Latest Submissions

• Loading...

  Item type:Item,

  An Analysis of nineteenth-century Seventh-day Adventist creationism age of the earth in Genesis 1:1-3

  (Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies, 1991-05) Emerson, Ranjitkumar Edwin Arjuna

  Show more

  This study analyzes the Seventh-day Adventist view of the inorganic gap theory of the nineteenth century. Ronald Numbers maintained that the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in the nineteenth century, attempted to compromise Genesis creation with the geological ages by proposing a time gap between verses 1 and 3 of Genesis 1. And this compromise was seen in articles published in the Review and Herald and the Signs of the Times in the late 1890s. To test the truth of the Ronald Numbers' affirmation, a page by page search was implemented on the nineteenth-century Review and Herald and Signs of the Times. The main purpose was to determine whether a shift occurred or not. If a shift did occur, a further purpose was to find out why and when this shift took place. Some Seventh-day Adventist writers of the nineteenth century postulated an inorganic gap between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2. The inorganic gap theory states that God created the earth in the beginning, at a time earlier than the six days of creation. God created this earth "in the beginning" only in its elementary substances and in a chaotic condition. After a period of time or gap, God brooded over the chaotic elementary substances, and the earth assumed its present globular form. Then God brought order and life to the world in six literal days. Some proponents of the gap theory suggest that God has not revealed the length of this gap and, therefore, it is idle to conjecture. But some others suggest that the inorganic gap might have been ages in length, extending far into the past, to a time beyond the grasp of the human mind. Some of their supporting arguments are the usage of the Hebrew words bara and asah, and bereshith. The other arguments are that Lucifer was a morning star when God laid the foundation in the beginning, but later was known as a tempter when Adam and Eve were created; the angels were in existence; the first day begins in Genesis 1:3; and Kellogg's idea of numerous unfinished worlds such as Mars existing in the universe. Even though the inorganic gap position appeared from time to time in the 1860s and 1870s, a shift from the traditional position to the inorganic gap position became visible in the second half of the 1880's. This shift could be seen explicitly in the Review and Herald and Signs of the Times. This shift appeared to be an attempt to accommodate the Genesis creation with the long geological ages of the geologists. But this was not so. The majority of the writers viewed this position as another way of interpreting Genesis 1:1-3

  Show more
• Loading...

  Item type:Item,

  Lifestyle evangelism for reaching Hindus

  (Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies, 1992-03) Sundaraj, John Stephen

  Show more

  Converting Hindus is one of the major problems of the Indian church. The tradition-oriented Hindus almost always challenge the Christian concept of conversion. The case chosen for this research alludes to this fact. This study attempts to offer lifestyle evangelism as an alternative method to evangelize Hindus in India. The study includes four component parts: description, analysis, interpretation, and pastoral action. Part I: Description The case portrays the difficult condition of Kumar, a new convert from South India, after his baptism in the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA). The family members of Kumar had a great resentment against his new found faith and even challenged the truthfulness of Christianity by referring to the non-representative lifestyle of Christians. The case reveals the prevailing notion of Hindus against Christianity; and raises the pastoral-theological question of reaching the Hindus without triggering possible opposition. Part II: Analysis The study analyzed the socio-cultural, political, economical and religious dynamics affecting the case. The following factors might have caused Kumar's family members to reject Christianity. (a) A fear of family disunity and excommunication from the caste they belong; (b) The unfavorable attitude of the government against christians due to the Western influence on Christianity; and (c) The Hindu belief that Hinduism is an eternal religion and salvation is attained by individual efforts, which is incompatible with the Christian view of salvation in Jesus alone. Part III: Interpretation The study investigated various dimensions of lifestyle evangelism as expressed in the epistles of Paul. The writings of Paul were chosen because they are basically written for church situations. Lifestyle evangelism includes silent witnessing and active involvement in witnessing. Silent witnessing involves Christians living a consistent life and practicing Christian morality. According to Paul, Christian service and verbalization of the gospel are essential parts of lifestyle evangelism which requires active involvement of the believers. The SDA Church has emphasized and practiced lifestyle evangelism, particularly through healthful living since its inception. Daily growth in Christ has been stressed as a basis for lifestyle witnessing. The SDA Church in India in harmony with its teachings, serves the needy Indians through medical missionary work, Health and Temperance Department, Community Services, and ADRA. These services enhance witnessing. Part IV: Pastoral Action Pastoral strategies applicable to Kumar are to be implemented in various phases, which involves equipping and practicing lifestyle evangelism. A theological basis for lifestyle evangelism is to be provided by the biblical teaching on evangelism, consistent life and Christian service. A pilot training program and practice are done for chosen members for three months. This practical knowledge focuses on medical missionary work, effective witnessing, and Hindu culture. After a period of six month training the pilot group will train all the other church members for effective witnessing among Hindus. Some recommendations on cultural adoption, and Christian service are outlined for the Indian church in general.

  Show more