Ellen White on the Flat vs. Round Earth Debate

Ellen White wrote that whether the world is round or flat is a matter of no spiritual importance and should not be made a hobby or a subject of agitation21MR 413.2+2. She maintained that the Lord's commission to His people does not include solving the question of the earth’s shape, but rather focuses on the salvation of souls and the preparation for eternal life21MR 414.2+2.

The Message Over Theories 🌟

• A Distraction from Truth: Speculating on whether the world is round or flat is a snare of Satan designed to draw minds away from the solemn message of the third angel21MR 412.6+2.

• Silence is Eloquence: When specifically asked for information regarding a flat or round world, the response was that silence is eloquence on such a question because the Lord has not made it a part of our message21MR 414.2+1.

• Focus on Character: Instead of worrying about a "flat world," we should focus on building a "round character" that is perfect in our human sphere as God is in His Matthew 5:4819LtMs, Ms 155, 1904, par. 79.

• The Main Burden: The true science of higher education is not found in these agitations, but in asking, "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Luke 10:2521MR 414.5+2.

Creation and the Infinite One 🌍

• God’s Care: The Lord has taken better care of His world than any human agency could, and we should let it be just as He made it, whether round or flat21MR 413.2+2.

• The Circle of the Earth: Scriptural language describes the Lord as He who sits above the circle of the earth Isaiah 40:22EGWSRGES 5.8+2.

• Guiding Hand: It is not by inherent power that the earth continues its march around the sun, but by the hand of the Infinite One perpetually at work guiding the planetMH 416.3.

• A Speck in the Universe: This world is considered but a small speck compared to the whole heavenly universe and the millions of other inhabited worlds God has created5BC 1127.3+3.

Spiritual Priorities 📖

• Duty to Warn: Our primary task is to carry the gospel to the farthest bounds of the habitable globe Matthew 28:19Ev 15.1+1.

• Living Faith: Whether the world is round or flat will not save a soul; what matters is whether men believe and obey the truth as it is in Jesus21MR 413.2+2.

• Eternal Inheritance: We are encouraged to seek a clear title in the inheritance of the earth made new rather than dwelling on theories that have no connection to the work for this time21MR 413.2+2.

• A Higher Ideal: God’s ideal for His children is higher than human thought can reach, and we should strive for continual progress toward Christlikeness19MR 117.2+2.