A Fresh View of Ellen White

I was 14 and an atheist in a Catholic family. I was convinced that God was dead, but my interest in the paranormal led me back to the challenge of decrypting the symbols of Revelation. I was struggling with the pre-trib secret rapture scenario of Russia invading Israel when I came across an old book by Uriah Smith. His blend of Christian writing with a seventh day Sabbath was even more puzzling.

After overhearing my mom mention a “Seventh-day Adventist health food store”, I went to a public library and used the card catalog. Most of the books shared the same number and sent me to a shelf with perhaps a dozen books side by side. I randomly selected Great Controversy by E. G. White and sat down at a table to read.

It opened with the scene of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem. On page 22 I read these words, “The Majesty of heaven in tears! the Son of the infinite God troubled in spirit, bowed down with anguish! The scene filled all heaven with wonder. That scene reveals to us the exceeding sinfulness of sin; it shows how hard a task it is, even for Infinite Power, to save the guilty from the consequences of transgressing the law of God."

Just then my world flipped upside down and turned inside out. Across the table from me stood Jesus looking down at me with a small smile on His face. He did not say a word, but just stood there for 10 seconds give or take.

It had never before occured to me that Infinite Power made choices and our choices throughout history could block His. Perhaps God was not dead after all! Now, more than prophecy puzzles, I pursued God.

This was my first encounter with the words from the pen of Mrs. White and I had no idea who she was or where this Seventh-day Adventist church was at. For two years my only contact was with books in local libraries written by her, L. E. Froom, Arthur Maxwell, and a few others. Unlike the other books I had read, these authors knew their Bible.

I was able to read the entire Conflict Series and the Bible characters came alive. For the first time, I was able to make sense of the purpose of history. What we call the great controversy motif answered so many of my questions and erased so many doubts. After several years of soul torture caused by reading Steps to Christ, God became my Father and Jesus became my Savior.

The crucifixes and pasty-faced paintings of Jesus on the walls of our home were replaced by spiritual images in 3-d color on the TV screen of my mind. These writers, especially Ellen White, pierced through the fog of religious vagaries to show me a whole new universe. And no wonder, two years later I found a little paperback called Prophet of Destiny and for the first time discovered her prophet-level inspiration.

Looking back, I am convinced that God led me on that remarkable path to give me a fresh view of Ellen White. I had no Adventist contact to color my vision or prejudice my opinions. I read the “baby bible” (as I call it) with no preconceived ideas and for the first time formed a consistent, complete, hopeful worldview based on it. For the first time, I achieved harmony between Scripture and the world I was experiencing.

Now, having been in the church for 40 years and teaching in academies for 20, I am convinced that Ellen White is not a problem. Our problem is with the church’s misuse and abuse of her writings. Especially the older generations who have been raised in the church suffer from the black and white, non-thinking, authority-by-proof-text method applied to both her books and to the Bible. I see this applying equally to her detractors. She was a better Bible student than either side has considered.

I am familiar with the arguments against her: plagiarism, mental conditions, human influences, fallibility, bad theology, etc... I was baptized then transferred to one of the epicenters of Adventism at the height of the Walter Rea and Desmond Ford controversies. (SMC, now Southern Adventist University)

One of the most common accusations I have heard is a statement in a personal letter to one of her sons where she basically says that if he is not a good boy then God will not love him. How is that any different from the sermon on the mount where Jesus tells us God (who has already forgiven all- Luke 23:34; Romans 5:10) will not forgive us unless we forgive others? Interpretation is required in both cases! And interpretation is not proof of error.

“There is one straight chain of truth, without one heretical sentence, in that which I have written.” (Selected Messages, 52)

I am truly sorry for the legalistic, rules-over-people, fear based culture that seemed to consume the church back in the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s. But don’t project that back on Ellen White and then forward onto younger generations. The messenger of God did not airbrush the brooch out of her photo then create from it a culture of arbitrary fear and enshrine it in academy handbooks. The church did!

“...my mind has been greatly stirred in regard to the idea, ‘Why, Sister White has said so and so, and Sister White has said so and so; and therefore we are going right up to it.'

God wants us all to have common sense, and He wants us to reason from common sense. Circumstances alter conditions. Circumstances change the relation of things.“ (6MR, 354)

I taught for several years in self-supporting schools. As local elder, I have wrestled with offshoot movements within the church. As a member I have sat cringing in many pews listening to the speakers authoritatively telling us how we don’t measure up with quote after quote from Ellen White. I am convinced that the conservatives who support her are no better acquainted with the true spirit and teachings of the prophet than the liberals who reject her.

“The testimonies of Sister White should not be carried to the front. God’s Word is the unerring standard. The testimonies are not to take the place of the Word. Never do we want any soul to bring in the testimonies ahead of the Bible.” (Evangelism, 256)

I am convinced that if Mrs. White was alive today she would revise the 1911 edition of the Great Controversy as she revised the 1888 edition. She would teach the same principles and condemn the same actors because she is still on solid biblical ground. However, she would make adjustments in presentation to meet the history-ignorant, ill-educated multitudes indoctrinated in an environment that is no longer predisposed to anti-Catholicism.

I seriously doubt she would mass mail the 100 year old version of that book like the leaves of autumn. Instead, she would inspire us to reach interested people personally and thereby distribute them like the leaves of autumn.

Finally, I think we fail to give Ellen White credit for knowing the deep teachings of Scripture. For decades the churches and schools told us she learned everything in vision, then when we (re)discovered that it was not true, many of us went to the other extreme and wholly rejected her writings. But she was never meant to be a substitute authority! Context, personal application, and consistent methods of interpretation must apply to her just like when reading all the Bible prophets and apostles.

Years ago this came home to me when I read in Desire of Ages about the “last link of sympathy” between the angels and Satan being broken at the cross. Was that a Bible teaching or unique insight based on vision? The whole context made me lean towards an application of a principle so I set out to see if Scripture supported it.

Lo and behold! I had never heard it preached, but John 12:31 and Revelation 12:7-12 reveal that Satan was twice cast out of heaven and the second time was after the cross. This is exactly what the Spirit of Prophecy was intended to do. It should drive us to deeper study of Scripture, not to cherry picking of very specific words that supposedly enable me to make an ironclad rule telling you what to do or think. The red books are the beginning, not the end, of Bible study.

“The Bible must be your counselor. Study it and the testimonies God has given; for they never contradict His word.” (3 Selected Messages, 32)

“You are not familiar with the Scriptures. If you had made God’s word your study, with a desire to reach the Bible standard and attain to Christian perfection, you would not have needed the Testimonies. It is because you have neglected to acquaint yourselves with God’s inspired Book that He has sought to reach you by simple, direct testimonies.” (5 Testimonies, 664)

The goal is to know God through Scripture that we “may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Can I get there without Ellen White? Of course. Can she get me there faster? Almost definitely, unless I chain myself to generational misconceptions and cultural prejudice.

“Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” (2 Chronicles 20:20)

Quotes and Comments

This is a collection of links and quotes from all sides of the question.

 

Ted Wilson quotes 27 Beliefs, p227

 

Was Ellen White an Infallible Theologian?

 

Aunt Sevvy, did Ellen White “plagiarize” other authors?

 

Ellen White’s Vision of a Flawed Final Generation

 

Who Has More Authority? Ellen White, or the Bible? Note: The author confuses degrees of inspiration with degrees of authority

In the last vision given at Battle Creek I was shown that an unwise course was taken at——-in regard to the visions at the time of the organization of the church there. There were some in——-who were God’s children, and yet doubted the visions. Others had no opposition, yet dared not take a decided stand in regard to them. Some were skeptical, and they had sufficient cause to make them so. The false visions and fanatical exercises, and the wretched fruits following, had an influence upon the cause in Wisconsin to make minds jealous of everything bearing the name of visions. All these things should have been taken into consideration, and wisdom exercised. There should be no trial or labor with those who have never seen the individual having visions, and who have had no personal knowledge of the influence of the visions. Such should not be deprived of the benefits and privileges of the church, if their Christian course is otherwise correct, and they have formed a good Christian character.

Some, I was shown, could receive the published visions, judging of the tree by its fruits. Others are like doubting Thomas; they cannot believe the published Testimonies, nor receive evidence through the testimony of others; but must see and have the evidence for themselves. Such must not be set aside, but long patience and brotherly love should be exercised toward them until they find their position and become established for or against. If they fight against the visions, of which they have no knowledge; if they carry their opposition so far as to oppose that in which they have had no experience, and feel annoyed when those who believe that the visions are of God speak of them in meeting, and comfort themselves with the instruction given through vision, the church may know that they are not right. God’s people should not cringe and yield, and give up their liberty to such disaffected ones. God has placed the gifts in the church that the church may be benefited by them; and when professed believers in the truth oppose these gifts, and fight against the visions, souls are in danger through their influence, and it is time then to labor with them, that the weak may not be led astray by their influence. (1T 328.1)

I have been shown that some, especially in Iowa, make the visions a rule by which to measure all, and have taken a course which my husband and myself have never pursued. Some are unacquainted with me and my labors, and they are very skeptical of anything bearing the name of visions. This is all natural, and can be overcome only by experience. If persons are not settled in regard to the visions, they should not be crowded off. The course to pursue with such may be found in Testimony No. 8, pp. 328, 329, which I hope will be read by all. Ministers should have compassion of some, making a difference; others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire. God’s ministers should have wisdom to give to everyone his portion of meat and to make that difference with different persons which their cases require. The course pursued with some in Iowa who are unacquainted with me has not been careful and consistent. Those who were, comparatively, strangers to the visions have been dealt with in the same manner as those who have had much light and experience in the visions. Some have been required to endorse the visions when they could not conscientiously do so, and in this way some honest souls have been driven to take positions against the visions and against the body which they never would have taken had their cases been managed with discretion and mercy.

Some of our brethren have had long experience in the truth and have for years been acquainted with me and with the influence of the visions. They have tested the truthfulness of these testimonies and asserted their belief in them. They have felt the powerful influence of the Spirit of God resting upon them to witness to the truthfulness of the visions. If such, when reproved through vision, rise up against them, and work secretly to injure our influence, they should be faithfully dealt with, for their influence is endangering those who lack experience. (1T 382.2)

Lesser Light

But just as soon as some enter college and get a little bit of knowledge they think they know more than God. And you hear of the higher critics. Who is the Higher Critic? It is the Lord God of the universe, who has spread the canopy of the heavens above us, and has made the stars and called them forth in their order; that has created the lesser light, the glory of the moon, to come in its order and to shine in our world. And the higher critics come in. Who are they? Poor, finite man on probation to see if he will be loyal and true to God that he can stand under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel, and that he can become a child of God and an Heir of heaven. Talk of the critics, the higher critics. We have God; we have his Word in its simplicity. (1SAT 255)

The Lord has sent his people much instruction, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little. Little heed is given to the Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light. O, how much good would be accomplished if the books containing this light were read with a determination to carry out the principles they contain! There would be a thousandfold greater vigilance, a thousandfold more self-denial and resolute effort. And many more would now be rejoicing in the light of present truth. (RH 1/20/1903)

The prophet John was the connecting link between the two dispensations. As God’s representative he stood forth to show the relation of the law and the prophets to the Christian dispensation. He was the lesser light, which was to be followed by a greater. The mind of John was illuminated by the Holy Spirit, that he might shed light upon his people; but no other light ever has shone or ever will shine so clearly upon fallen man as that which emanated from the teaching and example of Jesus. Christ and His mission had been but dimly understood as typified in the shadowy sacrifices. Even John had not fully comprehended the future, immortal life through the Saviour. (DA 220)

I recommend to you, dear reader, the Word of God as the rule of your faith and practice. By that Word we are to be judged. God has, in that Word, promised to give visions in the “last days”; not for a new rule of faith, but for the comfort of His people, and to correct those who err from Bible truth. Thus God dealt with Peter when He was about to send him to preach to the Gentiles. (Acts 10.) (EW 78.1)

How can the Lord bless those who manifest a spirit of “I don’t care,” a spirit which leads them to walk contrary to the light which the Lord has given them? But I do not ask you to take my words. Lay Sister White to one side. Do not quote my words again as long as you live until you can obey the Bible. When you make the Bible your food, your meat and your drink, when you make its principles the elements of your character, you will know better how to receive counsel from God. I exalt the precious Word before you today. Do not repeat what I have said, saying, “Sister White said this,” and “Sister White said that.” Find out what the Lord God of Israel says, and then do what He commands. Christ said, “I must work the works of Him that sent Me."

We are to follow the principles God has laid down in dealing with one another; for we are the purchase of the blood of Christ. Think of it! The purchase of the blood of Christ! We cost His life. He was crucified for us, and yet those whom He desires to see standing next to heaven, giving unmistakable evidence that they are receiving the light of His glory, are walking in darkness. (13MR 200.2)

In public labor do not make prominent, and quote that which Sister White has written, as authority to sustain your positions. To do this will not increase faith in the testimonies. Bring your evidences, clear and plain, from the Word of God. A “Thus saith the Lord” is the strongest testimony you can possibly present to the people. Let none be educated to look to Sister White, but to the mighty God, who gives instruction to Sister White. (3SM 29.3)

To claim to be a prophetess is something that I have never done. If others call me by that name, I have no controversy with them. But my work has covered so many lines that I cannot call myself other than a messenger, sent to bear a message from the Lord to His people, and to take up work in any line that He points out.

When I was last in Battle Creek, I said before a large congregation that I did not claim to be a prophetess. Twice I referred to this matter, intending each time to make the statement, “I do not claim to be a prophetess.” If I spoke otherwise than this, let all now understand that what I had in mind to say was that I do not claim the title of prophet or prophetess. (1SM 35.1)

During the discourse, I said that I did not claim to be a prophetess. Some were surprised at this statement, and as much is being said in regard to it, I will make an explanation. Others have called me a prophetess, but I have never assumed that title. I have not felt that it was my duty thus to designate myself. Those who boldly assume that they are prophets in this our day are often a reproach to the cause of Christ.

My work includes much more than this name signifies. I regard myself as a messenger, entrusted by the Lord with messages for His people.—Letter 55, 1905.

I am now instructed that I am not to be hindered in my work by those who engage in suppositions regarding its nature, whose minds are struggling with so many intricate problems connected with the supposed work of a prophet. My commission embraces the work of a prophet, but it does not end there. It embraces much more than the minds of those who have been sowing the seeds of unbelief can comprehend.—Letter 244, 1906. (Addressed to elders of Battle Creek church.) (1SM 36.2)