God had 3 priorities regarding the visions of E.G. White during the first 20 years of her ministry (1845-65).  Formulation of the basic doctrinal framework of the SDA Church was priority one in 1840's.  Legal organization of the SDA Church was priority two in 1850's.  The development of SDA Health Message was priority three in 1860's (even though few health messages were given before 1860's.) The 1^st comprehensive “health-reform” vision, however,  was not given until Friday June 6, 1863, and the 2^nd major “health-reform” vision came on Christmas Day 1865.

When she wrote about health messages, Ellen G. White pointed out that “It can not be to the glory of God for His children to have sickly bodies or dwarfed minds.” Looking into the 19^th century health practices, the reason for God’s concern regarding the health of the human race was obvious. Their health philosophy was based “mostly on bleeding, purging, and plypharmacy..”  For medical specialists, health was an intermediate state of excitement, and physician’s task was to adjust the excitement level.  For example a young man, only 16 years old, whose lungs were haemorrhaging, was advised by his doctor, that the remedy for his situation was smoking tobacco. In addition, Christians believed that illness and suffering were divinely inflicted because of sin, and  could  possible be cured only trough prayer and faith. In 1860, Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote; “if the whole materia medica, as now used, could be sunk to the bottom of the sea, it would be all the better for mankind–and all the worse for the fishes.”

The first Adventist leader, and the only one who had come to terms with health principles and the cause of disease, was Joseph Bates.  On the basis of observation and personal experience, he abstained from intoxicating drinks.  Later, he made a decision not to drink tea or coffee.    Bates did not enforce his convictions nor tried to persuade anyone. 

In 1848, EG White received a message concerning the harmful effects of tobacco, tea, and coffee.  By the 1858, Haskell, S. N. became convinced that pork was not good for humans. When he confronted his fellow believers, he found great opposition.  However, five years later, in 1863, God revealed to Ellen G. White that pork should not be eaten under any circumstances, and  is  causing the most intense suffering to the human race.  It is evident that God had led the church step by step, and did not reveal everything at once.  Even though they had not reached an agreement on certain issues, God had waited until they had studied the topic with prayer and open mind, and came to understanding through guidance of the Holy Spirit.   

Furthermore, it should be noted that health message is not confined only to eating and not eating certain things.   E. G. White wrote about other things which influence human health and are dangerous for it.  Some of them are: untidy house, lack of exercise, lack of sunshine, form of dress, as well as unhealthy appetite.

Obviously, the 19^th century people needed health message, as much as we need it today.    Three principles should be followed.  One is the humanitarian principle;  God’s people are called to ease the suffering in the world.   The second is the evangelical principle and the third is the soteriological principle; children of God are called to prepare the world for the coming of the Lord.

Today, it is important to understand the health message properly.  In that respect, Ellen G. White points out several principles and policies one needs to bear in mind.  1) Everyone is able to find from the Scripture his/her responsibility.  For some there might be a deeper problem than diet.  2) Do the best you can under all circumstances.  There are times when various vegetables and fruits can not be easily obtained.  3) Avoid everything harmful.  4) Use judiciously that which is healthful. 5) Focus on self control.  6) Do not mark any precise line concerning vegetarian diet.  Obviously, warnings were given on certain unhealthful foods.  Furthermore, climate, occupation etc. will determine the availability of food and necessity for larger or lesser quantities of food.  7) Non-flesh died should not be urged until appropriate substitutes for protein are available.  8) Focus on motivation behind health reform.  Health reform is not something by which we impress God and earn His love.  9) Make yourself NOT a criterion for others. Do not be a conscience for anyone, and do not condemn those who are slower to follow advancing light. 10) Avoid extremes.  11) Meet people where they are.  12) Give time to reach understanding.  13) Don’t advocate positions that are not practiced in your home.

Therefore, one is cautioned to apply the principles of health reform to ones personal life in a sensible and balanced manner.  One is also advised to use E. G. White’s statements correctly in a manner devoid of sensationalism and distortion.  One needs to recognize that human understanding is limited, and that the Holy Spirit will give us knowledge and strength to live in harmony with His will.

By: Dr. Helena Gregor, Professor of Gift of Prophecy, Northern Caribbean University.