Theme
According to Ernst Käsemann’s famous dictum, apocalypticism is “the mother of all Christian theology.” Clearly, Seventh-day Adventism exists because apocalyptic passages are part of the biblical canon. Interpretations of these texts have evolved in conjunction with the general development of SDA theology. Ever since Millerites focused on proclaiming Christ’s soon coming, the meaning of apocalyptic Bible passages has been a matter of debate in the Advent movement.
The fourth symposium of the Institute of Adventist Studies (IAS) at Friedensau Adventist University aims at deliberating the varieties, continuities, and distinct emphases in Adventist interpretations of biblical apocalypticism.
Beyond Daniel and Revelation, what have been the roles of other biblical passages of this genre (e. g., in Zechariah, Ezekiel, and the writings of Paul and Peter)? What impact, if any, did the Methodist, Baptist, and Christian Connection backgrounds of the founders have on their particular “apocalyptic accent”? Which themes were stressed in earlier periods, and which received attention in later generations? How should the denominational spectrum of hermeneutical and interpretative traditions with regard to apocalyptic materials be assessed? How have Adventists handled key themes such as theodicy and judgment, the nearness and “delay” of the parousia, and consequences of apocalyptic eschatology for mission and ministry? What impact has the apocalyptic orientation had for members’ anticipation and angst regarding future events, and for their life in the world, but not of the world?
By observing and pondering Adventist discourses in the various realms touched by apocalyptic beliefs and thought, symposium participants will aim both at critically analyzing and at gaining a fresh appreciation for a contested, but crucial element of Christian theology and salvation history – the expectation that “the Kingdom of God is at hand.”
Call for Papers
We invite proposals for scholarly papers that will discuss and reflect on the significance of biblical apocalypticism for Seventh-day Adventism and the scope of Adventist interpretations. Your proposal must include an abstract (150-200 words), summarizing the main thesis and trajectory of argumentation, and a working title. Submit proposals in MS Word format to Rolf Pöhler (ias@thh-friedensau.de) no later than October 15, 2019. Please include your full name, qualification, position, institution, mailing address, and email address. We particularly invite women and scholars from outside of Europe and North America to submit proposals. Paper presentations are limited to 20 minutes (2,500 words), plus time for questions and discussion. Notifications of acceptance will go out by November 15. Final drafts may be longer and should be submitted by March 31, 2020.
Papers will be double-blind peer-reviewed and, if accepted, published by the Institute in book form within a year after the symposium.
