Bibliographical Note

The major Ellen White statement on the topics of sports and entertainment is found in the chapter “Recreation” of the book Education, 207-213. Here she distinguishes between recreation and amusement, a distinction that forms the basis for all of her other statements. In this passage she defines the nature and value of true recreation and points out the shortcomings of sports such as football and boxing. Another significant statement is in chapter 80 of The Adventist Home, “What Shall We Play?” (pp. 498-505). Again she contrasts the dangers of amusements such as horse racing and football with positive activities such as family outings. Her major statements on the theater, circus, and parties are in Testimonies, volume 8 (pp. 51, 52, 66), set in the context of the Battle Creek cycling craze, and volume 4 (pp. 652, 653). Ellen White, of course, touched on many of these topics numerous times. The index to her writings gives a complete listing.WEGW 190.3