Ellen Chat Conversation

Ellen White emphasizes that health reform is an essential component of the third angel's message, functioning as the arm and hand do for the human body (CD 32). She teaches that a perverted appetite and gluttony can becloud the intellect and dull moral sensibilities, making it difficult for individuals to appreciate sacred truths (CD 32). This individual work of self-cleansing is presented as a necessary preparation for the final events of earth's history, as the indulgence of appetite was a primary characteristic of the world before the flood (TSDF 25).

The transition to a vegetarian diet is described as a more healthful choice, particularly because the animal creation is increasingly affected by disease (KC 135.2). She notes that flesh meat is not the most healthful food and has a tendency to "animalize" human nature, allowing lower passions to gain control over the higher powers of the mind (5MR 408.1). For those living in areas where fruits, grains, and nuts are available in abundance, she questions the necessity of consuming the flesh of dead animals (5MR 408.1).

Consistency between teaching and practice is a major theme in her counsel regarding diet. She points out that when large gatherings of believers advocate for health reform while still serving meat, the impact of the message is weakened (CH 467.1). She encourages institutions and individuals to educate by example, replacing meat with a variety of wholesome plant-based foods (6T 112). Furthermore, she warns that those who remain only "half converted" on the issue of meat-eating may eventually drift away from the faith (CCh 230.7).

Practical dietary habits are also addressed, including the importance of regularity and simplicity. She cautions against eating between meals and suggests that for many, two meals a day are more conducive to health than three (TSDF 164). She specifically advises ministers and leaders to be more particular about their habits, noting that overindulgence and a lack of dietary rules can impose heavy burdens on the digestive organs and hinder spiritual health (TSDF 164).

You might also want to explore:What did Ellen White teach about the relationship between diet and spiritual discernment?How does she describe the physical and moral dangers of consuming flesh meat?What specific advice did she give regarding the number of meals and eating between meals?