UPDATED WITH MORE LINKS TO RELATED INFORMATION – Oct 1, 2014
This year (2014) the Jehovah’s Witnesses Organization published a new book, “God’s Kingdom Rules,” which will be studied by JWs around the world starting in early 2015. This new book attempts to harmonize the organizations teachings, mission and activities from the early days of Brother Russell to the present day and projecting into the future. The JW Organization’s changes in doctrine and practice are presented in the context of new light and progressive insight, rather than as contradiction and inconsistency.
You can get an pdf copy of the book by clicking here: 2014-Gods Kingdom Rules
It seems to me that this publication is partly an effort at Internet information damage control. Interestingly, “Bible Students” are cited 43 times. There seems to be a focus on reclaiming the Bible Student legacy that has been carried forward for a century by today’s Bible Student’s. In recent years, we have seen continuing growth over the Internet in the availability of increasingly more accurate information on early Watchtower history. Ignoring historical changes in doctrine and practice may no longer be an option. As more and more JWs uncover this information, they often don’t know what to do with it. Solution! The JW Organization is now presenting these details with their own narrative and perspective on events. With a positive spin placed on the historical changes, perhaps most JWs will be satisfied and view other points of view as lies and distortions of the truth.
Here are some of the areas of the book we would like to review:
- Is the other “messenger” of Malachi 3:1 really Brother Russell?
- Was 1914 always believed to be the dates of Jesus’ Return?
- Is membership in a Church Organization a good or bad thing?
- A Time of Testing – Are the Bible Students who separated the bad guys?
- The Great Crowd on Earth – Is that right?
- The Preaching work revived 1922? Really? Had it ever stopped?
- From free association to tight organization – A good or bad change?
- Is the Ezekiel 38 Battle against the Jehovah’s Witnesses?
IS THE OTHER MESSENGER OF MALACHI 3:1 REALLY BROTHER RUSSELL?
Page 12, par 3 quotes Malachi 3:1: “Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will clear up a way before me. And suddenly the true Lord, whom you are seeking will come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant will come, in whom you take delight.”
Page 14, par 6 “This history shows that in the latter part of the 19th century, one small group of faithful people was emerging as the only body of genuine Christians in a vast field of imitations. That group came to be known as the Bible Students. Those taking the lead among them – Charles T. Russell and his close associates – did, indeed, act as the foretold “messenger,” giving spiritual direction to God’s people and preparing them for the events ahead.”
Notice how we are not provided with the names of these close associates. Could it be because these were not the same as the close associates of J. F. Rutherford who took over the Watchtower after Brother Russell’s death?
It is interesting how the Watchtower Organization is now applying the Malachi 3 prophecy to Brother Russell and his close associates as jointly being the “messenger.” How should we respond to the fact then that much of what the “messenger” taught would today be viewed as apostate teachings? (i.e. Nation of Israel being restored, Ransom for ALL, many non-believers to survive Armageddon and live into the kingdom, Great Crowd a heavenly class, Bible Students to have liberty and independence to not be controlled by an Organization, etc.)
If Brother Russell was the other “messenger” of Malachi 3:1, it seems that JWs should be amazed that he preached the same unchanging message for forty years and that after his death the message changed dramatically. New light is not changing Truth. Rather, it is increasing clarity of established Truth.
WAS 1914 ALWAYS BELIEVED TO BE THE DATE OF JESUS’ RETURN?
Page 10, par 12 “the harvest season began in 1914.”
Page 50, par 5 “As we saw in Chapter 2 of this book, the Bible Students spent decades pointing out that the year 1914 would be significant in fulfilling Bible prophecy. However, at that time they believed that Christ’s presence had begun in 1874… “
Page 15, p 10 “As early as the 1870’s, they pointed to 1914 as the year when those seven times would end (Dan. 4:25; Luke 21:24) although our brothers of that era did not yet grasp the full significance of that marked year…”
Brother Russell associated the end of the Gentile Times with the end of Gentile domination over natural Israel. J.F. Rutherford changed the meaning to apply to the date of Jesus’ return at the beginning of His second presence. So by moving the date of Jesus’ Second Presence later (from 1874 to 1914), Rutherford could now attempt to apply the prophecy of the Faithful and Wise Steward (Matt 24:45-47; Luke 12:42-44) to Himself and His associates. However, even though Brother Russell never publicly claimed to be the Faithful and Wise Steward, most of the Bible Students believed he was and about 75% of these original Bible Students had exited the new JW Organization by 1933.
Page 51, par 11 “…the season for separating the wheat from weeds, faithful anointed Christians from the imitation Christians – began in 1914. The time had come to focus attention on the gathering of the remaining number of that heavenly class!”
The early Bible Students claimed to be doing just that starting in 1874. By 1914 most of the wheat had already been harvested out of Babylon and were already part of the Bible Student movement. So how then could the Harvest be said to have started in 1914?
IS MEMBERSHIP IN A CHURCH ORGANIZATION A GOOD OR BAD THING?
Page 17 par 17 “In January 1900, the Watch Tower offered counsel to those who still kept their names on the denominational rolls of Christendom’s churches and who rationalized their course, saying, “My sympathies are all with the truth, and I rarely attend other meetings.” The article asked: “But is this right – to be half out and half in Babylon? Is this the obedience required… and pleasing and acceptable to God? Surely not. He [the church member] publicly entered into a covenant with the denomination when he joined it, and he should faithfully live up to all the conditions of that covenant until he… publicly renounces or cancels his membership.”
The early Watchtower did not encourage Bible Students to keep rolls like denominational Churches. Yet today’s JW Organization adopts a similar practice. You have to turn in your hours, be on record and stay active or you will lose your place in the kingdom.
A TIME OF TESTING – ARE THE BIBLE STUDENTS WHO SEPARATED THE BAD GUYS?
Page 22 subhead “A Time of Testing” par 32 “From within, the organization suffered turmoil as well. In 1916, Brother Russell died at only 64 years of age, leaving many of God’s people in shock. His death revealed that some had been placing too much emphasis on one exemplary man. Though Brother Russell wanted no such reverence, a measure of creature worship had grown up around him. Many thought that the progressive revelation of truth had ended with his death, and some bitterly resisted efforts to move forward. That attitude contributed to an outbreak of apostasy that divided the organization.”
This is what is called deflection. On the whole, Bible Students did not engage in Creature worship of Brother Russell. On the other hand, do JWs engage in Governing Body and Organization worship? Is not singing hymns about the Governing Body in place of Jesus creature and organization worship? (See detail by clicking here)
Any so called “progressive revelation” in Brother Russell’s lifetime was not a change in doctrine, but rather an increase in insight or adding to existing knowledge. Truth never changed in Brother Russell’s lifetime; nor did it ever change in the days of Jesus and the Apostles. These so called apostates were defending established and consistently held truth against a hostile takeover from Rutherford and his close associates. For the first time in Watchtower history, doctrines and practices were being dramatically changed. So today if you try to change Watchtower doctrine, you are an apostate. In Rutherford’s time if you tried to prevent the change of Watchtower doctrine, you were an Apostate. Make sense???
Page 23, par 34 “A daunting test arose in 1918. J.F. Rutherford who succeeded [succeeded in a hostile takeover] C.T. Russell in taking the lead among God’s people, was arrested along with seven other responsible brothers. They were unjustly sentenced to long terms of imprisonment in the federal penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.”
Why did not the so called apostate brothers try to take control of the Watchtower while Rutherford was in prison? To see how the ousted Board of Directors had legal authority to reclaim the Watch Tower, click here. Lawyers Letter2. Because the Bible Students had a humble attitude of turning the other cheek, they were not interested in seizing back power. They could leave the Watchtower since their commitment was to Jehovah and Jesus, not to an earthly organization.
Page 23, par 35 “He appointed “the faithful and discreet slave,” a small group of anointed men who would take the lead among his people by dispensing spiritual food at the proper time. – Matt 24:45-47.”
Matt 24:46 (NASB) says, “Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.” Yet we are not aware of anything J.F. Rutherford was doing of special note in 1914. We do know that in 1915 he was discreetly expelled by Brother Russell from Bethel, we believe for indiscretions with women and alcohol (from verbal testimonials passed down by Bible Students of the time). We also know that Br. McMillan kept in close contact with Rutherford. Seeing that Brother Russell’s health was failing, they conspired together to take over the Watchtower Society. Knowing the Bible Students were gentle and trusting, if Rutherford and McMillan could move quickly, the Bible Students would never know what hit them. Find more detail by clicking here:
Page 24, par 37 “The preaching work continued to refine Christ’s servants for the proud and arrogant among them had no stomach for such humble work. Those who would not get in step with the work parted company with the faithful ones. In the years following 1919, some disloyal ones were embittered and resorted to slander and libel, even siding with the persecutors of Jehovah’s faithful servants.”
By “parted company,” that often means that they were ousted from Bethel and disfellowshipped.
No names or publications are mentioned. No quotes from writings are cited. I am not familiar with examples of the Bible Students who left the organization of engaging in slander, libel and joining the persecutors. Can anyone out there help? Can any of you cite such examples?
Did Rutherford himself resort to slander and libel? Check this link out. What do you think?
Those holding to and defending the original Watch Tower views were disfellowshipped and cast out of Bethel. Rutherford removed all opposition, just as did one of his favorite WW2 pen pals. (Search on word “Hitler” in pdf here)
THE GREAT CROWD ON EARTH – IS THAT RIGHT?
Page 52, par 17 “In 1935 came a brilliant flash of spiritual light. At the convention held in Washington, D.C., the great multitude was identified as an earthly class, the same as the sheep in Jesus parable of the sheep and goats (Matt. 25:33-40). The great multitude would be among the “other sheep,” of whom Jesus said: “Those too I must bring in.” (John 10:16)?”
Previously, Bible Students had always believed that the Great Crowd was a secondary heavenly class, that is, anointed ones not faithful enough to be part of the 144,000, but who still loved and served Jehovah. Check out these articles.
THE PREACHING WORK REVIVED IN 1922? REALLY? HAD THE WORK EVER CEASED?
Page 63 under “1922 Cedar Point Ohio.”
“Our mission was now loud and clear – to advertise the King and the Kingdom, and we went forth from that convention and did just that.”
Page 176 & 177 – 1919 Cedar Point & 1922 – Give impression that preaching work had died out and that the organization was needed to revitalize it.
The independent and associated Bible Students had been preaching the Kingdom all along to the public. This did not cease while Rutherford and his close associates were in jail. Although Bible Students had always utilized the publications of the Watch Tower for public preaching, the members of each congregations were independently involved in the preaching work in whatever way the Holy Spirit guided the congregations and each of them individually. This included colportering, newspaper advertising, public events, etc.
FROM FREE ASSOCIATION TO TIGHT ORGANIZATION – A GOOD OR BAD CHANGE?
Page 119 under the subhead “I Will Appoint Peace as Your Overseers.”
This section quotes Isa 60:17 (NWT) “Instead of the copper I will bring in gold… and I will appoint peace as your overseer and righteousness as your task assigners.” The book explains that this prophetically means that the organizational structure of the Watchtower would improve from Brother Russell’s day (like copper) to Rutherford’s day and to the present (like gold). Paragraph 7 says, “By mentioning “overseers” and “task assigners,” Jehovah indicated that gradual improvements would come in the way his people were cared for and organized.”
Yet, notice that Isaiah 60 is a kingdom chapter. Verse 3 says, “Nations will come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.”
If chapter sixty of Isaiah applies to the JW Organization, then how can we explain verse 10, which says, “For in my wrath I struck you?” When did Jehovah strike His organization in his wrath?
Verse 12 says that “the nation and the kingdom which will not serve you will perish.” How can this be if the wicked nations are already destroyed in Armageddon?
Verse 14 says, “The sons of those who afflicted you will come bowing to you, And all those who despised you will bow themselves at the soles of your feet.” Aren’t these who afflict and despise the JWs destroyed in Armageddon? How do they end up in the kingdom?
The book describes the changes in the organizational structure as gradual and improving progress. On the other hand, Bible Students view it as a 180 degree change from Christian Liberty and Congregational elections of Elders to a dictatorial and controlling organizational structure, similar to the organizational structure of the Catholic Church. Just as the Catholic Church has different levels of hierarchical control (Popes, Vicar, Bishops, Priests, etc.), so does the Watchtower (President, Governing Body, District Overseers, Circuit Overseers and Elders). Find more details here:
This book attempts the impossible goal to connect the Watchtower philosophy, teaching and structure in the days of Brother Russell and find harmony, progress and cohesion with the organization today.
Page 173 par 10 – “Watchtower Study. In 1922 brothers known as pilgrims – ministers sent by the Watch Tower Society to give talks to the congregations and take the lead in the preaching work – recommended that a regular meeting be devoted to a study of The Watch Tower. This suggestion was adopted and at first, Watch Tower studies were held either midweek or on Sunday.”
As a matter of fact, many Bible Student congregations were resisting the “suggestion” [mandate] and continued to study Brother Russell’s Studies in the Scriptures. For example, the Chicago Bible Students held out until 1933 when in the midst of a hostile takeover of our ecclesia, many brethren of the congregation split off and reformed the Chicago Bible Students at a different location, outside of the control of the Jehovah’s Witness organization. Click here for an eye witness account of the event. Over the months that followed, many Bible Students continued to leave the Chicago JWs and join back up with the Chicago Bible Students who had split off.
Page 173 par 11 “The June 15, 1932, Watchtower provided further direction on how this meeting should be conducted. Using as a model the study that was conducted in the Bethel Home, the article stated that a brother should lead the meeting. ..”
Page 174 par 12 “Initially, each congregation was permitted to select the issue of the magazine that the majority wanted to study. However, the April 15, 1933, Watchtower suggested that all congregations use the current issue… The Watchtower Study continues to be the primary meeting through which the faithful slave provides spiritual food at the proper time (Matt 24:45).”
“Permitted” and “Suggested?” contradict.
Of course Rutherford did not want the congregations reading Russell’s old Watchtower articles which were contradicted by the new Watchtower articles. This suggestion was more of a directive. Notice how it is stated, “Initially, each congregation was permitted to select the issue…” The word “Permitted” indicates that the Watchtower was no longer making suggestions and recommendations as in Brother Russell’s day. The Congregations was expected to cooperate or offending members would be punished.
IS THE EZEKIEL 38 BATTLE AGAINST JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES?
Page 227, par 12 – “An all-out attack. Gog of Magog will attack the remaining anointed ones and their other sheep companions. (Read Ezekiel 38:2, 11.) This attack against established Kingdom rule will be Satan’s last battle in a war that he has been waging aginst the anointed remnant since his expulsion from heaven. (Rev 12:7-9, 17)”
The book applies the Ezekiel 38 battle as against the spiritual Israel of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, as the kingdom is being established. The book indicates that in a final attempt to overthrow God’s kingdom, Satan will send armies against the remaining Anointed and the Great Crowd of Jehovah’s witnesses and deliver them.
A major problem here is that the narrative continues into Ezekiel 39, where in verse 23 (NASB) we read, “the nations will know that the house of Israel went into exile for their iniquity because they acted treacherously against Me…” When Did Jehovah send the JWs into exile for their iniquity and treachery?
Also notice in Ezekiel 38 (NASB) that in verse 8, that Satan’s armies come against “the land that is restored from the sword, whose inhabitants have been gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel which had been a continual waste; but it’s people were brought out from the nations, and they are living securely, all of them.”
In what sense will the Jehovah’s Witnesses be in a land restored from the sword? If the “mountains of Israel” apply to the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the kingdom, in what sense had it been “a continual waste?”
Page 19 note about picture, “A colporteur. Note the “Chart of the Ages” painted on the side of the carriage.
It is interesting that the book is pointing out the Chart of the Ages that the JWs long ago disposed of; one of the biggest problems being the restoration of Natural Israel depicted in the Millennial Age section of the chart. Find the “Chart of the Ages” by clicking here:
CONCLUSION
Well there you have it. We covered some of the areas of the book that we found interesting and wanted to comment on. What did you find interesting in the book? What do you think? Has the JW Organization provided an accurate history? Is Jehovah more pleased with the early Watchtower Bible Students Association in Brother Russell’s day or the present Jehovah’s Witnesses Organization today? We look forward to reading your comments.
Gelieve op mij email adres mij te contacteren ik ben in 1975 GEDOOPT PIONIER GEWEEST ,DANK BROEDERS
Translation by Jacqueline, hope it’s correct: Please contact me my email address I in 1975 BAPTIZED BEEN PIONEER, THANKS BROTHERS
Ligneel. Jimmy, Gelieve vertel ons uw verhaal of een vraag en wij kunnen beantwoorden.Bedankt
Translation: Please tell us your story or ask us a question and we will reply. Thank you
The following comment was made in our Contact Us Section. No email address was provided to respond. We will keep his name private. Perhaps you would like to respond here on our website.
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From the study WT, 15/11/14, p.26:
11 “The conclusion of the system of things” began in 1914. During the war
that broke out that year, the few thousand
anointed Christians, “the sons of the Kingdom,” were in spiritual captivity to Babylon the Great. In 1919, Jehovah <-- Russell already dead by then, delivered them, making a clear distinction so NOT delivered from spiritual captivity!! between them and “the weeds,” or imitation Christians. How on earth is this teaching that he died while still in spiritual captivity to Babylon the Great supposed to fit in with Russell being John the Baptist II (Malachi 3:1)?! (That he and his associates were comparable with John the B. can also be found in 15/7/13 WT, p.11, parag.6, where new "light" from the annual meeting 2012 was presented.)
I noticed this at the time they wrote it. While the governing body is claiming to be The Bible Students and Br Russell to be their founder, they claim he and all before 1918 were like John the Baptist.
Now why they didn’t notice they had those brothers enslaved to Babylon the Great? Because when you seek to deceive and steal another’s reputation, you don’t think it through. When you start lying, it starts to backfire. First they said for over 50 years that all Bible Students died out as evidence that God’s Spirit was not with them. The second non truth or lie is that they are the evil slave class. Now they say the evil slave is among the governing body. Again they didn’t think it through. When persons practice lying it becomes a part of their fiber. Number 3, they tried to distance themselves from Rutherford as a “very gruff man” in their videos but now they put him back out front.
So, in direct answer to your questions, you cannot reconcile lies.
In normal society if a person behaved this way (being deceitful). They would be branded habitual liars like Satan is. He throws it out there and hopes it sticks. Many remaining witnesses are awakening but some can’t because they have been conditioned not to think or question these magazines you quoted.
I have a brother that is a JW elder for many years and he said he just do what they tell him and if it is wrong God will punish them. Adam and Eve tried that it didn’t work then and God never changes. I love him dearly and to see him willingly be a slave (mentally and pushing their books making them rich) to these men making up the governing body brought tears to my eyes.
That is my opinion on this question.
I find it utterly laughable that the GB wants to hang on to Russell as a founder of the Jw movement,yet reject all his teachings?
If the man was right ,why not still teach what he said?
If he was wrong then why cling to him as if he was right?
In the end poor Bro Russell has unwitting become an idol,no voice but an instrument of God,how did I ever accept such a contradiction?
Wild Olive,
If you’ve ever watched a court scene it is amazing how attorneys can “Put a spin” on anything & try & sell it.
Greetings, I like to make a small contribution about 1914 and especially address, if not dedicate, my comments to Jehovah’s Witnesses, for they need all the help they can get to understand that the New Testament is as exclusive to the Israel of God as was the former Older Testament.
Is it not amazing how matters learned in the past can influence us today. So they should, if they be true and righteous. In a perfect world guided by God and God-fearing parents, the result can only be positive. Unfortunately, many things learned from parents, elders and accepted as Gospel are not.
Only a few days ago did I learn that Jehovah God’s Kingdom neither began in 1914 nor is ruling now, as claimed by my former JW associates. What a shock. Disfellowshipped now since January 2008 and on a much better path for understanding God’s inimitable purpose, I was still beholden to what I had been taught and accepted for over 50 years. The connection between Psalm 110 and 1914 was like solid granite in my heart; absolute.
Never thought to re-examine that, even making references to that psalm on my website and perhaps even in a comment on this site, for which I humbly beg forgiveness.
The claims of Jehovah’s Witnesses about their place with God and in the world are not new and have been a part of my50-year sojourn with them. In their new book ‘God’s Kingdom Rules’, the Witnesses, go all out to justify their claim of already ruling as part of that kingdom of God.
Now for a closer look at Psalm 110.
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The trigger was Melchizedek in verse 4 of Psalm 110. A priestly arrangement of oversight was only instituted with the called nation of Israel in their relationship with God, the High Priest the only direct link to God to intercede in Israel’s behalf, especially on Atonement Day.
Just as the Throne of David and the office of High Priest are exclusive to pre-messianic Israel under the first testamental covenant, so they are to post-messianic Israel under the new testament.
Jesus inherited both offices through his anointing baptism, not by natural descent*. Then upon the death of son-of-man Jesus, Jehovah’s heavenly only begotten son inherited Jesus’ entire legacy including the offices of High Priest and King.
* Having a genetic link to David through his mother Mary does not,
did not and can never count, for such link is only legitimately
possible via the life-giving line of genetic descent from fathers.
Upon the slaughter of the Lamb Jesus by the Romans at the insistence of the Jewish leaders, the now heavenly High Priest offered Jesus’ Life/Blood as the final atonement for Israel directly to Jehovah in His heavenly precinct, thus terminating his temporary single-use office of High Priest.
The resulting rebirth of Jehovah’s firstborn son Israel (Ex. 4:22), as demonstrably evidenced at Pentecost 33, allowed the heavenly son, now on the inherited throne of David, to rule the little fleshly flock of believers from out of redeemed Israel until all those called are gathered from earth to their heavenly thrones (Matthew 24:29-31) an event not far.
That is the kingdom of the son of God’s love the Apostle Paul and other anointed (Christian) Jewish and proselyte Colossians had been transferred into by God while on earth in the flesh: Col. 1:12-14:
giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in
the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 For He delivered us
from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom
of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the
forgiveness of sins. NAS
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The alleged existence of an already established kingdom of God, promised in Scripture, gives the JW leadership and especially their so-called faithful and discrete slave, considerable and, may I say, unwarranted power over their 7 million+ followers / supporters / members / adherents / associates / sheep. Anyone contrariwise has to be ‘put down’ – echoes of John 11:47-48?
Well, contrary to the claims by my former Jehovah’s Witness ‘brothers’. Psalm 110:1-4 is neither connected to nor fulfilled by any 1914 events.
That year simply saw the termination of the times of the Gentiles’ unchallenged dominion over earth’s affairs and the heavenly only begotten of God begin the final phase of preparing the seed of Abraham (Isa. 41:8) anointed (Christian) multiethnic Israel for future governance as God’s Kingdom of a 1000 years, while continuing his rule over redeemed Israel on earth, bequeathed to him by the anointed son-of-man Jesus, including the legal, genetic right to rule** on David’s throne which has no presence in heaven, where earthly legacies do not exist.
** Ezekiel 21:25-27 And thou, O deadly wounded wicked one, the prince of Israel, whose day is come, in the time of the iniquity of the end, 26 thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Remove the mitre, and take off the crown; this shall be no more the same; exalt that which is low, and abase that which is high. 27 I will overturn, overturn, overturn it: this also shall be no more, until he come whose (legal NWT) right it is; and I will give it him. ASV
The entire Bible, save for the first two chapters, is about putting a government in place for humanity. The entire process gloriously culminates triumphantly in the closing chapters of its final book Revelation, as the complex amalgam of the heavenly city of virtual Jerusalem.
The claims of the Kingdom’s establishment in 1914 in the Book ‘God’s Kingdom Rules’ Paragraph 14 page 10; and Paragraphs 27-30 under the subheading: God’s Kingdom Is Born!, with special reference to Rev 12, are at best, false and at worst, deceptive as is the entire publication, to give the company of leading anointed elders and others authority to rule and dominate the flock of believers on the pretence of representing an existing kingdom with judicial powers.
Psalm 110:1-4 is about the age (Strong’s 165) of Israel in the flesh destined to be destroyed, but redeemed into another age or epoch of interim rule by their heavenly King over the little flock of believers, before divested of their flesh and raised to heaven as the Kingdom for the 1000 years.
The birth of that Kingdom immediately after Israel’s 1900+ years of tribulation is yet ahead: Matthew 24:29-31 when the Christ sends his angels to gather the entire Kingdom complement from death and earth.
May this be of some assistance, Dieter G.
Hello again,
Just like to muse a little about this book.
Because it has been scanned, searching for words like ‘evil’ renders a half dozen or so ‘devil’, but the ‘evil’ word not found. Does that mean a complete absence thereof in this book and therefore no connection with ‘slave’, its frequent companion of the past?
May need to wait until the official JW.org pdf is released.
I fondly recall the early days of my 50 year sojourn with the Witnesses in Australia. One Assembly after another brought clearer insights into Jehovah’s word, even if consistently in an overall context of doctrine mismanagement.
I learned a lot that is still true, while nontheless able to stand conceptually at a distance far enough to discern the false.
Now I perceive the ‘God’s Kingdom Rules’ book to be an almost terminal effort to remain relevant; a last breath or death rattle?
Though increasing a little numerically, The Witnesses are losing it. During the time it takes to bring one person into ‘the truth’, thousands are added to that wicked world population only to be terminated at Armageddon. Really? Relative to the increasing world population the Witnesses are exponentally diminishing at a rapid rate.
During my ‘witnessing’ days of the past, I often wondered on what basis people decide to be terminated at Armageddon, when they rarely allow me to speak or they raise whatever objection to shoo me away. I just could not have a relationship with a God who destroys millions never knowing why.
Jehovah says in His word that He would not do a thing unless he had informed all those affected what he was going to do AND WHY.
The tone of the ‘Kingdom’ Pages 26 and 27 of the ‘Rules’ book, I accidentally stumbled upon, is quite silly and childish, as if no one could understand the role of the proposed Kingdom government.
Perhaps I have become too cynical or more attuned to Jehovah’s view of matters.
I am not going to read through this book any more than through Marx’s Communist Manifesto, Hitler’s Mein Kampf, The Book of Mormon or the Koran for all the same reasons. What would Jesus have done?
Christianly having already distorted all of history and Jehovah’s will, it will matter little if the ‘God’s Kingdom Rules’ book also distorts a little slice of it. That may be of concern to some, but, in the final analysis, God will have His way with us no matter what.
So may we carefully listen to what the Spirit says to the congregation of those chosen to form that heavenly kingdom government, for that will also impact upon our lives.
Thanks, Dieter
You have to realize that people are imperfect. That is by no means the view of th Watchtower. I’ve read in bible student publications that the reason why they they disagree with the watchtower is because we say that it’s God’s channel of communication and that Russell didn’t teach that. However in Zion’s Watchtower 1890
Page 1171 bit town paragraph he stated that the Tower was gods channel for dispensing meat in due season. However this may not be what all bible students teach but if I went by what your doing then I would have to say this is the beliefs of all bible students.
Chris,
Yes I agree about imperfection,hence why we all need the Kingdom to restore to us what was lost by Adam. Interestly whenever I would write to the Watchtower about what was happening they either :
1)Send the letter to the body of elders who would then embarrase me in front of fellow M.S. & threaten to remove my privilages.Telling me the WT is too busy & I shouldnt b writing a letter.
2)Not reply or render me any assistance while it was affecting my physical health.
3)CO’s would arrive & it appeared as they would quote articles that the elders views were correct.Then all would remain the same.
I felt that if the WT felt differently it would of been an opportunity for them to chime in & help sum of us victims.
Interesting quote u quoted. I’d be interested to see a link to that, very much.
Chris,
You have made this statement over and over again on this site. It seems you hold Br. Russell’s statement in the Watchtower as truth. But in other areas of this site you make statement after statement discrediting Br. Russell from his views on celebrating Christmas to you name it. You seem to want it both ways. Did he know what he was talking about or did he not?
As I stated before. When a newspaper is known for reporting the truth and is then taken over by another editor that changes its policy on what truth is, it cannot be trusted. The Watchtower in Br. Russell’s day WAS dispensing meat in due season. (You have stated this over and over and I agree.) After the takeover and a new “editor” (and thus a new season) came in, it no longer was that channel. This is what I understand most Bible Students believe. Your argument over the WT article in 1890 holds no weight when discussing the current “version” of the Watchtower under different management.
I do like to hear your views on things but your are “beating a dead horse” with this one. You seem to be only trying to convince yourself.
In Christ,
Chuck
You stated “The early Watchtower did not encourage Bible Students to keep rolls like denominational Churches. Yet today’s JW Organization adopts a similar practice. You have to turn in your hours, be on record and stay active or you will lose your place in the kingdom.”
We never said that. We turn in hours so we can see who is active and “doers of the word” and to see how the Kingdom preaching is being done worldwide. I have months where I haven’t turned in anything and I haven’t been reprimanded. And usually when we don’t turn them in something is wrong. Because most JWs love going out in service.
Chris,
When CO’s would visit the few congregations I was apart of,I specifically heard them say if someone was inactive in the ministry(inotherwords not report their time)they would not be allowed to enter into the kingdom.That Jehovah wouldnt allow them entry. I’ve witnessed numerous Ministerial Servant & Elder meetings that time reports were mentioned, time,placements,Return Visits.People were embarrased & reprimanded in front of one another.i’ve witnessed it firsthand! During shepherding calls the elders would chastise the individual in front of the family for putting in low time reports or not having literature placements.I’m glad u never experienced that. My parent was made to feel worthless for turning in 30 minutes because of serious illness, doctors can testify how severe of a handicap,they deamed the time as unacceptable &wouldnt count it.
Come to think of it…the particular state I live in,which I’m not stating…LOL,I remember conventions & assemblies where theyd mention that 1 has to be an active member in order to gain life. It was a common thread. Representatives of Bethel were there on the program.
I live in Africa and in 36yrs and have never heard of such a thread, I think witnesses here are more mild tempered people ,as we all have diff. circumstances
before i retired I used to do shift work many yrs 12hrs a day and did not have time to go out into the field and witness to others.
Hello Doug, haven’t heard from you in a while hope you are well. Here in the US what Dundee has stated is true. I often I thought we were pushed beyond reason so that more would be saved at Armageddon, but realized it was to increase numbers for finance. Hours in door to door was pushed even if it meant causing great distress in your family. Now you can turn in 15 min so they don’t show a drop in number of active publishers. It is this way in AU, Mexico as well as other parts of the world to my knowledge.
Jehovah’S Witness are often mocked for saying that the Watchtower is God’s Chosen Vessel for Dispensing Spiritual Truth. However this is what Charles Taze Russell stated.
Want proof look at the Watchtower 1890 p 1171.
” We are firmly convinced that the TOWER is is and has been a chosen vessel in the Lord’s hands for dispensing meat in due season and we pray and labor that it may continue to do so.”
Peter-
This I did not know “Brother Russell never publicly claimed to be the Faithful and Wise Steward, most of the Bible Students believed he was”
I always assumed he believed he was the “faithful and wise steward”
Do by chance know what Russell believed? Did he believe this to be a parable or did he consider it to be literal? And if he did consider it literal, did he believe the “wise steward” to be a single person or a class?
Brettstone – Brother Russell would never publically state or write that he was the Faithful Servant. Nor did he deny it. Through word of mouth, we know that some close to him believed that he believed he was.
If Jesus would not tell the public he was Messiah, how could Brother Russell proclaim he was the Wise Servant. It was not necessary. The evidence should be sufficient to decide the matter one way or the other.
I agree… I have been reading Divine Plan and wow.. Russell obviously was lead by spirit, no way anyone could have discovered so much truth without the aid if the spirit
I’m going to drop the Dupin Avatar and go under my own name since one cat is already out of the bag elsewhere.
A. H. MacMillan stated on Pg. 95 of his book Faith On the March:
Some of our people attending the trial (that is the trial of himself and Rutherford in 1918) later told me that one of the attorneys for the government had gone out into the hallway, where he talked in low tones to some of those who led the opposition within the Society. They said (Speaking of MacMillan himself, who the judge was trying to free, according to him)’Don’t let that fellow go; he is the worst of the bunch. He’ll keep things going if you don’t get him along with the others.'”
While not stricktly addressing the question of brethren “slandering” Rutherford or his cronies MacMillan did accuse them, without naming his sources, of active participation in the trial of Rutherford and his associates behind the scenes, which is tantamount to accusing them of slander as well.
Another PDF file you might find interesting from the same source is 1942 Oline Moyle Trial. Pg. 7 of that document carries the following astute observation of how Rutherford viewed any criticism of himself personally in connection with the Oline Moyle Letter, which precedes the observation:
1942 Oline Moyle Trial
“Joseph F. Rutherford did not refute the allegations
listed in Moyle’s letter, but rather, side-
stepped the facts by asserting that the accusations
brought against him “personally,” were to be
considered as allegations against the “entire Society,
” which was considered by Rutherford as the
“Lord’s” organization.
Therefore, (in Rutherford’s mind), when Moyle spoke
against him “personally,” then Moyle was
to be judged as speaking against the “Lord” as well!
Moyle’s letter was written in defense for
better treatment of the Bethel members and the
Society as a whole, however, against Rutherford’s
drunkenness and law breaking.
Rutherford described Moyle’s allegations as, “wicked
slander, libel, filled with lies,” and pleasing
only to the Devil. Then, Rutherford induced others
to join with him in publishing slanderous
statements of his own against Moyle in the
Watchtower magazine. Ironically, the accusation of
“inducing others,” or “causing divisions” among the
brethren was exactly what Rutherford had
published against Moyle!
Rutherford used the old, “guilt by association” fear
tactic! By pointing out that the “President” of
this so-called, “Theocratic government” was a drunk,
a criminal, and a cowardly bully, Moyle
would later be described in Rutherford’s Watchtower
letter as the “evil servant”.”
Whether Babara Anderson who wrote that observation or not, I don’t know. However, it sheds light on how he, and the Witness Organization at present, saw the documents sent out by the brethren in the “Harvest Siftings” exchange initiated by Rutherford in the days leading up to the Watch Tower shareholders meeting in 1917. That observation is also based on the minutes of the Board which met within days of Moyle leaving his letter for Rutherford.
I hope the foregoing helps those who are interested.