Based on Ellen White's extensive writings on this topic, she provides very clear counsel about the spirit of debate and how to approach those who disagree with Seventh-day Adventists. Here's what she says: ## Ellen White's Strong Warning Against the Spirit of Debate Ellen White was quite direct in her criticism of the debating spirit: "Those who love to engage in discussion generally lose their spirituality. They do not trust in God as they should. They have the theory of the truth prepared to whip an opponent. The feelings of their own unsanctified hearts have prepared many sharp, close things to use as a snap to their whip to irritate and provoke their opponent. The spirit of Christ has no part in this." (3T 215.2) She emphasized that debates are often counterproductive: "In this age of the world a demand for a discussion is not real evidence of earnest desire on the part of the people to investigate the truth, but comes through the love of novelty and the excitement which generally attends discussions. God is seldom glorified or the truth advanced in these combats." (GW 378.1) ## When Discussions Cannot Be Avoided While Ellen White generally discouraged debates, she acknowledged they sometimes cannot be avoided: "Discussions cannot always be avoided. In some cases the circumstances are such that of the two evils the choice must be made of the least, which is discussion. But whenever they can be avoided, they should be, for the result is seldom honoring to God." (3T 424.1) ## The Proper Spirit When Facing Opposition Instead of a combative approach, Ellen White advocated for a completely different spirit when dealing with those who disagree: **Meekness and Patience:** "We must expect to meet unbelief and opposition. The truth has always had to contend with these elements. But though you should meet the bitterest opposition, do not denounce your opponents. They may think, as did Paul, that they are doing God service; and to such we must manifest patience, meekness, and long-suffering." (GW 372.2) **Kindness and Gentleness:** "Our ministers and teachers are to represent the love of God to a fallen world. With hearts melted in tenderness let the word of truth be spoken. Let all who are in error be treated with the gentleness of Christ." (6T 120) **Calm Self-Possession:** "When persons meet together for the investigation of points of faith concerning which there is a difference of opinion, the spirit which controls them will be manifested. Those who are standing in defense of truth should be calm and self-possessed. If they have the mind of Christ, they will be kind and courteous. They will not be betrayed into the use of harsh language. They will not regard themselves as infallible, nor look with contempt upon those who differ with them. They will not regard them as enemies, nor meet them with ridicule or jesting." (GW92 389.2) ## Practical Counsel for Dealing with Objections Ellen White provided specific guidance for handling opposition: "The servants of God who bear the message must be prepared to remove these objections, with calmness and meekness, by the light of truth... give the objections their weight, then bring forth the light and the power of the truth, and let it outweigh and remove the errors. Thus a good impression will be made, and honest opposers will acknowledge that they have been deceived." (EW 102.1) She also counseled: "It is wise to seek humility and meekness, and carefully to avoid raising a combative spirit, which will close hearts and ears to the truth... The consistent life, the long forbearance, the spirit unruffled under provocation, is always the most conclusive argument and the most solemn appeal." (GW92 467.1) ## Summary Ellen White strongly discouraged the spirit of debate as a tool against those who disagree with Adventists. Instead, she advocated for approaching opposition with Christ-like meekness, patience, kindness, and gentleness. The goal should be to win souls through love and the power of truth, not to triumph over opponents through argumentative skill.