"Covering the Millerite movement of the 1830s and 1840s, sabbatarian Adventism prior to organization of the denomination, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church since its organization from 1861-1863, Historical Dictionary of the Seventh-day Adventists provides a comprehensive history of the denomination. The first major element of the book is a chronology that begins with William Miller's conclusion in 1818 that the Second Advent of Jesus would occur in 1843 and extends through the Science and Theology Conferences of 2002-2004. The subsequent interpretive introduction places the emergence of Adventism within the context of the Second Great Awakening, describes the development of sabbatarian Adventism from its early opposition to church organization to its highly institutionalized and bureaucratically structured contemporary form, and examines the Adventists' geographical expansion from a small North American sect to a global church." "The dictionary explores organizations, institutions, and doctrines that are important in the history of the church, including dissident movements and individuals who have emerged as critics of the denomination and its beliefs. Also included are entries on the development and current situation of Adventism in many countries. Thematic entries on such subjects as art, music, literature, health care, and women address other elements important to understanding church life." "A bibliographical essay introduces representative works in both the history of Adventism and the expression of Adventist beliefs and practices. This essay is followed by an extensive bibliography of scholarly and popular works published by the denomination, commercial and academic presses, individuals, and organizations. The bibliography also includes listings of important Web sites and archives of Adventist primary sources."--BOOK JACKET.