In the outset of this discussion, I state up front that I am neither a Mormon nor an Adventist, but try to gather as much information on religion so I will know how to discuss the Bible with each religion with which I cross paths. By reading my blogs, you will quickly discover that I do enjoy the discussion on religion and the Bible. So, as you likely have noted, members of these two faiths hold strong to many of the same values. They both believe in prophecy, healthy living and the respect of the body as a temple, baptism by immersion, tithing, following the Commandments, community service, and many others. However these churches are different in several important ways, not only with each other but with other religions as well. What I am claiming to do here is discuss doctrine of each religion as I understand that each religion teaches it, then compare these teachings with what the Bible says. Again, if I am wrong in any of my beliefs, please let me know and I will make the necessary corrections.
Mormon Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in the Book of Mormon as another testament of Jesus Christ. They also have great love for and say that they believe in the Holy Bible and they believe both books to be the word of God.
Mormons & Adventists each say that they believe the Holy Bible to be a closed book (one that should not be added to or taken from).
Mormons believe that the Book of Mormon is a more accurate extension of or addition to The Bible than any other written literature and has over written parts of the Bible they claim as being inaccurate.
Adventists believe in the Holy Bible as their sole book of scripture but also believe the writings of Ellen White as prophecy which in some places is also different from the Bible.
Mormons recognize that there are literally hundreds of translations of the Bible (some of which Mormons claim contradict each other) and therefore believe in the Holy Bible to be perfect in as much as it was translated correctly. Nonetheless Mormons and Adventists both claim that they try to follow closely the example of Christianity set forth in this wonderful Holy book but as more accurately stated in their own respective literature.
Mormons believe Joseph Smith was a prophet and Adventists believe Ellen G. White was a prophet. Mormons additionally believe in modern-day revelation through prophets who have been chosen by God since Joseph Smith was killed. The prophet claims to lead the Church at the direction of Jesus Christ and stands as special witness and representative of Christ to all on the Earth.
Both Mormons & Adventists recognize the Sabbath as a day that should be focused on the Savior as emphasized in the ten commandments and made clear in the Sermon on the Mount by Christ Himself.
Mormons & Adventists both believe that it should be a day of rest from your usual labors and a day with an extra emphasis on worship (since every day should so be).
Mormons recognize Sunday as the Sabbath secondary to a latter-day revelation that stated the Sabbath should be transferred to the "Day of the Lord" in observance of the atonement of the Savior.
Adventists recognize Saturday (sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday) as the Sabbath.
Members of both faiths recognize a strict health code.
Mormons believe in abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, coffee and tea, other harmful or addictive substances, in addition to promote eating healthy grains, vegetables, fruits, and limited amounts of meat.
Many Adventists are vegetarians and all abstain from cigarettes and alcohol.
Certainly each of these faiths is distinct, but they do share many similarities -- including their strong commitment to the Savior. If you are wondering which to join, many can share their opinions and beliefs. However, the decision is between you and God. I'd encourage you to spend time talking with him to see what He would have you do. Read about each church from reliable sources: www.adventist.org and www.mormon.org or www.lds.org instead of relying on heresay from gossip. Then after you have compared their teachings to the Bible, you will see whether or not either one of them is accurate, but you must use the Bible as the checking point of validity. If either one of their teachings or doctrines are not found in the Bible in full, then that doctrine must be challenged as inaccurate.
It is always best not to seek out information about Adventists from Mormons or about the Mormons from Adventists (you wouldn't ask an English professor about a mathematical problem, or a physician about how to build a gas pipeline). You need to go to each respective source, which is in their literature which explains their doctrines to learn what they each believes and to see whether or not their belief is supported by the Bible.
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