Sergio Celis, PhD Candidate 

Ellen G. White plays a main role in the construction of Adventist system of beliefs. Among her greatest contributions was the idea of the Great Controversy, which has been described as the background, core, and hallmark of Seventh-day Adventist theology. Adventist theologians see in Great Controversy “a rational, integrated worldview” for Adventism and thus plays “a major role in shaping the early … Adventist doctrinal system.”

This paper intends to revise how Ellen G. White built this theological theme. It sees what influences she receive, the theological context in which she developed the idea and her role in the propagation of this concept among other Adventist writers. It also bestows a brief description of the main points of the idea of the Great Controversy as a worldview.

In order to reach these objectives, this paper presents in first place a brief description of Ellen G. White’s theological background, then an explanation of the main points that shape the Great Controversy worldview, and finally an analysis of her role in the formation and consolidation of this concept among Seventh-day Adventists.