ATSS: Denis Fortin, “What Is Inspiration? Another look at the rejected views of G.I. Butler”
18 December 2024 |
Raising questions about what inspiration means is not new. Do you ever wonder how inspiration worked in a prophet? And were all biblical prophets inspired in the same way? In fact, are there different levels of inspiration?
Take, for example, the narratives of the life of Jesus, or of the kings of the Old Testament. The writers of these books did not base their writings on visions received from the Holy Spirit to the extent that Daniel, Zechariah, Ezekiel and John the Revelator did. Luke says as much at the beginning of his gospel (Luke 1:1-4).
The same probably goes for the books of Psalms and Proverbs. They seem to have been based on local wisdom and religious poetry. And what about the letters of Paul to his churches? They also do not appear to have been the product of direct visions from the Holy Spirit but rather arising from his apostolic experience and knowledge of the Scriptures.
Yet, we consider all these books of the Bible as inspired, “breathed out by God,” and, as Paul said to Timothy, “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16 ESV).
And what about the writings of Ellen White? She explained that not all she wrote was inspired, but can we differentiate between what was the product of a vision (like her narratives of her first visions in Early Writings) and the letters of testimonies she wrote to individuals? And how about her books like those of the Conflict of the Ages series, which, we know, were the by-product of the talented help of her assistants and borrowing from other books?
Early Adventist pioneers like George Butler wrestled with these questions. The Adventist Today Sabbath Seminar this week will discuss Butler’s approach to these questions and how it was received.
In 1889, Ellen White rejected Butler’s ideas on biblical inspiration and since then his views have been rejected as “uninspired.” But should we reconsider our disapproval of his views?
Teacher:
Denis Fortin (Ph.D.) is professor of historical theology at Andrews University and former dean of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. He has authored many publications on Adventist history and theology, as well as serving as co-editor of The Ellen G. White Encyclopedia. His biography of George I. Butler was released by Pacific Press in May.
Moderator:
How to join:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84489572666
Passcode: MATTHEW (ALL CAPS)
ATSS starting time depends on where you are. If you’re on the west coast of the United States, it’ll be 10:30 AM. On the east coast, 1:30 PM. Times in Europe, Africa, and elsewhere will vary with local time changes. Please double-check the correct time where you live.
The class is intended to last about 2 hours, though the conversation often continues to 4 PM (Eastern time).
About our class:
- The AT Sabbath Seminar is intended to be a courteous forum.
- Stick to the topic in both comments and chat discussion.
- Make your comments and questions short—don’t dominate.
- Keep your microphones muted unless you are called upon to make your comment or ask your question.
- Indicate your interest in speaking by raising your electronic hand.
- Please use your name when you sign in, so we know who we’re addressing.
We look forward to getting acquainted with you!
YouTube channel:
You can see all of our previous ATSS recordings here.
Coming up:
- Marko Lukic
- Warren Trenchard
- Reinder Bruinsma
- Kärt Lazik
- Tom Dybdahl