Prophets In Conflict: Issues in Authority

by George R. Knight

George R. Knight does it again! Known for his provocative approach to serious topics, Knight’s latest book will not disappoint. Far from it, Prophets in Conflict not only challenges Adventist thinking and provides food for thought, but it also stimulates vigorous discussion. Here are some of the questions • Are Ellen White and Joseph Smith two flavors of the same thing? • Why are Adventists prone to the “Mormon Temptation”? • What is the “Mormon Temptation” and how does it relate to prophetic authority? • How did Ellen White interpret her own writings? • What did she see as the purpose of her gift? • Who dreamed up the idea of compilations? • Can compilations make Ellen White say what she never said or believed? • How can her writings be applied in a healthy (or unhealthy) manner?

Genres: Religion

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2020

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are two things I want to highlight about this book. First, Knight clearly distinguishes how Ellen White is different than Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith and the Mormons hold that new truth overwrites old truth. Whereas Ellen White believed new truth is built on top of old truth. This is why Mormons can change scripture as it suits them, and why Adventists pull their doctrines from the Bible rather than Ellen White's writings. I think the latter is the best method. What's true is true, and new prophetic revelations should agree with the Bible.

Second, Knight deals with what he calls the myth of the inflexible prophet. Ellen White is not so inflexible as she is made out to be, and in her time she had to deal with people who were taking her writings, selecting only what they wanted to hear and then pulling out extreme interpretations. That's not great.

Knight also talks about compilations and their limitations. Independent compilations tend to pull selected sections and make her say what she was not saying.

[Osmar Junior · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent. For those from an adventist background, who are used to see egw’s writings being used as a disciplinary do-don’t, this Knight’s book is a balsam. It motivates the person to put EGW in the position which she asked to be put on.

[leroy king · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Excellent well written enjoyed every moment of reading this book challenging but thought provoking made me want to read more on the subject.

[Charles Roldan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who are we as Adventists? Well, some might say we resemble a lot of characteristics of Mormonism. Take away the name, and we are brothers/sisters. George Knight calls to action for us to re-read Ellen White and take notice of how we treat her prophetic gift.