September 12-October 10: Towards an Authentic Adventist Theology (A 5 week series)
with author Reinder Bruinsma
September 12: Foreword, Preface, and Introduction
10:30: Announcements, liturgy
opening prayer, and introduction
Presentation
11:30 Discussion
12:30: Closing Liturgy
ZOOM LINK - click for zoom class
Class website: www.sabbathseminars.org
For upcoming programs click HERE
Buy the Kindle version to begin reading today!
for a hard copy with 40% discount use discount code CONF40 at the Wipf and Stock Website. There will be 9 copies available in class for $30/ea. on September 17)
Dr. Bruinsma’s new book on Adventist theology is a refreshing 21st century work which invites vibrant discussion and dialogue. Rooted in a rich Adventist heritage and a theological education of great breadth and depth, Bruinsma is among the most relevant of current participants in Adventist theological reflection.
He has distilled 10 chapters (plus prologue and epilogue) down to 5 weeks of presentation and discussion for Sabbath Seminars. He will join us each week from the Netherlands.
Sabbath Seminars last made a serious effort to engage a work of “systematic theology” in 2024 with Karen Baker Putt’s fine “A Non-Violent Theology of Love.” It is a real challenge to address the central tenets of faith in new and refreshing ways, and many of us might be tempted to say, “Not again!” But each effort turns out to be deeply meaningful. Many will remember the satisfaction we had with her work, and with the opportunity to dialogue with her. And Bruinsma writes from an Adventist perspective. Here is the excellent Amazon summary:
This book provides a survey of Seventh-day Adventist theology. It underlines the solid Protestant Christian basis of Adventist teachings and deals with the denominational doctrinal specifics. It does not, however, in all respects follow traditional Adventist views but deviates in a number of instances from official Adventist doctrine. In most of these cases the author does not stand alone but gives a voice to what many other fellow Adventists, professional theologians and lay members think. He intends to affirm the faith of his coreligionists but also deals in all honesty with questions many in his church are struggling with. But despite his recurring doubts and reconsidering some of his beliefs, he remains a committed Adventist believer. With this “authentic” approach to Adventist theology he hopes to be of service to many Adventists who, with him, want to rethink and restate the content of the Adventist teachings as “present truth” not as a relic of nineteenth-century thinking but as relevant for Christians in this present time. He believes Adventism can continue to add to the richness of the Christian message, provided it is willing to attune its specifics to today’s spiritual challenges.
About Dr. Bruinsma (from Spectrum Magazine)
A native of the Netherlands, Reinder Bruinsma, PhD, retired in 2007 after a long career in pastoral, editorial, teaching, and church leadership assignments in Europe, the U.S., and West Africa. After receiving a BA from Newbold College and an MA from Andrews University, he earned a BDiv with honors and his doctorate in church history from the University of London. Bruinsma was president of the Belgian-Luxembourg Conference and executive secretary of the Trans-European Division. Before he retired as a union president Bruinsma led the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Netherlands. He is the author of 30 books including the most recent, Adventists and Catholics: The History of a Turbulent Relationship (2024). In 2021, Bruinsma received the Dutch royal title "Knight of the Order of Orange Naussau" for his work spreading the gospel, "not only for churchgoers but also for those who have little connection with the church."
Sabbath Seminars
Room 3208
Centennial Complex of Loma Linda University Sabbath Morning 10:30-12:30
Galileo Galilei: 'I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use.'
