Christine Wallington March 20, 2011 RELH 483: SDA History Final Essay: How to Read Ellen White

Responsibly When reading Ellen Harmon Whites writings responsibly we must first consider the purpose and context of her writings. There are letters, books, official and unofficial writings that we have compiled from Ellen White. We must then consider her writings in relationship to the Bible. Second, we move into interpretation of her writings. It is here that we dive deeper into the importance of understanding the context in which a text is written. Interpretation of Ellen Whites writings also involves research into the source of such writings and a healthy understanding of Ellen Whites inspiration. Because of her own humanity there are errors in her insight. And third, we must consider the proper way of applying Ellen Whites writings for the modern day value. This is where we apply her writings faithfully and lovingly. There are some considerations we need to discuss before reading Ellen White. We will see some contradictory information in the writings of Ellen White, much like what is found in the scriptures when we simply interpret the text without any consideration for the context. In order to read Ellen White responsibly we need to take into consideration who Ellen White is talking to. Just as a doctor prescribes different prescriptions for different people so does Ellen White in her counsel to different people and at different times. There is also very important to understand the purpose and goal of reading Ellen White. I think we have traditionally gone backwards. We read a text in the Bible and ask, I wonder what Ellen White has to say about this. And proceed to do word searches through her works without any consideration of where or when the writing is placed, besides the fact that we are turning to Ellen White for counsel on the Bible instead of turning to the Bible for counsel on Ellen White. The purpose and goal of Ellen Whites writings is to bring people to the Bible. If people really read her writings, they will find themselves driven back to the study and authority of the Bible.1 It is not that the writings of Ellen White, especially the Testimonies to the Church, that give additional light or a new truth. It is the age old Word of God in the Bible that is the truth, not the writings of Ellen White. Another goal of Ellen Whites writings is to give practical counsel on the live of Christians who are trying to truly follow the way of Christ. Ellen Whites view of the Bible plays a huge role in the counsel she was inspired to give. Ellen White understood the Bible to be given for practical purposes. Pulling from her Methodist roots she considered the Bible and Gods inspiration to her foe the many counsels given to the Church and Gods people. As is the case with the contradictory statements about eggs as noted in the beginning of George Knights book,
1

Knight, George K. Reading Ellen White: How to Understand and Apply her Writings. (MI: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1997) 17.

Reading Ellen White How to Understand and Apply her Writings, we can see her practical counsel for healthful living, the rebuking of sin and the removal of temptation. In summary the purpose and goals of Ellen Whites writings in relationship to the Bible and the community is not only direct us to the Bible, magnify biblical principles, rebuke sin, and provide counsel for daily living, but also point to the only solution to the human sin problem.2 This solution is Jesus Christ, the one that Ellen White constantly points to. This is seen in her more obvious works such as, Desire of Ages and Steps to Christ. But overall her writings are given because of a lack of relationship that the community has with Christ. Her writings are constantly to bring people back to Christ. One must always take into consideration the official and unofficial writings of Ellen White, subscribe to a reading plan in order to understand her writings in their own context and always consider the Bible over her inspired works keeping in mind the purpose and goal of her writings. When considering interpretation we must first begin our reading with prayer and a true desire to know Gods truth. The Spirit has inspired persons across the ages and still works today to inspire Gods followers. When we turn to the Holy Spirit for guidance and inspiration we are allowing for an objective force to allow for true interpretation. We must have a true desire to know Gods truth because we are not searching to find our own truth. We are all guilty of searching any authoritative work in order to build our own authority. We must resist this temptation and come to the Bible and Ellen Whites writings with an openness to what the Lord is saying. Second, we need to lay out our biases on the table in order to work through them so we can truly have an open mindedness when taking to heart the writings of Ellen White. And third, we need to be willing to see the light. We cannot come to the text with doubt expecting to find faith. That which we are searching for we will find. So if we search for faith, if we search for God, and if we sincerely search for truth, we will find it, but we must be open to the reality that truth could be very different from our biases. In the application of the work of Ellen White, and especially of the Bible, we need to be open to change. There are going to be times when the very thing we cannot give up, or are even trying to justify with the writings of Ellen White may be supported and contradicted. If we are willing to consider her counsel and the context in which she is sharing, we may struggle a bit, but the willingness to change will separate the sheep from the wolves. If we are willing to follow Gods counsel above all else and search Ellen White for help in that area we may not like what we find, but we will truly grow closer to the Lord. In conclusion, the best way to read Ellen White responsibly is to understand why one reads her at all. There is a purpose that we all bring to the table and when we first consider this purpose and contrast it with her purpose we may actually come out of the experience blessed and changed. Like any relationship it is going to take time and effort to understand a person you are reading and to become truly changed by their inspiration.

Knight. 19.