Seventh Day Adventism In Africa

This book examines the complex history of Adventism in Africa, situating it within the context of African traditions and culture. From a small movement with origins in the United States, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has grown worldwide. It is one of several Christian denominations present in Africa and yet the history of Seventh-day Adventism in the global South has been largely unexplored by scholars. The book highlights the discrepancies between western traditions exhibited in the missionary enterprise and African religious systems. It also explores the intricate relation between colonialism and African Adventism in line with established studies in African Christianity. It will be of interest to scholars of religion and theology, particularly church history and mission studies, as well as African studies.

Africa is a key nerve center of growth for the Seventh-day Adventist church in the world today. Growth here occurs in the context of ingrained traditions and ideologies, and the church always faces the challenge of steering away from syncretism while seeking to be relevant to the African culture. This book is meant to provide a critical resource to pastors, missionaries, and evangelists as they minister in an increasingly spiritualistic African religious environment.

Journal of Asian and African Studies is continued as African and Asian Studies. See https://brill.com/view/journals/aas/aas-overview.xml for more information.

Black Seventh-day Adventists comprise more than one sixth of the church membership in North America. Such a significant number would perforce share in a significant amount of denominational history, and indeed would have a significant history of their own. That is what Louis B. Reynolds has drawn here, the result of many years of patient research and interviewing. Church-wide issues and the founding and development of major and minor institutions are reviewed, as well as human-interest vignettes of individuals and local successes. The volume is enhanced with specially commissioned paintings by Harry Anderson. - Introduction, 1 The Millerite Involvement, 2 A Beginning Out of a Tragic War, 3 The Hidden History, 4 Where a Few Were Gathered Together, 5 Into the Lion's Jaws, 6 Infants of Spring, 7 Shadow and Substance, 8 The Right Arm, 9 New Trails in the Old West, 10 The Oakwood School, 11 A Bright, Believing Band, 12 Treasure in Earthen Vessels, 13 A Boarding School in the North, 14 The Branches Overhang the Fence, 15 To the Cities of the East, 16 Separate Conferences:A Road to Fellowship, 17 Ambassadors to the World, 18 Never to Become Disheartened, Appendixes

The Seventh-day Adventist Church initiated its mission activities in East Africa in 1903. Sending missionaries mainly from Germany, England, and Scandinavia, European Adventists began a long and rich mission tradition in the region. Not only in religion but also in the fields of education, health, literacy, medicine, and social affairs important contributions have been made. The subject presented gives some interesting insights into modern missiology.