Expert: Sal - 3/30/2004

Question
Hi, this is my first time using anything like this, but I would like some information on the comparison of Seventh-Day Adventist beliefs compare to Catholics.  I am a Seventh-Day Adventist, and my friend is writing a paper for a college class this week and she is a Catholic.  She would like some information on the basic contrast of the beliefs, and seeing I can't help her out a whole lot on the Catholic end I seen your post and thought I would give it a try.  As in Seventh-Day Adventist beliefs, I have been born and raised an Adventist, so that is not an issue for me, but if I could get you to contrast some basic beliefs for her because she is not terribly familiar with the Adventist faith and needs matirial to cite from.
 I greatly appreciate your time and effort!  Take care and may God bless!
Sincerely,
Tracy

Answer
Dear Tracy:

It's very nice of you to help your friend in this way. Below I have listed some Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) beliefs contrasted with Catholic Church (CC) teachings.

1)The SDA believe that one must worship on Saturday, the Old Covenant Sabbath. The CC teaches that Sunday is the New Covenant day of worship.
2)The SDA believe that one cannot be saved without keeping the Sabbath. The CC teaches that one can still be saved without keeping Sunday.
3)The SDA believe that Jesus' Atonement was not completed on earth, but is completed through the Investigative Judgment in heaven. The CC teaches that the Atonement was complete at the Cross. There is no Investigative Judgment.
4)The SDA believe that Ellen White was an inspired prophet of God. The CC does not accept Mrs. White's visions.
5)The SDA believe in Old Covenant dietary restrictions such as not eating pork. The CC does not have any regular dietary restrictions.
6)The SDA believe that when one dies the soul “sleeps” unconscious until the Second Coming of Christ. The CC teaches that the dead are conscious.
7)The SDA believe that hell is not eternal. The CC teaches that hell is eternal.
8)The SDA believe that they are the One True Church of Christ. The CC teaches that it is the Church that Christ founded.
9)The SDA believe that a woman may choose to have an abortion. The CC teaches that abortion is murder.
10)The SDA believe that Jesus and Michael the archangel are the same person. The CC teaches that they are separate individuals.
11)The SDA believe that the Pope is the anti-Christ. The CC teaches that the Pope is Christ's vicar or the prime minister of Christ's earthly kingdom.

I hope that this was helpful to you. If I can be of further assistance do not hesitate to ask.

God Be With You,
Sal