JW Changes

Exploring Watchtower Bible & Tract Society Material

Categories

The Watchtower Bible Tract Society and the Memorial

By

Last week, those under the authority of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society participated in the annual memorial to commemorate Christ’s death.  I’d like to cover this today. 

 

Some background information on the memorial from the Watchtower point of view if you are unfamiliar with their doctrinal teachings.  The Watchtower has a two class system.  One group is the 144,000, also known as the anointed.  The great crowd is the other.  Without breaking it down too much, the 144,000 as the Watchtower teaches it are destined for heaven and the great crowd is to live on a paradise Earth in the future even though the bible explicitly states otherwise.  (Read Revelation 19:1 and Revelation 14:1-5).  This separation is further delineated since the Greek Scriptures/New Testament is written specifically for the anointed.  This is reinforced with the following:

 

Special attention was being given to making up the government that would rule mankind for 1,000 years, and nearly all the inspired letters in the Christian Greek Scriptures are primarily directed to this group of Kingdom heirs—“the holy ones,” “partakers of the heavenly calling.”

United in Worship of the Only True God.  1983. p. 111

 

With that in mind, I would like to take a few moments to look and see how did the memorial come to be.

This video clip speaks as to how Charles Taze Russell was influenced (pay attention when George Storrs is mentioned):

29:00-31:35

 

 

So what we have is instead of relying solely on God’s word, young Russell as was stated in the clip went to those who were not part of “God’s channel” for instruction. Ironically this went into the memorial itself. 

 

Now I’d like to quickly cover all of the verses that I can use to pertain to the memorial:

Galatians 3:27, 28 (New World Translation)-For all of you who were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor freeman, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in union with Christ Jesus.

 

This verse speaks of breaking down the barriers that had existed at this point.  There is one common baptism (that doesn’t even follow the baptismal formula in the bible) and that’s where the similarity stops. 

 

I Corinthians 12:22-25 (New World Translation)-On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are necessary, 23  and the parts of the body that we think to be less honorable we surround with greater honor, so our unseemly parts are treated with greater modesty, 24  whereas our attractive parts do not need anything. Nevertheless, God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that had a lack, 25  so that there should be no division in the body, but its members should have mutual concern for one another.

 

This speaks of the body of Christ.  One body, many parts, all are necessary to function yet some at times are more prominent than others.  Those that aren’t as honorable we surround with greater honor.  

 

Verses specifically about the memorial:

Matthew 26:26-29 (New World Translation)-As they continued eating, Jesus took a loaf, and after saying a blessing, he broke it, and giving it to the disciples, he said: “Take, eat. This means my body.” 27  And taking a cup, he offered thanks and gave it to them, saying: “Drink out of it, all of you, 28  for this means my ‘blood+ of the covenant,’+ which is to be poured out in behalf of many for forgiveness of sins. 29  But I say to you: I will by no means drink again any of this product of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in the Kingdom of my Father.”

 

John 6:53-58 (New World Translation)-So Jesus said to them: “Most truly I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in yourselves. 54  Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life, and I will resurrect him on the last day; 55  for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. 56  Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood remains in union with me, and I in union with him. 57  Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will live because of me. 58  This is the bread that came down from heaven. It is not as when your forefathers ate and yet died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.

 

Now what we have is an organization that prohibits the majority from partaking.  Hence you can go door to door thinking you will earn your salvation yet you have no life-Jesus said it not me.

 

Acts 2:46 (New World Translation)-And day after day they were in constant attendance in the temple with a united purpose, and they took their meals in different homes and shared their food with great rejoicing and sincerity of heart,

 

The organization says to only do it once a year yet there is no explicit verse to agree with this.  There are some groups that do this weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly like the organization. 

 

Imagine you’re invited over to someone’s house for dinner, yet eat nothing.  What kind of sense does that make?  Well that’s exactly what the Governing Body expects out of you.  Rationale is:

 

Since sharing in the bread and wine passed during the Memorial involves all of this, it would obviously be inappropriate for those having an earthly hope to partake. Were they to partake of the emblems, it would signify something that is not true with respect to them. Thus, they do not partake, though they do attend the Memorial as respectful observers.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  February 15, 2006 p.24

 

However, we have a problem since in the past the Watchtower said this:

However, the time came when the number partaking began to decrease. What did this indicate? It indicated that the number of those called to the heavenly kingdom, namely 144,000, had come to completion and more were dying off than being added.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  June 15, 1966 p. 374

 

Notice how the number had been completed.  The number peaked at: 52,465 in 1935 as stated in Proclaimer’s of God’s Kingdom (1993) on page 717.

 

The number was to continually decrease.  There were a few years where it actually spiked up.  However, the Watchtower had to change this teaching with the following quote and it starts to get messy:

On the other hand, as time has gone by, some Christians baptized after 1935 have had witness borne to them that they have the heavenly hope. (Romans 8:16, 17) Thus, it appears that we cannot set a specific date for when the calling of Christians to the heavenly hope ends.

How should a person be viewed who has determined in his heart that he is now anointed and begins to partake of the emblems at the Memorial? He should not be judged. The matter is between him and Jehovah. 

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. May 1, 2007 p.31

 

So in short the statements pertaining to the Judge Rutherford era  were discarded.  However in this instance, the old teaching wasn’t completely dead with the following:

While the number of anointed ones on the earth has decreased over the decades, the number of the other sheep has increased. When those who have an earthly hope share in the witness work, serving if possible as full-time evangelizers, they support the spirit-anointed ones in fulfilling the disciple-making assignment.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  February 15, 2009 p. 27-28

 

Now with this in mind, I’d like to cover the anointed numbers.  These numbers are for the previous year:

8,850

Yearbook.  1992 p. 33

8,683

Yearbook.  1993 p. 33

8,693

Yearbook.  1994 p.33

8,617

Yearbook.  1995 p. 33

8,645

Yearbook.  1996 p. 33

8,757

Yearbook.  1997 p. 33

8,795

Yearbook.  1998 p. 31

8,756

Yearbook.  1999 p. 31

8,755

Yearbook.  2000 p. 31

8,661

Yearbook.  2001 p. 31

8,730

Yearbook.  2002 p. 31

8,760

Yearbook.  2003 p. 31

8,565

Yearbook.  2004 p. 31

8,570

Yearbook.  2005 p. 31

8,524

Yearbook.  2006 p. 31

 

Special note the number was supposed to be decreasing, notice the trend upward....

 

8,758

Yearbook.  2007 p. 31

9,105

Yearbook.  2008 p. 31

9,986

Yearbook.  2009 p. 31

10,857

Yearbook.  2010 p. 31

11,202

Yearbook.  2011 p. 51

11,824

Yearbook.  2012 p. 55

12,604

Yearbook.  2013 p. 178

13,204

Yearbook.  2014 p. 176

14,121

Yearbook.  2015 p. 176

 

How does the organization account for the increasing number?  There are two explanations:

 

This is the number of baptized individuals who partake of the emblems at the Memorial worldwide. Does this total represent the number of anointed ones on earth? Not necessarily. A number of factors — including past religious beliefs or even mental or emotional imbalance — might cause some to assume mistakenly that they have the heavenly calling. We thus have no way of knowing the exact number of anointed ones on earth; nor do we need to know.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  August 15, 2011 p.22

 

Notice though how the organization is laying blame at the feet of the members.  Again, the organization takes no responsibility.  However this assumption does’t hold any water since the anointed partakers is increasing at a greater rate than the general population of those within the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.  This means long standing Witnesses who have been in the organization for some time have started rejecting this doctrine and elect to now partake.

 

 

The other explanation came out just a few months ago:

WHAT ABOUT THE NUMBER OF THOSE PARTAKING AT THE MEMORIAL? In recent years, we have seen an increase in the number of those partaking at the Memorial of Christ’s death. That trend contrasts with the decrease in the number of partakers that we saw for many decades. Should this increase trouble us? No. Let us consider some key factors to keep in mind. “Jehovah knows those who belong to him.” (2 Tim. 2:19) Those taking the count at the Memorial cannot judge who truly have the heavenly hope. The number of partakers includes those who mistakenly think that they are anointed. Some who at one point started to partake of the emblems later stopped. Others may have mental or emotional problems that lead them to believe that they will rule with Christ in heaven. Therefore,the number of partakers does not accurately indicate the number of anointed ones left on earth."

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  February 2016 Study Edition 2016 p.25-26

 

So what we have from this quote is the organization now shouldn’t worry about the partakers even though the organization said in 1966 that the number finalized.  This is also a reversal because the number of truly anointed was a line of evidence:

 

Sixth, the number of genuine anointed disciples of Christ is dwindling, though some will evidently still be on earth when the great tribulation begins. Most of the remnant are quite elderly, and over the years the number of those who are truly anointed has been getting smaller.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  January 15, 2000 p. 13

 

So with the number increasing, should the Watchtower officially push back the great tribulation?

 

So this organization that says the is yet again giving conflicting view points on yet another simple Bible teaching.  Jesus said to partake yet this organization implores the majority to not do so.  Who will you follow?  Jesus’ words in the Bible which haven’t changed or the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society that has changed in less than 100 years continually?  Again, will you consider placing the Watchtower literature down and reading the Bible alone? 

The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: Changed Writings

By

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.

 

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 time of trouble have passed. 

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: 

 

JW Changes You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth

 

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!

JW Changes Rama Singh

 

 

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

 

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, 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

By

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.