Watchtower History

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

Watchtower’s Relationship With Technology

December 15, 2015 By Sean

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?

Two Traits of Watchtower Jesus

December 8, 2015 By Sean

I would like to take just a little time to see what the Watchtower said about Jesus. The organization throughout various points within it’s history has had conflicting teachings on who Jesus was. They settled on Michael in the 1920s with quotes such as:

But Jesus was a prince, the Son of God. In his prehuman condition his name was Michael. He created the angels and everything else in the universe, except God himself.

The Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Kingdom.. April 1, 1929 p. 109

This isn’t the only thing that has been subject to change. Jesus, while on earth had his appearance change as well. I would like to start by covering the beard of Jesus.

The word “boldness” here used means frankness, bluntness, speaking freely and with confidence, outspokenness. This proves what kind of man Jesus was, of whom the apostles learned. It also proves that Jesus was, of whom the apostles learned. It also proves that Jesus has been grossly misrepresented by others. Grace was poured upon Jesus’ lips. But that did not mean that he had to rub his hands together, pull his beard, and look down when he spoke to somebody else. Jesus was straightforward.

The Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Kingdom. July 15, 1927 p. 214, 215

Grace is used in the above quote and you as a Watchtowerite knows the New World Translation equivalent: Undeserved kindness.

This spurred a question: Are you as a Watchtowerite straightforward when you are in field service telling the people why you are knocking on their door?

The traditional picture of Jesus shows him with long hair and beard, but the Watch Tower publications illustrate him as beardless and with short hair. Which is correct?—M. H., United States.

The later Watch Tower publications show Jesus as beardless and with short hair because he is shown that way in representations of him that are older than the traditional effeminate-looking picture.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. August 15, 1954 p. 511

When Jesus Christ was a man on earth, did he wear a beard?—K.A., U.S.A.

Biblical evidence is the most reliable testimony to be found on this question, and a recent careful review of what it says indicates that Jesus did indeed have a beard.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. May 1, 1968 p. 286

Here are some considerations:

Depictions throughout the history of Christendom whether it be the Eastern which is the Eastern Orthodox church or Western Christianity of which the umbrella includes Catholicism, Protestants, and Evangelicals predominately depict the adult Jesus with a beard. There are all according to the organization under the control of Satan. However, these groups under Satan’s control have shown that they had it correct all along.

The organization said Biblical evidence is the most reliable testimony. Here’s some verses from the New World Translation:

Galatians 4:4 (NWT)-But when the full limit of the time arrived, God sent his Son, who was born of a woman, and who was under the law,
- Galatians was written in the year 56 A.D.
Leviticus 19:27 (NWT)-You must not shave the hair on the side of your head or disfigure the edges of your beard.
Leviticus was written between 1440 and 1400 B.C.
Isaiah 50:6 (NWT)-Prophetic passage that says (NWT): I offered my back to those striking me And my cheeks to those who plucked them bare. I did not hide my face from humiliating things and from spit.
Isaiah was written between 701 and 681 B.C.
- Dates are provided by www.gotquestions.org.

Now, I will never call myself a biblical scholar at all however, the organization didn’t read any of those verses that I just quickly did. After reading through those verses it should have been plainly evident.

Now that the Watchtower is finally right on Jesus having a beard, let’s talk about something I came across recently, what happened to the body of Jesus?

Our Lord’s human body, the one crucified, was removed from the tomb by the power of God. Had it remained there it would have been an obstacle in the way of the faith of his disciples, who were not yet instructed in spiritual things. They were not thus instructed until the giving of the holy spirit at Pentecost. The scriptures do not reveal what became of that body, except that it did not decay or corrupt. (Acts 2:27-31) We can only surmise that the Lord may have preserved it somewhere to exhibit to the people of the millennial age.

The Harp of God. 1921, 1928 ed. p. 172

Here he was crucified and not impaled because again, the New World Translation didn’t exist.

What happened to the perfect fleshly body of Jesus after his death? Was it preserved so that in time men will look upon it in worship? or does Jesus still have this fleshly body in the heavens, “spiritualized” so that it can be seen and worshiped? Neither. The Scriptures answer: It was disposed of by Jehovah God, dissolved into its constituent elements or atoms.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. September 1, 1953 p. 518

If the body would remain, there would be visible creature worship.

This is the last time that the organization used the term “disposed” in literature however the concept still remains and is reinforced with the following:

Well, then, what happened to Jesus’ fleshly body? Did not the disciples find his tomb empty? They did, because God removed Jesus’ body. Why did God do this? It fulfilled what had been written in the Bible. (Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:31)

You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. 1982, 1989 ed. p. 144

So let’s analyze this section:

Jesus would have to have two separate bodies. One to be displayed and the other body is to be inhabited. Most likely, the invisible body would be the spiritual one. The organization talks so much about Jehovah yet only Jesus is that is to be on display. Why is that? Has the organization contradicted the very words within the New World Translation?

I say this because a common thread for people involved with organizations similar to the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society deny of the visible bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ.

What happened to Jesus’ body: Since the organization said that scripture is the authority, why do they plainly miss the following verses from John 2:19-21 (NWT) 19. Jesus replied to them: “Tear down this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. 20. The Jews then said: “This temple was built in 46 years, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21. But he was talking about the temple of his body.

One more verse and I’ll be done. This is a post resurrection account of Jesus recorded in Luke 24:37-39 (NWT)-But because they were terrified and frightened, they imagined that they were seeing a spirit. So he said to them: “Why are you troubled, and why have doubts come up in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; touch me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones just as you see that I have.”

Are you going to place down the Watchtower material and read the Bible? When you do, you too will be thankful for the simplicity that God has offered.

Watchtower and Higher Education

December 7, 2015 By Sean

I would like to examine education from the Watchtower perspective. The video will be featuring Anthony Morris III and I will be adding a commentary and some thoughts. The organization from the beginning has no valued much in the way of education because there’s an old adage, “knowledge is power.” Through prevention of the rank and file (common Watchtowerite) from getting a higher education, speaking strictly from the educational aspect, the organization has prevented the majority of you from a better life economically which generally comes from gaining a college education. I say generally because there is no guarantee in life except for death and taxes.

Prior to looking at the Watchtower and quick start contrast is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Seventh Day Adventists.

The LDS or Mormons as is commonly known operates Brigham Young University in Brigham, Utah. They are encouraged to get a college education. One direct connection is my wife works with a Mormon and their kids have scholarships lined up when they graduate high school for a full ride to BYU. The Pew website gives interesting information on Mormons.

One impressive statistic is that 73% range from some college to a post graduate degree. The Jehovah’s Witness range is approximately 37%. That can be found here.

Another similar group is the Seventh Day Adventist in America. Their range is approximately 66%. The Adventists operate the following institutions of higher education:

Burman University in Lacombe, Alberta Canada
Walla Walla University in Washington
Pacific Union College in California
Loma Linda University in California
Union College in Nebraska
Southwestern Adventist University in Texas
Andrews University in Michigan
Kettering College in Ohio
Southern Adventist University in Tennessee
Oakwood University in Alabama
Washington Adventist University in Maryland
Adventist University of Health Sciences in Florida

In contrast, the Watchtower is unofficially jumping in late to the “party.” There is one school system that isn’t officially sanctioned or associated with the organization and it is New System School. The webpage says it is in 35 states and expanding. With this in mind, I would like to keep up with “new light” today and examine a video featuring Tony Morris.

All words in bold are those of Tony Morris or Watchtower representative.

:15-:19 Has the Governing Body changed it’s view on the pursuit of higher secular education? No.

However, you will see that this is not the case.

:30-:40 Our goal now is to focus on the pursuit of intensify our promotion of the pursuit of divine education.

Does this mean that the material put out by the organization is now to be considered inspired since the primary method of teaching a Jehovah’s Witness is through the Watchtower magazine?

:58-1:07 The cost of obtaining university training is not our primary concern. It is the potential for spiritual harm (Potential emphasis is mine).

What is the definition of spiritual harm? Could it be when an individual is away from the continual teachings of the organization they have a better chance of going inactive since they are getting information from a variety of sources in which isn’t from the organization’s official website?

1:34-1:50 Ask yourself, “Why are you getting additional education? Because I’m pursuing a specific skill or trade to support my service to Jehovah?”

Why does Jehovah need more workers when the work which should be “speeding up” isn’t going anywhere? The organization is losing people and trying to mask this by giving reasons with information on their website “Branch Offices of Jehovah’s Witnesses Consolidated” and the accompanying reason why it’s happening.

Here’s a news article that says as much:

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/article32136270.html

What we have again is the classic case of the organization stating one thing yet actions aren’t meeting the words.

Also, let’s just say for one minute that Armageddon happened today. The Society hasn’t looked at Revelation 21:5 (NWT): And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new.” Also he says: “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”

Let’s contrast this with information printed out by the organization:

It says, first of all, you have the work of cleaning up the earth and clearing away the ruins of this old system. And then they will have the privilege, under the direction of the Kingdom rule, of cultivating the earth and making it a beautiful place in which to live.

You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. 1982, 1989 edition. p. 159

So in short, the organization is preparing you to be unemployed in the new system if the words of the New World Translation are correct. However, if the quote from You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth is correct, as a Witness, the words in the New World Translation are in error.

1:50-2:00 Or will higher education make me a more respected person lead me to a better life.

This chart provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics should give enough evidence that economically, it is better to have a college education.

http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm

2:03-2:10 If we are in continued association with those who do not believe the same, it can erode our thinking and convictions.

The organization in short wants to rely on the door to door work to gain converts. I guess those who became Christians after working or being friends with someone isn’t a good method even though Jesus in Matthew 28:19 said, “Make disciples.” He doesn’t say how, He just says to do it. That leaves a lot of latitude in the methodology.

2:31-2:36 We are to be careful that this system does not share or mold our thinking.

To a point I would agree. However, isn’t this what the organization does? Is there as much churn and change in the world as there is with the organization regarding different types of changes such as doctrine?

2:37-2:42 Higher learning can easily influence thinking and attitude.

Couldn’t this easily be applied to the organization as well since it influences thinking and attitude? One example is how the organization uses John 14:28 to disprove the deity of Jesus, doesn’t the organization do the same thing?

3:14-3:23 Who dropped them off at the university? Where does the responsibility really lie?

What we have here is Tony Morris finding a way to not encourage parents to send their child to college.

5:23-5:36 Think of all the opportunity to enjoy divine education (accompanied by this image):

Does divine education need to be done in the sight of men? Galatians 1:10 comes to mind, and it says, (New World Translation), “Or am I trying to please men?” Or perhaps John 14:23 (New World Translation) “for they loved the glory of men ever more than the glory of God.”

Does “divine education” need to be done in the local kingdom hall or during an activity associated with other Witnesses?

5:52-6:07 We need construction skills around the world right now. We will not need doctors or lawyers after Armageddon.

If that is the case, why doesn’t the organization put an end to the lawyers in the legal department and have them pick up a hammer instead to help out with these construction projects? They are wasting their time on one case when they should devote that time for kingdom hall construction.

6:25-6:36 Speaking of lawyers, we have an interesting case of brother Philip Bromley. The organization made a decision to send you through law school.

It is foolish to want to be a doctor or a lawyer.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. August 1, 1975 p.451

Yet, when the organization deems it necessary, they can send someone violating the very words it printed.

6:50-6:55 A fierce spirit of competition in law school.

Isn’t the goal of the educational system in general promote competition to see who is number one? Are the traits he mentioned employed by the organization especially when it comes to the growing number of child abuse cases going to court?

8:24-9:00An inclination toward medicine, become a nurse instead of a doctor. Become a paralegal rather than an attorney… Consume four, six, eight, or 10 years of study. Focus on two years of study to become a pioneer.

Here we have again the organization promoting someone to not try to explore their academic possibility but to immediately get into a field that interests them yet limit automatically limit themselves.

This is again a case where you can go to college and do Biblical things. The person who goes to college simply has to learn time management skills. This is coming from someone who has a bachelor degree and a juris doctorate (most likely seven total years of education).

Why not give up being a lawyer? Paul the Apostle gave up a lot according to Philippians 3:8 (NWT): What is more, I do indeed also consider all things to be loss on account of the excelling value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have taken the loss of all things and I consider them as a lot of refuse, that I may gain Christ.

9:00-9:25 Subtle mental conditioning that can transpire when exposed to higher education. If they need further attorneys, they won’t expose the Bethel family.

Doesn’t the organization do the exact same thing? Are they supposed to go outside of the channel of communication for help?

9:55-10:15 College was a factor in breaking up a family

Further blatant fear mongering by blaming college as a contributing factor to a family breakup.

10:15-10:33 Why not pioneer a year after high school? You’re young, strong, and healthy.

Is it possible that as the organization is getting older due to the young leaving that they want the youth to get involved immediately in hopes of convincing them to stay?

This organization wants to keep you like a child. Children are dependent typically on a mother. The organization calls itself this in May 1, 1957 on page 274 of the Watchtower magazine says, “If we are to walk in the light of truth we must recognize not only Jehovah God as our Father but his organization as our mother.”