Geskiedenis van Adventisme krities beoordeel deur die lens van pluraliteit

Abstract

In this article the history of Adventism is viewed from the perspective of plurality. A discussion of the concepts “plurality” and “pluralism” indicate that, in this article, “plurality” refers to differences and group forming, while “pluralism” refers to an ideological view of plurality. Differences and disputes were very much part of the Millerites or Advent Movement out of which the Seventhday Adventist Church developed. The concept “Adventism” includes the Advent Movement and Seventhday Adventism. Plurality is definitely a characteristic of Adventism, and Adventists are consequently facing the challenge of dealing with differences and group forming in a constructive manner. The history of Adventism is divided into three sections: the Advent movement before 1844, developments after the “Great Disappointment of 1844”, and the later fragmentation within Adventism. The article shows that Adventists will have to develop a greater awareness of plurality, that they will have to come to a better understanding of how the church traditionally dealt with plurality, and that they need to accept the challenge of developing a theory that will enable them to deal with plurality more effectively. The situation in South Africa requires special attention as far as this issue is concerned.