Beyond the theological arguments, Ellen White saw a deeper issue. She observed that the real problem was not the debate itself but the attitudes and actions of those involved.
While S.N. Haskell and J.N. Loughborough believed it referred to pagan Rome, W.W. Prescott, A.G. Daniells, and others argued it symbolized the heavenly ministry of Christ. Haskell and Loughborough presumed that Ellen G. White had allegedly settled this question already in one statement 60 years earlier, yet Prescott and other younger leaders argued that the Bible should be the final norm in interpreting the term. Both sides were passionate, and the debate quickly became heated, with emotions, assumptions and hidden agendas coming into play.
Beyond the theological arguments, Ellen White saw a deeper issue. She observed that the real problem was not the debate itself but the attitudes and actions of those involved. She noted that both sides were focusing on a relatively minor point of interpretation while neglecting the more significant principles of love, unity and humility.
Ellen White cautioned both sides against using her writings as the final word to settle the dispute, emphasizing that she had no divine instruction on the specific question and considered it of minor importance. Instead, she encouraged church members to rely on the Bible as the foundation of doctrinal understanding.
But more importantly, she urged both parties to examine their hearts and consider the spiritual consequences of their actions. She warned that their arguments were giving room for “Satanic agencies” to sow discord and confusion among believers. (1) Instead of promoting Christian love and unity, the debate was causing division and weakening the church’s ability to spread the gospel message.
Her advice was clear: The church should focus on nurturing a spirit of mutual love, humility and reconciliation. She called for church leaders and members alike to humble themselves before God, pray earnestly for guidance, and seek a “daily conversion” to renew their hearts and minds. (2) She believed that true Christian unity would come not through winning arguments but through a spirit of cooperation, respect and love for one another.
In today’s world, churches face similar challenges. Debates and disagreements can arise over various theological or practical matters. However, Ellen White’s message remains relevant: Rather than allowing differences to drive us apart, we should focus on what unites us — our shared faith in Christ, our commitment to care for one another, and our mission to share the gospel and God’s love with the world.
When conflicts arise, we need to remember that love, humility and prayerful reflection are more important than competing with one another and winning arguments. By putting these principles into practice, we can foster a spirit of unity and peace that points to Jesus and draws others closer to Him. We may learn from the past and seek to resolve conflicts in a way that reflects Christ’s love and brings us closer together as children of the Heavenly King. (3)
Denis Kaiser is an associate professor of church history at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University.
