Four Famous People in History Who Were Seventh Day Adventists

Desmond Doss, the “conscientious objector,” enlisted in the US Army in April 1942 but refused to purposely kill others or carry a weapon into combat because of his personal beliefs as a Seventh-day Adventist. He ended up becoming a combat medic during World War II.

His courage and determination in helping wounded soldiers earned him two Bronze Star Medals. During the Battle of Okinawa, he saved the lives of 75 soldiers, which earned him the Medal of Honor. He was the only noncombatant to receive this honor.

Doss was wounded three times during the war, and shortly before leaving the Army, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis, which cost him one lung. After his discharge from the Army in 1946, he spent five years undergoing medical treatment for his injuries and illness.

The life story of Desmond Doss was so incredible that world-renown writer, producer, and director Mel Gibson created a major motion picture about his life and heroic acts: “Hacksaw Ridge.” This movie brought attention to the Adventist denomination’s official position on conscientious objection.

Desmond Doss, First Conscientious Objector to Win Medal of Honor, died at Age 87.

Dr. Ben Carson is a renowned neurosurgeon famous for his rise from a difficult early life into noteworthy achievement in college and medical school, and eventually becoming director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Carson’s fame mostly began in 1987 after his successful surgical separation of twins conjoined at the head. He enjoyed a long medical career specializing in traumatic brain injuries.

His fame only grew with the publishing of his autobiography and the 2009 TV movie with a similar title, Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story. This illustrated the difficult childhood experiences Carson dealt with and the obstacles he overcame.

Carson was the featured speaker for the National Prayer Breakfast in 1997 and 2013, and in 2008 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2017 he was sworn in as the 17th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Carson often gave glory to God for his successes and he remains a faithful member of the Adventist Church today.

John Harvey Kellogg may be a familiar household name because of the breakfast cereals he originally developed in 1896. Kellogg was an inventor, medical doctor, and pioneer in holistic healthcare.

He revolutionized healthcare around the world through his extensive research and promotion of the germ theory of disease, vegetarianism, balanced nutrition, and abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. His recommendations for complete wellness included regular exercise, fresh air and sunshine, correct posture, sensible clothing, and an intake of eight to ten glasses of water daily.

He became the superintendent of Battle Creek Sanitarium, and under his management it achieved global recognition.

Unfortunately the later years of Kellogg’s story involve his venturing into extremism, both in spirituality and in his business practices, and he was eventually removed from membership of the Adventist Church.

JA tall, handsome black actor best known for his work on TV sitcoms and variety shows, Clifton Davis is also an ordained Seventh Day Adventist minister as well as a composer of such hit songs as the Jackson Five’s “Never Can Say Good-bye.”

He is an actor, singer, composer, producer and minister. Davis’ sitcom work has included regular stints as a barber living with his mother in what was a then-pioneering show starring African-Americans, “That’s My Mama” (ABC, 1974-75), and “Amen” (NBC, 1986-1991), in which, ironically, he played Reuben Gregory, the young minister of a church assisting a wheeling-dealing deacon (Sherman Hemsley).

Raised on Long Island, he began his career in New York City in the Broadway show, Hello Dolly. Six years and five Broadway shows later, Davis headed to Hollywood and the rest is history.

For more than 40 years Clifton Davis has shared his unique gifts with audiences and congregations around the world.

Most recently, Davis appeared in the recurring role of “Ephraim Ware”, Director of National Intelligence on the CBS hit show, Madam Secretary. Davis has recently completed a 4-year run on Broadway having originated the role of “Sultan”, in the hit Disney musical, “Aladdin”.

Davis holds a BA in Theology from Oakwood University and a Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University. Mr. Davis is also the recipient of honorary Doctor of Letters degrees from Lincoln University, Paine College and Edward Waters College, a Doctor of Ministry from Trinity International University and just received a Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Hartford. He is the recipient of numerous awards and citations for his social, civic and spiritual service. Davis is a Christian minister licensed by St. Luke Baptist Church, New York, NY. His interdenominational ministry spans more than 35 years during which he has evangelized throughout the nation, leading thousands to the love of God through Christ Jesus.

For 20 years he has appeared on Christian television as a perennial host of “Praise the Lord” on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. He has also hosted such notable gospel music specials as “Gospel Superfest”, “Take It to the Bridge”, “The Stellar Awards” and “The Black Achievement Awards”.