Moderators Gregory Matthews Posted August 9 Moderators Posted August 9 On August 3, 2026, Dr. Ronald Lawson PhD, died. He was a con traversal figure in Adventism, He was seldom welcomed and often dismissed Yet throughout it all he remained on the far distant edge of this Church. As a historian/sociologist he once traveled the world interviewing some 4,500 SDA members as to their understanding and relationship to Adventism. His research was published in the scholarly journals. The following Spectrum provides more information on his life https://spectrummagazine.org/news/ronald-lawson-trailblazing-gay-adventist-sociologist-scholar-and-advocate-dies-at-86/ It should be clearly stated that I differed with his understanding of certain Biblical issues. In those areas my understanding conforms to main-line Adventism. I also agree with an application of those beliefs that demonstrates grace rather than legalism. I once asked him to evaluate my understanding of certain aspects of SDAs living in Germany under Hitler, In his response he clearly informed me that my suggestion totally lacked historical evidence. With the announcement of his death, many have posted on the Internet their thoughts as to how he will spend eternity. I do not consider this to be either helpful or Christian. I ask that such not be posted here in Club Adventist. Sometimes Adventists point to scandals in other Christian groups an ignore that such has happened in Adventism. One such involving the highest levels of Adventism occurred while I was living in Denver. I am well aware of it. Dr. Lawson wrote a 43-page report of it which is available on the Internet, I consider it to be just, accurate and helpful. Those with probably a superficial knowledge of Dr, Lawson will probably remember him as a co-founder of SDA Kinship. The General Conference filed a lawsuit requesting that Kinship be banned from using the trademarked name Adventist The GC was represented by a well qualified legal team and expected an easy victory. The G/c team was matched by the pro bono team that defended Kinship, The following article informs as to that litigation. https://ronaldlawson.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/kinship-goes-to-trial.pdf The final decision of the Court was definitive:: The GC could not prevent the use by Kinship of the word Adventist./ It also opened that use by others in other ways phkrause 1 Quote Gregory
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