Adventistische Schriften über: "What would Ellen G. White say about a Catholic rite in which the skull of a martyr is venerated and kissed as a relic? Please provide precise statements on relic veneration, saint veneration, the state of the dead, idolatry, and Catholic ceremonies with sources."

Ellen G. White condemned the veneration of relics and saints, as well as the associated rituals, decisively as pagan idolatry and as a deceptive maneuver of Satan intended to distract people from the sole Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Moreover, according to her writings, the Bible unambiguously teaches that the dead know nothing, and any form of dead‑veneration or alleged communication with them is in truth demon worship. The sumptuous setting and the solemn Catholic rites surrounding such relics, she says, serve only to fascinate the senses and to conceal inner spiritual corruption.

Relic Veneration and Invocation of Saints as Deception

»The worship of images and relics, the invocation of saints, and the elevation of the pope are Satan's devices to divert people's thoughts from God and His Son. To bring about their downfall, he seeks to turn their attention away from Him, through whom they alone can find salvation. He directs them to any object that can stand in His place, who has said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”«

1 - Ellen Gould White, The Great Controversy (1888 ed.) (GC88 568.2)

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The State of the Dead and Dead Veneration as Demon Worship

»The Hebrews were expressly forbidden to engage in any form of alleged communion with the dead. God effectively shut that door when He said, “The dead know nothing … they have no part any longer in the world of everything that happens under the sun.” … The ancient idolatry, which, as we have seen, includes both the veneration of the dead and the alleged communion with them, is called demon worship by the Bible. … In their supposed veneration of dead persons, they were in reality worshiping demons.«

2 - Ellen Gould White, Patriarchs and Prophets (PP 685.4)

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Mixing with Pagan Idolatry and the Cult of Saints

»Although the idolaters claimed to have been converted and joined the church, they nevertheless clung to their idolatry and merely changed the objects of their worship to images of Jesus and even of Mary and the saints. The corrupt leaven of idolatry that was thus introduced into the church continued its harmful work. Unsound doctrines, superstitious rites, and idolatrous ceremonies were incorporated into their faith and worship.«

3 - Ellen Gould White, The Story of Redemption (SR 322.4)

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External Splendor, Shrines, and Solemn Rites as Deception

»The worship of the Roman Church is a highly impressive ceremony. Its magnificent display and solemn rites fascinate people's senses and silence the voice of reason and conscience. The eye is enchanted. Splendid churches, imposing processions, golden altars, shrines adorned with jewels, fine paintings, and exquisite sculptures appeal to the sense of beauty. … This external brilliance, splendor, and ceremony, which merely mock the longings of the sin‑sick soul, is evidence of inner corruption.«

4 - Ellen Gould White, The Great Controversy (1888 ed.) (GC88 566.2)

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Excess of Superstition and Images

»The darkness seemed to grow thicker. Image worship became more widespread. Candles were lit before images and prayers were spoken to them. The most absurd and superstitious customs prevailed. The minds of people were so completely dominated by superstition that reason itself seemed to have lost its rule.«

5 - Ellen Gould White, The Great Controversy (1888 ed.) (GC88 57.2)

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