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What is the New Theology Part 1: Overview
Authored by Pr. Larry Kirkpatrick and published on GreatControversy.org on October 1, 2004
We welcome readers to this 14 part series titled, “What is the New Theology?” For too long too little has been said to help God’s people maintain their discerning eye. The purpose of this series is to give church members the tools they need in order to identify the ideological markings of the New Theology. We present this material, not to label people or to berate them. Indeed, in the case of quotations used from newer workers in the church, we have elected not to identify who they are (while we have quoted by name the remarks of some more experienced workers). We view the matter as one that should drive each of us to deeper study. Hence, our series is not meant to be the last word, but as an invitation to study.
The material presented over these next few weeks in this fourteen part series is but a portion of that which we intend to publish in our forthcoming book, with the present working title, Simply Seventh-day Adventism. In fact, while the material we publish in this series centers on and critiques another position, most of the forthcoming book considers and explains positions positively from the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy.
The next three presentations provide crucial background for the remainder of the study. First, we give a historical envelope in which we can place the development of issues in Seventh-day Adventism. The history of God’s people in the Seventh-day Adventist movement is organized into four periods, corresponding to the angel messages. The fourth period is subdivided into a series of developmental timeframes, central to which is the idea that after 1888 the Church faltered and descended into an “insubordination parenthesis” which has kept us on earth for an extra century. Next, we explain why, although we make use of them, we don’t like the terms “Liberal” and “Conservative,” or the phrase “New Theology.” From there, we spend the bulk of the series outlining nine identifying marks of the New Theology. At last we offer reminder of the alternative to the New Theology, a viewpoint which has been called “Last Generation Theology.”
Some will be uncomfortable with this series, particularly the whole package. To such we say, study with us and draw whatever conclusions seem correct to you. Some will read and say, “I knew something was wrong, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Now I can.” Most of all, keep in mind that these are only markers. Many sincere persons who simply have known no other viewpoint have held mistaken notions about salvation that partake in some measure of the New Theology. Should you discover such, treat them with care and kindness. Rather than viewing the spread of the New theology as a vast, humanly orchestrated plan, realize that few, if any in the church, intentionally teach error. Let us win some to God’s truth by being winsome character witnesses for God’s truth. The hour is late.
We are raising money at this time to publish the book, we hope, in 2005. The volume will run some 400-500 pages. Presently the manuscript is approximately 70-80% complete. The major sections of the book deal with how Seventh-day Adventist doctrines are wired together, the humanity of Christ, the nature of sin, an updating of the discussion in the church on the nature of Christ, and an exploration of the New Theology versus Last Generation Theology. The issues are most timely, and we encourage those who feel helped by the material we now publish in extract from the book. If this 14 part series assists you in understanding these careful issues, consider whether it is being laid on your heart to help with the publishing project. This ministry is looking to raise approximately $10,000 to print the entire book. Donations should be made directly to GreatControversy.org, a registered not-for-profit religious corporation.
Proceed to Part 2.
