identity of spiritual community

Yesterday I was listening to a podcast over at the Spectrum website that was a panel discussion of sorts on George Knight's new book, "The Apocalyptic Vision and the Neutering of Adventism". Having only read a few introductory pages this morning I'm in no position to authoritativly describe the book's content or purpose. But, from what I hear, it's arguing that in order to have a reason to exist, the Adventist church must be faithful to the sense of urgency about Christ's second coming that was present in it's infancy. This, and other related doctrines, were the impetus for the formation of this now global spiritual community. Evidently, Mr. Knight feels that we must be true to our distinctive message (albeit in a Christ focused graceful way) in order to not whither into uselessness. It sounds like he feels that trends to downplay a focus on the Adventist interpretation of the profecies of Daniel and Revelation relating to "end time" events will ultimately result in the demise of our reason for existence.

Some of the discussion in the podcast seemed to go in the direction of recognizing that this is about understanding our identity as a spiritual community. Furthermore, what does it mean to be true to the historic and original versions of Adventist identity?

Do we need to believe exactly the same things as our forefathers or can we progress in our beliefs in ways that honor their beliefs, but adapts to our experience and culture just as they were responding to their own? Does our reason for existence in our current world cease to exist if the basis for our sense of identity grows/changes from the original definition?

In other words, is preaching that Jesus is coming soon (based on the above mentioned Biblical profecies) and other related Adventist doctrines really what it takes to be an Adventist?

I find this to be a fascinating discussion. I love the hope that Jesus will come to set things right eventually, but I've grown weary and disinterested in the idea that I have to maintain a sense of urgency about it. I have a hard time believeing that each momentous world event may just be the thing that causes "the end" to transpire. When generation after generation continue to promote these claims without the "great event" taking place, it begins to take it's toll. In fact, I almost have to hand it to those folks who can maintain that sense of urgency long term.

But what if that sense of urgency can be redirected? What if we can honor our theological history as Adventists in a different way?

What if our urgency was to work towards being the presense of Christ in this world now in more practical and relevant ways? Maybe embedded within Adventist doctrines are seeds of hope for the world that honor it's history, but look different now.

Okay, enough thinking out loud for now. I'll talk more about the book after I finish it.