ELLEN WHITE ON THEOLOGY,

ITS METHODS, AND THE USE

OF SCRIPTURE
Gerard Damsteegt
Seventh-day Adventist Theological
Seminary Andrews University

Presented by Chisala Chrispine in partial

fulfillment of the Course THST 605
 OUTLINE
1. Introduction
2. Ellen White’s attitude towards theology
3. Motives for studying theology
4. The objectives of theology
5. Principles underlying methods of theology
6. Limitations of theology
7. Proper methods of theology
8. Lifestyle and theology
9. Conclusions
10. Personal reflections
 Introduction
Ellen White (1827-1915) is regarded by Seventh-day
Adventists as one of the church's founders and its
most influential author. The following discussion
concentrates on her perspective on theology,
theological methodology, and their application to the
advancement of divine Crab. First, we will examine
her perspective on theology. Ellen White distinguishes
two categories of theology; we will then examine what
she has to say about theological methods. She refers
to the theology she approves of as "true" or "sound"
theology. The theology she opposes is either popular
or objectionable.
Ellen White’s attitude towards theology

A. Characteristics of true theology

according to Ellen White:
 Must be characterized by a theory that is simple and
complete
 Theology's main themes must include God's original
plan for the world, the great controversy, and
redemption. Students will learn about redemption
because vital theology centers on Christ's atonement.
It teaches us salvation. It shows God's love in
redemption and teaches us about Christ as our Savior.
Ellen White’s attitude towards theology

A. Characteristics of true theology

according to Ellen White:
 A vital theology should be "saturated with the love of
Christ" to produce a wholistic lifestyle and lead to
practical works.
Ellen White’s attitude towards theology

B. Characteristics of popular theology

False interpretations of scripture
Based on philosophy
Based on human speculations
Major errors. E,g natural immortality,
change of Sabbath
Incorrect approaches such as scientific
theology and higher criticism
 Motives for studying theology

According to EGW "An ambition to become

acquainted with philosophers and
theologians, a desire to present Christianity
to the people in learned terms and
propositions.” is an incorrect motive for
studying theology
Correct motives are directed by a desire to
nourish food for both mind and soul
 The Objectives of theology

1. Use correct principles

2. Acquire sound wisdom
3. Search for salvation
4. Study qualifies for soul winning
5. Concentrate on the biblical text
6. Understand the Historical-Cultural setting
7. Separate truth from errors
8. Bible study: medium of communication
9. Avoid criticism: affirm God’s character
10. Recognize unfolding nature of scripture
 Motives for studying theology

11. Examine the foundations of our faith

 Principles underlying methods of
Theology
1. The uniqueness of the bible
 Authorship
 Infallibity and trustworthiness
2. The authority of the bible
 Source
 Extent
3. The unity of the bible
 Harmony of scripture
 Progressive revelation
 Limitations of Theology

Ellen White argues that theology as practiced by

humans has serious limitations, such as the inability of
finite beings to comprehend the mysteries of the Bible.
She emphasizes that the limitations are not in God's
purpose, but in our capacity. She also emphasizes the
magnitude and grandeur of the Word of God, noting that
it is impossible for any human mind to exhaust even one
truth or promise of the Bible. This view of human
limitations should keep people humble in their
theological statements.
 Proper methods of theology

A. William Miller’s method endorsed.

"Those who are engaged in proclaiming the third
angel's message are searching the Scriptures upon
the same plan that Father Miller adopted." R&H,Nov
25,1884
B. Bible only
"need of a return to the great Protestant principle—
the Bible, and the Bible only, as the rule of faith and
duty. “ GC Pg 204,205
 Proper methods of theology

C. The role of the Spirit of prophecy

• Not given as a new rule of faith
• Given as a lesser light to lead to the greater light
• Given for a clear understanding of the bible
 Proper methods of theology
D. The use of non-inspired Christian writtings
She warns that non-inspired Christian sources such as the
opinions of learned men, the deductions of science, the
creeds or decisions of ecclesiastical councils, and the
churches which represent the majority should not be
regarded as evidence for or against any point of religious
faith. She also mentions that many think they must consult
commentaries on the Scriptures to understand the meaning
of the word of God, but she cautions that it will take much
discernment to discover the truth of God under the mass of
the words of men. She believes that it is essential to acquire
an extensive knowledge of historical and theological writings
in order to teach the gospel, but this knowledge tends to the
enfeebling of their ministry, rather than to its strengthening.
 Proper methods of theology

E. Bible: self supporting

Ellen White believes that Scripure is the key to
understanding Scripture and unlocking the treasure
house of truth. She recommends Miller's rule:
"Scripture must be its own expositor, since it is a
rule of itself." She argues that the theological
methods must be derived from the Bible, as God has
given reasoning powers to us as well as to them.
This method is an important step in the great
controversy between good and evil.
 Proper methods of theology

F. The analogy of scripture.

Ellen White endorses Miller's method of the analogy of
Scripture, which teaches that to understand Bible doctrine
correctly, it is important to collect all Scripture passages on a
certain subject and try formulating the doctrine without any
contradiction. This method was widely used during the
Protestant Reformation and is still to be employed today. It is
the method on the basis of which the Bible student discovers
the hidden or true meaning of the text, gains new insights,
correct misinterpretations, and solve theological
disagreements and perplexities among believers.
 Proper methods of theology

G. Typology
Ellen White fully endorses the typological method as
legitimate in the formulation of doctrine, which is
intended to reveal the true meaning of the type and
the fulfillment of its antitype. This system is based
on the experience of Christ's disciples and is
designed to teach "spiritual and heavenly things"
and important truths concerning the atonement. It
has a powerful connection to Christ's sacrifice at the
cross and His heavenly priesthood, and is used to
point people to the Lamb of God that was taken
away the sin of the world.
 Proper methods of theology

A. Contextual considerations
Ellen White opposes the proof text method, which
disregards the proper context of the Bible, and
instead uses a string of texts to prove a point
provided they are in harmony with the whole Biblical
context.
 Lifestyle and theology
Ellen White's theology is closely linked to the spiritual
condition of the interpreter. She argued that proper methods
of theology will not guarantee sound theology, new truth,
proper insights, concepts, or discoveries, but rather a living
lifestyle of obedience to the present light, including health
reform, purgation of sin, humility, and a willingness to accept
and apply old truths. She also opposed the proof text
method, which disregards the proper context of the Bible,
and instead used a string of texts to prove a point if they are
in harmony with the whole Biblical context. Finally, she
believed that it is a lifestyle of cherishing Christ's principles,
which is the determining element in the judgment.
 Conclusions and Personal
reflections
1. The counsels of Ellen White on theology are
worthy of the attention of every seventh-day
Adventist theologian. It is in her counsels were
we find our strength to uphold the bible.
2. It is very important to observe that the very spirit
that inspired the canon is the very spirit that
inspired the writtings of Ellen white. The fact that
her books are not part of the canon does not
minimize the inspiration of the same.
3. The bible has a lot of non-canonical prophets like
Nathan and Enoch. Their books however were
quoted by canonical prophets. This is same for
EGW
 Conclusions and Personal
reflections
4. Following her warning on the usage of non-
biblical writings it is important to have a lot of
our scholars publish books on theology. We are
safer reading and studying from our own
Adventist authors.
5. There is need to draw a sharp contrast between
philosophy and theology. In one of his lectures Dr
Figueroa explains the difference between doing
theology and philosophy