Adventism for a New Generation, by SteveDaily. 1993: Better living Publishers, Port-land, Oregon. Paperback 325 pages. $12.50plus shipping and handling.

Here is a book I heartily recommend.It is not only about Adventism for a new

generation. The book itself rightly repre-sents the new generation of Adventism.

Steve Daily is campus chaplain at LaSierra University in southern California, andhas been for 14years. Steve certainly knowsthe new generation.

No Investigative JudgmentEvery Adventist book in recent years thattouches on theology, has surrendered (inwhole or in part) the traditional Investiga-tive Judgment doctrine. So it is with Steve'sbook.

Also surrendered are the traditionalapproaches to Ellen White, the remnant,church, and similar themes.

For example, after explaining the offi-cial view of the Investigative Judgment (aspublished in the 27 Articles of Adventistbelief), Steve writes:

If you made sense out ofthat, con-gratulations. The sanctuary doctrine,with its emphasis on an investigativejudgment, has been challenged andquestioned more than any other beliefthroughoutthe history ofthe church. Ithas generally had little meaning orpractical relevance-except in a nega-tive sense.

Problems With Adventism's Past SanctuaryTheology

Many Adventists have used the sanc-tuary doctrine to warn of an investiga-tive judgmentthat undermines the gos-pel of Jesus. The doctrine has particu-larly been a stumbling block for manyyoung SDAs, who question its validitymore than any other major teaching ofthe church .... Some church membershave used this doctrine to promoteperfectionism, legalism and other guilt-producing forms of theology. The doc-trine has also been linked to churchteachings about "the time of trouble"

Book Reviewby Desmond Ford

A refreshing new book foresees aChrist-centered, revitalized Adventism

and "the close of probation" in a man-nerthathas produced a religion offearor arrogance, rather than security inChrist. (page 160)

Rethinking 1844Steve comments in a similar way on themeaning of 1844.The thing thatwas alwayssaid in earlier years (that is, the Investiga-tive Judgment) is conspicuously absent.

Many Adventists, including themajority of Seventh-day Adventistyoung people, seem uncertain or evenembarrassed when asked about themeaning of 1844for contemporary Ad-ventism. Some find it difficult to getpast the fact that our Millerite grand-parents made a big mistake in attempt-ing to calculate the coming ofthe Lord.Butthis is only a problem forthose whogenerally find it difficult to admit thatGod's people have always misunder-stood prophecy previous to its fulfill-ment, and that theology is always ahumble endeavor. With this in mind, letme suggest why I believe thatAdventists should not be embarrassedby their Millerite heritage today, butshould look backto 1844as a beginningpoint that they can feel good about.

1844 has meaning to me as anAdventist not primarily because of thedoctrinal formulations which grew outof this experience, but because of whatit teaches us aboutthe nature of healthyreligion and the character of ourmovement's pioneers. The followingseven points taken from their experi-ence summarize some basic reasonswhy 1844 deserves a place of primacyin Adventistthought which tra nscendsits doctrinal significance.1. Humility The Millerites remind usthat every human movement raised upby God is a fallible movement whichhas something to offer, but much moreto learn.2. Diligence It is through constantprayer, sincere inquiry, and Christ-cen-tered studythatthe process of discov-ering truth becomes a reality.3. Integrity To honestly stand for

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what you believe to be a principle, tothe point of being rejected by familyand friends, or giving up possessionsor employment, is the highest form ofintegrity.4. Courage To resist the power ofconformity and to follow where God'sSpirit leads, in spite of the severity orunpopular consequences that may re-sult from such a decision, is the es-sence of courage.5. Commitment It is rare for peopletobe fully committed to anything today,especially their religious convictions.The pioneers of 1844 remind us thatGod is looking for such unusual indi-viduals.6. Faith To experience and trust inGod's presence and power when pain,despair, confusion, and crisis have be-come overwhelming, makes faith anactive reality rather than just anotherreligious cliche.7. Endurance To keep your grip onGod through the agonies and ecsta-sies of human experience is a constantchallenge. The Advent pioneers whoweathered the 1844 disappointmentwould not let go of Jesus or His prom-ise. (Matt. 24:13) (pages 62-63)But where is the Investigative Judg-ment?

Some ContentsThe book's advertising brochure summa-rizes the contents of the book best.

In this exciting new book, you'll dis-cover:• whatthe Valuegenesis study tells

us about Adventism's need for re-definition

• the major trends that will shapethe church of the future

• an understanding of genuinelyhealthy religion that can serve asa norm for Adventism

• how knowing whowe are in Christcan reshape our identities and em-power us for growth and service

• why belief in creation matters-whether or not you're a scientist

• ways to make the Sabbath mean-

ingful and exciting through cel-ebration, service, and recreation

• why WWII martyr DietrichBonhoeffer was right that "onlythe suffering God can help"

• how we can still value and affirmthe ministry of Ellen White-evenafter all the discoveries ofthe lastdecade

• why the remnant church itself hasa truly prophetic role

• how not to be "damned throughthe church"

• a new vision for Adventist mission• how to be completely pro-life

Sample chapters include:"The Dangers of Growing Up in anAdventist Home: Rethinking AdventistFamily Life""Have We Become the Babylon OurPioneers Left? Adventism and Fear ofthe Spirit""Milgram's Pilgrims: Adventists andConformity""Are We a Non-Prophet Organization?Rediscovering the Prophetic SpiritTo-

day""Conscientious Objectors to the GreatControversy! Have We Opted Out ofthe Fight Against Evil?""Seven Biblical Truths Adventism Ig-nores! Are We as Biblical as We Claimto Be?""Healing the Schizophrenic Bride ofChrist: Redefining Our Self-CenteredRemnant Theology""Thawing the Frozen Chosen: Wakingthe Church Up to Vibrant Life throughService""Holy Heresy! On Radical SabbathKeeping""Does God Have AIDS? Suffering andSanctuary Doctrine"

Fun BrochureSome will be interested in the question onthe front cover of the advertising brochure:

"What do the pastor ofAdventism's largest church, the presi-dent of Adventism's largest confer-ence, and Adventism's best known dis-sident have in common?"

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The answer inside is,"They all think you should read

Adventism for a New Generation bySteve Daily."Recommendationsfollow. From Dr.Wil-

liam Loveless, senior pastor of Lorna LindaUniversity church; Dr. F.Lynn Mallery, presi-dent of Southeastern California Conferenceof SDAs; Desmond Ford, of GNU.

Sell your shirt if need be, but buy thisbook. Buy copies for your friends, too. Thisbook represents the wave of the future.

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