What NAS Daily claimed
NAS Daily asserts that "the healthiest religion in America" is the SDA church, citing factors like their plant-based diet, strong community, and longevity.
What the scientific studies actually show
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The Adventist Health Studies (AHS)—especially AHS‑1 and AHS‑2—do find that SDA members in the U.S. and Canada, particularly in Loma Linda, California, live on average 4–10 years longer than the general American population.
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These advantages are strongly linked to lifestyle factors: abstinence from alcohol and tobacco, high rates of vegetarian or vegan diets, regular exercise, and tight-knit community support.
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A large study (>73,000 participants) showed 12% lower all-cause mortality among Adventist vegetarians vs. non-vegetarians—though benefits varied by gender and dietary type.
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However, these are correlational, observational studies. They do not prove causation—other variables or self-selection could explain differences.
Biblical perspective
From a biblical standpoint:
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The Bible does endorse caring for one’s body (e.g. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20), but it does not teach that physical health equals spiritual superiority or salvation.
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Scripture repeatedly affirms that salvation is by faith in Christ alone (e.g. Ephesians 2:8–9, Romans 3:28)—not by dietary or health standards.
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While healthy habits can honor God, they are not scriptural prerequisites for divine favor or eternal life.
Nuances & limitations to challenge in the reel
a. “Healthiest religion” is vague
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The reel presents SDA as uniquely “healthiest,” but science shows only that they tend to live longer and have lower rates of certain diseases—not that all aspects of their health metrics or behaviors are unrivaled across religions.
b. Lifestyle vs. religion
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The health advantages come from behaviors encouraged by the SDA culture: non-smoking, particular diets, community. These are lifestyle choices that could theoretically be adopted by members of any religion—or by non‑religious people—if desired.
c. Causation is not proven
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The studies are observational. They can show associations but can't prove that being SDA causes better health. Healthier people might self-select into Adventism, or other unmeasured factors could be at work.
Other religions also promote health
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Mormons (LDS) follow the “Word of Wisdom,” which restricts tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine. Studies show that LDS adherents in Utah also live longer than the general U.S. population.
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Hindus and Buddhists, especially in India and parts of Southeast Asia, often follow vegetarian diets and practice mindfulness, yoga, and non-violence — all of which can promote better mental and physical health.
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These lifestyle disciplines can reduce disease risk and improve longevity, just like in Adventist studies.
But health ≠ truth
While all these religions may foster good health:
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Longer life and better health are not spiritual credentials. They show the wisdom of certain lifestyle choices—but not the truth of their theology.
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Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
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The apostle Paul warned in Colossians 2:20–23 that external self-denial and asceticism “appear wise,” but are of no value against the flesh—they cannot save or sanctify.
Biblical salvation is not based on health practices
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The gospel is not about eating or abstaining: “The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).
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Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ—not through clean living, vegetarianism, or personal discipline (Ephesians 2:8–9).
The Bible teaches that eternal life is not earned by what we eat or how we live, but by faith in Jesus Christ alone (Romans 3:28; John 14:6). Good habits are wise, but they don't save us.
Bottom-line for a balance thinking:
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Acknowledge the valid findings: OSAD members do show lower mortality and certain health outcomes.
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Clarify that those are correlations, not proof of cause or superiority.
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Highlight biblical truth: physical health is not equivalent to spiritual status or salvation.
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Point out the oversimplification: NAS Daily's reel reduces a complex area to a bold claim without nuance.
Suggested response to an SDA:
I appreciate the message about health habits, but the claim that SDA is “the healthiest religion in America” oversimplifies things:
• Yes, peer-reviewed Adventist Health Studies show lower death rates and longer life spans among many SDA members — likely linked to diet, non-smoking, and social cohesion.
• However, these studies are observational and cannot prove that church membership causes better health.
• Biblically, healthfulness is not a sign of greater spiritual standing or salvation—we’re saved by faith, not lifestyle (Ephesians 2:8–9).
• Thus, the reel’s bold title is catchy but misleading—SDA members may tend to live healthier lives, but that doesn’t make their faith inherently “better” or spiritually superior.
Former Adventists Philippines
You are correct Dr. Ronald Obidos.
ReplyDeleteIt's important to clarify: NAS Daily's claim doesn't mean that simply being a Seventh-day Adventists automatically confers perfect health. Rather, it highlights that adherence to the health principles promoted by the Seventh-day Adventist Church leads to demonstrably better health outcomes. The studies effectively isolate these lifestyle factors from claiming that SDA is the true church, that they are holding the true gospel and the teaching of salvation, making the conclusions quite compelling.
In essence, the "healthiest religion" claim isn't about the religion itself having magical properties, but about the profound positive impact of the lifestyle choices it encourages and supports regardless of any denominations or ethnic background.