Ellen Gould White
What does Ellen White write about...
Ellen Gould White über: "Football"
Answer
Football games are critically regarded in the Scriptures as a form of amusement that can nullify the influence of the Holy Spirit and distract attention from spiritual matters. Such games often promote a competitive spirit, the craving for pleasure, and in their extreme form can even lead to brutality. Instead, it is recommended to convert the energy into useful, practical work that honors God and shapes character for good.
The Danger of Absorption Through Football Games
»As the schoolchildren moved to their contests and to football games, becoming wholly absorbed in the matter of amusement, Satan saw a good opportunity to intervene and render the Holy Spirit of God ineffective in the shaping and use of the human instrument. ... It is easy to drive out the influence of the Holy Spirit through laziness, chatter, and play.«
Football as a School of Brutality
»Some of the most popular amusements, such as football and boxing, have become schools of brutality. They develop the same characteristics as the games of ancient Rome. The love of domination, pride in sheer raw violence, and ruthless disregard for life exert a demoralizing power on youth that is alarming.«
Useful Work Instead of Futile Games
»What strength is being poured into your football games and other inventions in the manner of the pagans—exercises that benefit no one! Apply that same strength to useful work, and would your report not be more pleasant to read on the great day of God? ... I cannot find a single example in the life of Christ where He sacrificed time for games and amusements. ... I could find no example where He trained His disciples to engage in the pleasure of football or fistfighting.«
Impact on Spiritual Experience
»Among the youth, the passion for football games and other related selfish gratifications was misleading in its influence. Vigilance, prayer, and daily consecration to God were not maintained. ... Satan and evil workers cast shadows over God, and His name was dishonored.«
Strengthening Lower Instincts Through Sport
»Has the practice of football games brought participants into a closer relationship with God? ... Satan and his angels set traps for your souls, and he influences teachers and students in a particular way to lure them into exercises and amusements that become overly absorbing, yet possess a character that strengthens lower forces and awakens appetites and passions that gain the upper hand.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
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