SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST

THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

CHIS685/CHIS690-240
Studies in Church History:
Millerite and Early Sabbatarian Adventism
SUMMER/FALL SEMESTER, 2019

Merlin D. Burt
 GENERAL CLASS INFORMATION

Class acronym: CHIS685/CHIS690-240

Class name: Studies in Church History: Millerite and Early Sabbatarian Adventism
Semester & year: Summer/Fall 2018
Class location: New York and new England Study Tour
Class time/day: Tour from July 21-28, 2019
Credits offered: 3

BULLETIN CLASS DESCRIPTION

“Topics announced in advance. Repeatable with different topics.”

This course is uniquely designed and taught in connection with an eight-day Adventist history study tour of New
York and New England in the United States of America. Special attention is given to providing a foundational
understanding of the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and Ellen White through practical on-site vis-
its of historic sites, lectures, and personal study. The focus of the tour is on Millerite and Sabbatarian Adventist
history up to about 1863.

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT DETAILS

Professor: Merlin D. Burt, PhD

Phone: (269) 471-3209, office
(269) 473-2838, home (please do not call before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.)
Email: burtclasses@andrews.edu (Please include the course number in each correspondence)
Office location: Center for Adventist Research, James White Library, 1st Floor
Office hours: By appointment

Alternate Contact: Heidi Magesa, Project and Event Manager

269.471.3986, office
burtclasses@andrews.edu (Please include the course number in each correspondence)

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE

Merlin D. Burt is director of the integrated Center for Adventist Research at An-
drews University. He is also director of the White Estate Branch Office and profes-
sor of Church History at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. He has
been with the Ellen G. White Estate since 1993.

Previous to his present position he served for ten years as director of the Loma
Linda University White Estate Branch Office, as chair of Archives and Special Col-
lections, and with the Faculty of Religion at Loma Linda University.

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Dr. Burt received his PhD from the Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary in 2003.
His dissertation examined the development and integration of the Sabbath, sanctuary, and Ellen White’s role in
Sabbatarian Adventism between 1844 and 1849.

He has published numerous articles and chapters and has served variously as a speaker, editor, and organizer of
various conferences and symposiums. He is author of Adventist historical Places: New York and New England; is in
the process of writing a textbook on the development of Seventh-day Adventist theology; and is editor of Understand-
ing Ellen White, a book published by Pacific Press for the Ellen G. White Estate on Ellen White Issues.

Previous to his academic and administrative appointments, Dr. Burt served in the United States as a pastor in Ohio
and California. He and Sarah, his wife of 40 years, have three grown children, two sons and a daughter. They also
have three grandchildren. Dr. Burt’s hobbies include collecting Adventist-related materials and woodworking. His pas-
sion is for Seventh-day Adventists to connect God’s leading in the past to a personal living Christian experience.

COURSE MATERIALS

Required
1. TEXTBOOK: Merlin D. Burt, Adventist Pioneer Places: New York and New England (Hagerstown, MD:
Review and Herald Publishing, 2011). Included in your tour fee and available at CAR.

Read one of the following:

The following books must be found and purchased on your own.
1. George Knight, Joseph Bates, The Real Founder of Seventh-day Adventist Adventism (Hagerstown, MD:
Review and Herald Publishing, 2004).
2. Sylvester Bliss, Memoirs of William Miller: With Appendices Containing Three Other Contemporary
Biographical Sketches, Adventist Classic Library, (Berrien Springs, MI: Andrews University Press, 2005).
3. James White, Life Incidents, Adventist Classic Library, (Berrien Springs, MI: Andrews University Press,
2003).

GUIDELINES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Participate in the eight-day study tour of New York and New England. Meeting the tour late or leaving
early from the tour is not permitted since lectures are planned on the bus during the drive to Rochester,
NY and on the trip back to Andrews University. All days must be attended in order to have full participa-
tion according to the Andrews University Class Absences policy (see below).
2. There will be a take home examination following the tour based on information in the textbook and lec-
tures/presentations made on the bus. The examination will also include response essays.
3. No extra work will be given to improve one’s final grade.
4. Recording of lectures and presentations on the bus is allowed for personal and study use only.

CLASS POLICIES

Class Attendance
“Regular attendance at all classes, laboratories and other academic appointments is required of each student.
Faculty members are expected to keep regular attendance records. The syllabus notifies students of the atten-
dance requirements.” Andrews University Bulletin (www.andrews.edu/bulletin).

Class Absences
Whenever the number of absences exceeds 10% (for graduate classes) of the total course appointments, the

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teacher may give a failing grade. Merely being absent from campus does not exempt the student from this
policy. Absences recorded because of late registration, suspension, and early/late vacation leaves are not
excused. The class work missed may be made up only if the teacher allows. Three tardies are equal to one
absence.

Registered students are considered class members until they file a Change of Registration form in the Office of
Academic Records. Andrews University Bulletin (www.andrews.edu/bulletin).

Late Submission of Assignments

1. The following penalties will be applied for late submission of assessment items:
a. ALL assignments MUST be turned in on time in order to get full credit.
b. LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR FULL CREDIT. Late assignments will be REDUCED
10% PER WEEK UP TO THE END OF FALL SEMESTER. No credit for late assignments will be give after
the end of Fall semester.

Incomplete grade (I)

An incomplete grade indicates that the student's work is incomplete because of illness or unavoidable circum-
stances and not because of excessive class load, negligence, or inferior performance. Students will be charged
an incomplete fee for each incomplete grade issued. The 2014-2015 incomplete fee is $30. The university
does not allow a DN or DG for MDiv students.

Disability Accommodations
If you qualify for accommodations under the American Disabilities Act, please see the instructor as soon as
possible for referral and assistance in arranging such accommodations.

Examinations
“Credit is not granted in courses unless the required examinations are completed by the student. Students
are expected to follow the published examination schedule. In cases where the schedule requires a student to
complete four exams in one day, arrangements may be made with the dean to complete one of the examina-
tions at another time.” Andrews University Bulletin 2015, page 32.

Academic Integrity. In harmony with the mission statement, Andrews University expects that students will dem-
onstrate the ability to think clearly for themselves and exhibit personal and moral integrity in every sphere of
life. Thus, students are expected to display honesty in all academic matters.

Academic dishonesty includes (but is not limited to) the following acts: Falsifying official documents; Plagiarizing,
which includes copying others' published work, and/ or failing to give credit properly to other authors and creators;
Misusing copyrighted material and/or violating licensing agreements (actions that may result in legal action in
addition to disciplinary action taken by the University); Using media from any source or medium, including the In-
ternet (e.g., print, visual images, music) with the intent to mislead, deceive or defraud; Presenting another's work
as one's own (e.g., placement exams, homework assignments); Using materials during a quiz or examination other
than those specifically allowed by the teacher or program; Stealing, accepting, or studying from stolen quizzes or
examination materials; Copying from another student during a regular or take-home test or quiz; Assisting another
in acts of academic dishonesty (e.g., falsifying attendance records, providing unauthorized course materials).

Andrews University takes seriously all acts of academic dishonesty. Such acts as described above are subject to
incremental discipline for multiple offenses and severe penalties for some offenses. These acts are tracked in the
office of the Provost. Repeated and/or flagrant offenses will be referred to the Committee on Academic Integrity
for recommendations on further penalties. Consequences may include denial of admission, revocation of admis-
sion, warning from a teacher with or without formal documentation, warning from a chair or academic dean with
formal documentation, receipt of a reduced or failing grade with or without notation of the reason on the tran-
script, suspension or dismissal from the course, suspension or dismissal from the program, expulsion from the
university, or degree cancellation. Disciplinary action may be retroactive if academic dishonesty becomes appar-
ent after the student leaves the course, program or university. Andrews University Bulletin 2015, page 32-33.

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Language and Grammar
There is an expectation that a student enrolled in a graduate program possesses advanced written language skills,
particularly in the language in which the degree is acquired. Thus, no special consideration will be given to English
as a second language learners or native-English speakers who have yet to obtain mastery in written English. Such
students are advised to seek the assistance of the campus writing lab or procure the services of an editor prior to the
submission of their assignments. Tips for success include reading your assignments aloud and having someone else
do likewise prior to submission. This practice will provide you with immediate feedback on your written assignments.

Emergency Protocols
Andrews University takes the safety of its students seriously. Instructors will provide guidance and direction
to students in the event of an emergency affecting that specific location. It is important that you follow these
instructions and stay with your instructor during any evacuation or sheltering emergency.

BROADER COURSE OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this course are:

1. Knowledge—upon successful completion of this course the student will:
a. Know the essential historical background for the beginning of the Seventh-day Adventist church.
b. Gain a sense of the location and context of early church developments.
c. Become familiar with people who started the church and the story of the commitment to God and the
context of Divine leading.
d. Learn stories of early Adventist experience that demonstrate the working of God.
2. Skills and behaviors­—upon successful completion of this course the student will:
a. Be able to evaluate the context of Adventist history as it developed in New England and New York.
b. Develop an accurate and balanced method for sharing the story of how God led in the history of the
Seventh-day Adventist church.
c. Have adequate tools and information to develop responsible answers to questions they may receive in
their ministry.
3. Attitudes, Values, and Commitments—upon successful completion of this course the student will:
a. Have a more informed faith in God’s leading in the Seventh-day Adventist church as a movement.
b. Be committed to correctly sharing the stories of early Adventist history.
c. Value the way in which God has led in the Adventist movement.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Program Learning Outcomes (PO)

Masters of Divinity (MDIV) Program Outcomes

1. Demonstrate advanced understanding of Christian history; Seventh-day Adventist history; theology and
practice; and the influence of Ellen G. White on Adventist history, theology, and lifestyle.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)

The student should be able to:

1. Visit many significant historical sites and with stories and detailed information.
2. Do reading and review from published sources on aspects of Seventh-day Adventist Church History.
3. Explain significant aspects of Ellen White and Seventh-day Adventist history.

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 GRADING CRITERIA AND COURSE ASSESSMENT

Criteria for Grades

A = 95-100 B = 82-85 C= 70-73

A- = 90-94 B- = 78-81 C- = 60-69
B+ = 86-89 C+ = 74-77 D = 45-59

Credit-Hour Definitions
A professional (MDiv) 3-credit course taken at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary requires a total
of 135 hours for course lectures, reading requirements and written assignments. An academic (MA in Rel or
PhD) 3-credit course requires 180 hours for course lectures, reading requirements and written assignments.
For this course, the instructor estimates that this total will be distributed in the following activities:

MDiv MA/PhD
8-day Tour 80 hours 80 hours
Take-home Examination 30 hours 30 hours
Reading and Personal Study 25 hours 70 hours
TOTALS 135 hours 180 hours

Approximate Relative Weight of the Six Assignments/Assessments

Pre Tour Meeting 10 points
Daily Journal 100 points
Tour Attendance 50 points
Read Adventist Pioneer Places 25 points
Report for Second Required Book 50 points
Take-home Examination 160 points
Post Tour Meeting (fall students only) 20 points
TOTALS 100% 395 points 415 points

Additional Requirement for (MA in Religion)

Students taking this course for 3 credits will do additional reading in Adventist history as arranged with
the professor.

Additional Requirement for (PhD in Religion)

Students taking this course for 3 credits will do additional reading in Adventist history and or write a
research paper as arranged with the professor.

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 DETAILS OF ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

PRE-TOUR REQUIREMENT
Pre-tour Meeting 10 Points Possible
Attend an informational meeting before the Tour. This is a required meeting and it will give you valuable informa-
tion on what to expect during the Tour. See Topics and Assignments table on p. 8 for the date of the meeting.

WORK DURING THE TOUR

Assignment #1, Class Attendance 50 Points Possible

The purpose of this assignment is to provide an immersion experience in Adventist history and Ellen G. White
through visiting sites, hearing stories and lectures, reading and seeing pictures, and engaging a direct dialogue
with the professor. Attendance and participation is required to successfully pass the class. Meeting the tour
late or leaving early from the tour is not permitted since lectures are planned on the bus during the drive to
Rochester, NY and on the trip back to Andrews University. All days must be attended in order to have full partici-
pation according to the Andrews University Class Absences policy, Andrews University Bulletin 2015, page 32.

Assignment #2, Read Adventist Pioneer Places 25 Points Possible

For the purposes of this class, the tour book is the textbook. The student is required to carefully read and
understand the content of the book. It is advised that the student also take notes on the tour in preparation for
the take-home examination.

Assignment #3, Daily Journal 100 Points Possible

Keep a daily journal during the 8 days of the Tour. Write at least one paragraph each day of the tour answering
two questions. 1. How does what you saw, heard, and experienced impact your relationship with God? 2. How
might what you saw, heard, and experienced enrich your ministry? See Topics and Assignments table on p. 8
for due dates.

POST-TOUR WORK

Assignment #4, Read Second Required Book & Report 50 Points Possible
Give a four- to six-page overview and critique of an additional required reading book (see p. 3 for list) other than
Adventist Pioneer Places. The book report should be about 50% overview of the book, 25% critique of what was
most helpful and questions you might still have after reading, and finally, 25% personal reflection on how this
book might impact personal faith and be useful in pastoral or personal ministry. See Topics and Assignments
table on p. 8 for due dates.

Assignment #5, Take-home Examination 160 Points Possible

The take-home examination will take significant time to complete and includes between 6-12 essay pages. See
Topics and Assignments table on p. 8 for due dates.

Assignment #6, Post Tour Meeting 20 Points Possible

Take part in Seminary Heritage Sabbath in September—share a testimony, offer prayer, offer a musical selec-
tion, collect offering, read scripture passages, or assist with the evening communion. There will also be a
required brief face-to-face meeting on this day for those who are in a fall independent study course—CHIS690-
040, -140, -240, -060 classes only.

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 TOPICS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Date Class Topic Assignments

Jul 16 Pre-tour meeting, 5:30 p.m. ­to 6:30 p.m. in the Center
for Adventist Research Reading Room
Jul 21 Travel from Berrien Springs to Rochester, NY

Introduction to Seventh-day Adventist History and the

tour. Origin and major ministries of the Seventh-day
Adventist Church. Key people in Seventh-day Adven-
tist History.
Jul 21 Visit Rochester, NY sites that relate to the establish- Review: pages 76-78; 116-120; 135-148
ment of the first Sabbatarian Adventist headquarters in textbook (SLO 1, 2; MDIV PO 7)
for publishing and key people—some of whom are
buried in Mount Hope Cemetery.
Jul 21 Visit Mystic Sea Port and learn about American life Review: pages 52-71; 74-75 in textbook
during the 1830s. Visit Fairhaven, MA where Joseph (SLO 1, 2; MDIV PO 7)
Bates grew up and engaged in both Millerite and
Sabbatarian Adventist ministry and writing.
Jul 21 Visit Gorham, Portland, Poland, and Topsham, Review: pages 2-46; 72-73; 80-88 in
Maine—sites of Ellen White’s early experience and textbook (SLO 1, 2; MDIV PO 7)
drive past sites in northeastern Massachusetts and
New Hampshire.
Jul 21 Visit Washington and West Wilton, NH and sites Review: pages 89-114; 161-164 in text-
related to the Sabbath and Uriah and Annie Smith. book (SLO 1, 2; MDIV PO 7)
Jul 21 Visit William Miller Farm Review: pages 120-129 in textbook
(SLO 1, 2; MDIV PO 7)
Jul 21 Visit Roosevelt, NY, Seventh-day Adventist Church Review: pages 130-134; 148-159 in text-
and other sites including Hiram Edson’s barn in Port book (SLO 1, 2; MDIV PO 7)
Gibson, NY.
Jul 21 Drive back to Berrien Springs. Supplemental lecture
material as needed.

Review for Take-home Examination

Aug 2 By 12:00 pm noon. DUE: Take-home Examination, including
Statement of Reading, book report of
second required book (assignment #4),
and Daily Journal
TBA Post Tour Meeting (for fall students only)

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY