In Beyond Common Ground, author Alden Thompson examines the common ground that both liberal and conservative Adventists share—and he points out that, compared to most other Christians, ALL Adventists are pretty conservative! Thompson believes that in order to have a more complete, accurate picture of God’s truth, we need to consider different viewpoints. He also argues that liberals and conservatives don’t have to agree, nor do they have to be enemies, but that each should accept the other as sincere Christians who love God and their church and who want to be honest with what they find in the Bible.

Thompson devotes much of the book to how to approach the Bible honestly, and he uses illustrations from his own life to reinforce his points. He also emphasizes the importance of an active devotional life.