ATSS: Matthew Korpman, “Did Ellen White Read Apocryphal Gospels? The New Testament Apocrypha in Early Adventism”
4 April 2024 |
In recent years, renewed attention has been given to the role of the Old Testament Apocrypha for Ellen White and early Adventism in general. It turns out that many Adventists, including Ellen White herself, believed those non-canonical books contained in the middle of their KJV Bibles were important and even inspired.
Yet, one aspect of the conversation that has gone largely undiscussed is the role of the New Testament Apocrypha for early Adventism. In fact, to date, there has not been a single article published on the topic by the Seventh-day Adventist church itself or others. This is odd, however, since Ellen White herself admits to reading these works and even comments on one of them: the Infancy Gospel of Thomas. In fact, it appears she even owned several copies of translations of these books over her lifetime and utilized some of their details within her own books.
In this seminar, Professor Korpman will introduce the issue, what is known about it, and what the current evidence suggests about Ellen White’s evaluation of these materials. It will be revealed that she had access to and was utilizing various apocryphal material, ranging from apocryphal gospels to apocryphal acts (such as the Acts of Paul and Thecla), to inform and fill out the details of many of her extra-biblical descriptions of Bible characters.
The question that will be most pertinent for our discussion though is this: did she think they were inspired? And if not, why was she using them?
Teacher:
Moderator:
Raj Attiken is an adjunct professor at Kettering College, and a retired president of the Ohio Conference.
How to join:
One-click link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81332757120
Passcode: JAMESWHITE (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. We discuss and ask questions politely. We don’t accuse, get angry, put people down, or judge the state of their salvation.
- 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:
- Bryan Ness
- Sigve Tonstad
- Tom deBruin
- Reinder Bruinsma
- Katrina Blue
