Ellen White's Advice on Avoiding Apostate Debates

The path to safety when dealing with those who have departed from the faith is to move straight forward with the work God has given, rather than engaging in public debate or making reference to those in rebellion21MR 198.5+1. Engaging with the wily and deceptive arguments of apostates is dangerous, as they often work with a fascinating and bewitching power that can fasten unbelief upon the mindCCh 170.1+1. Churches should not be opened to those who have turned from the faith, for they seek to enter only to deceive the people and disseminate their wrong theories7MR 196.3+1. God's messengers are bidden to hold themselves separate from these individuals, as their influence is like a foul breath that can blight a promising life7MR 196.3+1. Rather than entering into controversy, we must lift our voices in warning and allow the Lord to work so that the disaffected are separated from the loyal through the natural development of their own character2MR 57.4+1.

...weep in the whole of Milton church. That man will be with Barnes at the camp meeting, it is stated. We shall go straight ahead doing our work, and make no reference to these rebels. We hope to see the Lord at work in these meetings and great good done— 21MR 198.5 (1993)

...rent testimony. But I have a positive warning in reference to men who have departed from the faith. Let not our churches be opened for them; for they will deceive, if possible, the very elect.—Letter 330, 1908, pp. 5, 7. (To S. N. Haskell, November 11, 1908.— 7MR 196.3 (1990)

...vantage. As they invite his temptations they have not wisdom to discern or strength to resist them. With a fascinating, bewitching power, unbelief and infidelity fasten themselves upon the mind.242Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 135, 13— CCh 170.1 (1991)

... against storm and tempest, because the anchor holds them firmly. The deceptions will increase, and we are to call rebellion by its right name. We are to stand with the whole armor on. In this conflict we do not meet men only, but principalit...— 2SM 395.1 (1958)

...nd actuated by these principles is always striving to make a place for itself and obtain adherents. All who walk by the side of an apostate will be imbued by his spirit to share with others their thoughts and the result of their own inquiries, and the feelings which ...— TM 290.2 (1923)

...rit of grace. Many a life that promised to be an honor to God and a blessing to the world, has been blighted by the foul breath of infidelity. All who trust to the boastful decisions of human reason, and imagine that they can explain divine ...— 4SP 418.2 (1884)