Live Up To Your Dedication

On May 16, 2010, Jehovah’s Witnesses studied and was taught from the March 15, 2010, Watchtower magazine. The article utilized is entitled, ‘Walk By Spirit And Live Up To Your Dedication’. It is found on pages 14-18 of the aforementioned publication.

This leads us to the discussion to what do Jehovah’s Witnesses dedicate themselves? Prior to 1985, before a person’s baptism into becoming a member, two questions were asked which needed to be answered in the affirmative. These questions can be found in the Watchtower, May 1, 1973, page 280, paragraph 25, under ‘Baptizing Follows Discipling’, which states the following:

“If you feel the same about serving Jehovah God and taking Christ’s yoke upon you, we suggest that you consider the following two questions, which are asked of candidates for baptism:

(1) Have you repented of your sins and turned around, recognizing yourself before Jehovah God as a condemned sinner who needs salvation, and have you acknowledged to him that this salvation proceeds from him, the Father, through his Son Jesus Christ?

(2) On the basis of this faith in God and in his provision for salvation, have you dedicated yourself unreservedly to God to do his will henceforth as he reveals it to you through Jesus Christ and through the Bible under the enlightening power of the holy spirit?”


The questions appear fair and straightforward enough in understanding one’s dedication would be to the Father [Jehovah], the Son [Jesus Christ] and the Holy Spirit. To the Watchtower Society’s credit, this could also be seen to harmonize with the scripture found in Mathew 28:19. As translated in the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, it states:

“Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit”.


However, after the fallout of the Watchtower Society falsely leading and indoctrinating members to believe Armageddon was to occur in 1975, there was a huge lost in membership. In the early 1980’s refinements were made to place a stronger hold on the members and for there to be greater ownership and accountability of the members to the Watchtower Society.

A consequence of this was revised questions in which a person must still answer in the affirmative in order to be baptized. The questions can be found in the Watchtower from June 1, 1985. On page 30 under ‘Subjecting Ourselves To Jehovah By Dedication’ the following is stated:

“At the close of the convention baptism talk, the baptism candidates will be in position to answer with depth of understanding and heartfelt appreciation two simple questions that serve to confirm that they recognize the implications of following Christ’s example.

The first question is:
On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?

The second is:
Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization?”


Notice the second question. The Watchtower Society has completely removed the Holy Spirit and in turn leaves a person bound as a member of the Watchtower organization. Slyly, since the year 1985, people who become a dedicated member of Jehovah’s Witnesses have been baptized, not in the name of the Holy Spirit (As stipulated in the Bible), but in the name of a so-called ‘spirit-directed organization’. Interestingly, there is no mention in these updated questions of this baptism identifying them as Christian, but strictly a Jehovah’s Witness; a member of the organization controlled by the Watchtower Society.

Therefore, are Jehovah’s Witnesses dedicated to God in the same manner as first century Christians? Is a Jehovah’s Witnesses baptism biblical, and by whose authority does such a baptism leave one under? Is one when baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Clearly, by the organization’s publication and practice, one is dedicating themselves in the name of Jehovah, Jesus and the Watchtower Society. Is that a dedication anyone should desire to live up to?

According to the Watchtower Society, dedication to their organization is required by God and they are the only true Christian religion as shown in the Watchtower, January 15, 1997, page 22, paragraphs 21-22, under ‘What Does God Require Of Us?’:

“This brings us to the fourth requirement. We must serve Jehovah with his spirit-directed organization. How, though, can God’s organized people be identified? According to the standards set out in the Scriptures, they have real love among themselves, they have deep respect for the Bible, they honor God’s name, they preach about his Kingdom, and they are no part of this wicked world. (Matthew 6:9; 24:14; John 13:34, 35; 17:16, 17) There is only one religious organization on this earth that has all these marks of true Christianity—Jehovah’s Witnesses!”


It is required to be members of the Watchtower organization. If one was to research the origin and background of Jehovah's Witnesses, they would find it to be one whose fondation started in the late 1800’s with a history of doctrinal flip-flops and false prophesy. Nevertheless, this is what God requires and what Jehovah’s Witnesses are indoctrinated to live up to in dedication, according to the Watchtower Society…Despite what the Bible states.

End Question

Does "new light" excuse false prophecy?





"From a purely human viewpoint, it could appear that these developments could hardly take place before the generation of 1914 disappears from the scene. But fulfillment of all the foretold events affecting the generation of 1914 does not depend on comparatively slow human action. Jehovah's prophetic word through Jesus Christ is: 'This generation [of 1914] will by no means pass away until all things occur.' (Luke 21:32) And Jehovah, who is the source of inspired and unfailing prophecy, will bring about the fulfillment of his Son's words in a relatively short time.--Isaiah 46:9,10; 55:10,11."
--The Watchtower, May 15, 1984, pages 6-7

Note: The expression "[of 1914]" is in the original Watchtower text.

“‘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.’"
--New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures - Deuteronomy 18:20-22.

Blood Guilty

To this day, Watchtower Society's doctrine still prohibits blood transfusions. A doctrine enforced that is actually rooted back to the days in which C.T. Russell's teachings were desired to be overturned, during the reign of second Watchtower Society president, J.F. Rutherford. This same notion stuck with succeeding Watchtower Society presidents, including Knorr and Franz.

Though Franz was well-known among many old timers in the organization to be the author of many of the books printed by the Watchtower Society, little is known about other contributors to doctrinal changes. One of these men is Gene Smalley. He is the author of this 'new light' (As opposed to C.T. Russell's 'old light') on blood transfusions.

There continued to be 'refinements' of this Watchtower Society doctrine as a result of the inaccuracy of research performed by the organization. More so, changes have been implemented due to the legal ramifications in modern times.

Furthermore, many countries have been issued public relations statements that would give the appearance that Jehovah's Witnesses are not prohibited by the organization from having blood transfusions. Nonetheless, if they make the personal 'choice' to have a blood transfusion, they are disfellowshipped and shunned. Of course, this is not mentioned in the information provided to the public.

Here's a list of some Watchtower Society publications and the stance respecting the organization's doctrine and teachings of blood:

12/25/1940 - Consolation, page 19: Blood transfusions permitted.
07/01/1945 - Watchtower, page 201: Blood officially banned.
01/08/1954 - Awake!, page 24: Disallowed the use of blood fractions.
09/15/1958 - Watchtower, page 575: Changed policy allows use of blood fractions.
10/15/1959 - Watchtower, page 640: No storage of blood before an operation.
09/15/1961 - Watchtower, pages 558-599: Disallowed blood fractions.
02/22/1975 - Awake!, page 30: Hemophilia treatment condemned.
06/15/1978 - Watchtower, pages 29-31: Hemophilia treatments allowed.
06/15/1985 - Watchtower, page 30: Factor VIII not allowed.
03/01/1989 - Watchtower, pages 30 & 31: Blood outside body permitted using dialysis.
06/15/2000 - Watchtower, pages 29-31: Blood fractions from blood components allowed.

Besides the current no blood transfusion stance which started under the Rutherford Reign in the mid-40s, notice the other following oddities...

Blood Fractions:
No = 1954
Yes = 1958
No = 1961
Yes = 2000

Hemophilia treatments:
No = 1975
Yes = 1978

Apparently, according to Watchtower Society teachings during the mid-70's God had a disdain towards hemophiliacs. Additionally, it took close to 40 years for God to direct his organization back to the stance that blood fractions are allowed. After teaching it was not allowed in 1954, approximately four years later it was permitted. About three years after that, it became prohibited again, and remained that way from 1961 until 2000. In 2000, God threw some more 'new light' at the Governing Body who gave the thumbs up to blood fractions.

To ponder the number of deaths the above doctrines has caused and still causes are staggering. Not to just adults but to innocent and helpless children. Here's a brief list to consider straight from some of the Watchtower Society's publications:


-Adrian Yeatts - age 15 - Source: Awake! May 22, 1994, page 8.

-Dan Andersen - age 15 - Source: Watchtower February, 1, 1996, page 15.

-Irene Walter - age 2 - Source: Awake!, September 22, 1972, pages 17-21.

-Lenae Martinez - age 12 - Source: Awake!, May 22, 1994, page 10.

-Lisa Kosack - age 12 - Source: Awake!, May 22, 1994, page 14.

-Wyndham Cook - age 15 - Source: Awake!, August 22, 1991, page 15.

Please note…The May 22, 1994 Awake! is a good reference point alone as numerous children are spoken of who have died due to the Watchtower Society's interpretation of Bible verses.

A few more easily referenced:

-Brendon Hood - age 4 - Source: Associated Press dispatch reproduced on page 70 of the book ‘Danger at Your Door’ by Duane Magnani.

-Elihu Canle - age 2 - Source: Cambio 16, October 3, 1994.

-Kelsey Crockford - age 2 - Source: The Houston Chronicle, November 18, 1995, page 42A.

-Kevin Rattenbury - age 14 - Source: The Chicago Tribune, August 14, 1991.

-Lucia Gangi - age 12 - Source: Australia's Telegraph Mirror Journal, March 25, 1992.


There are hundreds to thousands more which could be referenced, but we will leave that for your own personal research. A child of 15, 12, 2 years old age...What 'choice' did these children have?

Indoctrination from an organization claiming to be God's channel of truth provides the directive and they follow or are forced to follow in many cases, their parent's consent or/and legal directive. The blood guilt is clear and is extremely saddening. It is an evil from a false prophet doomsday organization whose victims include helpless innocent children that is reminiscent of the child sacrifices found in the Bible. Molech and Baal would be pleased.

Submit To The Governing Body

This past April 4th Sunday's Watchtower Study article emphasized once again to the followers what is key to the faith and organization that is known as Jehovah's Witnesses. As the Watchtower Society has stressed, is stressing, and will continue to stress, is obedience to their organization.

The article, "Jehovah's Way Of Ruling Vindicated!” as found in the January 15, 2010 Watchtower, pages 28-32, states the following in paragraph 15:

"Each of us would do well to ask himself: 'Do I fully recognize the responsibilities that I should shoulder within the Christian congregation? Am I properly supporting Jehovah's way of governing? Am I proud to be a subject of Jehovah's ruling Kingdom? Am I determined to continue telling others about God's Kingdom to the extent that I reasonably can?' As a group, we willingly submit ourselves to the direction given by the Governing Body and cooperate with the appointed elders in the congregations. In such ways, we demonstrate our acceptance of God's way of ruling. (Read Hebrews 13:17.) Willing submission results in a worldwide unity that is unique in this divided world. It also produces peace and righteousness and brings glory to Jehovah, demonstrating that his way of ruling is by far the best."

Submit to the Governing Body and do it willingly. That is the message. That is part of the indoctrinating and training a Jehovah's Witness receives. The continuous subliminal message being instilled to a loyal Jehovah's Witness member is you listen to the Governing Body, you obey the Governing Body, and you do as the Governing Body says. In this way you're 'properly supporting Jehovah'; you 'accept God's way of ruling'.

This obedience to the Governing Body is backed with a fallacy consistently used by the Watchtower Society known as the 'Appeal to Authority'. The phrases: 'Jehovah's way of governing', 'Jehovah's ruling Kingdom', 'God's Kingdom', and the aforementioned 'God's way of ruling', all surrounds the Watchtower Society's direction to submit yourself to their Governing Body’s directions.

Furthermore, the twisted and circular logic is as follows: You submit yourself to the Governing Body - Those 9 men calling the shots in Brooklyn - because that is the direction and ruling of God. You know it is the direction and ruling of God because the Governing Body says that is the case. It makes perfect circular logical sense.

God's Name

According to Insight on the Scriptures Volume 2, page 5 under the heading, 'Jehovah' the following is stated:

"Correct Pronunciation of the Divine Name. “Jehovah” is the best known English pronunciation of the divine name, although “Yahweh” is favored by most Hebrew scholars. The oldest Hebrew manuscripts present the name in the form of four consonants, commonly called the Tetragrammaton (from Greek te•tra-, meaning “four,” and gram'ma, “letter”). These four letters (written from right to left) are יהוה and may be transliterated into English as YHWH (or, JHVH)."


The Watchtower Society adds "(or, JHVH)" in their publication, but that letter usage was to make allowance and flexibility centuries later. It does not attribute towards accuracy. The confusion stems from Latin sources, in which the same letter represents both J and Y, and another single letter represents both V and W. Nonetheless, the original Hebrew translates to YHWH.

On page 7, the same publication continues:

"Since certainty of pronunciation is not now attainable, there seems to be no reason for abandoning in English the well-known form “Jehovah” in favor of some other suggested pronunciation. If such a change were made, then, to be consistent, changes should be made in the spelling and pronunciation of a host of other names found in the Scriptures: Jeremiah would be changed to Yir•meyah′, Isaiah would become Yesha?•ya′hu, and Jesus would be either Yehoh•shu′a? (as in Hebrew) or I•e•sous′ (as in Greek). The purpose of words is to transmit thoughts; in English the name Jehovah identifies the true God, transmitting this thought more satisfactorily today than any of the suggested substitutes."


So the Watchtower Society is stating that there is no way to attain the correct pronunciation of God’s name, but since ‘Jehovah’ is supposedly so well-known, let’s stick with it. Regardless of the facts that Hebrew scholars use YaHWeH, and earliest documented evidence shows YHWH – Not JHVH [JeHoVaH] as valid consonants in the name.

This is not the only place the Watchtower Society shows poor reasoning and goes against logic in their explanation of using ‘Jehovah’. The Divine Name brochure on page 7 under ‘God’s Name – It’s Meaning and Pronunciation’ makes the following statements:

“How Is God’s Name Pronounced? The truth is, nobody knows for sure how the name of God was originally pronounced. Why not? Well, the first language used in writing the Bible was Hebrew, and when the Hebrew language was written down, the writers wrote only consonants—not vowels. Hence, when the inspired writers wrote God’s name, they naturally did the same thing and wrote only the consonants. "

Page 8 of the same brochure states:

"Where, though, did pronunciations like Yahweh come from? These are forms that have been suggested by modern scholars trying to deduce the original pronunciation of God’s name. Some—though not all—feel that the Israelites before the time of Jesus probably pronounced God’s name Yahweh. But no one can be sure. Perhaps they pronounced it that way, perhaps not.

Nevertheless, many prefer the pronunciation Jehovah. Why? Because it has a currency and familiarity that Yahweh does not have. Would it not, though, be better to use the form that might be closer to the original pronunciation? Not really, for that is not the custom with Bible names."

The same article then tries to convince the reader that since many other biblical names were translated in a similar fashion (continuing "the custom" argument), translating God's name in the same pattern may be acceptable too. The Watchtower Society is trying to make two wrongs equal a right. After laying that reasoning down, the organization once again shows how faulty their own logic is and then switches gears on page 10:

"...Even though the modern pronunciation Jehovah might not be exactly the way it was pronounced originally, this in no way detracts from the importance of the name. It identifies the Creator, the living God, the Most High to whom Jesus said: “Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified.”—Matthew 6:9.”


Interestingly, the Watchtower Society comments: "...Jehovah might not be exactly the way it was pronounced originally". However, it definitely was not pronounced that way. Their own publication already provided that information. By stating 'might not', it is deceitful and leading the reader to believe there is a chance, it is possible 'Jehovah' is the name of God. The truth is there is zero possibility that 'Jehovah' is correct.

Regardless, since “many prefer” Jehovah over Yahweh, the Watchtower Society is sticking with Jehovah as the official name. This is in spite of the fact that Yahweh is closer to the original pronunciation, as admitted by the organization.

The Watchtower Society is hypocritical and contradictory in the way they approach the name of God. From their own words, it is seen that popular choice and preference outweighs logic and facts. One would think something that Jehovah's Witnesses stress is so monumental in importance, the name of 'The Father'; it would be better decided with facts and truth rather than the popular vote.

Interestingly (and arguably more importantly), the Bible makes the following statements in the area respecting names. In the case where a Jehovah's Witness is taught that God, whom is perceived as just being The Father and is specifically addressed, the Bible notes the following details on the issue.

Exodus 3:13-14 (New King James Version):

"Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?”

And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”"


If there was significance in saying the specific name of ‘Jehovah’ God, you would believe that here would be the place for it. God would state a specific divine name, 'Jehovah' or they equivalent thereof to His people. However, He does not do so. Furthermore, application in the New Covenant and Testament provides these specifics regarding a divine name.

Acts 4:10-12 (New King James Version):

"let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’[a] Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Footnotes:
[a] Acts 4:11 - Psalm 118:22”


The scriptures above make it plain and simple. The name of God – (more specific to Jehovah’s Witnesses, 'The Father' only) - was not provided when God was asked directly for it. However, the name of Jesus Christ is the only one in which salvation is found. There is no other name under heaven given among men in which we must be saved – This includes the ‘popular’ and Watchtower Society preferred name of The Father, 'Jehovah'.

Of course, this only applies if you believe and follow the Bible to be the Word of God. If you perceive a bunch of men who tout themselves as a ‘Governing Body’ who dispense ‘truth’ through a magazine, you’re probably inclined to feel otherwise.

Finally, how did ‘Jehovah’ become so ‘well-known’ and ‘preferred’?

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, (1991) under the heading 'Yahweh', here is how this name came into being:

"The Masoretes, who from about the 6th to the 10th century worked to reproduce the original text of the Hebrew Bible, replaced the vowels of the name YHWH with the vowel signs of the Hebrew word Adonai or Elohim. Thus the artificial name Jehovah (YeHoWaH) came into being."

Furthermore, despite the name Jehovah being nonexistent in the original Hebrew scriptures, it really started to become mainstream around 1270 A.D. due to the work of a Roman Catholic Spanish Monk, named Raymundus Martini. As mentioned earlier, there is no J or V in the Hebrew alphabet. 'Jehovah' is a Latinized or anglicized transliteration. It is not an accurate one.

The Watchtower Society supports the Masoretic and Catholic originated work, while providing a twisted logic and justification for utilizing a manufactured name for God. This in itself is ironic and hypocritical, when you read of the historic bashing of the Catholic faith by Jehovah's Witnesses.

Perhaps the only thing more artificial then the name of God being Jehovah, is the notion of a publishing company being the sole channel of communicating ‘truth’ that same God is using today.

Bait And Switch Friends

Jehovah’s Witnesses are indoctrinated through talks and publications of the Watchtower Society to recruit members. Their primary focus towards anyone who is not a Jehovah’s Witness is to convert them. Although they will not out rightly say so, and will use such phrases as ‘encourage people to look into the Bible’, what they are really attempting is to ‘encourage people to interpret and understand the Bible according to the Watchtower Society’.

The sincerity and kindness they seemingly show can even be questioned when the true motives of such actions become apparent. Take for instance the teachings seen by Jehovah’s Witnesses as spiritual food in the November 15, 2009, Watchtower article with the theme, ‘Displaying Good Manners As A Minister Of God’. It covers pages 24-29 of the journal. Notice the admonition and what should be the true motive in making friends with those who are not members as noted in paragraph 10:

"Consider the case of a Christian couple named Tom and Carol, who live in a large North American city. They have made pleasant conversation with their neighbours a part of their ministry. How do they do it? Referring to James 3:18, Tom says: "We try to be friendly and peaceable with people. We approach those we see outside their homes and those who work in the area. We smile and greet them. We talk about what interests them--their children, their dogs, their homes, their jobs. In time, they view us as their friends." Carol adds: "On a later visit, we give them our names and ask for theirs. We let them know what we are doing in the neighbourhood but keep the conversations brief. Eventually, we can give them a witness." Tom and Carol have won the confidence of many of their neighbours. A good number have accepted Bible-based publications, and a few have shown greater interest in learning the truth.”

The Jehovah’s Witnesses indoctrinated objective is not to be a sincere friend to those who are outside of the organization, but rather to give the appearance of one, so as to be able to preach to a person the Watchtower Society’s 'truth' - “give them a witness”. There may be a Jehovah's Witness you know that is a true friend despite this teaching of their leaders (Referred to by Jehovah’s Witnesses as 'The Governing Body'). Nonetheless, this is the message, the practice, and the so-called love Jehovah’s Witnesses are trained to show to those whom they label as ‘worldly people’.

Furthermore, remember the “Bible-based publications” mentioned in the quoted paragraph are more magazines, books and the like, that are published by the Watchtower Society. It is their interpretation and their twist on matters, which when accepted by an outsider, is seen as taking an interest in “the truth”. This so called 'truth' is the current or present truth as taught by the Watchtower Society. Remember though, that 'truth' can often change, this includes returning to an older belief they once had, as seen in the Watchtower Society’s teachings of ‘generation’ or the resurrection of the men of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Jehovah’s Witnesses are in the bait and switch game, whether conscience of the fact or not. They bait or lure individuals under a false premise or pretense in order to ultimately make more converts under an organization in which they are programmed to perceive as 'the truth'. That victum is love bombed and praised by members for taking the bait. Once indoctrinated enough, a switch occurs ever so subtly and the person must be a loyal member to the organization, or else suffer at the very least mental and emotional anguish.

Fact of the matter is a game has been played on them by the Watchtower Society. It continues to be played now, as it has been played throughout the organization’s history. That same quoted paragraph appropriately stated the Jehovah’s Witnesses “won the confidence” of those around them. In the Watchtower Society’s game, they are trying to ‘win’ everybody’s confidence.

The Watchtower Society convinces individual members to believe they have choice, they have freedom, but the reality is the members are taught severe consequence; including the ingrained notion and belief that they will die eternally and fall out of God’s favor should they not follow the organization. The bait of choice and freedom is switched to a trap of the mind and heart.

The bait of a façade love and friendship is switched (realized or not), with a real guilt and fear. The consequence of either a literal or believed losing of everything and everyone, should you even attempt to no longer be a member of the organization. It is the ultimate bait and switch, encompassing the kind of friendship no one should be interested in having as part of their life.

Next Generation Is This Generation

Here is the new definition of 'generation' from the "faithful and discreet slave class" as stated in the April 15, 2010, Watchtower magazine. The article is entitled, "Holy Spirit’s Role in the Outworking of Jehovah’s Purpose". This new teaching and belief is specifically brought out in paragraphs 13 and 14:

"Third, holy spirit is at work in bringing Bible truths to light. (Prov. 4:18) This magazine has long been used by “the faithful and discreet slave” as the primary channel for dispensing increased light. (Matt. 24:45) For example, consider our understanding of those who make up “this generation” mentioned by Jesus. (Read Matthew 24:32-34). To what generation did Jesus refer? The article “Christ’s Presence—What Does It Mean to You?” explained that Jesus was referring, not to the wicked, but to his disciples, who were soon to be anointed with holy spirit. Jesus’ anointed followers, both in the first century and in our day, would be the ones who would not only see the sign but also discern its meaning—that Jesus “is near at the doors.”

"What does this explanation mean to us? Although we cannot measure the exact length of “this generation,” we do well to keep in mind several things about the word “generation”: It usually refers to people of varying ages whose lives overlap during a particular time period; it is not excessively long; and it has an end. (Ex. 1:6) How, then, are we to understand Jesus’ words about “this generation”? He evidently meant that the lives of the anointed who were on hand when the sign began to become evident in 1914 would overlap with the lives of other anointed ones who would see the start of the great tribulation. That generation had a beginning, and it surely will have an end. The fulfillment of the various features of the sign clearly indicate that the tribulation must be near. By maintaining your sense of urgency and keeping on the watch, you show that you are keeping up with advancing light and following the leadings of holy spirit.—Mark 13:37."


The Watchtower Society is now teaching Jehovah's Witnesses that when you read 'generation', it doesn't mean one generation, but an overlap of generations starting with the anointed in 1914. It's funny how the Watchtower Society can manipulate and interpret words as well as scriptural passage to fit their doctrines as they continue to make less and less sense.

It was not too long ago, another publication referencing the same word "generation" also used the highlighted scripture in Exodus to explain the 'correct' understanding. The Insight on the Scriptures book Volume 1, page 917 makes this statement:

"A generation commonly refers to all persons who were born about the same time. (Ex 1:6)"


However, now the Watchtower Society states according to the April 15, 2010, Watchtower:

"It usually refers to people of varying ages whose lives overlap during a particular time period; it is not excessively long; and it has an end. (Ex. 1:6)"


Two completely different takes on 'generation' using the same bible verse as support. In one occasion, it supports people “born about the same time”, and then in another instance the same verse supports “varying ages whose lives overlap”. The Watchtower Society has a knack for twisting the application of scriptures to suit their agenda and interpretation of 'truth' at any given time.

Additionally, they try to support their teachings by using weasel words or crafty grammatical styling to make their information and doctrine sound concrete and appear to be "the truth". As can be seen in paragraph 14 of the April 15, 2010, Watchtower study article, they make the statement regarding Jesus words:

"He evidently meant..."


Where and what is the evidence? There is no evidence. All that's present is the Watchtower Society's spin on matters when the facts go against their grain of beliefs. Anytime you see the Watchtower Society use the word "evidently", often what they are really stating is "there is no evidence, we are telling you and you will believe it means". They are placing words and exaggerated convoluted meaning into what the Bible states Jesus said.

Using their logic and interpretation of scripture, a child born in 2010 is actually part of Tom Brokaw's "Greatest Generation" because there are still plenty of World War II veterans alive today and the generations overlap. Additionally, today's kindergartener child is a part of the World War I generation because Kama Chinen of Japan, one of the oldest living people, born in 1895, overlaps with the child's life. According to the Watchtower Society, if these generations "overlap" starting with those who witnesses the events of 1914, they are a part of the same generation.

The problem the Watchtower Society is dealing with is the constant increase of Memorial partakers. In fact, the 2010 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses shows the number of partakers is 10,857 for the year 2009. This marks a significant increase from the previous year of 2008 where partakers totaled 9,986. The Watchtower Society taught that the decrease in number of partakers was a sign that Armageddon was soon to take place. Consequently, what would it mean to Jehovah's Witnesses if that number kept increasing? Obviously, they needed to fix the mess they started, since that number is indeed increasing.

The facts and real evidence makes them peddle back and perform a different explanation of their interpretation of the scriptures. Looking at the Watchtower from October 15, 1988 on page 4 under the heading, "The Sign — Are You Heeding It?" The following was taught as "the truth":

"Might it be, though, that the sign could occur over the span of many human generations? No. The sign is to occur during one particular generation. The same generation that witnessed the beginning of the sign will also witness its climax.

There is, however, the danger of becoming impatient. Seventy-four years have passed since the outbreak of World War I in 1914. From a human viewpoint, this may seem a very long time. But some eagle-eyed Christians who saw World War I are still very much alive. Their generation has not passed away."


Now with so-called 'increased light', that one human generation from 1914 spoken of in the Watchtower can completely pass away and not witness the climax because of the next generation (according to the Watchtower Society current 'truth') is an 'overlapping generation' which is equal to the same generation that Jesus was recorded to have stated in the Bible. Clear as muddy water, is it not?

Let's take a final look at the Watchtower Society's teaching of 'generation'. This time from a longer historical perspective:

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]

-2010 = Overlap Generations of the Anointed since 1914
[Watchtower April 15, 2010 page 10]


In summary, the Watchtower Society’s teaching concerning the meaning of 'generation' as recorded in Matthew was first 'correctly' understood to be 'The Anointed' 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 of 'The Anointed'. However, in a little over two years that now has proved to be not completely accurate and needed more 'tweaking' to overlap generations of the Anointed since 1914.

All the above is "The Truth" and the way God directs his chosen people...

...According to the Watchtower Society.