Sahmyook University Theological Research Institute held an annual academic conference in the fall. The meeting was held twice, in September and November, to present the exceptional research results explored through the doctoral thesis of new scholars of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The first presentation was held for two hours from 7 pm on September 28th. Dr. Lee Hoon-jae (Songkonghoe University Worship Studies) presented a thesis on the topic of ‘Changes in worship space due to the rise of Protestant religion in the United States in the 19th century, and Dr. Sang-Min Huh (New Testament, University of Nottingham) presented on the subject of ‘corresponding divine and human agents in Paul’s epistles.

The second presentation was held on November 30th at 7 pm.Dr. Baek Sung-ki (Seoul National University Religious Studies) and Dr. Shim Jae-young (AIIAS Old Testament) prepared under the themes of “Food Regulations and Religious Identity Formation in the Adventist Church” and “Homosexuality from Biblical Theological Perspective: Contributions of the Old Testament” respectively.

Kim Sang-rae, director of the Theological Research Institute, said, “I am glad and happy that the new scholars of the Adventist Church are making academic achievements at prestigious universities abroad and in Korea. A doctoral thesis is the academic fruit of their many years of hard work. Opening a forum where the results of such research can be announced is what our research institute should do. “If many people show interest, they will be more empowered to serve and devote themselves to the church and society in the future,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Sahmyook University Theological Research Institute clarifies the fundamental beliefs of the Adventist Church through academic research based on the Bible. It contributes to the development of Korean churches and theology. The academic journal Theology and Science published by the institute is recognized for its authority and expertise, such as being elected as a journal registered by the National Research Foundation of Korea.