I recently discovered the bible truth, and Ellen White, and I want to know why her writings are not circulated in regular Christian book stores??? It seems that the people in "Babylon" should have access to her work, even if they dont know who she is.
Dear Friend,
Thank you for contacting the Ellen G. White Estate. I'm glad for the Bible discoveries you have made and for your acquaintance with the writings of Ellen G. White, as well as your evident appreciation for them. Since I feel that way myself, I think we're on the same wavelenghth!
It would be wonderful to have Mrs. White's books on the shelves of bookstores everywhere. I happen to know one of the responsible people at the Review and Herald Publishing Association. He was the ABC manager in my conference many years ago and served as head elder and treasurer of a church I pastored. I know that he would be thrilled to see these books receive wide distribution through non-Adventist agencies. No doubt he could tell you more than I about why it isn't so just now, but here is at least a part of the story.
The two issues that I am aware of affecting this matter are demand and prejudice. To stay in business, stores must offer what people want, not necessarily what someone thinks they *should* want. If books sit on the shelves unpurchased, they cost the store money. How much demand for Ellen G. White's books is evident to the owners of the stores?
The other side of the demand coin is prejudice and opposition. Most Christian bookstores' clientele is comprised predominantly of Christians whose beliefs come under searching review in some of Mrs. White's books. Many of the strongly-evangelical churches are suspicious and critical of Mrs. White's prophetic role as well. If a parishioner purchased, say, The Great Controversy at such a bookstore, read it, and challenged her pastor about its contents, how long do you think it would take that pastor to confront the bookstore manager about carrying those books? How many such contacts would it take for the manager to decide that selling those books was not going to help his business?
Those are at least two issues that Mrs. White's books are up against. I don't know the solution, but I believe that God has ways of helping earnest people find His message. Evidently, you are living proof of it! Let's ask the Lord to guide His people in exploring every avenue for bringing His final message before the world.
Thank you for writing, and God bless.
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William Fagal, Director
Ellen G. White Estate Branch Office
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI 49104-1400 USA
Phone: 616 471-3209
FAX: 616 471-6166
Website: www.WhiteEstate.org or www.egwestate.andrews.edu
E-mail: [email protected]
