Sean, Author at JW Changes

The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: Changed Writings

March 20, 2016 By Sean

I would like to start by looking first at I Peter 1:24-25. It says the following in the New World Translation: For “all flesh is like grass, and all its glory is like a blossom of grass; the grass becomes withered, and the flower falls off, but the saying of Jehovah endures forever.” Well, this is the “saying,” this which has been declared to YOU as good news.

Let’s take a few moments and examine these two verses. The author of this passage is attributed to Peter, who is identified in 1:1. However, this has disputed. Regardless, the context of the entire book is that it’s addressed to the early believers who are in Asia Minor (present day Turkey). They were enduring persecution. The simplistic meaning behind this passage is that things done or said by men is temporary, anything associated with God is eternal. This goes for the Word of God (the Bible), His attributes, to eternal security of salvation.

One would think that this organization’s material would have a longer life then what it actually does. This organization has claimed inspiration at times, hence the words of this organization should last forever. Unfortunately, this has not always been the case. With that in mind, I’m going to bring forth some various statements by this organization through it’s history. This organization revises the text, slips it in, and doesn’t explain the reason why behind it at all. This can be a tedious task but it’s a fun one.

Studies in the Scriptures: Has the following quote:

Text version of Studies in the Scriptures, Volumes 1-7. Volumes 1-6 were written by Charles Taze Russell (1916 edition) and were originally entitled "Millennial Dawn." Earlier editions of volumes 1-6 contain significant differences. Predictions for the year 1914 were altered in the 1916 printing. Volume 7 is entitled "The Finished Mystery" and was written by G. Fisher and C. J. Woodworth (1918). These volumes were published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (now known as Jehovah's Witnesses). Text is in the public domain.

https://archive.org/details/StudiesInTheScripturesVolumes1-7

This south end wall of the “Grand Gallery” has a peculiarity also: it is not vertical, but leans northward-at the top seven inches-and at its very top there is an opening or passageway connecting with the so-called “Construction Chambers” over the “King’s Chamber.”

Studies in the Scriptures 3-Thy Kingdom Come. 1898. p. 335, 336

So note it is only seven inches.

This south end wall of the “Grand Gallery” has a peculiarity also: it is not vertical, but leans northward-at the top 20 inches-and at its very top there is an opening or passageway connecting with the so-called “Construction Chambers” over the “King’s Chamber.”

Studies in the Scriptures 3-Thy Kingdom Come. 1898, 1911 ed. p. 335, 336

Somehow this monument that was during the time designed by Jehovah grew 13 inches somehow. It had to be Jehovah because Newton’s first law of motion (an object in motion/rest tends to stay that way).

Here's a video that depicts the quotes from above:

Then measuring down the "Entrance Passage" from that point, to find the distance to the entrance of the "Pit," representing the great trouble and destruction with which this age is to close, when evil will be overthrown from power, we find it to be 3416 inches, symbolizing 3416 years from the above date, B.C. 1542. This calculation shows AD. 1874 as marking the beginning of the period of trouble; for 1542 years B.C. plus 1874 years AD. equals 3416 years. Thus the Pyramid witnesses that the close of 1874 was the chronological beginning of the time of trouble such as was not since there was a nation — no, nor ever shall be afterward.

Studies in the Scriptures Volume III-Thy Kingdom Come. 1891, 1904 ed. p. 342

Then measuring down the "Entrance Passage" from that point, to find the distance to the entrance of the "Pit," representing the great trouble and destruction with which this age is to close, when evil will be overthrown from power, we find it to be 3457 inches, symbolizing 3457 years from the above date, B.C. 1542. This calculation shows AD. 1915 as marking the beginning of the period of trouble; for 1542 years B.C. plus 1915 years AD. equals 3457 years. Thus the Pyramid witnesses that the close of 1914 will be the beginning of the time of trouble such as was not since there was a nation — no, nor ever shall be afterward.

Studies in the Scriptures Volume III-Thy Kingdom Come. 1891, 1910 ed. p. 342

We call attention to a few slight changes which have been made in four pages of Vol. II. and six pages of Vol. III., "STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES." These are all trivial and do not alter the real sense and lesson, but conform to the facts as we have them today. The pages containing these corrections are as follows:
Vol. II., page 77, line 1, "will be the farthest limit," reads "will see the disintegration."
Vol. II., page 77, line 6, "will obtain full universal control," reads "will begin to assume control."
Vol. II., page 77, lines 16,17, "end of A.D. 1914," reads "end of the overthrow."
Vol. II., page 81, line 9, "can date only from A.D. 1914," reads "could not precede A.D. 1915."
Vol. II., page 170, line 16, "at that time they will all be overturned."*
*How long it will require to accomplish this overturning we are not informed, but have reason to believe the period will be short.
Vol. II., page 221, line 25, "full favor until A.D. 1914," reads "full favor until after 1915."
Vol. III., page 94, line 29, "in this end or harvest," reads "at the end of this harvest."
Vol. III., page 126, line 12, "at A.D. 1914," reads "after 1914."
Vol. III., page 133, line 21, "ere the harvest is fully ended."+
Vol. III., page 228, line 11, "some time before 1914," reads "very soon after 1914."
Vol. III., page 228, line 15, "just how long before," reads "just how long after."
Vol. III., page 362, line 11, "some time before," reads "some time near."
Vol. III., page 364, line 14, "must not only witness," reads "may not only witness.""

+The end of the harvest will probably include the burning of the tares.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. March 1, 1915 p. 5649

Take note that this Watch Tower spoke about changes.

We know nothing so good to give them as the six volumes of STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, in our opinion they need no change nor alteration.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. November 1, 1915 Reprints p. 5794

Just eight months later, the Watch Tower didn’t need any change or alteration at all.

Just how long before 1914 the last living members of the body of Christ will be glorified, we are not directly informed; but it certainly will not be until their work in the flesh is done; nor can we reasonably presume that they will long remain after that work is accomplished. With these two thought in mind, we can approximate the time of the deliverance.

Studies in the Scriptures III-Thy Kingdom Come. 1908 p.228

Notice how the deliverance of saints was to take place within six years.

Just how long after 1914 the last living members of the body of Christ will be glorified, we are not directly informed; but it certainly will not be until their work in the flesh is done; nor can we reasonably presume that they will long remain after that work is accomplished.

Studies in the Scriptures III-Thy Kingdom Come. 1908, 1915 ed. p.228

Contrasting this with the 1915 edition, the deliverance was to take place soon after.

Let’s look at the publication Watchtower Jesus would have inspected: The Finished Mystery.

Also, in the year 1918, when God destroys the churches wholesale and the church members by millions, it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell to learn the meaning of the downfall of Christianity.

The Finished Mystery. 1917 p. 485

So what we have was in less than a year, Christendom as present day Jehovah’s Witnesses describe mainstream Christianity was to be destroyed.

Also, in the year 1918, when God begins to destroys the churches and the church members by millions it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell to learn the meaning of the downfall of Christianity.

The Finished Mystery. 1917, 1926 ed. p. 485

Now from when the churches were to be destroyed, they were now only beginning to be destroyed. So what does that destruction look like now? Not saying that quantity is better than quality but today, mainstream Christianity is still far bigger in terms of size. Also, the organization is not undergoing the scrutiny that the organization is.

While the Temple is an architectural possibility, as shown in the accompanying illustration, (and may be erected at Jerusalem), it, in its various parts, surroundings, rites and worshippers, is a type and symbol of better ‘things to come', after the wars, revolutions and anarchy of the period from 1914 to 1925 have passed.

The Finished Mystery. 1917 p. 569

So here as I said recently, the organization has the affinity of dates. Let’s look a little bit more.

The Finished Mystery. 1917, 1926 ed. p. 569

So we go from having a date to an indefinite period.

Back in 1960, a former United States Secretary of State, Dean Acherson declared that our time is "a period of unequaled instability, unequaled violence" And he warned: "I know enough of what is going on to assure you that, in fifteen years from today this world is going to be too dangerous to live in.""

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life. 1968. p.9

So from this quote, 1960 plus 15 years equals the year 1975. This is yet another time where the organization has a quote regarding 1975.

"Also, as reported back in 1960, a former United States Secretary of State, Dean Acheson, declared that our time is "a period of unequaled instability, unequaled violence." Based on what he knew was then going on in the world, it was his conclusion that soon "this world is going to be too dangerous to live in.""

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life. 1968, 1981 edition. p.9

So again, we have a case where we go from the organization having a definitive date to “soon.”

Let’s look a little more at the publication You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, 1982 and the 1989 edition on page 179 you will see the following difference in paragraph 10:

In short, this is when the organization taught the resurrection of the Sodomites would occur in 1982 yet in 1989 they wouldn’t receive a resurrection.

I mentioned this recently, but it is pertinent for today.

He was laying a foundation for a work that would be completed in our 20th century.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. January 1, 1989 p. 12

Definite time given. The work still goes on.

He was laying a foundation for a work that would be completed in our day.

(Bound volume and CD)
The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. January 1, 1989 p. 12

How long does “our day” last?

Here are some other publications that the organization has had one or more editions:

Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education. 2001, 2012 printing.

The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s. 1989, 2006 printing.

Come Be My Follower. 2007, 2012 printing.

Draw Close to Jehovah. 2002, 2014 edition.

God’s Word for Us Through Jeremiah. 2010. 2012 printing.

Harp of God. 1921, 1928 edition.

Keep Yourself in God’s Love. 2008, 2014 edition. 2015 printing.

Kingdom Interlinear Translation. 1969, 1985 edition.

Live With Jehovah’s Day in Mind. 2006, 2014 printing.

Make Sure of All Things. 1953, 1965 edition.

Qualified To Be Ministers. 1955, 1967 edition.

My Book of Bible Stories. 1978, 2004 editions.

Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy! 1999, 2006 printing.

Pay Attention To Yourselves and To All The Flock. 1977, 1979, 1981, 1991 editions.

Reasoning From The Scriptures. 1985, 1989 edition.

Revelation! It’s Grand Climax At Hand. 1988. 2006 printing.

The following link has an indepth analysis: http://www.jwfacts.com/images/rev-bk-adjustment-comparison.pdf

Shepherd the Flock of God. 2010, 2012 online edition.

What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005. 2014 revision. Most likely has agreement with the revised version of the New World Translation.

Given the trend of having changes in later editions, what could possibly be contained within the various publications?

This is from the January 2015 Awake!

With this in mind, I started in the New World Translation, I would like to finish by looking back at some of the verses within the New World Translation itself.

John 17:3

This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.

New World Translation. 1984 edition.

This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.

New World Translation. 2013 edition.

Colossians 1:16, 17

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,

New World Translation. 1950 p. 589

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,

New World Translation. 1984 p. 1468

New World Translation. 1984, 2006 printing p. 1469, 1470

Notice how the brackets were not originally used, then inserted in the 1984 edition. Today, the organization gives the appearance of the word “other” being included by again going to the old practice of removing the brackets yet again.

Hebrews 1:6

But when he again brings his Firstborn into the inhabited earth, he says: “And let all God’s angels worship him.”

New World Translation. 1950 p. 634 and Kingdom Interlinear Translation. 1969 p. 964, 965

Within those pages, here is definitive proof that the organization was engaged in “creature worship” since the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society proclaims Jesus to be a created being.

Let’s contrast…

But when he again brings his Firstborn into the inhabited earth, he says: “And let all God’s angels do obeisance to him.”

New World Translation. 1984 p. 1490 and Kingdom Interlinear Translation. 1985 p. 948, 949

Obeisance is showing reverence but not full worship.

One significant passage that’s been removed is John 7:53-8:11. Prior editions of the New World Translation would at least state that this passage was not present in some of the oldest manuscripts of the Greek Scriptures/New Testament. However, they have been taken out completely.

With these changes in mind, it is quite obvious that the organization doesn’t fit with Malachi 3:6 which says the following, “For I am Jehovah; I have not changed.” The manuscripts that are the basis of all recognized translations have not changed (recognized being accepted and not attached to a particular group) yet the organization changes things in a short period of time. How about you place down the fallible reading material that changes on a whim and rely on the Word of God.

The Watchtower Society and Dates

March 13, 2016 By Sean

The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has had a foundational problem with dates. This is not something new. Dates are in two categories: secular and spiritual. Since the Watchtower can draw some roots from the Adventist movement, the influence can be traced to William Miller, the Baptist farmer. Focus on the opening portion.

The Seventh Day Adventists were mentioned as well. They are religious “cousins” to the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. Here’s just one date that I will use from their doctrinal structure established by Ellen G. White: 1844.

At the time appointed for the judgment –the close of the 2300 days, in 1844–began the work of investigation and blotting out of sins. All who have ever taken upon themselves the name of Christ must pass Its searching scrutiny. Both the living and the dead are judged 'out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

The Great Controversy. 1858, 1950 ed. p. 486

The dates quickly became part of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society’s identity. These dates, once explicitly mentioned, have today been replaced by periods of time. However, the foundations of this organization is deeply rooted with utilization of a specific year being written.

What are the roots of the present day interpretation of 1914? What was originally supposed to happen? During the days of Russell, the Great Pyramid known as God’s Stone Witness was an influence early on with this quote:

In the passages of the great pyramid of Gizeh the agreement of one or two measurements with present truth chronology might be accidental, but the correspondency of dozens of measurements proves the same God designed both pyramid and plan and at the same time proves the correctness of the chronology.

The Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. June 15, 1922 p.187

Notice the date is post inspection, hence Watchtower Jesus found approval. The Great Pyramid was designed by Jehovah. Since Jehovah designed it, one would figure it would last. However, it didn’t. Here’s a repudiation of what God designed:

Those who have devoted themselves to the pyramid have failed to see some of the the most important things that God has revealed for the benefit of his church. The mind of such was turned away from Jehovah and his Word.

The Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. November 15, 1928 p.344

Let no one today add to his prophecy by saying that a pile of stone in the land of Egypt constitutes God's witness. God has made known that Satan’s organization and all who support it shall soon be destroyed in Armageddon.

Light-Vol. II. 1930 p.286

This was reiterated on page 201 of Proclaimer’s of God’s Kingdom (1993) with the following:

There are two ironies here is that the organization according to those who run it were selected as teaching the truth, yet something that was so prominently wrong was taught and believed as being right until the last two months of 1928.

The second irony is that this teaching, so prominent yet addressed in the 1993 history book was completely left out of the 2014 slimmed down history book:

This was replaced by stringing together a series of verses to arrive at 1914. This video will explain from 2:11-3:30:

So what we have is the society involved in jumping from one passage to another. Only portions of verses are used. These verses are not connected in any way to one another. If they were connected, the cross references in the middle would point from one verse to another.

Both ways to get to 1914, have a common problem: The Fall of Jerusalem.

Looking back at the video from 3:35-4:08, The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is the only organization on earth that recognizes 607 BC. However, this was not always the case. This was originally 606 BC. Here is one quote:

(We would not say that it was not 605 or 607, but that as nearly as we can tell it was the year 606 B.C.) Then we reasoned that if 606 B.C. was the time when God took away the typical kingdom, no doubt He had at that time the purpose of giving some lease of power to the Gentile nations; and we looked to see what history and the Bible had to say upon the subject.

The Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. November 1, 1914 p. 323

Obviously a change but here you go:

Babylonian armies destroyed Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E., and Jews from Judah were indeed deported to Babylon.
The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. May 15, 2012 p. 18

Looking a little closer, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society reportedly relies on inspired Bible chronology rather than uninspired secular chronology. This is where Watchtower is speaking out of both sides of its mouth. The Bible itself contains absolutely no explicit historical dates. However, using historical sources combined with biblical events it is possible to date certain passages of scriptures. Insight on the Scriptures quotes a secular book for the fall of Babylon which it agrees with (537 BC). However, when it comes to the date of 587 as being the accepted fall of Jerusalem, secular sources are completely ignored.

I’ve looked at a book entitled “Gentile Times Reconsidered” which exhaustively covers the fall as 587 BC.

Earlier I spoke about what was originally mentioned about 1914. Here’s the quotes:

The date of the close of that "battle" is definitely marked in Scripture as October 1914. It is already in progress, its beginning dating from October, 1874.

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. January 15, 1892 p. 23

So in short, we were supposed to have today, as you well know, that is the time Watchtower Jesus came back.

When it comes to the resurrection of those mentioned in Hebrews 11, we see the following:

The chief thing to be restored is the human race to life; and since other Scriptures definitely fix the fact that there will be a resurrection Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and other faithful ones of old, and that these will have the first favor, we may expect 1925 to witness the return of these faithful men of Israel from the condition of death, being resurrected and fully restored to perfect humanity and made the visible, legal representatives of the new order of things on earth.

Millions Now Living Will Never Die. 1920 p. 88

Last I checked, I do believe that they haven’t come back to rule anything.

The next are just two quotes:

The Bible contains the only clear record of the origin of the human race, and traces that record from father to son for over two thousand years, then by reliable statistics to the year of the world 3,592, which it calls the “First year of Cyrus, king of Persia.” This particular year is known in secular history as 536 B. C.

The Way To Paradise. 1925 p. 19

The prophet Daniel, described by God’s angel as a “very desirable man,” lived a long life of faithful service. (Daniel 10:11, 19) His integrity to Jehovah remained intact from his exile in 617 B.C.E. until his death some time after he received a vision in 536 B.C.E., the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia. (Daniel 1:1; 10:1)

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. May 1, 2005 p. 12

The first quote said 536 was his first year. The second said it was his third year.

Obviously there are a myriad of other dates that the organization has used. Here is a small sampling:

The following period of 1,335 days would therefore end in the month of May, 1926.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. May 1, 1960 p. 282

While the 2,300 days ran their course during World War II, which began in 1939, the offering of “the constant feature” at God’s sanctuary was severely restricted because of persecution. In 1938 the Watch Tower Society had 39 branches supervising the work of the Witnesses worldwide, but by 1943 there were only 21. Increases in the number of Kingdom proclaimers were also small during that period.

As we have noted, during the closing months of World War II, Jehovah’s Witnesses reaffirmed their determination to magnify God’s rulership by serving him as a theocratic organization. It was with this objective that the rearrangement of their work and governing structure was initiated in 1944. In fact, The Watchtower of October 15, 1944, contained an article entitled “Organized for Final Work.” It and other service-oriented articles of the same period indicated that the 2,300 days had ended and that “the holy place” was again in its “right condition.”

Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy! 1999 p. 178, 179

How long must the “final work” last?

This would leave only seven more years from the autumn of 1968 to complete 6,000 full years of human history.
Awake! October 8, 1968 p. 14

Seven more years plus 1968 would equal 1975. Before the 7,000 year, the Watchtower dictates that Armageddon must occur.

Adam was created in 4026 B.C.E., which means that six thousand years of human history end about the fall of 1975 C.E.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. July 15, 1967 p. 446

Again, we have another inference that Armageddon was to occur in 1975.

Why Awake! is Published Awake! is for the enlightenment of the entire family. It shows how to cope with today’s problems. It reports the news, tells about people in many lands, examines religion and science. But it does more. It probes beneath the surface and points to the real meaning behind current events, yet it always stays politically neutral and does not exalt one race above another. Most important this magazine builds confidence in the Creator’s promise of a peaceful and secure new world before the generation that saw the events of 1914 passes away.

Awake! October 22, 1995

The following Awake! removed the reference to 1914 the following issue. Here we are in the 102nd year since an individual was born in 1914. Since there are not many left, I can give the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society a little bit of wiggle room. However, if we use past statements as a predictor of future success, I can say with nearly 100% certainty they will be wrong yet again.

The Elijah work ended in 1918. Any attempt to carry on the Elijah work thereafter would be an attempt to revive a dead thing, and hence out of harmony with the Lord.
The Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. May 15, 1933 p. 154

How dead is it? Out of harmony with the Lord?

Malachi’s prophecy showed that this great Elijah work would be done before “the great and fear-inspiring day of Jehovah.” That day concludes with the rapidly approaching war of the great day of God the Almighty, at Armageddon.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. May 1, 2002 p. 22

So by statements from the Rutherford era, the present day Watchtower Society is “out of harmony.”

Brother Jaracz pointed out the following: “In 1919 there was the fall of Babylon the Great; in 1922 the thrilling exhortation to ‘advertise the King and the Kingdom,’ to preach the established Kingdom worldwide; in 1935 God’s people learned the significance of the ‘great crowd’ at Revelation 7:9; in 1943 they saw Gilead School begin sending out missionaries to the ends of the earth; today, in 1989, you graduates have the privilege of telling good things to people in your assignments who are eager to hear.
The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. December 1, 1989 p. 22, 23

Can the Watchtower provide proof the fall?

The WATCH TOWER never claimed that the body of Christ will be changed to spiritual beings during this year. There is such a change due sometime. We have not attempted to say when, but have repeatedly said that it would not take place before the fall of 1881.

Zion’s Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. May 1881 Reprints p. 224

So what happened?

Logically, the calling of the little flock would draw to a close when the number was nearing completion, and the evidence is that the general gathering of these specially blessed ones ended in 1935.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. February 15, 1995 p. 19

Biblical proof of this event happening?

He was laying a foundation for a work that would be completed in our 20th century.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. January 1, 1989 p. 12

This is the original print version. It has been altered in the bound volume and CD-Rom.

If the work was to be completed, why is it still going on in 2016?

So I trust that you have a greater appreciation for the dates used by the organization. As I said earlier, the bible doesn’t have any specific date mentioned. The bible places no importance on it, yet this organization does. My final request is one that’s common, put down the uninspired Watchtower material and read the Word of God alone.

Views on Watchtower Bible And Tract Society Book Studies

March 6, 2016 By Sean

The book study or examining organizational material is of the utmost importance when it comes to any group like the Jehovah’s Witnesses (Book of Mormon, Ellen G. White books). I try to shy away from using the term “cult” but one of the characteristics of a cult is this according to the University of California-Berkley in the “Programming Phase”: Intense Study-Focus is on group doctrine and writings. Bible, if used at all, is referred to one verse at time to "prove" group teachings. This was prevalent since the early days of Russell with the following quote:

Here’s what was said, If the six volumes of SCRIPTURE STUDIES are practically the Bible topically arranged, with Bible proof-texts given, we might not improperly name the volumes-- the Bible in an arranged form. That is to say, they are not merely comments on the Bible, but they are practically the Bible itself, since there is no desire to build any doctrine or thought on any individual preference or on any individual wisdom, but to present the entire matter on the lines of the Word of God. We therefore think it safe to follow this kind of reading, this kind of instruction, this kind of Bible study.

Furthermore, not only do we find that people cannot see the Divine Plan in studying the Bible by itself, but we see, also, that if anyone lays the SCRIPTURE STUDIES aside, even after he has used them, after he has become familiar with them, after he has read them for ten years --if he then lays them aside and ignores them and goes to the Bible alone, though he has understood his Bible for ten years, our experience shows that within two years he goes into darkness. On the other hand, if he had merely read the SCRIPTURE STUDIES with their references, and had not read a page of the Bible, as such, he would be in the light at the end of the two years, because he would have the light of the Scriptures.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. September 15, 1910 Reprints Page 4685

Here are some parallels:

Topical bible examination. Started under Charles Taze Russell, still done to this day.

The writings of fallible man is equal with the infallible word of God.

The organization’s writings have a greater emphasis then the Bible itself.

Without the organization, you are going into darkness.

With this in mind, I went ahead and looked at the newest version of the What Does the Bible Really Teach? book published in 2005, 2014 edition. This is the latest “introductory book” to get people interested in the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.

I won’t go over the verses, you can do that on your own. However, we see the influence of Russell today. There is much by what the Watchtower says and there is an occasional sprinkling of scripture. One thing I did find interesting is the following quote:

2 Timothy 3:16: Page 7 says-You will quickly become familiar with the Bible by looking up the scriptures cited in this publication. Also, why not start a program of daily Bible reading? By reading three to five chapters a day, you can read the entire Bible in a year.

If you are under the auspices of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, how many times have you actually read through the entire bible? There are numerous ways to do this.

Regardless, the overall trend is this:

To get one interested, they “paint the picture” of a future without sorrow. This is not unusual.

To build confidence in the Bible, they do mention some attributes of God.

Then it starts to go downhill from there to build up confidence within the organization. The Watchtower language, in words and/or phrases ever so subtly, is integrated. Reproved is one example I saw. This is where cults have a similar vocabulary to mainstream Christianity, but their own dictionary.

Spirit creature and firstborn on page 41.

How Jesus died on page 52 versus John 20:25.

Proof texting such as Ecclesiastes 9:5 on page 57

Due to time, look more at the Appendix of that publication since the Watchtower needs that to further ingratiate perspective members to their way of thinking. With this in mind, let’s take a look back at some publications and what they say regarding the book studies.

With that in mind, let’s look at things from the historical perspective:

Show how congregation book study is valuable meeting that Jehovah has arranged.

Kingdom Ministry. May 1975 p. 2

What we have is something that Jehovah himself has arranged. Is something like this specifically mentioned in the Bible? If not, would this be considered going a violation in I Corinthians 4:6 which says (New World Translation), Now, brothers, these things I have applied to myself and Apollos for your good, that through us you may learn the rule: “Do not go beyond the things that are written,” so that you may not be puffed up with pride, favoring one against the other. Why is this not specifically mentioned in the bible that a certain book should be studied?

Let’s read on.

Consider some of the following benefits of the book study arrangement of which all of us can take advantage: (1) The groups are smaller, with better opportunities for close fellowship. (2) It is easier for all to comment freely since the material to be covered is not too lengthy and the group is small; also, we can get answers to questions on points not entirely clear from our personal study. (3) It provides a convenient center for organizing field service where this can be arranged during the week. (4) Conductors can get to know you better and are in a good position to assist with personal problems, give training in field service and help you with Scriptural questions.

Kingdom Ministry. December 1978 p. 3

Personally, I am in agreement with Watchtower when it comes to small group interaction. Large groups will have a few attempt to dominate the conversation. However, Christianity was spread without a specific plan in place. When you read the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, there is no implication that it says go in an organized fashion.

Those who regularly attend the book study are convinced that it has Jehovah's blessing.

Our Kingdom Ministry. January 1983 p. 7

Again, we have an affirmation that it is positive and Jehovah blesses it.

The Congregation Book Study plays a vital role in the spiritual development of Jehovah’s people.

Our Kingdom Ministry. July 1991 p. 3

I’m going to read two verses-II Timothy 3:16, 17 (New World Translation): All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness,17 so that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.

So the question is this, what would you choose for spiritual development: Congregation Book Study or the Bible?

The Congregation Book Study has been designed to help us study and apply God’s Word and in this way grow in wisdom and spiritual comprehension. Regularly attending the Congregation Book Study, therefore, should be an integral part of our personal program for acquiring wisdom.—Prov. 4:7-9.

Our Kingdom Ministry. August 1991 p. 7

A simple question, prior to the Watchtower instituting the Congregation Book Study, how did one acquire wisdom?

Again, we have a provision delivered directly from Jehovah.

Our Kingdom Ministry. October 1991 p. 8

Yet again, we have another affirmation that Jehovah provided the book study.

What a blessing the Congregation Book Study is! This loving arrangement from Jehovah helps us maintain our sure spiritual footing during the challenging times in which we live.

Our Kingdom Ministry. August 2007 p. 8

In January 2009, the Congregation Book Study began to be held on the same evening as the Theocratic Ministry School and Service Meeting. One reason for this adjustment was to give families an opportunity to fortify their spirituality by scheduling a specific evening each week for family worship. Each family was encouraged to move its family study to the night formerly used for the book study, if practical, and to use this time for unhurried Bible discussion and study tailored to the needs of the family.

Our Kingdom Ministry. January 2011 p. 3

Unceremoniously, this provision by Jehovah himself used for spiritual development and acquiring wisdom was now discarded without a mention by Jehovah. Here’s part of a verse that came to mind: For I am Jehovah; I do not change. Malachi 3:6 (New World Translation). So what we have is something instituted that didn’t exist. Was used and is now no longer used.

Let’s look at one verse that would counter this: Ecclesiastes 12:12 which says in the (New World Translation): As for anything besides these, my son, be warned: To the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion to them is wearisome to the flesh.

Consider how much studying of Watchtower material alone you do. There is a special section on the organization’s website for “Meeting Workbooks.” The interesting thing here is that yes the organization claims to have “unity” in that whenever there is a Watchtower meeting, everyone is being taught the same thing all around the world. I would contend that it is nothing more than uniformity. However, this is to assume that the organization is a spiritual paradise. Early church problems are readily seen throughout the New Testament. They are summarized in the second and third chapters of Revelation where each church is addressed. They receive a specific type of commendation or condemnation.

Another point of consideration is this, where in the Bible does it say that all are to study the exact same thing at the same time. John 4:24 refers to “worship in spirit and in truth” which isn’t limited to being taught and/or singing the exact same thing wherever you are. There can be a great variety. Look at nature and you can see it demonstrated. It’s time you stop being wearied by studying Watchtower material continually like a hamster on the wheel and read God’s word alone. You will definitely make more progress than those who stay within this organization.

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The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: Changed Writings

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