Seventh-day Adventist Interfaith Relations - History

History

Adventists have often been skeptical of other faiths. The Millerite movement, which gave birth to Seventh-day Adventism, experienced rejection and hostility from the majority of North American Christian churches of the time. Early Adventists experienced similar hostility because of their unique views about the Sabbath. They consequently came to see themselves as an obedient remnant which was encountering the wrath of the dragon, as prophesied in Revelation 12:17. Subsequent developments in Adventist eschatology saw the Sunday-keeping churches identified with Babylon the Great (Revelation 17-18). A central aspect of the Adventist mission was to call people out of Babylon, and into the remnant church, as signified by the second of the three angels' messages.

The Review and Herald (now Adventist Review) October 12, 1876 contains an "amazing" article on cordiality between the Adventist pioneers and the Seventh Day Baptists. James White pointed out that the two bodies agreed on the two great tests of the Christian life, i.e. the divine law and redemption from its transgression through the Son. The main difference between them, White observed, was the question of immortality. Even though differences existed between the two groups, White recommended, "that there be no controversy between the two bodies." He continued, "we further recommend that Seventh-day Adventists in their agressive work avoid laboring to build up Seventh-day Adventist churches where Seventh-day Baptist churches are already established..." He said it is much better to seek union with Seventh Day Baptists on the points they agree than to sacrifice that union by urging on them peculiar Adventist sentiments.

While the Adventist church matured and institutionalized in the 20th century, opposition from other churches also declined. By the 1950s, Adventists and American conservative Christians were ready to begin a dialogue. A series of discussions between Adventist and conservative leaders led to greater understanding and acceptance on both sides. Even after these milestone events, however, Adventists continued to resist full ecumenical cooperation with other churches, believing that such cooperation would endanger its distinctive message.

Bert Beach was the main Adventist involved with interreligious dialogue.

On January 22, 2007 church leaders voted to rename the Council on Inter-church/Inter-faith Relations to the Council on Inter-church/Inter-religion Affairs. This involved more than a change of name, representing a desire for increased dialog with other religions.