In recent years, the term Christian nationalism has moved from the margins into the mainstream. Figures in politics and religion openly embrace it, describing it as the belief that America should be defined by Christianity and governed according to biblical principles. Supporters argue that secularism has failed and that society needs God to function. They often advocate for policies such as limiting immigration from non-Christian countries, restricting LGBTQ+ rights, and rethinking women’s roles in government and family life.
At its core, Christian nationalism ties religious identity to national identity. To be a good American, in this view, is to be a Christian—one who lives within a certain interpretation of faith.
What Seventh-day Adventists Believe
Seventh-day Adventists, while deeply committed to following Christ, hold a very different view of faith and public life. Our church has long taught the principle of religious liberty for all—not only for ourselves, but for people of every faith or no faith at all.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church’s official statement on religious freedom declares:
“Seventh-day Adventists deplore and seek to combat all forms of discrimination based on race, tribe, nationality, color, or gender. We believe that every person was created in the image of God, who made all nations of one blood, and that we are to be united in Christ, who is the same for all. Any form of racism eats away at the heart of Christian faith and fellowship. We recognize the natural diversity of humankind and believe that this should be regarded as a source of enrichment. We are committed to the unifying message of the three angels of Revelation 14, proclaiming the everlasting gospel to ‘every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.” [General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Human Relations Statement, 1985. Available at: gc.adventist.org/official-statements/human-relations]
Ellen G. White, one of our church’s founders, warned of the dangers of coercive religion:
“God never compels the obedience of man. He leaves all free to choose whom they will serve” (The Great Controversy, p. 541).
Adventists believe that the gospel is advanced not through legislation or political power but through love, service, and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. We are called to be “a peculiar people” (1 Peter 2:9)—set apart by our loyalty to Christ above all earthly authorities.
The Differences
Here are some key differences between Christian nationalism and Seventh-day Adventist beliefs:
Religious Freedom
- Christian nationalism: Advocates for a society primarily governed by Christian laws and values.
- Adventists: Believe every individual must be free to follow—or not follow—God without government interference.
Church and State
- Christian nationalism: Seeks a closer integration of church authority with government power.
- Adventists: Strongly affirm separation of church and state. Ellen White wrote, “The union of the church with the state, be the degree never so slight, while it may appear to bring the world nearer to the church, does in reality but bring the church nearer to the world” (The Great Controversy, p. 297).
View of Others
- Christian nationalism: Often skeptical of religious minorities and immigrants, fearing division or “strife.”
- Adventists: Believe all people are created in God’s image and are to be reached with the good news of salvation (Matthew 28:19–20).
Path to Change
- Christian nationalism: Looks to political action, laws, and authority to shape culture.
- Adventists: Trust the Spirit’s work in hearts and communities, emphasizing mission, service, and personal transformation.
An Open Question
Christian nationalism and Seventh-day Adventism may both use biblical language, but they grow from very different roots and lead to very different outcomes. One links faith with political control. The other seeks to preserve freedom of conscience so that faith may thrive by choice.
As Adventists, we are called to be a peculiar people, distinct in our loyalty to Christ and His kingdom. Yet the cultural pull to align with movements that promise influence or power is strong.
So here is the question to wrestle with:
Can Christian nationalism and Seventh-day Adventism truly serve the same purpose?
