Adventism is a branch of Protestantism, which began in the 19th century, in the context of the Second Great Awakening revival in the United States. The name refers to belief in the imminent Second Coming (or "Second Advent") of Jesus Christ. It was started by William Miller, whose followers became known as Millerites.Although the Adventist churches hold much in common, their theology differs on whether the intermediate state is unconscious sleep or consciousness, whether the ultimate punishment of the wicked is annihilation or eternal torment, the nature of immortality, whether or not the wicked are resurrected after the millennium, and whether the sanctuary of Daniel 8 refers to the one in heaven or one on earth. The movement has encouraged the examination of the whole Bible, leading Seventh-day Adventists and some smaller Adventist groups to observe the Sabbath. Their core beliefs are complied in The 28 Fundamental Beliefs in which Biblical references are used as justification.Today, Adventism claims some 22 million believers scattered in various independent churches. The largest church within the movement is the Seventh-day Adventist Church with more than 18 million members.