JW Changes

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Watchtower History

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

Is Jehovah’s Channel of Communication Inspired or Not?

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The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society says that it doesn’t have tacking or going back and forth with it’s doctrines.  The “new light” that this organization claims to have, does not apply here.  I would like to spend time having a look at is this organization inspired or not?  Inspiration in it’s most basic definition means that Jehovah is the one communicating.  The organization is merely transmitting what has come from Jehovah.  With that in mind, let’s see what the organization has said over the years starting in the days of Charles T. Russell:

We have not the gift of prophecy, and could not tell you in what form nor from what quarter the testing would come, for our adversary, the devil, is sure to bring the test from an unexpected quarter.

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. January 1883 Reprints p. 425

 

This is good, they are openly stating they don’t have the ability to prophesy. 

Nor would we have our writings reverenced or regarded as infallible, or on a par with the holy Scriptures.  The most we claim or have ever claimed for our teaching is that they are what we believe to be harmonious interpretations of the divine Word, in harmony with the spirit of the truth. 

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. December 15, 1896 Reprints p. 2080 

 

Looking at fallibility, this again is good, however, it’s a slightly self serving belief that everything is in harmony with the bible. 

 

Nevertheless, we are far from claiming any direct or plenary inspiration. We believe, however, that there are many ways in which the Lord can guide those who are anxious to serve him, without directly inspiring or in any manner interfering with their free agency.

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. July 15, 1899 Reprints p. 2506 

 

Again, this is good they are not claiming any inspiration yet the Lord can interact. 


Suppose that our chronological calculations (never set forth as infallible) should prove to be fallible and in error. Our conclusion would merely be that the error could not be very great.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  January 1, 1911 p. 4737

 

The Watch Tower Bible and Tract is the greatest corporation in the world, because from the time of its organization until now the Lord has used it as his channel through with to make known the glad tidings to many thousands. 

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  January 15, 1917 Reprints p. 6033

 

Notice we have a shift from the days of Russell to the early days of Joseph Rutherford.  Whatever organization was used by the Lord prior to 1879 when the Watchtower was formed was rejected for this one. 

 

Whereas the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, since its establishment, has been the only organization used by the Lord to feed and direct his people on the earth and thus aided them in finding the treasures to be had from his Word; its various activities through these many years have enabled many people to know Jehovah, and likewise today the people of God are being taught by him through this arrangement;

The Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  July 15, 1932 p. 223

 

Prior to this organization being formed, how were the people directly fed?

 

It should be expected that the Lord would have a means of communicating to his people on the earth, and he has clearly shown that the magazine called The Watchtower is used for that purpose.

Yearbook. 1939 p. 85

 

So what we have is the bible that isn’t good enough to use has been supplemented or in this case supplanted by the magazine.  Remember this time period saw predominately the use of the King James Version of the Bible.  Reading that alone is a no no…. 

 

Christ Jesus has caused the understanding of the prophetic dramas and pictures to be clear and set forth in the Watchtower publications.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. December 15, 1942 p. 376

 

Since the organization teaches that angels are messengers, that means Watchtower Jesus is taking the message from Jehovah and letting the people know.  We also have shifted from Joseph Rutherford to Nathan Knorr.

 

The food that the Lord’s “sheep” feed upon and that their feeders must serve to them is the spiritual food provided by the great Life-giver, Jehovah.  He gives it through his Good Shepherd, Christ Jesus.  Jehovah himself is the great “shepherd and Bishop of your Souls.”  He sees to it that it is the right food, in due season, and that it is served through his approved visible organization.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. June 1, 1943 p. 166

 

Proof that this organization was approved?  The right food (doctrinal stances) in due season has changed at various times as well.

This pouring out of God’s spirit upon the flesh of all his faithful anointed witnesses does not mean those now serving as Jehovah's witnesses are inspired. It does not mean that the writings in this magazine, The Watchtower, are inspired and infallible and without mistakes.  It does not mean that the president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society is inspired and infallible, although enemies falsely charge us with believing so.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  May 15, 1947 p. 157

 

So we are going back to the old light.  Notice also how blame is laid at those outside the organization and not the very pages of the publications printed by the organization itself.

 

So Jehovah’s visible organization under Christ is a channel for bringing the divine interpretation of his Word to his devoted people. 

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. July 15, 1950 p. 214

 

Going back now the organization is inspired yet again. 

 

Hence the purpose of this magazine is to keep sharp and faithful focus on Bible truth, on world happenings that may fulfill prophecies, and on religious news generally. Sometimes it will tear down religious falsehoods, that Bible truth may be built up in their stead. Such two-way work is Scripturally commanded, and is beneficial for all persons of right heart condition. (Jer. 1:10; Heb. 12:5-13) However, The Watchtower does not claim to be inspired in its utterances, nor is it dogmatic. It invites careful and critical examination of its contents in the light of the Scriptures. Its purpose is to aid others to know Jehovah and his purposes toward mankind, and to announce Christ’s established kingdom as our only hope.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. August 15, 1950 p. 263

 

What happened that the organization is no longer inspired?  What happens if you as an active Jehovah’s Witness performs a careful and critical examination of its contents and reports this to other members of the kingdom hall?  Would this or would it not result in a judicial committee meeting?    

How does Jehovah’s spirit help the “faithful and discreet slave” arrive at the truth of a matter? The Society does not claim infallibility or inspiration. How much is dependent upon the written Word? How can we be sure that this is the organization Jehovah is using when some things are published and later changed?—C. P., United States.

In regard to how the truth is brought forth through Jehovah’s organization, please note that if the Watch Tower Society were infallible there would be no need for future correction of viewpoints held; but because it is not infallible and has never claimed to be, from time to time corrections are necessary.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  October 15, 1954 p. 638

 

So we are back to having an uninspired organization….

 

The “slave” then became responsible not only for ministering to the needs of the anointed body members but also for taking on the responsibility of preaching the good news of the established Kingdom to people of all nations. (Matt. 24:14) Such is true not by their determination of it, but because God himself has so directed. “God has set the members in the body, each one of them, just as he pleased,” is the way it is pictured in 1 Corinthians 12:18 (NW). It is vital that we appreciate this fact and respond to the directions of the “slave” as we would to the voice of God, because it is His provision.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. June 15, 1957 p. 370

 

The slave is to be regarded as being an equal with Jehovah.  Does this mean that the organization is greater than the angel Michael? 

 

Whom has God actually used as his prophet?

By the historical facts of the case Christendom is beaten back in defeat. Jehovah’s witnesses are deeply grateful today that the plain facts show that God has been pleased to use them.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  January 15, 1959 p. 40, 41

 

Plain facts?  What would these plain facts actually be?   

 

The evidence of the holy spirit in the quality and content of the writings published by the Watchtower Society should be the thing that satisfies, that convinces, together with a comparison of these things with the inspired Word of God, the Holy Scriptures.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  October 1, 1959 p. 607-608

 

So this organization speaks of it’s material first then the word of God. 

 

Abundant spiritual food and amazing details as to the doing of God’s will have been flowing through this unique channel actually as a miraculous evidence of the operation of the holy spirit. 

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. July 15, 1960 p. 439

 

Inspired prophesying today would be superfluous. The prophecies written in the Bible being complete as a guide to the congregation today, nothing needs to be added. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Rev. 22:18, 19) Accordingly, since God’s Word provides a perfect guide, there is no need to have the gift of discernment of prophecies in a miraculous sense, for there are no inspired prophets now authorized by God. Those things that “come out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the wild beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet,” or from others who speak so-called “inspired expressions” are quickly evaluated and proved false by means of the spirit-inspired Word of God.—Rev. 16:13, 14; 1 John 4:1.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  August 15, 1971 p. 504

 

However, Jehovah did not let the people of Christendom, as led by the clergy, go without being warned that the League was a counterfeit substitute for the real kingdom of God. He had a “prophet” to warn them. This “prophet” was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah’s Christian witnesses. They are still proclaiming a warning, and have been joined and assisted in their commissioned work by hundreds of thousands of persons who have listened to their message with belief.

Of course, it is easy to say that this group acts as a “prophet” of God. It is another thing to prove it. The only way that this can be done is to review the record. What does it show?

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.    April 1, 1972 p. 197

 

What does the record show?  How often has the organization been right? 

 

For nearly 60 years now the Jeremiah class have faithfully spoken forth Jehovah’s Word. Of its own self that Word has not burned up the combustible organizations of Christendom; nor has it smashed to pieces the mountain like system of things. Yet the divine Word as proclaimed by the Jeremiah class is not a failure. When, at Jehovah’s due time, in the “great tribulation,” that spoken Word is carried out by him, then his own question will be answered affirmatively: “‘Is not my word correspondingly like a fire,’ is the utterance of Jehovah, ‘and like a forge hammer that smashes the crag?’” (Jer. 23:25) So let us keep faith in that Word.  Unlike the clergy class, those of the Jeremiah class have been sent by Jehovah to speak in his name.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  September 1, 1979, p. 29

True, the brothers preparing these publications are not infallible. Their writings are not inspired as are those of Paul and the other Bible writers. (2 Tim. 3:16) And so, at times, it has been necessary, as understanding became clearer, to correct views. (Prov. 4:18)

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  February 15, 1981 p. 19

 

So does correcting the view mean going back and forth? 

 

All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the “greatly diversified wisdom of God” can become known only through Jehovah’s channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave. 

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  October 1, 1994 p. 8

 

How much wisdom from the organization? 

 

This is just a quick trip down memory road.  This organization has been intent on not being sure if it’s inspired or not.  Currently the organization says that it is not.  However, when it claims to be spirited directed, isn’t that pretty much the same.  There is pretty much one constant and that's the bible.  Again, I don't recommend the New World Translation since it has had numerous changes, however looking at that is better than reading what the organization has printed. 

The Watchtower Society and Paganism

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This is going to be a look at the Watchtower Society from the viewpoint of paganism.  Paganism as defined on dictionary.com:

noun

1.  (no longer in technical use) one of a people or community observing a polytheistic religion, as the ancient Romans and Greeks.

2.  a member of a religious, spiritual, or cultural community based on the worship of nature or the earth; a neopagan.

3.  Disparaging and Offensive.

a.  (in historical contexts) a person who is not a Christian, Jew, or Muslim; a heathen.

b.  an irreligious or hedonistic person.

c.  an uncivilized or unenlightened person.

adjective

4. of, relating to, or characteristic of pagans.

5. Disparaging and Offensive.

a.  relating to the worship or worshipers of any religion that is neither Christian, Jewish, nor Muslim.

b.  irreligious or hedonistic.

c.  (of a person) uncivilized or unenlightened.

From the statements I’ve read, the Watchtower would typically go for number one, four, and five.  However, as I talked last week about the “us vs. them” mentality, it is fair to say when the Watchtower talks of paganism, they are going for the disparaging and offensive use of the word. 

Now the Watchtower says that Charles Taze Russell was influenced strictly by the Bible and “rediscovered” lost bible truths.  However, this statement was said about him and if you have your Watchtower Library, you can take a look yourself and see something differently.  It says:

In his teens Charles Taze Russell, the editor, had been a member of the Congregational Church and a strong believer in the eternal torture of damned human souls in a hell of literal fire and brimstone...But when trying to reclaim an acquaintance, an infidel, to Christianity, he himself was routed from his sectarian position and driven into skepticism.

Hungrily he began investigating the heathen religions in search of the truth on God's purpose and man's destiny. Proving all these religions unsatisfactory and before giving up religious investigation altogether, he took up the search of the Holy Scriptures from a skeptic's viewpoint, now untrammeled by the false religious doctrines of the sectarian systems of Christendom. 

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  July 15, 1950 p. 212

 

So Russell went outside of God’s word and looked at various religious belief systems prior to coming back so to speak to Christendom.  interestingly, it says he looked at things from the view point of a skeptic.  I would like to say that the other heathen religions are still part of the organization and it is still embraced to this day. 

Additionally, here’s a quote from the first Watchtower issue to reinforce accepting information from any source:

 

A truth presented by Satan himself is just as true as a truth stated by God.

Zion’s Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  July 1879 Reprints p. 8. 

 

This is very interesting and very damning in itself since the first issue has equated a created being having the same equality with the creator.  Furthermore, the present day organization obviously doesn’t want the people to be aware of this quote since it would not agreement with II Corinthians 11:14 says the following (New World Translation):  And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light.

 

As you can see, Satan is very powerful and even though he can make something look good, it is not the case.  I submit to you that is the case with the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society organization overall. 

 

So with that in mind, I’d like to take a trip down memory lane and we are going to explore paganism in the Watchtower.  Prior to getting specific events, have you stopped to consider the possibility of paganism being accepted in Watchtower Society Publications?  Or did you just assume that since it’s “God’s chosen channel of communication,” that nothing like this would be within. 

 

I’d like to start with William Miller.  He is the one who some responsibility for the mess of this organization’s creation.  He produced a chart used in part as the basis of the 1914 chronology. 

 

William Miller Chart JW Changes

 

Studies in the Scriptures Cover Winged Sun Disk.  Russell used it relating to Malachi 4:2 however, it is a symbol used for the Egyptian god named “Ra.”

 

Studies In The Scriptures Winged Sun Disk

 

Although that organization owes much to Free Masonry (the parent organization) here’s a statement where the society disavows and bashes the “mother”: 

 

Would I continue as a member of the Masonic Lodge with all its mysticism, or would I quit and please Jehovah?  I chose the latter.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  December 15, 1997 p. 10

 

However Russell said the following:

So I am glad to address delegates especially here from the Bay cities, and also including some thirty-five states represented in the excursion party. I am very glad to have this particular opportunity of saying a word about some of the things in which we agree with our Masonic friends, because we are speaking in a building dedicated to Masonry, and we also are Masons. I am a Free Mason. I am a free and accepted Mason, if I may carry the matter to its full length, because that is what our Masonic brethren like to tell us, that they are free and accepted Masons.  That is their style of putting it. Now I am a free and accepted Mason. I trust we all are. But not just after the style of our Masonic brethren. We have no quarrel with them. I am not going to say a word against Free Masons. In fact, some of my very dear friends are Masons, and I can appreciate that there are certain very precious truths that are held in part by our Masonic friends.

Pastor Russell Convention Discourses 1906-1916

 

Although he made this statement, there are various people who have said that Russell was never a Free Mason and have verified it with various Free Mason Lodges in the United States and Scotland.  I’m not here to say he was or wasn’t but here are some times where he spoke in Masonic lodges:

March 8, 1903 Fort Wayne

A meeting for interested friends will be held in Hall "Maccabees" * , 917 Calhoun St. at 10am. The meetings of the afternoon ... be held at the Masonic Temple , horn. Wayne and Clinton Sts.

Speakers Itinaries, Watchtower Bible & Tract Society from 1901 to 1916, page 96

 

1903 General Convention in Atlanta

All other meetings will be held at Hall of "Knights of Pythias" * , horn. Pryor and Unter Sts.

Speakers Itinaries, Watchtower Bible & Tract Society from 1901 to 1916, page 96

 

1904 Washington Convention

The Washington Convention will be held at Hall of "Odd Fellows" * .

Speakers Itinaries, Watchtower Bible & Tract Society from 1901 to 1916, page 240

 

February 9, 1908, Paterson

The morning session will be held at Masonic Hall.

Speakers Itinaries, Watchtower Bible & Tract Society from 1901 to 1916, page 383

 

October 11, 1908, Chicago

's morning meeting will be held at the Drill Hall, Masonic Temple in 10 hours.

Speakers Itinaries, Watchtower Bible & Tract Society from 1901 to 1916, page 320

 

Assuming he wasn’t a Free Mason, why is he buried in a Masonic cemetery near Pittsburgh, PA? 

 

Also here are some other things that the Free Masons used that he incorporated into Watchtower Publications:

Cross and Crown

Watchtower Cross and Crown Cover

 

A broken pillar at his feet.  The symbolism is here at this site:

http://web.archive.org/web/20020617195936/http://www.yorkrite.com/RAM/365.htm 

 

Just prior to his death, he asked to be wrapped in a Roman toga as seen in the following quote:

Toward morning he had me make a robe for convenience sake by pinning a sheet inside of a blanket, wrapping him in it like a robe and fastening it under his chin. He stood up on the floor for this purpose, and then lay down on the couch instead of returning to his berth. I therefore sat on his bed while he lay before me. After several hours his robe proved to be rather inconvenient, because the sheet and blanket could not be kept together. It was then that he stood again and said, "Please make me a Roman toga.”

Zion’s Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  December 1, 1916 Reprints p. 6004, 6005

 

Rutherford was known for promoting strange ideas.  One of the more odd ones pertains to the calendar.  The Gregorian calendar that we use today is based upon the Roman mythological gods.    The usage of the Gregorian calendar lead to the creation of the “Jehovah’s Calendar” that was presented for the March 1935 Golden Age issue for the 13th.  Here is a quick list of the months and days:

First month-Redemption

Second month-Life

Third month-Visitement

Fourth month-Freedom

Fifth month-Vindication

Sixth month-Hope

Seventh month-King

Eighth month-Peace

Nineth month-Order

Tenth month-Logos

Eleventh month-Jehovah

Last month-Temple

Sunday-Lightday

Monday-Heavensday

Tuesday-Earthday

Wednesday-Starday

Thursday-Lifeday

Friday-Mansday

Saturday-Godsday

Here was the rationale behind the calendar:

Does it not seem a very wonderful thing, a gift from Jehovah God, that Jehovah's people may now have a perfect calendar of the Lords life, knowing, for example, in terms of the Gregorian calendar, with which all are familiar, the exact days of the week, month, and year when, as a boy…”

The Golden Age.  March 13, 1935 p. 355

 

Jehovah's Witness 1935 Calendar

 

However, this perfect gift, given by Jehovah was rejected by the subordinate angels.  Remember they rejected it because I said last week that the holy spirit wasn’t active starting in 1932 when the publication “Preservation” was released. 

Here are the articles for the calendar: https://archive.org/details/theCalendarOfJehovahGod

 

Then I would like to address paganism in Watchtower art.  However, this is the art that is typically not seen: subliminal imagery.  Here’s a quote to set the stage:

In the late 1950’s, James Vicary claimed to have conducted a study in a New Jersey, U.S.A., movie theater in which the words “Drink Coca-Cola” and “Eat Popcorn” were flashed on the screen during the movie. The messages appeared for only a fraction of a second, too briefly to make an impression on the conscious mind. Yet, according to Vicary, they resulted in an increase in the sale of Coca-Cola and popcorn. This claim led to widespread belief that advertisers could motivate people to buy things by projecting “unseen” messages. After reportedly signing contracts for $4.5 million with America’s largest advertisers, Mr. Vicary vanished without a trace. The advertisers had been the victims of a scam.

Subsequent study debunked Vicary’s claims. Said one longtime advertising executive: “Subliminal advertising doesn’t work. If it did, we would have used it.”

Awake!  August 22, 1998 p. 6

 

I will contend that the Watchtower does utilize subliminal advertising and imagery.  I will mention some examples here:

 

 

Creation. 1927 p. 265

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom. May 1, 1983 p. 17

Knowledge That Leads To Everlasting Life. 1995 p. 35 Mirror Image

Revelation-It's Grand Climax at Hand! 1988. p. 52

I’ll let you decide but here are my thoughts:

Life at Bethel is very monotonous and boring.  Perhaps there have been people wanting to pull pranks.

The problem is that it is a deliberate effort to put this information in the Watchtower publications.  So we have a problem, would God’s chosen organization allow this? 

This actually had to be addressed by the organization in part with the following: September 1, 1984 Watchtower, page 20 (quoted in part):

Even the Watchtower Society’s publications have been the subject of rumors—for example, that one of the artists had secretly been introducing pictures of demons into the illustrations, was subsequently found out and disfellowshipped!

Did you share in spreading any such stories? If so, you were—perhaps unwittingly—spreading an untruth, since they were all false. Certainly, the rumor concerning the Society’s publications was harmful, as well as slanderous to the zealous Christians who work long hours producing artwork to make the magazines, brochures and books so attractive. This was as ridiculous as it would be to say that God, in creating celestial bodies, deliberately formed the appearance of a ‘man in the moon.’

The quote I just read was from 1984.  The art quotes are a sampling of what’s after.  There are more and people still find it today. 

 

The most relevant and powerful tool that the organization uses today to pressure those “on the outside” back in is the use of disfellowshipping.  The Watchtower of Knorr’s day wouldn’t allow this.  Ironically, the organization that now embraces disfellowshipping as a “loving provision” has a solid root in paganism.  How do we know?  The Watchtower said so.  Here’s some of the statements from the January 8, 1947 Awake! article title, “Are You Also Excommunicated?”  This article is condemning the Catholic church.  (Excommunicate is the Catholic equivalent) Let’s read some of the statements. 

 

Awake 1947 JW Changes

 

 

All those belonging to such lodges as the Masonic, Fenians, Independent Order of Good Templars, Odd Fellows, Sons of Temperance, or the Knights of Pythias, are also excommunicated. 

This is “canon law” which the Roman Catholic Hierarchy seeks to enforce on the pretext that is God’s law.  The authority for excommunication, they claim, is based on the teaching of Christ and the apostles, as found in the following scriptures: Matthew 18:15-19; 1 Corinthians 5:3-5; 16:22; Galatians 1:8-9; 1 Timothy 1:20; Titus 3:10.  But the Hierarchy’s excommunication as a punishment and “medicinal” remedy (Catholic Encyclopedia), finds no support in these scriptures.  In fact, it is altogether foreign to Bible teachings.-Hebrews 10:26-31.

Where, then, did this practice originate?  The Encyclopedia Brittannica says that papal excommunication is not without pagan influence, “and that its variations cannot be adequately explained unless account be taken of several non-Christian analogues of excommunication.”

Further this article says: As the pretensions of the Hierarchy increased, the weapon of excommunication became the instrument by which the clergy attained a combination of ecclesiastical power and secular tyranny that finds no parallel in history.  Let’s contrast that with the organization today:

The April 2015 study edition has an article entitled “Why Disfellowshipping Is a Loving Provision.”  In short, so long as this organization equates disfellowshipping to being loving, the organization is loving pagan influence.  I highly doubt this will change anytime soon… 

This is the case where the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has tried to do one thing, gain power.  It is drawing from pagan sources for power and authority.  Are you going to allow your eternity to be dictated by an organization that like Russell, accepting truth that regards Satan and Jehovah as equals or reliance on God’s word alone? 

 

The most relevant and powerful tool that the organization uses today to pressure those “on the outside” back in is the use of disfellowshipping.  The Watchtower of Knorr’s day wouldn’t allow this.  Ironically, the organization that now embraces disfellowshipping as a “loving provision” has a solid root in paganism.  How do we know?  The Watchtower said so.  Here’s some of the statements from the January 8, 1947 Awake! article title, “Are You Also Excommunicated?”  This article is condemning the Catholic church.  (Excommunicate is the Catholic equivalent) Let’s read some of the statements. 

All those belonging to such lodges as the Masonic, Fenians, Independent Order of Good Templars, Odd Fellows, Sons of Temperance, or the Knights of Pythias, are also excommunicated. 

This is “canon law” which the Roman Catholic Hierarchy seeks to enforce on the pretext that is God’s law.  The authority for excommunication, they claim, is based on the teaching of Christ 

and the apostles, as found in the following scriptures: Matthew 18:15-19; 1 Corinthians 5:3-5; 16:22; Galatians 1:8-9; 1 Timothy 1:20; Titus 3:10.  But the Hierarchy’s excommunication as a punishment and “medicinal” remedy (Catholic Encyclopedia), finds no support in these scriptures.  In fact, it is altogether foreign to Bible teachings.-Hebrews 10:26-31.

Where, then, did this practice originate?  The Encyclopedia Brittannica says that papal excommunication is not without pagan influence, “and that its variations cannot be adequately explained unless account be taken of several non-Christian analogues of excommunication.”

Further this article says: As the pretensions of the Hierarchy increased, the weapon of excommunication became the instrument by which the clergy attained a combination of ecclesiastical power and secular tyranny that finds no parallel in history.  Let’s contrast that with the organization today:

The April 2015 study edition has an article entitled “Why Disfellowshipping Is a Loving Provision.”  In short, so long as this organization equates this to being loving, the organization is loving of pagan influence.  I highly doubt this will change anytime soon… 

This is the case where the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has tried to do one thing, gain power.  It is drawing from pagan sources for power and authority.  Are you going to allow your eternity to be dictated by an organization that like Russell, accepting truth that regards Satan and Jehovah as equals or reliance on God’s word alone?

The Watchtower Society’s Worship That Jehovah Approves

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Last week was Easter which has been called Resurrection Sunday by some.  The organization is quick to point out that every other religion is based in paganism.  The organization says they are the only one that is right. 

Today, I would like to examine and look at Chapter 15 of the What Does the Bible Really Teach Book? entitled, “Worship that God Approves.” 

https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/bible-teach/how-to-worship-god-true-worshippers/

 

Before getting into the article, this chapter looks to keep the individual interested and establish further faith into the organization.  This article works to keep people from looking at outside resources and ultimately utilizes circular reasoning to establish itself as “the truth.” 

Typically when I do these sections, I start with the past and come back to the present.  Today, I’m going to do it a little backwards by starting in the present (information from the chapter) then going back to the past. 

 

The opening questions for this chapter are:

Are all religions pleasing to God?

How can we identify the true religion?

 

Regarding religion, Judge Rutherford gives the answer in the lecture "Religion is a Snare and a Racket,” published in 1939. 

 

The Jehovah’s Witnesses that heard this lecture in 1939 were instructed that religion originated from Satan. 

 

Next point, religion is organized and it does say under Satan.  Being under an organized religion, does this now mean that by a prior leader’s admission that the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is under the influence of Satan?  Have you considered that the organization that takes time to deride “Christendom” for using non-biblical terms does the same thing with titles and offices of those within the organization.  Here's some examples:

Governing Body

Branch offices numbering nearly 100 divided into zones

Traveling overseers (overseer is from Greek term episkopos)

Titles such as circuit, district, group preceding overseer

Territory-The area a kingdom hall is responsible for

Coordinator of the Body of Elders-Assigns the duties and maintains finances

Watchtower Study Conductor-Leads the weekly study of the magazine

 

Moving on in the chapter, it says, “If we worship him in the right way, we will be happy and will avoid many problems in life.” What Does the Bible Teach?  2005, 2014 ed. p. 144

 

Currently, the organization teaches that Jehovah alone is to receive worship.  However, let’s look at this:

 

Truly these words fittingly apply to our beloved Brother and Pastor!

Russell, thou hast, by the Lord been crowned a king; and through the everlasting ages thy name shall be known amongst the people, and thy enemies shall come and worship at thy feet.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. December 1, 1916 Reprints p. 6015

 

It didn’t go just for the founder.  Creature worship was applied to Jesus Christ who eventually was associated with Michael the Archangel with the following:

 

It is this great One, who has been thus highly exalted and honored by Jehovah, whom we delight to honor and to worship and to serve, as one with the Heavenly Father, in word, in work, in purpose and in spirit.

Studies in the Scriptures V-The At-one-ment Between God and Men. 1899, 1916 ed. p. 85

 

A more recent quote:

Christ to be worshipped as a glorious spirit, victorious over death on the torture stake.

Make Sure of All Things. 1953 p. 85

 

I wonder why a publication like this is no longer available?

 

It was changed with the following:

Consequently, since the Scriptures teach that Jesus Christ is not a Trinitarian co-person with God the Father, but is a distinct person, the Son of God, the answer to the above question must be that no distinct worship is to be rendered to Jesus Christ now glorified in heaven.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. January 1, 1954 p. 31

 

The organization didn’t waste any time by issuing this proclamation in the first issue of the The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom in January of 1954.

 

Reverent adoration should be expressed only to God. To render worship to anyone or anything else would be a form of idolatry, which is condemned in both the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures. Accordingly, true Christians do well to direct their worship only to Jehovah God, the Almighty.

Awake! April 8, 2000 p.26, 27


So in short, the organization from 1879 until the quote I presented in 1954 shows the organization was engaged in idolatrous, irreverent adoration for 75 years.  Those during that time frame were to be condemned.  If they were condemned, how was it that this organization was approved by Jehovah in 1919 for teaching “truth?” 

 

The next paragraph says, “How can you know the right way to worship Jehovah? You do not have to study and compare the teachings of all the many religions. You need only learn what the Bible really teaches about true worship.”  What Does the Bible Teach?  2005, 2014 ed. p. 144

 

Therefore, those under the authority of this organization were engaged in true worship since the organization implores members to not look at the bible.  When they do, the New World Translation is purposely mistranslated.  Searching for the word “worship” in the New World Translation, it uses that word.  When Jesus is the subject, the word is now transformed to be “obeisance.” I usually recommend reading the Kingdom Interlinear Translation (1969, 1985 ed.) in the JW Library App but it’s rewritten there as well.  Interestingly, Satan can receive worship, yet Jesus who is higher then Satan in the universe receives the lesser honor. 

 

The one point from the third paragraph says: “To have God’s approval, therefore, we must learn what God requires of us and do it. Jesus called those who do not do God’s will ‘workers of lawlessness.’ (Matthew 7:21-23)” What Does the Bible Teach?  2005, 2014 ed. p. 145

 

Interestingly the 22nd verse of Matthew 7:22 says, Many will say to me in that day: ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ (New World Translation).  Prophecy is an aspect that the organization doesn’t write off anymore yet tries to put a positive spin on.  Regardless, when was the last time the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society ever prophesied something that actually came to pass?

 

Paragraph four contains the following statement: “True religion leads to everlasting life. False religion leads to destruction.”  What Does the Bible Teach?  2005, 2014 ed. p. 145 

I’d like to look at the biblical standard for true religion as contained in James 1:27.  It says (New World Translation): “The form of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself without spot from the world.”

 

If you’re a Witness reading this, how many widows that you came across within the organization that were taken care of by the society based in Brooklyn, New York?  This would be something as simple as getting the elderly out to the meetings up to financial assistance if they needed it.  Given that the organization has multiple funding streams, how much do they use to take care of their own?  Also, the hot topic is child sex abuse and the organization.  Hypothetically, should all cases but one be proven false, that is still one single spot.  One spot is one too many as written in Jehovah’s Word.    

 

“Every good tree produces fine fruit” (Matthew 7:16, 17) What Does the Bible Teach?  2005, 2014 ed. p. 146.

 

In other words, those who practice the true religion would be recognized by their beliefs and their conduct. Although they are not perfect and they make mistakes, true worshippers as a group seek to do God’s will.  This fifth paragraph is interesting and is a way the organization excuses past beliefs.  Even if they aren’t perfect, why doesn’t this organization give all members free access to past material?  Could it be that giving free access to past material would show the present day Jehovah’s Witnesses how much this man made religion is like the foolish man who built his house on the sand as described in Matthew 7:24-27?

 

The next paragraph says: “God’s servants base their teachings on the Bible” What Does the Bible Teach?  2005, 2014 ed. p. 146 

 

How often have you stopped to consider much of what you learn is not from the bible alone but based on pages from the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society publications?  It can be just a random statement as I read above or something specifically mentioned in the “Questions from Readers” section of the Watchtower magazine.  A fair question worth asking is how much time reading the Bible compared to Society material do you read?    

 

They believe that the Bible is God’s Word, and they base their teachings firmly on what it says.  Here’s just one example of going “beyond what is written:”  Blood transfusions.  The scriptures the organization cites for support should be prophetic since the first blood transfusion didn’t occur until the 17th century according to this story: History of Blood Transfusions.

Of course, genuine love means more than not killing others. True Christians unselfishly use their time, energy, and resources to help and encourage one another. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) They help one another in times of distress, and they deal honestly with others.  What Does the Bible Teach?  2005, 2014 ed. p. 149

 

They now don't want to agree with killing.  However, there was indirect support for the "war machine" with the following:

 

Some members of the Brooklyn Tabernacle congregation had previously purchased Liberty Bonds.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence.  May  15, 1918 p. 153

 

This time period was World War I.  Jesus would have known this when he was inspecting all world religions. 

 

They believe in some ways they are dealing honestly even though they can engage in what is called theocratic warfare.  Here is a relatively recent reference of where it can be defined:

 

She was not a liar. Rather, she was using theocratic war strategy, hiding the truth by action and word for the sake of the ministry. 

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. May 1, 1957 p. 285

 

True Christians accept Jesus Christ as God’s means of salvation. The Bible says: “There is no salvation in anyone else, for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved.” (Acts 4:12) What Does the Bible Teach?  2005, 2014 ed. p. 149

 

This is interesting given that the organization said this:

No doubt, before the “great tribulation” is finished, we will see the greatest witness to God’s name and kingdom in the history of this world. And while now the witness yet includes the invitation to come to Jehovah’s organization for salvation, the time no doubt will come when the message takes on a harder tone, like a “great war cry.”

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  November 15, 1981 p. 21

 

So which should you as a Witness believe?  Should you place your faith in the organization or Jesus?  If the organization is right, there was no one who would be considered to have been in a saved condition from the death of John in the year 96 until 1879 when the organization was founded by Charles Taze Russell. 

 

And while God’s true worshippers are neutral regarding politics, they are law-abiding.  What Does the Bible Teach?  2005, 2014 ed. p. 149

 

This is an interesting statement.  Perhaps you have heard of the Amish.  The Amish still maintain their simplistic ways.  They are further “no part of the world” in that they don’t pay taxes, nor embrace much in the way of technology.  They are also law abiding too.  Regarding this, it looks like the Amish in comparison to those within the organization are further removed from the world.  Even though they do not run for office, there is one early believer listed in Romans 16:31-Erastus: the city steward or treasurer depending on your translation.   

 

Jesus’ true followers preach that God’s Kingdom is  mankind’s only hope. Jesus foretold: “This good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)  What Does the Bible Teach?  2005, 2014 ed. p. 150-151

 

They haven’t fully stated that Watchtower Jesus took kingdom power in 1914.  If they did, how would that be within the bible?   This is a great contrast since we have the following statement: Only Jehovah’s Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the “great crowd,” as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil. (Revelation 7:9-17; 2 Corinthians 4:4) They will make up the “flesh” that Jesus Christ said would be saved through the worst tribulation of all human history.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  September 1, 1989 p. 19

 

This is saying as long as one is part of the organization they have a hope.  This is a caveat that isn’t spoken of much. 

Also, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is not in every inhabited country.  North Korea and the Middle Eastern countries are conspicuously absent when you look at the Yearbook.  The organization is still not fulfilling the biblical requirement. 

 

Of all the religious groups on earth, which one meets all these requirements?’ The facts clearly show that it is Jehovah’s Witnesses.—Read Isaiah 43:10-12.  What Does the Bible Teach?  2005, 2014 ed. p. 151

 

Based upon the circular reasoning contained within this chapter, they fit their own standard.

 

Since ancient Babylonian worship spread throughout the earth, modern-day Babylon the Great can properly be identified as the world empire of false religion.

 

This is what groups do, encourage the “us vs. them” mentality.  We have that here.  Look at this statement form the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons): My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right--and which I should join. I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong, and the personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in His sight: that those professors were all corrupt…”

Joseph Smith, History of the Church, Vol. 1, p. 5-6

 

Revisiting "Bible based" teachings, here are some statements I’d like to read that were used at one point or another in the organization:

According to this trustworthy Bible chronology six thousand years from man’s creation will end in 1975, and the seventh period of a thousand years of human history will begin in the fall of 1975 C.E.

Life Everlasting in Freedom of the Sons of God. 1966 p. 28

 

And there was war in heaven-between the ecclesiastical powers, Pagan Rome and Papal Rome. Michael-“who as God,” the Pope. 

The Finished Mystery. 1917 p. 188

 

The Holy Scriptures show that the term “morning stars” refers to two mighty creatures of heaven, namely, Michael (the Logos) and Lucifer. These two mighty creatures were brothers; both sons of God.

The Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  March 1, 1932 p. 76

 

The beast that THEN ascendeth out of the [bottomless pit] ABYSS.—The government without a foundation; revolutionary France during the "Reign of Terror."

The Finished Mystery.  1917 p. 174

 

What Jehovah has in store for these “sons of God” who became disobedient, the Scriptures do not reveal, but if at Armageddon any of them do take a positive and unequivocal stand on the side of Jehovah and gladly leave it to Jehovah where to place them, they may be recovered and return to some place in his organization.

Angels. 1934 p. 43

 

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

 

Was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.—The number of the Great Company –will apparently exceed one hundred millions. Num. 4:46-48 and Ex. 28:1 indicate but one priest to each 2,860 Levites, which would make the number of the Great Company approximate 411,840,000.—T118, 119; Dan. 7:10.

The Finished Mystery. 1917 p. 103

 

Furthermore, since Christ Jesus is the Head or Husband to his church when he appears at the temple of Jehovah for judgment, and gathers his own to himself, there would be no necessity for a substitute for Christ Jesus, such as the holy spirit; therefore the office of the holy spirit as an advocate, comforter and helper would cease. The angels of Christ Jesus forming his retinue of servants at the temple, invisible indeed to man, are given charge over members of the temple company yet on the earth. “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”-Ps. 91:11.

Preservation. 1932 p. 202, 203

 

Contrast the Holy Spirit being taken away with the words of Jesus Christ in John 14:16, 17 (New World Translation)-And I will request the Father and he will give YOU another helper to be with YOU forever, the spirit of the truth, which the world cannot receive, because it neither beholds it nor knows it.  You know it, because it remains with YOU and is in YOU.

 

Picture of C.T. Russell’s gravestone saying he is the Laodecian Messenger.

Proclaimer’s of God’s Kingdom. 1993. p. 64

 

What, then, can we deduce from the fact that one of the 24 elders identifies the great crowd to John?  It seems that the resurrected ones of the 24-elders group may be involved in communicating of divine truths today. 

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  January 1, 2007 p. 28

 

The organization proclaims to be the only one engaged in “Worship that God Approves.”  However, I submit to you that based upon the statements within its history, the past proves otherwise.  If we allow the practices in the past to determine the future, it is highly improbable that this organization will engage in worship that God approves any time soon.  As always, I ask that you place down that uninspired man made material and read the Bible alone.