Chapter Eleven - Ellen White and Sources: The Plagiarism Debate

Tim Poirier

Ellen White used the writings of others in her books, articles, letters, and manuscripts. While that statement is undeniably true, what has remained disputed since the nineteenth century are her reasons for doing so, the candidness of her acknowledgments, and the implications of such usage for her claim to inspiration.UEGW 145.1

The first part of this chapter summarizes the plagiarism allegations and provides a brief history of responses to those allegations, with special emphasis on the discussion during Ellen White’s active ministry and that of her associates. The second part summarizes present understandings of Ellen White’s use of sources, including contrast and comparison with the historical discussion.UEGW 145.2