The biblical use of the word “firstborn” can have different meanings. The first born child in a physical family is one of its meanings. This is exemplified in Luke 2:7:
“And she gave birth to her son, the firstborn, and she bound him with cloth bands and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the lodging room.”
Another meaning of the word “firstborn” is pre-eminence (This in turn means to have paramount rank, dignity, or importance). For example, notice what Psalm 89:20, 27 states:
“I have found David my servant; With my holy oil I have anointed him...Also, I myself shall place him as firstborn, The most high of the kings of the earth.”
Furthermore, “firstborn” in the scriptures can also be a title which is transferable. This is indicated by the information from two set of scriptures. The first is Genesis 41:51-52, there it states:
"So Joseph called the name of the firstborn Ma•nas´seh, because, to quote him, “God has made me forget all my trouble and all the house of my father.” And the name of the second he called E´phra•im, because, to quote him, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my wretchedness.”"
In the above scripture Manasseh is the firstborn. The second is Ephraim. The firstborn title is transferred though to Ephraim as indicated in Jeremiah 31:9:
"With weeping they will come, and with [their] entreaties for favor I shall bring them. I shall make them walk to torrent valleys of water, in a right way in which they will not be caused to stumble. For I have become to Israel a Father; and as for E´phra•im, he is my firstborn."
With all of the above in mind, we come to the scripture in Colossians 1:15-17 which speaks of Jesus as being the firstborn of all creation and about creation in general:
(New World Translation) : "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; because by means of him all [other] things were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, no matter whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All [other] things have been created through him and for him. Also, he is before all [other] things and by means of him all [other] things were made to exist"
The above scripture with the addition of “[other]” in several places supports and leads one to conclude that firstborn in this scripture indicates first created. The logic being, Jesus was created first and then all “[other]” things were created by him as he could not have created himself.
This logic would be accurate if firstborn in the above scripture did in fact indicate first created. It does not. At the time in which Paul wrote the above scriptures, the Greek word for first created is proto with ktizo. This is not what Paul used when examining the Greek writings. Rather, Paul used the Greek word for firstborn with the indication of pre-eminence which is proto with tikto.
If Paul wanted to clearly indicate Jesus was first created he would have used the Greek word protoktizo; rather, it was not Paul’s intention to indicate such. Jesus is before all things in pre-eminence and Paul indicated that by using the Greek word prototikto.
The original writings of the scriptures did not contain the “[other]” placements as done by the Watchtower Society in their New World Translation of the Bible. Furthermore, it is not needed as Paul is speaking of pre-eminence and not of being first created. That is why other translations do not contain the “[other]” in the verses...
(New International Version) : "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
(New American Standard Bible) : "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together."
(New King James Version) : "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist."
(Young's Literal Translation) : "who is the image of the invisible God, first-born of all creation, because in him were the all things created, those in the heavens, and those upon the earth, those visible, and those invisible, whether thrones, whether lordships, whether principalities, whether authorities; all things through him, and for him, have been created, and himself is before all, and the all things in him have consisted."
Indeed, the Watchtower Society is adding to the scriptures to support its doctrine and teaching that Jesus was created. That is not what Colossians is stating. Jesus is the pre-eminent one of all things. The Watchtower Society should not be adjusting scripture to fit their doctrine and teaching. They should be adjusting their doctrine and teaching to fit scripture.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Interpretation of Prophecy…Angels? Jehovah? Jesus?
Some Jehovah’s Witnesses when presented with the fact that the Watchtower Society, specifically the Governing Body members who are a part of a faithful and discreet slave “class” are false prophets, may try to provide the argument that they’re not false prophets, they just misinterpreted prophecy.
Although such an argument holds no water as the Bible itself provides the definition of a false prophet, which is simply someone who claims to be representative of or speaking by authority of God and states something will happen in the future and it does not occur. Remember, Deuteronomy 18:20-22 clearly tells us:
"However, the prophet who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded him to speak or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must die. And in case you should say in your heart: 'How shall we know the word that Jehovah has not spoken?' when the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or come true, that is the word that Jehovah did not speak. With presumptuousness the prophet spoke it. You must not get frightened at him."
The Watchtower has done this on numerous occasions inclusive of but not exclusive of Armageddon starting in 1914, 1925, in the 1940’s and 1975. However, we will give the benefit of the doubt, and not state for the sake of this argument that the Watchtower Society, which entails the Governing Body was a false prophet, but merely interpreted prophecy incorrectly.
Do their teachings agree with such an argument?
The Watchtower Society has provided a variety of explanation for how information including this so-called ‘interpretation of prophecy’ is given to the Anointed; which in reality again is the man or small group of men making up the doctrine and teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses – The Governing Body.
The September 1, 1930 Watchtower on page 203 states:
“But it seems certain that when Jesus came to his temple and began his work of judgment he would direct his holy angels to take the necessary action to cause the separation of the disapproved from approved ones, and would use his angels to bear messages to them to direct the approved ones as to what to do.”
According to the Watchtower Society, Jesus has been using angels in carrying his directions to the “approved ones” (aka The Faithful and Discrete Slave “Class”) so they know what to do.
Volume III of Vindication published in 1931, on page 250 provides the following claim:
"It was in the spring of 1918 that the Lord Jesus, as the representative of Jehovah, appeared at the temple, and from that time forward the glory of Jehovah has been here. 'And I heard him speaking unto me out of the house; and the man stood by me.' (Ezek. 43:6) When Ezekiel heard the Lord speaking to him the man stood by him. 'The man' was the heavenly messengers or angels of the Lord now used by the Lord in behalf of the remnant. These angels are invisible to human eyes and are there to carry out the orders of the Lord. No doubt they first hear the instructions which the Lord issues to his remnant and then these invisible messengers pass such instructions on the remnant. The facts show that the angels of the Lord with Him at His temple have been thus rendering service unto the remnant since 1919."
The above stresses how starting in 1918 and specifically since 1919, the angels of the Lord Jesus, have been taking his messages to the remnant (The Faithful and Discreet Slave "Class").
The understanding of prophecy, indeed the interpretation of prophecy does not come from man according to the Watchtower Society.
In their publication Preparation on page 28 it indicates:
"This is proof that the interpretation of prophecy does not proceed from man, but that the Lord Jesus, the chief one in Jehovah's organization, sends the necessary information to his people by and through his holy angels."
The same publication makes the following claims on pages 36-37:
“Certain duties and kingdom interests have been committed by the Lord to his angels, which include the transmission of information to God's anointed people on the earth for their aid and comfort. Even though we cannot understand how the angels transmit this information, we know that they do it; and the Scriptures and the facts show that it is done.”
Page 64 states:
“Enlightenment proceeds from Jehovah by and through Christ Jesus and is given to the faithful anointed on earth at the temple, and brings great peace and consolation to them. Again Zechariah talked with the angel of the Lord, which shows that the remnant are instructed by the angels of the Lord. The remnant do not hear audible sounds, because such is not necessary. Jehovah has provided his own good way to convey thoughts to the minds of his anointed ones.”
When the faithful and discrete slave does not know something, the Lord provides the answers, according to page 67:
“Those of the remnant, being honest and true, must say, We do not know; and the Lord enlightens them, sending his angels for that very purpose.”
Again, man does not interpret prophecy according to the Watchtower Society.
The Watchtower February 15, 1936 issue on page 52 states:
"No man can properly interpret prophecy, and the Lord sends his angels to transmit correct information to his people."
Additionally, it has been emphasized that the Watchtower does not contain man’s opinion.
The Watchtower from November 1, 1931 on page 327 states:
“The Watchtower is not the instrument of any man or set of any of men, nor is it published according to the whims of men. No man's opinion is expressed in the Watchtower.”
Furthermore, according to the Watchtower Society, it is God, the great author of the Bible who provided the interpretation of prophecy found in the Watchtower magazine.
The Watchtower, April 15, 1943 issue on page 127 provides these details:
"The Watchtower is a magazine without equal in the earth, and is conceded this rank by all that have been faithful readers thereof during its more than sixty years of publications.... This is not giving any credit to the magazines publishers, but is due to the great author of the Bible with its truths and prophecies, and who now interprets its prophecies. He it is that makes possible the material that is published in the columns of this magazine and who give promise that it shall continue to publish the advancing truths as long as it continues to exist for the service of the interests of his Theocratic Government.”
To sum up a few of the Society’s teachings at various times quoted above:
-Jesus uses angels to direct the Anointed.
-Interpretation does not come from man, but Jesus sends the necessary information via angels.
-The Lord sends information to angels who transmit the information to the Anointed, but we don’t know how.
-Enlightenment comes from Jehovah thru Jesus transmitted to the minds of the Anointed.
-When the Anointed do not know something the Lord enlightens them by sending angels.
-The Lord sends his angels to transmit correct information to his people.
-No man’s opinion is expressed in the Watchtower.
-The great author of the Bible interprets prophecy and is credited for what is printed in the Watchtower.
So how does all or any of it account for the false prophecies or in giving the benefit of the doubt at the very least, the false interpretation of prophecy by the Watchtower Society?
Were the angels deceiving the Faithful and Discrete Slave Class? Did the angels provide false information? Perhaps, Jesus sent the wrong information? Was Jehovah providing the wrong interpretation of prophecy and then allowing it to print in the Watchtower?
Or is this just once again clear evidence of an organization run by a bunch of men without any sort of divine backing and direction? Review the facts and decide for yourself.
Although such an argument holds no water as the Bible itself provides the definition of a false prophet, which is simply someone who claims to be representative of or speaking by authority of God and states something will happen in the future and it does not occur. Remember, Deuteronomy 18:20-22 clearly tells us:
"However, the prophet who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded him to speak or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must die. And in case you should say in your heart: 'How shall we know the word that Jehovah has not spoken?' when the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or come true, that is the word that Jehovah did not speak. With presumptuousness the prophet spoke it. You must not get frightened at him."
The Watchtower has done this on numerous occasions inclusive of but not exclusive of Armageddon starting in 1914, 1925, in the 1940’s and 1975. However, we will give the benefit of the doubt, and not state for the sake of this argument that the Watchtower Society, which entails the Governing Body was a false prophet, but merely interpreted prophecy incorrectly.
Do their teachings agree with such an argument?
The Watchtower Society has provided a variety of explanation for how information including this so-called ‘interpretation of prophecy’ is given to the Anointed; which in reality again is the man or small group of men making up the doctrine and teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses – The Governing Body.
The September 1, 1930 Watchtower on page 203 states:
“But it seems certain that when Jesus came to his temple and began his work of judgment he would direct his holy angels to take the necessary action to cause the separation of the disapproved from approved ones, and would use his angels to bear messages to them to direct the approved ones as to what to do.”
According to the Watchtower Society, Jesus has been using angels in carrying his directions to the “approved ones” (aka The Faithful and Discrete Slave “Class”) so they know what to do.
Volume III of Vindication published in 1931, on page 250 provides the following claim:
"It was in the spring of 1918 that the Lord Jesus, as the representative of Jehovah, appeared at the temple, and from that time forward the glory of Jehovah has been here. 'And I heard him speaking unto me out of the house; and the man stood by me.' (Ezek. 43:6) When Ezekiel heard the Lord speaking to him the man stood by him. 'The man' was the heavenly messengers or angels of the Lord now used by the Lord in behalf of the remnant. These angels are invisible to human eyes and are there to carry out the orders of the Lord. No doubt they first hear the instructions which the Lord issues to his remnant and then these invisible messengers pass such instructions on the remnant. The facts show that the angels of the Lord with Him at His temple have been thus rendering service unto the remnant since 1919."
The above stresses how starting in 1918 and specifically since 1919, the angels of the Lord Jesus, have been taking his messages to the remnant (The Faithful and Discreet Slave "Class").
The understanding of prophecy, indeed the interpretation of prophecy does not come from man according to the Watchtower Society.
In their publication Preparation on page 28 it indicates:
"This is proof that the interpretation of prophecy does not proceed from man, but that the Lord Jesus, the chief one in Jehovah's organization, sends the necessary information to his people by and through his holy angels."
The same publication makes the following claims on pages 36-37:
“Certain duties and kingdom interests have been committed by the Lord to his angels, which include the transmission of information to God's anointed people on the earth for their aid and comfort. Even though we cannot understand how the angels transmit this information, we know that they do it; and the Scriptures and the facts show that it is done.”
Page 64 states:
“Enlightenment proceeds from Jehovah by and through Christ Jesus and is given to the faithful anointed on earth at the temple, and brings great peace and consolation to them. Again Zechariah talked with the angel of the Lord, which shows that the remnant are instructed by the angels of the Lord. The remnant do not hear audible sounds, because such is not necessary. Jehovah has provided his own good way to convey thoughts to the minds of his anointed ones.”
When the faithful and discrete slave does not know something, the Lord provides the answers, according to page 67:
“Those of the remnant, being honest and true, must say, We do not know; and the Lord enlightens them, sending his angels for that very purpose.”
Again, man does not interpret prophecy according to the Watchtower Society.
The Watchtower February 15, 1936 issue on page 52 states:
"No man can properly interpret prophecy, and the Lord sends his angels to transmit correct information to his people."
Additionally, it has been emphasized that the Watchtower does not contain man’s opinion.
The Watchtower from November 1, 1931 on page 327 states:
“The Watchtower is not the instrument of any man or set of any of men, nor is it published according to the whims of men. No man's opinion is expressed in the Watchtower.”
Furthermore, according to the Watchtower Society, it is God, the great author of the Bible who provided the interpretation of prophecy found in the Watchtower magazine.
The Watchtower, April 15, 1943 issue on page 127 provides these details:
"The Watchtower is a magazine without equal in the earth, and is conceded this rank by all that have been faithful readers thereof during its more than sixty years of publications.... This is not giving any credit to the magazines publishers, but is due to the great author of the Bible with its truths and prophecies, and who now interprets its prophecies. He it is that makes possible the material that is published in the columns of this magazine and who give promise that it shall continue to publish the advancing truths as long as it continues to exist for the service of the interests of his Theocratic Government.”
To sum up a few of the Society’s teachings at various times quoted above:
-Jesus uses angels to direct the Anointed.
-Interpretation does not come from man, but Jesus sends the necessary information via angels.
-The Lord sends information to angels who transmit the information to the Anointed, but we don’t know how.
-Enlightenment comes from Jehovah thru Jesus transmitted to the minds of the Anointed.
-When the Anointed do not know something the Lord enlightens them by sending angels.
-The Lord sends his angels to transmit correct information to his people.
-No man’s opinion is expressed in the Watchtower.
-The great author of the Bible interprets prophecy and is credited for what is printed in the Watchtower.
So how does all or any of it account for the false prophecies or in giving the benefit of the doubt at the very least, the false interpretation of prophecy by the Watchtower Society?
Were the angels deceiving the Faithful and Discrete Slave Class? Did the angels provide false information? Perhaps, Jesus sent the wrong information? Was Jehovah providing the wrong interpretation of prophecy and then allowing it to print in the Watchtower?
Or is this just once again clear evidence of an organization run by a bunch of men without any sort of divine backing and direction? Review the facts and decide for yourself.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Memorial
As we approach closer to the date Thursday, April 9, 2009, Jehovah's Witnesses will anxiously be awaiting the day and more specifically after sundown in which they will observe the Watchtower Society's version of commemorating the death of Jesus Christ, also referred to as the Lord's Evening Meal. Jehovah's Witnesses perform this event annually on the day which corresponds to Nisan 14 on the Jewish calendar.
However, unlike traditional Christianity which when adhering to the admonition of Jesus and partake during their observance according to the following scripture...
John 6:53-54: "Accordingly Jesus said to them: “Most truly I say to YOU, Unless YOU eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, YOU have no life in yourselves. He that feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life, and I shall resurrect him at the last day"
...Jehovah's Witnesses are taught by the Watchtower Society that only those claiming to be a part of the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation should partake. Everyone else passes the wine and bread which symbolize Jesus' flesh and blood without partaking.
What is the reason for this teaching?
For the reason that Jesus established a new covenant, one in which those that were a part of it would have everlasting life in the heavens with him. Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that only a limited number of 144,000 individuals will go to heaven, and everyone else will either be destroyed at Armageddon or remain on the earth under “paradise” conditions.
Those who survive Armageddon on the earth make up the Watchtower Society's understanding of what entails the "great crowd" mentioned in the Bible [In select verses]. Furthermore, those who are not of the remaining 144,000 do not have Jesus as their mediator. Only the remaining Jehovah's Witness members who claim to be a part of the 144,000 have that relationship according to the Watchtower Society.
"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 Isreal, which is limited to only 144,000 members." - Worldwide Security Under the Prince of Peace, page 10.
The Watchtower Society's teaching of a literal 144,000 is from their understanding of the seventh chapter of Revelation.
Revelation 7:1: "And I heard the number of those who were sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel"
Interestingly, the entire rest of the surrounding verses and details are symbolic, but somehow the 144,000 is a literal number according to the Watchtower Society. They also use as support of their doctrine, Revelation chapter 14.
Revelation 14:1, 4-5: "And I saw, and, look! the Lamb standing upon the Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand having his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads. ...These are the ones that did not defile themselves with women; in fact, they are virgins. These are the ones that keep following the Lamb no matter where he goes. These were bought from among mankind as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb, 5 and no falsehood was found in their mouths; they are without blemish."
Again, the 144,000 is literal, but other details such as "...did not defile themselves with women...”, "...have the name of Lamb and Father on their foreheads...", "...are virgins...", "...have no falsehood on their mouths...", "...are without blemish..." are all symbolic or figurative.
Furthermore, the phrase "great crowd" appears in Revelation and they are clearly located in the heavens:
Revelation 19:1: "After these things I heard what was as a loud voice of a great crowd in heaven. They said: “Praise Jah, YOU people! The salvation and the glory and the power belong to our God"
A Jehovah's Witness may have been taught an explanation of something along the lines of that great crowd is different than the great crowd of Armageddon survivors. According to the Watchtower Society teachings, apparently the great crowd mentioned here...
Revelation 7:9: "After these things I saw, and, look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes; and there were palm branches in their hands."
...refers to people living on the earth.
BUT the great crowd mentioned here...
Revelation 19:1: "After these things I heard what was as a loud voice of a great crowd in heaven. They said: “Praise Jah, YOU people! The salvation and the glory and the power belong to our God"
...refers to angels.
Both scriptures use the terminology “great crowd”; both verses are from the same Bible book and the same writer. In both instances “great crowd” is preceded by the phrase "After these things", but somehow, the same designation "great crowd" indicates two complete different groups. How does the Watchtower Society know their understanding is correct? Because the Watchtower Society says so and they have a way of rationalizing and claiming their current teachings are the absolute truth in harmony with their interpretation of scripture.
An example of such is when vaccinations were not allowed. A short time ago, blood fractions were not allowed, and blood transfusions are still not permitted. Let's not forget the stance that organ transplants were viewed as cannibalistic for years by the Watchtower Society as well.
The Watchtower Society is guilty of costing the physical lives of many by their teachings. Not to forget the effects of the mental and emotional conditioning. Should a Christian take the Watchtower Society's view of partaking or not partaking of the bread and wine, knowing very well what the scriptures state regarding everlasting life?
At one time the Watchtower Society taught all Christians were going to heaven, then the Watchtower Society's second president J.F. Rutherford in 1935, started teaching a concept of a great crowd living forever on earth. Will this be another teaching the Watchtower Society flip-flops on?
Similar to the teaching concerning the resurrection of the men of Sodom, the understanding of the "superior authorities", and the "generation", teachings of the Watchtower Society which either went back and forth over and over again in what was believed to be "truth", or became several things over many years, only to end right back to an original old “light" teaching again. Yet, regardless of the teaching at the time, it was still always "the truth".
Maybe someday the Watchtower Society will teach Jehovah's Witnesses "the truth" as they once did, that according to the scriptures, for all Christians their everlasting life is in the heavens.
Remember what the Bible teaches that Jesus stated...
John 6:53-54: "Accordingly Jesus said to them: “Most truly I say to YOU, Unless YOU eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, YOU have no life in yourselves. He that feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life, and I shall resurrect him at the last day"
Meanwhile, Jehovah's Witnesses may continue to roll the dice on the Watchtower Society teaching being "the truth" and not simply opinion. "The truth" of the Watchtower Society has changed so many times on a variety of doctrinal teachings. Furthermore, some Christians may believe Jehovah's Witnesses not partaking definitively means the passing up of everlasting life. Whatever your beliefs are it certainly does not have to be "the truth" of the Watchtower Society.
However, unlike traditional Christianity which when adhering to the admonition of Jesus and partake during their observance according to the following scripture...
John 6:53-54: "Accordingly Jesus said to them: “Most truly I say to YOU, Unless YOU eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, YOU have no life in yourselves. He that feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life, and I shall resurrect him at the last day"
...Jehovah's Witnesses are taught by the Watchtower Society that only those claiming to be a part of the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation should partake. Everyone else passes the wine and bread which symbolize Jesus' flesh and blood without partaking.
What is the reason for this teaching?
For the reason that Jesus established a new covenant, one in which those that were a part of it would have everlasting life in the heavens with him. Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that only a limited number of 144,000 individuals will go to heaven, and everyone else will either be destroyed at Armageddon or remain on the earth under “paradise” conditions.
Those who survive Armageddon on the earth make up the Watchtower Society's understanding of what entails the "great crowd" mentioned in the Bible [In select verses]. Furthermore, those who are not of the remaining 144,000 do not have Jesus as their mediator. Only the remaining Jehovah's Witness members who claim to be a part of the 144,000 have that relationship according to the Watchtower Society.
"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 Isreal, which is limited to only 144,000 members." - Worldwide Security Under the Prince of Peace, page 10.
The Watchtower Society's teaching of a literal 144,000 is from their understanding of the seventh chapter of Revelation.
Revelation 7:1: "And I heard the number of those who were sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel"
Interestingly, the entire rest of the surrounding verses and details are symbolic, but somehow the 144,000 is a literal number according to the Watchtower Society. They also use as support of their doctrine, Revelation chapter 14.
Revelation 14:1, 4-5: "And I saw, and, look! the Lamb standing upon the Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand having his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads. ...These are the ones that did not defile themselves with women; in fact, they are virgins. These are the ones that keep following the Lamb no matter where he goes. These were bought from among mankind as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb, 5 and no falsehood was found in their mouths; they are without blemish."
Again, the 144,000 is literal, but other details such as "...did not defile themselves with women...”, "...have the name of Lamb and Father on their foreheads...", "...are virgins...", "...have no falsehood on their mouths...", "...are without blemish..." are all symbolic or figurative.
Furthermore, the phrase "great crowd" appears in Revelation and they are clearly located in the heavens:
Revelation 19:1: "After these things I heard what was as a loud voice of a great crowd in heaven. They said: “Praise Jah, YOU people! The salvation and the glory and the power belong to our God"
A Jehovah's Witness may have been taught an explanation of something along the lines of that great crowd is different than the great crowd of Armageddon survivors. According to the Watchtower Society teachings, apparently the great crowd mentioned here...
Revelation 7:9: "After these things I saw, and, look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes; and there were palm branches in their hands."
...refers to people living on the earth.
BUT the great crowd mentioned here...
Revelation 19:1: "After these things I heard what was as a loud voice of a great crowd in heaven. They said: “Praise Jah, YOU people! The salvation and the glory and the power belong to our God"
...refers to angels.
Both scriptures use the terminology “great crowd”; both verses are from the same Bible book and the same writer. In both instances “great crowd” is preceded by the phrase "After these things", but somehow, the same designation "great crowd" indicates two complete different groups. How does the Watchtower Society know their understanding is correct? Because the Watchtower Society says so and they have a way of rationalizing and claiming their current teachings are the absolute truth in harmony with their interpretation of scripture.
An example of such is when vaccinations were not allowed. A short time ago, blood fractions were not allowed, and blood transfusions are still not permitted. Let's not forget the stance that organ transplants were viewed as cannibalistic for years by the Watchtower Society as well.
The Watchtower Society is guilty of costing the physical lives of many by their teachings. Not to forget the effects of the mental and emotional conditioning. Should a Christian take the Watchtower Society's view of partaking or not partaking of the bread and wine, knowing very well what the scriptures state regarding everlasting life?
At one time the Watchtower Society taught all Christians were going to heaven, then the Watchtower Society's second president J.F. Rutherford in 1935, started teaching a concept of a great crowd living forever on earth. Will this be another teaching the Watchtower Society flip-flops on?
Similar to the teaching concerning the resurrection of the men of Sodom, the understanding of the "superior authorities", and the "generation", teachings of the Watchtower Society which either went back and forth over and over again in what was believed to be "truth", or became several things over many years, only to end right back to an original old “light" teaching again. Yet, regardless of the teaching at the time, it was still always "the truth".
Maybe someday the Watchtower Society will teach Jehovah's Witnesses "the truth" as they once did, that according to the scriptures, for all Christians their everlasting life is in the heavens.
Remember what the Bible teaches that Jesus stated...
John 6:53-54: "Accordingly Jesus said to them: “Most truly I say to YOU, Unless YOU eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, YOU have no life in yourselves. He that feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life, and I shall resurrect him at the last day"
Meanwhile, Jehovah's Witnesses may continue to roll the dice on the Watchtower Society teaching being "the truth" and not simply opinion. "The truth" of the Watchtower Society has changed so many times on a variety of doctrinal teachings. Furthermore, some Christians may believe Jehovah's Witnesses not partaking definitively means the passing up of everlasting life. Whatever your beliefs are it certainly does not have to be "the truth" of the Watchtower Society.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Truth From The Dead
The Watchtower Society has a history of claiming the involvement of dead members in the furthering and understanding of truth.
From The Finished Mystery on page 144:
“Though Pastor Russell has passed beyond the veil, he is still managing every feature of the Harvest work. `THE WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY is the greatest corporation in the world, because from the time of its organization until now the Lord has used it as His channel though which to make known the Glad Tidings'"
The Watchtower from November 1, 1917, states this under page 6161 from the reprints by the Watchtower Society:
“Hence our dear Pastor, now in glory, is without doubt, manifesting a keen interest in the harvest work, and is permitted by the Lord to exercise some strong influence thereupon.”
Is this just an incorrect understanding which was refined and corrected with time? No.
Over 70 years later, similar claims are still made. Yes, even current “light” from the Watchtower Society includes how the dead is involved with the receiving of truth.
According to Revelation – Its Grand Climax At Hand! - Both the original 1988 and 2006 revision - on page 125 it states:
“It is fitting, then, that one of the 24 elders representing anointed ones already in heaven, should stir John's thinking...(Revelation 7:13, 14a) Yes, that elder could locate the answer and give it to John. This suggests that resurrected ones of the 24-elders group may be involved in the communicating of divine truths today.”
This means throughout the organization’s history, as well as remaining the current teaching, the Watchtower Society believes and teaches that dead anointed members (those of which according to Watchtower Society doctrine are of a literal 144,000 individuals) have involvement in communicating divine truths to living Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Not only does the Watchtower Society lack any moral authority to condemn any organization or person for practicing Spiritism, they are hypocrites and liars to claim they do not engage in such practices.
From The Finished Mystery on page 144:
“Though Pastor Russell has passed beyond the veil, he is still managing every feature of the Harvest work. `THE WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY is the greatest corporation in the world, because from the time of its organization until now the Lord has used it as His channel though which to make known the Glad Tidings'"
The Watchtower from November 1, 1917, states this under page 6161 from the reprints by the Watchtower Society:
“Hence our dear Pastor, now in glory, is without doubt, manifesting a keen interest in the harvest work, and is permitted by the Lord to exercise some strong influence thereupon.”
Is this just an incorrect understanding which was refined and corrected with time? No.
Over 70 years later, similar claims are still made. Yes, even current “light” from the Watchtower Society includes how the dead is involved with the receiving of truth.
According to Revelation – Its Grand Climax At Hand! - Both the original 1988 and 2006 revision - on page 125 it states:
“It is fitting, then, that one of the 24 elders representing anointed ones already in heaven, should stir John's thinking...(Revelation 7:13, 14a) Yes, that elder could locate the answer and give it to John. This suggests that resurrected ones of the 24-elders group may be involved in the communicating of divine truths today.”
This means throughout the organization’s history, as well as remaining the current teaching, the Watchtower Society believes and teaches that dead anointed members (those of which according to Watchtower Society doctrine are of a literal 144,000 individuals) have involvement in communicating divine truths to living Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Not only does the Watchtower Society lack any moral authority to condemn any organization or person for practicing Spiritism, they are hypocrites and liars to claim they do not engage in such practices.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Riding the United Nations
According to the Watchtower Society's publication Revelation - Its Grand Climax At Hand, the 'scarlet colored wild beast' depicted in the Bible book of Revelation represents the United Nations. Further, the 'harlot' who rides the wild beast denotes false religion which associates and has relations with the wild beast.
Revelation - Its Grand Climax at Hand on page 248 & 254:
"The UN, then, is actually a revival of the scarlet-colored wild beast...the United Nations, "a scarlet-colored wild beast" that is the image of Satan’s bloodstained political system. - Revelation 16:2; 17:3-16."
Page 243:
"From its inception, [the United Nations] has also had the great harlot [false religion] riding on its back, visibly associated with it...representatives of the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, together with Protestants, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims—said to represent two thousand million of earth's population—assembled in San Francisco to celebrate their support and admiration of the UN."
For nearly a decade the Watchtower Society was an active associate of the United Nations. In 1991, the Watchtower Society applied for NGO association, and it was granted in 1992. They would retain their active association thru October 2001. They were a non-governmental organization (NGO) active associate, just like many other religions of the world. Year upon year, the Watchtower Society would criticize and slander other religions for their association with the United Nations; however, they were doing the exact same thing.
This is obvious and blatant hypocrisy.
The following Jehovah's Witnesses served as the representatives of the Watchtower Society respecting applying for NGO association on behalf of the organization:
1. Ciro Aulicino - Writing Department
2. W. Lloyd Barry - Governing Body
3. Robert Johnson - Service Department
A letter confirming the Watchtower Society's NGO association with the United Nations can be found on the United Nation's website here:
http://search.un.org/smb/secf10.un.org/DigiLib/$/DigitalLibrary/Dig/www.un.org/dpi/ngosection/pdfs/watchtower.pdf
Here is the letter (Click images to enlarge):
While the Watchtower Society was an active associate of the United Nations, knowledge of the facts spread, including an article written which publicly exposed the hypocrisy and deceit. On October 8, 2001, The Guardian published an article entitled "Jehovah's Witnesses link to UN queried - Sect accused of hypocrisy over association with organisation it has demonised." It was written by Stephen Bates, a religious affairs correspondent. The Watchtower Society went on the defense. Later in the same month, they issued a letter to all branch offices claiming that their NGO association was a result of needing a “library card” and since then the "criteria for association" with the UN changed. After which the Watchtower Society requested to have their relationship with the United Nations terminated.
The truth is the criteria in 1991, when they started to 'ride the wild beast', entailed just as strong devotion and commitment as it did in 2001. Every year they were required to renew their association. Furthermore, their letter to the branch offices was misleading in trying to make Jehovah's Witnesses believe that only recent association changes aligned them in such a way to make them part of the harlot in which they "immediately withdrew registration". The reality is their change in stance came about due to the overwhelming pressure and too many people questioning and calling them out on their deceit, trickery, and hypocrisy.
The "library card" defense is pathetic at best. Prior to the aftermath of September 11, 2001, one could have used the library without being an NGO active associate. Nonetheless, is that excuse or any excuse valid for being a part of the harlot riding the wild beast?
Additionally, non-governmental organizations are required now and during the years the Watchtower Society was an active associate to "disseminate UN propaganda to their members, and to regularly report back to the UN" providing samples of such propaganda. The non-governmental organization brochure given to associates provided the details.
The following are five of the requirements set by the United Nations for non-governmental organizations along with some of the Watchtower Society's compliance articles towards their commitment and support of the listed requirements:
1. Dissemination information about the UN to their membership - Awake!, November 22, 1998, pages 6-10.
2. Mobilizing public opinion in support of the United Nations - Awake!, November 22, 1998 pages 3-5.
3. Promoting knowledge of the United Nations' principles and activities - Awake! January 5, 1999, page 13; Awake! June 22, 1999, page 15; Awake! July 22, 1999, page 31.
4. Promoting United Nations observances and international years - Awake!, July 22, 1999, page 3; Awake!, July 22, 2001, page 5.
5. Publicizing United Nations activities - Awake!. January 8, 1999, page 31; Awake! May 8, 1999, page 31.
The Watchtower Society's support and cooperation in promoting and being a part of the United Nations, 'riding the wild beast' was so clear and resounding that the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights highlighted one such article on its website found here:
http://www.unhchr.ch/udhr/materials/articles.htm
The article highlighted is "A 'Long Job Finished'" from Awake!, November 22, 1998, pages 3-5.
It is disgraceful and despicable. The Watchtower Society is teaching Jehovah's Witnesses one thing and practices another regarding political association and ties. It has clearly supported and promoted what they deem as the scarlet colored wild beast of Revelation, through their own publication which is supposed to be "providing food at the proper time" to Jehovah's Witnesses.
By their own actions and teachings the Watchtower Society is part of the harlot, the prostitute which rides the wild beast. They are a part of false religion by their own standard and measurement. Continue to research and understand the truth about the organization behind and directing Jehovah's Witnesses.
Revelation - Its Grand Climax at Hand on page 248 & 254:
"The UN, then, is actually a revival of the scarlet-colored wild beast...the United Nations, "a scarlet-colored wild beast" that is the image of Satan’s bloodstained political system. - Revelation 16:2; 17:3-16."
Page 243:
"From its inception, [the United Nations] has also had the great harlot [false religion] riding on its back, visibly associated with it...representatives of the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, together with Protestants, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims—said to represent two thousand million of earth's population—assembled in San Francisco to celebrate their support and admiration of the UN."
For nearly a decade the Watchtower Society was an active associate of the United Nations. In 1991, the Watchtower Society applied for NGO association, and it was granted in 1992. They would retain their active association thru October 2001. They were a non-governmental organization (NGO) active associate, just like many other religions of the world. Year upon year, the Watchtower Society would criticize and slander other religions for their association with the United Nations; however, they were doing the exact same thing.
This is obvious and blatant hypocrisy.
The following Jehovah's Witnesses served as the representatives of the Watchtower Society respecting applying for NGO association on behalf of the organization:
1. Ciro Aulicino - Writing Department
2. W. Lloyd Barry - Governing Body
3. Robert Johnson - Service Department
A letter confirming the Watchtower Society's NGO association with the United Nations can be found on the United Nation's website here:
http://search.un.org/smb/secf10.un.org/DigiLib/$/DigitalLibrary/Dig/www.un.org/dpi/ngosection/pdfs/watchtower.pdf
Here is the letter (Click images to enlarge):
The truth is the criteria in 1991, when they started to 'ride the wild beast', entailed just as strong devotion and commitment as it did in 2001. Every year they were required to renew their association. Furthermore, their letter to the branch offices was misleading in trying to make Jehovah's Witnesses believe that only recent association changes aligned them in such a way to make them part of the harlot in which they "immediately withdrew registration". The reality is their change in stance came about due to the overwhelming pressure and too many people questioning and calling them out on their deceit, trickery, and hypocrisy.
The "library card" defense is pathetic at best. Prior to the aftermath of September 11, 2001, one could have used the library without being an NGO active associate. Nonetheless, is that excuse or any excuse valid for being a part of the harlot riding the wild beast?
Additionally, non-governmental organizations are required now and during the years the Watchtower Society was an active associate to "disseminate UN propaganda to their members, and to regularly report back to the UN" providing samples of such propaganda. The non-governmental organization brochure given to associates provided the details.
The following are five of the requirements set by the United Nations for non-governmental organizations along with some of the Watchtower Society's compliance articles towards their commitment and support of the listed requirements:
1. Dissemination information about the UN to their membership - Awake!, November 22, 1998, pages 6-10.
2. Mobilizing public opinion in support of the United Nations - Awake!, November 22, 1998 pages 3-5.
3. Promoting knowledge of the United Nations' principles and activities - Awake! January 5, 1999, page 13; Awake! June 22, 1999, page 15; Awake! July 22, 1999, page 31.
4. Promoting United Nations observances and international years - Awake!, July 22, 1999, page 3; Awake!, July 22, 2001, page 5.
5. Publicizing United Nations activities - Awake!. January 8, 1999, page 31; Awake! May 8, 1999, page 31.
The Watchtower Society's support and cooperation in promoting and being a part of the United Nations, 'riding the wild beast' was so clear and resounding that the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights highlighted one such article on its website found here:
http://www.unhchr.ch/udhr/materials/articles.htm
The article highlighted is "A 'Long Job Finished'" from Awake!, November 22, 1998, pages 3-5.
It is disgraceful and despicable. The Watchtower Society is teaching Jehovah's Witnesses one thing and practices another regarding political association and ties. It has clearly supported and promoted what they deem as the scarlet colored wild beast of Revelation, through their own publication which is supposed to be "providing food at the proper time" to Jehovah's Witnesses.
By their own actions and teachings the Watchtower Society is part of the harlot, the prostitute which rides the wild beast. They are a part of false religion by their own standard and measurement. Continue to research and understand the truth about the organization behind and directing Jehovah's Witnesses.
Friday, January 30, 2009
The New World Translation – Part II: The Translators
The Watchtower Society released The New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures in August 1950. This translation of the Hebrew Scriptures was released in five volumes covering the years of 1953, 1955, 1957, 1958, and 1960. Finally, their complete translation of the Bible, The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures was released as a single volume in 1961.
Jehovah’s Witnesses were told then, and still instructed to believe today, that this translation is the most accurate, unbiased translation available. The Watchtower Society claims that 'The New World Translation Committee’ was made up of individuals who did their best to “transmit his [God’s] thoughts and declarations as accurately as possible.”
However, when one endeavors to check into the credentials of these translators, one finds that the Watchtower Society is unwilling to release this information, stating that the Committee desires that all the glory for this translation go to Jehovah God and therefore the translators desire to remain anonymous.
The New World Translation Committee has always been extremely secretive, and, as a result, information about who was on it has only trickled out of the Brooklyn headquarters as various staff members have left and revealed what they knew. Scant information has been published, other information has leaked by word of mouth.
Nonetheless, the facts show that they were totally unqualified for the task of translation. The Watchtower Society’s Governing Body members who were on the Translation Committee had no formal training whatsoever in the Biblical languages. Here are the translators:
1. Frederick W. Franz: Main translator. He took liberal arts sequence at University of Cincinnati; 21 semester hours of classical Greek, some Latin. Partially completed a two-hour survey course in Biblical Greek in junior year; course titled "The New Testament--A course in grammar and translation." He left in spring of 1914 before completing junior year. Self-taught in Spanish, biblical Hebrew and Aramaic. He entered Brooklyn headquarters facility of Watchtower Society in 1920. It is probable he was the ghost writer for J. F. Rutherford (2nd President of Watchtower Society) from late 1920s through 1942. Franz was the Vice President of Watchtower Society from 1942 to 1977 and President from 1977 until his death in 1992 at age 99.
Franz writes in his autobiography contained in the Watchtower, May 1, 1987, page 24:
"What a blessing it was to study Bible Greek under Professor Arthur Kensella! Under Dr. Joseph Harry, an author of some Greek works, I also studied the classical Greek. I knew that if I wanted to become a Presbyterian clergyman, I had to have a command of Bible Greek. So I furiously applied myself and got passing grades"
Franz gives the impression that the bulk of his Greek studies were "Bible Greek" under "Professor Kensella" and that classical Greek was secondary under "Dr. Joseph Harry." The opposite is true. As mentioned above, Franz only took one 2-hour credit class of "Bible Greek" but 21 hours of classical Greek. According to the course catalog of 1911, Arthur Kensella was not a professor of Greek, as Franz wrote, but an "instructor in Greek." Kensella did not have a Ph.D. and he therefore taught entry-level courses.
2. Nathan H. Knorr: No training in biblical languages. Entered Brooklyn headquarters in 1923; 3rd president of Watchtower Bible and Track Society from 1942 to 1977. He died 1977 at age 72.
3. Milton G. Henschel: No training in biblical languages. He served as the private secretary and traveling companion to N. H. Knorr from the late 1940s until the early 1970s. He’s the 4th president of Watchtower Bible and Track Society from 1992 to 2000. After “stepping down”, he was followed by Don Adams as president.
4. Albert D. Schroeder: No training in biblical languages. He took 3 years of mechanical engineering, unspecified language courses in college, dropped out in 1932 and soon entered Brooklyn headquarters. He is a Registrar of "Gilead School" from 1942 to 1959.
5. Karl Klein: No training in biblical languages. Klein entered Brooklyn headquarters in 1925; member of Writing Dept. since 1950. He died 2001 at age 96.
6. George D. Gangas: No training in biblical languages. Greek-speaking Turkish national, he entered Brooklyn headquarters in 1928 as a Greek translator from English to modern Greek publications. He died 1994 at age 98.
Franz was the only man capable to perform any sort of translation work. Gangas was a native Greek speaker, but knew little of Koine Greek (Original Greek language used for the Christian Greek Scriptures), and apparently helped out with a variety of non-translation tasks including reviewing the English grammar for continuity of expression. From all information published about him personally, one readily concludes that Knorr was the business administrator for the Translation Committee. Henschel might have been on it to take care of legal/secretarial matters. Schroeder and Klein did the copious footnotes (which included textual sources) and cross references and marginal notes, which in the original six volumes of The New World Translation were more extensive than in the 1984 edition.
Franz gave this testimony under oath in the Douglas Walsh Trial in Scotland…
Tuesday, 23rd November, 1954: Frederick William Franz, Examined:
Q. Have you also made yourself familiar with Hebrew?
A. Yes....
Q. So that you have a substantial linguistic apparatus at your command?
A. Yes, for use in my biblical work.
Q. I think you are able to read and follow the Bible in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and French?
A. Yes.
Q. It is the case, is it not, that in 1950 there was prepared and issued what is called the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures?
A. Yes....
Q. I think that it was your duty, was it not, before the issue of that New World Translation by your Society to check that translation for accuracy?
A. That is true.
Q. In light of your studies and in light of your knowledge?
A. That is true.
Q. And did you do so?
A. I did so....
Q. And was it your duty on behalf of the Society to check the translation into English from the original Hebrew of that first volume of the Old Testament Scriptures?
A. Yes....
Q. In so far as translation of the Bible itself is undertaken, are you responsible for that?
A. I have been authorized to examine a translation and determine its accuracy and recommend its acceptance in the form in which it is submitted.
Q. Are the translators members of the Editorial Committee?
A. That is a question which I, as a member of the Board of Directors, am not authorized to disclose....
Q. When did you go to the University?....Did you graduate?
A. No, I did not....
Q. Had you done any Hebrew in the course of your University work?
A. No, I had not, but in the course of my editorial work, my special research work for the president of the Society, I found it was very necessary to have knowledge of Hebrew, and so I undertook a personal study of that.
ADJOURNED
Wednesday, 24th November, 1954: Frederick William Franz, Cross Continued:
Q. You, yourself, read and speak Hebrew, do you?
A. I do not speak Hebrew.
Q. You do not?
A. No.
Q. Can you, yourself, translate that into Hebrew?
A. Which?
Q. That fourth verse of the Second Chapter of Genesis?
A. You mean here?
Q. Yes?
A. No, I won’t attempt to do that.
— From Douglas Walsh Trial, Pursuer’s Proof, 1954, pages 7-9, 88, 91-92, 102-103.
This exercise which Franz was unable to do is something which the average first or second year Hebrew student could have accomplished without any difficulty. Is it any wonder the Watchtower Society refuses to publicly reveal the people who were involved in the translation of their Bible? Would you put your trust in a doctor who refused to give his credentials? Yet, this is similar to what many Jehovah’s Witnesses are doing when it comes to their trust of the Watchtower Society's The New World Translation of the Bible.
Uncover the history, understand the facts, examine the details and know "The Truth".
Jehovah’s Witnesses were told then, and still instructed to believe today, that this translation is the most accurate, unbiased translation available. The Watchtower Society claims that 'The New World Translation Committee’ was made up of individuals who did their best to “transmit his [God’s] thoughts and declarations as accurately as possible.”
However, when one endeavors to check into the credentials of these translators, one finds that the Watchtower Society is unwilling to release this information, stating that the Committee desires that all the glory for this translation go to Jehovah God and therefore the translators desire to remain anonymous.
The New World Translation Committee has always been extremely secretive, and, as a result, information about who was on it has only trickled out of the Brooklyn headquarters as various staff members have left and revealed what they knew. Scant information has been published, other information has leaked by word of mouth.
Nonetheless, the facts show that they were totally unqualified for the task of translation. The Watchtower Society’s Governing Body members who were on the Translation Committee had no formal training whatsoever in the Biblical languages. Here are the translators:
1. Frederick W. Franz: Main translator. He took liberal arts sequence at University of Cincinnati; 21 semester hours of classical Greek, some Latin. Partially completed a two-hour survey course in Biblical Greek in junior year; course titled "The New Testament--A course in grammar and translation." He left in spring of 1914 before completing junior year. Self-taught in Spanish, biblical Hebrew and Aramaic. He entered Brooklyn headquarters facility of Watchtower Society in 1920. It is probable he was the ghost writer for J. F. Rutherford (2nd President of Watchtower Society) from late 1920s through 1942. Franz was the Vice President of Watchtower Society from 1942 to 1977 and President from 1977 until his death in 1992 at age 99.
Franz writes in his autobiography contained in the Watchtower, May 1, 1987, page 24:
"What a blessing it was to study Bible Greek under Professor Arthur Kensella! Under Dr. Joseph Harry, an author of some Greek works, I also studied the classical Greek. I knew that if I wanted to become a Presbyterian clergyman, I had to have a command of Bible Greek. So I furiously applied myself and got passing grades"
Franz gives the impression that the bulk of his Greek studies were "Bible Greek" under "Professor Kensella" and that classical Greek was secondary under "Dr. Joseph Harry." The opposite is true. As mentioned above, Franz only took one 2-hour credit class of "Bible Greek" but 21 hours of classical Greek. According to the course catalog of 1911, Arthur Kensella was not a professor of Greek, as Franz wrote, but an "instructor in Greek." Kensella did not have a Ph.D. and he therefore taught entry-level courses.
2. Nathan H. Knorr: No training in biblical languages. Entered Brooklyn headquarters in 1923; 3rd president of Watchtower Bible and Track Society from 1942 to 1977. He died 1977 at age 72.
3. Milton G. Henschel: No training in biblical languages. He served as the private secretary and traveling companion to N. H. Knorr from the late 1940s until the early 1970s. He’s the 4th president of Watchtower Bible and Track Society from 1992 to 2000. After “stepping down”, he was followed by Don Adams as president.
4. Albert D. Schroeder: No training in biblical languages. He took 3 years of mechanical engineering, unspecified language courses in college, dropped out in 1932 and soon entered Brooklyn headquarters. He is a Registrar of "Gilead School" from 1942 to 1959.
5. Karl Klein: No training in biblical languages. Klein entered Brooklyn headquarters in 1925; member of Writing Dept. since 1950. He died 2001 at age 96.
6. George D. Gangas: No training in biblical languages. Greek-speaking Turkish national, he entered Brooklyn headquarters in 1928 as a Greek translator from English to modern Greek publications. He died 1994 at age 98.
Franz was the only man capable to perform any sort of translation work. Gangas was a native Greek speaker, but knew little of Koine Greek (Original Greek language used for the Christian Greek Scriptures), and apparently helped out with a variety of non-translation tasks including reviewing the English grammar for continuity of expression. From all information published about him personally, one readily concludes that Knorr was the business administrator for the Translation Committee. Henschel might have been on it to take care of legal/secretarial matters. Schroeder and Klein did the copious footnotes (which included textual sources) and cross references and marginal notes, which in the original six volumes of The New World Translation were more extensive than in the 1984 edition.
Franz gave this testimony under oath in the Douglas Walsh Trial in Scotland…
Tuesday, 23rd November, 1954: Frederick William Franz, Examined:
Q. Have you also made yourself familiar with Hebrew?
A. Yes....
Q. So that you have a substantial linguistic apparatus at your command?
A. Yes, for use in my biblical work.
Q. I think you are able to read and follow the Bible in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and French?
A. Yes.
Q. It is the case, is it not, that in 1950 there was prepared and issued what is called the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures?
A. Yes....
Q. I think that it was your duty, was it not, before the issue of that New World Translation by your Society to check that translation for accuracy?
A. That is true.
Q. In light of your studies and in light of your knowledge?
A. That is true.
Q. And did you do so?
A. I did so....
Q. And was it your duty on behalf of the Society to check the translation into English from the original Hebrew of that first volume of the Old Testament Scriptures?
A. Yes....
Q. In so far as translation of the Bible itself is undertaken, are you responsible for that?
A. I have been authorized to examine a translation and determine its accuracy and recommend its acceptance in the form in which it is submitted.
Q. Are the translators members of the Editorial Committee?
A. That is a question which I, as a member of the Board of Directors, am not authorized to disclose....
Q. When did you go to the University?....Did you graduate?
A. No, I did not....
Q. Had you done any Hebrew in the course of your University work?
A. No, I had not, but in the course of my editorial work, my special research work for the president of the Society, I found it was very necessary to have knowledge of Hebrew, and so I undertook a personal study of that.
ADJOURNED
Wednesday, 24th November, 1954: Frederick William Franz, Cross Continued:
Q. You, yourself, read and speak Hebrew, do you?
A. I do not speak Hebrew.
Q. You do not?
A. No.
Q. Can you, yourself, translate that into Hebrew?
A. Which?
Q. That fourth verse of the Second Chapter of Genesis?
A. You mean here?
Q. Yes?
A. No, I won’t attempt to do that.
— From Douglas Walsh Trial, Pursuer’s Proof, 1954, pages 7-9, 88, 91-92, 102-103.
This exercise which Franz was unable to do is something which the average first or second year Hebrew student could have accomplished without any difficulty. Is it any wonder the Watchtower Society refuses to publicly reveal the people who were involved in the translation of their Bible? Would you put your trust in a doctor who refused to give his credentials? Yet, this is similar to what many Jehovah’s Witnesses are doing when it comes to their trust of the Watchtower Society's The New World Translation of the Bible.
Uncover the history, understand the facts, examine the details and know "The Truth".
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Wizard of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Many have heard of and probably seen the Wizard of Oz. The movie version from 1939 stars Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale. Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow, Bert Lahr was the Cowardly Lion, and the Tin Man was played by Jack Haley. Of course there are a slew of other characters in the movie, from those other characters there are two I want to focus on.
The first is the part played by Frank Morgan. Granted he played Professor Marvel, the Gatekeeper, the Crying Guard, as well as being the Carriage Driver of Emerald City. But most importantly, he was the Wizard.
All of those happy, sincere, kind, and good natured Munchkins believed in the Wizard. The one who could help people and who could provide answers seemed to point right to the Wizard. Even Billie Burke's role as Glinda [The good witch who helps Dorothy] - was convinced of who and what the Wizard of Oz was and what he could do for individuals. Or at least that seemed to be the case.
For me, it used to be hard to pick my favorite character in the story. I did lean towards Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow. Then again, Bert was great as the Lion. Jack's role as the Tin Man really clicked with me too. It was a tough call.
However, after leaving the Watchtower Society, my favorite character has become the part played by Terry. Furthermore, Terry's character is the one that I want to focus on second. Terry does not have a last name, and is the real life name of Toto. Toto played one of the most important roles in the entire movie. Toto revealed what the Wizard really was to Dorothy and her companions. Toto pulled the curtain back to reveal that the Wizard was a ordinary man and not the great, powerful, and magnificent Wizard.
The inhabitants of Oz represent Jehovah's Witnesses as a whole collective group. The Faithful and Discreet Slave Class - specifically, those few men in Brooklyn who set the doctrine and teachings for Jehovah's Witnesses who call themselves the Governing Body - is the Wizard. The Watchtower Society is like the Wizard's Emerald City, a strong and powerful testimony to who and what the Wizard is for the individuals of the Land of Oz. Glinda can be District Overseers, Circuit Overseers and even perhaps Elders and Ministerial Servants. The Munchkins can be played by many of the individual Jehovah’s Witnesses that exist within the organization. Not to leave out the fact there are bad people perhaps even several bad people who can play the role of the Wicked Witch within the organization. There are bad people found within all organizations. Pedophiles, greedy people, and others exist among Jehovah's Witnesses as they do everywhere else. Nevertheless, that is not the focus of this topic.
If the Wizard is the Governing Body, then who is Toto? That's the interesting part. Toto can be many different things even for just one person. Perhaps your Toto is a combination of research you've done and careful investigation of the lies, deceit, and flip-flopping of the "Wizard's" doctrines. Perhaps it's the "Wizard's" blood-guilt over their prior stance on vaccinations and organ transplants or the "Wizard's" decades long stance of a woman not crying out when being rape results in her being guilty of fornication and worthy of everlasting destruction. Maybe your Toto was a concerned family member or friend who showed you the truth respecting the Watchtower Society's history and their false prophecies. Or maybe for you Toto was the fact of the Watchtower's Society approximate decade long stance as a charter member of the United Nations.
Whatever or whomever Toto may be is not as important as the action of Toto pulling the curtain back to reveal to you that the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses are just made up of men who are not special or blessed in any way and most certainly are not as they claim, the sole channel of communication God is using to direct and organize people.
Could you imagine in the movie after Toto pulled back the curtain, Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow, and/or the Lion punishing or shunning Toto and still believing in the Wizard? Can you imagine, Dorothy and her companions ignoring all they saw and witnessed respecting the Wizard and just went along following his next set of orders and or commands for them to obey and follow? That course of action would have been a bit ridiculous, unreasonable and leave Dorothy and her companions in a very sad state of being. Remember, the Wizard wants you to pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.
Even after the revealing of who the Wizard is to Dorothy and her companions, in the closing scenes of leaving Oz, Glinda who may have known what the Wizard was all about, didn't seem upset about it. Perhaps she thought it was the best thing for the congregations of Munchkins. They still were happy and nice people too. After all, the Wizard appeared to have done many wonderful things for the Munchkins, and the Munchkins still loved and cheered for him, even after seeing he was not who he really was suppose to be or perhaps those Munchkins were not in the know of who that man represented. Maybe the Munchkins were still in denial.
Will you be a Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow or Cowardly Lion? Either one of those characters will suffice in the event you react as they did once the curtain was pulled back. And how about being Toto? Maybe you're not Toto today, but maybe you will be for someone. Just be brave enough to pull back the curtain. Toto knew something was wrong, did the right thing and revealed the truth about the Wizard.
Who or what is your Toto?
Just think, the next time you see Jehovah's Witnesses going to a Pubic Talk, Watchtower Study, District Convention, Circuit Assembly or any other Watchtower Society instruction and indoctrination program, remember they are really off...
Off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz.
The first is the part played by Frank Morgan. Granted he played Professor Marvel, the Gatekeeper, the Crying Guard, as well as being the Carriage Driver of Emerald City. But most importantly, he was the Wizard.
All of those happy, sincere, kind, and good natured Munchkins believed in the Wizard. The one who could help people and who could provide answers seemed to point right to the Wizard. Even Billie Burke's role as Glinda [The good witch who helps Dorothy] - was convinced of who and what the Wizard of Oz was and what he could do for individuals. Or at least that seemed to be the case.
For me, it used to be hard to pick my favorite character in the story. I did lean towards Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow. Then again, Bert was great as the Lion. Jack's role as the Tin Man really clicked with me too. It was a tough call.
However, after leaving the Watchtower Society, my favorite character has become the part played by Terry. Furthermore, Terry's character is the one that I want to focus on second. Terry does not have a last name, and is the real life name of Toto. Toto played one of the most important roles in the entire movie. Toto revealed what the Wizard really was to Dorothy and her companions. Toto pulled the curtain back to reveal that the Wizard was a ordinary man and not the great, powerful, and magnificent Wizard.
The inhabitants of Oz represent Jehovah's Witnesses as a whole collective group. The Faithful and Discreet Slave Class - specifically, those few men in Brooklyn who set the doctrine and teachings for Jehovah's Witnesses who call themselves the Governing Body - is the Wizard. The Watchtower Society is like the Wizard's Emerald City, a strong and powerful testimony to who and what the Wizard is for the individuals of the Land of Oz. Glinda can be District Overseers, Circuit Overseers and even perhaps Elders and Ministerial Servants. The Munchkins can be played by many of the individual Jehovah’s Witnesses that exist within the organization. Not to leave out the fact there are bad people perhaps even several bad people who can play the role of the Wicked Witch within the organization. There are bad people found within all organizations. Pedophiles, greedy people, and others exist among Jehovah's Witnesses as they do everywhere else. Nevertheless, that is not the focus of this topic.
If the Wizard is the Governing Body, then who is Toto? That's the interesting part. Toto can be many different things even for just one person. Perhaps your Toto is a combination of research you've done and careful investigation of the lies, deceit, and flip-flopping of the "Wizard's" doctrines. Perhaps it's the "Wizard's" blood-guilt over their prior stance on vaccinations and organ transplants or the "Wizard's" decades long stance of a woman not crying out when being rape results in her being guilty of fornication and worthy of everlasting destruction. Maybe your Toto was a concerned family member or friend who showed you the truth respecting the Watchtower Society's history and their false prophecies. Or maybe for you Toto was the fact of the Watchtower's Society approximate decade long stance as a charter member of the United Nations.
Whatever or whomever Toto may be is not as important as the action of Toto pulling the curtain back to reveal to you that the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses are just made up of men who are not special or blessed in any way and most certainly are not as they claim, the sole channel of communication God is using to direct and organize people.
Could you imagine in the movie after Toto pulled back the curtain, Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow, and/or the Lion punishing or shunning Toto and still believing in the Wizard? Can you imagine, Dorothy and her companions ignoring all they saw and witnessed respecting the Wizard and just went along following his next set of orders and or commands for them to obey and follow? That course of action would have been a bit ridiculous, unreasonable and leave Dorothy and her companions in a very sad state of being. Remember, the Wizard wants you to pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.
Even after the revealing of who the Wizard is to Dorothy and her companions, in the closing scenes of leaving Oz, Glinda who may have known what the Wizard was all about, didn't seem upset about it. Perhaps she thought it was the best thing for the congregations of Munchkins. They still were happy and nice people too. After all, the Wizard appeared to have done many wonderful things for the Munchkins, and the Munchkins still loved and cheered for him, even after seeing he was not who he really was suppose to be or perhaps those Munchkins were not in the know of who that man represented. Maybe the Munchkins were still in denial.
Will you be a Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow or Cowardly Lion? Either one of those characters will suffice in the event you react as they did once the curtain was pulled back. And how about being Toto? Maybe you're not Toto today, but maybe you will be for someone. Just be brave enough to pull back the curtain. Toto knew something was wrong, did the right thing and revealed the truth about the Wizard.
Who or what is your Toto?
Just think, the next time you see Jehovah's Witnesses going to a Pubic Talk, Watchtower Study, District Convention, Circuit Assembly or any other Watchtower Society instruction and indoctrination program, remember they are really off...
Off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz.
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