Seventh-Day Adventists
The Seventh-Day Adventists are a Protestant Christian restorationist denomination that originated in the mid-19th century during the Second Great Awakening in the United States. They were heavily influenced by the Millerite movement, which anticipated the imminent return of Jesus Christ. After the Great Disappointment of 1844, when Christ's return did not occur as predicted by William Miller, several groups emerged to reinterpret the prophecy, one of which developed into the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
A significant figure in the formation of this denomination was Ellen G. White, who is regarded by Adventists as a prophetess and whose extensive writings continue to influence their beliefs and practices. Her visions and interpretations of Scripture helped shape Adventist theology, including their emphasis on the Sabbath being observed on Saturday, the belief in an investigative judgment, and the imminent Second Coming of Christ. The denomination is also known for promoting health reform, education, and missionary work globally.
Unlike most restorationist movements, such as the Jehovah's Witnesses or the Mormons, they are not inherently heretical, although some of their distinctive teachings and practices have been subjects of theological debate among other Protestant groups. They hold to core Christian doctrines such as the divinity of Christ, the Trinity, and salvation by grace through faith. However, their emphasis on doctrines like the observance of the Sabbath on Saturday and the investigative judgment, a belief that Christ is currently reviewing the lives of believers to determine their eternal destiny, has drawn criticism from some quarters for being extra-biblical or misunderstood interpretations of Scripture.
