Born August 4, 1821, Pastor James Springer White is certainly one of the greatest names in the history of Adventism. And this is not just because he was the husband of the prophetess Ellen Gould Harmon (who, upon marriage, adopted her husband's surname). In his 60 years of life (he died on August 6, 1881), he was a recognized leader on different fronts. A pioneer in the field of publications and the first Seventh-day Adventist administrative and communication leader in the 19th century, James left a remarkable legacy. In the words of his wife, as recorded in The Ellen G. White Encyclopedia, he was "the best man who wore leather shoes."
To understand a little more about the importance of James White, the South American Adventist News Agency (ASN) spoke with theologian Gerson Cardoso Rodrigues. This year, he will defend a doctoral thesis at Andrews University in the United States on the marital relationship of James and Ellen. Rodrigues, who is a professor of theology, also intends to publish two articles on James. In November of this year, the White Center and the Latin-American Adventist Theology Seminary (SALT, according to Portuguese rendering) of Bahia Adventist College (Fadba) plan to hold an international online event about the life and legacy of this pioneer.
The Pastor
ASN: James White, back in 1843, was a pastor who was a member of the Christian Connection, a restorationist religious denomination: that is, one that sought to rescue the belief pattern of the early days of Christianity. In your opinion, did this influence you to join the Millerite movement and, later, Seventh-day Adventism? How did this happen?
Rodrigues: James was born into a Christian family that influenced him to seek and follow biblical truth. His father, John White, a seeker of truth, became a member of the Christian Connection because he understood its teachings were more faithful to Scripture than was Calvinist determinism. His mother, Betsey, convinced him to attend a Millerite meeting, which fascinated James with Bible prophecies.
The influence of the home shaped James to have the Bible as the only rule of faith and follow the truth, regardless of the risks. This attitude was fundamental to him being one of the co-founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He identified that if Adventists were different, it was not because they sought it or coveted advantages in life, but “out of respect for the Bible that we love” (Bible Adventism, p. 10).
Family Life
ASN: Based on your research, tell us a little about the relationship between James and Ellen White. How was his life with children and financial and health difficulties that he and she faced as they structured the movement at the beginning?
Rodrigues: James and Ellen were married on August 30, 1846. The beginning was one of extreme poverty and challenges, but difficulties brought the couple together. In marriage, differences can bring friction, and the Whites faced marital conflicts. The difficulties were compounded by James' illness. In the education of their children, they always had priority in educating them for eternal life, but that does not mean they were right at all times. They had generational conflicts, especially with their third child, Edson; James had problems that made the father-son relationship difficult.
Nevertheless, in these conflicts, it is demonstrated in the letters they wrote that there was an agreement regarding the prominence and priority of the mission in their lives. This, however, was never done to the detriment or abandonment of the family. The letters demonstrate a family who, despite the difficulties, all loved one another and took an interest in each other's well-being.
The Leader
ASN: In historical records, James White is well known for his entrepreneurship in the work of Adventist publications. What facts stand out to you regarding his drive to create and maintain publications on biblical teachings?
Rodrigues: From the beginning, James understood that publications were fundamental. In 1848, with a vision of Ellen White, it became clear that periodicals would also help in this endeavor. In 1849, James started the first regular Seventh-day Adventist periodical, The Present Truth (now Adventist Review), and soon thereafter founded the Review and Herald Publishing House. Although the message was unpopular and the group was small and with few financial resources, James dedicated his life to teaching this message because he understood the prophetic role of Adventism. For him, the printed page was necessary, as it allowed readers to take time to read calmly and verify that the message was biblical.
Health
ASN: Another biographical point in the story of Ellen White's husband is his fragile health, including the fact that he died at the age of 60. What have you identified in your research about this?
Rodrigues: James had a difficult childhood due to eye problems and, perhaps, dyslexia, which forced him to drop out of school. At age 19, physically recovered, he returned to school and, with great perseverance and dedication, became a teacher and later a pastor. Overwork and lifestyle failures led James to suffer some strokes, the first being in August 1865. Although the disease did not completely limit his ability to manage, write, travel, and preach, it left him, at times depressed, unhappy with the administration of colleagues, impatient, and excessively resentful of unfair criticism. At various times, he apologized privately and publicly. Though imperfect, his friends recognized his intense love and zeal for God's cause.
ASN: Finally, if you were to highlight three great contributions by James White to Adventism and Christianity in general today, what would you say?
Rodrigues: First, James' theological balance. He displayed caution and hermeneutical prudence. In the period of the American Civil War, in relation to Armageddon, etc., James appealed to caution in trying to identify unfulfilled prophecies and the attempt to force some events to be the end of history. Although not infallible, James showed fidelity and prudence in interpreting the biblical text.
Second, James was a man of prayer and action. He, therefore, dedicated his life to the development of Adventism, demonstrating dependence on God and, at the same time, a proactive life.
Finally, James left an important legacy: always doing the best. He said, “It is a shame for Seventh-day Adventists to do second-class work in anything” (“Home Again,” The Review and Herald, May 24, 1877, p. 164).
This article was originally published on the South American Division’s Portuguese news site