Hello,

I have a serious question regarding the (SDA) Seventh Day Adventist teaching on the beast of Revelation 13 and I couldn't find enough information on your web site. Their anti-Catholic teachings involve much more than just the number of the beast, which they identify to be the pope. They have twelve basic points of identification along with quotes to prove the papacy is the beast.

Point:

1. Rises up out of the sea (Revelation 13:1)
   
   
2. Receives its power, seat, and authority from the dragon (Revelation 13:2)
   This is supported by a claim that Constantine gave his seat to the pope — the papacy took over in place of the Roman Caesars.
   
   
3. Becomes a worldwide power (Revelation 13:3, 7)
   This is supported by a quote from the book, The keys of This Blood:
• "The pope is the best-known person of the 20th century (page 123)
• has formed personal relationships with the leaders of 91 countries (page 490), and
• is prepared for worldwide rule now" (page 143).
  
  
4. Is a religious power that receives worship. (Revelation 13:4, 8)
   
   
5. Is guilty of blasphemy. (Revelation 13:1, 5, 6; Daniel 7:25)
   Quoting these Catholic sources:
• "We hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty" -Pope Leo XIII,
• "The pope is not only the representative of Jesus Christ Himself, but hidden under the veil of flesh." — Catholic National, July 1895
  
  
6. Rules for 42 prophetic months (538—1798) (Revelation 13:5; Daniel 7:13)
   The claim here is that the legally recognized supremacy of the pope began in 538 A.D. and ended in 1798 when Berthier abolished the papal government and established a secular one.
   
   
7. Shall subdue three Kings. (Daniel 7:24)
   The papacy uprooted three Germanic powers: the Heruli, Vandals and Ostrogoths.
   
   
8. Shall intend to change laws and times. (Daniel 7:25)
   The Church changed the sabbath from Saturday to Sunday.
   
   
9. Persecutes God's Saints. (Revelation 13:7)
   Refers to the bloodshed caused by the Catholic Church.
   
   
10. Has the mysterious number 666. (Revelation 13:18)
    
    
11. Is led by one supreme man. (Revelation 13:18)
    
    
12. Receives a deadly wound that heals. (Revelation 13:3)
    Refers to the Vatican making peace with Italy in 1929.

The SDA's believe that the beast of Revelation 13 is a power that came from the Roman empire and existed in Paul's time. They believe it is still around today.

I know this is a lot, but this is what ill-informed Catholics are facing, and all the arguments when presented together, are very convincing. I can handle the errors in misinterpretation of the Church's teachings (points 4, 5, and 8) but I have a hard time with the historical evidence referred to in points: 6, 7, 9, and 12.

• Can any of these be proven to be untrue? or
• Is there an alternative interpretation to what they are claiming?

Thanks so much for your help,