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The Watchtower, Jehovah, and Vindication

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Today I would like to explore the topic of vindication from the view point of the Watchtower.  The Merriam Webster definition has this word being defined one of two ways:

  1. to show that (someone) should not be blamed for a crime, mistake, etc. : to show that (someone) is not guilty
  2. to show that (someone or something that has been criticized or doubted) is correct, true, or reasonable

Today I will focus on the second one since the Watchtower has tried to prove its teachings fit the second definition of being correct, true, and reasonable.  With this in mind, let’s look at this concept in Watchtower literature:

 

So, in similar attitude of mind, must we wait; for the servant is not above his Lord, and our rejoicing in view of the future will, if we have the mind of Christ, be not only because of our own prospective vindication and glory, but also in prospect of the vindication and glory of God and of our Lord Jesus, and of the prospective everlasting triumph of truth and righteousness.

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  March 1, 1892 Reprints p. 1375

This is a quote that I can’t really argue except that the initial focus is upon self.  They should have simply stated God and Jesus.  They would need no vindication if that was the case.  A question to ask is if they needed vindication, were they possibly being viewed as teaching things that were incorrect or untrue? 

And, like his heavenly Father, through it all he was cheered in consideration of that "due time," though then in the far distant future, when his character, and also the Father's character, would be fully vindicated and manifested to every creature in heaven and in earth. And still our blessed Lord Jesus and our adorable heavenly Father await with patience the grand consummation. So, in similar attitude of mind, we must wait; for the servant is not above his Lord, and our rejoicing in view of the future will, if we have the mind of Christ, be not only because of our own prospective vindication and glory, but also in prospect of the vindication and glory of God and of our Lord Jesus, and of the prospective everlasting triumph of truth and righteousness.

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  June 1, 1906 Reprints p. 3784

Here there is getting slightly worse since there is a surety of the Watchtowerites, then known as Bible Students being vindicated, yet it is mentioned in “prospect” of God and Jesus, seemingly make it seem like the outcome is uncertain.  Reading on, we are going to slightly transition to Rutherford prior to him taking over the organization:

"AN ECCLESIASTICAL BATTLE" BY

JUDGE J. F. RUTHERFORD.

DEAR MR. COWARD:--

I have to thank you for the copy of the vindication of Pastor Russell, which you were kind enough to send me, and which, I need hardly tell you, I read with interest, having, as you know, been to some extent prejudiced against your leader and his work.

Its perusal cannot fail to increase my interest in his writings, as each point raised by his champion carries conviction with it to any one who enters the jury box with an open mind, as, thanks to your interview, I was prepared to do.

Again thanking you, and with best wishes for yourself and work, I am

Yours faithfully, CHAS. A. SMITH.--West Indies.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  January 15, 1916 Reprints p. 5842

What is interesting here is that if Russell was truly teaching everything in accordance with what the Bible actually stated, would he have been needed to be vindicated? Again, since the organization was not going to print anything negative at all, why was Russell not vindicated in court with various controversies such as the “miracle wheat” debacle?  When we have a shift over to Judge Rutherford, vindicating became even more important.

 

Prior to the coming of the Lord to his temple in 1918 the consecrated believed that God’s purpose was to save a few in heaven and to restore other obedient ones of mankind on earth. They were blind to the two opposing organizations, and particularly to the fact that the greatest of all doctrines is the vindication of God’s word and name by and through his kingdom.

The Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  October 15, 1931 p. 310

 

This concept went even further from just making a mention of this conceptual word to being the title of a trilogy.  These books entitled Vindication (Parts I, II, III) were to expand upon the prophecy by Ezekiel in the book of the Bible containing the same name.  It is 47 pages and within the present day New World Translation is 71 pages in length has been expanded to:

Vindication Part I-337 pages

Vindication Part II-339 pages

Vindication Part III-348 pages

Total: 1024 pages

New World Translation: 1618 pages

Comparing the length, those books combined are 63% of the present day New World Translation.  With that in mind, let’s look at some of the statements set forth in these books that focused on Ezekiel.

 

Vindication-Part I:

The year 1922 was manifestly God’s due time to begin to make known his judgments against the nations of Christendom and to pronounce his judgment by and through his anointed people. It was in that same year, to wit, 1922, that the commandment came from the temple of God to his angels to begin the pouring out of the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth, and God’s covenant people in convention assembled at Cedar Point participated in that work.

Vindication-Part I.  1931.  p. 55

Can anyone find where in Ezekiel that this prophecy exists?  I’m unable to find it. 

Particularly from and after 1922 God’s covenant people have assaulted “organized Christianity” with the weapons of truth provided by the Lord, and have continued so to do with zeal and vigor.

Vindication-Part I.  1931.  p. 56

The “weapons of truth” that were in use at this time have all been discarded or deemphasized such as the King James Version.   

The Prophet Nahum, prophesying concerning the preparation of God’s organization to make assault upon the enemy, says: “He that dasheth in pieces is come up before thy face.” (Nah. 2: 1)

Vindication-Part I.  1931. p. 98

The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has long claimed that it is “God’s organization.  When it comes to the assault, why is it that Jehovah has not allowed the Jehovah’s Witnesses to make a significant dent given that the organization is still outnumbered when you look at the size of Christianity? 

 

Vindication-Part II

This prophecy therefore points in time to the period following 1918, when the Lord came to the temple and inaugurated the day of vindication upon “Christendom” so called.

Vindication-Part II.  1932.   p. 24

 

We have yet another time based prophecy pointing to a specific year, can this be validated in Scripture?

 

Satan, therefore, is the creator of the wicked system of commerce that oppresses humankind, and he has practiced this from the beginning of man.

Vindication-Part II.  1932. p. 95

 

This is interesting that commerce is an invention of Satan.  The present day Watchtower is a massive real estate company.  Are they willing to admit that they are part of Satan’s system? 

 

The Lord Jesus, the great Judge at the temple, began his judgment work in 1918, and the latter part of the sixteenth verse shows that because of the condition existing in the house of God judgment was necessary.

Vindication-Part II.  1932.  p. 234

 

Again, mention of 1918 yet I am unable to find it spelled out in the Bible.

 

“Organized Christianity,” so called, falsely takes the name of Christ and then devours up men and oppresses mankind.

Vindication-Part II.  1932.  p. 263

 

This is a most interesting quote.  The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society calls itself “God’s organization.”  Based upon this statement by Rutherford, this must mean the organization and those who follow it falsely take Christ’s name. 

 

It is the name of Jehovah God that must be vindicated. That is the important issue.

Vindication-Part II.  1932.  p. 266

 

Here we finally have a focus on Jehovah. 

 

Vindication-Part III

Satan is assembling his forces for Armageddon, and these forces are under the immediate command of his field marshal Gog.

Vindication-Part III.  1932.  p. 11

 

This statement is from 1932.  How long does Satan need to assemble his forces considering one can fly around the globe in a day or two? 

This warning is given by carrying the message of truth to the people and calling upon the people to take their stand upon the side of the Lord or upon the side of the Devil. This was particularly begun on the 26th of July, 1931.

Vindication-Part III.  1932.  p. 87, 88

 

Why did taking a stand have to wait until that particular date? 

Since the coming of the Lord to his temple, in 1918, the faithful ones have received the approval of the Lord, evidenced by the robe of righteousness, and have been clothed with the garments of salvation, which identifies them as members of Jehovah’s organization. They have entered into the joy of the Lord and delight to have some part in the vindication of Jehovah’s holy name.

Vindication-Part III.  1932.  p. 125, 126

 

We finally have some focus on the name Jehovah and vindicating His name. 

These angels are invisible to human eyes and are there to carry out the orders of the Lord. No doubt they first hear the instruction which the Lord issues to his remnant and then these invisible messengers pass such instruction on to the remnant. The facts show that the angels of the Lord with him at his temple have been thus rendering sacred service unto the remnant since 1919.

Vindication-Part III.  1932.  p.250

 

This is a most interesting statement. Let’s contrast this with Galatians 1:8 (New World Translation)-However, even if we or an angel out of heaven were to declare to you as good news something beyond the good news we declared to you, let him be accursed.

 

Remember the quote where I said it was the “greatest doctrine?”  Let’s see how the Watchtower kicked this out:

Similarly, for a long time, Witnesses spoke of the vindication of Jehovah’s name. But had Satan called Jehovah’s name into question? For that matter, had any of Satan’s agents done so, as if Jehovah did not have a right to that name? No, not at all. It was not the name of Jehovah that was challenged and that needed to be vindicated. That is why the Watch Tower Society’s recent publications do not speak of Jehovah’s name as being vindicated. They speak of Jehovah’s sovereignty as being vindicated and of his name as being sanctified. This is in keeping with what Jesus told us to pray: “Let your name be sanctified.” (Matthew 6:9) Time and again, Jehovah said that he was going to sanctify his name, which the Israelites had not challenged but had profaned.—Ezekiel 20:9, 14, 22; 36:23.

Interestingly, in 1971, the book “The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah”—How? made this distinction: “Jesus Christ fights . . . for the vindication of Jehovah’s universal Sovereignty and for the glorification of Jehovah’s name.” (Pages 364-5) In 1973, God’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached said: “The coming ‘great tribulation’ is the time for Almighty God Jehovah to vindicate his universal sovereignty and to sanctify his worthy name.” (Page 409) Then, in 1975, Man’s Salvation Out Of World Distress at Hand! stated: “The greatest event of universal history will then have been accomplished, the vindication of Jehovah’s universal sovereignty and the sanctification of his sacred name.”—Page 281.

How blessed Jehovah’s people are to be basking in all this spiritual light!

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. May 15, 1995 p. 25, 26

 

So what we have is an organization that had it’s people in spiritual darkness until this statement came out just over 20 years ago.  Jehovah’s name as I feel didn’t need to be vindicated as He said in I Corinthians 1:25 (New World Translation) Because a foolish thing of God is wiser than men, and a weak thing of God is stronger than men.

 

Looking very little at the organization, remember there were two definitions of “vindication?”  The first one again said: to show that (someone) should not be blamed for a crime, mistake, etc. : to show that (someone) is not guilty

So that leads in part to how will this organization vindicate it’s name and reputation?  I contend it never has completely been clean and open, nor will it.  Since it most likely will never do so, will you remain part of this organization that purports itself to be the chosen channel?  If not, the first step is to perform the sinner’s prayer. 

 

Once that is done the next practical step is to remove yourself from the local Kingdom Hall and find yourself a good bible believing fellowship.  if you have any questions, feel free to contact me. 

The Watchtower’s Light Bearers

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Who is your light bearer?  Is it you?  If you are a Jehovah’s Witness, you are taught to believe that your organization alone is the source of light that Jehovah uses.  Therefore all others are in darkness.  As long as you are in the organization, you are in the light.  Therefore you as a member of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, you are a light bearer. 

 

So who is it?  Let’s look and see what the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has to say:

Each one of the Lord's servants is represented as a light bearer, and instructed to let his light so shine before men that they, seeing his good works, may glorify the Father in heaven.

Zion’s Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  April 15, 1904 Reprints p. 3354

 

So we start off pretty good.  The organization which was loosely affiliated and bound together by Zion’s Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Presence focused on glorifying the Father.  

 

He (Peter) was here pointing them to the time when the great Light-bearer, Christ Jesus, should return and make glad their hearts. 

The Golden Age.  September 22, 1926 p. 821

 

(Peter “The Rock” inserted)

 

So it’s not too bad here because the Bible Students as they were still known did precisely what Jesus did. 

 

Both were following the Latin Vulgate translation, which uses Lucifer, meaning “Light Bearer.” Lucifer, however, is not the name of the king of Babylon. Lucifer, as a name, was applied to Satan the Devil by early uninspired religious writers of our Common Era.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  July 1, 1965 p. 406, 407

 

The many references to Jesus’ ‘coming or being sent forth into the world’ evidently do not refer primarily, if at all, to his human birth but more reasonably apply to his going out among mankind, publicly carrying out his assigned ministry from and after his baptism and anointing, acting as a light bearer to the world of mankind.

Insight on the Scriptures-Volume II.  1988 p. 1208

 

1992 “Light Bearers” District Convention

Jesus said his followers would be “the light of the world.” (Matt. 5:14) In contrast, the world’s spiritual and moral darkness grows greater with each passing day. (Isa. 60:2; Rom. 1:21) Our responsibility as light bearers takes on greater meaning as we approach the end of this system. Recognizing the vital role we play, it is with eager anticipation that we look forward to attending the 1992 “Light Bearers” District Convention.

Kingdom Ministry.  May 1992 p. 3

 

Those not yet pioneering were urged to consider their situation. Perhaps they too could arrange their affairs to let their light shine in the full-time service.

 

Being a light bearer often involves sacrifices, and this was highlighted in the following talk, “Serving Jehovah With a Self-Sacrificing Spirit.”

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  January 15, 1993 p. 15, 16

 

“You Are the Light of the World”

11 At Matthew 5:14, Jesus told his disciples: “You are the light of the world.” They were to follow in his footsteps.

THE STORY OF GEORGE YOUNG AS TOLD BY RUTH YOUNG NICHOLSON

“Why, then, this silence in our pulpits? . . . What kind of men should we be if we kept silent after we had proved these things whereof I write to be true? Let us not keep the people in ignorance, but let us proclaim the truth in no apologetic or hidden manner.”

THESE words were part of Father’s 33-page letter requesting the removal of his name from the church registry. The year was 1913. From that time forward, he embarked on an event-filled life that led him to serve as a light bearer to many nations. (Philippians 2:15)

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  July 1, 2000 p. 22

 

 

And as you continue to build good qualities in imitation of your beloved Father, you will be blessed with a great privilege. In a bedarkened world alienated from God, you will be a light bearer. (Matthew 5:1, 2, 14) You will help to spread abroad in the earth some reflections of Jehovah’s glorious personality. What an honor!

Draw Close To Jehovah.  2014. p. 317

 

So again, we go from an angel being the primary light bearer to the average Jehovah's Witness. 

 

Is there a consistency between the light bearers?  Looking at things biblically aside from the changes of the organization made regarding adding characters and words to verses about the diety of Jesus.  Let’s consider the words and actions of Jesus.  How many of the things pertaining to those two aspects have been changed when it comes to him?  To my knowledge, there have been none.  Therefore, we have a consistency in the narrative in the bible regarding Jesus.

 

Let’s look at Lucifer himself.  We have consistency with him.  Looking at John 8:44 it says the following (New World Translation), You are from your father the Devil, and you wish to do the desires of your father. That one was a murderer when he began, and he did not stand fast in the truth, because truth is not in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of the lie.

This verse references “the truth” which in John 14:6 identifies properly with Jesus. 

The lies of Satan fall broadly into one of these three categories with these biblical examples:

Temptation: Genesis 3:4-At this the serpent said to the woman: “You certainly will not die. (New World Translation)

Intimidation: I Peter 5:8-Keep your senses, be watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone. (New World Translation)

Lying: Acts 5:3-But Peter said: “An·a·niʹas, why has Satan emboldened you to lie to the holy spirit and secretly hold back some of the price of the field? (New World Translation)

 

Let’s see how this is similar to the present day light bearers being the modern Witnesses and see how they compare to the organization.

 

Is is possible  that when a Witness engages a possible householder about life on a “paradise Earth,” are you tempting the person at the prospect of a better life that they can possibly receive at some point in the future?     

When it comes to life within the hall itself, have you considered the ties that certain terms are utilized to keep you in “line” as the saying goes?  Let’s look at this:

 

Approved association with Jehovah’s Witnesses requires accepting the entire range of the true teachings of the Bible, including those Scriptural beliefs that are unique to Jehovah’s Witnesses. What do such beliefs include?

That the great issue before humankind is the rightfulness of Jehovah’s sovereignty, which is why he has allowed wickedness so long. (Ezekiel 25:17) That Jesus Christ had a prehuman existence and is subordinate to his heavenly Father. (John 14:28) That there is a “faithful and discreet slave” upon earth today ‘entrusted with all of Jesus’ earthly interests,’ which slave is associated with the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. (Matthew 24:45-47) That 1914 marked the end of the Gentile Times and the establishment of the Kingdom of God in the heavens, as well as the time for Christ’s foretold presence. (Luke 21:7-24; Revelation 11:15–12:10) That only 144,000 Christians will receive the heavenly reward. (Revelation 14:1, 3) That Armageddon, referring to the battle of the great day of God the Almighty, is near. (Revelation 16:14, 16; 19:11-21) That it will be followed by Christ’s Millennial Reign, which will restore an earth-wide paradise. That the first to enjoy it will be the present “great crowd” of Jesus’ “other sheep.”—John 10:16; Revelation 7:9-17; 21:3, 4.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  April, 1, 1986 p. 31

 

What happens when you question something publicly?  Would there be the “mini inquisition” called the judicial committee happen in short order?   

How about the proverbial “intimidation?”  I don’t mean the legal term, I’m referring to accounts when a young child has to face their accuser in the midst of a judicial hearing in the “back room.”  Have you as a Witness considered the ramifications of spying?  I would like to present an account by former Governing Body member Raymond Franz and an account he wrote of In Search of Christian Freedom, pages 380-383:

In the “Cradle of Democracy”

Perhaps nothing illustrates more clearly the extremes to which the zeal to spy out and deal summarily with any disagreement or disaffection can go than what happened in Athens, Greece, the land called “the cradle of democracy.”

In 1986, the branch office of the Watch Tower Society, located in the Athens area, began applying intense pressure on Witnesses who gave any indication of not being in total agreement with organizational teachings and policies. The number of those disfellowshiped evidently reached more than a hundred. In an interest to maintain spirituality, these persons began gathering together for Bible reading and discussion in private homes. The Greek branch office, however, manifested an extreme concern to seek out and take action against any doing so. This in time introduced some remarkable measures and led to a court case described in the Athens newspaper shown on the following page.

On Tuesday, April 6, 1987, a group of about 50 persons gathered at the home of Nick and Eftihia Bozartzis for Bible discussion. From his balcony Nick noticed two men standing across the street watching the individuals entering his home, some of whom had not formally withdrawn from the organization. Recognizing one of the two observers as a Witness, he went down to speak to them, but as soon as he appeared on the street level they literally ran off. Within days, three of those attending the gathering were disfellowshiped by elders in judicial hearings.

On Friday, others normally went to the home of Voula Kalokerinou, a former Witness, but since they planned to gather for the celebration of the Lord’s evening meal on Sunday, their gathering on Friday, April 9, was canceled. That Friday evening, however, Voula noticed a car with five persons inside parked across the road from her house, and the car and its occupants remained there for hours. The next evening the same.

One might think that to assign any sinister motive to such circumstances, viewing them as evidence of “spying” designed to identify “defectors” and supply grounds for judicial action against them, would be the product of imagination, even manifest a degree of paranoia. Later events demonstrated otherwise.

The following Sunday, April 11, a number of persons went to Voula’s home to commemorate the death of God’s Son on behalf of all mankind. She noticed an unfamiliar car parked across the road on one corner and a van parked on the other corner. The rear window of the van was covered over with paper but with a hole cut in the center of the covering material. The occupants of the car crossed over to the van several times, talking with those inside it. Voula asked one of those who had come to her home to find out why the cars were parked there. When he approached the car, those inside quickly drove off. He then went to the rear of the van and looked in through the hole of the material covering the rear win- dow. Inside he saw video camera equipment being used by two Witnesses, an elder named Nikolas Antoniou, and a member of the Athens Watch Tower branch office staff, Dimetre Zerdes. A number of others from Voula’s home came over to the van and a policeman stationed at the nearby Italian Embassy also appeared to find out what the problem was. The Witnesses in the van managed to drive through the surrounding group and drove to a nearby park where they began quickly unloading their video equipment. They were interrupted by the arrival of two police cars and were arrested on charges of invasion of privacy. The video equipment was confiscated. The film in it showed Mrs. Kalokerinou’s home and zoom shots of the front entrance with closeups of all those entering.

Before the district attorney, the two men stated that they were only there to film a relative of Dimetre Zerdes, the Watch Tower branch office member. His cousin, Eftihia Bozartzis, mentioned earlier, had disassociated herself two years before. As a “loyal” Witness, branch office member Dimitre should have had no interest in her, certainly should not have had any reason for wanting to film her secretively two years after her disassociation.

The case eventually came to trial. In his presentation at the close of the trial, the district attorney, Mr. Kontaxis, stated:

I don’t think there is any Christian organization that tells its members to tell lies, but when the defendant and his organization does so, I would want them to accept the responsibility and say, “Yes, we did spy.” And if an organization did such a thing then how can it expect others to follow it? They had and used special equipment with witnesses seeing them filming, and yet the defendant comes along and says he didn’t do it to spy but just to film. All this doesn’t honor either the defendant or the organization to which he belongs.

We are all free to belong to any organization we want, but we are also free to leave that organization and do whatever we want within the bounds of the law. . . . Does a person’s leaving, abandoning this organization give it the right to follow and spy on its members? One is protected by law against cassettes, tape recorders, filming, when such are used to pry into one’s personal life and personality. This comes under CONFIDENTIALITY and is protected by it in such cases, and that includes one’s private convictions. This is very serious. Obviously the defendants were trying to cryptograph the private life of the plaintiffs by using video equipment, and this purposely, not by chance.

The Watch Tower Society, by teaching it is the “ark,” and that one must enter it to be saved, by teaching it is God’s channel, creates tremendous dependency on its members and thus [they] are directed to do everything to threaten and trample all that we call human rights.

In the course of the trial, one of the judges asked the Witness elder, the owner of the van, how long he and the other Witness had been stationed in the van that day. The answer was, six hours. When asked if the windows of the van were clear, the elder said, No, that the back window was covered with paper with a hole in the center through which they had done filming with the video cassette camera. He claimed that all this was solely to film his companion’s relative. The confiscated film showed zoom shots of many persons at the house’s front entrance and on its balcony. But the relative did not appear anywhere on the film. Actually she could not have appeared for the simple reason that she was never at the gathering! The court rendered a guilty verdict in the case.

Ironically, the following year, the Awake! magazine carried an article decrying the intolerance of Greek Orthodox Church officials, expressed in pressuring officials of a sports stadium to cancel their contract with Jehovah’s Witnesses, who were to hold an assembly in the stadium.The article rightly condemned this unjust treatment of “peaceful and lawabiding Christians,” pointing to the Greek constitutional guarantees of freedom of worship and religious conscience, and citing a court ruling that “the freedom of expressing one’s religious beliefs is more especially safeguarded by . . . the Treaty of Rome dated April 11, 1950, ‘on the protection of human rights.’” After saying that “the freedom of the Greek people once again has been trampled on because of the Dark Ages mentality of the clergy,” the article added, “How sad to see such a flouting of democracy in ‘the cradle of democracy.’”

Ray Franz

Why would members in “God’s chosen channel of communication” resort to the operation that resembles actions suited for a spy film?  Does this count as intimidation? 

That also leads into lying. How often are you 100% upfront with not only the Witnesses at the local kingdom hall but completely honest in your dealings with people at the door?  Let’s look at the theocratic war strategy from former Witness, Dr. Jerry Bergman:  http://www.witforjesus.org/downloads/english/pdfs/jehovahs-witness/spying/bergman-pp29-31.pdf 

This extends into the New World Translation itself since those at the top deceive and you deceive.  Let’s look at Hebrews 1:8 from the New World Translation and the King James Version.

New World Translation: But about the Son, he says: “God is your throne forever and ever, and the scepter of your Kingdom is the scepter of uprightness.

King James Version:  But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

This verse is the hardest one for Unitarians (those who believe that Jehovah alone is God) to deal with so to make it easier for the Jehovah’s Witnesses to digest this, they simply rewrite the verse.  Since Jehovah is the author of the bible, why would he have allowed a glaring mistake to happen like this and wait until 1950 for the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society to correct a major flaw like this?  

There are many more cases but I will submit to you a title Preparing for Child Custody Cases. 

The table of contents contains a list of possible questions for the Witness parent, child, elder, and non-Witness parent involved.  It gives instruction on how to answer as well. 

Does the Watchtower fit an organization that intimidates?  Here’s an article: https://jwvictims.org/2015/11/21/do-jehovahs-witnesses-actually-fit-the-psychological-definition-of-bullies/

 

So what kind of light bearer are you?  Are you one that can just speak like Jesus and not have to change anything or are you the light bearer that has a bible in one hand and various types of publications in another depending on the situation?  Will you consider leaving the organization today? 

 

 

 

The Watchtower Society’s Worship That Jehovah Approves

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

The opening questions for this chapter are:

Are all religions pleasing to God?

How can we identify the true religion?

 

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

 

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

 

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

Governing Body

Branch offices numbering nearly 100 divided into zones

Traveling overseers (overseer is from Greek term episkopos)

Titles such as circuit, district, group preceding overseer

Territory-The area a kingdom hall is responsible for

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

Watchtower Study Conductor-Leads the weekly study of the magazine

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

A more recent quote:

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

Make Sure of All Things. 1953 p. 85

 

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

 

It was changed with the following:

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

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

 

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

 

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

Awake! April 8, 2000 p.26, 27


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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

This is interesting given that the organization said this:

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

The Finished Mystery. 1917 p. 188

 

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

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

 

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

The Finished Mystery.  1917 p. 174

 

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

Angels. 1934 p. 43

 

The Elijah work ended in 1918. Any attempt to carry on the Elijah work thereafter would be an attempt to revive a dead thing, and hence out of harmony with the Lord.

The Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. May 15, 1933 p. 154

 

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

The Finished Mystery. 1917 p. 103

 

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

Preservation. 1932 p. 202, 203

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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