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The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: Changed Writings

March 20, 2016 By Sean

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

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

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

Studies in the Scriptures: Has the following quote:

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

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

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

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

So note it is only seven inches.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take note that this Watch Tower spoke about changes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Finished Mystery. 1917 p. 485

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

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

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

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

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

The Finished Mystery. 1917 p. 569

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Definite time given. The work still goes on.

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

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

How long does “our day” last?

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

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

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

Come Be My Follower. 2007, 2012 printing.

Draw Close to Jehovah. 2002, 2014 edition.

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

Harp of God. 1921, 1928 edition.

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

Kingdom Interlinear Translation. 1969, 1985 edition.

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

Make Sure of All Things. 1953, 1965 edition.

Qualified To Be Ministers. 1955, 1967 edition.

My Book of Bible Stories. 1978, 2004 editions.

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

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

Reasoning From The Scriptures. 1985, 1989 edition.

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

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

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

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

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

This is from the January 2015 Awake!

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

John 17:3

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

New World Translation. 1984 edition.

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

New World Translation. 2013 edition.

Colossians 1:16, 17

Because by means of him all other things were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, no matter whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All other things have been created through him and for him. Also he is before all other things and by means of him all other things were made to exist,

New World Translation. 1950 p. 589

Because by means of him all [other] things were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, no matter whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All [other] things have been created through him and for him. Also he is before all [other] things and by means of him all [other] things were made to exist,

New World Translation. 1984 p. 1468

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

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

Hebrews 1:6

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

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

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

Let’s contrast…

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

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

Obeisance is showing reverence but not full worship.

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

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

Watchtower and Deliverance

February 21, 2016 By Sean

I want to start off by expanding upon a prior topic that will dovetail into this one today. A few months ago, I wrote about the Christadelphians. I found this on I was able the following quote in its entirety. I’m going to post it and it fits in with today’s topic of the Watchtower and Deliverance.

Christadelphians believe the organized churches are apostate, do not believe in the "trinity", do not believe in the "inherent immortality of the soul" or in "eternal torment", but hold that eternal death is the punishment awaiting the wicked.

Through free from these basic errors, they are in bondage to religion, and there are isolated instances where Mr. Wilson’s religious leanings seem to influence his work to some extent.

Consolation. November 8, 1944 p. 26

The portion I’d like to connect with the Christadelphians and the Watchtower is “bondage to religion” by looking at the concept of deliverance. The Merriam-Webster dictionary uses terms such as liberation, rescue, set free. How does this connect to the Watchtower throughout its history?

Here we go and I’ll have very little in the way of thoughts like last week regarding Armageddon with a focus on “deliverance at hand”:

Let us, dearly beloved, live up to our covenant, and not only bury ourselves and our wills in Christ's, but also keep our bodies under--dying daily until fully delivered into the blessed kingdom--which deliverance we believe to be so very nigh at hand.

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. September 1880 Reprints p. 134

Let us, dearly beloved, see to it, that we not only bury ourselves and our wills in Christ's, but also keep our bodies under--dying daily until fully delivered into the blessed kingdom --which deliverance we believe to be so very nigh at hand.

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. December 1881 Reprints p. 302

How it comforts and cheers us now to hear the Lord's voice telling us of the deliverance that is just at hand, and sending by us his messages of love and power to all those who have and are to hear, and who are desirous of having liberty from the power of the world, the flesh and the Adversary.

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. May 1, 1907 Reprints page 3990

Thank God for the great Deliverer; thank God also, for his great day of deliverance, the Millennial age, now nigh at hand!

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. June 1, 1910 Reprints page 4627

In the clear light of unfolding time-prophecy, we see that we are now living at the very end of the reign of sin and death; that the night of sorrow, pain and tears is almost over; that the glorification of the last members of the Christ body is very soon to be completed. Yes, beloved, "the night is far spent" [about ended] and the glorious day of deliverance and blessing is at hand. Even now the first faint streaks of dawn appear.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. August 1, 1918 Reprints page 6300

Behold, the evidence daily increases that the old world has ended! The kingdom of heaven is here! Let the saints look up and lift up their heads. Let them sing aloud for joy because the day of deliverance is at hand.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. January 1, 1921 Page 13

To this end the Lord is now sending forth a worldwide proclamation that the time of DELIVERANCE is at hand.
The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. August 15, 1926 Page 248

God has now given his people an understanding of The Revelation which he gave to Jesus Christ to show unto his servants. The publication of the two books called Light, giving the explanation of The Revelation, will greatly anger the Devil and all who have not the spirit of Christ. We may therefore expect the opposition to the kingdom to quickly become stronger than ever. It will be of short duration, however, because the day of deliverance is at hand. The remnant is now giving honor to Jehovah’s name by faithfully serving him.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. September 15, 1930 p. 281

Let Jehovah’s witnesses now be strong in faith and bold in the warfare, knowing for a certainty that the day of deliverance is at hand.

The Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. July 1, 1936 p. 195, 196

Jehovah is the King of Eternity. He has enthroned Christ Jesus, his King of the Theocratic Government. Jehovah has appeared in his glory, and the day of deliverance is at hand for all those who flee to the Theocratic Government and give their allegiance and unselfish devotion to the Theocracy.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. December 1, 1939 p. 363

For some time many of God’s people have said, and say: "Oh that the salvation of Israel [spiritual Israel] were come out of Zion !" (Ps. 14: 7) Let all such who have hope and who look for salvation now rejoice because the day of deliverance is at hand. By faith we now see the climax of Armageddon and, like David, continue to say: "But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation."--Ps. 13:5.
The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. January 1, 1940 p. 10

These see it is their privilege now to be his witnesses, and to declare his name and his glory in the earth. As his witnesses these faithful ones the great Jehovah God bids to go and tell the glad news to the sorrowing world, and to advise mankind that Jehovah is God, that Christ Jesus is the King of kings, and that the day of deliverance is at hand.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. October 1, 1941 p. 303

Deliverance and release have come! Jehovah’s witnesses can testify to that. So on with the song in a continual crescendo, that more and more people may hear the message which tells of the fuller and complete deliverance and release so near at hand for all men of good-will!

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. October 15, 1949 p. 307

Instead of sobbing about the present anguish of nations and praying for its abatement, true Christians see that these turbulent times, indeed such calamities as famines, earthquakes and wars, are fulfillment of Bible prophecy pertaining to the sign of the “last days,” hence they rejoice, as Jesus said they should. (Luke 21:28) They rejoice because they know deliverance to a new world is at hand, that this present evil world must end in that “great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again,” namely, the war of Armageddon. This is Jehovah’s decree.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. October 15, 1954 p. 624

In lighting up the fact that we are living in the “last days,” God’s Word shows the Christian how to view the distressing happenings in the world. War, crime, juvenile delinquency, food shortages, pestilences and similar woes make many persons despondent, but those walking in the light from God have the positive mental attitude that the Lord Jesus Christ said we should have: “As these things start to occur, raise yourselves erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near.” (Luke 21:28) Despite the woes that have come upon our generation, those who walk in the light from God can be happy. Deliverance is at hand.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. July 1, 1959 p. 388

Please note that God’s judgment will adversely affect only “ungodly men.” It is only those who refuse to submit to God’s laws that will suffer destruction. On the other hand, for those who love righteousness and long for God’s kingdom to remove wickedness from the earth, the “last days” are indeed a time in which to rejoice. True Christians can rejoice because God’s kingdom is near and deliverance from this wicked system of things is at hand. (Luke 21:28-32) But to be among those blessed with survival when this entire system goes down in destruction, positive action is urgent.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. March 15, 1967 p. 168

True, those words were written long ago, but fulfillment of Bible prophecy gives us reason to believe that this generation will see Jehovah God rising up in burning zeal to devour all wickedness. (Matt. 24:3-34; Zeph. 3:8) Since this is so you have reason to do as Jesus said, ‘Raise yourself erect and lift your head up, because your deliverance is at hand.’—Luke 21:28.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. May 1, 1971 p. 262

Mankind desperately needs a Liberator from these ruinous demonic heavens. Jehovah God has raised up the needed Deliverer! Jehovah’s marked time for the desired deliverance is at hand!

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. April 15, 1972 p. 233

As the Israelites of old went free from captivity in ancient Babylon, so Bible prophecy reveals that a marvelous deliverance is at hand for humankind today. Read of this heartwarming prospect in the new 384-page, hardbound book, Man’s Salvation out of World Distress at Hand! Only 50 cents, postpaid.
Awake! November 22, 1975 p. 3

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES are declaring “everlasting good news,” and millions are responding to the message.—Rev. 14:6.Although people can see that world conditions are critical, they may not understand their significance. Jehovah’s Witnesses are proclaiming that these events are a sign of the time of the end for this system of things and that God’s day of deliverance is at hand. That is “good news”!

Yearbook. 1984. p. 3

While we eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us show zeal in telling others about God’s loving Kingdom promises. Deliverance is at hand! May we walk forward, ever forward, as enlightened children of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah!

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. May 1, 1993 p. 26

The morning program will continue with a talk that introduces a convention highlight, the full-costume drama based on chapter 13 of the Bible book of First Kings. The convention’s final session Sunday afternoon features the public talk “Deliverance by God’s Kingdom Is at Hand!”

Awake! June 6, 2006 p. 32

Those who attended these conventions experienced firsthand the unity that exists among Witnesses from different lands and cultures. This was very evident at the conclusion of the conventions. All were applauding, hugging new friends, and taking the last photos. (1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Peter 2:17) Happy and convinced that deliverance from all troubles and cares is at hand, the delegates returned to their homes and congregations with renewed determination to keep a very tight grip on God’s “word of life.”—Philippians 2:15, 16.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. July 1, 2007 p. 10

May you experience great joy in your ministry as you declare this good news and help those " rightly disposed for everlasting life " to realize that deliverance by God's Kingdom is at hand! - Acts 13:48

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. May 15, 2008 p. 15, 16

I’d like to now contrast that against the Bible I’m going to read Jude 1:3 (New World Translation) that says, “Beloved ones, though I was making every effort to write YOU about the salvation we hold in common, I found it necessary to write YOU to exhort You to put up a hard fight for the faith that was once for all time delivered to the holy ones.”

Let’s look at this verse in light of Watchtower doctrine. The New World Translation is still currently used by the organization even though doctored, it still is useful. I’m going to ask you Watchtowerite some questions pertaining to this verse:

How is the salvation common between the great crowd and the 144,000? One group as the Watchtower teaches is destined for paradise earth while select few are going to heaven.

Why does the Jude talk about salvation being held (Jude was written between 60-80) yet you can’t be sure of your salvation since you have to make it through the Millennial Reign of Christ which is after Armageddon? For more info about the final test read The Watchtower May 15, 2015 p. 30

(During the final test at the end of the 1,000 years, those who rebel against Jehovah will manifest the same murderous attitude as ‘Gog of Magog,’ those nations that attack God’s people at the end of the great tribulation)

Was the faith spoken of in the Bible the same that the Watchtower teaches? If so why is there often “new light” as described in Proverbs 4:18 the society uses?

Given these considerations, I trust that you are giving serious consideration to putting down that man made material and reading the inerrant Word of God. The Consolation quote spoke of being in “bondage to religion.” It’s time you broke free.

Watchtower and Children

January 18, 2016 By Sean

Today, I will like to look at the organization and children. The organization is gathering much publicity regarding the child and the alleged perpetrators. This is being directed in part by the organization creating a haven for these individuals. Let’s take a look at a historical view of children and those within the organization.

Let’s start with a quote regarding the founder: Charles Taze Russell.

He was married in 1879 to Maria Frances Ackley. No children blessed this union. Eighteen years later a disagreement arose about the management of his journal, and a separation followed.

Overland Monthly. 442

The question must be asked, what caused the separation?

Brooklyn Eagle: Articles on Charles Taze Russell

The organization printed the following:

Nearly eighteen years later, in 1897, due to Watch Tower Society members’ objecting to a woman’s teaching and being a member of the board of directors contrary to 1 Timothy 2:12, Russell and his wife disagreed about the management of the journal, Zion’s Watch Tower. Thereupon she voluntarily separated herself from him after they had arranged a financial settlement to enable her to live apart from the Society’s headquarters. This agreed separation, however, had absolutely nothing to do with a much later divorce proceeding (1906), charging “adultery,” as clerical enemies of Russell slanderously tried and still try to maintain. The court records plainly fix the lie to all those who falsely accused and even now accuse Russell as having been an immoral man, divorced for adultery.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. January 1, 1955 p. 46

“That Mrs. Russell herself did not believe and never has believed that her husband was guilty of immoral conduct is shown by the [court] record in this case where her own counsel (on page 10) asked Mrs. Russell this question: ‘You don’t mean that your husband was guilty of adultery?’ Ans. ‘No.’” Ibid., p. 19. Also W July 15, 1906, pp. 211-227.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. January 1, 1955 p. 46

So I went to the Watchtower July 15, 1906 to take a look….

The case itself starts on Reprints page 3315.

Watchtower 1916

The outcome of the case is interesting in that she was granted a divorce from him. However, that’s not the final outcome. I will embed a link so you can view the pages in question yourself.

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle ran a story in 1911 that had the following account:

So what we have is the stage set for further interaction with children starting with the founder. The irony here is looking at the evidence alone, we have conflict.

Looking quickly at Rutherford, there is not a whole lot said or mentioned that he has a child. You can see that he has one son, Malcolm. What is interesting as a side note is that this organization that calls itself a family one rarely/if ever showed the leaders early on with their family.

Here’s a video where “the Judge” is working yet the wife and child are absent. Ironic considering farming at that time period employed the entire family:

The most notable aspect was speaking about having children and here are some quotes:

Would it be Scripturally proper for them to now marry and begin to rear children? No, is the answer, which is supported by the Scriptures.

Face the Facts. 1938. p. 46

There is no reasonable or scriptural injunction to bring children into the world before Armageddon, where we are now.

The Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Kingdom. November 1, 1938 p. 324

Nearly 76 years later and still no Armageddon.

Were statements like these due in part to his son possibly being absent? We will never know. However, with the organization relying on the WBBR radio station, using phonographs, picketing, and going door to door, going door to door didn’t necessitate a great need for having children to continue propagating the Watchtower population. The mindset continued to the administration to Nathan Knorr. Here’s one quote that speaks of his parenting not that he had any kids though:

Addressing himself to parents in the audience, he asked: “How many times have you mothers or fathers told a child not to take something, and the child just goes ahead and takes it anyway?” It may be a piece of pie or a piece of cake. It may seem like something small. You may conclude that your child is simply disobedient. “No, he is a thief!” declared Brother Knorr. “Even when a person is hungry and he steals, in God’s sight it is wrong.

Convention Report. 1963. p. 15

This made me think of the verse Proverbs 22:6 that says in part to “train up a child.”

Hard to do so properly when they are nothing but a thief.

It should be no surprise that Knorr nor Fredrick Franz had any children. The anti-children crusade continues with the following:

A great crowd of people are confident that great destruction is imminent, which has been a major factor in their decision not to have children.

Awake! November 8, 1974 p.11

Today, childbearing is not specifically a part of the work Jehovah has committed to his people. Nevertheless, it is still a privilege that he grants to married people if they desire it. Christian couples who decide to start a family should not, therefore, be criticized; neither should couples who refrain from having children.

So the matter of childbearing in this time of the end is a personal one that each couple must decide for itself. However, since “the time left is reduced,” married couples would do well to weigh carefully and prayerfully the pros and cons of childbearing in these times.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. March 1, 1988 p. 26

With all this in mind, I would like to ask a simple question: How many Jehovah’s Witnesses starting in the days of Rutherford forwent having children due to the organization’s printed material?

Those in the leadership seem to not have children: Here is another obituary:

Milton Henshel Obituary: New York Times

2012 Governing Body Breakdown:

So what is the organization to do? Ironically, the organization that looks down on children needs them to continue. I say this since the organization is suffering losses left and right. There are those that are within the organization that are gaining awareness as to what their organization truly is. Perhaps the best chance this organization has to survive is this group that it has ignored for so long.

Here is an excerpt from the article, “Should Youths Get Baptized?”

Serving Jehovah as one of his baptized Witnesses is a goal that all young ones should have. Yet, godly parents may wonder, ‘I know that my child has made good progress, but is he strong enough to resist immoral pressures and remain clean before Jehovah?’ Others may ask themselves, ‘In facing the pull of materialism, will my child continue serving God with joy and zeal?’ Accordingly, what Biblical guidance can help parents determine whether their children are ready for baptism?

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. June 15, 2011 p. 3

Does this mean that those who are young are getting pressured?

You young ones in the Christian congregation, have you made a dedication to Jehovah? Many may find the choice to serve the true God difficult to make.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. March 15, 2008 p. 17

This is ironic considering the organization condemns infant baptism with the following:

Clearly, baptism is a serious step. Baptizing an infant is wrong because a baby cannot understand, make a decision, and become a disciple. (Matthew 28:19, 20) Those baptized during Philip’s ministry in Samaria were “men and women,” not mere infants. (Acts 8:4-8, 12) Baptism is for those old enough to learn, believe, and exercise faith. (John 17:3; Acts 5:14; 18:8; Hebrews 11:6)

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. January 15, 1989 p. 13

Why is it now that the organization is looking at children when there are no accounts of children explicitly being mentioned for baptism?

How much does the young one know of all the ramifications if they elect to get baptized?

Another rationale is simply this, young minds are pliable and the more they are ingrained, the harder it will be for them to leave. Now, the organization is making an unprecedented push for children using videos. I looked and currently there are 22 videos in the section. They have entire section devoted to children as they push for videos such as Sparlock:

So again, if you are wondering about the role of children in the organization, here’s a historical account that shows how little children in some ways are valued.