I am a firm believer that, before diving into any topic, context is always key. That’s why I think it’s vitally important to understand the background of the SDA faith with regards to politics before unpacking current generational trends.
For centuries, religion and politics have had a complex and intriguing relationship. Although Seventh-day Adventism is a relatively new denomination in the grand scheme of things, it is certainly no exception to this rule. From its founding years in the mid-19th century, official SDA church stances on sociopolitical issues offer a lens into the church’s relatability with the non-SDA world — and many times, an indication of where it’s headed. After the Great Disappointment, the Seventh-day Adventist Church was officially founded in 1863. Among the most prominent leaders of the SDA faith was Ellen G. White. Her writings are heavily focused on issues of social injustice, activism and care for human life. White pioneered social activism in the SDA Church from 1863 onwards, but the rest of the church’s history isn’t as clear-cut.
The women’s rights movement was backed by several Adventist leaders. Further, certain General Conference leaders have spoken out on various hot button issues. Some of the moments that stand out are the church’s adoption of a non-combatency stance during the second world war, the church’s view on voting, and Adventists’ involvement in the Civil Rights Movement (and, more recently, with the more recent social justice protests). An overview of some of the significant moments and statements coming out of the Seventh-day Adventist Church help to better understand current generational trends.
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