Toward an Adventist Theology of Social Witness: Covenant-keeping in the “Already-not yet

Authors

  • Iriann Irizarry Andrews University, Michigan, (United States)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19141/1809-2454.kerygma.v20.n1.pe1675

Keywords:

Church, Social witness, Social issues, Covenant-keeping, Already-not yet

Abstract

This article aims to explore selected implications of covenant-keeping in the 21st century, framed through the theological lens of the church’s social witness within the “already-not-yet” framework of the kingdom of God. Drawing on the work of Miroslav Volf and Matthew Croasmun, I sustain that the “already-not-yet” theological framework both energizes and provides boundaries for the church as it embodies its witness regarding relevant social issues. This position will be enriched by selected examples from conversation partners such as Padilla de Borst (social marginalization and poverty), McCaulley (racial and ethnic discrimination), Richter (environmental stewardship), Yong (disability), and Swinton (mental health). Further, I will conclude that the social witness of the church should be central to Adventist theology, rather than positioned at its margins or as a supplementary aspect. These insights aim to encourage the church to more fully embrace its role as a covenantal community in today’s social context.

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Author Biography

Iriann Irizarry, Andrews University, Michigan, (United States)

PhD in Theological Studies from Andrews University; Adjunct Professor of Theology and Christian Philosophy at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI.

References

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RICTHER, S. L. Stewards of Eden: what Scripture says about the environment and why it matters. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2020.

SWINTON, J. Finding Jesus in the storm: the spiritual lives of Christians with mental health challenges. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 2020. Kindle Edition.

VOLF, M.; CROASMUN, M. For the life of the world: theology that makes a difference. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos, 2019.

VOLF, M. Exclusion and embrace: a theological exploration of identity, otherness, and reconciliation, revised and updated. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2019.

YONG, A. The Bible, disability, and the church: a new vision of the people of God. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 2011.

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Published

2025-05-28

How to Cite

IRIZARRY, I. Toward an Adventist Theology of Social Witness: Covenant-keeping in the “Already-not yet. Kerygma, Engenheiro coelho (SP), v. 20, n. 1, p. e1675, 2025. DOI: 10.19141/1809-2454.kerygma.v20.n1.pe1675. Disponível em: https://revistas.unasp.edu.br/kerygma/article/view/1675. Acesso em: 31 may. 2025.

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 1 (2025): Fluxo contínuo

Section

Artigos

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