RIVERSIDE, Calif. – On October 12, 2024, Norte Vista High School, near La Sierra University, hosted a lecture by Dr. Reinder Bruisma where he discussed his new book, Adventists and Catholics: The History of a Turbulent Relationship.
Bruinsma, followed by two Adventist and one Catholic respondents, acknowledged the controversy surrounding dialogue between Adventism and Catholicism, particularly among Adventists who fear that recognizing administrative similarities could lead to theological compromise.
The idea of learning from or collaborating with Catholicism sparked concern among some traditional Adventists, who worried that such engagement might undermine their church’s beliefs regarding the Catholic Church’s role in end-time prophecy. Due to some pressure from Adventists, the event which had originally been scheduled to take place at Loma Linda University, a flagship Adventist institution, had been changed to a neutral location. The speakers emphasized that the event’s purpose was not to weaken Adventist teachings but to explore opportunities for mutual benefit, particularly in fields like healthcare and education. Catholics and Adventists both manage extensive hospital and educational networks in the United States, and they often share legislative, legal, and functional interests.
Keynote speaker Bruinsma, an Adventist theologian from the Netherlands, addressed the history of Adventist-Catholic interactions over the past century. He highlighted that while theological differences–such as those concerning prophecy, the Sabbath, and church authority–remain significant, there is also room for greater openness to dialogue and collaboration, especially in areas like healthcare and education that further the separate missions of both denominations.
Theological Differences: Prophecy, Sabbath, and Authority
Bruinsma addressed the membership crises faced by both the Adventist and Catholic churches, emphasizing the challenges of maintaining active engagement in a rapidly secularizing world. He noted that both denominations are grappling with declining membership, particularly among younger generations, who are increasingly disillusioned with organized religion. Bruinsma pointed out that this trend is not unique to one denomination but is part of a broader global shift toward secularism and individual spirituality. Both Adventism and Catholicism, he argued, must confront these issues by finding ways to remain relevant in modern society while staying true to their core beliefs.
Bruinsma highlighted several areas where he believes Adventists and Catholics could learn from each other. He acknowledged that Adventists excel in promoting health and lifestyle principles, particularly through their emphasis on the health message, which encourages a holistic approach to well-being, including diet, exercise, and preventive care. He noted that Adventists have a strong global network of hospitals and health institutions, offering valuable insights that could benefit Catholics, whose focus in this area is not as prominent.
Conversely, Bruinsma pointed out that Catholics have a stronger sense of history and continuity. The Catholic Church, with its rich liturgical traditions and longstanding connection to centuries of Christian history, provides a sense of stability and depth that Adventism, with its relatively recent origins, sometimes lacks. Additionally, Bruinsma observed that Catholics are more adept at integrating art, architecture, and worship, using these elements to create a visually and spiritually engaging environment that can enhance the experience of faith.
Bruinsma acknowledged Adventism’s traditional view of the Catholic Church through the lens of biblical prophecy. Adventists interpret the books of Daniel and Revelation as depicting the Catholic Church, particularly the papacy, as an adversarial force. Ellen G. White’s book, The Great Controversy, portrays the Catholic Church as central in end-time events, presenting it as opposed to true Christianity. These interpretations remain central to Adventist theology.
Another significant theological difference is the observance of the Sabbath. Adventists strictly observe Saturday as the biblical day of rest, while Catholics observe Sunday. For Adventists, the shift to Sunday worship represents a major departure from scripture, rooted in early Catholic tradition. Bruinsma noted that this distinction is fundamental to Adventist identity and mission.
Other theological differences include beliefs about the role of saints, the state of the dead, and the Lord’s Supper, among others.
A key difference also lies in the governance structure of the two churches. The Catholic Church’s hierarchical model, with the pope at its head, contrasts with the Adventist approach to governance. While Adventism has its own hierarchy, it views the papacy with skepticism, especially due to prophetic beliefs that suggest a future role for the pope in global religious control.
Organizational Similarities: Healthcare and Governance
Despite theological differences, the event also highlighted organizational parallels between the two faiths, particularly in governance and community outreach.
Dr. Gary Chartier, an Adventist scholar, noted that although Adventism originated with a local church structure, it has evolved into a highly centralized denomination. The General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists wields considerable authority over the global church, akin to the Vatican’s role in Catholicism. This centralized governance has enabled both churches to build vast networks of hospitals, schools, and humanitarian organizations worldwide.
Healthcare emerged as a significant area of similarity. Father Romanus Ike, a Catholic priest and chaplain at Loma Linda University Medical Center–an Adventist institution–shared his experiences working alongside Adventist chaplains to care for patients, especially those of Catholic faith. Father Ike emphasized that despite theological differences, both churches are committed to holistic care, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
He also highlighted the Ash Wednesday services held at Loma Linda, where Catholics, Adventists, and other Protestants participate in the distribution of ashes. This shared moment of reflection illustrates the potential for finding common ground in spiritual practices, even amid theological differences.
Reexamining Anti-Catholic Sentiments
Dr. Gilbert Valentine, a well-known Adventist historian, offered an insightful response to Bruinsma’s presentation. He acknowledged the longstanding anti-Catholic sentiment within Adventism, much of it rooted in biblical prophecy and The Great Controversy. This historical narrative has often portrayed Catholicism as a monolithic and unchanging institution.
However, Valentine encouraged Adventists to move beyond a polemical stance when discussing Catholicism, especially in an increasingly secular world. By focusing on shared values–such as education, healthcare, and social justice–rather than theological differences, Valentine argued that the Adventist Church could foster more constructive dialogue with Catholics and avoid perpetuating historical biases.
Audience Questions a Balance of Concern and Optimism
After the presentation and response, the audience raised a variety of thoughtful and sometimes pointed questions that reflected both curiosity and concern. Many Adventist attendees voiced questions about the potential implications of engaging with Catholicism, particularly in light of the denomination’s prophetic teachings. One questioner asked whether this dialogue could be seen as compromising Adventist identity, especially given the traditional interpretation of the Catholic Church’s role in end-time prophecy.
In response, Bruinsma emphasized that the goal was not to weaken Adventist teachings, but to foster understanding and find areas of common mission. He reiterated that Adventists can remain true to their distinct beliefs while still engaging in constructive dialogue with Catholics.
Another attendee questioned how both denominations could address the growing secularization of younger generations, asking what practical steps could be taken to attract and retain youth. Both Adventist and Catholic speakers acknowledged that youth engagement is a critical challenge for both churches. They suggested that a greater focus on relevant social issues, mental health, and community involvement could help bridge the gap between religious institutions and younger members.
Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpT9aLCZi28
It would be interesting to hear if brother Bruinsma sees a difference in the Catholic view of Liberty of Conscience in relation to Church and State.