Welcome to American Sentry, a journal dedicated to exploring and defending the principles of religious liberty and freedom of conscience. Inspired by the pioneering work of Alonzo T. Jones and Ellet J. Waggoner, the first editors of the historic American Sentinel, we strive to continue their legacy of thoughtful and courageous advocacy for the protection of religious freedoms.
Our mission is to provide insightful commentary, historical analysis, and contemporary perspectives on issues surrounding religious liberty. As independent voices informed by a Seventh-day Adventist worldview, we believe in the inherent dignity of every human being as created in the image of God. We hold that true faith cannot be compelled and that the rights of conscience are sacred and inviolable.
While we are not an official apparatus of the Seventh-day Adventist Church like the direct descendant of the Sentinel, which is Liberty Magazine, our intention is to be similar and complimentary. Our perspective is deeply rooted in the biblical principles that form our faith understanding. We are supportive of the Seventh-day Adventist Church organization, and adhere to its beliefs. These include the conviction that allegiance to God is a matter of personal choice, not compulsion, and that the separation of church and state is essential for the preservation of both genuine religion and civil freedom.
We stand firmly in support of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, particularly its clauses guaranteeing freedom of religion and the prohibition of government establishment of religion. We believe these principles safeguard a society in which individuals can live according to their beliefs without fear of coercion or discrimination. While we come from a Christian perspective, we strongly believe the Bible and the teachings of Jesus show us that we are never to force or manipulate anyone to believe what we believe.
At American Sentry, we engage readers of all faiths and backgrounds in meaningful dialogue about the ongoing challenges to religious freedom in today’s world. Through our work, we aim to foster a greater appreciation for the foundational values of liberty and conscience and to encourage vigilance in protecting these freedoms for all.
Disclaimer
The views expressed in this website are solely those of the authors and do not reflect the official policies, positions, or endorsements of the Seventh-day Adventist Church or of the Department of Defense, including any branch of the United States Armed Forces. While any of the authors may be serving as a military member, minister, or educator, the material herein is based on their personal opinions and independent research. It is not intended to represent or convey the official perspectives of the aforementioned organizations or entities.