mean when we say Jesus is coming “soon.” Some would argue it’s already too late for Jesus to come soon. But seen positively, there’s something empowering and motivating about living with a sense of positive expectation that makes the Second Coming a priority, not an afterthought.
Community – We don’t all agree on things as Adventists. And especially when you travel, seeing the differences in different global approaches to Adventism can give you whiplash. But the welcome you feel on Sabbath morning as you walk into an Adventist Church anywhere is the world is pretty consistent. There’s a sense of belonging that really matters.
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