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Who is Ellen G. White, the person that Adventists hold in such high regard?
Raised within the Adventist Church, the figure of Ellen G. White was a constant presence in my upbringing. Her implied (by people in the church) self-identification as a prophet of God intrigued me, especially given the secondary role women often seem to play in biblical narratives. I’ve always been curious about how she navigated these roles and what her story tells us about faith and gender.
After only a smidge of research, I realized Ellen G. White was most likely a fraud. Of course, this is only my opinion. Still, before I even dive into that, I figured I would at least explain who she is and why the Adventist church holds her in such high regard.
Ellen G. White (1827–1915) was considered a prominent figure in the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church and was recognized by them for her contributions through writing, visions, and leadership. Her life’s work, characterized by writing, visionary experiences, and leadership, has impacted the denomination and beyond.
Raised in rural Maine within a devout Methodist family, Ellen’s spiritual journey was influenced by the teachings of William Miller, who preached about Jesus’ imminent return. Despite the disappointment following the Great Disappointment of 1844, Ellen shared that she had received what she believed to be a…