GSEM534
Lecture outline

Ellen G. White and Science:
The "Problem" Statements

Roger W. Coon

(Last revision:  May 29, 1996)
 
 

Introduction
 

1. In the arena of science vis-a-vis Ellen G. White's statements on science, there are two ironies:
a. Ellen White's statements on diet, nutrition, exercise, preventive health measures, etc. have received unprecedented independent scientific verification and corroboration as to their accuracy; yet in other areas of statements dealing with scientific matters, there is generally widespread criticism and skepticism of many of her views -- especially concerning the ideas expressed in about a dozen and a half statements.

b. Ellen White was so balanced in her positions and views upon health reform, while many who follow her in this category are demonstrably so unbalanced!

2. The "problem" statements in science, along with issues connected with literary borrowing (plagiarism), are the two categories in which those SDAs who lose confidence in EGW's prophetic gift find their reasons.

3. We do well to remember at this point that EGW was not a trained scientist, although she treated upon matters of science repeatedly in her writings over a long period of years.

a. As in theology (she was not a seminary-trained theologian, and consequently did not treat theological terms with the precision and specificity of a professionally-trained theologian), so in science.

 

I. Model for Categorizing the Scientific Statements

    Mervyn G. Hardinge, M.D., Ph.D., Dr. P.H.: General Scientific Statements

    1. Statements contradicted by contemporary science in her day (but which, today, may be confirmed by scientific inquiry).

    2. Statements in harmony with contemporary thinking in her day, which she confirmed, and which have proven true and sound in the years since.

    3. Statements of ideas not widely discussed in her day, which came more or less as "new light."

    4. Statements in harmony with the contemporary thinking of her day, but which science, today, generally repudiates:

        a. This problem-area is not a large one.

        b. But, unfortunately, for some it is the whole--and only--issue.
 
 

II. Ellen White "Problem" Statements Difficult To Explain Today

A. From The Health Reformer Journal [September Through December, 1871]

  • Other Statements

  •  

    III. Factors for Resolving Apparent Conflict Between Science and Religion


    IV. A Contemporary Survey of the "Problem" Statements

    A.  Ellen White's Role as Departmental Editor vis-a-vis The Health Reformer

    The first SDA-sponsored popular journal devoted to health education was named The Health Reformer. During its first two years of existence it was edited by H. S. Lay [1866-68]. The next three years saw it run by an "editorial committee;" and as a result of a number of factors the publication began to flounder. James White was subsequently asked to serve as its editor, from 1871-74-initially along with his other duties which included serving as General Conference president [1869-71].

    To assist her overworked husband, EGW agreed to preside over a column-or "department," as it was called-in this monthly publication. In this capacity she was subjected to editorial deadline pressures every four weeks to submit sufficient material to fill six to eight pages of each issue.

    Among the kinds of materials appearing in The Health Reformer were: (1) articles by EGW carrying her "by-line," (2) articles by contemporary secular writers (often the name of the contributor was attached, but not always), (3) brief news notes from various secular publications, used as "filler" material (with the original source sometimes listed, or attribution given simply as "selected"), (4) letters to the editor (with or without editorial reply), and (5) poems gleaned from various sources.

    Among the materials in EGW's "department" were articles by EGW herself. These often included single paragraphs or sometimes extended passages cited from other contemporary journals. This "borrowed" material was usually enclosed within direct quotation marks ("inverted commas"), and often the name of the primary source publication was included. At times EGW would add personal comments following the quoted materials; sometimes she would not.

    In the four issues (September through December, 1871) there were six items which today raise eyebrows (and often laughter) in the context of scientific verification or lack of it. Also, other statements, published elsewhere, are today often cited by skeptical critics as evidence and proof of Ellen White's non-inspiration.

    B. Examining the "Problem" Statements in the Light of Contemporary Understanding

    1. WIGS (ARTIFICIAL HAIR PIECES) [See Appendix A for Documentation]

    Ellen White's precautionary concerns about these articles of adornment may not be as far-fetched in reality as they appear to be at first glance:

     

    2. COSMETIC POISONING [See Appendix B for Documentation]

    a.  In Ellen White's day many cosmetic preparations contained poisonous substances.  There was no Federal Food and Drug Administration in the national government to monitor the industry (whose sales today run into the billions of dollars), and to regulate its activities and prohibit harmful substances from being sold to the public.

    b.  She herself was poisoned by applying a hair-restorer to her husband's head. (See The Health Reformer, October, 1871)

    c.  Lead, a very poisonous element, was often an ingredient in various preparations, with disastrous consequences:
    (1) White lead was used in the ancient world by cosmetologists to cover skin blemishes (see Jerome Nriago, Lead and Lead Poisoning in Antiquity).

    (2) This very toxic substance will cause peripheral neuropathy (from varying degrees of exposure) in various symptoms:  (a) Foot-drop,  (b) Wrist-drop,  (c) Sleep disturbances,  (d) Changes in disposition (e.g., irritability),  (e) Headache,  (f) Nausea.

    [See statement of lead-poison expert, Dr. Julian Chisholm, U.S. News & World Report, Aug. 10, 1987, p. 56, subsequently interviewed by RWC in Baltimore, in Appendix B]
    d.  Seventeen coal-tar poison dyes were found in lipstick in 1959 [Washington, DC Evening Star, Oct. 6, 1959, in Appendix B]

    e.  Recent Research Discoveries (see Appendix B):

    (1) 1988: Astounding disclosures to the Wyden Congressional Hearing concerning physical deformities and health problems caused by using some cosmetic preparations today!
    (2) 1991: Disturbing report on Cosmetic Safety: "The Law Provides Little Protection" ("Mascara and Eyeshadow," Consumer Reports, February, 1991, p. 93).
    (3) 1994: Transcript from "CBS Evening News," CBS TV Network, Oct. 24, 1994, pp. 5, 6, on a cosmetological hazard from the use of over-the-counter products.

    (4) 1997: Emily Yoffe, "Chemical Good Looks," U.S. News & World Report, November 10, 1997, pp. 86, 91.


     

    3. WASP-WAIST CORSETS AND PHYSICAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS [Appendix C]

    a. It may be of significance, as well as of interest, that Ellen White used the word "may" when describing results to offspring from mothers who wore tightly-cinched whalebone corsets in the 19th century.  She was not dogmatic about the subject.

    b. Mervyn G. Hardinge, M.D., Dr. P.H., Ph.D., who retired from the position of Director of the Health-Temperance Department of the General Conference of the church in 1985, after having served previously as Chairman of the Department of Public Health and as an associate professor in the Loma Linda University Medical School, took the position (in a statement prepared March 4, 1955, at the request of the White Estate), that Ellen White's statement is not necessarily unscientific, and need not refer to genetic transmission but could easily refer to physical transmission; and in this context it is entirely scientifically reliable. (See his complete statement in Appendix C.)


     

    4. DANGER IN LARGE DISCREPANCY IN AGES BETWEEN MARRIAGE PARTNERS

    a. I am not aware of any existing research data on dangers to younger women from marrying older husbands.

    b. With regard to older women marrying younger men, there are data to warn of hazards from late pregnancy, with consequent potential danger of mental deficiencies to children thus born.  The age "break" point for the mother seems to be the early thirties years.

    (1) Of the 10 most common genetic disabilities, the foremost is Down Syndrome, a form of deficiency that affects one in every 800-1,000 newborns.

    (2) Amniocentesis "is generally performed only on women past the age of 35, when the odds of having a Down child rise sharply and the risk of having a handicapped baby tends to outweigh the risk of harm to the fetus. . . . When amniocentesis indicates Down many mothers choose to have an abortion." "The Way the Whorls Turn," Time, Feb. 13, 1989, p. 73).

    (3) Recent studies indicate that "at 42, 90% of a woman's eggs are abnormal" and at 27, a woman's chance of getting pregnant begins to decline.  (Nancy Gibbs, "Making time for a baby," Time, April 15, 2002, pp. 48-54.)

    c. From the internal context of these 1865 statements, two general considerations surface as to the basis of the stated objection:
    (1) In cases where older men marry substantially younger women, the life of the husband is often prolonged at the expense of a loss of vitality (and even the health) of the younger wife.

    (2) Concern is also expressed for the health/vitality of children born of older fathers and younger mothers:

    (a) The offspring often do not have "well-balanced minds."

    (b) They may also be "deficient . . . in physical strength."

    (c) "Varied, peculiar, and often painful traits of character" may be manifested in a child thus brought into the world.

    (d) "They often die prematurely."

    (e) Among those who do reach maturity, "in many cases" the child may be "deficient in physical and mental strength, and moral worth."

    d. That EGW was not opposed to all marriages in which there was a substantial difference in age of the partners becomes clear from a survey of her correspondence three decades later (1897-1902) (see RY 111-21):
    (1) Elder Stephen N. Haskell's first wife, Mary, died in Jan., 1894. While he was in Australia (1896-99) he met Hetty Hurd, and married her on Feb. 24, 1897, when he was 64 and she was 40 (SDAE [1976]: 561; RY 114, 115).
    (a) At first, SNH hesitated to proceed with the marriage, because of issues of age difference (and possibility his awareness of the EGW strictures of 1865) (RY 114).

    (b) However-and probably to his delighted surprise-EGW enthusiastically endorsed this new union (RY 115, 116).

    (2) Elder George I. Butler's first wife died Nov. 18, 1901. The next year, at age 68, he strongly desired to marry Lorena Waite, 33.  However, the strong opposition of Lorena's sister (a Mrs. Keck), and Butler's son, Hiland (apparently on age-difference grounds) effectively aborted that relationship.
    (a) On Oct. 8, 1907, GIB married the widow of W. C. Grainger 10 days before her 62nd birthday (he, then, was now 73).

    (b) Although GIB never mentioned to EGW the opposition of family to his intended marriage to Lorena, EGW wrote strong letters of rebuke to the opponents, pointing out that divine revelation had approved of the marriage plans for this proposed union (RY 115-20; SDAE [1976]: 209, 210).

    e. In her counsel, EGW raised questions that should be contemplated by couples of widely-varying ages in their efforts to determine the wisdom (or lack of it) in proceeding with marriage:
    (1) Spiritual: Is this proposed union the will of the Lord? Would it advance the cause of God? Could the two, if wed, accomplish more for God as a married pair than they could-individually-if they remained single?

    (2) Health: Are both parties in reasonably good health? Is there the prospect of children born to this union who might, thereby, be defective mentally, physically, or spiritually?

    (3) Compatibility: Does each love the other? Is each happy with the prospect of marriage to the other? Can/will each love the other and provide tender, loving care? Will each enhance the other?


     

    5. "AMALGAMATION OF MAN AND BEAST"

    a. Ellen White made this rather cryptic reference only twice in her writings, in 1864 and in 1870, in reference to the Flood, in materials first published in 3SG and 1SP.
    (1) It is interesting -- and possibly significant -- that she did not perpetuate this curious expression in her later expansion (and most mature writings) on the flood narrative in PP (1890).
    b. Dr. Robert Brown, a distinguished SDA scientist (who has prepared a compilation of "Statements on Science" under a White Estate commission), was asked to explain these strange expressions in the light of American dictionary usage in the last third of the 19th century.
    (1) He concluded that there is insufficient textual elaboration in her writing to enable us today to determine precisely her meaning then; her meaning and intent are unclear due to the paucity of material.
    c. A debate between Dr. Harold Clark, founder of the Pacific Union College biology department, and Dr. Frank Lewis Marsh, longtime biology teacher at Union College and later a member of the Geo-Science Research Institute team, took place on Sept. 8, 1947, near San Francisco, CA.  Clark took the position that EGW meant "amalgamation between man and animals" with offspring being born as a product of such union.  Marsh held, contrarily, that EGW meant "amalgamation of man with man, and of beast with beast."  (For a report of the debate, see Gordon Shigley, "Amalgamation of Man and Beast: What Did Ellen White Mean?" Spectrum, June, 1982, pp. 10-19.)
    d. Francis D. Nichol treats the subject in Ellen G. White and Her Critics, Chapter 20; the White Estate Document File DF 316 contains helpful resource materials.   See also Messenger of the Lord, pp. 491-492; Sourcebook, F-1.
    e. Some have foolishly, most inaccurately, interpreted the "amalgamation" statements to teach that the black race of humans sprang from apes!  There is no hint of such an idea in any of her writings, ever!

     

    6. MASTURBATION [See Appendix D]

    a. Ellen White wrote extensively against "solitary vice," "secret vice," "moral pollution" -- all Victorian-era euphemisms for masturbation. Today most professionals generally tend to prefer the term "auto-eroticism."

    b. She called it an evil, and identified a number of undesirable physical, mental, and spiritual ills which could result from this practice (see Appendix D).

    c. Her views, in harmony with contemporary writers in her day, face near-total rejection today by social, behavioral, and medical scientists. (For a typical example of prevalent contemporary views, see Ann Landers' comments in the Napa (CA) Register, Dec. 17, 1976, Appendix D.)

    d. Curiously, Ellen White is silent on the subject in The Ministry of Healing. This may or may not have significance.

    e. Ellen White did not say that all of the serious consequences she associated with masturbation would be visited upon any one given individual; nor did she indicate that the worst possible degree of any of them would be experienced by any particular person.

    f. We must recognize that there are degrees of "insanity" -- not all are wild-eyed raving maniacs, just as not all alcoholics are bleary-eyed drunks (many alcoholics are able to function adequately day-to-day).

    g. Interestingly, today a few scientific voices are being raised to indicate that there may well be perils in masturbation, particularly to a zinc-deficient adolescent who engages in it excessively:

    (1) "We hate to say it, but in a zinc-deficient adolescent, sexual excitement and excessive masturbation might precipitate insanity."-Carl C. Pfeiffer, Ph.D., M.D., Zinc and Other Micro-Nutrients, (New Canaan, Connecticut: Keats Publishing, Inc., 1978), p. 45.

    (2) "It is even possible, given the importance of zinc for the brain, that 19th century moralists were correct when they said that repeated masturbation could make one mad!"-David F. Horrobin, M.D., Ph.D. (editor), Zinc [one in a series of Vitabooks Self Help Guides] (St. Albans, Vermont: Vitabooks, Inc., 1981), p. 8.

    (3) See also Messenger of the Lord, pp. 493-494.


     

    7. A LITERAL "MIASMA" (lung disease)

    a. Ellen White used the term "miasma" both figuratively and literally. We are here concerned only with the literal applications of the term.

    b. In 1864 she indicated that if a house were built where water settles around it and remained for a period of time, and then dried up, that a poisonous miasma would arise, resulting in fever, sore throat, lung disease, and something called "ague" (4SGa 144; 2SM 464; CH 58-59).

    In 1905, she added that as far as possible all buildings for human habitation should be placed on high, well-drained ground, to insure a dry site and prevent danger of disease from dampness and miasma (MH 274).  She added that if we would have abiding health and happiness in our homes, we must place them above the miasma and fog of the lowlands (MH 275; AH 149).
    c. Could there possibly be a link here between dangers from mold, allergy, and even the mysterious "Legionnaire's Disease"?

    d. Of interest may be a statement published in 1984 concerning naturalpollution:

    "The swamps of the world pour out annually more miasmal gases than do all the world's factories and automobiles put together...while man-made carbon monoxide adds up to some 270 million tons in a single year from human pollution, decaying matter in swamps, rice fields, forests and other natural sources are more than ten times as great, some three billiontons annually."  (R. Milton Carleton, False Prophets of Pollution [Tampa, FL: Trend Publications, 1973], pp. 8-9; quoted in Bible-Science Newsletter, vol. 22, no. 4, April 1984.)


     

    8. LEPROSY CAUSED BY EATING PORK [See Appendix E]

    a. There is no known scientific research that would support the statement that leprosy could be contacted by eating of pork, especially in warm climates.
    (1) There isa study which indicates that in experiments with mice, rodents which were given a pork diet showed a significantly greater predisposition to leprosy than those on a non-pork diet ("Effect of Diet on Growth of M. Lepre in Mouse Footpads," by Ray L. Foster, et. al., Leprosy Research Foundation, Loma Linda, CA, published in Indian Journal of Leprosy, Vol. 61, No. 3, July, 1989 (see also Dr. Foster's "Nutrition in Leprosy: A Review," in International Journal of Leprosy, Vol. 56, No. 1, pp. 66-81).
    b. Opinions differ on whether the "leprosy" of today is identical with the disease of that name in Jesus' time.
    (1) See statement by Dr. Gilbert E. Burhman, Appendix E, for one view.

    (2) The following view comes from Dr. Ray L. Foster, Leprosy Research Foundation, Loma Linda, CA, in a letter to RWC, of Jan. 13, 1994:

    Is leprosy today the same as Biblical leprosy? The answer of the scientific community is "no." I am not quite sure why this is so, except to try to rid the disease of the stigma of sin and the judgment of God which is portrayed in the Bible e.g. Miriam contracting leprosy as a judgment from God. The chief argument used to say that Biblical leprosy is different from leprosy today is that Biblical leprosy included more (e.g. fungus infections) than we would call leprosy today. My current understanding is that while Biblical leprosy includes more than what we call leprosy today, what we call Hansen's disease (leprosy) today is the same as part of what was called leprosy in the Bible. What leads me to this conclusion is the very clear description of the leprosy patient that came to Jesus and was cured given to us inDesire of Ages pages 262-3. The description and the details included in this description certainly fits what we know about leprosy today and is so scientifically accurate and specific, that there is no doubt in my mind that what that man had that was called leprosy is what people have today that we call leprosy.
    c. There are mysteries connected with the spread of leprosy today (again, see Dr. Burnham's letter).

    d. There is evidence that leprosy iscontracted today by eating armadillo meat:

    (1) In 1983 in the USA there were 1000 cases of leprosy (Hansen's Disease) being treated in California, 500 in Hawaii, 430 in Texas, 106 in Florida, and 88 in Louisiana; 15 million estimated cases worldwide.
    (a) The armadillo is 20 times more susceptible to Hansen's Disease than humans.

    (b) The eating of an infected armadillo is known to be one cause of Hansen's Disease.

    (2) The number of cases of the disease in the USA continues to rise annually. [See "And You Though Armadillos Were Cute!" and "Leprosy Stigma Bigger Than Disease," in The San Antonio [TX] Light, Jan. 30, 1983, pp. A-1, A-20.] (See Appendix E)

    (3) Armadillo-eating-caused Hansen's Disease is a significantly serious problem in Argentina, to the extent that a leprosarium has been built in that South American nation to care for the victims.

    (4). It would be interesting to know if the eating of otheranimal flesh could be demonstrated to cause Hansen's Disease-like pork!


     

    9. CAUSE OF VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS AND EARTHQUAKES  [See Sourcebook, F-2]

    a. I know of no scientific data that would tend to support Ellen White's statement that one cause of these volcanic eruptions and earthquakes is the presence of coal and oil burning beneath the surface of the earth.

    b. See Messenger of the Lord, pp. 492-493.


     

    10. DANGERS FROM EATING OF CHEESE [See Appendix F]

    a. Ellen White's proscriptions against the use of cheese fall largely between
                1868: "Cheese should never be introduced into the system" (2T 68) and

                1905: "Cheese is still more objectionable [than butter]; it is wholly unfit for food" (MH 302).

    b. Some of the problems with dairy products in her day were:
    (1) Pasteurization was not widely practiced; bacteria multiplied quickly.

    (2) Milk was often watered down (sometimes the water was polluted) and also contaminated by such additives as molasses, chalk, and plaster of Paris (to hide the color change in some milk from seriously ill cows).

    (3) Dairies were notorious for filthy conditions.

    (4) Lack of refrigeration created serious problems.

    (5) Disease among cows was rampant and transmitted to milk and cheese [See Otto L. Bettmann, The Good Old Days-They Were Terrible! (NY: Random House, 1974), Chapters 7 ("Food and Drink") and 8 ("Health").]

    c. While the above-listed conditions have been substantially alleviated today, there are still otherpotential medical hazards for the cheese-eater, which may have prompted EGW's counsel, such as:
    (1) High incidence of leukemia [blood cancer] among cows in dairy herds in various localities.

    (2) Cheese often contains a high saturated-fat content, a problem in cholesterol control.

    (3) Cheese often contains a high concentration of sodium salts, a problem in controlling hypertension [high blood pressure].

    (4) Many patients with allergy problems (some, very acute) often find relief when cheese is discontinued from their diet.

    [See statement by Dr. Milton Crane, Appendix F, also his monographs "Does 'Every Body' Need Milk?" (1985, 8 pp.) and "The Role of Cholesterol and Excess Fat in Disease" (1984, 10 pp.). See also extract from "Allergy Warfare," cover story, U.S. News & World Report, Feb. 20, 1989, pp. 1, 68-80, and "Allergies: How You Get them and How to Get Rid of Them," Time(cover story), June 22, 1992, pp. 1, 54-62, in Appendix F.]
    d. When The Ministry of Healing was being translated into German in 1906, the year after publication in America, the original statement ("Cheese is still more objectionable; it is wholly unfit for food" was modified to read (as translated back into English): "Strong, sharp cheese should not be eaten." This was done in consultation with Ellen White and her son, Elder W. C. White [see statement in Appendix F].

     

    11. HEIGHT OF ANTEDILUVIANS - Fossil Record

    a. While paleontologists have unearthed fossil remains of large mammals, (often called dinosaurs), to my knowledge none has yet unearthed skeletons of human beings more than twice the size of men now alive upon the earth.

     

    C.  Attempts to Explain The Health Reformer Articles

    1. Feb., 1983: Ellen G. White Estate Trustees meet in Williamsburg, VA at annual retreat. They were asked to give counsel on how Arthur L. White should treat these "problem statements" in the area of science in Volume I of the forthcoming six-volume biography of EGW. In particular, "Five Problems" were identified (in a 22-page document): I: Masturbation, II: Amalgamation, III: Volcanoes and Earthquakes, IV: Wigs, and V: Wasp Waists.
    a. One possible explanation, explored by the Trustees, was the suggestion that Ellen G. White -- as any other prophet -- was not "on-duty" 24 hours/day, and that the Health Reformer articles needed to be understood in the context of EGW serving as a "department" editor in assisting her overworked husband (who was editor for a time) and therefore responsible for 8-12 pages of material each four weeks.
    b. Several leading Trustees felt this was a good explanation; but other Trustees felt strongly opposed.
    c. The paper was withdrawn from circulation and the Trustees have not yet taken a formal position by way of explanation.
    2. June, 1985: Research Center directors from around the world meet with White Estate Trustees and Staff in Washington, D.C., prior to GC Session in New Orleans.
    a. Question re-raised: how to explain?
    b. Former suggested position again presented: Ellen G. White did not write the materials in The Health Reformer in her professional capacity as a prophet of the Lord, but only as a columnist assisting her overworked editor-husband by providing eight pages in her "department" every month; therefore these articles should not be construed as inspired.
    c. All but one present in the meeting expressed negative feelings toward this approach:
    (1) Some of these articles were subsequently published in other journals, such as theReview and Herald, etc.
    (2) This approach would enable anyone to rationalize objection to something else EGW wrote by saying, "She wasn't 'on-duty' here, either." It opens a door that might better remain closed!
    (3) The counsels given in these articles aretrue, scientifically valid (and inspired), even though her supporting arguments may present some scientific problems for us today. The issue: "instruction" vs. "the-whys-and-wherefores"?
    d. Possible parallel: In 1901 (Letter 37, in CD 344) Ellen G. White differentiated between "the instruction" and explanatory "whys and wherefores": "I use some salt, and always have, because from the light given me by God, this article, in the place of being deleterious, is actually essential for the blood. The whys and wherefores of this I know not, but I give you the instruction as it is given me."
    (1) Could it bet that, earlier, the Lord gave her only "the instruction" (which, despite the most "off-the-wall" explanations, is impeccable) and perhaps shortly thereafter she was reading contemporary health journals, and thought she had found the explanation (the "whys and wherefores") behind the counsel?
    (a) If so, she apparently discontinued the practice of "trying to help the Lord out"-if, indeed, that was what she did here-after the turn of the century!


    Conclusion

    1. Ron Graybill has offered some cogent suggestions for resolving problems encountered in inspired writings; answer the questions:

    a. Do I really understand the meaning, intent, and importance of the inspired writer's statements?

    b. Do I really understand the evidence which is in apparent conflict with the inspired statement?

    c. Might I reasonably expect more evidence to be forthcoming from further study, research, or divine illumination?

    d. Can the two sets of data be harmonized?

    e. Can the issue be left unresolved?

    f. Should I communicate my conclusions to others?

    g. How can I communicate my conclusions to others in a way which will increase their understanding of truth and build their faith?


    2. Pat Mutch made four suggestions:  Our primary responsibility should be to

    a. Gain as much knowledge of inspiration and science as we possibly can.

    b. Apply the principles of health reform to our personal lives in a sensible and balanced manner.

    c. Use scientific evidence correctly, in a manner devoid of (1) Sensationalism, and (2) Distortion

    d. Recognize that: (1) Our understanding is finite (2) The Holy Spirit will give us the knowledge and strength to live in harmony with His will for us (Cf. John 7:17), if we trust and follow His guidance.

    For Further Reading


    Roger W. Coon, "Ellen G. White's Perplexing Statements on 'Amalgamation of Man and Beast.'" [Silver Spring, MD: Ellen G. White Estate, unpublished monograph, May 30, 1990]; cited in Sourcebook, Section F-1, 16 pp. (Includes Gordon Shigley's "Amalgamation of Man and Beast: What Did Ellen White Mean?," Spectrum, June, 1982, pp. 10-19.)
     

    ____________. "Ellen G. White's Statements on Volcanology." [Silver Spring, MD: Ellen G. White Estate, unpublished monograph, May 30, 1990]; cited in Sourcebook, Section F-2, 12 pp. (Includes Alger H. Johns' "Ellen G. White and Subterranean Fires," Part I, Ministry, August, 1977, pp. 9-12; and Part II, Ibid., October, 1977, pp. 19-22.)
     

    ____________. "Ellen G. White's Statements on Masturbation." [Silver Spring, MD: Ellen G. White Estate, unpublished monograph, May 30, 1990]; cited in Sourcebook, Section F-3, 25 pp. (Includes Ann Landers' "Masturbation is Normal and Sexually Healthy," Napa [CA] Register, December 17, 1976, p. 24; Richard Nies' unpublished monograph on masturbation: "Give Glory to God," undated manuscript, 25 pp.; and Alberta Mazat's monograph, "Masturbation," undated manuscript, 45 pp.)
     
     

    List of Appendixes


    Appendix A: Wigs and Artificial Hairpieces

    (1) Letter, E. K. Roberts to Roger W. Coon, January 2, 1983.

    (2) Ellen G. White Estate, A Critique of Prophetess of Health[Silver Spring, MD: Ellen G. White Estate, 1976], p. 69.

    (3) "The False Hair Industry," The Watchman, August, 1910, pp. 4503, 504.
     

    Appendix B: Cosmetological Problems

    (1) Ellen G. White, "The Fatal Effects of Painting," The Health Reformer, October, 1871, pp. 123-25.

    (2) "Seventeen of the Coal-Tar Dies Used in Lipstick Found Toxic," Washington [DC]Evening Star, October 6, 1959.

    (3) "Putting the Lid on Dangerous Dinnerware," U.S. News & World Report, August 10, 1987, p. 56.

    (4) Transcript of "News From Medicine," CNN Cable Network News, September 18, 1988.

    (5) News Release, Congressman Ron Wyden, 1406 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C., September 15, 1988.

    (6) "Cosmetic Safety: Mascara and Eyeshadow, The Law Provides Little Protection,"Consumer Reports, February, 1991, p. 93.

    (7) Transcript of CBS [Television] Evening unpublished monograph, News, October 24, 1994, pp. 5, 6, [on 'A Cosmetological Hazard'].

    (8) Emily Yoffe, "Chemical Good Looks," U.S. News and World Report, November 10, 1997, pp 86-91.
     

    Appendix C: Wasp-Waist Transmission

    Statement of Mervyn G. Hardinge, M.D., Ph.D., Dr. P.H., March 4, 1955.
     

    Appendix D: Masturbation

    (1) Synthesis-Summary of Ellen White Statements on Potential Effects from Masturbation.

    (2) Ann Landers, "Masturbation is Normal and Sexually Healthy," Napa Register, December 17, 1976, p. 24.
     

    Appendix E: Leprosy [Hansen's Disease]

    (1) "And You Thought Armadillos Were Cute!" San Antonio [TX] Light, January 30, 1983, pp. A-1, A-20.

    (2) Statement of Gilbert M. Burnham, Medical Director, Malamulo Hospital, September 7, 1986.
     

    Appendix F: Cheese

    (1) Statement by Milton Crane, M.D., Weimar Institute, November 30, 1987.

    (2) Roger W. Coon, "Notes on Cheese and Spirit of Prophecy Proscription Against Its Use," undated monograph.

    (3) Letter of W. C. White, March 27, 1906.

    (4) "Allergy Warfare," U.S. News & World Report, February 20, 1989, pp. 68-80.

    (5) Table of Contents, Frank A. Oski, M.D., Don't Drink Your Milk; Caution: Milk Can Be Harmful to Your Health, 1983.

    (6) Rebuttal Statement, Sylvia Fagal, R.D., 1994.