A few years back, the Watchtower Society had a campaign with a tract entitled Keep on the Watch! which was published in 2004. Another campaign was supposed to take place in January 2008 with the same tract. The months leading up to January 2008 in Our Kingdom Ministry stressed and highlighted in its usual announcement area the literature placement indeed would be the Keep On The Watch! tract.
However, in a very brief Letter to the Body of Elders, dated November 14, 2007 it states:
"Please inform the congregation of the following adjustment to the January 2008 literature offer. Instead of the brochure Keep on the Watch!, the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? should be offered. If householders already have the book, publishers may offer any 192-page book printed on paper that discolors or any book published prior to 1992 with the exception of Creation, Mankind's Search for God, and Young People Ask."
This was a sudden and very surprising change of events for the Watchtower Society. Why cancel the campaign? Congregations already had their ample supply of tracts to distribute. Could there be something wrong with the tract itself?
On Page 3 under the section 'The Religious Scene', it states:
"Priest sexually exploit young people; church cover-up. Decline in attendance; church buildings sold."
Could the above possibly describe the Watchtower Society?
For instance, sixteen sexual abuse victims settled nine lawsuits in which individuals were sexually abused as children by Jehovah's Witnesses members and leaders. Settlements were reached in late February and early March 2007 for millions of dollars as a result of those lawsuits alone.
Additionally, the Watchtower Society's policy would protect the predator of a sexually abused child by stating two witnesses would need to be present to the offence before the congregation could take action against an individual. Of course, the chance that there are two witnesses to the sexual abuse of a child is extremely unlikely. Many of times, accused abusive elders would never be known and moved to different congregations over time.
Even in our present time - January 2009 - The most wanted child predator in the United States is Frederick McLean a former Jehovah's Witnesses elder with an abuse record spanning some 20 years against young children.
It is more than just a little known fact that attendance in Jehovah's Witnesses congregations across the United States is down. The little growth seen overall within Jehovah's Witnesses congregations is at the level or even less than population growth of the country. Population growth in the US over the last couple of years has been ~2-3%. The 2007 Service Year report for Jehovah's Witnesses shows an increase of 3%. While the 2008 Service Year report shows an increase of 2.1%.
Most lands outside the United States which have seen more than population growth are in generally less educated or/and wealthy lands - especially those where the internet is not as readily available for individuals to research and investigate the Watchtower Society organization.
And what about the selling of "church buildings"?
In 2007 as well as years prior and after, the Watchtower Society has sold and will continue to sell buildings, obtaining tens of millions of dollars for each sale.
Could it be that the finger the Watchtower Society has Jehovah's Witnesses pointing at other religions should be directed right back at them? Is it that individuals have come forward realizing the hypocrisy and the problems the Watchtower Society highlights concerning other religions can be found right in their own?
Since the tract's published year of 2004, the internet continues to grow and people continue to educate themselves. This includes the knowledge of the Watchtower Society and its past and current problems. Do the research and investigate. Selling buildings, decline in attendance, pedophilia and cover-up all describes the Watchtower Society. The way the Watchtower Society attacks other religions is the same attack that is valid against them.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Twisted Teachings
Terminology and concepts for a Jehovah's Witness can vary greatly then that of someone who is familiar with traditional Christianity and/or the Bible. The Watchtower Society has provided a vocabulary to Jehovah's Witnesses which consist of ideas and concepts from their own interpretation and at times their own unique rendering of scriptural verses. Some of these twisted teachings are as follows:
Death
Watchtower Society = A state of non-existence, sleep, deny an immaterial soul and/or spirit.
Christianity = Soul and spirit remain conscious after physical death.
Reference: Matthew 10:28; Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Revelation 6:9.
God
Watchtower Society = Jehovah.
Christianity = The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Reference: Matthew 28:19.
Hell
Watchtower Society = The common grave of mankind, no conscious existence and/or punishment.
Christianity = Eternal separation from God, conscious everlasting punishment.
Reference: Matthew 25:41, 46.
Holy Spirit
Watchtower Society = God’s active force, impersonal.
Christianity = Third member of Trinity, fully God, personal.
Reference: Acts 5:3-4, 8:29, 13:2; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; Ephesians 4:30.
Jesus Christ
Watchtower Society = First created being by Jehovah, a god, Michael the Archangel.
Christianity = Fully God and fully man, equal to the Father in nature, eternal, omnipotent Creator.
Reference: John 1:1*, 5:18, 20:28.
*The Watchtower Society’s New World Translation renders this verse "a god". However, obtain their ‘The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures’ from 1969 and lookup the passage.
Resurrection of Christ
Watchtower Society = Rose as a spirit being.
Christianity = Rose in physical body.
Reference: John 2:19-21; Luke 24:36-39.
Salvation
Watchtower Society = Living forever on a restored earth, or Paradise.
Christianity = Eternal life in heaven in the presence of God.
Reference: Philippians 3:20.
Second Coming of Christ
Watchtower Society = Occurred invisibly in 1914.
Christianity = A future event that will be plainly visible.
Reference: Matthew 24:27, 30; Revelation 1:7.
The Watchtower Society's twisted teachings are presented as absolute fact and "the truth" to Jehovah's Witnesses and others. By reading the scriptural passages without the influence of the Watchtower Society, does one reach the same conclusions as taught by them?
According to the Watchtower, August 15, 1981 issue, page 29, paragraph 14:
"They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such ‘Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching 100 years ago..."
Within their own literature, the Watchtower Society states if you read the Bible exclusively or in small groups at your home, you will come to the doctrines taught by "Christendom". Why is that the case? If you read the Bible exclusively, should you not come to the teachings taught by the Watchtower Society? The truth is the Watchtower Society's teachings are twisted, and the Watchtower quote above is their own admission to the facts.
Is it any wonder then, that the Watchtower Society also instructs Jehovah's Witnesses in the following way?
From Our Kingdom Ministry, September 2007, page 3, Question Box:
"Does the "faithful and discreet slave" endorse independent groups of Witnesses who meet together to engage in Scriptural research or debate?
No, it does not."
Read the Bible for yourself without the influence of the Watchtower Society. A few scriptures are referenced above for some teachings. Do the readings, do the research, and prove it to you.
Death
Watchtower Society = A state of non-existence, sleep, deny an immaterial soul and/or spirit.
Christianity = Soul and spirit remain conscious after physical death.
Reference: Matthew 10:28; Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Revelation 6:9.
God
Watchtower Society = Jehovah.
Christianity = The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Reference: Matthew 28:19.
Hell
Watchtower Society = The common grave of mankind, no conscious existence and/or punishment.
Christianity = Eternal separation from God, conscious everlasting punishment.
Reference: Matthew 25:41, 46.
Holy Spirit
Watchtower Society = God’s active force, impersonal.
Christianity = Third member of Trinity, fully God, personal.
Reference: Acts 5:3-4, 8:29, 13:2; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; Ephesians 4:30.
Jesus Christ
Watchtower Society = First created being by Jehovah, a god, Michael the Archangel.
Christianity = Fully God and fully man, equal to the Father in nature, eternal, omnipotent Creator.
Reference: John 1:1*, 5:18, 20:28.
*The Watchtower Society’s New World Translation renders this verse "a god". However, obtain their ‘The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures’ from 1969 and lookup the passage.
Resurrection of Christ
Watchtower Society = Rose as a spirit being.
Christianity = Rose in physical body.
Reference: John 2:19-21; Luke 24:36-39.
Salvation
Watchtower Society = Living forever on a restored earth, or Paradise.
Christianity = Eternal life in heaven in the presence of God.
Reference: Philippians 3:20.
Second Coming of Christ
Watchtower Society = Occurred invisibly in 1914.
Christianity = A future event that will be plainly visible.
Reference: Matthew 24:27, 30; Revelation 1:7.
The Watchtower Society's twisted teachings are presented as absolute fact and "the truth" to Jehovah's Witnesses and others. By reading the scriptural passages without the influence of the Watchtower Society, does one reach the same conclusions as taught by them?
According to the Watchtower, August 15, 1981 issue, page 29, paragraph 14:
"They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such ‘Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching 100 years ago..."
Within their own literature, the Watchtower Society states if you read the Bible exclusively or in small groups at your home, you will come to the doctrines taught by "Christendom". Why is that the case? If you read the Bible exclusively, should you not come to the teachings taught by the Watchtower Society? The truth is the Watchtower Society's teachings are twisted, and the Watchtower quote above is their own admission to the facts.
Is it any wonder then, that the Watchtower Society also instructs Jehovah's Witnesses in the following way?
From Our Kingdom Ministry, September 2007, page 3, Question Box:
"Does the "faithful and discreet slave" endorse independent groups of Witnesses who meet together to engage in Scriptural research or debate?
No, it does not."
Read the Bible for yourself without the influence of the Watchtower Society. A few scriptures are referenced above for some teachings. Do the readings, do the research, and prove it to you.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Mediator...For Less Than 10,000
In Christianity, Jesus is the mediator for all mankind. The Bible states at 1 Timothy 2: 5, 6:
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all”
However, the Watchtower Society doctrine on the matter differs from what the scriptures state. It is summed up in their publication Worldwide Security Under the "Prince of Peace" on page 10, paragraph 16:
“Likewise, the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ, is not the Mediator between Jehovah God and all mankind. He is the Mediator between his heavenly Father, Jehovah God, and the nation of spiritual Israel, which is limited to only 144,000 members.”
Further explanation of their stance by the Watchtower Society can be seen in such articles as the Watchtower November 15, 1979, page 27, 'One Mediator Between God and Men':
"They recognize that they are not spiritual Israelites in the new covenant mediated by Jesus Christ, nor part of the “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.”...Yet they do benefit from the operation of the new covenant. They benefit from this just as, in ancient Israel, the “alien resident” benefited from residing in among the Israelites who were in the Law covenant...To keep in relationship with “our Savior, God,” the “great crowd” needs to remain united with the remnant of spiritual Israelites."
Most congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses do not have these "spiritual Isrealities" [Also called "The Anointed" by the Watchtower Society] within their midst. Even congregations which do have "The Anointed", they are not the ones who provide directions to Jehovah's Witnesses. It is the Governing Body; a select few older men located in Brooklyn, NY who serve as the leaders and provides the doctrine and teachings for Jehovah's Witnesses which they must follow. Under the terminology "Faithful and Discreet Slave Class" these older men are the ones who in effect serve as a mediator for Jehovah's Witnesses. They are taught to believe that direction and instruction coming from the "Faithful and Discreet Slave Class" is coming from God.
The most significant reason the Watchtower Society teaches Jesus mediating only for the Anointed is that the Bible shows the New Covenant setup by Jesus Christ provides a heavenly resurrection, and the doctrine of the Watchtower Society is only 144,000 will have a resurrection to heaven. Therefore, Jesus as a mediator is only applicable to them.
This whole notion still taught today by the Watchtower Society was started by the Watchtower Society's second president, 'Judge' Rutherford. The Watchtower April 1, 1934 on page 104 states the following:
"Christ Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant toward his own brethren, that is to say, spiritual Israel, during the period of time God is taking out from the nations a people for his name."
It was the idea and belief of one man - Rutherford - which is still taught as truth by Jehovah's Witnesses today. Rutherford naturally aligned himself as being one of the anointed. This assists in the belief of salvation being dependent on belonging to the organization. The organization is supposedly led by anointed men and/or they "appoint" those who take the lead, those not of the anointed or not appointed need to follow those who fall into such categories.
Nevertheless, once again the scriptures are clear on the matter of mediator...
1 Timothy 2:5, 6:
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all”
The Jehovah’s Witnesses annual report for 2008 shows 9,986 as being of the anointed. Those are the only ones who have Jesus as their Mediator according to Watchtower Society's teaching. All other Jehovah's Witnesses are without a mediator, and are given an organization to follow.
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all”
However, the Watchtower Society doctrine on the matter differs from what the scriptures state. It is summed up in their publication Worldwide Security Under the "Prince of Peace" on page 10, paragraph 16:
“Likewise, the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ, is not the Mediator between Jehovah God and all mankind. He is the Mediator between his heavenly Father, Jehovah God, and the nation of spiritual Israel, which is limited to only 144,000 members.”
Further explanation of their stance by the Watchtower Society can be seen in such articles as the Watchtower November 15, 1979, page 27, 'One Mediator Between God and Men':
"They recognize that they are not spiritual Israelites in the new covenant mediated by Jesus Christ, nor part of the “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.”...Yet they do benefit from the operation of the new covenant. They benefit from this just as, in ancient Israel, the “alien resident” benefited from residing in among the Israelites who were in the Law covenant...To keep in relationship with “our Savior, God,” the “great crowd” needs to remain united with the remnant of spiritual Israelites."
Most congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses do not have these "spiritual Isrealities" [Also called "The Anointed" by the Watchtower Society] within their midst. Even congregations which do have "The Anointed", they are not the ones who provide directions to Jehovah's Witnesses. It is the Governing Body; a select few older men located in Brooklyn, NY who serve as the leaders and provides the doctrine and teachings for Jehovah's Witnesses which they must follow. Under the terminology "Faithful and Discreet Slave Class" these older men are the ones who in effect serve as a mediator for Jehovah's Witnesses. They are taught to believe that direction and instruction coming from the "Faithful and Discreet Slave Class" is coming from God.
The most significant reason the Watchtower Society teaches Jesus mediating only for the Anointed is that the Bible shows the New Covenant setup by Jesus Christ provides a heavenly resurrection, and the doctrine of the Watchtower Society is only 144,000 will have a resurrection to heaven. Therefore, Jesus as a mediator is only applicable to them.
This whole notion still taught today by the Watchtower Society was started by the Watchtower Society's second president, 'Judge' Rutherford. The Watchtower April 1, 1934 on page 104 states the following:
"Christ Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant toward his own brethren, that is to say, spiritual Israel, during the period of time God is taking out from the nations a people for his name."
It was the idea and belief of one man - Rutherford - which is still taught as truth by Jehovah's Witnesses today. Rutherford naturally aligned himself as being one of the anointed. This assists in the belief of salvation being dependent on belonging to the organization. The organization is supposedly led by anointed men and/or they "appoint" those who take the lead, those not of the anointed or not appointed need to follow those who fall into such categories.
Nevertheless, once again the scriptures are clear on the matter of mediator...
1 Timothy 2:5, 6:
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all”
The Jehovah’s Witnesses annual report for 2008 shows 9,986 as being of the anointed. Those are the only ones who have Jesus as their Mediator according to Watchtower Society's teaching. All other Jehovah's Witnesses are without a mediator, and are given an organization to follow.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Die Twice?
All Jehovah's Witnesses are well aware of the teachings of the Watchtower Society concerning the dead, the resurrection, and the "final test". According to Watchtower Society teaching, after Armageddon there will be the resurrections of both righteous and unrighteous people to the Earth. The unrighteous will need to be taught about Jehovah and Jesus. All resurrected ones and survivors of Armageddon will be raised to perfection on the Earth. At the end of 1,000 years, Satan will perform one final test to turn people away from Jehovah. For those who follow Satan during this last test, they will be executed and destroyed forever.
The following statements for those not familiar with such teachings are found in the Watchtower Society publication Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life:
Page 186, paragraph 15:
"But two distinct groups will be resurrected—the righteous and the unrighteous."
Page 186, paragraph 17:
"The unrighteous will come back to a beautiful and peaceful earth. They will be welcomed by a people well organized to teach them about Jehovah and his reigning Son, Jesus Christ."
Page 187, paragraph 19:
"...all sin will be removed and mankind will be raised to perfection."
Page 190, paragraph 21:
"Perfect humans will face one final test. At the end of the Millennium, Satan and his demons will be released from the abyss for a short time and will be permitted to make a final effort to turn people away from Jehovah. Some will put wrong desires above love of God, but this rebellion will be cut short. Jehovah will execute these selfish ones along with Satan and all his demons. All wrongdoers will then be gone forever."
Again, for those Satan successfully misleads, God will execute them for all eternity. The reality of the Watchtower Society's teaching is an individual person may DIE TWICE as a human on the Earth. First was their death prior to the resurrection, and the second time as stated in the aforementioned scenario of the "final test".
What does the Bible teach?
Even according to the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, it teaches the following:
Hebrews 9:27: "And as it is reserved for men to die once for all time, but after this a judgment"
The Bible states it is reserved for men to DIE ONCE FOR ALL TIME. Not die once, be resurrected and die again if judged to have failed a final test.
Watchtower Society doctrine and teaching contradicts what even their own translation of the scriptures state.
The following statements for those not familiar with such teachings are found in the Watchtower Society publication Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life:
Page 186, paragraph 15:
"But two distinct groups will be resurrected—the righteous and the unrighteous."
Page 186, paragraph 17:
"The unrighteous will come back to a beautiful and peaceful earth. They will be welcomed by a people well organized to teach them about Jehovah and his reigning Son, Jesus Christ."
Page 187, paragraph 19:
"...all sin will be removed and mankind will be raised to perfection."
Page 190, paragraph 21:
"Perfect humans will face one final test. At the end of the Millennium, Satan and his demons will be released from the abyss for a short time and will be permitted to make a final effort to turn people away from Jehovah. Some will put wrong desires above love of God, but this rebellion will be cut short. Jehovah will execute these selfish ones along with Satan and all his demons. All wrongdoers will then be gone forever."
Again, for those Satan successfully misleads, God will execute them for all eternity. The reality of the Watchtower Society's teaching is an individual person may DIE TWICE as a human on the Earth. First was their death prior to the resurrection, and the second time as stated in the aforementioned scenario of the "final test".
What does the Bible teach?
Even according to the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, it teaches the following:
Hebrews 9:27: "And as it is reserved for men to die once for all time, but after this a judgment"
The Bible states it is reserved for men to DIE ONCE FOR ALL TIME. Not die once, be resurrected and die again if judged to have failed a final test.
Watchtower Society doctrine and teaching contradicts what even their own translation of the scriptures state.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The Watchtower – A Part of the Bible?
The December 15, 2008 Watchtower on page 28 states:
“Our coming to know “the truth” – the entire body of Christian teachings that has become part of the Bible – and adhering to it are essential for salvation.”
“The truth” refers to all the teachings and doctrines of the Watchtower Society. Of course, the Watchtower Society instructions to Jehovah’s Witnesses include the notion that their teachings encompass “the entire body of Christian teachings”.
Respecting the statement quoted above not only is the Watchtower Society claiming that following their teachings are essential for salvation, additionally “the entire body of Christian teachings” such as information and doctrine found in the Watchtower magazine, has become part of the Bible.
What is the Scriptural viewpoint of such a claim?
Deuteronomy 4:2 – “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”
Deuteronomy 12:32 – “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.”
Proverbs 30:5-6 – “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”
Revelation 22:18-19 – “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”
What organization continues to add to the Word of God?
Between the two, what should a person follow… the Word of God or the Watchtower Society?
“Our coming to know “the truth” – the entire body of Christian teachings that has become part of the Bible – and adhering to it are essential for salvation.”
“The truth” refers to all the teachings and doctrines of the Watchtower Society. Of course, the Watchtower Society instructions to Jehovah’s Witnesses include the notion that their teachings encompass “the entire body of Christian teachings”.
Respecting the statement quoted above not only is the Watchtower Society claiming that following their teachings are essential for salvation, additionally “the entire body of Christian teachings” such as information and doctrine found in the Watchtower magazine, has become part of the Bible.
What is the Scriptural viewpoint of such a claim?
Deuteronomy 4:2 – “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”
Deuteronomy 12:32 – “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.”
Proverbs 30:5-6 – “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”
Revelation 22:18-19 – “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”
What organization continues to add to the Word of God?
Between the two, what should a person follow… the Word of God or the Watchtower Society?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Flip-Flops
The Watchtower Society focuses on the scripture in Proverbs 4:18 as support of their changing or developing doctrines. That verse states:
"But the path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established."
Far from being justification for an organization's change in doctrine, the verse when read in its context (In other words, read the entire chapter) concerns advice from a father to his children. It is not to be taken in part as an excuse or a crutch to be used by an organization for modification of their teachings.
Nonetheless, we will go along with the notion that Proverbs 4:18 is justification for light of an organization getting brighter - aka - explanation for a complete change in doctrine. The problem though with this and as Jehovah's Witnesses should be aware of is the light should always become brighter and understanding clearer. Jehovah certainly would not lead His organization back to an old teaching! Even more so, He would not lead an organization into spiritual darkness on a matter for decades. That just would not make any sense.
What do the facts prove?
Organ Transplants...
-1961 = Conscience choice.
[Watchtower August 1, 1961 'Question from Readers']
-1967 = Cannibalistic.
[Watchtower November 15, 1967 ‘Questions from Readers’]
-1980 = Conscience choice.
[Watchtower March 15, 1980, page 31]
So, the light in 1967 becomes brighter than it was in 1961 and Jehovah's Witnesses are taught Organ Transplants are now cannibalistic. However, 13 years later the light becomes brighter again and in 1980, Jehovah's Witnesses are taught Organ Transplants are no longer cannibalistic but a conscience choice, which is actually returning back to their previous stance in 1961.
Resurrection of the Men of Sodom...
-1879 = Yes.
[Watchtower July 1879, page 8]
-1952 = No.
[Watchtower June 1, 1952, page 338]
-1965 = Yes.
[Watchtower August 1, 1965, page 479]
-1982 = Yes.
[Live Forever Paradise Earth 1982 edition, page 179]
-1988 = No.
[Watchtower June 1, 1988 page 31]
-1988 = Yes.
[Insight on the Scriptures Volume 2, page 985]
-1989 = No.
[Our Kingdom Ministry, December 1989, page 7]
-1989 = No.
[Live Forever Paradise Earth 1989 edition, page 179]
The number of times the Watchtower Society's teaching changes concerning the resurrection of the Men of Sodom is staggering. Does the above read as divine direction, "brighter light" coming from Jehovah, or just an organization haphazardly guessing and arbitrarily deciding what to teach?
Superior Authorities (Romans 13:1)...
-1886 = Worldly Governments or Authorities
[Studies in the Scriptures Series I - The Divine Plan of the Ages (1886 edition) page 250]
-1916 = Worldly Governments or Authorities
[Studies in the Scriptures Series I - The Divine Plan of the Ages (1916 edition) page 266]
-1929 = Jehovah God and Jesus Christ
[Watchtower June 1 and June 15, 1929]
-1950 = Jehovah God and Jesus Christ
[This Means Everlasting Life (1950) page 197]
-1962 = Worldly Governments or Authorities
[Babylon the Great Has Fallen! God's Kingdom Rules! (1962) page 548]
-1990 = Worldly Governments or Authorities
[Watchtower November 1, 1990, page 11]
So the "Superior Authorities" were Worldly Governments or Authorities from 1886-1929. From 1929-1962 new light flashed forth making the "Superior Authorities" Jehovah and Jesus. Then finally more new light flashing forth brought the teachings of “Super Authorities” to Jehovah's Witnesses from 1962 onward back to the original teaching of 1886.
This Generation (Mathew 24:34)...
-1927 = The Anointed
[Watchtower February 15, 1927 page 62]
-1942 = Anyone alive to see 1914
[Watchtower July 1, 1942 page 204]
-1995 = Wicked People alive today
[Watchtower November 1, 1995 page 19]
-2008 = The Anointed
[Watchtower February 15, 2008 page 24]
From an analysis of the Watchtower Society’s teaching concerning "This Generation" as recorded in Matthew, it was first ‘correct’ in 1927. But brighter light caused it to become an incorrect teaching of a couple of different things over the course of 81 years, only to return back to the original ‘correct’ 1927 teaching. Again, why would God direct His organization in such a fashion?
While the Watchtower Society loves to focus attention to Proverbs 4:18, perhaps Jehovah's Witnesses should be paying more attention to the verse that follows it. In Proverbs 4:19 it states:
"The way of the wicked ones is like the gloom; they have not known at what they keep stumbling."
Based on the facts above, which scripture better describes the teachings of the Watchtower Society?
"But the path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established."
Far from being justification for an organization's change in doctrine, the verse when read in its context (In other words, read the entire chapter) concerns advice from a father to his children. It is not to be taken in part as an excuse or a crutch to be used by an organization for modification of their teachings.
Nonetheless, we will go along with the notion that Proverbs 4:18 is justification for light of an organization getting brighter - aka - explanation for a complete change in doctrine. The problem though with this and as Jehovah's Witnesses should be aware of is the light should always become brighter and understanding clearer. Jehovah certainly would not lead His organization back to an old teaching! Even more so, He would not lead an organization into spiritual darkness on a matter for decades. That just would not make any sense.
What do the facts prove?
Organ Transplants...
-1961 = Conscience choice.
[Watchtower August 1, 1961 'Question from Readers']
-1967 = Cannibalistic.
[Watchtower November 15, 1967 ‘Questions from Readers’]
-1980 = Conscience choice.
[Watchtower March 15, 1980, page 31]
So, the light in 1967 becomes brighter than it was in 1961 and Jehovah's Witnesses are taught Organ Transplants are now cannibalistic. However, 13 years later the light becomes brighter again and in 1980, Jehovah's Witnesses are taught Organ Transplants are no longer cannibalistic but a conscience choice, which is actually returning back to their previous stance in 1961.
Resurrection of the Men of Sodom...
-1879 = Yes.
[Watchtower July 1879, page 8]
-1952 = No.
[Watchtower June 1, 1952, page 338]
-1965 = Yes.
[Watchtower August 1, 1965, page 479]
-1982 = Yes.
[Live Forever Paradise Earth 1982 edition, page 179]
-1988 = No.
[Watchtower June 1, 1988 page 31]
-1988 = Yes.
[Insight on the Scriptures Volume 2, page 985]
-1989 = No.
[Our Kingdom Ministry, December 1989, page 7]
-1989 = No.
[Live Forever Paradise Earth 1989 edition, page 179]
The number of times the Watchtower Society's teaching changes concerning the resurrection of the Men of Sodom is staggering. Does the above read as divine direction, "brighter light" coming from Jehovah, or just an organization haphazardly guessing and arbitrarily deciding what to teach?
Superior Authorities (Romans 13:1)...
-1886 = Worldly Governments or Authorities
[Studies in the Scriptures Series I - The Divine Plan of the Ages (1886 edition) page 250]
-1916 = Worldly Governments or Authorities
[Studies in the Scriptures Series I - The Divine Plan of the Ages (1916 edition) page 266]
-1929 = Jehovah God and Jesus Christ
[Watchtower June 1 and June 15, 1929]
-1950 = Jehovah God and Jesus Christ
[This Means Everlasting Life (1950) page 197]
-1962 = Worldly Governments or Authorities
[Babylon the Great Has Fallen! God's Kingdom Rules! (1962) page 548]
-1990 = Worldly Governments or Authorities
[Watchtower November 1, 1990, page 11]
So the "Superior Authorities" were Worldly Governments or Authorities from 1886-1929. From 1929-1962 new light flashed forth making the "Superior Authorities" Jehovah and Jesus. Then finally more new light flashing forth brought the teachings of “Super Authorities” to Jehovah's Witnesses from 1962 onward back to the original teaching of 1886.
This Generation (Mathew 24:34)...
-1927 = The Anointed
[Watchtower February 15, 1927 page 62]
-1942 = Anyone alive to see 1914
[Watchtower July 1, 1942 page 204]
-1995 = Wicked People alive today
[Watchtower November 1, 1995 page 19]
-2008 = The Anointed
[Watchtower February 15, 2008 page 24]
From an analysis of the Watchtower Society’s teaching concerning "This Generation" as recorded in Matthew, it was first ‘correct’ in 1927. But brighter light caused it to become an incorrect teaching of a couple of different things over the course of 81 years, only to return back to the original ‘correct’ 1927 teaching. Again, why would God direct His organization in such a fashion?
While the Watchtower Society loves to focus attention to Proverbs 4:18, perhaps Jehovah's Witnesses should be paying more attention to the verse that follows it. In Proverbs 4:19 it states:
"The way of the wicked ones is like the gloom; they have not known at what they keep stumbling."
Based on the facts above, which scripture better describes the teachings of the Watchtower Society?
Monday, December 1, 2008
Faithful and Discreet Slave – Which One?
Group or Individual?
A. Always a close unified group “family”, not individuals scattered who took part with false religion and their teachings. [Watchtower January 15, 1975 page 46, 47; You Can Live Forever page 193]
B. Scattered individuals who took part in false religion being among weed-like Christendom. [Jehovah’s Witnesses: Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom page 44; Watchtower July 15, 1960 page 435]
Light?
A. Progressive light - It always gets brighter. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 14, page 435 bound volume]
B. Flickered out - Slave was in spiritual darkness - inactivity at one point - requiring restoration. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 17, page 435 bound volume; Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 20, page 436 bound volume]
Practices?
A. Slave remained as wheat shining bright as the sun. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 16, page 435 bound volume]
B. Beliefs and practices were the same as weed-like Christendom. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 18, page 436 bound volume]
Found to be?
A. Showing loyalty and integrity remaining strong in the true faith. Jesus Christ rewarded them when he returned invisibly. [Watchtower February 15, 1975 pages 109-111, bound volume]
B. Having garments polluted and unclean from being associated with apostasy for a very long time. Christ punished them and sent them into captivity. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 18, page 435 bound volume]
History?
A. The slave has been continuously feeding truth and existing for over 1900 years. [Watchtower March 1, 1981 page 24]
B. After the death of the Apostles, a great apostasy took over where the slave became mixed-up with Christendom. [Watchtower August 1, 1981 paragraph 6, page 23]
Established?
A. Jesus established the faithful and discreet slave class/organization in 33 C.E. [Watchtower, February 15, 1975 page 109, bound volume]
B. Russell established the faithful and discreet slave class/organization in the late 1870’s [Jehovah’s Witnesses: Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom page 44, 45]
Domination?
A. Remained loyal resulting in the evil slave never dominated them. [Watchtower, February 15, 1975 page 109, 110 bound volume]
B. Remained loyal but become part of weed-like Christendom and temporarily disappeared from view. [Watchtower July 1, 1994 page 5]
Kingdom interest?
A. Jehovah God would not put Kingdom interest in the hands of spiritual babes or a novice organization. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 page 436, bound volume]
B. Jehovah God placed all His kingdom interest in the hands of a novice organization, which supposedly just emerged from but still held on to many beliefs and practices of weed-like Christendom in addition to Pagan teachings which originated from other places. [Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Divine Purpose, page 91].
Feeding?
A. Slave fed itself as well as every generation thereafter with all members of the slave being fed well spiritually. [Watchtower January 15, 1975 page 46, bound volume]
B. Slave unable to feed anyone as they were scattered or isolated with the death of the Apostles and associating with false religion. They needed to come into historic view again. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 page 435, bound volume; Watchtower February 15, 1980 paragraph 12, page 16]
After captivity?
A. In 1919, released and blessed with greater privileges since they were now cleansed from any religious defilement. [Watchtower July 1, 1982 paragraph 21, page 24]
B. In 1919, the slave continued to lead and promote Pagan ideas and practices for decades later. [Watchtower January 1, 1940 page 16; Jehovah’s Witnesses: Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom, page 198]
Restoration?
A. Restored in the late nineteenth century, the slave was revived. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 page 435 Bound Volume]
B. There was no unified slave to receive the light, in turn, unable to restore the truth that was lost since they had disappeared from view. [Watchtower July 1, 1994 page 5]
God works?
A. Only though an organization – The Bible can not be understood or interpreted by individuals regardless of the amount of Bible reading they may perform. [Watchtower October 1, 1994 page 8; You Can Live Forever page 193]
B. By means of giving Russell the ability to comprehend and interpret scripture, God worked through Russell to restore truth which was lost for centuries prior. “He revived the great truths...He was permitted to understand it…The promise of the Lord was fulfilled in him.” [Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Divine Plan, page 17]
All the above statements are taught by the so-called Faithful and Discreet Slave Class in the aforementioned publications and many others from the Watchtower Society. It highlights the confusing and contradictory history taught by the Watchtower Society in describing the Faithful and Discreet Slave. Not only is there major fault in the opposing views, but many of the statements individually are false. Do the research and insist to know “The Truth”.
A. Always a close unified group “family”, not individuals scattered who took part with false religion and their teachings. [Watchtower January 15, 1975 page 46, 47; You Can Live Forever page 193]
B. Scattered individuals who took part in false religion being among weed-like Christendom. [Jehovah’s Witnesses: Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom page 44; Watchtower July 15, 1960 page 435]
Light?
A. Progressive light - It always gets brighter. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 14, page 435 bound volume]
B. Flickered out - Slave was in spiritual darkness - inactivity at one point - requiring restoration. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 17, page 435 bound volume; Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 20, page 436 bound volume]
Practices?
A. Slave remained as wheat shining bright as the sun. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 16, page 435 bound volume]
B. Beliefs and practices were the same as weed-like Christendom. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 18, page 436 bound volume]
Found to be?
A. Showing loyalty and integrity remaining strong in the true faith. Jesus Christ rewarded them when he returned invisibly. [Watchtower February 15, 1975 pages 109-111, bound volume]
B. Having garments polluted and unclean from being associated with apostasy for a very long time. Christ punished them and sent them into captivity. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 18, page 435 bound volume]
History?
A. The slave has been continuously feeding truth and existing for over 1900 years. [Watchtower March 1, 1981 page 24]
B. After the death of the Apostles, a great apostasy took over where the slave became mixed-up with Christendom. [Watchtower August 1, 1981 paragraph 6, page 23]
Established?
A. Jesus established the faithful and discreet slave class/organization in 33 C.E. [Watchtower, February 15, 1975 page 109, bound volume]
B. Russell established the faithful and discreet slave class/organization in the late 1870’s [Jehovah’s Witnesses: Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom page 44, 45]
Domination?
A. Remained loyal resulting in the evil slave never dominated them. [Watchtower, February 15, 1975 page 109, 110 bound volume]
B. Remained loyal but become part of weed-like Christendom and temporarily disappeared from view. [Watchtower July 1, 1994 page 5]
Kingdom interest?
A. Jehovah God would not put Kingdom interest in the hands of spiritual babes or a novice organization. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 page 436, bound volume]
B. Jehovah God placed all His kingdom interest in the hands of a novice organization, which supposedly just emerged from but still held on to many beliefs and practices of weed-like Christendom in addition to Pagan teachings which originated from other places. [Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Divine Purpose, page 91].
Feeding?
A. Slave fed itself as well as every generation thereafter with all members of the slave being fed well spiritually. [Watchtower January 15, 1975 page 46, bound volume]
B. Slave unable to feed anyone as they were scattered or isolated with the death of the Apostles and associating with false religion. They needed to come into historic view again. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 page 435, bound volume; Watchtower February 15, 1980 paragraph 12, page 16]
After captivity?
A. In 1919, released and blessed with greater privileges since they were now cleansed from any religious defilement. [Watchtower July 1, 1982 paragraph 21, page 24]
B. In 1919, the slave continued to lead and promote Pagan ideas and practices for decades later. [Watchtower January 1, 1940 page 16; Jehovah’s Witnesses: Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom, page 198]
Restoration?
A. Restored in the late nineteenth century, the slave was revived. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 page 435 Bound Volume]
B. There was no unified slave to receive the light, in turn, unable to restore the truth that was lost since they had disappeared from view. [Watchtower July 1, 1994 page 5]
God works?
A. Only though an organization – The Bible can not be understood or interpreted by individuals regardless of the amount of Bible reading they may perform. [Watchtower October 1, 1994 page 8; You Can Live Forever page 193]
B. By means of giving Russell the ability to comprehend and interpret scripture, God worked through Russell to restore truth which was lost for centuries prior. “He revived the great truths...He was permitted to understand it…The promise of the Lord was fulfilled in him.” [Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Divine Plan, page 17]
All the above statements are taught by the so-called Faithful and Discreet Slave Class in the aforementioned publications and many others from the Watchtower Society. It highlights the confusing and contradictory history taught by the Watchtower Society in describing the Faithful and Discreet Slave. Not only is there major fault in the opposing views, but many of the statements individually are false. Do the research and insist to know “The Truth”.
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