How does a church with nearly 15 million adult members living in more than 200 countries and using hundreds of languages do its theology?1 The members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church must ask themselves this question and respond to it until the Lord Jesus Christ returns.
Some may not see the importance of asking this question. They may think that this consists of following the Bible and our theology will be done. Others may posit that the work of theology has been done by the pioneers of the church and that our role involves following what they established. The pioneers would be disappointed by such a position because they certainly did not advance the concept that they completed the task of doing theology.
How does the worldwide church do its theology so that unity, harmony, and agreement within the denomination result? I believe that the world membership must be involved in the development of theology.
The places where we do theology
Where do most of the theological discussions take place? Certainly theologians discuss theology, but there are other venues where discussions occur.
Churches. More theological statements are made in the 60,000 Adventist congregations around the world than anywhere else—in Sabbath School classes, youth meetings, worship services, board meetings, calls for offerings, and a multitude of other activities that take place in the local congregation. What is being said? Is it theologically sound? Or is there a personal agenda that drives the statements? Do visitors and members hear sound theology supported by Scripture? What happens in the congregations has great theological significance for the theology of the church.
Pulpits. Congregational pastors perform a critical theological role in the church. Congregational pastors have a major input on both communicating what the world church accepts and listening to its members. Each sermon includes a theological statement and places great responsibility on those who have the privilege of preaching.
Schools. The 65,000 teachers in the denominational schools have significant theological influence on the more than 1.3 million students—a significant number who do not come from Seventh-day Adventist homes. What kind of theological message do the students receive?
The outcome
If the whole church becomes involved in doing theology, what would be the outcome in light of the diversity of the church? The Seventh-day Adventist Church exists as one of the most diverse and widespread denominations in the world. Is the theological landscape similar or are there significant differences in the denomination? I am pleasantly surprised at the level of agreement that exists. On the other hand, I am concerned that certain theological positions (often without biblical support) are advanced in certain areas even though the world church does not share the same view. Such local or personal views appeal to some, but they do not contribute to the unity of the church.
The future
What lies ahead? Because the study of theology cannot be considered static, we will continue to review and explore theological issues. The Holy Spirit has been available to the church, and He will continue to be available as we face theological issues. But will we listen? We must remember that the Spirit does not work in isolation—the Spirit leads us in the interpretation of the Word. And that is where my concern lies—a significant number of members do not study the Word of God on a regular basis.2 Will the Holy Spirit overrule ignorance of the Word? Most likely not; thus all of us need to refocus on the Word. If we are faithful students of the Word, I believe the Spirit will lead us and bring us together theologically.
The participants
Who, then, does theology? Certainly not a select group in some office removed from the eyes and ears of the membership. In this issue we have an interview with the theological staff of the Biblical Research Institute, an entity of the church’s world headquarters. Assuredly that team does not claim that its role includes the setting of the theology of the church. Involved in research, exploration, and confirmation of church theology, the institute does this with input from the theological community and membership at large.
Theology, then, is something the whole church does. At times the task challenges us, and we have to work diligently to reach consensus. But under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and with the Bible as the foundation, it will continue to be done. It’s a challenging task but a task the church must do. Otherwise, individuals or self-appointed groups will hijack the theology of the church. And that we must not allow to happen.
1 For the purposes of this editorial, I am defining theology as the beliefs and practices of the church as defined by Scripture.
2 A study presented to the 2002 Annual Council of the church indicates about 50 percent of the members read the Bible daily.
