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With a clear, straightforward definition such as this, the subject of the church isn't one that most people would consider a "doctrine." For this reason, there aren't many books that deal with this crucial fundamental belief. This very readable and informative treatment of such a vital topic fills an important gap in Adventist literature. Reinder Bruinsma's far-ranging look at the doctrine of the church moves from Old and New Testament foundations for this doctrine up through church government and on to controversial issues such as ordination and church discipline. Fittingly, he concludes with the mission and future of the church. His fourfold approach-biblical and theological, historical, practical, and with an Adventist perspective-ensures that every facet of the doctrine is explored in detail. This thought-provoking discussion challenges those who call themselves "God's people" to examine their current understanding of the church and to prayerfully consider their roles as part of the body of Christ. Book jacket.

"This book deals with the origins and history of anti-Catholicism among Seventh-day Adventists in North America. These anti-Catholic sentiments were rooted in the history of nineteenth century America, as well as in Adventist interpretation of particular apocalyptic passages in the Bible. Building on historicist prophetic interpretations, Adventists developed an end-time scenario in which Catholics were expected to play an increasingly sinister role. This book chronicles in detail the flow of this turbulent relationship, from the emergence of Adventism down to the present day. It will be of interest to all those interested in the fields of Seventh-day Adventist history, American religious history, ecumenics, and Roman Catholic history in the United States"--

Dr. Reinder Bruinsma doggedly pursues answers to the great ethical and moral dilemmas of our day in Matters of Life and Death. Is war ever definsible? Is capitol punishment ever justified? Is Abortion always an abomination? These and other controversial, yet intensely real, questions ate thoughtfully addressed by Bruinsma from a decidedly Adventist-Christian viewpoint. Your convictions may be challenged. Your preconceived ideas tested. Butbe warned. If you are looking for the official position of the church on these issues, or an exhaustive scientific or philosophical treatise, you'll be disappointed. If, However, you want a biblical dicussion about how our beliefs must prepate us to handle matters of life and death, this book will provide facinating reading and cause you to prayerfully wrestle through the issues the Bible writers never had to face. - Preface. Chapter One: Life - when Does It Begin and when Does It End? What is life? What is death? How to make moral decisions. A Christian view. A suggested approach. The role of the Bible . The writings of Ellen G. White. Church statements. Conscience. Chapter Two: In the Beginning ... God. Science or religion? Science and religion? What do evolutionists say? What do creationist say? The biblical record. The roots of Adventist doctrine. Implications. Chapter Three: Modifying Life - Playing God or Benefiting Humanity? Boon or bane? What is genetic engineering? Is opposition justified? Dangers. Health and environmental risks. Is it in our genes? "My brain made me do it". Good or bad? Transplanting organs. Chapter Four: Is Abortion Always Wrong? The risk of being a fetus. What are we talking about? Life and/ or person? "Thou shalt not kill". Basic biblical principles. What does Ellen White say? The Church speaks. Conclusion. Chapter Five: How Good can a "Good Death" Be. Euthanasia in past and present. The Adventist Church speaks on euthanasia. Active versus passive. Quality of life. The right to die. A slippery slope? Suicide. Is suicide sin? Sacrifice and martyrdom. Physician-assisted suicide. A good death is preceded by a good life. Chapter Six: Sharing Life. God saw: "It was good". Contraception. Are all methods OK? Fertility treatments. At any price? Chapter seven: The Quality of Life. There is more to life than health. What is"health"? A health message. Biblical guidelines. What we eat and drink, etc. Should we all be vegetatians? When sickness strikes. Living with others. Equality of quality. Chapter Eight: Ending the Lives of Others. Christian views of war. What do Adventists say? The biblical perspective. Kingdon values. Death penalty. The Bible and capital punishment. So, what do we conclude? Chapter Nine: Animal Life. Does it matter? Moral status. Causing pain. Chapter Ten: Life After Death. An indestructible desire. Beyond death. When Christ comes. For all? God takes us seriously. Eternal gnashing of teeth. Forever safe. Chapter Eleven: Facing Death. The reality of death. Facing death in a Christian way. Being prepared - 1. Being prepared - 2. Life before death. Chapter Twelve: Life - To the Full. A value-driven life an abundant life. Living one day at a time. A victorious life. Life in Christ

If you were asked to define the essence of Christianity, what would you say? Which words would you choose to describe the life-changing pursuit of something completely intangible? All too often, ¿Christian¿ words are used superficially, without comprehension of their truest meaning¿surface answers to humanity¿s most important questions. But these words influence your sole connection to eternal life.

If you were asked to define the essence of Christianity, what would you say? Which words would you choose to describe the life-changing pursuit of something completely intangible? All too often, ¿Christian¿ words are used superficially, without comprehension of their truest meaning¿surface answers to humanity¿s most important questions. But these words influence your sole connection to eternal life.

With a clear, straightforward definition such as this, the subject of the church isn't one that most people would consider a "doctrine." For this reason, there aren't many books that deal with this crucial fundamental belief. This very readable and informative treatment of such a vital topic fills an important gap in Adventist literature. Reinder Bruinsma's far-ranging look at the doctrine of the church moves from Old and New Testament foundations for this doctrine up through church government and on to controversial issues such as ordination and church discipline. Fittingly, he concludes with the mission and future of the church. His fourfold approach-biblical and theological, historical, practical, and with an Adventist perspective-ensures that every facet of the doctrine is explored in detail. This thought-provoking discussion challenges those who call themselves "God's people" to examine their current understanding of the church and to prayerfully consider their roles as part of the body of Christ. Book jacket.

From its beginnings, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has emphasized apocalyptic prophecy and the role of Roman Catholicism in the biblical books of Daniel and Revelation. In this first major study of the topic, Bruinsma looks at the origin and unique features of Seventh-day Adventist attitudes toward the Roman Church, examines factors which explain these continuing views, and analyzes Adventism's place in Protestantism.

From its beginnings, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has emphasized apocalyptic prophecy and the role of Roman Catholicism in the biblical books of Daniel and Revelation. In this first major study of the topic, Bruinsma looks at the origin and unique features of Seventh-day Adventist attitudes toward the Roman Church, examines factors which explain these continuing views, and analyzes Adventism's place in Protestantism.

Dr. Reinder Bruinsma doggedly pursues answers to the great ethical and moral dilemmas of our day in Matters of Life and Death. Is war ever definsible? Is capitol punishment ever justified? Is Abortion always an abomination? These and other controversial, yet intensely real, questions ate thoughtfully addressed by Bruinsma from a decidedly Adventist-Christian viewpoint. Your convictions may be challenged. Your preconceived ideas tested. Butbe warned. If you are looking for the official position of the church on these issues, or an exhaustive scientific or philosophical treatise, you'll be disappointed. If, However, you want a biblical dicussion about how our beliefs must prepate us to handle matters of life and death, this book will provide facinating reading and cause you to prayerfully wrestle through the issues the Bible writers never had to face. - Preface. Chapter One: Life - when Does It Begin and when Does It End? What is life? What is death? How to make moral decisions. A Christian view. A suggested approach. The role of the Bible . The writings of Ellen G. White. Church statements. Conscience. Chapter Two: In the Beginning ... God. Science or religion? Science and religion? What do evolutionists say? What do creationist say? The biblical record. The roots of Adventist doctrine. Implications. Chapter Three: Modifying Life - Playing God or Benefiting Humanity? Boon or bane? What is genetic engineering? Is opposition justified? Dangers. Health and environmental risks. Is it in our genes? "My brain made me do it". Good or bad? Transplanting organs. Chapter Four: Is Abortion Always Wrong? The risk of being a fetus. What are we talking about? Life and/ or person? "Thou shalt not kill". Basic biblical principles. What does Ellen White say? The Church speaks. Conclusion. Chapter Five: How Good can a "Good Death" Be. Euthanasia in past and present. The Adventist Church speaks on euthanasia. Active versus passive. Quality of life. The right to die. A slippery slope? Suicide. Is suicide sin? Sacrifice and martyrdom. Physician-assisted suicide. A good death is preceded by a good life. Chapter Six: Sharing Life. God saw: "It was good". Contraception. Are all methods OK? Fertility treatments. At any price? Chapter seven: The Quality of Life. There is more to life than health. What is"health"? A health message. Biblical guidelines. What we eat and drink, etc. Should we all be vegetatians? When sickness strikes. Living with others. Equality of quality. Chapter Eight: Ending the Lives of Others. Christian views of war. What do Adventists say? The biblical perspective. Kingdon values. Death penalty. The Bible and capital punishment. So, what do we conclude? Chapter Nine: Animal Life. Does it matter? Moral status. Causing pain. Chapter Ten: Life After Death. An indestructible desire. Beyond death. When Christ comes. For all? God takes us seriously. Eternal gnashing of teeth. Forever safe. Chapter Eleven: Facing Death. The reality of death. Facing death in a Christian way. Being prepared - 1. Being prepared - 2. Life before death. Chapter Twelve: Life - To the Full. A value-driven life an abundant life. Living one day at a time. A victorious life. Life in Christ