info@villaaurora.it +39-055-412014 On May 8 and 9, 2025, the Adventist University Institute “Villa Aurora” in Florence hosted two Days of Theological Studies, an annual event of the Adventist Faculty of Theology that brings together scholars, students and guests for an open discussion on ecclesiological, biblical and historical topics. The title of this edition “Church. Bible. History and Theology.” served as the main theme for two intense days of listening and dialogue.
After institutional greetings, the day got into full swing with a series of papers that addressed the challenges of the Adventist Church today from a global and contextual perspective.
Carlos Molina, Seventh-day Adventist pastor and U.S. Army military chaplain, offered two contributions:
Not So with You: A Slave-Leader Model for Biblical Power Dynamics in the Church, a reflection on power dynamics in light of Jesus’ model of service;
Military Imagery in Scripture and the Lessons for the 21st SDA Church, which explored biblical military language and its relevance to the contemporary church.
Reinder Bruinsma, a theologian and former president of the Trans-European Division, offered two internationally oriented talks:
Focus on Global Adventism: Challenges and Opportunities,
The Present and Future of Adventism in Europe, with a lucid look at the prospects for the Adventist movement.
In the Italian context, Tamara Pispisa, lecturer at the Adventist Faculty of Theology, explored The impact of foreign presence in Adventist churches in Italy, highlighting how demographic changes affect community life.
In the middle of the day, an open dialogue with Bruinsma on the theme “The Church to Come,” ahead of the upcoming World General Assembly in St. Louis 2025, stimulated reflections on the ecclesial future.
In the afternoon, the day concluded with a panel discussion at 4:45 p.m. and the closing of the proceedings at 5:30 p.m.
The second day was entirely devoted to theological research, with a rich review of contributions divided into areas:
New Testament area
Beyond the veil: man and woman before God in liturgical assemblies. An egalitarian reading of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 – Richard Botrel
Systematic area
The Trinitarian Creed of Nicaea, 1700 years after its promulgation – Davide Romano
The second turning point in Karl Barth’s theology: the humanity of God – Michele De Giovanni
The 7th-day Adventist Church and Nicaea (325) – Tiziano Rimoldi
Lex et Fides: the double face of the Law according to Luther – Cosmin Dinca
Practice area
What is autism? – Saverio Scuccimarri
A cross-cultural proposal for strengthening social interactions through religious education – Erika Huamanì
The Days of Theological Studies 2025 provided a valuable opportunity to hold together academic study, ecclesial reflection and cultural witness, offering a dynamic space of collective growth for the Adventist faculty and community.
