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The history of the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society compared to the present.

Watchtower Views on Organization

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Those fully under the sway of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society are huge proponents of one thing-organization.  As a Jehovah’s Witness, you are taught that the word “Trinity” never appears in scripture.  This is something that I believe someone who is not a Jehovah’s Witness can agree.  How much does the Society deride those who use non-biblical terms?  How often do you take a look at the words employed by the Society and realize that there is no scriptural backing?  Here are some examples:

  • Jehovah’s Witness
  • Governing Body
  • Kingdom Hall
  • Circuit or District Overseer
  • Jeremiah class
  • Samson class
  • Remnant class
  • Christendom
  • Publisher-Baptized or unbaptized
  • Undeserved kindness will only appear in the New World Translation.  Mainstream translations will have the word “grace.”

I did hop onto the organization’s official website and did a search for the term “organization.”  Covering only from 2000 to present day, it appears 575 times (some are various articles).  How many times in the bible?  None at all. 

One saying that has always gotten me is that “Jehovah has always had an organization.”  Do you realize that looking at it at face value, there would have to be other beings from the days of eternity?  Irregardless, I would like to look today at the concept of an organization. 

The Merriam Webster dictionary online defines “organization” as:

Full Definition of organization

1a :  the act or process of organizing or of being organized

1b :  the condition or manner of being organized

2a :  association, society <charitable organizations>

2b :  an administrative and functional structure (as a business or a political party);

also :  the personnel of such a structure

With that in mind, let’s examine some quotes regarding the word and emphasis of “organization” and it’s meaning and use within the organization:

There is no organization today clothed with such divine authority to imperiously command mankind.  There is no organization doing this today; though we are aware that many of them in theory claim that they thought to be permitted to do so: and many more would like to do so. 

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. September 1 and 15, 1893 Reprints p. 1573

What we have is the fact that during this time, those under the Watchtower would call themselves Bible Students.  In short this must mean that they were under the authority ultimately of scripture even though there were secular materials produced.  This is reinforced in the same year with the following:

But, says one, must I not join some organization on earth, assent to some creed, and have my name written on earth?  No: remember that our Lord is our pattern and teacher, and neither in his words nor acts do we find any authority for binding ourselves with creeds and traditions of men, which all tend to make the Word of God of none effect, and bring us under bondage which will hinder our growth in grace and knowledge, and against which Paul warned us, saying, “Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free, and be not entangled with the yoke of bondage.”-Gal. 5:1

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. September 1 and 15, 1893 Reprints p. 1675

What we have here is a reiteration that those within the organization were not part of an organization.  Those two quotes are pre-Watchtower Jesus inspection.  Watchtower Jesus declared this to be his organization in 1919.  Here is one past inspection from The Golden Age which I’ve been reading.

Can anyone by merely joining the Catholic or the Protestant church become a member of the true church?  I answer: No.  Membership in the true church is obtained in just one way: and that is the Lord’s way. 

The Golden Age.  January 27, 1926. p. 234

So in short we have yet another reiteration that Watchtower Jesus approved of not having any specific organization.  Let’s replace the phrase “Catholic or the Protestant church” with Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.  The result would still be the same at this point. 

However, let’s look at something more recent and if you’re investigating the organization’s material, break out the Watchtower Library CD-ROM:

We should meekly go along with the Lord’s theocratic organization and wait for further clarification, rather than balk at the first mention of a thought unpalatable to us and proceed to quibble and mouth our criticisms and opinions as though they were worth more than the slave’s provision of spiritual food.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  February 1, 1952 p. 80

This quote is saying in short that you must be a blind sheep rather than an informed follower.  Ironic that even though some translations render things as a “slave,” it’s fitting that you are expected to “slave” for an organization.  A slave is an individual who is forced to act with no regard to personal well being for the master.  One case I previously talked about was field service where Witnesses in 1943 were expected to put out 160 hours a month in field service. 

And just as a child seeks his parents’ protection when a storm rages, we seek protection in Jehovah’s organization when, like a thunderstorm, the problems of this world strike us.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  April 15, 2011 p. 4, 5

Now when it comes to having some sort of problem, what are you expected to do?  What kind of spiritual council is given?  Why does the organization want you to seek protection in the organization yet when the policies are under fire like they currently are in Australia and the United Kingdom, should those in charge seek protection within the legal department?  Should Jehovah just make everything go away so the Governing Body can carry on with impunity?  When they are not successful, why is it Jehovah isn’t helping them directly?   Just to finish things up with one more quote:

Wonderful events are happening now and more lie just ahead. May each one of us keep pace with Jehovah’s organization.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  March 15, 2012 p. 29

What are the wonderful events at this point? 

  • Bethelites are getting sent home
  • The organization is losing people
  • The cart campaign is floundering badly
  • There are numerous directives saying that the organization is ceasing from printing many publications. 

However you get told the work is “speeding up.” 

How does one keep pace with a sinking ship such as this one? 

If you’ve not read the 2016 Yearbook, you’re in for some information.  I’ve heard of numerous doctrinal changes that are ahead if the Yearbook is any indication.  So although you have been part of an organization that has changed, why not stick with the bible alone which hasn’t changed.

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.

Snip20151227_3

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