Charles Taze Russell Archives - Page 3 of 4

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.

Views on Watchtower Bible And Tract Society Book Studies

March 6, 2016 By Sean

The book study or examining organizational material is of the utmost importance when it comes to any group like the Jehovah’s Witnesses (Book of Mormon, Ellen G. White books). I try to shy away from using the term “cult” but one of the characteristics of a cult is this according to the University of California-Berkley in the “Programming Phase”: Intense Study-Focus is on group doctrine and writings. Bible, if used at all, is referred to one verse at time to "prove" group teachings. This was prevalent since the early days of Russell with the following quote:

Here’s what was said, If the six volumes of SCRIPTURE STUDIES are practically the Bible topically arranged, with Bible proof-texts given, we might not improperly name the volumes-- the Bible in an arranged form. That is to say, they are not merely comments on the Bible, but they are practically the Bible itself, since there is no desire to build any doctrine or thought on any individual preference or on any individual wisdom, but to present the entire matter on the lines of the Word of God. We therefore think it safe to follow this kind of reading, this kind of instruction, this kind of Bible study.

Furthermore, not only do we find that people cannot see the Divine Plan in studying the Bible by itself, but we see, also, that if anyone lays the SCRIPTURE STUDIES aside, even after he has used them, after he has become familiar with them, after he has read them for ten years --if he then lays them aside and ignores them and goes to the Bible alone, though he has understood his Bible for ten years, our experience shows that within two years he goes into darkness. On the other hand, if he had merely read the SCRIPTURE STUDIES with their references, and had not read a page of the Bible, as such, he would be in the light at the end of the two years, because he would have the light of the Scriptures.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. September 15, 1910 Reprints Page 4685

Here are some parallels:

Topical bible examination. Started under Charles Taze Russell, still done to this day.

The writings of fallible man is equal with the infallible word of God.

The organization’s writings have a greater emphasis then the Bible itself.

Without the organization, you are going into darkness.

With this in mind, I went ahead and looked at the newest version of the What Does the Bible Really Teach? book published in 2005, 2014 edition. This is the latest “introductory book” to get people interested in the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.

I won’t go over the verses, you can do that on your own. However, we see the influence of Russell today. There is much by what the Watchtower says and there is an occasional sprinkling of scripture. One thing I did find interesting is the following quote:

2 Timothy 3:16: Page 7 says-You will quickly become familiar with the Bible by looking up the scriptures cited in this publication. Also, why not start a program of daily Bible reading? By reading three to five chapters a day, you can read the entire Bible in a year.

If you are under the auspices of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, how many times have you actually read through the entire bible? There are numerous ways to do this.

Regardless, the overall trend is this:

To get one interested, they “paint the picture” of a future without sorrow. This is not unusual.

To build confidence in the Bible, they do mention some attributes of God.

Then it starts to go downhill from there to build up confidence within the organization. The Watchtower language, in words and/or phrases ever so subtly, is integrated. Reproved is one example I saw. This is where cults have a similar vocabulary to mainstream Christianity, but their own dictionary.

Spirit creature and firstborn on page 41.

How Jesus died on page 52 versus John 20:25.

Proof texting such as Ecclesiastes 9:5 on page 57

Due to time, look more at the Appendix of that publication since the Watchtower needs that to further ingratiate perspective members to their way of thinking. With this in mind, let’s take a look back at some publications and what they say regarding the book studies.

With that in mind, let’s look at things from the historical perspective:

Show how congregation book study is valuable meeting that Jehovah has arranged.

Kingdom Ministry. May 1975 p. 2

What we have is something that Jehovah himself has arranged. Is something like this specifically mentioned in the Bible? If not, would this be considered going a violation in I Corinthians 4:6 which says (New World Translation), Now, brothers, these things I have applied to myself and Apollos for your good, that through us you may learn the rule: “Do not go beyond the things that are written,” so that you may not be puffed up with pride, favoring one against the other. Why is this not specifically mentioned in the bible that a certain book should be studied?

Let’s read on.

Consider some of the following benefits of the book study arrangement of which all of us can take advantage: (1) The groups are smaller, with better opportunities for close fellowship. (2) It is easier for all to comment freely since the material to be covered is not too lengthy and the group is small; also, we can get answers to questions on points not entirely clear from our personal study. (3) It provides a convenient center for organizing field service where this can be arranged during the week. (4) Conductors can get to know you better and are in a good position to assist with personal problems, give training in field service and help you with Scriptural questions.

Kingdom Ministry. December 1978 p. 3

Personally, I am in agreement with Watchtower when it comes to small group interaction. Large groups will have a few attempt to dominate the conversation. However, Christianity was spread without a specific plan in place. When you read the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, there is no implication that it says go in an organized fashion.

Those who regularly attend the book study are convinced that it has Jehovah's blessing.

Our Kingdom Ministry. January 1983 p. 7

Again, we have an affirmation that it is positive and Jehovah blesses it.

The Congregation Book Study plays a vital role in the spiritual development of Jehovah’s people.

Our Kingdom Ministry. July 1991 p. 3

I’m going to read two verses-II Timothy 3:16, 17 (New World Translation): All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness,17 so that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.

So the question is this, what would you choose for spiritual development: Congregation Book Study or the Bible?

The Congregation Book Study has been designed to help us study and apply God’s Word and in this way grow in wisdom and spiritual comprehension. Regularly attending the Congregation Book Study, therefore, should be an integral part of our personal program for acquiring wisdom.—Prov. 4:7-9.

Our Kingdom Ministry. August 1991 p. 7

A simple question, prior to the Watchtower instituting the Congregation Book Study, how did one acquire wisdom?

Again, we have a provision delivered directly from Jehovah.

Our Kingdom Ministry. October 1991 p. 8

Yet again, we have another affirmation that Jehovah provided the book study.

What a blessing the Congregation Book Study is! This loving arrangement from Jehovah helps us maintain our sure spiritual footing during the challenging times in which we live.

Our Kingdom Ministry. August 2007 p. 8

In January 2009, the Congregation Book Study began to be held on the same evening as the Theocratic Ministry School and Service Meeting. One reason for this adjustment was to give families an opportunity to fortify their spirituality by scheduling a specific evening each week for family worship. Each family was encouraged to move its family study to the night formerly used for the book study, if practical, and to use this time for unhurried Bible discussion and study tailored to the needs of the family.

Our Kingdom Ministry. January 2011 p. 3

Unceremoniously, this provision by Jehovah himself used for spiritual development and acquiring wisdom was now discarded without a mention by Jehovah. Here’s part of a verse that came to mind: For I am Jehovah; I do not change. Malachi 3:6 (New World Translation). So what we have is something instituted that didn’t exist. Was used and is now no longer used.

Let’s look at one verse that would counter this: Ecclesiastes 12:12 which says in the (New World Translation): As for anything besides these, my son, be warned: To the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion to them is wearisome to the flesh.

Consider how much studying of Watchtower material alone you do. There is a special section on the organization’s website for “Meeting Workbooks.” The interesting thing here is that yes the organization claims to have “unity” in that whenever there is a Watchtower meeting, everyone is being taught the same thing all around the world. I would contend that it is nothing more than uniformity. However, this is to assume that the organization is a spiritual paradise. Early church problems are readily seen throughout the New Testament. They are summarized in the second and third chapters of Revelation where each church is addressed. They receive a specific type of commendation or condemnation.

Another point of consideration is this, where in the Bible does it say that all are to study the exact same thing at the same time. John 4:24 refers to “worship in spirit and in truth” which isn’t limited to being taught and/or singing the exact same thing wherever you are. There can be a great variety. Look at nature and you can see it demonstrated. It’s time you stop being wearied by studying Watchtower material continually like a hamster on the wheel and read God’s word alone. You will definitely make more progress than those who stay within this organization.

Watchtower and Race Relations

February 1, 2016 By Sean

Last week the East Coast was hammered by a blizzard. Thankfully, my neighbor has a snow blower and he always says, “you can use it, just clear my driveway as well.” As I was snow blowing, and any time it snows, I always marvel at the snow’s pure appearance and how something so small can have a big collective impact. In a church hymn, there’s the song called Nothing But The Blood of Jesus. The refrain is, “oh precious is the flow, that makes me white as snow.” Although this is speaking about sin, I wish to speak on what some consider to be the touchy topic: race.

As an individual who has been subjected to racial discrimination by threat and racial epithets, I attempt to take it in stride. By looking to get even rather than getting ahead, one will not progress in life. With that in mind, here’s some quotes pertaining to race, particularly those who are black but can be expanded to include those who are not white.

Mormons

Blacks were denied the LDS priest hood until 1978. This is due to Cain’s lineage and being less valiant in the pre-mortal existence since Mormons believe that people existed in eternity past.

The Book of Mormon states God cursed Laminates and made their skin turn black. Let’s turn to 2 Nephi 5:21 says, “And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, that they had become like unto a flint; wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them.”

3 Nephi 2:15-And their curse was taken from them, and their skin became white like unto the Nephites;

They claim to be God’s one true organization. Why did God wait until 1978 to have this revelation? Here is the text regarding it:

It goes with the Seventh Day Adventist as well. The most prominent member currently is the Republican Presidential candidate, Dr. Benjamin Carson. Let’s look at the founder, Seventh Day Adventist prophetess, Ellen White:

God cannot take the slave to heaven, who has been kept in ignorance and degradation, knowing nothing of God, or the Bible, fearing nothing but his master’s lash, and not holding so elevated a position as his master’s brute beasts. But He does the best thing for him that a compassionate God can do. He lets him be as though he had not been.

Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 1. 1858. p. 193

With those parallels in mind, let’s take our focus and turn to Jehovah’s visible channel of communication. I wish to look first at Jehovah’s Witnesses demographics. According to the Pew Forum website for American Jehovah’s Witnesses, approximately:

36% are White
27% are black
<1% are Asian
32% are Latino
6% are other/mixed

I was unable to find anything for world statistics but if you look at the Yearbook for information, you will see that most growth is occurring in the Third World. Let’s just say hypothetically the numbers I presented reflect the world population. How does the leadership reflect this racial makeup?

I’m adamant in saying that there should NOT be forced diversity for diversity’s sake. But the first and only minority is Samuel Herd, appointed in 1999. Since he is the only minority of seven Governing Body members, he represents all diversity at 14.28%. How does the organization hierarchy rank? In your time as a Witness, how often did you see someone of a different race? I’m fully expecting that you take into account geographic variables that certain groups tend to live in certain areas.

Looking at the spouses, it is approximately 28.56% diverse since Geoffrey Jackson’s second wife is black.

If you’ve been listening to the show for a while, I was told by a Witness, “there’s a love that’s not matched by any organization but this one.” Is this how the organization view on race from the beginning? Let’s delve into the past of the Watchtower to find out….

The negro race is supposed to be descended from Ham, whose special degradation is mentioned in Gen. 9:22, 25

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. 1898 Reprints p. 2344

Though once as black as charcoal, the Rev. Mr. Draper is now white. His people say that his color was changed in answer to prayer. Many years ago Draper was employed by a fair-skinned man, and he was often heard to remark that if he could only be white like his employer, he would be happy. While in the white man’s service Draper `experienced’ religion.

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. October 1, 1900 p. 296, 297

Suppose a missionary and his wife removed to China; not only would the influence of the climate and soil be manifested upon themselves, but the same would be still more manifested in their children. Whoever will give careful attention to this matter will notice that each succeeding child born in that foreign country will have increasingly resemblance to the Chinese — the hair, the skin, the shape of the eyes, and in general all features will bear closer resemblance with each succeeding child. We can readily suppose that if so much change occurs in a few years, ten or twenty centuries under similar conditions would turn any white people into regular Chinese, even supposing there were no intermarrying.

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. July 15, 1902 Reprints p. 3043

How could all men be brought to perfection and which color of skin was the original? The answer is now provided. God can change the Ethiopian’s skin in his due time. Prof. H. A. Edwards, Supt. of Schools in Slater, Mo., has written for the public press an elaborate description of how Julius Jackson, of New Frankfurt, Mo., a negro boy of nine years, began to grow white in September, 1901, and is now fully nine-tenths white.

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. February 15, 1904 p. 52, 53

Recognizing that it meant either the success or the failure of the enterprise of the [Photo] Drama as respects the whites, we have been compelled to assign the colored friends to the gallery, which, however, is just as good for seeing and hearing as any other part of The Temple. Some were offended at this arrangement.

We have received numerous letters from the colored friends, some claiming that it is not right to make a difference, others indignantly and bitterly denouncing us as enemies of the colored people. Some, confident that Brother Russell had never sanctioned such a discrimination, told that they believe it would be duty to stand up for equal rights and always to help the oppressed, etc. We were obliged to explain the facts, assuring all of our loving interest in the colored people, and of our desire to do them good, and not injury. We again suggested that if a suitable place could be found in which the Drama could be presented for the benefit of the colored people alone, we would be glad to make such arrangements, or to cooperate with any others in doing so.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. April 1, 1914 p. 105, 106

Watchtower Jesus would have started his inspection and have read this. He approved of it as being “proper food at the proper time” by segregating people along different lines such as race.

For more information on Russell’s statements on race:

This extends further into the days of Rutherford with the following:

From a criminal viewpoint the desirability of sobering the southern negro speaks volumes for national prohibition.

The Golden Age. October 15, 1919 p. 44

A general convention of the Colored brethren has been arranged for September 3^rd to 6^th at Washington, D.C.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. May 15, 1926 p. 146

We quote again: “Mrs. Stowe felt herself so possessed that she became the conscious agent of a power other than her own. The story can less be said to have been composed by her than imposed upon her.” (Italics are ours.) “Uncle Tom’s Cabin is a work of religion; God wrote it,” she averred. But some of her contemporaries pronounced it the work of Satan; and they were quite right.

The Golden Age. November 30, 1927 p. 141

Irony here is that the book widely applauded today for helping to expose slavery was regarded as a work of Satan by the society.

The same page is says this: Centuries before, anticipating the settlement of North America by a liberty-loving people, and the founding of a government favorable to enlightenment, Satan had sought to forestall it through the voyages of Columbus and the resulting effort to people it with Spaniards and other backward races under the influence of Rome.

The Golden Age. November 30, 1927 p. 141

Question: Is there anything in the Bible that reveals the origin of the Negro?

Answer: It is generally believed that the curse which Noah pronounced upon Canaan was the origin of the Black race. Certain it is that when Noah said, “Cursed be Canaan, a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren,” he pictured the future of the Colored race. They have been and are a race of servants, but now in the dawn of the twentieth century, we are all coming to see this matter of service in its true light and to find that the only real joy in life is in serving others; not bossing them. There is no servant in the world as good as a good Colored servant, and the joy he gets from rendering faithful service is one of the purest joys there is in the world.

The Golden Age. July 24, 1929 p. 702

Ironically when it comes to the curse of Ham, the following passages are not mentioned where a curse extends only as far as the third or fourth generation (painful childbirth is a result to the connection of the original sin):

Exodus 20:5
Exodus 34:7
Numbers 14:18
Deuteronomy 5:9

Not much more is said but it continues into the days of Knorr with the following:

So if the Bible does not instruct Christians to fight slavery it would not sanction them to battle the lesser evil of segregation, at the expense of gospel-preaching.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. February 1, 1952 p. 95

In race relations, do you see genuine improvement among the nations of the world? Most people readily say ‘no’; there are strong racial hatreds on every continent. But we read statements like this one concerning Jehovah’s witnesses:

I am struck with their genuine high regard for the people of all races. Unlike some who pay lip service to the doctrine of racial brotherhood, the Witnesses welcome all to their society—even to places of outstanding leadership—without reference to color or feature.—G. Norman Eddy in Journal of Bible and Religion.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. January 15, 1973 p. 37

Regardless of how politicians and religionists view the matter, the Bible and science indicate that all races are equal and descend from a common source.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. February 8, 1982 p. 15

However, in “due time” attitudes changed slightly. I would suggest that it would deal in part with the expansion into areas that would be considered minority majority areas abroad. Let’s move forward with yet another overt quote during the administration of Nathan Knorr.

Really, our colored brothers have great cause for rejoicing. Their race is meek and teachable, and from it comes a high percentage of the theocratic increase. What if the worldly wise and powerful and noble look down on them as foolish and weak and ignoble, not on an equality with self-exalted whites? It is to God’s ultimate honor, for he confounds the wise of this world by choosing those the world considers foolish and weak and ignoble.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. February 1, 1952 p. 95

As one Colored brother in Cape Town says: “Supplies were limited, but this did not slow down the work.

Yearbook. 1976. p. 145

This is pertaining to South Africa. Why is there a need to call him “Colored” and not just leave it at brother?

The Bible-based Kingdom message proclaimed by Jehovah’s Witnesses has attracted thousands of South Africans. They have thus been able to rise above the racial and political turmoil and enjoy something unique in South Africa—racial harmony. Gert, a former member of the DR Church, discovered this. He explains: “Among Jehovah’s Witnesses, there is no discrimination because of race or language—hence, their worldwide unity.

Awake! June 22, 1988 p. 9

He didn’t read the 1976 Yearbook and its pretty obvious.

Apartheid laws affected the operation of our branch. When the Elandsfontein Bethel Home was constructed in 1952, the law required an additional building at the rear to accommodate the black and colored brothers. The law also required that they eat separately from whites in so-called African quarters. Later, it was arranged for them to eat in the Bethel kitchen. This was the eating arrangement when we arrived at Bethel in 1959.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. April 1, 1993 p. 22, 23

In later years, David Taylor, a colored brother, also had a zealous share in spreading Bible truth in this field.

Yearbook. 2007. p. 79

So three more considerations for you and I’ll be done.

As you read over the Watchtower magazine, take a look at the anointed and those who are from heaven. Are there any minorities amongst them?

Look at things from the Biblical perspective, have you stopped to consider how many individuals who were most likely not of European decent were in the Bible?

I did a simple search for Africans in the Bible on the internet. This is a fascinating little read:

Jesus loves the little children, red, and yellow, black, and white, they are precious in his sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world. However, when it comes to Watchtower Jesus, there is a preference for those who are white or of European descent.