Throughout history, fanaticism has been a blight upon

the name of Christ and His people. As God gives

revelations through nature, His prophets, and His
word, Satan stands ready to pervert these truths and
lead people to take extreme positions. It was so in the
days of Ellen White. James White wrote:

[Ellen] works to this disadvantage, namely: she
makes strong appeals to the people which a few feel
deeply, and take strong positions, and go to ex-
tremes. Then to save the cause from ruin in conse-
quence of these extremes, she is obliged to come out
with reproofs for extremists in a public manner. This
is better than to have things go to pieces; but the in-
fluence of both the extremes and the reproofs are
terrible on the cause, and brings upon Mrs. White a
three-fold burden. Here is the difficulty: What she
may say to urge the tardy, is taken by the prompt
to urge them over the mark. And what she may
say to caution the prompt, zealous, incautious
ones, is taken by the tardy as an excuse to re-
main too far behind. (James White, The Spirit of
Prophecy and the Cause of Reform, RH, 17-3-1868)

From the time of Moses to Luther to today, we see
workings of this fanaticism. One pioneer of the Ad-
vent movement put it like this: I will give a definition
to the word fanaticism, which is not found in books,
and may prove a benefit to some future lexicogra-
pher: Fanaticism is a mixture of bigotry, ignorance,
conceit, self-exaltation, and spiritual pride. "We are
not ignorant of Satan's devices." 2 Cor. ii, 11.
(Joseph Clark, Fanaticism, RH, 27-10-1863)

And so, as we approach the statements Ellen White
makes regarding psychology, we must keep in mind
that from early times there have been those who, led
by Satan (for an enemy hath done this see Matt.
13:28), have wrested the words of the prophets out of
their context. We should bear in mind the following
counsel: Regarding the testimonies, nothing is
ignored; nothing is cast aside; but time and place
must be considered. (1SM, p. 57)
To deal with minds is the nicest work in which men
ever engaged. (3T, p. 269)

To deal with minds is the greatest work ever com-
mitted to men. The time of parents is too valuable to
be spent in the gratification of appetite or the pursuit
of wealth or fashion. God has placed in their hands
the precious youth, not only to be fitted for a place of
usefulness in this life but to be prepared for the heav-
enly courts. (HS, p. 209)

To know oneself is a great knowledge. The
teacher who rightly estimates himself will let God
mold and discipline his mind. And he will acknowl-
edge the source of his power. . . . Self-knowledge
leads to humility and to trust in God, but it does not
take the place of efforts for self-improvement. He who
realizes his own deficiencies will spare no pains to
reach the highest possible standard of physical, men-
tal, and moral excellence. No one should have a part
in the training of youth who is satisfied with a lower
standard. (SpTEd, p. 50)

Great wisdom is needed in dealing with diseases
caused through the mind. A sore, sick heart, a dis-
couraged mind, needs mild treatment. . . . Sympathy
and tact will often prove a greater benefit to the sick
than will the most skillful treatment given in a cold,
indifferent way. (MH, p. 244)

Mechanics, lawyers, merchants, men of all trades
and professions, educate themselves that they may
become masters of their business. Should the follow-
ers of Christ be less intelligent, and while professedly
engaged in His service be ignorant of the ways and
means to be employed? The enterprise of gaining
everlasting life is above every earthly consideration.
In order to lead souls to Jesus there must be a
knowledge of human nature and a study of the hu-
man mind. Much careful thought and fervent prayer
are required to know how to approach men and
women upon the great subject of truth. (4T, p. 67)

These quotes are from the first two chapters of Mind,
Character and Personality, Volume 1. For further in-
sights into this sanctified field of study, it
is recommended that one read the entirety of her
counsels in these volumes. To those who look with
suspicion and distrust upon anything that remotely

resembles psychology, I would make this appeal
learn from the Bereans: These were more noble
than those in Thessalonica, in that they received
the word with all readiness of mind, and searched
the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
(Acts 17:11)

We often think of the Bereans as the studious ones.
However, their receptive attitude was also a part of
what made these people more noble. We must not
allow ourselves to be so fearful of being deceived
that we fail to be open to the teaching of the Lord,
however and through whomever He chooses to re-
veal truth.

On a final note, it should be noted that when it
comes to Psychology, Christ is our example as the
greatest Psychologist ever to live. Looking to Him,
and His Word, as is enjoined upon us by Ellen White
in MS 121, 1902, is our safety in this, as in all fields.
[Christ] needed not that any should testify of man:
for He knew what was in man. (John 2:25)


Endnote

1.
On a personal note, I have been guilty of this very
thing myself. I was a new Christian when I went to
Avondale College to study, and I spoke out against the
study of Psychology at that time, based on this very
statement. I am just as guilty of having gone to ex-
tremes and just as in danger of it today, if I walk apart
from the guiding influence of Christs Holy Spirit. None
of us are exempt from taking extremes, except as we
look to God and Christ, in Whom are hid all the treas-
ures of wisdom and knowledge.



For more information, contact:
Did Ellen White Condemn
or Endorse Psychology?
By Brendan Knudson
There are two places in Ellen Whites published writ-
ings where the word psychology appears. One of
these appearances is in a negative light and the other
is in a positive light. The first of these appears to be
the most well known. This quote first appeared in
1862.

The sciences of phrenology, psychology, and mes-
merism, have been the channel through which Satan
has come more directly to this generation, and
wrought with that power which was to characterize his
work near the close of probation. (RH, 18-2-1862)

This statement reappeared in Signs of the Times;
November 6, 1884; and appeared in such books as
Testimonies, Volume 1; Spiritual Gifts, Volume 4;
Messages to Young People; Mind, Character, and
Pesonality (both volumes); Selected Messages, Vol-
ume 2.

This statement is used today by many against any
form of psychology.
1.
However, those who use this
statement in this way, appear unfamiliar with the fol-
lowing statement, penned in 1902:

The true principles of psychology are found in the
Holy Scriptures. Man knows not his own value. He
acts according to his unconverted temperament of
character because he does not look unto Jesus, the
Author and Finisher of his faith. He who comes to Je-
sus, he who believes on Him and makes Him his Ex-
ample, realizes the meaning of the words, "To them
gave He power to become the sons of God" (John
1:12). (Ms. 121, The Results of Genuine Conver-
sion, 1902)

It appears then that Ellen White did not give a blanket
denunciation against psychology. We must look at the
context of these statements and find out what is
meant. Psychology is a term coming from two Greek
words, psyche (soul/spirit/mind) and logia (study of).
Today it has the general meaning of study of the
mind. However, in the past, or as she says this gen-
eration, it was used for a branch of pseudo-science,
which was the reason for Ellen Whites condemnation.
Here is what the compilers of Mind Character and Per-
sonality wrote concerning the first statement:

THE REFERENCE TO PHRENOLOGY, PSYCHOL-
Magnetism (this has been used out of context as
argument against any potential healing properties of
magnets) which was called Charming. These fields
of study were all forms of spiritualism, and it is in
this context that her use of Psychology must be
seen. Other pioneers of her day also wrote against
these things.

Mesmerism, Satan's mildest bait, was but little
known in this country prior to 1844; since then the
church has been bewitched with its damning influ-
ence. Psychology was not mentioned; and no one
so much as dreamed of all this clattering of ten
thousand demons from the infernal regions, rap-
ping, moving chairs, stands, tables, &c. That Baby-
lon's cup is full, we do not believe. But the present
movements of Spiritualism show the text fast fulfill-
ing. When accomplished, the wrath of God, un-
mixed with mercy will be poured out. (James
White, RH, 10-3-1859)

I might mention the wonders of Psychology, Biol-
ogy, and Mesmerism in all its forms which have
attracted the gaze of astonished beholders. But
these all bid fair to be eclipsed by the astounding
wonders of Spirit Manifestations. Free converse is
held with what purport to be the spirits of the de-
parted. (J. N. Lougborough, The Two-Horned
Beast RH, 28-3-1854)

We see from these statements that Psychology is a
term that was applied to the spiritualist manifesta-
tions which began in the United States with the
rappings which were associated with the Fox fam-
ily in 1848. It was also called Electro-Psychology (P.
Miller, Jr, The Sabbath, RH, 28-4-1853). Let us be
thankful that Ellen White did not include biology in
her list, as seen above, or there would be those who
would entreat us not to study this valuable field.

Turning now to the true principles of Psychology, let
us look a little more at what she said in regard to the
study of the mind:

He who created the mind and ordained its laws,
provided for its development in accordance with
them. (Ed., p. 41)
OGY, AND MESMERISM, AS HERE COMBINED,
DESCRIBING THE MANNER IN WHICH SATAN
TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THE HUMAN MIND, MAY
SEEM A BIT OBSCURE TO ONE NOT FAMILIAR
WITH THE LITERATURE OF THE TIME AND ITS
EMPHASIS. SCIENTIFIC WORKS DEVOTED TO
PHYSIOLOGY AND THE CARE OF THE SICK
CARRIED ADVERTISING LISTS AT THE BACK
INFORMING THE PUBLIC OF LITERATURE
AVAILABLE. ONE SUCH WORK, THE WATER
CURE MANUAL (284 PAGES), PUBLISHED IN
1850 BY FOWLERS AND WELLS, CARRIES A LIST
OF SIXTY-FIVE DIFFERENT WORKS ON PHYSI-
CAL AND MENTAL HEALTH, AND OF THESE,
TWENTY-THREE ARE DEVOTED TO PHRENOL-
OGY, PSYCHOLOGY, MESMERISM, AND CLAIR-
VOYANCE. WE REPRODUCE HERE A FEW
ITEMS:

ELEMENTS OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM; OR,
PROCESS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATION FOR
RELIEVING HUMAN SUFFERING. $.12 1/2

FAMILIAR LESSONS ON PHRENOLOGY AND
PHYSIOLOGY. MUSLIN, IN ONE VOLUME. BEAU-
TIFULLY ILLUSTRATED. $2.00

FASCINATION; OR THE PHILOSOPHY OF
CHARMING (MAGNETISM). ILLUSTRATING THE
PRINCIPLES OF LIFE. ILLUSTRATED. $.40

LECTURES ON THE PHILOSOPHY OF MESMER-
ISM AND CLAIRVOYANCE. WITH INSTRUCTION
IN ITS PROCESS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATION.
$.25

PSYCHOLOGY, OR THE SCIENCE OF THE
SOUL. WITH ENGRAVINGS OF THE NERVOUS
SYSTEM. BY JOSEPH HADDOCK, MD. $.25. . .

PHILOSOPHY OF ELECTRICAL PSYCHOLOGY.
BY JOHN BOVEE DODS. $.50 (Compilers note,
1MCP, p. 19)

Phrenology was the (now defunct) study of the
shape of the scull as indicative of the strengths of
different faculties. Mesmerism is what we now call
hypnosis. Other terms she used with these was
Animal Magnetism, sometimes referred to as just