TheoRhēma

The History of Adventist Doctrine: Development, Diversity, Homogeneity

Denis Kaiser — 2025-09-23

As a subdiscipline of Adventist Studies, the history of Adventist theology presents an interesting field of study. The Adventist aversion to creeds and dogmas allowed for an openness to growth in understanding Scripture. This history exhibits both continuity and change, with some using it to establish tradition or advocate for divergence. Detecting these shifts requires navigating vast Adventist archives and online databases, with researchers facing the challenge of minimizing biases. A comprehensive study must consider the history of biblical interpretation, individual biographical elements, and the chronological flow of arguments and ideas within the church. This approach involves understanding individuals, identifying patterns, and determining macro- and/or micro-developments. The article will outline appropriate procedures, methods, and working steps, highlighting the relevance of this subdiscipline for the church and other academic fields.

The “Way of the Lord” as the Ethical Content of the Patriarchal Education: Abraham and Job as Case Studies

Gheorghe Șchiopu-Constantin — 2025-09-23

Abraham and Job, two prominent Old Testament figures, lived during the same historical period and were valued by God for their integrity (Gen 26:5; Job 1:8; 2:3). Both played key roles in God’s plans. God revealed to Abraham the purpose of His visit to Sodom (Gen 18:20, 21), knowing Abraham would guide his descendants to “keep the way of the Lord, by doing what is right and just” (Gen 18:19). Regarding Job, God declared him “blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil” (Job 1:8; 2:3). Both narratives imply a “way of the Lord” that they respected (Gen 26:5; Job 23:11), yet neither Genesis nor Job provides an ethical code defining it. This study explores the ethical conduct implied by “the way of the Lord,” noting that both moral principles and ceremonial requirements are evident in their lives. The phrase highlights the values they passed down to their descendants, rather than merely discovering ethical content.

Foreshadowing the Monarchy’s Dilemma:A Rhetorical Analysis of Judges 19

Albert-Beniamin Cucu — 2025-09-23

The aim of this research is to analyze Judges 19 from a rhetorical perspective, applying the technique of chiastic-topographical structure. The analysis further contends that the toponyms serve a literary-theological function by foreshadowing the monarchy’s dilemma. They reveal a positive attitude towards Bethlehem of David and a negative one towards Gibeah of Saul. After employing the literary technique of chiastic-topographical structure, five units emerged: A. vv. 1–2 | Mount of Ephraim; B. vv. 3–10a | Bethlehem of Judah; C. vv. 10b–13 | Jabes; B’. vv. 14–28 | Gibeah; and A’. vv. 29–30 | Mount of Ephraim. The study suggests that the narrator intentionally avoids naming characters, instead emphasizing locations like Mount Ephraim, Bethlehem of Judah, and Gibeah, with a central focus on Jabes-Jerusalem. This arrangement serves to highlight a pro-David and anti-Saul monarchy sentiment.

Possible Effects of New Technologies and New Media Use on the Lives of Adventist Millennials in Bucharest

Florian Șerban — 2025-09-23

In recent decades, scholars have studied the influence of digital technologies, with particular focus on youth. The Millennial generation’s habits and preferences differ significantly from earlier ones, shaped by the internet, digital devices, and new media. Yet, in the Adventist Church in Romania, little research has addressed this topic. Exploring it may offer insights for youth ministry, especially regarding the declining participation of Millennial Adventists in local communities. Between December 2022 and January 2024, surveys and focus group discussions were conducted with 61 Adventist lay people and pastors in Bucharest, as well as 63 lay members from six churches. Their input highlighted a mature group of religious Millennials eager to uphold biblical values and engage actively in their churches and society. For church leadership, this poses both a challenge and an opportunity: to collaborate with Millennials in sharing the Gospel, both online and offline, while further exploring technology’s mixed effects.