A Prophet Among You

Chapter 22—Critics And Criticism

“For a good work we stone Thee not; but for blasphemy.” John 10:33. APAY 412.1

“Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill Him, because He not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that God was His Father.” John 5:18. APAY 412.2

“Why do Thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.” Matthew 15:2. APAY 412.3

“And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye Him?” John 10:20. APAY 412.4

“How knoweth this Man letters, having never learned?” John 7:15. APAY 412.5

Who is this that is being accused of blasphemy, of lawbreaking, of turning people from the ways of the fathers, of devil possession involving insanity, and of a lack of education that caused men to wonder how He could say anything worth while? Anyone acquainted with the story of Jesus recognizes immediately that it was He who was the object of these criticisms. Even a perfect life, an unmarred ministry, could not escape the critic’s thrust. APAY 412.6

Moses faced, among other things, the charge of exalting himself and assuming unwarranted authority. Numbers 16:3. Jeremiah was accused of being a false prophet who was prompted by a friend to give a message according to the friend’s ideas. Jeremiah 43:2, 3. Paul was indicted as being mentally unbalanced, turning the world “upside down,” and destroying the business of the Ephesian craftsmen. Acts 26:24; 17:6; 19:26, 27. APAY 412.7

Whether there is change or stagnation, strong leadership or weakness, clear or muddled thinking, adverse criticism appears to be the lot of those who occupy places of responsibility. At the same time, one who occupies no commanding position, but who still affects the thinking of a large number of persons, is almost always the object of hostile criticism. APAY 412.8

Ellen White was and is subject to such criticism. In this chapter we shall give attention to some of the criticisms that have been brought against her work and her writings. In dealing with this case, it is not difficult for the most part to find parallel accusations made against the prophets of the Bible. There seem to have been few new criticisms invented with the passage of the centuries. APAY 413.1

Criticisms of Ellen White fall largely into a few classifications. It is not necessary to know all the facts about each criticism that might be placed in any classification, for this information is readily obtainable when needed. If we become acquainted with a method of approach to the various types of problems, we will accomplish more than we would by trying to keep in mind all the details involved. Following are some of the charges. APAY 413.2