Do Adventist affirm Sola Scriptura?

[Christ is Lord]

I'm asking because I know of other traditions that don’t affirm Sola Scriptura and I’m okay with that. However, growing up in the Adventist tradition I noticed that we used the writings from Ellen White quite often to explain certain points of faith. Some of Adventist theology and belief among traditional Adventist originated from her writings or were based on her writings to an extent. Growing up I remember how much weight a quote from her would carry when used to prove a point, provide guidance, etc. I personally think the way her writings are used would mean Adventist don’t affirm Sola Scriptura.

 

[Dave-W]

I personally think the way her writings are used would mean Adventist don’t affirm Sola Scriptura.

In very traditional SDA circles, I would totally agree.

Some of the more "liberal" SDA congregations now interpret Ms White's writings in the light of scripture rather than interpreting scripture in the light of her writings.

IOW they are becoming MORE sola scriptura.

 

[Christ is Lord]

In very traditional SDA circles, I would totally agree.

Some of the more "liberal" SDA congregations now interpret Ms White's writings in the light of scripture rather than interpreting scripture in the light of her writings.

IOW they are becoming MORE sola scriptura.

I’ve noticed that in recent years the church as an organization has toned down the language in regards to her writings and their authority.

 

[Dave-W]

I’ve noticed that in recent years the church as an organization has toned down the language in regards to her writings and their authority.

Over the last several decades, the SDA has broken up (not officially) into several camps. There are the hard core conservatives who still cling to EGW's writings, the progressive evangelicals who have distanced themselves from EGW, the charismatic/pentecostals and a few more. I grew up near Andrews Univ, one of SDA's main seminaries. they are firmly in the evangelical progressive camp.

 

[Lazarus Short]

I still remember what an Adventist friend once told me about Ellen White, that she once told some other SDA members, "If you had read your Bibles, you wouldn't need me."

For what it's worth...

 

[LittleLambofJesus]

I'm asking because I know of other traditions that don’t affirm Sola Scriptura and I’m okay with that. However, growing up in the Adventist tradition I noticed that we used the writings from Ellen White quite often to explain certain points of faith. Some of Adventist theology and belief among traditional Adventist originated from her writings or were based on her writings to an extent. Growing up I remember how much weight a quote from her would carry when used to prove a point, provide guidance, etc. I personally think the way her writings are used would mean Adventist don’t affirm Sola Scriptura.

Hello.
Are you aware there are actually 2 boards on CF to discuss doctrines concerning the SDA sect?

Forums

Traditional Adventists
A place for Seventh-day Adventist who accept the 28 Fundamental Beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

Progressive/Moderate Adventists
A place for Progressive/Moderate Adventist discussion that does not insist on acceptance of all 28 fundamental beliefs. All who wish to discuss are welcome.

Seventh-day Adventist Church - Wikipedia

There is a generally recognized set of "distinctive" doctrines which distinguish Adventism from the rest of the Christian world, although not all of these teachings are wholly unique to Adventism:[citation needed]

• Law (fundamental belief 19): the Law of God is "embodied in the Ten Commandments", which continue to be binding upon Christians.
• Sabbath (fundamental belief 20): the Sabbath should be observed on the seventh day of the week, specifically, from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset.
• Second Coming and End times (fundamental beliefs 25–28): Jesus Christ will return visibly to earth after a "time of trouble", during which the Sabbath will become a worldwide test. The Second Coming will be followed by a millennial reign of the saints in heaven. Adventist eschatology is based on the historicist method of prophetic interpretation.
• Holistic human nature (fundamental beliefs 7, 26): Humans are an indivisible unity of body, mind, and spirit. They do not possess an immortal soul and there is no consciousness after death (commonly referred to as "soul sleep"). (See also: Christian anthropology)
• Conditional immortality (fundamental belief 27): The wicked will not suffer eternal torment in hell, but instead will be permanently destroyed. (See: Conditional immortality, Annihilationism)
• Great Controversy (fundamental belief 8): Humanity is involved in a "great controversy" between Jesus Christ and Satan. This is an elaboration on the common Christian belief that evil began in heaven when an angelic being (Lucifer) rebelled against the Law of God.
• Heavenly sanctuary (fundamental belief 24): At his ascension, Jesus Christ commenced an atoning ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. In 1844, he began to cleanse the heavenly sanctuary in fulfillment of the Day of Atonement.
• Investigative Judgment (fundamental belief 24): A judgment of professed Christians began in 1844, in which the books of record are examined for all the universe to see. The investigative judgment will affirm who will receive salvation, and vindicate God in the eyes of the universe as just in his dealings with mankind.
• Remnant (fundamental belief 13): There will be an end-time remnant who keep the commandments of God and have "the testimony of Jesus".[31] This remnant proclaims the "three angels' messages" of Revelation 14:6–12 to the world.
• Spirit of Prophecy (fundamental belief 18): The ministry of Ellen G. White is commonly referred to as the "Spirit of Prophecy" and her writings "speak with prophetic authority and provide comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction to the church.",[32] though ultimately subject to the Bible. (See: Inspiration of Ellen White.)
• ================================

In very traditional SDA circles, I would totally agree.

Some of the more "liberal" SDA congregations now interpret Ms White's writings in the light of scripture rather than interpreting scripture in the light of her writings.

IOW they are becoming MORE sola scriptura.

Good info.............

 

[LittleLambofJesus]

I still remember what an Adventist friend once told me about Ellen White, that she once told some other SDA members, "If you had read your Bibles, you wouldn't need me."

For what it's worth...

Ellen White is/was an interesting woman.

A fairly entertaining thread on her:

Was Ellen White a prophetess or a hoax..

Veritas said:
EGW was a false profit. Not any different than Benny Hinn, Chuck Smith, et al.

eoe said:
Give Benny Hinn some credit will you! Even he would not come out and say that there were tall people living on Jupiter.

This is just nuts, EVERYONE knows that only short people live on jupiter because of the strong gravitational force.
The tall people are on pluto.

====================
I imagine her and J. Smith would have made a good couple.............

Ellen G. White - Wikipedia

Ellen Gould White (née Ellen Gould Harmon; November 26, 1827 – July 16, 1915) was an author and an American Christian pioneer. Along with other Sabbatarian Adventist leaders such as Joseph Bates and her husband James White, she was instrumental within a small group of early Adventists who formed what became known as the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Smithsonian magazine named Ellen G. White among the "100 Most Significant Americans of All Time.[1]

Joseph Smith - Wikipedia

Joseph Smith Jr. (December 23, 1805 – June 27, 1844) was an American religious leader and founder of Mormonism and the Latter Day Saint movement. When he was 24, Smith published the Book of Mormon. By the time of his death, 14 years later, he had attracted tens of thousands of followers and founded a religion that continues to the present.

.................

 

[eleos1954]

I'm asking because I know of other traditions that don’t affirm Sola Scriptura and I’m okay with that. However, growing up in the Adventist tradition I noticed that we used the writings from Ellen White quite often to explain certain points of faith. Some of Adventist theology and belief among traditional Adventist originated from her writings or were based on her writings to an extent. Growing up I remember how much weight a quote from her would carry when used to prove a point, provide guidance, etc. I personally think the way her writings are used would mean Adventist don’t affirm Sola Scriptura.

Ellen White's writings are very inspiring. Her writings are among the top ten read. She was very knowledgeable of scripture.

Ellen White states often the word of God is the only authority.

Some do believe she was a prophet ... some do not.

I have read many of her writings, however I view her writings as commentary (and many others do as well).

Because people use commentaries, writings of any kind ... does not dismiss the Word of God being the only authority ... and therefore does not dismiss Sola Scriptura. Regardless what one reads only the Word of God is the one and only authority and that is Sola Scriptura and SDA affirm that.

added after original post:

Throughly check out anything on original websites .... otherwise one is subject to bias opinions and "fake news" ... do your own research and come to your own conclusions ... but make sure you are on official websites.

 

[Christ is Lord]

Regardless what one reads only the Word of God is the one and only authority and that is Sola Scriptura and SDA affirm that.

There are certain positions that Ellen White at the very least advocated that cannot be found in scripture and some Traditional Adventist hold to those beliefs. That's the very definition of not affirming Sola Scriptura. However, I am glad to see @Dave-W point out that there are different camps and I hope the more progressive camp become more prevalent in my part of the world.

 

[Christ is Lord]

Hello.
Are you aware there are actually 2 boards on CF to discuss doctrines concerning the SDA sect?

Forums

Traditional Adventists
A place for Seventh-day Adventist who accept the 28 Fundamental Beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

Progressive/Moderate Adventists
A place for Progressive/Moderate Adventist discussion that does not insist on acceptance of all 28 fundamental beliefs. All who wish to discuss are welcome.

I am sorry I should have started my thread there . Maybe a mod can move it?

 

[Lazarus Short]

Ellen White is/was an interesting woman.

A fairly entertaining thread on her:

Was Ellen White a prophetess or a hoax..




====================
I imagine her and J. Smith would have made a good couple.............

Ellen G. White - Wikipedia

Ellen Gould White (née Ellen Gould Harmon; November 26, 1827 – July 16, 1915) was an author and an American Christian pioneer. Along with other Sabbatarian Adventist leaders such as Joseph Bates and her husband James White, she was instrumental within a small group of early Adventists who formed what became known as the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Smithsonian magazine named Ellen G. White among the "100 Most Significant Americans of All Time.[1]

Joseph Smith - Wikipedia
Joseph Smith Jr. (December 23, 1805 – June 27, 1844) was an American religious leader and founder of Mormonism and the Latter Day Saint movement. When he was 24, Smith published the Book of Mormon. By the time of his death, 14 years later, he had attracted tens of thousands of followers and founded a religion that continues to the present.

.................

Did you forget Mary Baker Eddy and the founders of the Unity School of Christianity?

Here in Independence, Missouri, we are near the headquarters of the

Community of Christ (formerly RLDS - they seem to be mainstreaming)

several Mormon splinter sects

and Unity.

As a result, I see books at estate and rummage sales here that I find nowhere else...