Kevin Burton: “Alberto Rivera, Adventism, and Jesuit Infiltration Conspiracy Theory” at CZSS

(9:30 a.m. Pacific time / 12:30 p.m. eastern time)

Choir Zoom Sabbath School at Pacific Union College

Kevin Burton will present:

This presentation focuses on the life and work of Alberto Rivera—a non-Adventist who claimed to be an ex-Jesuit infiltrator. Rivera is an important figure in the history of Jesuit infiltration conspiracy theory because of his claims and close association with conservative religious group who are attracted to conspiracy theory, like Seventh-day Adventists. Many leading Adventist conspiracy theorists, such as Walter Veith, rely on Rivera as an important authority. The purpose of this presentation is to take Rivera seriously enough to see if his story and claims are verifiable. What do you think—have the Jesuits infiltrated the Seventh-day Adventist Church? A close look at Rivera helps us credibly answer that tantalizing question.

Kevin M. Burton (Ph.D. Candidate, Florida State University) is the Director of the Center for Adventist Research, an Assistant Director of the Ellen G. White Estate, and an Assistant Professor in the Church History Department at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University. He concentrates his research on Millerite and Seventh-day Adventist history, with particular interest in the topics of race and gender, apocalypticism, and politics and the state. His Ph.D. dissertation explores Adventist political involvement in the abolition movement. 

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85040922192?pwd=dDJKSm9qVFhkWC9VblRoNXJyY2t0dz09