Magazine Editors Introduce a Revamped Adventist Review

In 1848 Ellen G. White saw a vision for a publication that was to be “streams of light” that went around the world. One year later, in 1849, James White started a small paper. The Adventist Review is today the descendant of this vision, reminded Adventist Review editor Justin Kim on July 12.

In a brief presentation to thousands attending the final day of the sixty-second General Conference (GC) Session in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, Kim highlighted the latest changes to the 176-year-old publication, which has connected and inspired Adventist members from before the official Adventist Church was organized in 1863. “Adventist Review continues to point souls to Jesus today,” he said.

From Two to OneKim explained how in 2005 the Adventist World magazine became popular as it was shipped around the world, connecting and inspiring Adventist members. He noted that “the two sister magazines have somewhat two different fields, and recently it made sense to merge them to unify the world church under one magazine. . . . For marketing simplicity, brand clarity, and global economics, we have consolidated our products under one name, the Adventist Review,” Kim said.

A New Old Logo

Kim also referred to the newly designed logo, which stems from one of the original nameplates. “We chose the stylized R that refers to the affectionately named Review,” he said. “There is a new printed trim size, a new design, new formats, and new fonts, all coming under the new merged name.”

Throughout its history, Kim said, the Review “has inspired members, encouraged readers, and informed the church. It includes the best features from theological, medical, and missiological professionals.” He added, “It has theology for laypeople, a children’s submagazine pullout called KidsView, all aesthetically designed to strengthen, unite, and deepen God’s remnant people.”

Increasing Its Digital Presence

In his presentation Kim also reported that the magazine is pivoting to a greater digital presence, including a WhatsApp channel in Swahili, English, and Spanish, as well as other social media platforms. It is expected that new languages will be added soon, he said. The magazine website, adventistreview.org, includes more GC Session content, videos, Sabbath School commentaries, children’s stories, news, and blogs.

A day before, on the stage of the exhibition hall of the GC Session venue, a panel discussed what makes the new Adventist Review unique, and introduced the August 2025 issue. Shawn Boonstra, Adventist Review associate editor, explained how the issue seeks to help members not to be alarmed but to be aware of what’s going on in the world. “It’s not so much about knowing what’s going to happen in the minutiae. It’s more about recognizing it when it takes place,” he said. This is precisely what Adventist Review tries to do.

Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide editor Clifford Goldstein, one of the magazine’s columnists for 30 years, explained that he’s always trying to find a rational way of underpinning his beliefs. “I read a lot, and then I filter everything I read through my Adventist faith. And I hope it enables me to help others to also understand their faith,” he said. “We are preaching a message that nobody else is preaching, and that’s a sacred responsibility.”

Marcos Paseggi, Adventist Review