The theology and practice of rebaptism in the Seventh-day Adventist Church: perspectives and reflections from Africa

This paper examines rebaptism, a uniquely Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) practice among other Christian denominations. The theological grounds for rebaptism were controversial in the earlier years of the SDA church’s theological development in the mid-1800s, as it is today. Drawing on perspectives from Africa, the paper highlights that although the practice is routinely applied in local SDA churches lay members might not be familiar with its theological complexities, and merely accept its practice on the grounds that their pastor knows best when this is applied on Christians from other churches joining the church or performed on existing members who request it. Ellen Gould White (1846-1915), the church’s spiritual leader and co-founder, while consenting to the necessity of rebaptism, cautioned against applying it a as quick solution to one’s apostasy. The paper highlights what role, if any, Ellen White (the church’s spiritual leader and co-founder) had in the development of SDA theological development in support for rebaptism. Next, SDA mode of baptism is discussed as context to understand the development of rebaptism. Third, the theological basis for the practice of rebaptism is examined, on to an analysis of the rebaptism controversy that emerged in the early years of the church’s history. This is followed by a detailed examination of conditions for rebaptism in the SDA church. Finally, the church’s counsels on the (over)use of rebaptism are discussed.