Rob, check out the official SDA website and click on the Beliefs button. Number 11 is the new one that was added at the last GC Session.

http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/fundamental/index.html

Kevin, are any of the 28 fundamental beliefs subject to change or modification? I'm not suggesting that's what you are saying.

Thank you, MM, and thanks for posting the link.

P.S. BEHOLD!

The main reason why the world remains in its current state is that its inhabitants are more interested in defending the positions they hold than in finding a solution to the world's problems.

Ahh, yes, the amazing - BEHOLD! That reminds me of the first time I saw my wife. Wow!

MM, to answer a question you posted to Kevin, I would say "Yes, the 28 Fundamentals should be open to revision." Truth is ever progressing, or rather our understanding of truth progresses. Therefore, as understanding changes, the 28 fundamentals should reflect this change.

All doctrine should be constantly subjected to scrutiny. Not only that, but one should constantly strive to identify and challenge their assumptions. Otherwise there is no growth in understanding. I know many individuals who have stalemated their understanding of theology/doctrine/church teachings/whatever in the 1950's when they joined the church, learned the "Truth", and decided that was it; they've got the package deal, and don't confuse me with the facts. I find them frustrating, closed minded, and judgemental.

It may be that as we examine our beliefs we will travel a circular path, first holding a position, modifying it, holding an alternate position, modifying that, and eventually finding ourselves at our initial understanding. The difference is that the pathway has given us a deeper and more complete understanding of the position we now hold. "Truth" may exist only in the journey to find it.

Rob, I checked out your profile and noticed you indicated you are not an SDA? Did I read it right? The reason I'm curious is because you seem to be very familiar with Adventism. I'm also curious how you know about - Behold.

Concerning revising the 28 fundamental beliefs. I can see rewording them to convey the same concrete conclusion, and maybe even adding a new supporting detail or two. But I cannot imagine revising them in such a way as to contradict an existing belief or doctrine.

What do you think?

Mountain Man asked "Kevin, are any of the 28 fundamental beliefs subject to change or modification? I'm not suggesting that's what you are saying."

That is not what I am saying, however, the 27 (Now 28?) has been written to be open to different interpetations with in Adventism: For example, in discussing the atoning death of Jesus, it is written in a way that it can be said with conviction by the extreamly forensic among us, as well as those of us who are not forensic in our understanding of the atonement.

The world does not change from being round just because there were people who thought it was flat, but judging from their evidence on how when we look around us it appears fairly flat.

I like a statement that one of my Bible professors said: "Students keep asking if I'm going to give the same final exam that I gave last year. My answer is 'Yes, the exam is the same, but the answers may have changed.'" as we learn more evidence that leads us into deeper understandings of the truth.

Rob, I was hoping to hear further from you.

Kevin, do you suspect or anticipate radical changes or modifications to any one of the 28 SDA fundamental beliefs? For example, is it possible that God will, sometime in the future, raise up a prophet and instruct him or her to overturn our current doctrinal understanding of the 2300 day prophecy, or the 1260 day prophecy? something like change the beginning or ending dates? or expand them to include a day for day application at the end of time?

Do you see what I mean? Is it possible God might do something like that?