The Shaking of Adventism review Paxton, Geoffrey J 2025

The document, authored by Geoffrey J. Paxton, explores the theological evolution of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in relation to its claims of being heirs to the Protestant Reformation. It is divided into three parts: an introduction discussing Adventism's unique position, a historical analysis from 1844 to 1950 highlighting the church's struggles with justification and sanctification, and a contemporary examination of the ongoing theological conflicts within Adventism since 1950. Paxton critiques the church's tendency to subordinate justification to sanctification, aligning more closely with Roman Catholic theology than with Reformation principles. He emphasizes the importance of understanding righteousness by faith as primarily justification rather than a combination with sanctification. The document also addresses significant figures and movements within Adventism that have influenced its theological stance, including Robert Brinsmead's 'Awakening message' and Desmond Ford's contributions. Ultimately, it calls for a return to a clearer articulation of the Reformation gospel within Adventism.