Religious belief and the establishment and maintenance of Seventh-day Adventist tertiary education

This study set out to investigate certain questions:

1. Why should a people who anticipate the imminent end of the world engage in the establishment and maintenance of an independent worldwide system of parochial education, including tertiary education?
2. What is the effect of this tertiary education upon the belief and behaviour of the sect; i.e. is it performing its original intended function?
3. Can these issues be explained in the context of sociological theory on religion, secularization, and social change?

An historical and descriptive approach was used as a basis for analysis and interpretation of changes in the nature of Adventism, and in its tertiary education system. A subjective perception of the sect enable the writer to apply his personal experience to advantage. This insight was then justified by objective evidence from Adventist sources, historical studies, theses, and scholarly works. It was developed in the context of a body of existing sociological knowledge, and was intelligible in that framework.

In this way the establishment of sectarian tertiary education was seen to be the logical consequence of the interaction of the Adventist worldview with the social and material environment in which the sect originated. Similarly, its maintenance was due to individual and organizational needs in that changing environment. Changes in the nature, function, and usage of tertiary education over time were documented in relation to changes in belief and behaviour of the sect, and of individuals. The independent role of tertiary education as an agent for social change in the evolution of the sect towards a denomination was demonstrated.

Availability:
Free
Publication Date:
1973
Author:
John W Knight
Order Information:
Copy available from Avondale College- Main [378.07167 K74]
Language:
English
Resource Type:
Unpublished Plans & Papers
Resource Objective:
Research
Level:
Tertiary
Audience:
Administrator / Leader, Researcher
Religious Origin:
Seventh-day Adventist