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Visions in The Bible
Since numerous people in the Bible had visions, it might be well to point out that a Biblical vision is simply when God, Jesus, or an angel appears to someone, or when a person is given a supernatural view of a event that takes place in another time and another place. They have been likened to having a dream while awake. While visions often changed the life of the visionary himself, they usually had immeasurable significance.
In Genesis 17, the Lord appeared to Abraham and told him that He would be the father of a multitude of nations. He (the Father) would establish a covenant between Himself and Abraham and his descendants throughout their generations.
(As a By The Way, why do we forget that part of this covenant was that God would give Abraham and his descendants all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession. See God's Three Interconnected And Inseparable Promises to Abraham on THIS page).
Moses' experience at the burning bush led to the nation of Israel being freed from slavery under the Egyptians.
Joshua's vision of the "Commander of the army of the Lord" led to the fulfillment of God's promise to the Israelites to give them their own land. Pharaoh's dream in Genesis 41 was a warning of a coming famine.
Mind blowing visions of God Himself marked the initiation of the prophets Isaiah (Ch. 6) and Ezekiel (Ch.1-3). Amos also began his prophetic career with a vision (1:1).. The role of these men cannot be overstated... As the nation fell into apostasy, the prophets, appointed by God Himself, admonished, rebuked, called people to repentance. They repeatedly warned the people of the consequences of sin and idolatry and of the terrible judgments that would befall them were they to place confidence in religious rituals without righteousness of the heart. However the prophet were not solely concerned with the Israelites. Many of them made sweeping pronouncements of judgment on surrounding nations that were also subject to God's laws. See Ezekiel 25-39 and Isaiah 13:1-23:18, in which the prophets denounced Babylon, Assyria, Moab, Damascus, Ethiopia, Edom etc.
Isaiah also gave numerous details about the first and second advents of the Messiah.
A vision detailed the rebuilding the Temple was given Ezekiel
One of Daniel's visions traced the rise and fall of four great world empires - Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, and concluded with the fifth and final kingdom- God's eternal kingdom inaugurated upon Jesus' return. Daniel also foretold the desecration of the Temple by Antiochus IV Epiphanes that sparked a national rebellion and the retaking of the temple that was then purified and rededicated. However, his prophecy has more than one fulfillment- pointing not only to Antiochus, but also to the coming antichrist. See the Abomination of Desolation Jesus spoke about in Matthew 24:15-33
When the angel Gabriel visited Mary, he brought the most important news that mankind has ever had. Mary would conceive bear a son, and name Him Jesus. He would be called the Son of the Most High and sit on the throne of David, and His kingdom would have no end. (Luke 1: 31-34)
John's visions in the book of Revelation paints for us a picture of God's judgment on His enemies, the end of history as we know it, and a new world for God's people. See The Message of The Bible, The Warning of The Bible and The End of The Age.
In short, Biblical visions were of monumental significance. Often characterized by splendor and magnificence, the prophets were often given a sweeping panorama of momentous events that were, at the time of writing, yet far in the future. Whether directly or indirectly, all of them had a profound relationship to our very survival.
Ellen White's Visions
That EW's visions played an indispensable part in the Seventh Day Adventist church is made extremely clear by Elder George I. Butler, president of the General Conference, who was cited in The Review and Herald Supplement, August 14, 1883.
"Our position on the Testimonies is like the keystone of the arch, take that out and there is no logical stopping-place till all the special truths of the message are gone.... Nothing is more sure than this, that this message and the visions belong together, and stand or fall together." [G. I. Butler, president of the General Conference, cited in The Review and Herald Supplement, August 14, 1883. [01]
Also
They [the visions] have always been held in high esteem by the most zealous and humble among our people. They have exerted a leading influence among us from the start. They have first called attention to every important move we have made in advance. Our publishing work, the health and temperance movement, the College, and the cause of advanced education, the missionary enterprise, and many other important points, have owed their efficiency largely to this influence. We have found in a long, varied, and in some instances, sad experience, the value of their counsel. When we have heeded them, we have prospered; when we have slighted them, we have suffered a great loss... [02]
However, as said by Joseph Rector of Sabbatismos Ministries
the practice of relying upon visionary experiences to settle scriptural disagreements is unbiblical. Adventists claim that their doctrines are based on scripture alone, but from the history, it is clear that they couldn't arrive at doctrinal agreement based on scripture alone. The visions of Ellen White seem to be the most powerful influence upon SDA doctrinal development. [02b]
Frequency
The prophet Daniel, who foretold the rise and fall of world empires, had 4 visions. John, who was presented with mind boggling panorama of human history, had either 1 or 4 visions (John spoke four times of being "in the Spirit", although I am not sure if each occurrence represented a separate vision). Ezekiel and Zechariah, who had ministries that lasted well over half a century, had the most - about 6 each.
However, according to James White, Ellen had between one and two hundred visions in 23 years [03], while her grandson Arthur estimated she had closer to 2000 of them. [04]
What for?
Content
As far as I can see, most of them were of little or no importance in the general scheme of things. Much to the contrary, they ranged from the childish and farfetched to the petty and inconsequential. Many simply served to bolster the Adventist message. Besides which, in 1855 EW wrote
I saw that the reason why visions have not been more frequent of late, is, they have not been appreciated by the church. The church have nearly lost their spirituality and faith, and the reproofs and warnings have had but little effect upon them. Many of those who have professed faith in them have not heeded them. [05]
Which again, is completely contrary to common sense. Would God withhold visions because an apparently backsliding church didn't "appreciate" or "heed" them. How many of the visions seen by Biblical prophets were appreciated or heeded by the people of the time?
Anyway, here is a sampling of the kind of visions Ellen White had.
Heaven
The earlier ones of heaven happened when she was 18 and 22 years old - and it shows. Not only are these visions as far-fetched as it gets and childish in the extreme, but they are factually incorrect and bear no relationship to what the Bible itself tells us about heaven. See What and Where is Heaven?
Ellen White's 1845 vision of heaven included trees with trunks made of "pure transparent gold" with "glorious" fruit that looked like "gold mixed with silver". She also saw Aaron's rod bud, blossom, and bear fruit and grapes that grew from silver wires that hung from "long golden rods". And of course, Jesus Himself gathered the fruit and nuts and laid the supper table.
The grass in the fields never faded and "had a reflection of silver and gold" as it waved to Jesus. The houses "had the appearance of silver supported by four pillars, set with pearls". The saints laid their glittering crowns on "golden shelves, before they went out to do something. She also saw "an innumerable company of little ones" that wore garments with a red hem. She saw these little ones climb, "or if they chose use their little wings and fly to the top of the mountains, and pluck the never fading flowers".
She also wished that she "could talk in the language of Canaan" so as to tell "of the glory of the upper world" [06]
A few years later in 1849, Ellen White saw that the angels had some kind of pass-cards that allowed them entrance to the city of the living God (heaven) after they had apparently visited earth. The inhabitants of the city were "noble, majestic, and lovely" and "bore the express image of Jesus". After which she was taken to a world which had seven moons, where she saw "good old Enoch", who had been translated. Enoch apparently wore a "dazzling white wreath" with the word "purity" written on the middle of each leaf. He also carried "glorious" palms with the word "victory" on written on each leaf. [07]
Enoch: Once again Ellen White adhered to the popular teaching of Enoch being translated to heaven without dying - possibly because Hebrews 11:5 says that Enoch was 'transferred' (CLV) so that he would not see death. The Greek word metatithemi literally means transport or move. For example
"And Jacob went down to Egypt and there he and our fathers died. "From there they were removed (Gk. metatithemi - carried or taken to) to Shechem and laid in the tomb which Abraham had purchased for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor in Shechem. (Acts 7:15-16 NASB)
I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting (Gk. metatithemi - moving away from) Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; (Galatians 1:6 NASB)
Very unfortunately, the NASB translates this verse according to a preconceived idea, i.e. Enoch was not found because God "took him up". When Jesus clearly taught that "the Son of Man who had descended from heaven was the only one who would ascend into heaven (John:3:13), it is impossible that Enoch was taken to heaven without dying.
Besides which, chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews lists a number of heroes of the Old Testament who lived by faith, many of whom accomplished great things. Enoch is one of the names listed along with Abel, Noah, Abraham, Sara, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel etc. Halfway through the list, verse 13 says
All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. (Hebrews 11:13 NASB)
See Did Elijah and/or Enoch Ascend to Heaven?
Meeting Jesus
In a dream, an angel led her up a steep and apparently "frail stairway" through a door into a room where she met Jesus. [08]
In a letter to Joseph Bates dated April 7, 1847, she wrote of a vision in which an angel carried her "from the earth to the Holy City" where she went into the holy place. After which Jesus Himself raised the second veil, and she "passed into the Holy of Holies." [09]
Inconsequential Issues and Petty Grievances
Some of Ellen White's visions bordered on the downright ridiculous
In a vision given her on December 25, 1865, she was shown that picture-taking had been carried to too great lengths by Sabbath-keeping Adventists; [10]
In another vision she also saw that "marks of negligence and untidiness" in the dining room and kitchen of the sanitarium. "The floors were not cleanly, and there was a great lack of thoroughness, of nicety and order" [11]
And, of course, let's not forget that her "guide" showed her things that were "not in accordance" with their faith. What was he talking about? .... Bicycle races. [12]
Other People's Personal Failings
And she also supposedly "saw" the faults and errors that various people had fallen into.
Various individuals lacked devotion and "moral excellence of character", were selfish with a "spotted character" [13].
One, who "could not tell light from darkness or darkness from light" was entirely unfit for his position. [14]
She was apparently "shown" that certain families were "descending lower and lower" and if they continued in the course they were pursuing, they would finally be "twice dead, plucked up by the roots.” [15]
Physical Phenomena That Accompanied Ellen White's Visions
The site http://text.egwwritings.org/ indicates that the physical phenomena that accompanied Ellen White's Visions provided those who witnessed them with "strong evidence" of the work being of God. [16]. So what was this "strong evidence"? Whiteestate.org says that according to eyewitness accounts,
"Immediately preceding a vision, both Mrs. White and others in the room experienced a deep sense of the presence of God"
She would often exclaim Glory!" or "Glory to God!" before the vision started, "experienced a loss of physical strength", "often manifested supernatural strength", did not breathe, and was absolutely unconscious of what was occurring about her. "The close of the vision was indicated by a deep inhalation, followed in about a minute by another, and very soon her natural breathing resumed. [17]
See THIS page for first hand accounts of the physical phenomena that accompanied EW's visions. One was by J. N. Loughborough, an ordained Adventist minister and historian who often traveled with the Whites, and the other by James White, her husband. Note that neither say anything about anyone in the room experiencing a 'deep sense of the presence of God'.
Additionally, one has to ask whether any one of the recipients of a God given vision reported physical phenomena that even vaguely resembled Ellen White's trance conditions?
The site Ellen G. White Writings attempts to correlate the fact that Ellen White stopped breathing and occasionally manifested supernatural strength during a vision with the prophet Daniel. In their words...
The first indication of her coming out of vision was a deep inhalation. Perhaps several seconds would elapse before the next breath. Then after a few more full breaths she would begin to breathe normally.
These physical conditions correspond to the experiences of the prophet Daniel while in vision, as he records them in the tenth chapter of his prophecy. He refers to a loss of strength, and the appearance of an angel who imparted supernatural strength. "As for me,” he declares, "straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me. Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me.” Daniel 10:17, 18.
[18]
The verses in question simply says that the angel "strengthened" Daniel. There is a huge difference between someone being "strengthened" and being given "superhuman strength". Besides which, the sense of what Daniel wrote has been altered. Read the relevant verses in their entirety
(16) And behold, one who resembled a human being was touching my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke and said to him who was standing before me, "O my lord, as a result of the vision anguish has come upon me, and I have retained no strength. (17) "For how can such a servant of my lord talk with such as my lord? As for me, there remains just now no strength in me, nor has any breath been left in me." (18) Then this one with human appearance touched me again and strengthened me. (19) He said, "O man of high esteem, do not be afraid. Peace be with you; take courage and be courageous!" Now as soon as he spoke to me, I received strength and said, "May my lord speak, for you have strengthened me." (Daniel 10:16-19 NASB)
The passages do not say that Daniel altogether stopped breathing. The expressions "anguish" came upon him, he "retained no strength" and 'no breath was left in him' are all expressions of him being completely overwhelmed by the magnificence of the being he saw. This is similar to someone in the modern world saying "What I saw was so breathtaking, I had to sit down".
The next verse bears this out. Daniel asked how a servant of the Lord could talk to "such as my lord". The angel's appearance was certainly enough to overwhelm anyone. He was dressed in linen, and his waist was girded with a belt of pure gold. His body also was like beryl, his face had the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a tumult. (Vs. 5-6).
It was only after the angel touched Daniel that the prophet said "May my lord speak, for you have strengthened me." In other words, a conversation could not take place until Daniel had regained his breath and strength.
What Was The Source of Ellen White's Visions?
When one considers Ellen White's failed prophecies, the many times her statements contradicted the word of God, the fact that she claimed her health reform was given by God yet included some very erroneous beliefs, and that her visions could be extremely childish and far-fetched makes it very obvious that it wasn't God she heard from.
Which leads one to the million dollar question - What was the source of her visions?
Perhaps at this point it would be well to recall that there are ONLY two sources of supernatural powers in this universe... God and Satan. All paranormal ability has to originate with one or the other.
Unfortunately, the physical phenomena that accompanied Ellen White's visions closely resemble what some people experience when they go into trances and make contact with the spirit world. Take, for example, Shamanism which is one of the most diverse of all pagan practices with no single dogma or central authority.
There is no single agreed-upon definition of Shamanism among anthropologists - the broadest being that a shaman is someone who contacts the spirit world while in an altered state of consciousness, or trance. One of the primary purposes of Shaminism is that of an intermediary or messenger between the human and spirit world. The spirits Shamans work and communicate with are called helpers, gods, or guides. Some believe that shamans visit other worlds or dimensions to bring guidance to this one, and they often have visions that convey a message for the humans concerned.
Ellen White is said to have stopped breathing during a vision. The Encyclopædia Britannica tells us that something similar happens to Shamans in a trance. (All Emphasis Added)
In active, or wandering, trances the shaman's life functions decrease to an abnormal minimum. The soul of the shaman, it is believed, then leaves his body and seeks one of the world strata. After awakening, he relates his experiences, where he wandered, and with whom he spoke. [19]
Very interestingly, Shamans seem to put their personal visions above other 'religious expressions". (All Emphasis Added)
"The dogma of tribal rituals and the religious expressions of others become secondary to the guidance that one receives from his or her own personal visions." [20]
Ellen White did so as well. As said before, the 'light' received by the early Adventists was so implicitly believed to be given by God Himself that, according to Ellen White, no contrary "after-suppositions" were to be entertained. And any "application" of the Scriptures that contradicts "one pillar of the foundation" that God had supposedly sustained for half a century (through her visions) was a "mistake". [21]
Moreover, the events leading up to the initiation of many Shamans find a very telling parallel in Ellen White's early years.
Shamanic Initiation
Britannica.com states that shamans do not become shamans "simply by willing it". (All Emphasis Added)
... for it is not the shaman who summons up the spirits but they, the supernatural beings, who choose him. Adolescence typically marks the point when the spirits begin to take an overt role in the shaman's life, although variations in the age of onset do occur. The spirits may cause the chosen one to fall into hysterics, to faint repeatedly, to have visions, or to have similar symptoms, with these events sometimes persisting for weeks. [22]
However, what I find very significant is the fact that "In all cases without exception something out of the ordinary must happen for someone to become a shaman". [23] In the book ‘Shamanic Voices author Joan Halifax relates stories as told by shamans and medicine men of today from all corners of the globe. On page 4, she quotes from the Ikinilik: (All Emphasis Added)
"I am not a shaman, as I have neither had dreams nor been ill".
She also says (All Emphasis Added)
In Siberia the central event directing the novice (shaman) was, inevitably, a severe physical illness or psychological crisis that opened the gate to worlds of non extraordinary experience. [24]
Modern shamans say exactly the same thing.. For example, Beth Beurkens, M.A. a shamanic practitioner and teacher of shamanism for 17 years, says (All Emphasis Added)
Shamanic initiation is a series of experiences that "calls, trains and prepares a person to become a shaman." The initial call from the helping spirits often involves a life crisis, such as near-death, accident or serious illness.
"wake-up" calls may come to us involuntarily, tearing the fabric of daily life. Accidents, illness, loss, and misfortune can all have a spiritual dimension to them. The loss of a career, a serious illness, a near-death experience or the death of someone close may all serve as turning points for rethinking the purpose and meaning of our lives. Feelings of disconnection, disorientation and suffering often accompany the inner call to a spiritual path... [25]
Modern Shaman Kelley Harrell writes (All Emphasis Added)
Suffering has long been associated with the shamanic process. Our studies of ancient shamanic cultures indicate that tribal shamans were often chosen based on how they overcame personal adversity as witnessed by their tribe. Thus, after surviving their soul's initiation to emerge as a spiritual conduit to their communities, shamans were bestowed with the power to help their communities. This concept has been carried through many histories and cultures as "the wounded healer," and has been lauded as the singular most pivotal step onto the path of shamanism, even into modern practice. [26]
Ellen White's Early Years... Serious Illness and Psychological Trauma.
In other words, the spirits, who from the Biblical perspective, are dangerous and evil, pick on people who have experienced trauma - severe illness or a psychological crisis. While this may be lauded as a "wake-up" call, it is nothing more than taking advantage of people when they are at their most vulnerable.- when they are experiencing "disconnection, disorientation and suffering".
Which may be exactly what happened to Ellen White.
When Ellen White was nine years old, another girl struck her in the face with a rock. This was a severe blow that caused her to collapse and lie in a coma for some three weeks. When she did finally regain consciousness she was totally ignorant of the cause of her illness. The attending physician held out no hope of her recovery, and she eventually, gave up all hopes of a formal education. However, when she glimpsed her face in a mirror, she said
Every feature of my face seemed changed. The sight was more than I could bear. The bone of my nose proved to be broken. The idea of carrying my misfortune through life was insupportable. I could see no pleasure in my life. I did not wish to live, and I dared not die, for I was not prepared... My life was often miserable, for my feelings were keenly sensitive... My heart seemed so heavy, and ached as though it would break, yet I could not shed a tear... For two years I could not breathe through my nose. My health was so poor that I could attend school but little. It was almost impossible for me to study, and retain what I learned. [27]
It was a mere four years later in 1840 that she claimed to have received a vision of being transported to heaven.
Repeated Fainting
"The spirits may cause the chosen one to fall into hysterics, to faint repeatedly, to have visions, or to have similar symptoms, with these events sometimes persisting for weeks. [28]
In her early years, Ellen White fainted with amazing regularity.
August 30th, 1846 I was married to Elder James White. In a few months we attended a conference in Topsham, Me.... It was a meeting of much interest. But I was suddenly taken ill and fainted. [29]
We took the boat for Portland, but I was very sick, and could not take care of my child. I fainted a number of times. [30]
As he left the house a burden was rolled upon me, and I fainted. Prayer was offered for me, and I was blessed, and taken off in vision. [31]
Edson was born on July 28, 1849, thus when EW visited Vermont and Maine, Edson was nine months old. About this trip EW wrote "The night after we arrived I fainted a number of times through weakness" [32]
As he stepped out of the door to carry it to the printing office, I fainted. He came back and prayed for me, and his prayer was answered, and I was relieved. [33]
In about three weeks I fainted and fell to the floor, and remained unconscious about thirty-six hours. It was feared that I could not live; but in answer to prayer again I revived. [34]
We retired to rest about midnight, but I could not sleep. A severe pain was in my heart and I could find no relief. I fainted a number of times. My husband sent for Brn. C. Smith, Amadon and Kellogg. Their fervent prayers were heard, relief came, and I was taken off in vision. [35]
Guides
The occult world often contacts, or seeks to contact, their spirit guides, often associating them with angels. They are looked to for empowerment, healing, guidance and support. Ellen White wrote repeatedly of her 'guide' who took her places, showed her things and gave her counsel and advice. She occasionally said her guide was an angel of the Lord.
In the night season I was taken by my Guide from place to place, from city to city, in the South. I saw the great work to be done - that which ought to have been done years ago. [36]
In a short time I had another dream... Many seemed to be climbing up this steep stairway, and some fell before reaching the top. I succeeded in climbing to the top. Then my guide bid me lay everything at the door. Cheerfully I laid down all I possessed. He then opened the door and told me to go in. As I entered I saw Jesus, so lovely and beautiful [37]
I have been informed by my Guide that not only should those who believe the truth practice health reform but they should also teach it diligently to others. [38]
However, one of Ellen White's testimonies written on July 20, 1894, makes it seem that it was the Father Himself who took Ellen on a guided tour.
I was called by my Guide, who said, "Follow Me," and I was shown things among our people that were not in accordance with their faith. There seemed to be a bicycle craze. Money was spent to gratify an enthusiasm in this direction that might better, far better, have been invested in building houses of worship where they are greatly needed... was told by my Guide, "Look ye, and behold the idolatry of my people, to whom I have been speaking, rising up early, and presenting to them their dangers. I looked that they should bring forth fruit.” There were some who were striving for the mastery, each striving to excel others in the swift running of their bicycles.
Note the words in bold. In the first instance, the 'guide' said "behold the idolatry of my people" and that He had been "rising up early" to warn them. The phrase comes from Jeremiah 7:13, in which verse it is definitely God who is speaking.
"And now, because you have done all these things," declares the Lord, "and I spoke to you, rising up early and speaking, but you did not hear, and I called you but you did not answer, (Jeremiah 7:13 NASB)
In which case it is hardly appropriate to speak of the Father as "my guide". However, in the next paragraph, Ellen White's guide spoke of God in the second person.
There was a spirit of strife and contention among them, as to which should be the greatest. The spirit was similar to that manifested in the ball games on the College grounds. Said my Guide, "These things are an offense to God... Is this investment of money, and this spinning of bicycles through the streets of Battle Creek, giving evidence of the genuineness of your faith in the proclamation of the last most solemn warning to be given to human beings on the very verge of the eternal world? [39]
D-a-r-k.
Finally, I find a third account of her visions very interesting. Mrs. Martha Amadon, who also knew Ellen White from early on, said (bold added)
There was never an excitement among those present during a vision; nothing caused fear. It was a solemn, quiet scene, sometimes lasting an hour... When the vision was ended, and she lost sight of the heavenly light, as it were, coming back to the earth once more, she would exclaim with a long-drawn sigh, as she took her first natural breath, "D-a-r-k." She was then limp and strengthless. [40]
Whiteestate.org explains it thus... "Immediately after the vision all seemed very dark to her" [41] which, in view of the fact that her visions were not from God, I do not buy.
Advice From a Dead Husband
Ellen White wrote to her son Willie on September 12, 1881, not long after James White's death on the 6th of the previous month. In it, she mentions missing "Father more and more", especially feeling his loss while in the mountains, then goes on to say
A few days since I was pleading with the Lord for light in regard to my duty. In the night I dreamed I was in the carriage, driving, sitting at the right hand. Father was in the carriage, seated at my left hand. He was very pale but calm and composed. "Why Father,” I exclaimed, "I am so happy to have you by my side once more! I have felt that half of me was gone. Father, I saw you die; I saw you buried. Has the Lord pitied me and let you come back to me again, and we work together as we used to?" [42]
At this, James looked very sad, then proceeded to tell her of the mistakes he thought they had made in responding to invitations of their brethren to attend "important meetings". However, these meetings were, at their age, a greater burden than then could carry and wore them both down. He then warned Ellen that her life was at stake and that she "must have quiet rest, freedom from all excitement and from all disagreeable cares." When her strength returned she could work, but would do far more with her pen than with her voice. Although, writing should be her first business, she would have to "speak some to the people," but shun the responsibilities which had borne them down.”
After some more along the same lines, Ellen White said
I awoke. But this dream seemed so real. Now you can see and understand why I feel no duty to go to Battle Creek for the purpose of shouldering the responsibilities of the General Conference. I have no duty to stand in General Conference. The Lord forbids me. That is enough. [43]
This incident provides no evidence that Ellen White was intentionally communicating with the dead, nor that she in any way thought that James had somehow really appeared to her. However, she did understand it to mean that the Lord was communicating with her in a dream.
The question is, when has God ever answered prayer by sending a dead person with a message?
Summary and Conclusion of Ellen White Chapters
I initially thought of writing - what would have turned out to be a lengthy summing up of Ellen White's teachings that flatly contradicted the Bible, her failed prophecies, her so called 'health reform' and that fact that she herself didn't follow it, her ridiculous assessment of sports (much of which she said she was "shown"), her rank hypocrisy, and scathing indictment of others, and the fact that she contradicted herself etc. etc. etc.
But there is no point.
If, after the reader has made his or her way through these five chapters, yet believes that Ellen White was a prophet of God, then I have absolutely no idea what more can be said.
Continue on to Chapter IX - The Sabbath
End Notes. Ellen White's Visions
[01] G. I. Butler, president of the General Conference, cited in The Review and Herald Supplement, August 14, 1883. Messenger of the Lord, Page 426. Chapter 37 - Hermeneutics-Part 6: How Contemporaries Understood Ellen White's Authority.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=MOL&lang=en&pagenumber=426&m=1
[02] The Review and Herald Supplement, Aug. 14, 1883, pp. 11, 12. The Authority of the Ellen G. White Writings.
http://www.whiteestate.org/books/egww/EGWWc02.html
[02b] Joseph Rector. Sabbatismos Ministries. The Visionary Basis of Seventh-day Adventist Doctrine
http://www.sabbatismos.com/ellen-g-white/visionary-basis-of-sda-doctrines/#sthash.EuGSbjDx.dpbs]
[03] Ellen G. White: The Early Years: 1827-1862 (vol. 1), Page 123.
https://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=1BIO&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=123
[04] Arthur L. White. Charismatic Experiences In Early Seventh-Day Adventist History. SDA's and Ecstatic Experiences--6. Ellen G. White and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. http://www.whiteestate.org/issues/charism-alw.html
[05] Ellen White. Parental Responsibility*1855.
https://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=1TT&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=28
[06] Letter from Sister Harmon. January 24, 1846.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Periodical&bookCode=DS&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&year=1846
[07] Ellen White. Letter to Bro. Jacobs. The Present Truth.
https://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Periodical&bookCode=PT&lang=en&year=1849&month=August&day=1¶graphReferences=1
[08] Mrs. Ellen G. White—Her Life, Christian Experience, and Labors. February 10, 1876.
https://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Periodical&bookCode=ST&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&year=1876&month=February&day=10¶graphnumber=18
[09] Ellen G. White: The Early Years: 1827-1862 (vol. 1), Page 120.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=1BIO&pagenumber=120¶graphReferences=1
[10] Ellen G. White. A Place Called Oakwood, Page 78.
https://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Periodical&bookCode=RH&lang=en&year=1867&month=March&day=26¶graphReferences=1
[11] Counsels on Health, Page 420.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=CH&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=420
[12] Ellen G. White: Testimony to Battle Creek. Lt 23b, July 20, 1894.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=EGWLetter&bookCode=Lt23b-1894&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=1
[13] Ellen G. White: Lt 1, 1873.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=EGWLetter&bookCode=Lt1-1873&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=1
[14] Ellen G. White: Lt 13, 1869.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=EGWLetter&bookCode=Lt13-1869&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=1
[15] Ellen G. White: Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, Page 330-335
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=4T&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=330
[16] Ellen G. White: The Early Years: 1827-1862 (vol. 1), Page 122.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=1BIO&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=122
[17] Ellen G. White's Life And Ministry. Questions and Answers About Ellen G. White. http://www.whiteestate.org/issues/faq-egw.html
[18] Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White, Page 253.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=CET&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=253
[19] 2016 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Shamanism. https://www.britannica.com/topic/shamanism
[20] Shamanism. Vision quest. http://www.unexplainedstuff.com/Mediums-and-Mystics/Shamanism-Vision-quest.html
[21] The Ellen G. White Estate, Inc. Ellen G. White Writings. Lt 329, 1905.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=EGWLetter&bookCode=Lt329-1905&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=1
[22] https://www.britannica.com/topic/shamanism. Written by: Vilmos Diószegi
[23] Byron Zeliotis http://www.meditator.org/A%20Few%20Words%20On%20Shamanism.pdf
[24] Joan Halifax. Shamanic Voices: A Survey of Visionary Narratives (Arkana) Paperback – Publisher: Penguin Books (August 15, 1991)
[25] Beth Beurkens. Shamanic Initiation - The Path with Heart http://www.shamanicuniverse.com/shamanic-initiation.html
[26] Kelley Harrell. Shamanic Initiation and the Legacy of Suffering.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kelley-harrell/shaman-initiation_b_916400.html
[27] Ellen G. White: The Early Years: 1827-1862 (vol. 1), Pages 28- 31.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=1BIO&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=28
[28] Written by: Vilmos Diószegi https://www.britannica.com/topic/shamanism
[29] Ellen G. White: Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, Page 83.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=2SG&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=83
[30] Ellen G. White: Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, Page 107.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=2SG&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=107
[31] Ellen G. White: Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, Page 115.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=2SG&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=115&QUERY=fainted&resultId=26
[32] Ellen G. White: Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, Page 131.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=2SG&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=131
[33] Ellen G. White: Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, Page 148.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=2SG&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=148
[34] Ellen G. White: Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, Page 185.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=2SG&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=185
[35] Ellen G. White: Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, Page 298.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=2SG&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=298
[36] Ellen G. White:
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=PCO&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=78
[37] Ellen G. White: Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, Pages 18 -21.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=2SG&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=18
[38] Ellen G. White: Lt 1, 1875.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=EGWLetter&bookCode=Lt1-1875&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=1
[39] Ellen G. White. Lt 23b, 1894.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=EGWLetter&bookCode=Lt23b-1894&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=1
[40] Ellen G. White: The Early Years: 1827-1862 (vol. 1), Page 122.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&bookCode=1BIO&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=122
[41] Ellen G. White's Life And Ministry. Questions and Answers About Ellen G. White. http://www.whiteestate.org/issues/faq-egw.html
[42] Ellen White Lt 17, 1881.
http://text.egwwritings.org/publication.php?pubtype=EGWLetter&bookCode=Lt17-1881&lang=en&collection=2§ion=all&pagenumber=1
[43] ibid.
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