Name of Candidate: Shanice Adams

Name of Teacher: Father Gooden

School: Titchfield High School

Candidate Number: __________________

Centre Number: 100121

Topic of Research: Origin and Basic Beliefs of the Seventh~Day Adventist Denomination

Titles Pages

Acknowledgement …………………………………………………………………………….1

Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………2

Aims of Research ……………………………………………………………………………...3

Origin of the Seventh~Day Adventist Denomination ………………………………………..4~5

Basic Belief of the Seventh~Day Adventist denomination …………………………………..6~8

Method of Investigation ……………………………………………………………………….9

Procedures used to collect Data ……………………………………………………………..10~13

Findings ……………………………………………………………………………………….14

Analysis and Interpretation of Data …………………………………………………………15~22

Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………………….23

Appendix ……………………………………………………………………………………...24

Bibliography …………………………………………………………………………………..25

The

successful completion of this study would not have been possible without the assistance and

cooperation of a number of people. Consequently, I would like to thank the members of the

Seventh~Day Adventist Denomination, Port Antonio for their massive support and valuable time

spent on answering the questionnaires given.

To members of my family has been a constant source of encouragement and assistance. I

thank my parents for relieving me from household duties while I was engaged in this study. My

cousins were a great source of help in distributing questionnaires and collating data.

Finally, a special thank you to my Religious Education teacher, Father Gooden, who as

guided me every step of the way through this exercise.

The Seventh~Day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination distinguished

by its observance of Saturday, the original seventh day of the Judeo-Christian week, as

the Sabbath, and by its emphasis on the imminent second coming (Advent) of Jesus Christ. The

denomination grew out of the Millerite movement in the United States during the middle part of

the 19th century and was formally established in 1863. Among its founders was Ellen G. White,

whose extensive writings are still held in high regard by the church today.

Much of the theology of the Seventh~Day Adventist Church corresponds to Protestant

Christian teachings such as the Trinity and the infallibility of Scripture. Distinctive teachings

include the unconscious state of the dead and the doctrine of an investigative judgment. The

church is also known for its emphasis on diet and health, its holistic understanding of the person,

its promotion of religious liberty, and its conservative principles and lifestyle.

The aim of this research is to gain about the origin and the basic beliefs of the Seventh -

day Adventist Denomination. This research was also to further the knowledge of the researcher

towards the Seventh - day Adventist faith. The researcher sees this study as an opportunity to

expand, publicize, and get detailed information about the history and hierarchy of this prestigious

denomination.

The basic aims of this research are:

The origin of the Seventh - day Adventist faith and the changes which have

taken place over the years.

To observe the style of worship and behavior patterns of the Seventh- day

Denomination.

The Seventh~Day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination distinguished

by its observance of Saturday, the original seventh day of the Judeo-Christian week, as

the Sabbath, and by its emphasis on the imminent second coming (Advent) of Jesus Christ. The

denomination grew out of the Millerite movement in the United States during the middle part of

the 19th century and was formally established in 1863. Among its founders was Ellen G. White,

whose extensive writings are still held in high regard by the church today.

Much of the theology of the Seventh~Day Adventist Church corresponds to Protestant

Christian teachings such as the Trinity and the infallibility of Scripture. Distinctive teachings

include the unconscious state of the dead and the doctrine of an investigative judgment. The

church is also known for its emphasis on diet and health, its holistic understanding of the person,

its promotion of religious liberty, and its conservative principles and lifestyle.

The Seventh~Day Adventist Church is the largest of several Adventist groups which

arose from the Millerite movement of the 1840s in upstate New York, a phase of the Second

Great Awakening. Miller predicted on the basis of Daniel 8:14–16 and the "day-year principle"

that Jesus Christ would return to Earth between the spring of 1843 and the spring of 1844. In the

summer of 1844, Millerite Adventists came to believe that Jesus would return on October 22,

1844, understood to be the Biblical Day of Atonement for that year. When this did not happen,

most of his followers disbanded and returned to their original churches.

Some Millerites came to believe that Miller's calculations were correct, but that his

interpretation of Daniel 8:14 was flawed as he assumed it was the 'earth that was to be cleansed'

or Christ would come to cleanse the world. These Adventists arrived at the conviction that

Daniel 8:14 foretold Christ's entrance into the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary rather

than his second coming. This new awareness of a sanctuary in heaven became an important part

of their thinking. Over the next few decades this understanding developed into the doctrine of

the investigative judgment: an eschatological process commencing in 1844 in which Christians

will be judged to verify their eligibility for salvation and God's justice will be confirmed before

the universe. This group of Adventists continued to believe that Christ's second coming would be

imminent. They resisted setting further dates for the event, citing Revelation 10:6, "that there

should be time no longer.”

The official teachings of the Seventh~Day Adventist denomination are expressed in its 28

Fundamental Beliefs. This statement of beliefs was originally adopted by the General

Conference in 1980, with an additional belief (number 11) being added in 2005. Acceptance of

either of the church's two baptismal vows is a prerequisite for membership. The following

statement of beliefs is not meant to be read or received as a "creed" that is set in theological

concrete. Adventists claim but one creed: “The Bible, and the Bible alone.”

Adventist doctrine resembles Trinitarian Protestant theology,

with premillennial and Armenian emphases. Adventists uphold teachings such as the infallibility

of Scripture, the substitutionary atonement, the resurrection of the dead and justification by faith

alone, and are therefore often considered evangelical.] In common with certain other Christian

churches, they believe in immersion and creation in six literal days. (The modern Creationist

movement started with Adventist George McCready Price, who was inspired by a vision of Ellen

White.)

In addition, there is a generally recognized set of "distinctive" doctrines which distinguish

Adventism from the rest of the Christian world, although not all of these teachings are wholly

unique to Adventism:

Law (fundamental belief 19)—the Law of God is "embodied in the Ten Commandments", which

continue to be binding upon Christians.

Sabbath (fundamental belief 20)—the Sabbath should be observed on the seventh day of the

week, specifically, from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset.

Second Coming and End times (fundamental beliefs 25–28)—Jesus Christ will return visibly to

earth after a "time of trouble", during which the Sabbath will become a worldwide test.

The second coming will be followed by a millennial reign of the saints in heaven. Adventist

eschatology is based on the historicist method of prophetic interpretation.

Holistic human nature (fundamental beliefs 7, 26) — Humans are an indivisible unity of body,

mind and spirit. They do not possess an immortal soul and there is no consciousness after death

(commonly referred to as "soul sleep").

Conditional immortality (fundamental belief 27)—the wicked will not suffer eternal torment

in hell, but instead will be permanently destroyed.

Great Controversy (fundamental belief 8)—Humanity is involved in a "great controversy"

between Jesus Christ and Satan. This is an elaboration on the common Christian theory that evil

began in heaven when an angelic being (Lucifer) rebelled against the Law of God.

Heavenly sanctuary (fundamental belief 24)—at his ascension, Jesus Christ commenced

an atoning ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. In 1844, he began to cleanse the heavenly

sanctuary in fulfillment of the Day of Atonement.

Investigative Judgment (fundamental belief 24)—A judgment of professed Christians began in

1844, in which the books of record are examined for the entire universe to see. The investigative

judgment will affirm who will receive salvation, and vindicate God in the eyes of the universe as

just in his dealings with mankind.

Remnant (fundamental belief 13)—There will be an end: time remnant who keep the

commandments of God and have "the testimony of Jesus" (Revelation 12:17). This remnant

proclaims the "three angels' messages" of Revelation 14:6–12 to the world.

Spirit of Prophecy (fundamental belief 18) — the ministry of Ellen G. White is commonly

referred to as the "Spirit of Prophecy" and her writings are considered "a continuing and

authoritative source of truth", though ultimately subject to the Bible.

In order to collect accurate data for this research, the researcher decided to use printed

questionnaires. This method of investigation has several advantages:

It guarantees confidentiality seeing as though persons answering the

questionnaires are not required to give their names.

It is easy to complete and is not time consuming.

People are able to do the questionnaire in their own time and comfort.

It is very precise and there can only be one answer.

There are approximately six hundred members (600) of the Port Antonio Seventh~Day

Adventist church.

The researcher used the process of random selection in order to decide who would have

the privilege of answering a questionnaire. A total of one hundred (100) questionnaires were

distributed and the researcher received a total of 100 in return.

In order to do the random selection, the researcher wrote down the names of one hundred

members of the church. The pieces of paper with the names were placed into a ‘scandal’ bag and

shaken. The researcher then threw the papers on a table and then 100 of them were picked up and

the researcher used those persons as respondents.

There was a case where two respondents were not available to answer the questionnaire,

consequently the researcher wrote up 5 more names on papers and the random selection process

was done again and the 2 names chosen was used to make up the 100 respondents.

1) How long have you been a member of the Seventh~Day Adventist Church?

1 – 5 yrs { }

6 – 10 yrs { }

11 – 20 yrs { }

21 – Present { }

2) When was the Seventh~Day Adventist faith originated?

19th Century { }

18th Century { }

17th Century { }

16th Century { }

3) In which country was the first Seventh~Day Adventist church situated?

Germany { }

England { }

Jamaica { }

Untied States of America { }

Other _____________________________________________________________

4) Who is one of the founders of the Seventh~Day Adventist church?

Ellen G. White { }

Jesus Christ { }

The Jews { }

The Pope { }

Other ______________________________________________________________

5) Is baptism one of the main practices of the Seventh~Day church?

Yes { }

No { }

6) When is the major weekly service held at the Seventh~Day Adventist Church?

Sunday { }

Wednesday { }

Friday { }

Saturday { }

7) How many times per year does Seventh~Day Adventist practice Communion?

10 Times { }

5 Times { }

4 Times { }

2 Times { }

8) Is it true that Pork and Selfish foods should not be eaten by Seventh~Day Adventist?

Yes { }

No { }

9) What is meant by the word advent?

The second coming of Christ { }

The day of Pentecost { }

The Passover feast { }

Christ spending 40 days in the wilderness { }

10) What is the name of the creed that Seventh~Day Adventist uses in worship?

The Bible { }

The Torah { }

The Koran { ]

11) Which version of The Bible is most commonly used in Seventh~Day Adventist church?

The King James Version { }

The New International Version { }

The Revised Version { }

The New World Translation Version { }

Other ___________________________________________________________

12) Does Seventh~Day Adventist practise same-sex marriages?

Yes { }

No { }

Maybe { }

I don’t know { }

13) What is the ordained clergy of the Seventh~Day Adventist church called?

Pastors or Ministers { }

Bishop { }

Pope { }

Priest { }

14) Who is the current leader of the Seventh~Day Adventist denomination?

Ted N. C. Wilson { }

James White { }

Joseph Bates { }

J.N. Andrews { }

Other ____________________________________________________________

Throughout the

whole research there were quite a number of things that the researcher found out about the

Seventh~Day Adventist denomination. Some of these are:

The denomination began from in the 19th century in the United States America.

One of the most recognized founders of the denomination was Ellen G. White.

The denomination’s major weekly services are held on Saturdays.

Seventh~Day Adventists take communion 4 times per year.

The denomination only consumes kosher foods stated in Leviticus chapter 11.

The word Advent means The Second Coming of Christ.

The name of the creed that the denomination uses is called ‘The Bible’.

The King James Version of the Bible is mostly used in the denomination.

Pastors or a minister is the name given to ordained clergy of the denomination.

The current leader of the denomination is Ted N. C. Wilson

The denomination does not practice same-sex marriage.

A total number of 100 questionnaires were distributed to members of the Port Antonio

Seventh~Day Adventist church. 100 of the questionnaires were completed and returned to the

researcher. 50% of the respondents were females and another 50% were males.

Fig.1 Expresses the percentage of persons who answered the question: When was the

Seventh~Day Adventist faith originated?

80%

10% 5% 5%

When the Seventh-day Adventist faith originated

19th Century 18th Century 17th Century 16th Century

Fig.2 shows the number of respondents that answered the question: Is baptism one of the main

practices of the Seventh - day Adventist church?

90%

10%

Is baptism one of the major practices for Seventh-day Adventist

Yes No

Fig.3 shows how members responded to the question: In which country was the first

Seventh~Day Adventist church situated?

Germany

England

Jamaica

United States of America

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%

In which country was the first Seveth-day Adventist church situated?

Fig.4 Demonstrates bar and table chart showing the respondents of members to the question:

How many times per year does Seventh~Day Adventist practice communion?

10 Times

5 Times

4 Times

2 Times

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

How many times per year does Seventh-day Adventist practice communion

How many times per year does Seventh-day Adventist practice communion

Fig.5 Depicts the percentage of answers to the question: Which version of the Bible is most

commonly used in the Seventh~Day Adventist church?

Kings James Version New International Version

Revised Version New World Translation Version

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

Which version of the Bible is most commonly used in Seventh-day Adventist church

Fig.6 shows the different answers to the question: does Seventh~Day Adventist practice same-

sex marriages?

Yes No Maybe I don't know0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Does Seventh-day Adventist Practice same-sex marriage?

Does Seventh-day Adventist Practice same-sex marriage?

It can be seen from Fig.1 that the majority of the respondents being 80% believe that the

Seventh~Day Adventist faith originated form in the 19th Century which is correct, while

remainder of respondents were split up into three options. 10% believe that it originated in the

18th Century and 5% believe that it was the 17th Century against the remaining 5% which ticked

the 16th Century. The Seventh~Day Adventist faith was started in the mid 19th Century and

continues today.

Fig.2 shows that majority of the members being 90% believe that baptism is one of the main

practices for Seventh~Day Adventist, while the remaining 10% believed differently. Baptism is

indeed one of the major practices for Seventh~Day Adventist.

Fig.3 indicates that out of the 100 respondents 15% believed that the Seventh~Day

Adventist church was not first situated in the United States of America. 5% believed that it was

first situated in Germany; another 5% believed that it was situated in England and another 5%

believed that it was situated in Jamaica. The remaining 95% believed that the Seventh~Day

Adventist church was first situated in the United States of America which is correct.

Fig.4 demonstrates the response to the question: How many times per year does

Seventh~Day Adventist practice communion. 20% said it is practiced two times per year. 10%

said it is practiced ten times per year. 10% said it is practiced five times per year, while 60%

gave the correct response stating that communion is practiced four times per year.

Fig.5 indicates responses stating which version of the bible is used the most in the

Seventh~Day Adventist church. 50% said the King James Version is used the most in church,

10% said the New International Version is mostly used. 15% believe that the Revised Version is

commonly used in church and 25% believe that the new translated Version is widely used by

Seventh~Day Adventist.

Fig.6 shows the response for the question: Does Seventh~Day Adventist practice same-

sex marriage. 75% said No, 10% said yes, another 10% said maybe same-sex marriage is

practiced but not on a regular basis while 5% ticked I don’t know. Seventh~Day Adventist

doesn’t practice same-sex marriage.

Throughout the completion of the research, the researcher has concluded that the

Seventh~Day Adventist Denomination originated on May 21, 1863 (Mid 19th Century). The

Denomination was started by Joseph Bates, James White, Ellen G. White, and J. N. Andrews.

The current leader for the Seventh~Day Adventist Denomination is Ted N. C. Wilson. The

denomination’s main weekly service is held on Saturdays to worship and read from The Holy

Bible which is the denominations creed. The King James Version of The Holy Bible is most

commonly used by the denomination.

The denomination do not part take of foods classified as “Unclean” such as pork and

shellfish. Seventh~Day Adventist only part take of kosher foods stated in Leviticus chapter11 of

The Holy Bible. The denomination also does not practice same-sex marriages.

People of the Seventh - day Adventist Denomination are called Adventist because they

believe in ‘The Advent’ which signifies the Second Coming of Christ. They also abstain from

secular work and certain forms of recreation on the Seventh day (7th) of the week. The seventh

day is regarded as a Holy day, a day to rest from all work and to give God thanks for everything

he has done.

Advent - The Second Coming of Christ.

Atonement - To make up for having done something wrong.

Baptism - The ceremony in which is formally baptized and received into the Christian

Church.

Creed - a set or formal statement of religious beliefs.

Evangelist - a person who preaches the Christian faith enthusiastically.

Immersion – to be immersed by work or some other activity is to be concentrating fully on it.

Imminent - Likely to happen at any moment.

Infallibility - Never wrong; never failing.

Prerequisite - Something required as a condition or in preparation for something else.

Protestant - A member of any of the western Christian Churches separated from the Roman

Catholic Church.

Theology - The Study of Religion.

Trinity - In Christian belief, God regarded as three Persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

Necessary information for this research was obtained from the following secondary

source:

Internet Sources:

Retrieved March 23, 2012, from www.google.com

Retrieved March 23, 2012, from www.Wikipedia.org/Seventh-Day Adventist church