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Out of Adventism: A Theologian’s Journey
From its humble beginnings in the nineteenth century, Seventh-day Adventism has remarkably grown to become one of America's largest, home-grown faiths, numbering nearly nineteen million members worldwide. Yet Adventism harbors dark secrets within its history. This is the true story of how one Adventist pastor, and university and seminary professor discovered these dark secrets and learned through painful, personal experience that neither the denomination nor its doctrine could be trusted. As his odyssey takes him from pastoral assignments in rural and urban congregations and finally into teaching religion at an Adventist university, he suddenly finds himself caught up in the maelstrom of a church's greatest theological crisis. For him, the denomination's theology and practice agonizingly unravel, forcing him to choose between loyalty to his church, his vocation, and his personal integrity. Rich in anecdotes and personal experiences, Out of Adventism guides readers interested in religious history, cults, and sects through the ins and outs of a religious community in crisis. Along the way, the reader not only gets an insider's view of Adventism, but also discovers a careful critique of the peculiar teachings of Seventh-day Adventism.
"Anyone who experiences doubts about their religious faith journey, whether they are Seventh-day Adventists or members of any other conservative religious organization, should read this book. Jerry Gladson carefully and lucidly chronicles his journey from a dogmatic fundamentalism to a liberating freedom found in Christ. . . . Although maligned and disappointed by leaders of the Adventist Church, he writes without bitterness. Dramatically, he finds light at the end of his journey. This is a must-read for anyone who has been hurt by a religious tradition or faith community."
--Melvin D. Campbell, Adjunct Professor at La Sierra University, Riverside, California
"Gladson was a loyal Adventist Old Testament scholar who made the mistake of arguing for the use of good scholarly tools in the study of the Bible. From then on, he was suspected of thought crimes and subjected to years of harassment that destroyed his family and career. His riveting account of those dark days is followed by a story of redemption that will lighten your heart. To every tormented believer trapped in fundamentalism Gladson brings hope of a better life in Christian communities that live up to their ideals."
--Aage Rendalen, Freelance Writer and Editor
"Reading this religious exit memoir makes me realize this book will help anyone who is skeptical about their faith community and who hopes to find fulfillment beyond its narrow reach."
--Warren Taylor, Certified Addictions Counselor, Smyrna, Georgia
"An inspired yet circumspect Adventist, Jerry Gladson resolved to devote his vocation to the Disciples of Christ--or was it to separate from Adventists? The reader, encountering a mosaic of challenges and barriers, opportunities and liberations, witnesses his covenant as a theologian. This bond, at a justly cellular level, is both mental and spiritual, sovereignly administered, renewing him in his newfound, mainline milieu. But the imprint of Adventism remained his matrix."
--By Robert L. Harris, President at Christian College of Georgia
Jerry Gladson is Senior Minister Emeritus of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Marietta, Georgia; Senior Adjunct Professor of Religion at Richmont Graduate University, Atlanta; and Adjunct Professor of Old Testament Language, Literature, and Exegesis at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia.
"Anyone who experiences doubts about their religious faith journey, whether they are Seventh-day Adventists or members of any other conservative religious organization, should read this book. Jerry Gladson carefully and lucidly chronicles his journey from a dogmatic fundamentalism to a liberating freedom found in Christ. . . . Although maligned and disappointed by leaders of the Adventist Church, he writes without bitterness. Dramatically, he finds light at the end of his journey. This is a must-read for anyone who has been hurt by a religious tradition or faith community."
--Melvin D. Campbell, Adjunct Professor at La Sierra University, Riverside, California
"Gladson was a loyal Adventist Old Testament scholar who made the mistake of arguing for the use of good scholarly tools in the study of the Bible. From then on, he was suspected of thought crimes and subjected to years of harassment that destroyed his family and career. His riveting account of those dark days is followed by a story of redemption that will lighten your heart. To every tormented believer trapped in fundamentalism Gladson brings hope of a better life in Christian communities that live up to their ideals."
--Aage Rendalen, Freelance Writer and Editor
"Reading this religious exit memoir makes me realize this book will help anyone who is skeptical about their faith community and who hopes to find fulfillment beyond its narrow reach."
--Warren Taylor, Certified Addictions Counselor, Smyrna, Georgia
"An inspired yet circumspect Adventist, Jerry Gladson resolved to devote his vocation to the Disciples of Christ--or was it to separate from Adventists? The reader, encountering a mosaic of challenges and barriers, opportunities and liberations, witnesses his covenant as a theologian. This bond, at a justly cellular level, is both mental and spiritual, sovereignly administered, renewing him in his newfound, mainline milieu. But the imprint of Adventism remained his matrix."
--By Robert L. Harris, President at Christian College of Georgia
Jerry Gladson is Senior Minister Emeritus of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Marietta, Georgia; Senior Adjunct Professor of Religion at Richmont Graduate University, Atlanta; and Adjunct Professor of Old Testament Language, Literature, and Exegesis at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia.
- GenresReligion
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 26, 2017
Religious communities can be both supportive and destructive. No one person's experiences will determine the value of a community. But, because religious communities can be destructive we need to pay attention to reports from within, even if those reports come from people who have left the tradition. I left a faith tradition, because I could see that it would limit my ability to grow spiritually and intellectually. I was fortunate that I made that transition early in my journey -- as a college senior. I didn't have a spouse or children. I wasn't in leadership. Such is not the case with Jerry Gladson, a Disciples of Christ minister (and thus a colleague), who rose to prominence within the Seventh Adventist Church and then ran afoul of its leadership and was forced out, but not before his family was dramatically and tragically affected, at least spiritually.
Jerry Gladson is a retired Disciples of Christ minister and Old Testament Scholar, and a former Seventh Day Adventist minister and scholar. He came to know the Adventist tradition in high school and would become a convert, being attracted by the powerful messages he heard. He would later go to what is now Southern Adventist University, where he prepared to become an Adventist minister. Later, after becoming a pastor, he pursued a masters and then PhD in Old Testament at Vanderbilt University. As he served the church, he was being prepared to be a scholar. While encouraged in this direction, and then being called to a teaching position at his alma mater, he would in time he would run afoul of the stultifying influence of the Adventist founder Ellen G. White. He would find it necessary to leave. In fact he was forced out when he began to raise questions that seemed to undermine White's influence, even though no heretical statements could be found, he was deemed dangerous because he raised questions and would not read Scripture through the lens of White's writings.
It is difficult to write a review of a book like this, because it's difficult to categorize. It is part memoir. Jerry tells his story in great detail, naming names even. He is as transparent as could be. It is also a theological work, in that it delves into the teachings of Ellen G. White. We learn that White borrowed rather liberally from other sources, while giving the impression that she was speaking as prophet. This became a problem for Jerry, as was the growing idolization of her, lifting here to near divine status. While the Bible is seen as definitive, White's interpretations are often not
to be questioned (and of course Jerry did). Jerry explores the distinctive doctrines (investigative judgment), which White developed as she lead the disillusioned followers of William Miller after the failure of his predictions of Christ's return failed to bear fruit. I'm still not sure I understand what this doctrine is, but it is the definitive doctrine of the church.
It is not uprisings that Jerry would become a Disciple after his experience as an Adventist. The Adventist tradition is rather rigid and legalistic. The Disciples, on the other hand, allow for a great deal of freedom, and it is more grassroots and democratic in its orientation. What Jerry experienced, as did his wife Laura (from whom he was divorced and later remarried after both left Adventism) was spiritual abuse.
I have known some really wonderful Adventists. As Jerry notes, Adventism in California is very different from that in the South, which is where he was involved. My sense is that for some, a tradition like this, one that is strict and dogmatic, can provide a safe spiritual zone. It becomes a problem when you begin to push on the walls, especially when the walls push back and begin to crush you. That is Jerry's experience. He was fully invested. He bought into the system. But then, perhaps in large part due to his educational experiences outside the fold, he began to question the foundations. But even as he did so, it was difficult to let go. Even after he left or was pushed out, he was marked by his experiences. Adventism continued to have a hold of him after leaving and joining in a new faith tradition.
As I said at the beginning. I'm not sure how to classify this book. It is a memoir, but it is also a theological expose. Adventism doesn't come off well, at least theologically. Though, he does commend them for their distinctive health practices, practices that have stayed with them. This is not the problem, nor is the practice of sabbatarianism. What is problematic is the inability to grow intellectually. I take that as a warning to all. If we cut ourselves off from opportunities to grow and learn then we will shrivel up spiritually.
Jerry Gladson is a retired Disciples of Christ minister and Old Testament Scholar, and a former Seventh Day Adventist minister and scholar. He came to know the Adventist tradition in high school and would become a convert, being attracted by the powerful messages he heard. He would later go to what is now Southern Adventist University, where he prepared to become an Adventist minister. Later, after becoming a pastor, he pursued a masters and then PhD in Old Testament at Vanderbilt University. As he served the church, he was being prepared to be a scholar. While encouraged in this direction, and then being called to a teaching position at his alma mater, he would in time he would run afoul of the stultifying influence of the Adventist founder Ellen G. White. He would find it necessary to leave. In fact he was forced out when he began to raise questions that seemed to undermine White's influence, even though no heretical statements could be found, he was deemed dangerous because he raised questions and would not read Scripture through the lens of White's writings.
It is difficult to write a review of a book like this, because it's difficult to categorize. It is part memoir. Jerry tells his story in great detail, naming names even. He is as transparent as could be. It is also a theological work, in that it delves into the teachings of Ellen G. White. We learn that White borrowed rather liberally from other sources, while giving the impression that she was speaking as prophet. This became a problem for Jerry, as was the growing idolization of her, lifting here to near divine status. While the Bible is seen as definitive, White's interpretations are often not
to be questioned (and of course Jerry did). Jerry explores the distinctive doctrines (investigative judgment), which White developed as she lead the disillusioned followers of William Miller after the failure of his predictions of Christ's return failed to bear fruit. I'm still not sure I understand what this doctrine is, but it is the definitive doctrine of the church.
It is not uprisings that Jerry would become a Disciple after his experience as an Adventist. The Adventist tradition is rather rigid and legalistic. The Disciples, on the other hand, allow for a great deal of freedom, and it is more grassroots and democratic in its orientation. What Jerry experienced, as did his wife Laura (from whom he was divorced and later remarried after both left Adventism) was spiritual abuse.
I have known some really wonderful Adventists. As Jerry notes, Adventism in California is very different from that in the South, which is where he was involved. My sense is that for some, a tradition like this, one that is strict and dogmatic, can provide a safe spiritual zone. It becomes a problem when you begin to push on the walls, especially when the walls push back and begin to crush you. That is Jerry's experience. He was fully invested. He bought into the system. But then, perhaps in large part due to his educational experiences outside the fold, he began to question the foundations. But even as he did so, it was difficult to let go. Even after he left or was pushed out, he was marked by his experiences. Adventism continued to have a hold of him after leaving and joining in a new faith tradition.
As I said at the beginning. I'm not sure how to classify this book. It is a memoir, but it is also a theological expose. Adventism doesn't come off well, at least theologically. Though, he does commend them for their distinctive health practices, practices that have stayed with them. This is not the problem, nor is the practice of sabbatarianism. What is problematic is the inability to grow intellectually. I take that as a warning to all. If we cut ourselves off from opportunities to grow and learn then we will shrivel up spiritually.
February 26, 2018
Worth reading for the Ellen White chapters alone. ( Updates on the plagiarism assertions. ) fascinating behind the scenes workings of sda admin etc. harrowing personal journey. The sda raison d’être gets demolished. Ultimately he moves out of sda fundamentalism to a different church . The tensions between seventh day Adventist academia and church administrators is telling.
January 27, 2020
This is an important book for anyone who has anything to do with Seventh-day Adventism (often referred to as SDA, or Adventism) — whether a member, ex-member, one considering joining the denomination, or just interested. In fact, it would be useful to read for anyone who has doubts about their own situation if they are attending or belong to any conservative religious organisation. Jerry A Gladson, the author, is highly qualified to write about Adventism. He was a pastor and a university and seminary professor, teaching religion at an Adventist university. So he has lived what he is talking about and this book is the true story of his own journey out of Adventism to a less conservative form of Christianity. What makes his story so valuable is that, along with his personal experience, he critiques the doctrines of Adventism, and explores the social, political, and doctrinal upheaval that was going on in the denomination at the time — events that affected him personally. The book is well written. The combination of honest sharing of his experience and the rigorous examination of Adventism’s inner workings and belief system makes for a fascinating read. One does wonder whether his rigorous critical thinking will be applied to his current religious belief system — but I guess that remains to be seen.
January 4, 2026
Magnificent!
Gladson's experience showcases the complexities and difficulties of leaving Adventism. It is a total package of cultism using a false Christ as the backbone of dogma.
Being a victim myself over 68 years, the tentacles are hard to rest free but through God's grace have succeeded!
This is an emotional account for me, heartfelt but with a happy ending!
Thank you Dr. Gladson for sharing your story and giving hope to all truth-seekers wrapped up in this deception. Sola fide!
Gladson's experience showcases the complexities and difficulties of leaving Adventism. It is a total package of cultism using a false Christ as the backbone of dogma.
Being a victim myself over 68 years, the tentacles are hard to rest free but through God's grace have succeeded!
This is an emotional account for me, heartfelt but with a happy ending!
Thank you Dr. Gladson for sharing your story and giving hope to all truth-seekers wrapped up in this deception. Sola fide!
February 13, 2020
It amazes me that those who leave Adventism have nearly the same story to tell. Once the doctrine of the Investigative Judgement crumbles so does everything else. This pastor even mentions Preterists which in my journey out of Adventism also came up and I thought it was interesting. I could so relate that I read it all in one evening. I highly recommend to those questioning the Adventist faith especially the section on Ellen White.
May 28, 2021
Not just for post-Adventists!
A deeply moving and cathartic read. This story is both traumatic and restorative.
I resonated deeply with the author's theological struggles and assertions.
Every church employee who had faced the judgement of the tassel and phylactery wearing Adventist church leadership will find their own story in these pages!
A deeply moving and cathartic read. This story is both traumatic and restorative.
I resonated deeply with the author's theological struggles and assertions.
Every church employee who had faced the judgement of the tassel and phylactery wearing Adventist church leadership will find their own story in these pages!
January 10, 2021
I enjoyed the rawness and honesty in telling of his experience. I think it would be beneficial for any former or current Adventist to read because a lot of what he describes of his experience in Adventism you can still see today.
February 3, 2022
Fascinating
This book describes the soul of Adventism. Humility seems sorely lacking... due largely to a remnant theology that breeds a dictatorial internal culture which genuinely harms folks who find themselves in its cross hairs.
This book describes the soul of Adventism. Humility seems sorely lacking... due largely to a remnant theology that breeds a dictatorial internal culture which genuinely harms folks who find themselves in its cross hairs.
January 4, 2019
Personal story with important research and theology.
October 4, 2019
My classmates’ experience
Not only a personal story but an scholarly explanation of what ails Adventism and why so many people are leaving it.
Not only a personal story but an scholarly explanation of what ails Adventism and why so many people are leaving it.
January 3, 2018
Who would think a "theologian's journey" could be a page turner?
Along with learning much about Adventism and the perils of too narrow religious views, I recognized, in new ways, what I have also come to love about The Christian Church (Discip!es of Christ) denomination. Jerry does not shy away from sharing some hard truths and personal struggles that make joining him on this journey even more meaningful. Thank you, Jerry, for taking me along!
Along with learning much about Adventism and the perils of too narrow religious views, I recognized, in new ways, what I have also come to love about The Christian Church (Discip!es of Christ) denomination. Jerry does not shy away from sharing some hard truths and personal struggles that make joining him on this journey even more meaningful. Thank you, Jerry, for taking me along!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews