Ellen Chat Conversation

Ellen White did not view chess as a sport or as a harmless form of recreation. She specifically listed chess among amusements that Christians should avoid, stating that "there are amusements, such as dancing, card playing, chess, checkers, etc., which we cannot approve, because Heaven condemns them" (CT 346). Her concern was not about the game itself being physically exciting, but about its spiritual effects. She explained that "these amusements open the door for great evil. They are not beneficial in their tendency, but have an exciting influence, producing in some minds a passion for those plays which lead to gambling and dissipation" (1T 514). The "exciting influence" she warned about was the mental absorption and passion these games could create—a passion that could lead people away from spiritual priorities. Ellen White's counsel was clear: "All such plays should be condemned by Christians, and something perfectly harmless should be substituted in their place" (CT 346). She wrote this in the context of discussing how people need proper recreation, especially those engaged in mental labor, but emphasized that not all forms of recreation are beneficial. While recreation itself is needful and not contrary to salvation, the specific activities we choose matter greatly. Her broader concern about excitement in worldly amusements is illustrated in her observations of sports like cricket. She witnessed crowds in Sydney becoming intensely excited over cricket matches and wrote, "I felt disgusted" (CT 343.4). She contrasted this worldly excitement with the lack of enthusiasm Christians often show for eternal things, asking, Why are not the chosen of God more enthusiastic? They are striving for an immortal crown" (AUCR November 17, 1913, par. 4). The principle here is that activities producing "a love and passion for such things that is not favorable to the perfection of Christian character" (2SM 322) should be avoided, even if they seem simple or harmless. Chess falls into this category in her counsel. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What forms of recreation did Ellen White recommend as "perfectly harmless" alternatives? • What did Ellen White say about the connection between our choice of amusements and spiritual growth? • How should Christians balance the need for rest and recreation with spiritual priorities? --- 📚 **hundreds of passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=chess+is+a+exciting+sport%3F)