View source for Seventh Day Adventists

The '''Seventh-day Adventist''' (abbreviated "'''Adventist'''") '''Church''' is a cult which is distinguished by its legalistic observance of [[Saturday]], the original [[Days of the week|seventh day]] of the [[Judeo-Christian]] week, as the [[Sabbath and Seventh-day Adventism|Sabbath]], and failed attempts at predicting the date of the imminent [[second coming]] of Jesus Christ. The cult grew out of the [[Millerites|Millerite]] movement in the [[United States]] during the middle part of the 19th century and was formally established in 1863. Among its founders was false prophetess [[Ellen G. White]], whose extensive writings are still held in high regard by Seventh-day Adventists today, and in some circles have the same weight as scripture.

Much of the theology of the Seventh-day Adventist Church corresponds to [[evangelicalism|evangelical]] teachings such as the [[Trinity]] and the [[Biblical infallibility|infallibility of Scripture]]. Distinctive teachings include the [[soul sleep|unconscious state of the dead]] and the doctrine of an [[investigative judgment]], date setting, Sabbath Keeping, vegitarianism which originally was enforced to stop masturbation, but is now claimed to be for its emphasis on diet and health.

The world church is governed by a [[General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists|General Conference]], with smaller regions administered by divisions, union conferences and local conferences. It currently has a worldwide membership of over 17 million people, has a missionary presence in over 200 countries and territories and is [[ethnic group|ethnically]] and [[cultural diversity|culturally diverse]].<ref name=membership/><ref name="WebStats"/> The church operates numerous schools, hospitals and publishing houses worldwide, as well as a prominent [[humanitarian aid]] organization known as the [[Adventist Development and Relief Agency]] (ADRA).

== History ==
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is the largest of several "[[Adventist]]" groups which arose from the [[Millerites|Millerite]] movement of the 1840s. The Millerite movement was part of the wave of revivalism in the [[United States]] known as the [[Second Great Awakening]] and originated with [[William Miller (preacher)|William Miller]], a [[Baptist]] preacher from [[Low Hampton, New York]]. Miller predicted on the basis of Daniel 8:14-16 KJV and the "[[day-year principle]]" that [[Jesus Christ]] would return to Earth on October 22, 1844. When this event failed to occur, most of his followers disbanded and returned to their original churches.

Following this "[[Great Disappointment]]" (as it came to be known), a small number of Millerites came to believe that Miller's calculations were correct, but that his interpretation of Daniel 8:14 was flawed. Beginning with a vision reported by [[Hiram Edson]] on October 23, these Adventists (as this group of Millerite believers came to be known) arrived at the conviction that Daniel 8:14 foretold Christ's entrance into the "Most Holy Place" of the heavenly sanctuary rather than his [[second coming]]. Over the next decade this understanding developed into the doctrine of the [[investigative judgment]]: an [[eschatology|eschatological]] process commencing in 1844 in which Christians will be judged to verify their eligibility for salvation and God's justice will be confirmed before the universe. The Adventists continued to believe that Christ's second coming would be imminent, although they refrained from setting further dates for the event.

Adventists often view themselves as heirs of earlier groups such as the [[Waldenses]], [[Protestant Reformers]] including the [[Anabaptists]], [[English people|English]] and [[Scottish people|Scottish]] [[Puritan]]s, [[evangelicalism|evangelical]]s of the 18th century including [[Methodism|Methodists]], [[Seventh Day Baptists]] and others who rejected established church traditions.<ref>Arthur Patrick, ''Adventist Studies: An Annotated Introduction for Higher Degree Students''</ref>

=== Development of Sabbatarianism ===
{{Seventh-day Adventism}}
As the early Adventist movement consolidated, the question of the biblical day of rest and worship was raised. The foremost proponent of [[Sabbath in seventh-day churches|Sabbath]]-keeping among early Adventists was retired sea captain [[Joseph Bates (Adventist)|Joseph Bates]]. Bates was introduced to the Sabbath doctrine by a tract written by Millerite preacher [[T. M. Preble|Thomas M. Preble]], who in turn had been influenced by [[Rachel Oakes Preston]], a young [[Seventh Day Baptist]].

This message was gradually accepted and formed the topic of the first edition of the church publication ''[http://www.adventistarchives.org/documents.asp?CatID=31&SortBy=1&ShowDateOrder=True The Present Truth]'' (now the ''[[Adventist Review]]''), which appeared in July 1849.

=== Organization and recognition ===
For about 20 years, the Adventist movement consisted of a loosely knit group of people whose primary means of connection and interaction was through James White's periodical, The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald. These individuals embraced the doctrines of the Sabbath, the "[[heavenly sanctuary]]" interpretation of Daniel 8:14 NIV, [[conditional immortality]] and the expectation of Christ's [[premillennialism|premillennial]] return. Among its most prominent figures were Joseph Bates, [[James Springer White|James White]], and [[Ellen G. White]]. Ellen White came to occupy a particularly central role; her many visions and spiritual leadership convinced her fellow Adventists that she possessed the [[spiritual gift|gift]] of [[prophecy]].

The church was formally established in [[Battle Creek, Michigan]], on May 23, 1863, with a membership of 3,500.<ref name="webhistory"/> Through the evangelistic efforts of its ministers and laity, the church quickly grew and established a presence beyond [[North America]] during the late 1800s. The denominational headquarters were later moved from Battle Creek to [[Takoma Park, Maryland]], where they remained until 1989. The General Conference headquarters then moved to its current location in Silver Spring, Maryland.

For much of the 1800s, a majority of the Adventist leaders supported the doctrine of [[Arianism]] (although Ellen G. White was not one of them).<ref>{{Citation|author=Jerry A. Moon|url=http://www.sdanet.org/atissue/trinity/moon/moon-trinity1.htm|journal=Andrews University Seminary Studies Vol 41. No. 1|title=The Adventist Trinity Debate Part 1: Historical Overview|year=2003|publisher=Andrews University Press}}</ref> This, along with the movement's other theological views, led most Christian denominations to regard it as a [[cult]]. However, the Adventist Church adopted the [[Trinity]] early in the 20th century and began to dialogue with other [[Protestant]] groups toward the middle of the century, eventually gaining wide recognition as a Christian church.

== Beliefs ==

The official teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination are expressed in its [[28 Fundamental Beliefs]]. This statement of beliefs was originally adopted by the [[General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists|General Conference]] in 1980, with an additional belief (number 11) being added in 2005. Acceptance of either of the church's two [[Adventist baptismal vow|baptismal vows]] is a prerequisite for membership. The following statement of beliefs is not meant to be read or received as a "creed" that is set in theological concrete. Adventists have but one creed: “The Bible, and the Bible alone.” 

Adventist doctrine resembles [[Trinitarianism|trinitarian]] [[Protestantism|Protestant]] theology, with [[premillennialism|premillennial]] and [[Arminianism|Arminian]] emphases. Adventists uphold teachings such as the infallibility of [[Bible|Scripture]], the substitutionary [[atonement]], the [[resurrection of the dead]] and [[justification (theology)|justification]] [[Sola fide|by faith alone]], and are therefore often considered evangelical. <ref>"Adventism" in ''Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism'' by [[Randall Balmer]], p7 describes Seventh-day Adventists as "an evangelical denomination." The [[Christian Research Institute]] claims "mainstream Adventism is primarily evangelical" in the sense that "the great majority of Adventist scholars, teachers and pastors that [the author has] spoken with believe firmly in salvation by grace through faith alone." "[http://www.equip.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=muI1LaMNJrE&b=4136165&content_id=%7B8BB3E4AA-0E91-4015-8FED-F3F3196AA371%7D&notoc=1 Seventh-day Adventism: Christian or Cultic?]" from the [[Christian Research Institute]]. Accessed 25 Feb 2008.</ref> In common with certain other Christian churches, they believe in [[believers baptism|baptism by immersion]] and [[creationism|creation]] in [[Young Earth creationism|six literal days]].

In addition, there is a generally recognized set of "distinctive" doctrines which distinguish Adventism from the rest of the Christian world, although not all of these teachings are wholly unique to Adventism:
* '''Law''' (fundamental belief 19)—the Law of God is "embodied in the [[Ten Commandments]]", which continue to be binding upon Christians.
* '''Sabbath''' (fundamental belief 20)—the [[Sabbath in Seventh-day Adventism|Sabbath]] should be observed on the seventh day of the week, specifically, from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset.
* '''Second Coming and End times''' (fundamental beliefs 25-28)—[[Jesus Christ]] will return visibly to earth after a "time of trouble", during which the Sabbath will become a worldwide test. The [[second coming]] will be followed by a [[millennialism|millennial]] reign of the saints in heaven. [[Seventh-day Adventist eschatology|Adventist eschatology]] is based on the [[Historicism (Christian eschatology)|historicist]] method of prophetic interpretation.
* '''Holistic human nature''' (fundamental beliefs 7, 26)—Humans are an indivisible unity of body, mind and spirit. They do not possess an immortal [[soul]], and death is an unconscious sleep (commonly known as "[[soul sleep]]"). (See also: [[Christian anthropology]])
* '''Conditional immortality''' (fundamental belief 27)—The wicked will not suffer eternal torment in [[hell]], but instead will be permanently destroyed. (See: [[Conditional immortality]], [[Annihilationism]])
* '''Great Controversy''' (fundamental belief 8)—Humanity is involved in a "[[Great Controversy theme|great controversy]]" between [[Jesus Christ]] and [[Satan]]. This is an elaboration on the common Christian theory that evil began in heaven when an angelic being ([[Lucifer]]) rebelled against the Law of God.
* '''Heavenly sanctuary''' (fundamental belief 24)—At his ascension, Jesus Christ commenced an [[atonement|atoning]] ministry in the [[heavenly sanctuary]]. In 1844, he began to cleanse the heavenly sanctuary in fulfillment of the [[Yom Kippur|Day of Atonement]].
* '''Investigative Judgment''' (fundamental belief 24)—A judgment of professed Christians began in 1844, in which the books of record are examined for all the universe to see. The [[investigative judgment]] will affirm who is worthy of salvation, and vindicate God as just in his dealings with mankind.
* '''Remnant''' (fundamental belief 13)—There will be an end-time [[remnant (Adventist)|remnant]] who keep the commandments of God and have "the testimony of Jesus" (Revelation 12:17 KJV). This remnant proclaims the "[[three angels' messages]]" of Revelation 14:6-12 NIV to the world.
* '''Spirit of Prophecy''' (fundamental belief 18)—The ministry of [[Ellen G. White]] is commonly referred to as the "[[Spirit of Prophecy (Adventist)|Spirit of Prophecy]]" and her writings are considered "a continuing and authoritative source of truth",<ref name="webfundamentals">{{cite web
 | title = Fundamental Beliefs
 | publisher = Seventh-day Adventist Church
 | url = http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/fundamental/index.html
 | accessdate = 2007-01-08
}}</ref> though ultimately subject to the Bible. (See: ''[[Inspiration of Ellen White]]'')

=== Theological Spectrum ===
As with any religious movement, a theological spectrum exists within Adventism comparable to the [[Christian fundamentalism|fundamentalist]]-moderate-[[liberal Christianity|liberal]] spectrum in the wider Christian church and in other religions. A variety of groups, movements or [[subcultures]] within the church present differing views on beliefs and lifestyle.

The conservative end of the theological spectrum is represented by "[[Historic Adventist]]s", who are characterized by their opposition to theological trends within the denomination beginning in the 1950s. They tend to view modern Adventist theology as a compromise with evangelicalism, and seek to defend older teachings such as the fallen nature of Jesus Christ, an incomplete atonement, and character perfectionism.<ref name="Corson article">{{cite journal
 | last = Corson
 | first = Ron
 | title = Progressive and Traditional Adventists Examined
 | journal = [[Adventist Today]]
 | volume =
 | issue =
 | pages =
 | date =
 | url = http://www.atoday.com/70.0.html
 | accessdate = 2006-10-19
 | format = {{Dead link|date=June 2008}} &ndash; <sup>[http://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=author%3ACorson+intitle%3AProgressive+and+Traditional+Adventists+Examined&as_publication=%5B%5BAdventist+Today%5D%5D&as_ylo=&as_yhi=&btnG=Search Scholar search]</sup>
}}</ref> Historic Adventism is represented mainly at the "[[grassroots]]" level of the church and is often promoted through [[Independent ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church|independent ministries]], but has weak support (if any) among Adventist scholars.

The most "liberal" elements in the church are typically known as "[[Progressive Adventist]]s" (it should be noted that progressive Adventists generally do not identify with [[liberal Christianity]]). They tend to hold a "modernized" perspective on such controversial issues as the [[Prophetic gift of Ellen White|inspiration of Ellen White]], the doctrine of the "[[remnant (Adventist)|remnant]]" and the [[investigative judgment]].<ref name="Corson article"/><ref name="Pipim">{{cite book
 | last = Koranteng-Pipim
 | first = Samuel
 | authorlink = Samuel Koranteng-Pipim
 | title = Receiving the Word: How New Approaches to the Bible Impact Our Biblical Faith and Lifestyle
 | publisher = Berean Books
 |year=1996
 | location = [[Berrien Springs, Michigan|Berrien Springs]], [[Michigan]]
 | pages = 198–200
 | isbn = 1-890014-00-1
 | oclc = 36080195
}}</ref> The progressive movement is strongest amongst scholars of the denomination,<ref>Pipim, [http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/pipim/chap1.htm#f10 Excerpts from chapter 1 of ''Receiving the Word'']. Pipim, a conservative scholar, describes this constituency as "liberal"</ref> where it finds expression in bodies such as the [[Association of Adventist Forums]] and in journals such as ''[[Spectrum (magazine)|Spectrum]]'' and ''[[Adventist Today]]''.

=== Theological organizations ===
The [[Biblical Research Institute]] is the official theological research center of the church. The church has two professional organizations for Adventist theologians who are affiliated with the denomination. The [[Adventist Society for Religious Studies]] (ASRS) was formed to foster community among Adventist theologians who attend the [[Society of Biblical Literature]] (SBL) and the [[American Academy of Religion]]. In 2006 ASRS voted to continue their meetings in the future in conjunction with SBL. During the 1980s the [[Adventist Theological Society]] was formed to provide a forum for more conservative theologians to meet and is held in conjunction with the [[Evangelical Theological Society]].

== Culture and practices ==
=== Sabbath activities ===
[[Image:Bundaberg Seventh-day Adventist Church.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Bundaberg, Queensland|Bundaberg]] Seventh-day Adventist Church]]
see also Sabbath in Seventh-day Adventism
In order to keep the Sabbath holy, Adventists abstain from secular work and other non-essential business on Saturday. They will also usually refrain from purely secular forms of recreation, such as competitive sport and watching non-religious programs on television. However, nature walks, family-oriented activities, [[charity (practice)|charitable work]] and other activities that are compassionate in nature are considered acceptable.

Much of Friday might be spent in preparation for the Sabbath; for example, preparing meals and tidying homes. Some Adventists gather for Friday evening worship to welcome in the Sabbath, a practice often known as [[Vespers]].

Saturday afternoon activities vary widely depending on the cultural, ethnic and social background. In some churches, members and visitors will participate in a fellowship (or "[[potluck]]") lunch.

==== Worship service ====
The major weekly worship service occurs on Saturday, typically commencing with [[Sabbath School]] which is a structured time of [[Small group learning|small-group]] study at church. Most Adventists make use of an officially produced "Sabbath School Lesson", which deals with a particular biblical text or doctrine every quarter. Special meetings are provided for children and youth in different age groups during this time (analogous to [[Sunday school]] in other churches).

After a brief break, the community joins together again for a church service that follows a typical evangelical format, with a [[sermon]] as a central feature. Corporate singing, Scripture readings, prayers and an offering, including tithing (or [[collection plate|money collection]]), are other standard features. The instruments and forms of [[worship music]] vary greatly throughout the worldwide church.<ref>{{cite web
| url=http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/guidelines/music_guidelines.html
| title=A Seventh-day Adventist Philosophy of Music—Guidelines
|month=October | year=2004
| publisher=General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Annual Council
}}</ref> Many youth-focused churches in the Western world have a [[contemporary Christian music]] style, whereas other churches enjoy more traditional [[hymn]]s including those found in the ''[[Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal|Adventist Hymnal]]''. Worship is known to be generally restrained.

===== Holy Communion =====
Adventists usually practice [[Eucharist|communion]] four times a year. The communion is an [[Open communion|open service]] that is available to members and Christian non-members. It commences with a [[foot washing]] ceremony, known as the "Ordinance of Humility", based on the Gospel account of John 13 NIV. The Ordinance of Humility is meant to symbolize Christ's washing of his disciples' feet at the [[Last Supper]] and remind participants of the need to humbly serve one another. Participants segregate by gender to separate rooms to conduct this ritual, although some congregations allow married couples to perform the ordinance on each other and families are often encouraged to participate together. After its completion, participants return to the main sanctuary for consumption of the [[Eucharist|Lord's Supper]], which consists of [[unleavened bread]] and unfermented grape juice.

=== Health and diet ===
Since the 1860s when the church began, wholeness and health have been an emphasis of the Adventist church.<ref>{{cite journal
| url = http://www.adventist.org/mission_and_service/health.html.en
| last =
| first =
| title = "Health"
| accessdate = 2006-10-06
}}</ref> Adventists are known for presenting a "health message" that recommends [[Christian vegetarianism|vegetarianism]] and expects adherence to the [[Kashrut|kosher]] laws in Leviticus 11 NIV. Obedience to these laws means abstinence from pork, shellfish, and other foods proscribed as "[[Unclean animals|unclean]]". The church discourages its members from the use of [[alcoholic beverage|alcohol]], [[tobacco]] or illegal drugs (compare [[Christianity and alcohol]]). In addition, some Adventists avoid [[coffee]] and other beverages containing [[caffeine]].

[[Image:San health food.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Sanitarium Health Food Company|Sanitarium]] products on sale.]]
The pioneers of the Adventist Church had much to do with the common acceptance of breakfast cereals into the Western diet, with the "modern commercial concept of cereal food" originating with Adventists.<ref>http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/78499/breakfast-cereal<!-- need to replace this with a secondary (not tertiary) source, and remove the quotation--></ref> [[John Harvey Kellogg]] was one of the early founders of the Adventist health work. His development of breakfast cereals as a health food led to the founding of [[Kellogg Company|Kellogg's]] by his brother [[William K. Kellogg|William]]. In both [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]], the church-owned [[Sanitarium Health Food Company]] is one of those country's leading manufacturers of health and vegetarian-related products.

Research funded by the U.S. [[National Institutes of Health]] has shown that the average Adventist in [[California]] lives 4 to 10 years longer than the average Californian. [[Adventist Health Studies|The research]], as cited by the cover story of the November 2005 issue of ''[[National Geographic]]'', asserts that Adventists live longer because they do not smoke or drink alcohol, and maintain a healthy, low-fat [[vegetarian]] diet that is rich in nuts and beans.<ref>{{cite journal
 | url = http://search.epnet.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=anh&an=18574682
 | last = Buettner
 | first = Dan
 | title = The Secrets of Long Life
 | journal = [[National Geographic]]
 | day = 16
 | month = November
 | year = 2005
 | volume = 208
 | issue = 5
 | pages = 2–27
 | id = ISSN 0027-9358
 | accessdate = 2006-06-06
}} [http://www7.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0511/feature1/index.html Excerpt]</ref><ref>{{cite journal
 | url = http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0511/16/acd.01.html
 | last = Anderson Cooper
 | first = Gary Tuchman
 | title = CNN Transcripts on Living Longer
 |date=November 16, 2005
 | accessdate = 2006-08-25
}} See [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dluh9YqSKXY CNN excerpt] on YouTube.<!--change to a better quality video eventually; as of 2007-05-16 this has big green writing through the center--></ref> The cohesiveness of Adventists' social networks has also been put forward as an explanation of their extended lifespan.<ref>{{cite news
 | first = Gina
 | last = Kolata
 | title = A Surprising Secret to a Long Life: Stay in School
 | url = http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/03/health/03aging.html?em&ex=1168146000&en=81e0250ab7d4ae5d&ei=5087%0A
 | work = The New York Times
 | publisher =
 |date=2007-01-03
}}</ref>
Since [[Dan Buettner]]'s 2005 ''[[National Geographic]]'' story about Adventist longevity, his book, <em>The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest</em>, named [[Loma Linda, California]] a "blue zone" because of the large concentration of Seventh-day Adventists. He cites the Adventist emphasis on health, diet, and Sabbath-keeping as primary factors for Adventist longevity.<ref>http://news.adventist.org/data/2008/1211899368/index.html.en</ref><ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3NYSxVSIqM</ref>

=== Ethics and sexuality ===
The official Adventist position on [[abortion]] is that "abortions for reasons of [[birth control]], [[Sex-selective abortion and infanticide|gender selection]], or convenience are not condoned by the Church." At times, however, women may face exceptional circumstances that present serious moral or medical dilemmas, such as significant threats to the pregnant woman's life or health, severe congenital defects in the fetus, and pregnancy resulting from [[rape]] or [[incest]]; in these cases individuals are counseled to make their own decisions.<ref>{{cite web
 | url = http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/guidelines/main_guide1.html
 | accessdate = 2006-03-23
 | title = Guidelines on Abortion
 | coauthors = [[General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists]] Executive Committee
 | date = October 12, 1992
}}</ref>

According to official statements from the General Conference, [[heterosexual]] marriages are the only biblically ordained grounds for sexual [[intimacy]]. Adventists do not perform [[same-sex marriage]]s and [[homosexual]] men cannot be ordained.<ref>{{cite web
 | title = Seventh-day Adventist Position Statement on Homosexuality
 | publisher = Seventh-day Adventist Church
 |date=1999-10-03
 | url = http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/statements/main_stat46.html
 | accessdate = 2006-10-18
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
 | title = Seventh-day Adventist Response to Same-Sex Unions--A Reaffirmation of Christian Marriage
 | publisher = [[General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists]]
 |date=2004-03-09
 | url = http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/statements/main_stat53.html
 | accessdate = 2007-01-11
}}</ref> An extramarital [[affair]] is one of the sanctioned grounds for a [[divorce]], although reconciliation is encouraged whenever possible. Adventists believe in and encourage [[abstinence]] for both men and women before marriage.

The Adventist church has released official statements in relation to other ethical issues such as [[euthanasia]] (against active euthanasia but permissive of passive withdrawal of medical support to allow death to occur),<ref>{{cite web
 | title =A Statement of Consensus on Care for the Dying
 | publisher =[[General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists]]
 |date=1992-10-09
 | url =http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/statements/main_stat6.html
 | accessdate = 2007-01-11
}}</ref> [[birth control]] (in favor of it for married couples if used correctly, but against abortion as birth control and premarital sex in any case)<ref>{{cite web
 | title =Birth Control: A Seventh-day Adventist Statement of Consensus
 | publisher =[[General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists]]
 |date=1999-09-29
 | url =http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/statements/main_stat44.html
 | accessdate = 2007-01-11
}}</ref> and [[human cloning]] (against it while the technology is unsafe and would result in defective births or abortions).<ref>{{cite web
 | title =Statement on Ethical Considerations Regarding Human Cloning
 | publisher =[[General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists]]
 |date=1998-09-27
 | url =http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/statements/main_stat38.html
 | accessdate = 2007-01-11}}</ref>

=== Dress and entertainment ===
In Western countries, Adventists have traditionally held [[social conservative|socially conservative]] attitudes regarding dress and entertainment. These attitudes are reflected in one of the church's [[28 fundamentals|fundamental beliefs]]:

:"For the [[Holy Spirit|Spirit]] to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve ourselves only in those things which will produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives. This means that our amusement and entertainment should meet the highest standards of Christian taste and beauty. While recognizing cultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest, and neat, befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of outward adornment but in the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit."<ref name="webfundamentals"/>

Accordingly, many Western Adventists are opposed to practices such as [[body piercing]] and [[tattoo]]s. More conservative Adventists refrain from the wearing of jewelry altogether, including such items as earrings and bracelets. Some also oppose the displaying of wedding bands, although this is not the position of the General Conference.<ref>{{cite web
 | last =Roger
 | first =Coon
 | title =The Wedding Band, Ellen G. White, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church
 | publisher =[[Biblical Research Institute]]
 |date=1987-12-10
 | url =http://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/documents/weddingband.htm
 | accessdate = 2007-01-11 }}</ref> Traditionally Adventists dress semi-formally when attending church.

Conservative Adventists also avoid certain recreational activities which are considered to be a negative spiritual influence, including dancing, rock music and secular theatre.<ref>{{cite news
 | title =Adventist students sanctioned for attending dance (2001)
 | language =English
 | publisher =[[Associated Press]]
 |year=2001
 | url =http://www.eijkhout.net/rad/dance_other/banned3.html
 | accessdate = 2007-01-11}}</ref><ref name="SteveCase">{{cite web
 | last =Case
 | first =Steve
 | title =Shall We Dance?
 | publisher =Dialogue
 | url =http://dialogue.adventist.org/articles/06_2_case_e.htm
 | accessdate = 2007-01-11}}</ref> However, these sentiments are far less common among the more recent generations of Adventists.<ref name="SteveCase"/> The Adventist church officially opposes the practice of gambling.<ref>{{cite web
 | title =A Seventh-day Adventist Statement on Gambling
 | publisher =General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Administrative Committee
 |year=2000
 | url =http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/statements/main_stat49.html
 | accessdate = 2007-01-11}}</ref>

:Though it seems unbelievable to some, I’m thankful that when I grew up in the church [in the 1950s and 1960s] I was taught not to go to the movie theater, dance, listen to popular music, read novels, wear jewelry, play cards, bowl, play pool, or even be fascinated by professional sports.|[[James R. Nix]]|Growing Up Adventist: No apologies needed<ref>{{cite journal
 | last = Nix
 | first = James
 | title = Growing Up Adventist: No apologies needed
 | journal = Adventist Review
 |year=2006
 | url = http://www.adventistreview.org/issue.php?issue=2006-1509&page=8
 | accessdate = 2007-01-14}} For a less restrictive account of an Adventist childhood in the 1970s, see ''Growing Up Adventist'' by Andy Nash</ref>

=== Pathfinders ===
The Youth Department of the Adventist church runs an organization for 10- to 15-year-old boys and girls called [[Pathfinders (Seventh-day Adventist)|Pathfinders]], which is similar to the [[Scouting]] movement. After a child is 16 or older he is no longer consider a Pathfinder but considered staff. (SDA MANUAL) Pathfinders exposes young people to such activities as camping, community service, personal mentorship, and skills-based education, and trains them for leadership in the church. Yearly "Camporees" are held in individual Conferences, where Pathfinders from the region gather and participate in events similar to Boy Scouts' Jamborees.

"Adventurer" (ages 6-9), "Eager Beaver", and "Little Lambs" clubs are programs for younger children that feed into the Pathfinder program. Those above 16 are eligible to become "Master Guides" (similar to Scout Master) and will begin to take on leadership roles within the club.

==== Youth Camp ====
The Seventh-day Adventist Church operates youth camps all over North America. Each camp varies in the activities they manage but most have archery, swimming, horses, arts and crafts, nature, high ropes challenge course, and many other common activities. In addition to regular camps some have specialty camps, or RAD camps, which vary from either a week of surfing, waterskiing/wakeboarding, rock climbing, golf, skateboarding, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, cycling, basketball, and many others.

== Organization ==
=== Structure and polity ===
[[Image:Ottawa French Seventh-day Adventist Church.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The [[French language|French-speaking]] [[Ottawa French Seventh-day Adventist Church|Ottawa Seventh-day Adventist Church]], a former [[synagogue]]]]

The Seventh-day Adventist church is governed by a form of [[democracy|democratic]] representation which resembles the [[Presbyterian polity|presbyterian]] system of church organization. Four levels of organization exist within the world church.<ref name="churchmanual">{{cite book
 | title =Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual
 | publisher =The Secretariat, [[General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists]]
 |year=2005
 | location =Hagerstown, Maryland
 | pages = 26
 | url = http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/church_manual/Seventh-day-Adventist-Church-Manual-17th-edition.pdf
 | id = |format=PDF}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adventist.org/world_church/facts_and_figures/structure/index.html.en|title=World Church Structure and Governance}}</ref>

# The local church is the foundation level of organizational structure and is the public face of the denomination. Every baptized Adventist is a member of a local church and has voting powers within that church.
# Directly above the local church is the "local conference" or "local mission". The local conference/mission is an organization of churches within a state, province or territory (or part thereof) which appoints ministers, owns church land and organizes the distribution of tithes and payments to ministers.
# Above the local conference is the "union conference" or "union mission" which embodies a number of local conferences/missions within a larger territory.
# The highest level of governance within the church structure is the [[General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists|General Conference]] which consists of 13 "Divisions", each assigned to various geographic locations. The General Conference is the church authority and has the final say in matters of conjecture and administrative issues. The General Conference is headed by the office of [[List of presidents of the Seventh-day Adventist Church|President]], which as of March 2009 is held by Dr. [[Jan Paulsen]]. The General Conference head office is in [[Silver Spring, Maryland]].

Each organization is governed by a general "session" which occurs at certain intervals. This is usually when administrative decisions are made. The president of the General Conference, for instance, is elected at the [[General Conference Session]] every five years. Delegates to a session are appointed by organizations at a lower level. For example, each local church appoints delegates to a conference session.

[[Tithes]] collected from church members are not used directly by the local churches, but are passed upwards to the local conferences/missions which then distribute the finances toward various ministry needs. Within a geographic region, ministers receive roughly equal pay irrespective of the size of their church.{{Fact|date=January 2008}}

The Church Manual<ref name="churchmanual"/> gives provisions for each level of government to create educational, healthcare, publishing, and other institutions that are seen within the call of the [[Great Commission]].

[[Image:DSCN2842 campionchurch e 600.jpg|left|240px|thumb|Campion Academy Adventist Church in [[Loveland]], [[Colorado]]]]

=== Church officers and clergy ===
A number of [[laity|lay]] offices exist within the local church, including the [[ordination|ordained]] positions of [[Elder (religious)|elder]] and [[deacon]].<ref name="churchmanual"/> Elders and deacons are appointed by the vote of a local church business meeting or elected committees. Elders serve a mainly administrative and pastoral role, but must also be capable of providing religious leadership (particularly in the absence of an ordained minister). The role of deacons is to assist in the smooth functioning of a local church and to maintain church property.

The ordained [[clergy]] of the Adventist church are known as [[Minister of religion|ministers]] or [[pastors]]. Ministers are neither elected nor employed by the local churches, but instead are appointed by the local conferences, which assign them responsibility over a single church or group of churches.

=== Membership ===
[[Image:SDA Membership.svg|thumb|right|Graph of church membership over time]]
The primary prerequisite for membership in the Adventist church is [[believer's baptism|baptism by immersion]]. This, according to the church manual, should only occur after the candidate has undergone proper instruction on what the church believes.<ref name="churchmanual"/>

As of October 2007, the church has 15,433,470 baptized members.<ref name="CouncilStats">{{cite conference
 | author = Adventst News Network
 | title = Statistical Report
 | booktitle = Church reports largest membership growth rate since 2002 audit 2007, October 14.
 | url = http://news.adventist.org/data/2007/09/1192400552/index.html.en
 | format = html
 | accessdate = 2007-10-14
}}</ref> Just over one million people joined the Adventist church in the 12-month period ending June 2006 (inclusive), through baptisms and professions of faith. The church is one of the world's fastest-growing organizations, primarily due to increases in membership in the [[developing nations]]. Today, less than 10% of the world membership reside in the United States, with large numbers in [[Africa]] as well as [[Central America|Central]] and [[South America]]. Depending on how the data was measured, it is reported that church membership reached 1 million between 1955 and 1961, and grew to five million in 1986. At the turn of the 21st century the church had over 10 million members which grew to over 14 million in 2005.<ref name="WebStats"/> It is believed that over 25 million worship weekly in churches.<ref>{{cite press release
 | title = World Church: San Antonio, Texas Selected As 2015 GC Session Site
 | publisher = Seventh-day Adventist Church
 |date=2006-10-10
 | url = http://news.adventist.org/data/2006/09/1160516750/index.html.en
 | accessdate = 2006-10-18
}}</ref> The church operates in 202 out of 230 countries and areas recognized by the [[United Nations]],<ref name="WebStats"/> making it one of the most widespread Protestant denominations.<ref>(temporary source to show some legitimacy [http://www.amazon.com/Foundations-Seventh-Day-Adventist-Message-Mission/dp/0943872456]</ref>

=== Church institutions ===
The [[Biblical Research Institute]] is the theological research center of the church.

The [[Ellen G. White Estate]] was established in 1915 at the death of Ellen White, as specified in her legal will. Its purpose is to act as custodian of her writings, and as of 2006 has 15 board members. The Ellen G. White Estate also hosts the official Ellen White website [http://www.whiteestate.org/ whiteestate.org].

The [[Geoscience Research Institute]], based at [[Loma Linda University]], was founded in 1958 to investigate the scientific evidence concerning origins.

== Adventist mission ==
[[Image:Mozambique baptism1.JPG|thumb|right|200px|A pastor baptizes a young man in Mozambique]] Started in the late 1800s, Adventist mission work today reaches people in over 200 countries and territories.<ref name="WebStats"/> Adventist mission workers preach the [[gospel]], promote health through hospitals and clinics, run development projects to improve living standards, and provide relief in times of calamity.<ref name="adventistmission">{{cite web
| title=Adventist Mission
| url=http://www.adventistmission.org/article.php?id=2&PHPSESSID=fb6a8cd5ae23417d9da0624c410cc990
| accessdate=2007-01-17}}</ref>

Missionary outreach of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is aimed at both non-Christians and Christians from other denominations. Adventists believe that Christ has called his followers in the [[Great Commission]] to reach the whole world. Adventists are cautious, however, to ensure that [[evangelism]] does not impede or intrude on the basic rights of the individual. [[Freedom of religion|Religious liberty]] is a stance that the Adventist Church supports and promotes.<ref>{{cite web
| title=A Seventh-day Adventist Statement on Religious Liberty, Evangelism, and Proselytism
| publisher=[[General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists]] Administrative Committee
|year=2000
| url=http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/statements/main_stat50.html
| accessdate=2007-01-18
}}</ref>

[[Image:Andrews university.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Aerial photograph of [[Andrews University]], the flagship higher education center of the Adventist church.]]

=== Education ===
The Adventist Church operates 7,200 schools, colleges and universities, with a total enrollment of more than 1,400,000 students and approximately 75,000 teachers.<ref>{{cite web
|title=Department of Education, Seventh-day Adventist Church
|url=http://education.gc.adventist.org/
|accessdate=2007-01-17
}}</ref> It claims to operate "one of the largest church-supported educational systems in the world".<ref>"[http://news.adventist.org/data/2003/1049230850/index.html.en World Church: A Closer Look at Higher Education]" by Wendi Rogers/Mark A. Kellner/[[Adventist News Network]], April 1, 2003. Accessed 2008-04-16</ref> In the United States it operates the largest Protestant educational system, and is second only to that of the Roman Catholic Church.<ref>''[[Seeking a Sanctuary]]'', p113</ref>  The Adventist educational program is comprehensive, encompassing "mental, physical, social and above all, spiritual health" with "intellectual growth and service to humanity" as its goal.

=== Health ===
Adventists run a large number of [[List of Seventh-day Adventist hospitals|hospitals]] and health-related institutions. Their predominant school of medicine and hospital in North America is [[Loma Linda University]] and its attached [[Loma Linda University Medical Center|Medical Center]]. Throughout the world, the church runs a wide network of hospitals, clinics, and sanitariums. These play a role in the church's health message and worldwide missions outreach.<ref name="adventist health outreach">{{cite web|url=http://www.adventist.org/mission_and_service/global_mission.html.en|title=Adventist Health Outreach}}</ref>
[[Image:LLU Medical Center.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Loma Linda University Medical Center]]

=== Humanitarian aid and the environment ===
For over 50 years the church has been active in humanitarian aid through the work of the [[Adventist Development and Relief Agency]] (ADRA). ADRA works as a [[non-sectarian]] relief agency in 125 countries and areas of the world. ADRA has been granted General Consultative Status by the [[United Nations Economic and Social Council]]. Worldwide ADRA employs over 4,000 people to help both provide relief in crises and development in situations of poverty.

The church is committed to the protection and care of the environment<ref>[http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/statements/main_stat9.html A Statement on the Environment], 1995 and [http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/statements/main_stat10.html Statement on Stewardship of the Environment], 1996. See also fundamental beliefs #6, "Creation" and #21, "Stewardship".</ref> as well as taking action to avoid the dangers of [[climate change]]:<ref>[http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/statements/main_stat8.html The Dangers of Climate Change: A Statement to Governments of Industrialized Countries], 1995 (Official statement)</ref>:

"Seventh-day Adventism advocates a simple, wholesome lifestyle, where people do not step on the treadmill of unbridled over-consumption, accumulation of goods, and production of waste. A reformation of lifestyle is called for, based on respect for nature, restraint in the use of the world's resources, reevaluation of one's needs, and reaffirmation of the dignity of created life."<ref>[http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/statements/main_stat10.html Statement on Stewardship of the Environment], 1996</ref>

=== Religious liberty ===
The Adventist church has been active for over 100 years advocating for freedom of religion for all people, regardless of faith. In 1893 its leaders founded the [[International Religious Liberty Association]], which is universal and non-sectarian. The ''Seventh-day Adventist Church State Council'' serves to protect religious groups from legislation that may affect their religious practices. This is primarily achieved through advocacy. Recently the organization has been fighting to pass legislation that will protect Adventist employees who wish to keep their Sabbath.

=== Media ===
[[Image:Hope-logo.jpg|thumb|right|Hope Channel logo]]
[[Image:Amazingfacts.png|thumb|right|Amazing Facts logo]]
[[Image:3abn logo.jpg|thumb|right|3ABN logo]]
Adventists have long been proponents of media-based ministries. Traditional Adventist evangelistic efforts consisted of street missions and the distribution of tracts such as ''The Present Truth'', which was published by [[James Springer White|James White]] as early as 1849. Until [[John Nevins Andrews|J. N. Andrews]] was sent to [[Switzerland]] in 1874, Adventist global efforts consisted entirely of the posting of tracts such as White's to various locations.

In the last century, these media based efforts have also made use of emerging media such as [[radio]] and [[television]]. The first of these was [[H. M. S. Richards]]' radio show ''[[Voice of Prophecy]]'', which was initially broadcast in [[Los Angeles]] in 1929. Since then Adventists have been on the forefront of media evangelism, and one program, ''[[It Is Written]]'', founded by [[George Vandeman]], was the first religious program to air on colour television and was the first major Christian ministry to utilize satellite uplink technology. Today the ''[[Hope Channel]]'', the official television network of the church, operates 8 international channels broadcasting 24 hours a day on both cable and satellite networks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hopetv.org/article.php?id=3&PHPSESSID=3af5f8fc707345b1fad6fd481c6879c8|title=Hope Channel}}</ref> Hope Channel also has 3 internet channels.

Recently, a number of satellite broadcasted live evangelistic events have been undertaken by evangelists such as [[Doug Batchelor]], [[Mark Finley]] and [[Dwight Nelson]], addressing audiences in up to 40 languages simultaneously.<ref>{{cite news
| title = Net '98 Finale: Conclusion of Largest-ever Satellite Outreach Program
| work =
| publisher = Adventist News Network
|date=1998-11-06
| url = http://news.adventist.org/issues/data/911244065/#1
| accessdate = 2007-01-20
}}</ref> John Carter is another leading Adventist evangelist.

Additionally, there exists a range of privately owned media entities representing Adventist beliefs. These include the [[3ABN]] and [[SafeTV]] networks. ''[[Amazing Facts]]'' and ''The Quiet Hour'' are two other radio and television programs.

=== Publishing ===
The Adventist Church owns and operates many publishing companies around the world. Two of the largest are the [[Pacific Press Publishing Association|Pacific Press]] and [[Review and Herald Publishing Association|Review and Herald]] publishing associations located in the United States. The Review and Herald is located in [[Hagerstown, Maryland]].<ref name="gcpublishing">{{cite web|url=http://publishing.gc.adventist.org|title=Publishing work of the Seventh-day Adventist Church}}</ref>

The official church magazine is the ''[[Adventist Review]]'', which has a North American focus. It has a sister magazine (''[[Adventist World]]'') which has an international perspective. Another major magazine published by the church is the bimonthly ''[[Liberty (Adventist magazine)|Liberty]]'' magazine, which addresses issues of [[religious freedom]].

=== Ecumenical activity ===
The Adventist Church generally opposes the [[Ecumenism|ecumenical movement]], although it supports some of the goals of ecumenism. The [[General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists|General Conference]] has released an official statement concerning the Adventist position with respect to the ecumenical movement, which contains the following paragraph:

"Should Adventists cooperate ecumenically? Adventists should cooperate insofar as the authentic gospel is proclaimed and crying human needs are being met. The Seventh-day Adventist Church wants no entangling memberships and refuses any compromising relationships that might tend to water down her distinct witness. However, Adventists wish to be "conscientious cooperators." The ecumenical movement as an agency of cooperation has acceptable aspects; as an agency for organic unity of churches, it is much more suspect."<ref>{{cite web
 | last = Beach
 | first = Bert
 | authorlink =
 | coauthors =
 | title = Seventh-day Adventists and the Ecumenical Movement
 | work =
 | publisher = [[General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists]]
 |month=June | year=1985
 | url = http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/other_documents/other_doc3.html
 | format =
 | doi =
 | accessdate = 2007-01-10}}</ref>

While not being a member church of the [[World Council of Churches]], the Adventist Church has participated in its assemblies in an observer capacity.<ref>{{cite news
 | title = World Church: Adventists Observe World Council of Churches Assembly
 | publisher = Adventist News Network
 |date=March 7, 2006
 | url = http://news.adventist.org/data/2006/02/1141762525/index.html.en
 | accessdate = 2007-01-10}}</ref>

== Criticism ==
The Adventist Church has received criticism along several lines, including its allegedly [[heterodox]] doctrines, in relation to [[Ellen G. White]] and her status within the church, and in relation to alleged exclusivist attitudes and behaviour.<ref>{{cite web
| title = Seventh-day Adventist Church profile
| publisher = Religious Tolerance.org
| url=http://www.religioustolerance.org/sda.htm
}}</ref> Many high profile critics of the church are former Adventists, such as [[D. M. Canright]], Walter Rea and [[Dale Ratzlaff]].

=== Doctrines ===
Several distinctive Adventist doctrines have been identified as [[heterodoxy|heterodox]] by critics. Teachings which have come under repeated scrutiny are the [[annihilationism|annihilationist]] view of [[hell]], the [[investigative judgment]] (and related view of the [[atonement]]), and certain [[Eschatology (Adventist)|eschatological views]]. Adventists have often been accused of [[legalism (theology)|legalism]], because of their emphasis on law-keeping and strict Sabbath-observance.<ref>{{cite web
| author= Zinke, R
| title=Letter
| publisher=Adventist Review
|year=2006
| url=http://adventistreview.org/article.php?id=580
| accessdate=2007-02-05
}}
</ref><ref>{{cite web
| title=The move away from legalism
| author=Robin A.Brace
| publisher=UK Apologetics
|year=2001
| url=http://www.ukapologetics.net/moveaway.htm
| accessdate=2007-02-05
}}
</ref>

While some religion experts such as [[Anthony Hoekema]]<ref>{{cite book|title=The Four Major Cults|author=Anthony A. Hoekema|year=1963|publisher=William B. Eerdmans}}</ref> have classified Adventism as a [[sectarian]] group on the basis of its atypical doctrines, it has been widely considered more mainstream to traditional-historical Christian churches since meetings and discussion with conservative Protestants in the 1950s.<ref>George R. Knight "A Search For Identity The Development Of Seventh-Day Adventist Beliefs", Review and Herald Publishing Associatiion, 2000, Pg 165</ref> Notably, [[Billy Graham (evangelist)|Billy Graham]] invited Adventists to be part of his crusades after ''[[Eternity (magazine)|Eternity]]'', a conservative Christian magazine edited by [[Donald Barnhouse]], asserted that Adventists are Christians in 1956. [[Walter Martin]]’s ''The Truth about Seventh-day Adventists'' (1960) marked a turning point in the way Adventism was viewed.<ref>{{cite web
| title=The Day Adventists Became Christians
| author=Loren Dickinson
| publisher=Spectrum
|date=2006-11-02
| url=http://www.spectrummagazine.org/library/columns2006/061102dickinson.html
| accessdate=2007-01-19
}}</ref><ref>Donald Grey Barnhouse, "Are Seventh-day Adventists Christians?" Eternity, September 1956, 7.</ref>

:"...it is perfectly possible to be a Seventh-day Adventist and be a true follower of Jesus Christ despite [[heterodox]] concepts..."|Walter Martin|Kingdom of the Cults<ref>Walter Martin, ''Kingdom of the Cults'' Off-site Link (Bethany House, Minneapolis, Minnesota), Updated edition 1997, p.517.</ref>

=== Ellen G. White and her status ===
[[Ellen G. White]]’s status as a modern day [[prophet]] has often been criticized. It is argued that the authority attached to her writings by the church contradicts the [[Protestant]] ''[[sola scriptura]]'' principle. In response, Adventists have asserted that the concept of a contemporary prophet is not prohibited by Scripture, and that Scripture remains the ultimate authority to which White’s writings are also subject. [[Walter T. Rea]] and other critics have accused White of [[plagiarism]].<ref>{{cite book
| title= The White Lie
| author= Walter T. Rea
| publisher=Moore Publishing Co
|year=1983
}}</ref> After a 10-year study of White's book ''[[Desire of Ages]]'', Adventist scholar Fred Veltman found that for the chapters he studied, there was content which derived from other sources without citation.<ref>{{cite web
| author=Veltman, Fred
|month=November | year=1988
| title=Life of Christ Research Project
| url=http://www.adventistarchives.org/documents.asp?CatID=13&SortBy=1&ShowDateOrder=True
}}</ref> The nature of the literary dependence must however be taken in the context of what was accepted at the time. In her time writers would frequently borrow words from other writers to get their own ideas across. It has also been argued that the sources she borrowed from were known to her readers, eliminating the likelihood of an intention to deceive.<ref name="numbersspectrum">{{cite journal
| title= An Author Replies to His Critics
| author= Ronald L. Numbers
| journal= [[Spectrum Magazine]]
| volume= 8
| issue= 2
| year= 1977
| month= January
| pages= 27–36
| url= http://www.spectrummagazine.org/spectrum/archive06-10/8-2numbers.pdf
| format= PDF}}</ref><ref>Attorney Vincent L. Ramik, a specialist in patent, trademark, and copyright cases. After researching about 1,000 copyright cases in American legal history, Ramik issued a 27-page legal opinion in which he concluded "Ellen White was not a plagiarist, and her works did not constitute copyright infringement/piracy." [http://www.egwtext.whiteestate.org/issues/faq-egw.html]</ref>

=== Exclusivism ===
Finally, it is alleged that certain Adventist beliefs and practices are exclusivist in nature. Non-Adventist critics have raised concern about the Adventist claim to be the “[[Remnant (Adventist)|remnant church]]”, and the traditional association of [[Roman Catholicism]] and other denominations with "[[Babylon (New Testament)|Babylon]]".<ref name="SDACatholic"/><ref>{{cite web
| title=Is the Seventh-day Adventist Church a Cult?
| author=Robert K. Sanders
| publisher=Truth or Fables
| url=http://www.truthorfables.com/SDA_Cult.htm
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|title=Seventh-Day Adventism
|publisher=Catholic Answers
|url=http://www.catholic.com/library/Seventh_Day_Adventism.asp
|accessdate=2007-02-05
}}</ref><ref>See also [[Questions on Doctrine]], chapters 20 and 21.</ref> These attitudes are said to legitimize the [[proselytism|proselytising]] of Christians from other denominations.<ref>{{cite web
| title=SDA church claims to be the remnant
| publisher=adventisttruth.org
| url=http://www.adventisttruth.org/TruthPDF/TC.pdf
| accessdate=2005-02-06
|format=PDF}}</ref> In response to such criticisms, Adventist theologians have stated that the doctrine of the remnant does not preclude the existence of genuine Christians in other denominations, but is concerned with institutions.<ref>{{cite web
| title=The Remnant and the Adventist Church
| author=Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
|month=October | year=2002
| publisher=[[Biblical Research Institute]]
| url=http://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/documents/remnantSDAchurch.htm
| accessdate=2007-02-05
}}</ref>

:"We fully recognize the heartening fact that a host of true followers of Christ are scattered all through the various churches of Christendom, including the Roman Catholic communion. These God clearly recognizes as His own. Such do not form a part of the "Babylon" portrayed in the Apocalypse."|''[[Questions on Doctrine]]'', p. 197.

== Independent ministries, offshoots, and schisms ==
=== Independent ministries ===
see also Independent ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

In addition to the ministries and institutions which are formally administered by the denomination, numerous para-church organizations and [[Independent ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church|independent ministries]] exist. These include various health centers and hospitals, publishing and media ministries, and aid organizations.

A number of independent ministries have been established by groups within the Adventist church who hold a theologically distinct position or wish to promote a specific message. These include such organizations as [[Hope International (Seventh-day Adventist)|Hope International]] and [[Good News Unlimited]]. Certain of these ministries solicit funding from members and have a strained relationship with the official church, which has expressed concerns that such ministries may threaten Adventist unity.<ref>[http://www.adventistreview.org/2000-1538/hope-international.html Report on Hope International and Associated Groups], Adventist Review, 2000.</ref> Some groups such as [[Amazing Facts]] have been criticized for disseminating anti-Catholic material. In response, the church has acknowledged that some Adventists "have manifested prejudice and even bigotry" against Catholics, while insisting that such behavior is not condoned.<ref name="SDACatholic">{{cite web
 | title =How Seventh-day Adventists View Roman Catholicism
 | publisher =[[General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists]] Administrative Committee
 |date=1997-04-15
 | url =http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/statements/main_stat42.html
 | accessdate = 2007-01-11}}</ref>

=== Offshoots and schisms ===
Throughout the history of the denomination, there have been a number of groups who have left the church and formed their own movements. These are not affiliated with the Adventist church in any way. They operate under their own system of beliefs and are considered to be entirely separate from the church.

A well known but distant offshoot is the [[Branch Davidian]]s, themselves a schism within the larger Davidian movement.<ref name="Davidian Seventh-day Adventist">{{cite web|url=http://www.davidiansda.org/fundamental_belief.htm|title=Fundamental beliefs of DSDA as compared with the ones of the Seventh-day Adventist Church}}</ref> The Davidians formed in 1929, after [[Victor Houteff]]'s book "[[shepherd's rod|The Shepherd's Rod]]" was rejected as being [[Christian heresy|heretical]]. A succession dispute after Houteff's death in 1955 led to the formation of the Branches. Later, another ex-Adventist, [[David Koresh]], led the Branch Davidians until he died in the 1993 [[Waco siege|siege]] at the group's headquarters near [[Waco, Texas]].

Following [[World War I]], a group known as the [[Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement]] was formed as a result of the actions of certain [[Europe]]an church leaders during the war, who decided that it was acceptable for Adventists to take part in war. When attempts at reconciliation failed after the war, the group became organized as a separate church at a conference from July 14-20, 1925. The movement officially incorporated in 1949.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} In 2005, the mainstream church apologized for its failures during [[World War II]].<ref>"[http://www.adventistreview.org/article.php?id=92 Church Leaders Say 'We're Sorry': German and Austrian churches apologize for Holocaust actions]" by Mark A. Kellner</ref>

[[Robert Brinsmead]]'s group was the most "troublesome" in the history of the church up until its time.<ref>{{cite book
  | last = Schwarz
  | first = Richard W.
  | authorlink = Richard W. Schwarz
  | title = Light Bearers to the Remnant
  | publisher = [[Pacific Press Publishing Association|Pacific Press]] and [[General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists|General Conference]] Department of Education
  | year = 1979
  | location = [[Boise, Idaho|Boise]], [[Idaho]]; [[Oshawa, Ontario|Oshawa]], [[Ontario]], [[Canada]]
  | pages = 456–461
  | url =
  | doi =
  | asin = B0006CZ2QO
  | id = 
}}</ref>

The Sabbath Rest Advent Church has its origins in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.  Fred Wright (circa 1926-1997), an ordained minister of the SDA Church in [[New Zealand]] in the early 1960s, was disfellowshipped for preaching contrary to the Church's beliefs.  He moved back to his native [[Australia]] and began a private ministry.  Wright would eventually claim to be the only channel of light to God's church, calling himself the Primary Messenger.  Andreas Dura of Germany replaced Wright and is the present Primary Messenger.       

The largest schism within Adventism was the [[Glacier View controversy]] of 1980. This crisis centered around the 900-page research paper by Dr. [[Desmond Ford]] entitled ''Daniel 8:14, the Investigative Judgment, and the Kingdom of God''. The paper questioned the church's position on the [[investigative judgment]]. The meetings at [[Glacier View Ranch]], near [[Estes Park, Colorado]], rejected Ford's proposals. The schism caused by this rejection resulted in Ford being removed from teaching and having his ministerial credentials revoked. Many Adventists also left the church as a result.<ref>{{cite web
| author=[[Arthur Patrick]]
| title=Twenty-five years after Glacier View
|month=October | year=2005
| publisher=[[Adventist Today]]
| url= http://www.atoday.com/6.0.html?&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=49&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1&cHash=0b214c4947
| accessdate=2007-01-20
}}</ref> In the years since, Ford has worked through the independent ministry [[Good News Unlimited]].

Since the 1970s, debate concerning the [[inspiration of Ellen White]] has been particularly heated. A number of Adventists such as former ministers [[Walter T. Rea|Walter Rea]] and [[Dale Ratzlaff]] left the church and have become prominent critics of the church's teachings and particularly of Ellen White. In parallel with these events, many Adventist scholars have adopted more moderate views of her inspiration. The official position of the church related to the prophetic gift of Ellen G. White remains unchanged.

[[Gay]], [[lesbian]], [[bisexual]], and [[transgender]] ([[LGBT]]) individuals who are or have been practicing Adventists, have formed a social network that is not officially associated with the church called [[SDA Kinship International]],<ref>[http://www.sdakinship.org SDA Kinship International] Official website</ref> formed in 1976. The view of the Adventist church toward the Kinship organization can be understood from a 1987 lawsuit filed for trademark infringement against Kinship International—District Judge Mariana R. Pfaelzer ruled that Seventh-day Adventist Kinship International, Inc. did not infringe on the SDA Church's use of the name and therefore could continue to use the identifying name.<ref>[http://www.sdakinship.org/history.htm]SDA Kinship History—from Official Website</ref><ref>[http://home.netcom.com/~crmin/csdachurch/tmark.html]"A Brief History of SDA Trademark Lawsuits"</ref><ref>[http://www.sdakinshipaustralia.org/pdf/KinshipNewsletter_Issue4.pdf]"SDA Kampmeeting Australian Newsletter, Issue 4"</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Seventh-day Adventist theology]]
* [[History of the Seventh-day Adventist Church]]
* [[General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists]]
* [[Sabbath and Seventh-day Adventism]]
* [[Ellen G. White]]
* [[Christian vegetarianism]]
* [[Criticism of the Seventh-day Adventist Church]]
* [[List of Seventh-day Adventists]]
* [[28 Fundamentals]]

== References ==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
* [http://www.adventist.org/ Seventh-day Adventist Church]—Official website
* [http://www.iasdcancun.com/ Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cancun, Mexico]—Official website of the Region 102 Seventh Day Adventist Church
** [http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/fundamental/index.html Fundamental beliefs]
** [http://www.adventist.org/directory_of_organizations.html.en Directory of Organizations]
** [http://www.adventistyearbook.org/default.aspx? Adventist Yearbook]
** [http://www.adventistdirectory.org/ Adventist Directory]—Find churches, schools, hospitals, administrative offices, and more worldwide.
** [http://www.adventiststatistics.org/ Adventist Statistics]
* [[Biblical Research Institute]]—The official Theological Research Center
* [http://www.whiteestate.org/ Ellen G. White Estate]—The official Ellen White website
* [http://www.adventistreview.org/ Adventist Review]—The official Seventh-day Adventist Church periodical
* [http://www.adventistmission.org/ Adventist Mission]—The official mission awareness website of the Adventist Church
* [http://www.global-mission.org/ Global Mission]—The official project giving website of the Adventist Church
* [http://www.churchstate.org/ Seventh-day Adventist Church State Council]—Dedicated to Adventist principles of religious liberty
* [http://www.adventistarchives.org/DocArchives.asp Adventist Archives]—View Adventist documents from the 1800's to today.
* [http://www.hopetv.org/ The Hope Channel]—The Official Television Network of the Church
* [http://www.libertymagazine.org/ Liberty Magazine]—A bi-monthly magazine published by the church that addresses issues of religious freedom
* [http://www.grisda.org/index.htm Geoscience Research Institute]—Set up to investigate origins
* [http://www.AdventistMatch.com Adventist singles]—Adventist Singles Social Network
* [http://www.adventistonline.com AdventistOnline.com]—A social network of Adventists
* [http://www.AdventistRecipes.com Adventist Recipes]—Biblically clean recipes
* [http://www.religioustolerance.org/sda.htm ReligiousTolerance.org profile]
* [http://www.forces.gc.ca/h/religions/engraph/religions30_e.asp Religions in Canada, Department of National Defence, Government of Canada]
* [http://www.andrews.edu/library/car/sdapiindex.html Seventh-day Adventist Periodical Index (SDAPI)] and [http://www.andrews.edu/library/car/sdapiobits.html Obituary Index]

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