Anyone who seriously thinks about the history of Christianity and its interactions with Judaism will recognize that we have some very difficult problems. (Dear reader— if you think we have no need of change, please study this topic more carefully.) As long as we are unwilling to consider any changes in our beliefs about Christianity and how it relates to the Jewish people, we will make little progress toward a radically better relationship.
Ellen White made it clear that she envisioned changes in our beliefs and attitudes about the Jewish people.
The work for the Jews, as outlined in the eleventh chapter of Romans, is a work that is to be treated with special wisdom. It is a work that must not be ignored. The wisdom of God must come to our people. In all wisdom and righteousness we must clear the King’s highway.... – {9MR 311.1}
She talks about this “work” implying that it is in the future— that it “is to be”. She implies that it is difficult— “to be treaded with special wisdom”. She implies that it is important— “not to be ignored”. She implies that only Divine power can make it possible. She implies that there are obstacles— “clear the King's highway”. She implies that we need to make changes.
In all wisdom and righteousness we must clear the King’s highway.
What are the obstacles that need to be cleared? Is it possible that there are attitudes and beliefs that need to change?
We are plainly taught that we should not despise the Jews... – {1MR 137.4}
Would it make sense to make this statement unless there was a real problem?
Does it make sense that there might be some “new light” to be found in this field? Since many of the problems of doctrine and practice can be traced to the “parting of the ways” between the early Christian and Jewish communities, is it reasonable to think that there might be innovations to be found by going back to the Apostles and then retracing our steps forward, reconsidering early decisions that came after? Is it possible that we are still on some wrong paths that began so many centuries ago?
Chapters 4 and 5 in Councils to Writers and Editors has a collection of statements that are relevant to this discussion. Chapter 4 is “Attitude to New Light”. Chapter 5 is “Investigation of New Light”.
How are we to think about the possibility of new perspectives on, for example, the relationship between the Church and Israel or on greater respect for the Law of Moses? Is it possible for us to come to a new perspective on the Jewish people— on Israel?
Attitude to New Light
... we must not look with suspicion upon any new light which God may send, and say, Really, we cannot see that we need any more light than the old truth which we have hitherto received, and in which we are settled. —The Review and Herald, August 7, 1894. – {CW 33.1}
We must not think, “Well, we have all the truth, we understand the main pillars of our faith, and we may rest on this knowledge.” The truth is an advancing truth, and we must walk in the increasing light. – {CW 33.2}
Of course, we can't automatically assume that anything new is true or that just because there is opposition that it must be right. But, Ellen White makes it clear that we should not oppose new thinking just because it is new.
There is no excuse for anyone in taking the position that there is no more truth to be revealed, and that all our expositions of Scripture are without an error. The fact that certain doctrines have been held as truth for many years by our people, is not a proof that our ideas are infallible. Age will not make error into truth, and truth can afford to be fair. No true doctrine will lose anything by close investigation. – {CW 35.2}
In the the quote above, Ellen White is alerting us to the possibility that there is still error in our beliefs— we might still have some more to learn, some things to change our minds about.
How shall we search the Scriptures? Shall we drive our stakes of doctrine one after another, and then try to make all Scripture meet our established opinions? or shall we take our ideas and views to the Scriptures, and measure our theories on every side by the Scriptures of truth? Many who read and even teach the Bible, do not comprehend the precious truth they are teaching or studying. – {CW 36.2}
We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn. God and heaven alone are infallible. Those who think that they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion to change an opinion, will be disappointed. As long as we hold to our own ideas and opinions with determined persistency, we cannot have the unity for which Christ prayed. – {CW 37.1}
When she says that “God and heaven alone are infallible” is she including her own writings among the things that are fallible? Ellen White leaves us in no doubt in the following quote.
In regard to infallibility, I never claimed it; God alone is infallible. His word is true, and in him is no variableness, or shadow of turning. – {1888 1393.2}
I want to be clear that I am not here being critical of Ellen White. She was pointing us to the Bible as the source of our doctrine.
Whenever the people of God are growing in grace, they will be constantly obtaining a clearer understanding of His word. They will discern new light and beauty in its sacred truths. This has been true in the history of the church in all ages, and thus it will continue to the end. But as real spiritual life declines, it has ever been the tendency to cease to advance in the knowledge of the truth. Men rest satisfied with the light already received from God’s word, and discourage any further investigation of the Scriptures. They become conservative, and seek to avoid discussion. – {CW 38.3}
The fact that there is no controversy or agitation among God’s people, should not be regarded as conclusive evidence that they are holding fast to sound doctrine. There is reason to fear that they may not be clearly discriminating between truth and error. When no new questions are started by investigation of the Scriptures, when no difference of opinion arises which will set men to searching the Bible for themselves, to make sure that they have the truth, there will be many now, as in ancient times, who will hold to tradition, and worship they know not what. – {CW 39.1}
Agitate, agitate, agitate! The subjects which we present to the world must be to us a living reality. It is important that in defending the doctrines which we consider fundamental articles of faith, we should never allow ourselves to employ arguments that are not wholly sound. These may avail to silence an opposer, but they do not honor the truth. We should present sound arguments, that will not only silence our opponents, but will bear the closest and most searching scrutiny.... – {CW 40.3}
Is there room to improve our arguments? Is it possible that we need to refine our message?
The present attitude of the church is not pleasing to God. There has come in a self-confidence that has led them to feel no necessity for more truth and greater light. We are living at a time when Satan is at work on the right hand and on the left, before and behind us; and yet as a people we are asleep. God wills that a voice shall be heard arousing His people to action.—Gospel Workers, 297-300 (1915). – {CW 41.3}
Investigation of New Light
Our brethren should be willing to investigate in a candid way every point of controversy. If a brother is teaching error, those who are in responsible positions ought to know it; and if he is teaching truth, they ought to take their stand at his side. We should all know what is being taught among us; for if it is truth, we need it. We are all under obligation to God to know what He sends us. He has given directions by which we may test every doctrine,—“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” If the light presented meets this test, we are not to refuse to accept it because it does not agree with our ideas.—Gospel Workers, 300, 301. – {CW 43.3}
Truth is eternal, and conflict with error will only make manifest its strength. We should never refuse to examine the Scriptures with those who, we have reason to believe, desire to know what is truth as much as we do. Suppose a brother held a view that differed from yours, and he should come to you, proposing that you sit down with him and make an investigation of that point in the Scriptures; should you rise up, filled with prejudice, and condemn his ideas, while refusing to give him a candid hearing? – {CW 44.1}
There are difficult things being said here at With His People. Are there things here being said that are not true? Possibly. But we can't really know unless we search and study for ourselves. There also might be unexpected things that are true.
The only right way would be to sit down as Christians and investigate the position presented, in the light of God’s word, which will reveal truth and unmask error. To ridicule his ideas would not weaken his position in the least if it were false, or strengthen your position if it were true. If the pillars of our faith will not stand the test of investigation, it is time that we knew it. There must be no spirit of pharisaism cherished among us. When Christ came to His own, His own received Him not; and it is a matter of solemn interest to us that we should not pursue a similar course in refusing light from heaven. – {CW 44.2}
It seems that Ellen White was holding nothing back— all things including the “pillars of our faith” are subject to continual testing by the Scriptures.
Ellen White on the use of her own writings
In public labor do not make prominent and quote that which Sister White has written as authority to sustain your positions. To do this will not increase faith in the testimonies. Bring your evidences, clear and plain, from the Word of God. A Thus saith the Lord is the strongest testimony you can possibly present to the people. Let none be educated to look to Sister White, but to the mighty God, who gives instruction to Sister White.—Letter 11, 1894, p. 2. (To Brother and Sister Colcord, January 16, 1894.) – {5MR 140.2}
But I do not ask you to take my words. Lay Sister White to one side. Do not quote my works again as long as you live until you can obey the Bible. When you make the Bible your food, your meat and your drink, when you make its principles the elements of your character, you will know better how to receive counsel from God. I exalt the precious word before you today. Do not repeat what I have said, saying, “Sister White said this,” and, “Sister White said that.” Find out what the Lord God of Israel says, and then do what He commands.—Manuscript 43, 1901, 10. (E. G. White talk in college library, April 1, 1901.) – {5MR 141.1}
There is much more that Ellen White said on this topic. My appeal is that we look at the course of Christian history, note where things have gone wrong, and then study the Scriptures to try to find a better way.
