How Do Ellen G. White's Writings Relate to the Bible?
The Authority of Ellen G. White's Writings
Are Ellen G. White's writings equal to the Bible? How did she understand her writings
in relation to the Scriptures? What is the difference between canonical and
non-canonical prophets?
Seventh-day Adventists believe that "the writings of Ellen White are not a substitute
for Scripture. They cannot be placed on the same level. The Holy Scriptures
stand alone, the unique standard by which her and all other writings must be
judged and to which they must be subject" (Seventh-day Adventists Believe
. . . , p. 227). Ellen White herself claimed that "little heed is given
to the Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and women to
the greater light" (Review and Herald, January 20, 1903). How is
this statement to be understood? Did she consider herself on a par with the
Bible prophets? Are there "degrees" of inspiration?
These and other questions are dealt with by Ellen G. White and various Seventh-day Adventist
sources in the following reference links. "Ellen
G. White's Understanding of How Her Writings Relate to Scripture,"
consists of two important passages from Mrs. White’s writings on the subject.
"The Seventh-day Adventist Church's Understanding of Ellen G. White's Authority" is comprised of two statements from official church sources. Finally, in the Reference Library, interested readers will find a fuller treatment of these issues in "The Relationship Between the Ellen G. White Writings and the Bible."