Watchtower Bible and Tract Society Archives - Page 7 of 9

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 Children

January 18, 2016 By Sean

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

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

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

Overland Monthly. 442

The question must be asked, what caused the separation?

Brooklyn Eagle: Articles on Charles Taze Russell

The organization printed the following:

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

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

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

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

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

The case itself starts on Reprints page 3315.

Watchtower 1916

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Face the Facts. 1938. p. 46

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

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

Nearly 76 years later and still no Armageddon.

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

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

Convention Report. 1963. p. 15

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

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

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

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

Awake! November 8, 1974 p.11

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

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

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

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

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

Milton Henshel Obituary: New York Times

2012 Governing Body Breakdown:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watchtower Hypocrisy: The Organization and Prominent Individuals

January 11, 2016 By Sean

The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is one that throughout it’s history has had it’s fair share of problems as I tend to demonstrate from it’s literature. However, one thing that this organization has not shied from is a stance that it was once against, it eventually joins. I would like to start by looking at a changing light doctrine of “higher powers” also known as the “superior authorities” pertaining to Romans 13:1.

Evil as these Gentile governments have been, they were permitted or ‘ordained of God’ for a wise purpose (Rom. 13:1).

Studies In the Scriptures Series I-The Divine Plan of the Ages. 1886, 1913 ed. p.250

Down to the year 1929 even Jehovah’s witnesses had not been delivered from the popular view that the political rulers of this world are the “higher powers” to whom Christian souls are commanded by God to be subject. But by publishing the truth on Romans 13:1-7, in The Watchtower of June, 1929, the remnant were given the freedom of the truth that Jehovah God and Christ Jesus are exclusively “The Higher Powers”, whom Christians must obey rather than obey men opposed.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. October 1, 1943 p. 298

Similarly, in 1918 Jehovah’s people were tainted by religion in that they looked to world rulers as “higher power”, thus regarding them in the position of gods.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. December 1, 1943 p. 367

Jesus and the Apostles and the early church were all law-abiding, though they were separate from, and took no share in the governments of this world.” This book correctly identified “the higher powers,” or “the superior authorities,” mentioned by the apostle Paul, as human governmental authorities. (Romans 13:1, King James Version) In 1904 the book The New Creation stated that true Christians “should be found amongst the most law-abiding of the present time—not agitators, not quarrelsome, not fault-finders.” This was understood by some to mean total submission to the powers that be, even to the point of accepting service in the armed forces during World War I. Others, however, viewed it as contrary to Jesus’ statement: “All those who take the sword will perish by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52) Obviously, a clearer understanding of Christian submission to the superior authorities was needed.

In 1929, at a time when laws of various governments were beginning to forbid things that God commands or demand things that God’s laws forbid, it was felt that the higher powers must be Jehovah God and Jesus Christ.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. May 1, 1996 p. 13, 14

So in short the organization was in error from June 1929 until 1962. This is one way that the organization has been in agreement with the writings of Pastor Russell.

I’d like to now look at the gift that keeps giving: the United Nations and the Watchtower.

United Nations

After that, the “beast” reappeared as the United Nations. Jehovah’s Witnesses then expanded their global preaching work, and what a great increase there has been ever since!

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. October 15, 2014 p. 19

Side note, the organization must be redefining “global” since there are no Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Middle East or North Korea.

This is an article from the Guardian over in the United Kingdom:

The irony here along with the organization going the “beast” is that this was quickly suppressed and how many Witnesses remain in the dark about this to this day 15 years later?

This is just two organizational stances that has changed. Let’s take a look at some others at the individual level:

Michael Jackson

Evidently not wanting viewers to conclude that it promoted spiritism, the music video begins with the disclaimer: “Due to my strong personal convictions, I wish to stress that this film in no way endorses a belief in the occult.—Michael Jackson.” Nevertheless, it was so realistic that some who saw it admitted that they were horrified at first. What was this short film intended to convey? And how does the performer, Michael Jackson, feel about it in looking back?

“I would never do it again!” says Jackson. “I just intended to do a good, fun short film, not to purposely bring to the screen something to scare people or to do anything bad. I want to do what’s right. I would never do anything like that again.” Why not? “Because a lot of people were offended by it,” explains Jackson. “That makes me feel bad. I don’t want them to feel that way. I realize now that it wasn’t a good idea. I’ll never do a video like that again!” He continues: “In fact, I have blocked further distribution of the film over which I have control, including its release in some other countries. There’s all kinds of promotional stuff being proposed on Thriller. But I tell them, ‘No, no, no. I don’t want to do anything on Thriller. No more Thriller.’”

Awake! May 22, 1984 p. 19-20

Growing up I did watch the video a few times. I never understood why there was the disclaimer at the start of the video. However, once I started to learn about the organization, I finally understood why this disclaimer was present.

So it’s better for him to have magic in the video Remember the Time when he wants to appear and disappear?

Let’s cover another artist: Prince

The artist who is known as Prince then went to an unpronounceable symbol and known now as Prince again is an interesting individual. He was raised as a Seventh Day Adventist and converted to the Witnesses by Larry Graham who sang the song One In A Million You:

His Witness conversation is verified in The New Yorker:

Prince has lived in Los Angeles since last spring, after spending years in Minneapolis, holding court in a complex called Paisley Park, where he made thousands of songs, far away from the big labels. Seven years ago, he became a Jehovah’s Witness.

Here’s a video and would the average male rank and file Witness be permitted to:

Having multiple piercings in one ear?

Adorning yourself with numerous gold chains?

Dance in public?

It just isn’t musicians but the sports world. The most prominent sisters in tennis today are Venus and Serena Williams. They are both active Jehovah’s Witnesses.

On their website, it says the following about their Witness upbringing: Despite the inevitable rivalry, the Williams sisters remain close friends. Raised as devout Jehovah’s Witnesses, both were home-schooled by their mother, and have received their high school diplomas. In 1999, Serena joined her sister at the Art Institute of Florida, where they studied fashion design. Venus is now the CEO of her own interior design firm, V Starr Interiors.

Since they have competed representing the United States, I did a quick search on each sister with the term American flag added. Both are present carrying the flag as well as having it on their uniform. I want to the official website and found the following on “flag salute”:

Flag salute. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that bowing down to a flag or saluting it, often in conjunction with an anthem, is a religious act that ascribes salvation, not to God, but to the State or to its leaders.

Keep Yourselves in God’s Love. 2014. p. 212

I want to go back to the past for a moment. If you have a copy of the latest history book, “God’s Kingdom Rules,” published in 2014, on page 63 you will see an American flag on both sides of the podium hanging in the air.

One more example: Nathan Knorr Oath of Allegiance.

When you look it up you will see a picture of Nathan Knorr signing one. The information I found to verify is:

This site above contains cost and when it was issued.

So what we have overall is the organization when it suits, will ignore its own statements for certain individuals. Not knowing much regarding the inner workings I would say though it is possible that the athletes and musicians are ignored because they have the ability to give far more then the average Witness. Is it a case of “money talks?”

When it comes to the organization and leadership, as much as the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society tries to cover up its past, it still finds a way to come out. So with this in mind, are you going to leave the Watchtower and read the bible on your own?