Seeking a Sanctuary: Seventh-day Adventism and the American Dream (Paperback)

~ Malcolm Bull and Keith Lockhart (Author)
Key Phrases: spiritual gifts, church manual, annual council, Ellen White, General Conference, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A masterpiece. It is by far the best book on Adventism that has ever appeared." -- Ronald L. Numbers

"The most comprehensive review and insightful analysis in print of the sociology, history, and culture of the Seventh-day Adventist church." -- Church History

'Sanctuary' is an ambitious sociological study of the church from its origins in the mid-19th century to its current institutions. -- Kay Campbell, The Huntsville Times, 1/26/2007 --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"The first edition of this book was one of the few must reads for academics interested in the Seventh-day Adventists.... The new edition expands several features of the first: it places more emphasis on regional variations, offshoot groups, and ethnic diversity. Bull (Oxford) and Lockhart (London-based journalist) situate Adventist history in the larger context of American history and, just as importantly, trace the evolution of Adventist doctrine. Recognizing that Adventists form their own subculture, they also provide sociological analysis. This book gives full attention to internal theological conflicts of recent decades. Finally, Seeking a Sanctuary is well written and comprehensive. Any library collecting material on American history or religion should have it.... Essential." -- Choice

"A provocative and penetrating account of a complicated and remarkably little-known movement." -- Eileen Barker, Sociological Analysis

"The most comprehensive review and insightful analysis in print of the sociology, history, and culture of the Seventh-Day Adventist church." -- Church History

"A masterpiece. It is by far the best book on Adventism that has ever appeared." -- Ronald L. Numbers

"We do not often pause to point to a denominational history, but when one this good comes along, we pause." -- Martin E. Marty

"The most informed study of Adventism." -- Harold Bloom

"Make no mistake. For both its breadth and depth, this is the best study of Seventh -- Day Adventism that has ever been written." -- Jonathan M. Butler

"I recommend to clergy that they read Seeking a Sanctuary.... you will be more attuned to the sociological trends that drive Seventh-day Adventism." --

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 520 pages
• Publisher: Indiana University Press; 2nd edition (December 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0253218683
• ISBN-13: 978-0253218681
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.1 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #273,474 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #13 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Protestantism > Seventh-Day Adventist
  #42 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Protestantism > Baptist

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read - , October 26, 2008

By	Michael L. Tomlinson "Parson 1861" (FPO, AE United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is excellent for all Seventh-day Adventists who would like to "see themselves as others see them." It contains some valuable insights from an "outsiders" perspective on the Seventh-day Adventist subculture.

The authors do seem to occasionally miss the mark due to a lack of understanding of the belief system; and therefore, in some areas draw somewhat erroneous conclusions based on the misunderstanding, and thus perhaps a faulty working premise.

However, if you have ever looked at your fellow Adventist or at the church hierarchy and structure and wondered "why is it that way?" or "why do they act that way?" or "how on earth did they reach that conclusion?" This book may have answers to some church behavior that have always puzzled you.

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and evocative, June 2, 2009

By	Andre R. Hill "Andre R Hill" (Jamaica) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This text is one of the best studies ever of the S.D.A. church.The authors reveal in their treatise a depth and understanding of traditional and contemporary Adventism.I particularly recommend the sections on Ellen White,the human condition and the divine realm.Important information for S.D.A.s who have read very little in church history,theology and praxis.

4.0 out of 5 stars Seventh-day Adventist history, March 27, 2009

By	R. Larsen "KidsHearts" (Redlands, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Seeking a Sanctuary: Seventh-day Adventism and the American Dream (Hardcover)

I think this is probably most balanced review of Seventh-day Adventist history I've ever read. I am a lifelong SDA and now understand things I haven't previously understood.