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Watchtower and Christmas

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A few days ago the majority of the Western world celebrated Christmas.  As you know being under the control of the Watchtower, the organization operated under the premise of “business as usual.”  One question I have for you as a Watchtowerite is how did you fill up your day since you had off?  As you may well know, the organization under the days of Pastor Russell and the early years of Rutherford allowed Christmas to be celebrated.   Here’s one of the early quotes that pertain to Christmas:

It is quite immaterial the day Christmas is celebrated; we may properly join.

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. December 15, 1903 Reprints p.3290

The organization at the time saw fit to participate with the rest of the world.  “By properly joining,” the organization is giving complicit compliance with this.  So we are left with a bit of a conundrum.  The organization says “there are a great cloud of witnesses, extending back” in accordance with Hebrews 12:1.  Since the organization feels there are witnesses that extend back to the Greek Scriptures, why did Russell choose to ignore them?  Would he not of been a lover of truth by standing against Christmas instead of joining in this Babylonish practice? 

Even though Christmas day is not the real anniversary of our Lord’s birth, but more properly the annunciation day or the day of his human begetting (Luke 1:28), netherless, since the celebration of our Lord’s birth is not a matter of divine appointment or injunction but merely a tribute of respect to him, it is not necessary for us to quibble particularly about the date. We may as well join with the civilized world in celebrating the grand even on the day which the majority celebrate-“Christmas day.”

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. December 1, 1904 Reprints p.3468

Again what we have here is further proof that the organization is joining the civilized world.  So does this mean that those within the organization are now “uncivilized” since they do not participate in this day? 

The difference between lunar time, used by the Jews, and solar time, now in common use, would be a few days, so that we could not be certain that the exact day might not be in September about the 27th, but October 1st, B.C. is about correct, Nine months back of that date would bring us to about Christmas time, B.C. 3, as the date at which our Lord laid aside the glory which he had with the Father before the world was [made] and the taking of or changing to human nature began. It seems probable that this was the origin of the celebration of December 25th as Christmas Day.

Studies in the Scriptures Volume III-The Time is at Hand.  1889, 1915 ed., p. 61

The date in previous quotes was not to be “quibbled” over.  The organization did however, use math to determine the timeframe for the birth of Jesus.  The important thing here is the date, which is 1915. So in short, Watchtower Jesus would have read this when he was doing the inspection from 1914-1918 and had this in mind when it was declared in 1919 that the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society organization was the “true one.”

The date of Jesus birth led me on a quest to see what the internet would say.  This is what came up:

So what we have in the primary position and following:

Wikipedia

Watchtower

Bible Light

Biblical Archeology

United Church of God-A group that split from Herbert Armstrong.  I searched and found this webpage: http://www.jwstruggle.com/2011/09/jws-and-the-worldwide-church-of-god/

Of those cites listed, I took a look at Biblical Archeology.  It is very thoughtful, researched, and succinctly laid out.  I will embed a copy here as well.  Regardless, the Watchtower passed the inspection when it was engaged in a Babylonish activity.   The following is the last date that affirms the positive aspect of Christmas:

Christmas is so important, regardless of the date.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. December 15, 1926 p.371

Then we have one picture in the Proclaimer’s book and shortly thereafter it was banned.

This Christmas celebration at Brooklyn Bethel in 1926 was their last.

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Proclaimer’s of God’s Kingdom. 1993 p. 200

The question must be raised, why did it change?  To get our answer, we need to go to the December 14, 1927 issue of the Golden Age pages 178-179.  The article has the following quote:

Indeed, we have a historical precedent in the effort of the Puritans to ignore Christmas, recognizing it as an important part of the Roman system of worship in Wycliffe’s day; but they found their path strewn with many difficulties. 

The fact that the world, the flesh, and the Devil are in favor of its perpetuation and observance, is a final and conclusive argument against its celebration by those who are dedicated wholly to the service of Jehovah. 

Side note-the Puritans came to America for religious freedom.  The organization should have taken a note from here and allowed the Watchtowerite to be fully convinced in their own mind. 

Looking at a recent article, the The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom December 2014 article has the article “What Are the Facts About Christmas.”  Here is one line, “Through the prophet Malachi, God said: “I am Jehovah; I do not change.” (Malachi 3:6) Does that not tell us how God feels about the many Christmas celebrations today?”  However, the organization happily took part for 47 years from 1879-1926.

They threw another line, “Instead, they find joy and true satisfaction in spending time with their friends and family and in helping the poor and needy whenever they wish throughout the year.” They make it seem like they do engage in charity.  However, it is obvious they do not engage in this at all. 

So with all this in mind, this is a quick overview on the Watchtower and it’s affiliation with Christmas.  Again consider that Watchtower Jesus approved it.  Since Jehovah doesn’t change, why did he approve of the change that was performed by the organization?  The bible, not the Watchtower says that Jesus doesn’t change in Hebrews 13:8.  However Watchtower Jesus did.  Does this mean that it is not an organization guided by Jehovah but one that is run by men who change things as they see fit? 

One last quote from What Does the Bible Really Teach? on page 159 (2005), “To take a stand for true worship, we need to have a viewpoint like that of the prophet Isaiah, who told true worshipers: “touch nothing unclean.”-Isaiah 52:11.

Those who started this organization are unclean it would be fair to conclude that for 47 years spanning Russell through Rutherford’s first 10 years they were not the true worshippers even though they were approved.

Watchtower and Suicide

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The first number I want you to write is 1-800-273-8255.  It is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  I tend to focus on history and I’d like to look at suicide and the organization.

With that in mind, today, I want to focus on suicide. 

This is something that the society in its history has had interesting views.  To start, let’s go back to the days of Russell.  This is from the “Interesting Questions Answered” section which seems to be a prelude to the “Questions from Readers” section.  It has the following:

HOW SHALL WE VIEW SUICIDE?

Question.–How shall we view suicide? How serious is this matter? Should it be considered a crime?

Answer.–Suicide should be considered a very serious crime, unless it be the act of a deranged mind whose responsibility in the sight of God and men would, thereby, be considerably lessened.

Since the greatest gift of God is eternal life, through Christ, we may reason that life in any measure is an inestimable boon, privilege. For any sane mind, enlightened by present truth, to contemplate suicide would be unthinkable.

Zion’s Watchtower and Heard of Christ’s Presence.  April 1, 1903 Reprints p. 3176

Hence, aside from any future existence, we are to consider that his life was a useless, wasted one, and that its joys did not overbalance its sorrows and anguish when to the latter were added his despair and suicide. Judas’ end was a sad one. Every suicide, by his act, confesses his wish that he had never been born.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. November 1, 1911 Reprints p. 4906

Then would come suggestions of evil deeds or of suicide, the endeavor being made to drive the individual to a full surrender of his mind, his will, in order to full possession and mental unbalance.

The only remedy for persons in such a deplorable condition is that they exert their will power to oppose all such false suggestions.  Nothing is so helpful under such circumstances as correct knowledge of the Divine teaching respecting God’s Love and the abundance of His merciful provision in Christ.

The Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  December 15, 1912 Reprints p. 5144

With those things in mind, let’s take a look at something said within the pages of the Golden Age on page 438 of the April 7, 1926 issue:

Tonsillectomy is called a minor operation.  Fi so, getting well is a double major.  If any overzealous doctor condemns your tonsils go and commit suicide with a case-knife.  It’s cheaper and far less painful.

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Contrasting this for a moment with one person who could have committed suicide but didn’t is the account of Job.  Without reading the verses:

Job 1:14-His oxen and donkeys were stolen.

1:15-servants are killed

1:16-Sheep and servants consumed in fire

1:17-Camels stolen

1:18, 19-Children died from house collapse

Later on, he is covered in painful boils.  His wife and friends abandon him.  He laments his very birth yet remains faithful.  He receives more at the end due to his faithfulness. 

With that in mind, the organization did the exact opposite with the following quote from The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom, February 1, 1952 p. 95, 96:  We are not professionally trained doctors, and do not advise on health matters except as they may involve Scriptural issues, such as in the case of blood transfusions. 

From time to time we do publish articles on such subjects as surgery, chiropractic, zone therapy, etc.  Such articles constitute no endorsement of these practices by us.  They are offered in Awake! on the same basis that articles on other subjects are offered, namely, as general information and not as a recommendation. 

The August 1, 1983 Watchtower has an article devoted to suicide.  Sections include:

  • Deadly Emotions
  • Hopelessness, Guilt and Depression
  • Other Reasons for Suicide

The organization doesn’t print something unless there’s an agenda.  Was it possible that the organization was having an uptick in those taking their own life?

 

Since the internet has given a voice to those who once had none, I looked on Youtube with the following search, “Jehovah’s Witness suicide.”  Just one video is one too many.  However, there are a number of videos devoted to the subject. 

Just a few moments ago, I read a quote by the society that said in 1952 that they are NOT medical professionals.  I have a link to a leaked elder’s video as to how the Society trains elders to help those considering suicide.  Here’s the Youtube link and you’ll need to look in the description for the actual video that’s hosted outside of Youtube:

 

 

Ironically, the organization that doesn’t offer medical advice is training elders to give mental health advice using nothing but the bible in and of itself.  Although the bible is to be used, there are things that a trained professional would be best to assist when addressing the non biblical ramifications in a person’s life. 

Personally, I believe the organization is shifting this responsibility to elders since there is a need due to the pressures of being a Witness.  Counsel being provided by local kingdom hall elders may possibly shield the organization from any legal action.  If something happens, if this is a tactic, this may backfire.  This has been evidenced by the Candace Conti case regarding child sexual abuse. 

With this in mind, there is one man who has done a scientific study on those within the Watchtower pertaining to mental illness.  He is a former member and a trained professional.  Dr. Jerry Bergman concluded that those within the organization have higher incidents of mental illness when compared to the general population.  The video is dated but here:

 

Not to make light of anything, but if this was truly a spiritual paradise, would these incidents occur?  Here is a link for one tragic end for a devout Witness family: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/family-found-dead-apparent-murder-suicide-article-1.1582545

For what it’s worth, if you are contemplating any self harm, reach out to this number for immediate assistance: 1-800-273-8255.  It is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  Once you take care of yourself and receive assistance, leave this organization. 

To give the other side of the argument, I will link in a Watchtower apologist website that defends the organization regarding suicide and I’ll allow you to decide after you use this as a starting point for further research on suicide:

http://defendingjehovahswitnesses.blogspot.com/2013/06/do-jehovahs-witnesses-really-have.html

Watchtower’s Relationship With Technology

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I wrote a few weeks ago that the organization has been involved with the use of technology throughout many times within its history in the door to door work.  Today, I want to explore some quotes as to how the organization has used technology on the macro scale.

The first major technology innovation is the Photo Drama of Creation.  Part 1 of 96 is here and it should autoplay the rest of them:

 

Rutherford as we know, exerted more control over the organization and equated technology to being labeled as prophetic events with quotes such as:

As an illustration of this point:

Wireless telegraphy and airships are modern discoveries; yet since they have been discovered we find that God, through his holy prophets, foretold centuries ago the use of such inventions. (Job 38:35; Isaiah 60:8)  The railway train has been in use less than a hundred years; and yet the prophet of God many centuries ago gave a clear and particular description of the railway train and the manner of its operation, and prophesy that the same would be in vogue at the time of the end, at the time the Lord is making preparation for the establishment of his kingdom. (Nahum 2:3-6) 

Harp of God.  1921. p. 16

With the incorporation of radio, the organization had the ability to further blanket the airwaves for people who may have been turning the dial to find different stations.  The radio station started in 1924 and was utilized until 1954. 

The radio was provided by a divine source as illustrated with the following quote:

Certain it is that God provided the radio because he foretells it in his Word written by the prophet centuries ago.  (Job 38:35) The due time must come, in the unfolding of his plan, for the use of the radio.

Freedom for the Peoples.  1927. p. 12

Ironically, the radio for whatever reason must have fallen out of Jehovah’s favor even though he approved it.

The following website has a reproduction of the Watchtower article from August 15, 1950:

http://pastorrussell.blogspot.com/2009/09/radio-pioneer-lifts-up-its-voice.html

The airplane get’s some attention too:

This is a day of great inventions; because it is the day the Lord foretold by his prophet.  The radio and airships are amongst the marvels of this age.

Deliverance.  1926.  p. 119

Those technologies that according to Rutherford were “prophetic” in nature were centered on those who had deep pockets.  Today, the difference with radio, airplanes, and the internet is anyone can do something for free. 

The Watchtower given its prophetic ability should have predicted the Internet.  However, it wasn’t.  Early on, there were articles such as “Do You Really Need the Internet?” from the July 22, 1997 Awake!

The November 1999 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry on page 3 had the following:

Web Sites of “Jehovah’s Witnesses”: Consider, for example, some Internet sites set up by individuals who claim to be Jehovah’s Witnesses. They invite you to visit their sites to read experiences posted by others who claim to be Witnesses. You are encouraged to share your thoughts and views about the Society’s literature. Some give recommendations about presentations that could be used in the field ministry. These sites offer chat rooms for individuals to connect to, allowing live communication with others, similar to talking on the telephone. They often point you to other sites where you can have on-line association with Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world. But can you tell for certain that these contacts have not been planted by apostates?

The organization is quickly realizing that something needs done as the rank and file was getting online and/or those in official positions were looking at some of these things. 

Just a few years later, those within the organization for profit or feeling a sense of defending Jehovah’s organization were creating website pages even though there is the following portion of this quote:

There is no need for any individual, committee, or congregation to prepare a Web page about Jehovah’s Witnesses. Some have posted the contents of our publications with all scriptures and references given in full and have even offered copies of convention material on a donation basis. Whether profit is involved or not, the practice of reproducing and distributing publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses in an electronic document is a violation of copyright laws. While some may view this as a service to the brothers, it is not approved and should be discontinued.

Our Kingdom Ministry.  September 2002.  p. 8

Here’s some websites that the creator hasn’t heeded the “faithful and discreet slave.”

http://www.jehovahsjudgment.co.uk/

http://defendingjehovahswitnesses.blogspot.com/

http://www.anointedjw.org/

http://jwtalk.net/forums/topic/5239-links-to-more-websites-produced-and-maintained-by-other-jehovah%E2%80%99s-witnesses-master-list/

Some sites that are created by Former Witnesses:

www.freeminds.org

www.jwfacts.com

http://www.watchtowerinformationservice.org/

Ministry Websites:

https://carm.org/

http://4jehovah.org/

Youtube:

There are former testimonies and ministries involved with reaching out to Witnesses. 

Former Witness Channel: thescrewedgeneration

Ministry: thesnarkyapologist

The organization is losing this battle online-badly and the Watchtower article for September 2015 titled “Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses” illustrates this.  Quick rundown of one point:

Study the Bible: Study publication “What Does the Bible Really Teach?”

Listened to a great deal of prejudiced talk: Article conveniently leaves out legitimate criticism using the Society’s own material.

A simple question-isn’t the Society itself prejudiced with statements made?

The society has been trying to taut the website with the following:

JW.ORG Facts and Figures

316 Languages in which the Web site is available

220,000+ Number of Web pages on the site

600 Languages in which downloadable publications are available

130 Requests for Bible studies per day from over 230 countries

5 million+ Videos viewed per month

1.5 million Downloads per day

900,000+ Visits per day from over 230 countries

Yearbook.  2014. p. 16

Here is one question:

If the organization has 8 million members, why is it only 5+ million looking at the videos?  Shouldn’t video views account for ALL members then the “+” sign account for people interested in the organization?

When you go to the website www.similarweb.com you learn more.  The site monitors all web traffic.  The organization has double digit percentage access from the United States and Brazil. 

When you scroll down the page, the organization is being tied to those that the organization considers “apostate.” This is also true when you use an internet search engine.  What you see is the official organization and then under it on the first page are other pages considered “apostate” by the organization.  As much as the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society tries to shield you from apostates, it is connected whether it be search engine results, Youtube, etc.  Since that is the case will you do what the Bible says and “make sure of all things, hold fast to that which is fine” or will you continue to let the organization think for you?