Скачать или смотреть Warren Trenchard, “Ellen White: Inspiration or Biblical Fiction?”

13 July 2024 |

Among the hundreds of published works by Ellen White, her writings on parts of the Bible are probably the best known and most beloved by those devoted to her work. Although she often wrote about biblical narratives, expositions, and religious materials in periodical articles and special-purpose manuscripts, she is most recognized in this regard for her books that explore large swaths of the Old and New Testaments. She published such books throughout her long career, starting with Spiritual Gifts, vol. 1 (1858), and concluding with Prophets and Kings, posthumously published in 1917. The earliest of these was very selective in its biblical topics; the subsequent volumes became increasingly more comprehensive. White’s biblical writings formed several trajectories of developing tradition over about 60 years, culminating in the five volumes of the “Conflict of the Ages” series.

One of these trajectories—likely the most highly regarded—is best represented by books that deal with the life and ministry of Jesus, from Spiritual Gifts, vol. 1, through The Spirit of Prophecy, vols. 2 and 3 (1877–1878), to The Desire of Ages in 1898.

This study examines The Desire of Ages, the final stage of Ellen White’s textual tradition on the life and ministry of Jesus, concentrating on one literary unit, the story of the transfiguration. It will study evidence in The Desire of Ages and its textual ancestors, raising questions particularly regarding The Desire of Ages, to determine if, and to what extent, this material departs from the biblical narratives and the type of literature it represents. After briefly reviewing a few other additional examples, the study will consider potential models for understanding White’s biblical writings.

Teacher:
Dr. Trenchard served as a member of the faculty and a senior administrator at what is what is now Burman University in Alberta, Canada, and at La Sierra University, for over thirty-five years. In retirement, he is professor of New Testament and early Christian literature. His principal teaching and research interests include New Testament Greek language; history, backgrounds, and interpretation of the New Testament and its individual documents; and history and literature of Early Christianity.