Ellen G. White and Her Critics

Four Reasons for Eliminating Certain Foods

Flesh food was only one of a number of foods that Mrs. White said are not ideal foods. Against some she was more pronounced than against others. She gave the following reasons for discarding certain foods and drinks: EGWC 367.1

1. Simply unwholesome, and thus place an unnecessary strain on the digestive system. EGWC 367.2

2. Possible or probable carriers of disease. EGWC 367.3

3. Unduly stimulating, or irritating, to the body. EGWC 367.4

4. Their use necessitates taking the lives of God’s creatures. EGWC 367.5

These are not mystical or ceremonial reasons, and certainly not moral reasons in the sense in which the word “moral” is usually understood. Rather they are physical and humanitarian reasons. They acquire a moral quality because of two facts: (1) The laws of nature are the laws of God, and (2) our physical habits react upon our mental and spiritual faculties and upon our physical strength and life span. We are to dedicate all our strength—physical, mental, and spiritual—to God, and thus to eschew any habit or practice that would impair or cut short our service for God. Many Christian churches think of liquor drinking as having a moral aspect, sometimes even to the extent of disfellowshiping a drinker. But the act of drinking is a physical act. It acquires its moral quality because of the reflex effect upon the mental and spiritual faculties and upon bodily efficiency and life expectancy that results from the entrance of the liquor into the body. Many would also agree that the same may be said of tobacco. EGWC 367.6

On a logical extension of such reasoning rests Mrs. White’s declaration that all our physical habits and practices have a moral quality. Here the command of Paul takes on peculiar significance: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31. EGWC 367.7