Since its organization in 1863 the Seventh-day Adventist Church has been counter cultural. In its Christian witness to modern society it has advocated keeping the seventh-day Sabbath, vegetarianism, abstinence from tobacco and alcohol and refusal of its members to bear arms. But the stance on the refusal to bear arms has seen a metamorphous in modern times. Today more Seventh-day Adventist young people have voluntarily joined the military than in any previous generation of the Church’s history. This volume is a compliation of essays that were presented at a conference called to discuss the Adventist Church’s position on concientious objection. The presenters considered the history of the Church’s stand and the changing views. These discussions were not limited to American context but considered other countries including South Africa and Canada.
This volume will not only be a benefit to the Adventist scholar and historian, but to those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the Adventist struggle to remain faithful to the principles of the Sermon on the Mount and relevant in the modern age. Adventist young people who are considering the military as a career option would find this resource invaluable to understanding the history of those young people in the Church who faced the very same questions.
Barry W. Bussey, was born and raised in Newfoundland, Canada. He holds degrees in Theology, Political Science and Law. He is currently working on a PhD in Law at the Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. Barry is a member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and the Law Society of Upper Canada. He has appeared before various Canadian courts (including the Supreme Court of Canada), administrative boards and Parliamentary Committees on issues of religious freedom. His legal practice deals with all areas of church life including – employment law, property, estates and civil litigation. He is a member of the Board of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities; and International Justice Mission Canada.