Great Controversy theme
Encyclopedia
In Seventh-day Adventist
theology the Great Controversy theme refers to the cosmic
battle between Jesus Christ and Satan
, and also played out on earth. The concept is derived from many visions the author claimed to have received, scriptural references, and is delineated in the book The Great Controversy
, first published in 1858, by Ellen G. White
, a co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The concept is important in Adventist theology because it provides an understanding of the origin of evil, and of the eventual destruction of evil and the restoration of God's original purpose for this world. It constitutes belief number 8 of the church's 28 Fundamentals
.
This theme is viewed as incompatible with a Calvinistic view of Christian theology, but is more inline with Arminian theology. Hence, Calvinistic leaning Christians view this theme and the Adventist movement that embraces it as cultic or heterodox.
describes hearing "the Great Controversy from an unlikely source". In a lecture from The Teaching Company
by philosopher and "agnostic Episcopalian
" James Hall
, Goldstein perceived him teaching "basically, the great controversy scenario, pretty much how any traditional Adventist would."
Seventh-day Adventist Church
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 of Jesus Christ...
theology the Great Controversy theme refers to the cosmic
Cosmos
In the general sense, a cosmos is an orderly or harmonious system. It originates from the Greek term κόσμος , meaning "order" or "ornament" and is antithetical to the concept of chaos. Today, the word is generally used as a synonym of the word Universe . The word cosmos originates from the same root...
battle between Jesus Christ and Satan
Satan
Satan , "the opposer", is the title of various entities, both human and divine, who challenge the faith of humans in the Hebrew Bible...
, and also played out on earth. The concept is derived from many visions the author claimed to have received, scriptural references, and is delineated in the book The Great Controversy
The Great Controversy (book)
The Great Controversy is a book written by Ellen G. White, one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and held in esteem as a prophet of God among SDA members. It describes the "Great Controversy theme" between Jesus and Satan, as played out over the millennia from its start in heaven,...
, first published in 1858, by Ellen G. White
Ellen G. White
Ellen Gould White was a prolific author and an American Christian pioneer. She, along with other Sabbatarian Adventist leaders, such as Joseph Bates and her husband James White, would form what is now known as the Seventh-day Adventist Church.Ellen White reported to her fellow believers her...
, a co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The concept is important in Adventist theology because it provides an understanding of the origin of evil, and of the eventual destruction of evil and the restoration of God's original purpose for this world. It constitutes belief number 8 of the church's 28 Fundamentals
28 Fundamentals
The 28 Fundamentals are a core set of theological beliefs held by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Traditionally, Adventists have been opposed to the formulation of creeds. It is claimed that the 28 Fundamentals are descriptors not prescriptors; that is, that they describe the official position of...
.
This theme is viewed as incompatible with a Calvinistic view of Christian theology, but is more inline with Arminian theology. Hence, Calvinistic leaning Christians view this theme and the Adventist movement that embraces it as cultic or heterodox.
Official position
One of the 28 fundamental beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists states:- 8. Great Controversy:
- All humanity is now involved in a great controversy between Christ and Satan regarding the character of God, His law, and His sovereignty over the universe. This conflict originated in heaven when a created being, endowed with freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God's adversary. He led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he led Adam and Eve into sin. This human sin resulted in the distortion of the image of God in humanity, the disordering of the created world, and its eventual devastation at the time of the worldwide flood. Observed by the whole creation, this world became the arena of the universal conflict, out of which the God of love will ultimately be vindicated. To assist His people in this controversy, Christ sends the Holy Spirit and the loyal angels to guide, protect, and sustain them in the way of salvation. (Rev. 12:4-9; Isa. 14:12-14; Eze. 28:12-18; Gen. 3; Rom. 1:19-32; 5:12-21; 8:19-22; Gen. 6-8; 2 Peter 3:6; 1 Cor. 4:9; Heb. 1:14.)
Other commentary
Clifford GoldsteinClifford Goldstein
Clifford R. Goldstein is an American author and editor. He is a leading figure in the Seventh-day Adventist denomination and espouses traditional Adventist beliefs.- Biography :...
describes hearing "the Great Controversy from an unlikely source". In a lecture from The Teaching Company
The Teaching Company
The Teaching Company is a Chantilly, Virginia company that produces recordings of lectures by university professors and high-school teachers. It sells the courses in CD, DVD, MPEG-4, and MP3 formats.- Background :...
by philosopher and "agnostic Episcopalian
Episcopal Church (United States)
The Episcopal Church is a mainline Anglican Christian church found mainly in the United States , but also in Honduras, Taiwan, Colombia, Ecuador, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, the British Virgin Islands and parts of Europe...
" James Hall
James Hall (philosopher)
James H. Hall was the James Thomas Professor of Philosophy at the University of Richmond from 1965 until his retirement in 2005. He remains at the university as Professor Emeritus. His philosophical interests include: 20th Century analytic philosophy, epistemology, philosophy of religion, and...
, Goldstein perceived him teaching "basically, the great controversy scenario, pretty much how any traditional Adventist would."
See also
- The Great Controversy (book)The Great Controversy (book)The Great Controversy is a book written by Ellen G. White, one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and held in esteem as a prophet of God among SDA members. It describes the "Great Controversy theme" between Jesus and Satan, as played out over the millennia from its start in heaven,...
- Seventh-day Adventist theology
- Seventh-day Adventist eschatology
- 28 Fundamentals28 FundamentalsThe 28 Fundamentals are a core set of theological beliefs held by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Traditionally, Adventists have been opposed to the formulation of creeds. It is claimed that the 28 Fundamentals are descriptors not prescriptors; that is, that they describe the official position of...
- Ellen G. WhiteEllen G. WhiteEllen Gould White was a prolific author and an American Christian pioneer. She, along with other Sabbatarian Adventist leaders, such as Joseph Bates and her husband James White, would form what is now known as the Seventh-day Adventist Church.Ellen White reported to her fellow believers her...
External links
- "The Great Controversy", chapter 8 in Seventh-day Adventists Believe... A Biblical Exposition of 27 Fundamental Doctrines, by the Ministerial Association
- "A Cosmic Struggle: We’re all involved and we all must decide" by Douglas Matacio. Adventist WorldAdventist WorldAdventist World is a monthly international magazine of the Seventh-day Adventist Church published by the Review and Herald Publishing Association...
- The Great Controversy by Ellen White from the White Estate