Ellen White’s writings address the difficult issues of slavery and violence (sometimes called genocide) in the Bible, especially as they relate to the character of God revealed through Jesus Christ. Here are some key insights from her perspective: 1. Slavery and God’s Character: - Ellen White strongly condemns slavery, calling it a “high crime” and stating that God punishes nations for such sins (1T 264). She compares the suffering of American slaves to the Israelites in Egypt, emphasizing that God cares for the oppressed and hears their cries (SWk 41.3, SWk 42.1). - She teaches that the Ten Commandments are a “transcript of the divine character,” showing God’s unchanging standard of justice and mercy (SWk 42.1). - White also highlights that Christianity, as revealed in Jesus, breaks down barriers between master and slave, making all “one in Christ Jesus” (AA 460.1). 2. The Problem of Genocide and Judgment: - While Ellen White does not use the modern term “genocide,” she discusses the destruction of nations (such as Jerusalem) as a result of persistent rejection of God’s mercy and warnings (DA 584.3, DA 630.1, GC88 22.2, 4SP 22.2). She frames these judgments as consequences of sin and rebellion, not as arbitrary acts of cruelty. - She emphasizes that God’s judgments are always mingled with mercy and that He seeks repentance and restoration before allowing destruction (DA 584.3). 3. The Example of Jesus: - White repeatedly points to Jesus as the fullest revelation of God’s character—one of compassion, justice, and self-sacrificing love (SWk 57.1, SWk 31.2). - She notes that Jesus came to break the bondage of sin and to uplift the oppressed, and that His followers are called to do the same, working for justice and mercy in society (LS 473.3). 4. Human Responsibility and the Church: - White is clear that the church is called to oppose slavery, racial prejudice, and all forms of oppression, seeing these as “unchristian and a serious menace to the well-being of the human race” (LS 473.3). - She laments the failure of Christians to uplift the formerly enslaved and calls for active work to bring spiritual and practical freedom to all (SWk 42.1, SWk 31.2). In summary, Ellen White acknowledges the reality of slavery and violence in the Bible and history, but she interprets these through the lens of God’s justice, mercy, and the redemptive work of Christ. She insists that the ultimate revelation of God’s character is found in Jesus, who calls His followers to oppose oppression and reflect His love and justice in the world. References: - White, E. G. (1885). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 264 (1T 264). - White, E. G. (1893). Southern Work, pp. 41.3, 42.1, 57.1 (SWk). - White, E. G. (1911). The Acts of the Apostles, p. 460.1 (AA 460.1). - White, E. G. (1898). The Desire of Ages, pp. 584.3, 630.1 (DA). - White, E. G. (1888). The Great Controversy, p. 22.2 (GC88 22.2). - White, E. G. (1884). The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 4, p. 22.2 (4SP 22.2). - White, E. G. (1915). Life Sketches, p. 473.3 (LS 473.3).