Yes, I'm sure any of you that know about the Jehovah's Witnesses have also heard about their being an associate NGO with the United Nations. Former members point at this as a major scandal that was exposed, and shows the hypocrisy of the Watchtower Society. Current members argue that the claims are false, and even though they were an associate NGO of the United Nations, they did nothing wrong. I think it's time to review the argument, and set forth the facts. Then you, the reader, can decide.
Let's begin with what the WTS was writing about the U.N. in their literature.
"No, the UN is not a blessing, even though the religious clergy of
Christendom and the rabbis of Jewry pray heaven’s blessing upon that
organization. It is really “the image of the wild beast,” the visible
political, commercial organization of “the god of this system of
things,” Satan the Devil. So the UN will soon be destroyed along with
that beastly organization." Watchtower 1984 Sep 15 p.15
The "mark" of the beast would identify the one having it as belonging to that "wild beast," giving it full support. Ellicott's Bible Commentary notes that the mark 'surely means the acquiescence to the principals of this tyrannical world-power.'
In
modern times, the Christain body, known world wide as Jehovah's
Witnesses, has experienced from the "wild beast" the same things as
first-century Christians. Take the African county of Malawi, for
example. There all citizens have been required to become members of the
country's only existing political party, the "Malawi Congress Party." A
membership card costing about twenty-five cents (U.S.) identifies the bearer as 'acquiescing to the principals of the ruling political party,' . . .
As
Jehovah's Witnesses they value their relationship to God and Christ
above everything else. Were they to identify themselves as giving
unquestioning support to any politcal arrangement, they would be
acting contrary to the Bible's teaching that all human governmental
systems exist by God's toleration only until such time as he chooses to
replace them by his kingdom in the hands of Jesus Christ. (Dan. 2:44;
7:13, 14) Jehovah's Witnesses have promised to give unqualified
allegiance exclusively to God and Christ. Any act on their part
that would indicate otherwise, therefore, would be an act of disloyalty.
Such an act would be taking away from God and Christ their rightful due
and would be worship fo the "wild beast."
No matter how insignificant the act required may seem, a Christian's engaging in such worship would mean his being disloyal to God and Christ. Watchtower 1976 10/15 632-6
"If Christendom had sought peace with Jehovah's King, Jesus Christ, then
she would have avoided the coming flash flood. - Compare Luke 19:42-44.
However, she has not done so. Instead, in her quest for peace and
security, she insinuates herself into the favor of the political leaders
of the nations this despite the Bible's warning that friendship with
the world is enmity with God. (James 4:4) Moreover, in 1919 she strongly
advocated the League of Nations as man's best hope for peace. Since
1945 she has put her hope in the United Nations. (Compare Revelation
17:3, 11.) How extensive is her involvement with this organization?
A recent book gives an idea when it states: "No less than
twenty-four Catholic organizations are represented at the UN. Several of
the world's religious leaders have visited the international
organization. Most memorable were the visits of His Holiness Pope Paul
VI during the General Assembly in 1965 and of Pope John Paul II in 1979.
Many religions have special invocations, prayers, hymns and services
for the United Nations. The most important examples are those of the
Catholic, the Unitarian-Universalist, the Baptist and the Bahai
faiths."" Watchtower 1991 Jun 1 p.17
"Such dwellers on earth wondered admiringly at the revived scarlet wild
beast. Much reliance was placed in its ability to be a power for world
peace and security. Great expectations were held out for it, and it was
given designations that were really blasphemous from the standpoint of
the Holy Bible. How so? In that to this wild beast powers were ascribed
and tasks were assigned that really belong to Gods kingdom and its
Messiah or its Christ. Back in 1919 the scarlet League of Nations had
been seriously called the political expression of the Kingdom of God on
earth. And now the United Nations, the successor of that League, has
been called the best means for peace, yes, even more than that, the last
hope for peace. So today we can see in actuality what the apostle John
saw in symbol, that that scarlet-colored wild beast is full of
blasphemous names. Those expressions of admiration for it turn false
religionists, not to the worship of Jehovah God the Creator, but to
idolatry of a man-made creation, the worship of a political image, the
worship of an international organization for world peace and security.
Rev. 17:3." Watchtower 1963 Nov 15 p.697
The wild beast that you saw was, but is not, and yet is about to
ascend out of the abyss, and it is to go off into destruction. And when
they see how the wild beast was, but is not, and yet will be present,
those who dwell on the earth will wonder admiringly, but their names have not been written upon the scroll of life from the foundation of the world." Revelation 17:8 NWT
"We cannot but admire the high principles embodied in the proposed League of Nations, formulated undoubtedly by those who have no knowledge of the great plan of God. This fact makes all the more wonderful the ideals which they express. Watchtower February 15, 1919 p. 51
The "mark" of the beast would identify the one having it as belonging to that "wild beast," giving it full support. Ellicott's Bible Commentary notes that the mark 'surely means the acquiescence to the principals of this tyrannical world-power.' Watchtower October 15, 1976 p. 632
STRONG words from the Watchtower Society about the U.N. Obviously then, from what was stated, any witness would want to have nothing to do with the U.N. Even a 25 cent membership card would show disloyalty to God. Ah, but they even go a step further.
"The Bible condemns things such as stealing, idolatry and the misuse of
blood, so a Christian could hardly engage in work where he directly
promoted such things. Would doing the work so closely link a person with a condemned practice that he would be a clear accomplice?
Even a janitor or a receptionist at a blood bank or a plant
making only weapons of war is directly linked with work contrary to Gods
Word."
Watchtower 1982 Jul 15 Box on p.26 Employment Factors to Consider
Is it true that for religious reasons Jehovah's Witnesses may not become members of the YMCA (Young Mens Christian Association)?
Yes, that is so. We have long recognized that the YMCA, though not
being a church as such, is definitely aligned with the religious
organizations of Christendom in efforts to promote interfaith.
…
In joining the YMCA as a member a person accepts or endorses the
general objectives and principles of the organization. … Membership
means that one has become an integral part of this organization founded
with definite religious objectives, including the promotion of
interfaith. Hence, for one of Jehovah's Witnesses to become a member of
such a so-called Christian association would amount to apostasy." Watchtower 1979 Jan 1 pp.30-31 Questions from Readers
Don't engage in working or becoming a member of any group that aligns themselves with something contrary to God. By doing so, you could be committing an act that amounts to Apostasy.
So it is pretty clear that the Watchtower Society wants their members to avoid worldly governments at all costs. Don't work for them, don't support their principals, don't align yourselves with them, or you could face excommunication.
With such a harsh stand on the U.N., I'm sure it came as quite a shock to many members when news came out about the Watchtower's United Nations Association. The Guardian newspaper revealed the link between the two in October of 2001. Days later, the Watchtower disaffiliated themselves from the United Nations. There were swarms of requests as to why they were there, if it was even true, requests to see evidence.
The WTS responded with this letter.
http://www.jwfacts.com/images/UNeldersletter.jpg
It is a very dishonest letter, to say the least. They did not need to join the U.N. to gain access to their library. In fact, their are over four hundred U.N. libraries worldwide that can be accessed by anyone. Also, there have been no changes to the requirement for NGO's being required to agree to "support" the ideals of the United Nations.
There have been attempts by other jw supporters to "explain away" the reasons why they were there. But those claims are misinformed individuals who did not research properly. For example, one person states that there are two types of NGO's. The DPI (Department of Public Information), and the ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council). And that the DPI division does not fall under the same criteria as the ECOSOC division. In other words, a DPI-NGO does not need to support the U.N. to be an associate. Obviously this person did not read the criteria requirements needed to be accepted as a DPI-NGO. You can read about it here: http://outreach.un.org/ngorelations/membership/
So many questions arise then from the Watchtower's involvement with the U.N.
1. If they truly did not realize that they didn't need to join the U.N. in order to access their library, why did they remain there for nine more years, filing annual applications?
2. If their only reason for being there was to gain access to the U.N. library, why did they abandon their position once news of their involvement became public?
3. Why would having library access be acceptable to them when holding rank and file members to strict avoidance, no matter how insignificant, and then threaten them with excommunication should they do so?
4. Finally, if it was not wrong for them to be there, why did nobody know about it?
It makes one wonder if they even care that many of their members were tortured, raped, imprisoned, and even killed, for holding up their end, for following the guidance of the Watchtower Society, only to see that the ones they were following decided to take a hypocritical stand, and then use the "library card" excuse. If you can be excommunicated in Malawi for purchasing a 25 cent membership card, the same punishment should happen for a library card. What is very revealing is going back and reading those articles about strict avoidance from any world government, since God's Kingdom is going to be replacing all world governments. No part of the world.....well.....except for a library card.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Jesus the Mediator?
"For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time." 1 Timothy 2:5,6
After reading that, how can there be any confusion as to who our mediator is? There are other scriptures I will add to this one later on. But the Watchtower society has made a very serious claim about the role of Jesus as a mediator. Rather than attempt to explain them, I will let the quotes from JW literature speak for themselves.
w79 4/1 31 Questions from Readers
At a time when God was selecting those to be taken into that new covenant, the apostle Paul wrote that Christ was the “one mediator between God and men.” (1 Tim. 2:5) Reasonably Paul was here using the word “mediator” in the same way he did the other five times, which occurred before the writing of 1 Timothy 2:5, referring to those then being taken into the new covenant for which Christ is “mediator.” So in this strict Biblical sense Jesus is the “mediator” only for anointed Christians.
That isn't what Paul wrote.
w79 11/15 26 Benefiting from "One Mediator Between God and Men"
20 What, then, is Christ’s role in this program of salvation? Paul proceeds to say: “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men [not, all men], a man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all.”—1 Tim. 2:5, 6.
Not all men? See how they twist the scripture to fit their doctrine?
w89 8/15 30 Questions From Readers
Clearly, then, the new covenant is not a loose arrangement open to all mankind. It is a carefully arranged legal provision involving God and anointed Christians.
Legal provision?
w89 8/15 31 Questions From Readers
The people of all nations who have the hope of everlasting life on earth benefit even now from Jesus’ services. Though he is not their legal Mediator, for they are not in the new covenant, he is their means of approaching Jehovah.
He is not their legal Mediator, but he is their means of approaching Jehovah? Isn't that a blatant contradiction?
w89 8/15 31 Questions From Readers
Consequently, 1 Timothy 2:5, 6 is not using “mediator” in the broad sense common in many languages. It is not saying that Jesus is a mediator between God and all mankind. Rather, it refers to Christ as legal Mediator (or, “attorney”) of the new covenant, this being the restricted way in which the Bible uses the term.
Now they are twisting the meaning of the word "mediator".
w89 12/15 30 Do You Remember?
In what sense does Paul use the term “mediator” when referring to Jesus at 1 Timothy 2:5, 6? In this text, Paul uses the Greek word me·si'tes for “mediator,” which term has a legal significance, so he is not using this word in the broad sense common in many languages. Hence, Paul is not saying that Jesus is Mediator between God and all mankind. Rather, he is referring to Christ as legal Mediator of the new covenant, which laid the basis for Christ’s anointed followers to share with him in his heavenly Kingdom. (2 Corinthians 5:1, 5; Ephesians 1:13, 14; Hebrews 8:7-13)—8/15, pages 30, 31.
We have already seen what Paul wrote, applying it to all men. Here they are trying to toss in a Greek word to support their claim.The definition of me-si'tes is:
Does the word have legal significance? Or is it simply a go between?
w84 7/15 14-15 Organized to Serve Jehovah
There must be agreement among all true Christians, a unified message, if people are to hear what is correct, put genuine faith in the true God and call upon Jehovah’s name with the prospect of being saved. Moreover, one spirit-directed organization must be used in connection with the sending forth of those truthful preachers of the “good news.”—Romans 10:11-15.
Spirit directed organization....that claims to not be inspired by God.
Survival into a New Earth p. 65
"With Christ they make up the agency by means of which blessings will be extended to all other obedient ones among mankind. Appreciation of this is a key to understanding the Bible."
Now they elevate themselves to be with Christ.
Maybe we should check out a few scriptures and compare them to these claims.
Acts 13:38-39--"Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,
and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.
Ephesians 1:7 "By means of him we have the release by ransom through the blood of that one, yes, the forgiveness of [our] trespasses, according to the riches of his undeserved kindness."
Romans 6:23 "For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord."
Hebrews 7:25 "Consequently he is able also to save completely those who are approaching God through him, because he is always alive to plead for them."
Hebrews 8:10-12 "'For this is the covenant that I shall covenant with the house of Israel after those days,' says Jehovah. 'I will put my laws in their mind, and in their hearts I shall write them. And I will become their God, and they themselves will become my people. 11 "'And they will by no means teach each one his fellow citizen and each one his brother, saying: "Know Jehovah!" For they will all know me, from [the] least one to [the] greatest one of them. 12 For I shall be merciful to their unrighteous deeds, and I shall by no means call their sins to mind anymore.'"
Isn't it obvious at this point that Jesus is the Mediator for everyone, and not just a select few?
Furthermore, if Jehovah puts His laws into their minds and hearts, how can they possibly attempt to explain away past mistakes by stating that it is a gradual understanding? After all, if Jesus is supposedly mediating between God and them, wouldn't this be a claim of direct guidance? Yet they attempt to cover over those errors and sweep them under the carpet.
Another mistake made is the attempt to parallel the great crowd with the alien residents under the law covenant. They write: Watchtower 1995 Jul 1 p.17 "The Israel of God" and the "Great Crowd
"Since a number of these faithful foreigners, or alien residents, are viewed as foreshadowing the great crowd today, their situation is of interest to us.
Such ones were proselytes, dedicated worshipers of Jehovah under the Mosaic Law who were separated from the nations along with the Israelites. (Leviticus 24:22) They offered sacrifices, kept clear of false worship, and abstained from blood, just as the Israelites did."
Did you catch the error? The alien residents were included in the law covenant. So if they are foreshadowing the great crowd, that would mean that the great crowd will be included into the new covenant.
This is a very blatant attempt to control the masses. In essence, what the are saying is that if you do not follow their instructions, accept their teachings without question, you will not make it through Armageddon and live on in an earthly paradise. They shove Jesus out of the picture, since the claim is that he is not the mediator for all of us, only them. They do this by twisting words, adding their own words to verses, and going well beyond what is written.
Maybe they should read this verse, and think about what they are doing.
Galations 1:8--But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse!
who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time." 1 Timothy 2:5,6
After reading that, how can there be any confusion as to who our mediator is? There are other scriptures I will add to this one later on. But the Watchtower society has made a very serious claim about the role of Jesus as a mediator. Rather than attempt to explain them, I will let the quotes from JW literature speak for themselves.
w79 4/1 31 Questions from Readers
At a time when God was selecting those to be taken into that new covenant, the apostle Paul wrote that Christ was the “one mediator between God and men.” (1 Tim. 2:5) Reasonably Paul was here using the word “mediator” in the same way he did the other five times, which occurred before the writing of 1 Timothy 2:5, referring to those then being taken into the new covenant for which Christ is “mediator.” So in this strict Biblical sense Jesus is the “mediator” only for anointed Christians.
That isn't what Paul wrote.
w79 11/15 26 Benefiting from "One Mediator Between God and Men"
20 What, then, is Christ’s role in this program of salvation? Paul proceeds to say: “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men [not, all men], a man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all.”—1 Tim. 2:5, 6.
Not all men? See how they twist the scripture to fit their doctrine?
w89 8/15 30 Questions From Readers
Clearly, then, the new covenant is not a loose arrangement open to all mankind. It is a carefully arranged legal provision involving God and anointed Christians.
Legal provision?
w89 8/15 31 Questions From Readers
The people of all nations who have the hope of everlasting life on earth benefit even now from Jesus’ services. Though he is not their legal Mediator, for they are not in the new covenant, he is their means of approaching Jehovah.
He is not their legal Mediator, but he is their means of approaching Jehovah? Isn't that a blatant contradiction?
w89 8/15 31 Questions From Readers
Consequently, 1 Timothy 2:5, 6 is not using “mediator” in the broad sense common in many languages. It is not saying that Jesus is a mediator between God and all mankind. Rather, it refers to Christ as legal Mediator (or, “attorney”) of the new covenant, this being the restricted way in which the Bible uses the term.
Now they are twisting the meaning of the word "mediator".
w89 12/15 30 Do You Remember?
In what sense does Paul use the term “mediator” when referring to Jesus at 1 Timothy 2:5, 6? In this text, Paul uses the Greek word me·si'tes for “mediator,” which term has a legal significance, so he is not using this word in the broad sense common in many languages. Hence, Paul is not saying that Jesus is Mediator between God and all mankind. Rather, he is referring to Christ as legal Mediator of the new covenant, which laid the basis for Christ’s anointed followers to share with him in his heavenly Kingdom. (2 Corinthians 5:1, 5; Ephesians 1:13, 14; Hebrews 8:7-13)—8/15, pages 30, 31.
We have already seen what Paul wrote, applying it to all men. Here they are trying to toss in a Greek word to support their claim.The definition of me-si'tes is:
- one who intervenes between two, either in order to make or restore peace and friendship, or form a compact, or for ratifying a covenant
- a medium of communication, arbitrator
Does the word have legal significance? Or is it simply a go between?
w84 7/15 14-15 Organized to Serve Jehovah
There must be agreement among all true Christians, a unified message, if people are to hear what is correct, put genuine faith in the true God and call upon Jehovah’s name with the prospect of being saved. Moreover, one spirit-directed organization must be used in connection with the sending forth of those truthful preachers of the “good news.”—Romans 10:11-15.
Spirit directed organization....that claims to not be inspired by God.
Survival into a New Earth p. 65
"With Christ they make up the agency by means of which blessings will be extended to all other obedient ones among mankind. Appreciation of this is a key to understanding the Bible."
Now they elevate themselves to be with Christ.
Maybe we should check out a few scriptures and compare them to these claims.
Acts 13:38-39--"Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,
and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.
Ephesians 1:7 "By means of him we have the release by ransom through the blood of that one, yes, the forgiveness of [our] trespasses, according to the riches of his undeserved kindness."
Romans 6:23 "For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord."
Hebrews 7:25 "Consequently he is able also to save completely those who are approaching God through him, because he is always alive to plead for them."
Hebrews 8:10-12 "'For this is the covenant that I shall covenant with the house of Israel after those days,' says Jehovah. 'I will put my laws in their mind, and in their hearts I shall write them. And I will become their God, and they themselves will become my people. 11 "'And they will by no means teach each one his fellow citizen and each one his brother, saying: "Know Jehovah!" For they will all know me, from [the] least one to [the] greatest one of them. 12 For I shall be merciful to their unrighteous deeds, and I shall by no means call their sins to mind anymore.'"
Isn't it obvious at this point that Jesus is the Mediator for everyone, and not just a select few?
Furthermore, if Jehovah puts His laws into their minds and hearts, how can they possibly attempt to explain away past mistakes by stating that it is a gradual understanding? After all, if Jesus is supposedly mediating between God and them, wouldn't this be a claim of direct guidance? Yet they attempt to cover over those errors and sweep them under the carpet.
Another mistake made is the attempt to parallel the great crowd with the alien residents under the law covenant. They write: Watchtower 1995 Jul 1 p.17 "The Israel of God" and the "Great Crowd
"Since a number of these faithful foreigners, or alien residents, are viewed as foreshadowing the great crowd today, their situation is of interest to us.
Such ones were proselytes, dedicated worshipers of Jehovah under the Mosaic Law who were separated from the nations along with the Israelites. (Leviticus 24:22) They offered sacrifices, kept clear of false worship, and abstained from blood, just as the Israelites did."
Did you catch the error? The alien residents were included in the law covenant. So if they are foreshadowing the great crowd, that would mean that the great crowd will be included into the new covenant.
This is a very blatant attempt to control the masses. In essence, what the are saying is that if you do not follow their instructions, accept their teachings without question, you will not make it through Armageddon and live on in an earthly paradise. They shove Jesus out of the picture, since the claim is that he is not the mediator for all of us, only them. They do this by twisting words, adding their own words to verses, and going well beyond what is written.
Maybe they should read this verse, and think about what they are doing.
Galations 1:8--But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse!
Sunday, July 21, 2013
JW Bashing?
I have been asked a few questions by current JWs, as well as friends that are non-believers in the jw religion, as to why I continually hound the witnesses. Here are the most common remarks that I will address here.
1) Why do you bash the JWs? You must really hate them.
2) Wouldn't you rather spend your time doing something worthwhile?
3) They seem to be happy. Why interfere with that?
4) Why don't you just move on with your life? Get over it.
Let's start with the first one. Why do I bash the JWs? To answer this in the most simple response, I don't bash the JWs. People are free to believe in what they choose. If they are convinced that what they are placing their faith in is, in a manner of speaking, the right path, I have no problem with that at all.
My main focus is on what they teach. If I see something that I feel is incorrect, is it wrong to ask questions in order to gain clarification? If I see something that I know for a fact is wrong, why can't I point that out?
Even the Watchtower itself agreed with me in the past.
"It is important to examine one's religion; there is nothing to fear from such an examination." Truth p.13
"It is not persecution for an informed person to expose a certain religion as being false." wt 11/15/1963 p. 688
"Examine the evidence. Reasonable persons want to examine both sides of a matter. That is how one arrives at the truth." A 10/22/1973 p. 6
"Regarding the Roman Catholic Church: Any organization that claims to be the way of salvation should be willing to submit to scrutiny and criticism."
If there is nothing to fear, and it is not persecution, and it is the way to find truth, then why is it considered bashing when someone decides to investigate their teachings, and then call out any mistakes that are found? And if you substitute Jehovah's Witnesses with the Roman Catholic Church in the last quote, they should be willing to submit to scrutiny and criticism, since they make the same claim.
But that isn't what happens at all. Nowadays, if you question any of their teachings, you are slapped with the title of an Apostate. Once given that title, all current JWs will not even consider anything you have to say as valid. It is the easiest way to control the masses. And if you were never a JW, yet you question their beliefs, well, you are under the control of Satan, who is busy misleading the entire world, minus the JWs.
The second one: Wouldn't you rather spend your time doing something worthwhile? This is based on the assumption that I spend ALL of my time refuting JW teachings. It really doesn't take very long to accomplish that.
I do, however, consider it worthwhile, as many folks are wandering around lost in life, since they recently departed from the JW religion. I've been told by several individuals that they appreciate reading my opinions here on my blog page. Many of them were asking the same questions that I asked several years ago. So if my small contribution is able to help anyone out, that is very worthwhile from my perspective.
The third one: They seem to be happy. Why interfere with that? The ones that are truly happy won't bother with anything that I have to say. But I do feel that it is within my right to ask questions if the JWs confront me at my home, or at my workplace. Qualified preachers should be prepared when someone asks them questions. Sadly, most of the encounters I have had with them ended in back-door escape from them to end the conversation.
And finally: Why don't you just move on with your life? Get over it. I've heard this from current JWs, XJWs, and outsiders that don't know the specifics from within the JW realm. People always make the mistake of assuming that this is all that I do with my time. They do not realize that it does not take me very long to write a blog, offer advice or support in a recovery group, or other things related to my refuting JW teachings. Most of the things that I do in life are for my benefit, but I choose to spend some time to help others find happiness in their lives as well. I can tell you that when you achieve this, when you see someone that was literally down and out on life, and they came to you for support, and you were able to help them get back to enjoying life again, it is a great feeling. Why would I want to move on from that?
So I would like to ask my accusers a question in closing. Who is really doing the bashing?
"False religious propaganda from any source should be avoided like poison! Really, since our Lord has used "the faithful and discreet slave" to convey to us "sayings of everlasting life," why should we ever want to look anywhere else?" Watchtower 1987 Nov 1 p.20
"The world is filled with unhappiness, and people generally have a gloomy outlook on the future. However, we have a bright outlook, knowing that one day all sadness will be a thing of the past." Kingdom Ministry Feb 2002 p.1
"From time to time, there have arisen from among the ranks of Jehovah's people those, who, like the original Satan, have adopted an independent, faultfinding attitude...They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such 'Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching ..." Watchtower 1981 Aug 15 p.29
"Apostates “quietly” bring their ideas into the congregation, like criminals who secretly bring things into a country. ... The Bible says that apostates are mentally diseased and that they use their teachings to make others think like them. (1 Timothy 6:3, 4) Jehovah is like that good doctor. He clearly tells us to stay away from false teachers. We must always be determined to follow his warning. ... We do not speak to them or invite them into our houses. We also do not read their books, watch them on television, read what they write on the Internet, or add our own comments about what they write on the Internet." Watchtower 2011 Jul 15 p.11
"It would be a mistake to think that you need to listen to apostates or to read their writings to refute their arguments. Their twisted, poisonous reasoning can cause spiritual harm and can contaminate your faith like rapidly spreading gangrene." Watchtower 2004 Feb 15 p.28
"For one thing, some of the apostate literature presents falsehoods by means of "smooth talk" and "counterfeit words." ... Those who have continued to feed at Satan's spiritual table, the table of demons, will be forced to attend a literal meal, no, not as partakers, but as the main course-to their destruction!" Watchtower 1994 Jul 1 p.12
"What is often the motive of those who criticize the Society or those taking the lead? Is it not often that some application of Scripture affects them personally? Rather than conform to sound doctrine and direction, they want the organization to change. Let us illustrate this with a few examples: A brother insists on some extreme clothing or grooming style. The elders feel that he is not a good example and do not extend to him certain privileges, such as appearing on the platform to give instruction. He becomes resentful, claiming that others are trying to take away his Christian freedom. But what is behind such reasoning? Is it not usually pride, an independent attitude, or a rather childish desire to have one's own way?" Occasionally you may hear someone question whether the Scriptural prohibition against eating blood really applies to transfusions. But what is behind that reasoning? Is it fear-fear of possibly losing one's present life or the life of a loved one? Is hope in the resurrection fading? ... Finally, we might consider what the Society has published in the past on chronology. Some opposers claim that Jehovah's Witnesses are false prophets. These opponents say that dates have been set, but nothing has happened. Again we ask, What is the motive of these critics? Are they encouraging wakefulness on the part of God's people, or are they, rather, trying to justify themselves for falling back into sleepy inactivity?" Watchtower 1986 Mar 15 p.18 Allow No Place for the Devil!
Wouldn't any of these quotes be considered bashing?
1) Why do you bash the JWs? You must really hate them.
2) Wouldn't you rather spend your time doing something worthwhile?
3) They seem to be happy. Why interfere with that?
4) Why don't you just move on with your life? Get over it.
Let's start with the first one. Why do I bash the JWs? To answer this in the most simple response, I don't bash the JWs. People are free to believe in what they choose. If they are convinced that what they are placing their faith in is, in a manner of speaking, the right path, I have no problem with that at all.
My main focus is on what they teach. If I see something that I feel is incorrect, is it wrong to ask questions in order to gain clarification? If I see something that I know for a fact is wrong, why can't I point that out?
Even the Watchtower itself agreed with me in the past.
"It is important to examine one's religion; there is nothing to fear from such an examination." Truth p.13
"It is not persecution for an informed person to expose a certain religion as being false." wt 11/15/1963 p. 688
"Examine the evidence. Reasonable persons want to examine both sides of a matter. That is how one arrives at the truth." A 10/22/1973 p. 6
"Regarding the Roman Catholic Church: Any organization that claims to be the way of salvation should be willing to submit to scrutiny and criticism."
If there is nothing to fear, and it is not persecution, and it is the way to find truth, then why is it considered bashing when someone decides to investigate their teachings, and then call out any mistakes that are found? And if you substitute Jehovah's Witnesses with the Roman Catholic Church in the last quote, they should be willing to submit to scrutiny and criticism, since they make the same claim.
But that isn't what happens at all. Nowadays, if you question any of their teachings, you are slapped with the title of an Apostate. Once given that title, all current JWs will not even consider anything you have to say as valid. It is the easiest way to control the masses. And if you were never a JW, yet you question their beliefs, well, you are under the control of Satan, who is busy misleading the entire world, minus the JWs.
The second one: Wouldn't you rather spend your time doing something worthwhile? This is based on the assumption that I spend ALL of my time refuting JW teachings. It really doesn't take very long to accomplish that.
I do, however, consider it worthwhile, as many folks are wandering around lost in life, since they recently departed from the JW religion. I've been told by several individuals that they appreciate reading my opinions here on my blog page. Many of them were asking the same questions that I asked several years ago. So if my small contribution is able to help anyone out, that is very worthwhile from my perspective.
The third one: They seem to be happy. Why interfere with that? The ones that are truly happy won't bother with anything that I have to say. But I do feel that it is within my right to ask questions if the JWs confront me at my home, or at my workplace. Qualified preachers should be prepared when someone asks them questions. Sadly, most of the encounters I have had with them ended in back-door escape from them to end the conversation.
And finally: Why don't you just move on with your life? Get over it. I've heard this from current JWs, XJWs, and outsiders that don't know the specifics from within the JW realm. People always make the mistake of assuming that this is all that I do with my time. They do not realize that it does not take me very long to write a blog, offer advice or support in a recovery group, or other things related to my refuting JW teachings. Most of the things that I do in life are for my benefit, but I choose to spend some time to help others find happiness in their lives as well. I can tell you that when you achieve this, when you see someone that was literally down and out on life, and they came to you for support, and you were able to help them get back to enjoying life again, it is a great feeling. Why would I want to move on from that?
So I would like to ask my accusers a question in closing. Who is really doing the bashing?
"False religious propaganda from any source should be avoided like poison! Really, since our Lord has used "the faithful and discreet slave" to convey to us "sayings of everlasting life," why should we ever want to look anywhere else?" Watchtower 1987 Nov 1 p.20
"The world is filled with unhappiness, and people generally have a gloomy outlook on the future. However, we have a bright outlook, knowing that one day all sadness will be a thing of the past." Kingdom Ministry Feb 2002 p.1
"From time to time, there have arisen from among the ranks of Jehovah's people those, who, like the original Satan, have adopted an independent, faultfinding attitude...They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such 'Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching ..." Watchtower 1981 Aug 15 p.29
"Apostates “quietly” bring their ideas into the congregation, like criminals who secretly bring things into a country. ... The Bible says that apostates are mentally diseased and that they use their teachings to make others think like them. (1 Timothy 6:3, 4) Jehovah is like that good doctor. He clearly tells us to stay away from false teachers. We must always be determined to follow his warning. ... We do not speak to them or invite them into our houses. We also do not read their books, watch them on television, read what they write on the Internet, or add our own comments about what they write on the Internet." Watchtower 2011 Jul 15 p.11
"It would be a mistake to think that you need to listen to apostates or to read their writings to refute their arguments. Their twisted, poisonous reasoning can cause spiritual harm and can contaminate your faith like rapidly spreading gangrene." Watchtower 2004 Feb 15 p.28
"For one thing, some of the apostate literature presents falsehoods by means of "smooth talk" and "counterfeit words." ... Those who have continued to feed at Satan's spiritual table, the table of demons, will be forced to attend a literal meal, no, not as partakers, but as the main course-to their destruction!" Watchtower 1994 Jul 1 p.12
"What is often the motive of those who criticize the Society or those taking the lead? Is it not often that some application of Scripture affects them personally? Rather than conform to sound doctrine and direction, they want the organization to change. Let us illustrate this with a few examples: A brother insists on some extreme clothing or grooming style. The elders feel that he is not a good example and do not extend to him certain privileges, such as appearing on the platform to give instruction. He becomes resentful, claiming that others are trying to take away his Christian freedom. But what is behind such reasoning? Is it not usually pride, an independent attitude, or a rather childish desire to have one's own way?" Occasionally you may hear someone question whether the Scriptural prohibition against eating blood really applies to transfusions. But what is behind that reasoning? Is it fear-fear of possibly losing one's present life or the life of a loved one? Is hope in the resurrection fading? ... Finally, we might consider what the Society has published in the past on chronology. Some opposers claim that Jehovah's Witnesses are false prophets. These opponents say that dates have been set, but nothing has happened. Again we ask, What is the motive of these critics? Are they encouraging wakefulness on the part of God's people, or are they, rather, trying to justify themselves for falling back into sleepy inactivity?" Watchtower 1986 Mar 15 p.18 Allow No Place for the Devil!
Wouldn't any of these quotes be considered bashing?
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Isolationism Is Only a Cult Ploy!
The tactic of isolationism is employed in order to control someone. The definition of being isolated is the following: To set apart or cut off from others, to place apart; cause to be alone. It's a basic quarantine action used as what they claim is a disciplinary action. I've already shown how disfellowshipping is not scriptural. But it runs much deeper than that.
Remember when you were approached by a witness for the first time? What were you told? Probably something along these lines:
"Jesus indicated that a similar day [to the Flood] is coming in our time. Those heeding the knowledge associated with this event will have the prospect of not only surviving but also living forever. In addition, the dead who are in Gods memory will be raised to life with the prospect of never having to die again. ... All evidence shows that this day is very near, which means that you may never die at all." Watchtower 2005 Apr 15 p.5
Ah yes. Who wouldn't want to live forever in a paradise world? No wars, no sickness, no reason for sadness. To anyone living in today's world, that would sound inviting.
Then they hit you with the "Living in the Last Days" angle. They point to all of the bad stuff going on and claim that it is a sign that we are living in the last days. Time is short, so don't wait too long. They might even entice you into thinking that it is a great time to become a witness, because with the end "right around the corner" for this wicked system of things, you wouldn't have to wait for very long.
And for a long time, the generation that would not pass away was linked to 1914. Anyone alive during that time era was going to see all of these things take place as this wicked world would be wiped out, and replaced with a new paradise world.
All you had to do was begin studying with the jws, learn their teachings, attend their meetings, and eventually get baptized.
So you join in. You study and learn their teachings. You attend their meetings. And you get baptized. And then the real truth sets in. Things that they probably didn't warn you about beforehand. And why would they? After all, their duty as a jw is to convert you. And they succeeded.
So now you begin to receive weekly lectures on tasks you need to perform to remain in good standing. You need to attend every meeting. You need to attempt to comment at those meetings. You need to be regular in the preaching work. You need to do your personal studies that are assigned. You need to join the theocratic ministry school and give speeches that are assigned to you.
Well, you might reason, with commitment comes responsibility. But then......
They tell you who you can associate with, what you can read, what movies you can watch, what television programs are acceptable, what games you can play, what jobs you can apply for, what medical attention you can receive, appropriate dating, how married couples are allowed to have sex, what music you can listen to, what education is acceptable, and so on.
And you cannot question any of their teachings, even if those teachings change. You can be disfellowshipped for several things not listed in the bible. And all disputes must remain "in-house" so that the elders can handle the matter. So if somebody cheats you in a business matter, you are not allowed to sue them.
Basically every aspect of your life is now in their hands. And you are not allowed to question it. But what happens if you do? That is when isolationism is enforced. They cut you off from all members of the jw community, including your family. And there you must stay until you can prove to them that you have repented. All alone with no one to help you. Until finally you break down and are forced to come crawling back to them.
Is that what you thought you were joining when they first approached you? Did you ever imagine that you would volunteer to give your life away? Did you ever think that these nice people would eventually threaten you with isolationism in order to control you?
I doubt any of those things entered your mind when you joined them. But there are ways to overcome isolationism. For starters, Jesus was against vows and oaths. (Matthew 5:33-37) So it is wrong for the jws to make you swear a public agreement to be in association with their organization. Also, when that organization began changing its doctrines, to which you might not be in agreement with now, you are entitled to break that vow. Compare it to wedding vows. You enter into an agreement with your mate forever, right? What happens if one person decides to change the wording of those vows afterwards which now allows them to become a polygamist and marry again? Should you be forced to go along for the ride since you made a vow in which the dynamics have changed? Vows are about actions in the future, and the future is something over which we have little or no control.
It is also important to remember that they hold no power over you. They cannot stop you from finding enjoyment out of life. Try reaching out to others and make some new friends. Try exploring several hobbies that could lead you to more opportunities. Keep yourself active, and eventually things will begin to happen for you.
Isolationism is only powerful if you allow it to happen. But it can easily be derailed once a person learns that the world is full of adventures, and that there are many people out there looking to share those adventures with someone. Happy hunting.
Remember when you were approached by a witness for the first time? What were you told? Probably something along these lines:
"Jesus indicated that a similar day [to the Flood] is coming in our time. Those heeding the knowledge associated with this event will have the prospect of not only surviving but also living forever. In addition, the dead who are in Gods memory will be raised to life with the prospect of never having to die again. ... All evidence shows that this day is very near, which means that you may never die at all." Watchtower 2005 Apr 15 p.5
Ah yes. Who wouldn't want to live forever in a paradise world? No wars, no sickness, no reason for sadness. To anyone living in today's world, that would sound inviting.
Then they hit you with the "Living in the Last Days" angle. They point to all of the bad stuff going on and claim that it is a sign that we are living in the last days. Time is short, so don't wait too long. They might even entice you into thinking that it is a great time to become a witness, because with the end "right around the corner" for this wicked system of things, you wouldn't have to wait for very long.
And for a long time, the generation that would not pass away was linked to 1914. Anyone alive during that time era was going to see all of these things take place as this wicked world would be wiped out, and replaced with a new paradise world.
All you had to do was begin studying with the jws, learn their teachings, attend their meetings, and eventually get baptized.
So you join in. You study and learn their teachings. You attend their meetings. And you get baptized. And then the real truth sets in. Things that they probably didn't warn you about beforehand. And why would they? After all, their duty as a jw is to convert you. And they succeeded.
So now you begin to receive weekly lectures on tasks you need to perform to remain in good standing. You need to attend every meeting. You need to attempt to comment at those meetings. You need to be regular in the preaching work. You need to do your personal studies that are assigned. You need to join the theocratic ministry school and give speeches that are assigned to you.
Well, you might reason, with commitment comes responsibility. But then......
They tell you who you can associate with, what you can read, what movies you can watch, what television programs are acceptable, what games you can play, what jobs you can apply for, what medical attention you can receive, appropriate dating, how married couples are allowed to have sex, what music you can listen to, what education is acceptable, and so on.
And you cannot question any of their teachings, even if those teachings change. You can be disfellowshipped for several things not listed in the bible. And all disputes must remain "in-house" so that the elders can handle the matter. So if somebody cheats you in a business matter, you are not allowed to sue them.
Basically every aspect of your life is now in their hands. And you are not allowed to question it. But what happens if you do? That is when isolationism is enforced. They cut you off from all members of the jw community, including your family. And there you must stay until you can prove to them that you have repented. All alone with no one to help you. Until finally you break down and are forced to come crawling back to them.
Is that what you thought you were joining when they first approached you? Did you ever imagine that you would volunteer to give your life away? Did you ever think that these nice people would eventually threaten you with isolationism in order to control you?
I doubt any of those things entered your mind when you joined them. But there are ways to overcome isolationism. For starters, Jesus was against vows and oaths. (Matthew 5:33-37) So it is wrong for the jws to make you swear a public agreement to be in association with their organization. Also, when that organization began changing its doctrines, to which you might not be in agreement with now, you are entitled to break that vow. Compare it to wedding vows. You enter into an agreement with your mate forever, right? What happens if one person decides to change the wording of those vows afterwards which now allows them to become a polygamist and marry again? Should you be forced to go along for the ride since you made a vow in which the dynamics have changed? Vows are about actions in the future, and the future is something over which we have little or no control.
It is also important to remember that they hold no power over you. They cannot stop you from finding enjoyment out of life. Try reaching out to others and make some new friends. Try exploring several hobbies that could lead you to more opportunities. Keep yourself active, and eventually things will begin to happen for you.
Isolationism is only powerful if you allow it to happen. But it can easily be derailed once a person learns that the world is full of adventures, and that there are many people out there looking to share those adventures with someone. Happy hunting.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Sign of the Last Days
The Watchtower Society uses two points as proof, two lines of argument that they say can pinpoint when Jesus returned and God's Kingdom was established, which of course, would occur in the last days of this world. First, bible chronology is needed to determine when the Gentile Times would end. They believe that the appointed times of the nations began in 607 bce and ended in 1914 a.d. During this period, the nations would be allowed to rule without interference from God. And second, the "signs" that have occured since 1914, and there would be an enormous increase of each sign. From there it was believed that a single generation of people would witness these "signs of the last days", and that single generation would not die out until all of these signs happened. This is the main core of the JWs belief system. Everything they teach revolves around these two points.
Examining those signs should be the first step in determining whether these claims are true. We can see what the bible says, and then examine history to test the accuracy of these claims.
Matthew 24:3--As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?"
Now pay close attention to what Jesus says to them.
Matt 24:4,5--And Jesus answered and said to them, "See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many.
I am the Christ....or Christ approves of my teachings. That would include the setting of a specific date on when Christ would return.
Verse 6 reads--You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.
Not yet the end? Interesting.
If you read on in chapter 4, there will be wars, famines, earthquakes, pestilences, persecutions (because of Christ's name), false prophets, and an increasing lawlessness. All signs of end times, right?
Not exactly, as verse 8 says--But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.
Nowhere in those verses does Jesus ever say that any of these things he listed are "signs of the last days." In fact, it was more of a warning for his disciples to not be led astray when they see these things occur. Don't be misled, don't be frightened, this is not the end? In fact, his answer to their question isn't until verses 27 onward. Note some of his comments.
Verse 27--"For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Verses 29-31---But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.
Now that's a sign. Obviously, everyone would be able to see it, which eliminates the notion that Christ returned invisibly.
Verse 36--But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.
Isn't it contradictory to think that God would suddenly decide to hand a verifiable date over to a small group of people, and then tell them to preach that to the entire world?
End times religions would disagree with me. Especially the JWs, who point out that these signs of the last days have grown increasingly worse since 1914. Really? Let's test it out.
Famine
The Jws make this claim--"And in the wake of World War I came the greatest famine of all history." "Let Your Kingdom Come" p.122
"The worst food shortages in human history followed on the heels of World War I. "WT Oct. 15, 1975 page 634.
"In 1921, famine brought death to some 5 million people in the U.S.S.R. In 1929, famine caused an estimated 3 million deaths in China. In the 1930's, 5 million died of hunger in the U.S.S.R. Just a few years ago prolonged drought in countries bordering the Sahara Desert resulted in countless refugees and up to 100,000 deaths." Watchtower 1983 Apr 15 pp.5-6
By comparison, China alone had over 100 million die from famine during the 1800s. Now toss in the countries of India, England, Ireland, France, and many others, it is very clear that famine was much worse before the year 1914.
Pestilence
Their claim--"Right after World War I more people died of the Spanish flu than had died of any disease epidemic in the history of mankind. The death toll was some 21 million people!" p.151
By comparison, the Black Death plague killed at least 62 million people in 3 years. And there was no cure. The plague of Justinian in the 6th century, killed about 100 million lives. The smallpox epidemic in the 1520s may have killed over 30 million lives. And the 19th century Cholera took about 100 million lives in 5 great pandemics. Again, their claim is proven false.
Earthquakes
This one doesn't even need to be proven since they changed their view from this
"The frequency of major earthquakes has increased about 20 times what it was on an average during the two thousand years before 1914." Survival into a New Earth (1984) p.23
to this
"Some say that any reports of an increase in the number of earthquakes are simply due to advances in technology, which enable more seismic events to be detected. The U.S. National Earthquake Information Center reports that earthquakes of 7.0 magnitude and greater remained "fairly constant" throughout the 20th century. Note, though, that the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy does not require an increase in the number or power of earthquakes. All Jesus said was that there would be great earthquakes in one place after another. Furthermore, he stated that these events would mark the "beginning of pangs of distress." (Matthew 24:8) Distress is measured, not by the number of earthquakes or how they rate on the Richter scale, but by the effect that they have upon people." Awake! 2002 March 22 p.9
It was proven beyond doubt that earthquakes had not increased since the year 1914, that the JWs were forced to change the meaning of the sign. But just to state the obvious,
"We continue to be asked by many people throughout the world if earthquakes are on the increase. Although it may seem that we are having more earthquakes, earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or greater have remained fairly constant.
A partial explanation may lie in the fact that in the last twenty years, we have definitely had an increase in the number of earthquakes we have been able to locate each year. This is because of the tremendous increase in the number of seismograph stations in the world and the many improvements in global communications. In 1931, there were about 350 stations operating in the world; today, there are more than 8,000 stations and the data now comes in rapidly from these stations by electronic mail, internet and satellite. This increase in the number of stations and the more timely receipt of data has allowed us and other seismological centers to locate earthquakes more rapidly and to locate many small earthquakes which were undetected in earlier years. The NEIC now locates about 20,000 earthquakes each year or approximately 50 per day. Also, because of the improvements in communications and the increased interest in the environment and natural disasters, the public now learns about more earthquakes.
According to long-term records (since about 1900), we expect about 17 major earthquakes (7.0 - 7.9) and one great earthquake (8.0 or above) in any given year."
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learning/faq.php?categoryID=6&faqID=110 (27 Oct 2009)
Wars
Their claims.
"No generation previous to that of 1914 ever experienced a world war, never mind two." Watchtower 1983 Jul 15 p.7
"Historians widely agree that World War I was the first war on a global scale." Awake! 1981 May 8 p.8
"According to one study, World War I was reportedly seven times greater than all the 901 major wars of the previous 2,400 years"
By comparison, The War of Spanish Succession 1702-1713, The Seven Years' War 1756-1763, The War of American Independence 1775-1783, and The Napoleonic Wars 1792-1815 are all considered world wars by historians.
A comparison in death tolls shows that WWI had between 8 and 8.5 million soldiers killed, and including civilians, they estimate that between 10-12 million died as a direct result of that war. According to their last quote that I posted, this number is 7 times greater than all 901 major wars of the previous 2400 years. That would leave about 1.5 million as a collective death toll for all of those previous wars. Let's look at the numbers of some of those previous wars.
1. The Thirty Years War (1618-1648) 9-11 million
2. The Manchu-Chinese War (1644) 25 million
3. The Napoleonic Wars (1792-1815) 5-6 million
4. The Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864) 20-30 million
5. The War of Spanish Succession (1702-1713) 1 million
6. The Seven Years' War (1756-1763) 1-2 million
7. The Lopez War (1864-1870) 2 million
Total estimated fatalities 63-87 million
WWI estimated fatalities 37.5 million.
Once again, the original claims by the JWs are false.
Lawlessness
Their claim,
"Space does not allow us to give further details of contempt for God's laws, but what has been presented clearly shows that since 1914 there is an increasing of lawlessness on a magnitude unlike any period in history!" Watchtower 1983 Jun 1 p.7
Any examination into history, and there is a wealth of material available, shows that lawlessness has not increased. It has always been there. Look at any time period and you will find it. Building walls around cities to keep the criminals out, or how about throwing Christians to the wild animals in front of an audience in an arena? Or take a look at the United States in the 1800s, and you might be shocked at what was going on then. And you will also realize what a ridiculous claim was made by the watchtower.
These "signs of the last days" were really not signs at all. Trying to claim that things are getting worse is an attempt at selling the end times slogan in order to gain converts, out of fear. How many times have you read the "don't wait too long" articles? Historical facts show that none of the things mentioned are growing increasingly worse. And the one generation that was supposed to be eye-witnesses to all of these signs from 1914 onward has now been changed to "overlapping" generations. I'm wondering when they will decide to change the 1914 date as well. I think Jesus said it best when he stated the following,
Then if anyone says to you, 'Behold, here is the Christ,' or 'There He is,' do not believe him.
Examining those signs should be the first step in determining whether these claims are true. We can see what the bible says, and then examine history to test the accuracy of these claims.
Matthew 24:3--As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?"
Now pay close attention to what Jesus says to them.
Matt 24:4,5--And Jesus answered and said to them, "See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many.
I am the Christ....or Christ approves of my teachings. That would include the setting of a specific date on when Christ would return.
Verse 6 reads--You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.
Not yet the end? Interesting.
If you read on in chapter 4, there will be wars, famines, earthquakes, pestilences, persecutions (because of Christ's name), false prophets, and an increasing lawlessness. All signs of end times, right?
Not exactly, as verse 8 says--But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.
Nowhere in those verses does Jesus ever say that any of these things he listed are "signs of the last days." In fact, it was more of a warning for his disciples to not be led astray when they see these things occur. Don't be misled, don't be frightened, this is not the end? In fact, his answer to their question isn't until verses 27 onward. Note some of his comments.
Verse 27--"For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Verses 29-31---But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.
Now that's a sign. Obviously, everyone would be able to see it, which eliminates the notion that Christ returned invisibly.
Verse 36--But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.
Isn't it contradictory to think that God would suddenly decide to hand a verifiable date over to a small group of people, and then tell them to preach that to the entire world?
End times religions would disagree with me. Especially the JWs, who point out that these signs of the last days have grown increasingly worse since 1914. Really? Let's test it out.
Famine
The Jws make this claim--"And in the wake of World War I came the greatest famine of all history." "Let Your Kingdom Come" p.122
"The worst food shortages in human history followed on the heels of World War I. "WT Oct. 15, 1975 page 634.
"In 1921, famine brought death to some 5 million people in the U.S.S.R. In 1929, famine caused an estimated 3 million deaths in China. In the 1930's, 5 million died of hunger in the U.S.S.R. Just a few years ago prolonged drought in countries bordering the Sahara Desert resulted in countless refugees and up to 100,000 deaths." Watchtower 1983 Apr 15 pp.5-6
By comparison, China alone had over 100 million die from famine during the 1800s. Now toss in the countries of India, England, Ireland, France, and many others, it is very clear that famine was much worse before the year 1914.
Pestilence
Their claim--"Right after World War I more people died of the Spanish flu than had died of any disease epidemic in the history of mankind. The death toll was some 21 million people!" p.151
By comparison, the Black Death plague killed at least 62 million people in 3 years. And there was no cure. The plague of Justinian in the 6th century, killed about 100 million lives. The smallpox epidemic in the 1520s may have killed over 30 million lives. And the 19th century Cholera took about 100 million lives in 5 great pandemics. Again, their claim is proven false.
Earthquakes
This one doesn't even need to be proven since they changed their view from this
"The frequency of major earthquakes has increased about 20 times what it was on an average during the two thousand years before 1914." Survival into a New Earth (1984) p.23
to this
"Some say that any reports of an increase in the number of earthquakes are simply due to advances in technology, which enable more seismic events to be detected. The U.S. National Earthquake Information Center reports that earthquakes of 7.0 magnitude and greater remained "fairly constant" throughout the 20th century. Note, though, that the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy does not require an increase in the number or power of earthquakes. All Jesus said was that there would be great earthquakes in one place after another. Furthermore, he stated that these events would mark the "beginning of pangs of distress." (Matthew 24:8) Distress is measured, not by the number of earthquakes or how they rate on the Richter scale, but by the effect that they have upon people." Awake! 2002 March 22 p.9
It was proven beyond doubt that earthquakes had not increased since the year 1914, that the JWs were forced to change the meaning of the sign. But just to state the obvious,
"We continue to be asked by many people throughout the world if earthquakes are on the increase. Although it may seem that we are having more earthquakes, earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or greater have remained fairly constant.
A partial explanation may lie in the fact that in the last twenty years, we have definitely had an increase in the number of earthquakes we have been able to locate each year. This is because of the tremendous increase in the number of seismograph stations in the world and the many improvements in global communications. In 1931, there were about 350 stations operating in the world; today, there are more than 8,000 stations and the data now comes in rapidly from these stations by electronic mail, internet and satellite. This increase in the number of stations and the more timely receipt of data has allowed us and other seismological centers to locate earthquakes more rapidly and to locate many small earthquakes which were undetected in earlier years. The NEIC now locates about 20,000 earthquakes each year or approximately 50 per day. Also, because of the improvements in communications and the increased interest in the environment and natural disasters, the public now learns about more earthquakes.
According to long-term records (since about 1900), we expect about 17 major earthquakes (7.0 - 7.9) and one great earthquake (8.0 or above) in any given year."
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learning/faq.php?categoryID=6&faqID=110 (27 Oct 2009)
Wars
Their claims.
"No generation previous to that of 1914 ever experienced a world war, never mind two." Watchtower 1983 Jul 15 p.7
"Historians widely agree that World War I was the first war on a global scale." Awake! 1981 May 8 p.8
"According to one study, World War I was reportedly seven times greater than all the 901 major wars of the previous 2,400 years"
By comparison, The War of Spanish Succession 1702-1713, The Seven Years' War 1756-1763, The War of American Independence 1775-1783, and The Napoleonic Wars 1792-1815 are all considered world wars by historians.
A comparison in death tolls shows that WWI had between 8 and 8.5 million soldiers killed, and including civilians, they estimate that between 10-12 million died as a direct result of that war. According to their last quote that I posted, this number is 7 times greater than all 901 major wars of the previous 2400 years. That would leave about 1.5 million as a collective death toll for all of those previous wars. Let's look at the numbers of some of those previous wars.
1. The Thirty Years War (1618-1648) 9-11 million
2. The Manchu-Chinese War (1644) 25 million
3. The Napoleonic Wars (1792-1815) 5-6 million
4. The Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864) 20-30 million
5. The War of Spanish Succession (1702-1713) 1 million
6. The Seven Years' War (1756-1763) 1-2 million
7. The Lopez War (1864-1870) 2 million
Total estimated fatalities 63-87 million
WWI estimated fatalities 37.5 million.
Once again, the original claims by the JWs are false.
Lawlessness
Their claim,
"Space does not allow us to give further details of contempt for God's laws, but what has been presented clearly shows that since 1914 there is an increasing of lawlessness on a magnitude unlike any period in history!" Watchtower 1983 Jun 1 p.7
Any examination into history, and there is a wealth of material available, shows that lawlessness has not increased. It has always been there. Look at any time period and you will find it. Building walls around cities to keep the criminals out, or how about throwing Christians to the wild animals in front of an audience in an arena? Or take a look at the United States in the 1800s, and you might be shocked at what was going on then. And you will also realize what a ridiculous claim was made by the watchtower.
These "signs of the last days" were really not signs at all. Trying to claim that things are getting worse is an attempt at selling the end times slogan in order to gain converts, out of fear. How many times have you read the "don't wait too long" articles? Historical facts show that none of the things mentioned are growing increasingly worse. And the one generation that was supposed to be eye-witnesses to all of these signs from 1914 onward has now been changed to "overlapping" generations. I'm wondering when they will decide to change the 1914 date as well. I think Jesus said it best when he stated the following,
Then if anyone says to you, 'Behold, here is the Christ,' or 'There He is,' do not believe him.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Michael the Archangel and Jesus
The JWs teach that Jesus is Michael the Archangel. He existed as Michael before he came to earth and became Jesus, and then returned to heaven once again as Michael. Don't believe me? Read it for yourselves.
"So the evidence indicates that the Son of God was known as Michael before he came to earth and is known also by that name since his return to heaven where he resides as the glorified spirit Son of God."—Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, p. 218
First, we should examine the scriptures that include Michael the Archangel.
Daniel 10:13--"But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.
There is already a problem here. If Michael is one of the chief princes, that indicates there are more of them. Jesus is supposed to be a unique, one of a kind being. (John 3:16) But here, if he is indeed Michael, is listed as one among a group of equals.
Daniel 10:21--"However, I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. Yet there is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except Michael your prince.
Not any indication here of how this connects to Jesus.
Daniel 12:1--"Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued.
Here Michael is listed as a great prince during end times. Wouldn't he be mentioned as a King if he and Jesus were the same being?
Revelation 12:7--And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war,
Michael and his angels? Does this prove that he must be Jesus? Not at all. A general will lead his soldiers under his command in to battle, but he is still following orders of a higher ranking officer. If a claim is made that the angels were his, couldn't we also make the identical claim that Michael is God? Archangel is a higher rank than angel, so it is fairly easy to surmise that even so, he is still an angel, and therefore falls under the same laws that govern those angels.
Jude 1:9--But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!"
Jesus rebuked the devil. Yet Michael was not allowed to. In all of those verses, nothing indicates that Jesus and Michael are the same being. The strength of the argument from the JWs comes in the following verse.
1 Thessalonians 4:16--For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
Since it is the lord himself descending out of heaven with the voice of an archangel, surely this must mean that Jesus and Michael are one and the same. Then again, doesn't having God's trumpet mean that Jesus is God? You can't claim part of the verse as truth and discard the rest of it. The argument needs to be consistent with the entire verse.
There are other verses to consider. Hebrews chapter one is all about Jesus being much better than the angels.
Verse 4 states--having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.
Verse 5 adds--For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father"? Or again, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son"?
If Jesus is the son of God, yet no angel has ever been told that, wouldn't that leave Michael out as well?
Verse 6 says--And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says, "AND LET ALL THE ANGELS OF GOD WORSHIP HIM."
Notice how it says all of the angels, which of course would include the archangels.
Hebrews 2:5--It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking.
But in Luke 1:32-33 it says the following--He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
Or Revelation 1:5--and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,
I don't know about you, but I see some major differences there. But here is more verses to consider.
Col. 1:16-17--For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
All things created by him.....including the angels.
I could probably hunt down more scriptures to add and thoroughly dismantle this teaching from the JWs, but I think the information that I listed is solid enough. Once again, the JWs have taken something out of context and put their twisted stamp on it. And why not. They once taught that Michael the Archangel was the Pope. Apparently they claim to have a new and better understanding of another falsehood they have created.
"So the evidence indicates that the Son of God was known as Michael before he came to earth and is known also by that name since his return to heaven where he resides as the glorified spirit Son of God."—Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, p. 218
First, we should examine the scriptures that include Michael the Archangel.
Daniel 10:13--"But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.
There is already a problem here. If Michael is one of the chief princes, that indicates there are more of them. Jesus is supposed to be a unique, one of a kind being. (John 3:16) But here, if he is indeed Michael, is listed as one among a group of equals.
Daniel 10:21--"However, I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. Yet there is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except Michael your prince.
Not any indication here of how this connects to Jesus.
Daniel 12:1--"Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued.
Here Michael is listed as a great prince during end times. Wouldn't he be mentioned as a King if he and Jesus were the same being?
Revelation 12:7--And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war,
Michael and his angels? Does this prove that he must be Jesus? Not at all. A general will lead his soldiers under his command in to battle, but he is still following orders of a higher ranking officer. If a claim is made that the angels were his, couldn't we also make the identical claim that Michael is God? Archangel is a higher rank than angel, so it is fairly easy to surmise that even so, he is still an angel, and therefore falls under the same laws that govern those angels.
Jude 1:9--But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!"
Jesus rebuked the devil. Yet Michael was not allowed to. In all of those verses, nothing indicates that Jesus and Michael are the same being. The strength of the argument from the JWs comes in the following verse.
1 Thessalonians 4:16--For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
Since it is the lord himself descending out of heaven with the voice of an archangel, surely this must mean that Jesus and Michael are one and the same. Then again, doesn't having God's trumpet mean that Jesus is God? You can't claim part of the verse as truth and discard the rest of it. The argument needs to be consistent with the entire verse.
There are other verses to consider. Hebrews chapter one is all about Jesus being much better than the angels.
Verse 4 states--having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.
Verse 5 adds--For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father"? Or again, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son"?
If Jesus is the son of God, yet no angel has ever been told that, wouldn't that leave Michael out as well?
Verse 6 says--And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says, "AND LET ALL THE ANGELS OF GOD WORSHIP HIM."
Notice how it says all of the angels, which of course would include the archangels.
Hebrews 2:5--It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking.
But in Luke 1:32-33 it says the following--He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
Or Revelation 1:5--and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,
I don't know about you, but I see some major differences there. But here is more verses to consider.
Col. 1:16-17--For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
All things created by him.....including the angels.
I could probably hunt down more scriptures to add and thoroughly dismantle this teaching from the JWs, but I think the information that I listed is solid enough. Once again, the JWs have taken something out of context and put their twisted stamp on it. And why not. They once taught that Michael the Archangel was the Pope. Apparently they claim to have a new and better understanding of another falsehood they have created.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Dates, and the Signifigance of Picking Them
There are specific warnings in the bible about those that make claims about specific details and then attach God and His holy spirit to those claims. Yet, many individuals have done just that very thing, and in doing so, convinced millions of others to believe these claims are true. But every time a claim has been made, it was proven false for the simple fact that nothing happened.
I am going to focus on the dates picked by the Witnesses, beginning with C.T. Russell. Sure, there were other groups before the jws that attempted the same thing. Setting a date for a specific event to occur. But those earlier ones have faded off into history as failures. The Witnesses however, continue to hold on to their calculations, and continue to preach about them. But before I go into the dates, I want to list a couple of scriptures that warn against making these claims.
Jesus tells his followers in Acts 1:6,7 that it is none of their business when they asked him about when the kingdom would be restored right now.
"They therefore who were come together, asked him, saying: Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? But he said to them: It is not for you to know the times or moments, which the Father hath put in his own power"
Luke 21:8 goes a step further. Notice what Jesus says.
"He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them."
John 16:13 describes how the spirit operates.
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.'
Dueteronomy 18:20-22 shows how God feels about this.
"But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death. You may say to yourselves, "How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD? If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him."
These scriptures set the criteria for us when examining anyone that sets dates and claims these are given to them by God's holy spirit. It is pretty cut and dry. The spirit guides you to the truth, but anyone that is making false claims is not to be followed or feared. God even said to put those ones to death. So we can see it is not something to be taken lightly. Now let's check out those dates.
C.T. Russell's chronology was the following.
1799---when the last days began.
1874---the start of Jesus' invisible presence.
1878---Jesus became king in heaven.
1914---End of the world.
Note the following:
"The chapter in SCRIPTURE STUDIES, Vol. II, showing the parallels between the Jewish and Christian Dispensations, makes prominent four dates, viz., (1) October, 1874; (2) April, 1878; (3) October, 1881, and (4) October, 1914;" Watch Tower 1911 June 15 p.190
"The careful student will have observed that the period designated 'The Time of the End' is very appropriately named, since not only does the Gospel age close in it, but in it, also, all prophesies relating to the close of this age terminate, reaching their fulfillments. The same class of readers will have noticed, too, the special importance of the last 40 of these 115 years (1874-1914), called 'The End' or 'Harvest.'" Studies in the Scriptures Series III - Thy Kingdom Come p.121
Russell thought that the Harvest would not include the whole world, just the Christian church that would be cleaned up. The rest of the world would not recognize what was happening.
Many of the current jws don't even know about 1799. They do not realize that this was the original accepted date for when the last days began.
"THE "Time of the End," a period of one hundred and fifteen (115) years, from A.D. 1799 to A.D. 1914, is particularly marked in the Scriptures. "The Day of His Preparation" is another name given to the same period " Studies in the Scriptures Series 3 Thy Kingdom Come p.23
The 1799 date was still being taught well after Russell's death. I found this in a book titled "The Harp of God" 1921. It states the following.
"The Lord has caused Daniel to record specifically what would happen when the time of the end sould begin. The "time of the end" means a specific time period at the end of gentile dominion. "And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him; and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown." Daniel 11:40,41.
"The fulfillment of this prophecy fixes the beginning of "the time of the end", because the prophecy definitely so states. The campaign of the great warrior Napoleon Bonaparte is clearly a fulfillment of this prophecy, as reference to the historical facts concerning his campaign plainly show. The 'king of the south' mentioned in the prophecy is refers to Egypt; the "king of the north" means Great Britain, which was then an integral part of the Roman Empire. Napoleon was in Egypt fighting the Egyptian armies, which were led by Murat Bey, and which he defeated. His victory not only struck terror to the Egyptians, but far into Africa and Asia, and all of the surrounding tribes submitted to the great conqueror. While he was doing this, the British in the north, under the leadership of Lord Nelson, were making an effective attack on Napoleon's forces at sea. Napoleon began this Egyptian campaign in 1798, finished it and returned to France on October1, 1799. The campaign is breifly, yet graphically, described in the prophecy, verses 40 to 44; and being completed in 1799, marks, according to the prophet's own words, the beginning of the "time of the end."
1874 was a crucial date for Russell.
The second advent of our Lord in the end or harvest of the Gospel age, occurring in the fall of 1874, proves to be at a point of time exactly parallel to the time of his first advent, in the end of the Jewish age. ... the Jubilee Cycles show October 1874 to be the date of our Lord s return. ... While the time-prophecies thus point to and harmonize with 1874 as the date of our Lord s second presence, assuring us of the fact with mathematical precision, we find ourselves overwhelmed with evidence of another character; for certain peculiar signs, foretold by the Lord and the apostles and prophets, which were to precede his coming, are now clearly recognised as actually fulfilled. ... The cleansing of the sanctuary was also accomplished as predicted, and at a time sufficiently in advance of 1874 to make ready "a people prepared for the Lord" a people in devout expectancy of his coming"" The Time of the Harvest (1911 ed.) pp.125,127,129
And again, still being taught well after Russell was gone.
"“The Scriptural proof is that the period of his presence and the day of God's preparation is a period from 1874 A.D. forward. The second coming of the Lord, therefore, began in 1874; and that date and the years 1914 and 1918 are specially marked dates with reference to his coming. “Prophecy can not be understood until it has been fulfilled or is in the course of fulfillment. From 1874 to 1914 the prophecy concerning the Lord's coming was being fulfilled and could be understood, and was understood, by those who were faithful to the Lord and who were watching the development of events, but not by others."” Creation 1927 2,175,000 ed. p.289
The jws are well known for pointing at what is happening in the world as "proof" of something to support their claims. The 1927 creation book does not disappoint. Notice this hilarious list of "proof".
"But mention is made of some of those things that have come to light since 1874, as a further evidence of the Lord's presence since that date, as follows: Adding machines, aeroplanes, aluminium, antiseptic surgery, artificial dyes, automatic couplers, automobiles, barbed wire, bicycles, carborundum, cash registers, celluloid, cream separators, disc plows, electric railways, electric welding, elevators, escalators, fireless cookers, gas engines, harvesting machines, illuminating gas, induction motors, linotypes, monotypes, motion pictures, pasteurization, radium, railway signals, Roentgen rays, skyscrapers, smokeless powder, submarines, subways, talking machines, telephones, television, typewriters, vacuum cleaners, wireless telegraphy and wireless telephony." Creation 1927 2,175,000 ed. p.297
1878 was thought to be when Jesus would become king and grant the anointed ones their heavenly reward by resurection or rapture.
... "the spring of 1878 as the time when he would assume his power as heavenly King. They also thought they would be given their heavenly reward at that time." Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers of God's Kingdom p. 632
"Expecting the Lord Jesus to come in 1878 to catch them up miraculously to be with him in heaven, some who had been Second Adventists (including Barbour) were disappointed when that miracle did not occur. Russell, though, "did not for a moment feel cast down," but "realized that what God had so plainly declared must some time have a fulfillment"; and he "wanted to have it just in God's time and way."
On one occasion while talking with Russell about the events of 1878, I told him that Pittsburgh papers had reported he was on the Sixth Street bridge dressed in a white robe on the night of the Memorial of Christ's death, expecting to be taken to heaven together with many others. I asked him, "Is that correct?"
Russell laughed heartily and said: "I was in bed that night between 10:30 and 11:00 P.M. However, some of the more radical ones might have been there, but I was not. Neither did I expect to be taken to heaven at that time, for I felt there was much work to be done preaching the Kingdom message to the peoples of the earth before the church would be taken away." FAITH ON THE MARCH pp.26-27
1914 is probably the most noteworthy date for the jws. It is interesting to see the metamorphasis of that date from when it was first taught down to now. Originally, it was when Armageddon would come. Here are some quotes from various literature.
"Now, in view of recent labor troubles and threatened anarchy, our readers are writing to know if there may not be a mistake in the 1914 date. They do not see how present conditions can hold out so long under the strain. We see no reason for changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble." Zions Watch Tower 1894 July 15 p.226
"The seventh trumpet sounds from Aug. 1840, until "the time of trouble," or day of wrath is ended. Hence, it doubtless ends with the times of the Gentiles, and this forty years of conquest; and therefore, sounds until A. D. 1914; at the end of which, Babylon the great, will have fallen, and the "dragon" be bound: that is, the nations will be subdued, and "the prince of this world cast out."" Three Worlds and The Harvest of This World (1877) p.143
" we have seen that God has a set time for every feature of his plan, and that we are even now in this "Day of Vengeance," which is a period of forty years; that it began in October, 1874, and will end in October, 1914 [very shortly]." Studies In the Scriptures Series IV - The Day of Vengeance -pp.546, 547
Pretty clear to see that 1914 was to be the end of this system, when Satan would be cast out.
Unfortunately, nothing happened. All of these predictions failed. so the jws had to change everything in order to survive. That's why you no longer hear about 1799, 1874, 1878, and other dates that were thought to have meaning back then. Those dates have been buried to avoid the embarassment of many false claims that were made. Of course, without some urgent message, the jws would have been classified as just another christian sect. Another end times religion that made false predictions.
What are they saying about 1914 now? Check out these quotes.
"The Watchtower has consistently presented evidence that Jesus' presence in heavenly Kingdom power began in 1914. Events since that year testify to Jesus' presence. Jehovah's Witnesses have consistently shown from the Scriptures that the year 1914 marked the beginning of this world's time of the end and that "the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men" has drawn near." Watchtower 1993 Jan 15 pp.5,9
"How did Jehovah's Witnesses know more than 30 years in advance that 1914 would be an important date for divine rulership? Though the Witnesses at the time did not understand the full implication of events about to take place, the Watch Tower magazine as far back as December of 1879 pointed to 1914 as a marked date in regard to Bible prophecy. And the March 1880 issue of the Watch Tower linked God's Kingdom rule with the ending of what Jesus Christ referred to as "the appointed times of the nations," or "the times of the Gentiles." (Luke 21:24; Authorized Version) That Watch Tower said: "'The Times of the Gentiles' extend to 1914, and the heavenly kingdom will not have full sway till then."" Watchtower 1984 Apr 1 p. 6 1914 a Marked Year-Why?
"Even earlier, however, C. T. Russell wrote an article entitled "Gentile Times: When Do They End?" It was published in the Bible Examiner of October 1876, and therein Russell said: "The seven times will end in A.D. 1914." He had correctly linked the Gentile Times with the "seven times" mentioned in the book of Daniel. (Dan. 4:16, 23, 25, 32) True to such calculations, 1914 did mark the end of those times and the birth of God's kingdom in heaven with Christ Jesus as king. Just think of it! Jehovah granted his people that knowledge nearly four decades before those times expired." Yearbook 1975 p.37
"As for the time of Christ's second presence, Daniel's prophecy is again the one that gives the chronology for it. (Dan. 4:16) It was figured out as pointing to A.D. 1914, and The Watchtower called notice to the significance of 1914 in the year 1879." Watchtower 1952 Nov 1 p.658
"For over thirty years before that date and for half a century since, Jehovah's witnesses have pointed to the year 1914 as the time for the end of "the appointed times of the nations" and the time in which Christ would begin his Kingdom rule. (Luke 21:24)" Watchtower 1966 Feb 15 p.103
Very dishonest and disgusting. Of course, they cannot simply admit that they were wrong. So they lie about what was being taught in the early days. The sad thing is that current members of this religion will never know about this unless they stray outside of the walls that are forbidden for them to do so.
Enter the year 1925. and the slogan "Millions Now Living Will Never Die." Really? Let's check out what was being said back then.
"Seventy jubilees of fifty years each would be a total of 3500 years. That period of time beginning 1575 before A.D. 1 of necessity would end in the fall of the year 1925, at which time the type ends and the great antitype must begin. What, then, should we expect to take place? The chief thing to be restored is the human race to life; and since other Scriptures definitely fix the fact that there will be a resurrection of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and other faithful ones of old, and that these will have the first favour, we may expect 1925 to witness the return of these faithful men of Israel from the condition of death, being resurrected and fully restored to perfect humanity and made the visible, legal representatives of the new order of things on earth." Millions Now Living Will Never Die p.88
"Hence these faithful men may be expected on earth within the next few years." The Harp of God p.340 1921
"The year 1926 would therefore begin about October first, 1925. We should, therefore, expect shortly after 1925 to see the awakening of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Melchisedec, Job, Moses, Samuel, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, John the Baptist, and others mentioned in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews. ... No doubt many boys and girls who read this book will live to see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Daniel, and those other men of old come forth in the glory of their better resurrection, of perfect in mind and body. It will not take long for Christ to appoint them to their post of honor and authority as his earthly representatives. The world and all the present conveniences will seen strange to them at first, but they will soon become accustomed to the new methods. They may have some amusing experiences at first; for they never saw telephones, radios, automobiles, electric lights, aeroplanes, steam engines, and many other things so familiar to us." The Way to Paradise (1924) pp.224,226
Sound familiar? Well, buckle up for the next comments.
"The Bible and "The Bible in Stone" [the Pyramid of Giza] give the date 1914: for the beginning of the great change. History proves that the ouster proceedings began promptly on time. Prophecy indicates that 1925-1926 will see the greater part of the ousting completed. All the world's statesmen are dreading the next few years." p.171
"Seventy times 50 are 3,500. The whole period would therefore have been 3,500 years from the time the Jews entered Canaan until all the types would have been fulfilled. As they entered Canaan 1,575 years before Christ there would be 1,925 years of types after Christ, or 1925 A. D." p.223
"Of course it will take some time to get things in smoothly running order after the great stress between now and 1926. It may be ten years or more before you get your home all fixed up, and the gardens bringing forth the luscious fruits and appetizing vegetables in abundance. Even if it takes a while longer you will be that much better prepared. You will have secured the services of the best decorators you can find. Some of them used to be undertakers; but since there are no more people dying, they have had to seek some new occupation. Their experience as undertakers prepared them to become decorators with very little difficulty." p.228
All of those from the Way to Paradise book written in 1925. Oh, and to make sure you do not have any doubts about what they were writing,
"... this chronology is not of man, but of God.... the addition of more proofs removes it entirely from the realm of chance into that of proven certainty.... the chronology of present truth [is]... not of human origin." Watch Tower 1922 July 1 p.217
So these claims came from God, not from man. They became rather boastful.
"We cannot be blamed for presenting from the Scriptures such evidence as they afford which leads us to believe that a certain event will take place at a given time. Some times the Lord has let His people looking for the right thing at the wrong time, and more frequently they have looked for the wrong things at the right time. But all the enemies of the cause of present truth in the earth are fervently hoping that the Bible students will not be so successful in 1925 in looking for the right thing at the right time as they were in 1914. if they are, however, it will be the other fellow that will have to do the explaining, and not we." Golden Age 1924 Feb 13 p.314
Well, what happened? NOTHING. All of these claims and predictions failed once again. And what was their statement afterwards?
"Question: Have the ancient worthies returned? Answer: "Certainly they have not returned. No one has seen them, and it would be foolish to make such an announcement. It was stated in the 'Millions' book that we might reasonably expect them to return shortly after 1925, but this was merely an expressed opinion; besides it is still shortly after 1925. ... Some anticipated that the work would end in 1925, but the Lord did not state so. The difficulty was that the friends inflated their imaginations beyond reason; and that when their imaginations burst asunder, they were inclined to throw away everything." Watch Tower 1926 pp.196, 232
Inflated their imaginations? Give me a break. You would think though after so many failures that these guys would learn not to set any specific dates.
And then came the year 1975.
I'm just going to let the quotes speak for themselves.
"Does God's rest day parallel the time man has been on earth since his creation? Apparently so. In what year, then, would the first 6,000 years of man's existence and also the first 6,000 years of Gods rest day come to an end? The year 1975. It means that within a relatively few years we will witness the fulfilment of the remaining prophecies that have to do with the "time of the end"." Awake! 1966 Oct 8 pp.19-20
"It did not take the brothers very long to find the chart beginning on page 31, showing that 6,000 years of man's existence end in 1975. Discussion of 1975 overshadowed about everything else. "The new book compels us to realize that Armageddon is, in fact, very close indeed," said a conventioner. Surely it was one of the outstanding blessings to be carried home!" .. Brother Franz. 'Does it mean that Armageddon is going to be finished, with Satan bound, by 1975? It could! It could! All things are possible with God. Does it mean that Babylon the Great is going to go down by 1975? It could. Does it mean that the attack of Gog of Magog is going to be made on Jehovah's witnesses to wipe them out, then Gog himself will be put out of action? It could. But we are not saying. All things are possible with God. But we are not saying. And don't any of you be specific in saying anything that is going to happen between now and 1975. But the big point of it all is this, dear friends: Time is short. Time is running out, no question about that." Watchtower 1966 Oct 15 pp.629,631
"Well now, as Jehovah's Witnesses, as runners, even though some of us have become a little weary, it almost seems as though Jehovah has provided meat in due season. Because he's held up before all of us, a new goal. A new year. Something to reach out for and it just seems it has given all of us so much more energy and power in this final burst of speed to the finish line. And that's the year 1975. Well, we don't have to guess what the year 1975 means if we read the Watchtower. And don't wait 'till 1975. The door is going to be shut before then. As one brother put it, "Stay alive to Seventy-Five""
"The immediate future is certain to be filled with climactic events, for this old system is nearing its complete end. Within a few years at most the final parts of Bible prophecy relative to these "last days" will undergo fulfilment." Watchtower 1968 May 1 p.272
One thing is absolutely certain, Bible chronology reinforced with fulfilled Bible prophecy shows that six thousand years of man's existence will soon be up, yes, within this generation! (Matt. 24:34) This is, therefore, no time to be indifferent and complacent. This is not the time to be toying with the words of Jesus that "concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father." (Matt. 24:36) To the contrary, it is a time when one should be keenly aware that the end of this system of things is rapidly coming to its violent end. Make no mistake, it is sufficient that the Father himself knows both the "day and hour"!
"The fact that fifty-four years of the period called the "last days" have already gone by is highly significant. It means that only a few years, at most, remain before the corrupt system of things dominating the earth is destroyed by God." Awake! 1968 Oct 8 p.13
"Many schools now have student counselors who encourage one to pursue higher education after high school, to pursue a career with a future in this system of things. Do not be influenced by them. Do not let them "brainwash" you with the Devil's propaganda to get ahead, to make something of yourself in this world. This world has very little time left! Any "future" this world offers is no future! Wisely, then, let God's Word influence you in selecting a course that will result in your protection and blessing. Make pioneer service, the full-time ministry, with the possibility of Bethel or missionary service your goal. This is a life that offers an everlasting future!" Watchtower 1969 Mar 15 p.171
"If you are a young person, you also need to face the fact that you will never grow old in this present system of things. Why not? Because all the evidence in fulfillment of Bible prophecy indicates that this corrupt system is due to end in a few years. Of the generation that observed the beginning of the "last days" in 1914, Jesus foretold: "This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur."-Matt. 24:34. Therefore, as a young person, you will never fulfill any career that this system offers. If you are in highschool and thinking about a college education, it means at least four, perhaps even six or eight more years to graduate into a specialized career. But where will this system of things be by that time? It will be well on the way toward its finish, if not actually gone!" Awake! 1969 May 22 p.15
"Bible chronology which indicates that Adam was created in the fall of the year 4026 B.C.E. would bring us down to the year 1975 C.E. as the date marking 6,000 years of human history with yet 1,000 years to come for Christ's Kingdom rule. So whatever the date for the end of this system, it is clear that the time left is reduced, with only approximately six years left until the end of 6,000 years of human history." Watchtower 1970 May 1 p.273
"Yes, since the summer of 1973 there have been new peaks in pioneers every month. Now there are 20,394 regular and special pioneers in the United States, an all-time peak. That is 5,190 more than there were in February 1973! A 34-percent increase! Does that not warm our hearts? Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world's end." Kingdom Ministry May 1974 p.3 How Are You Using Your Life?
"Today there is a great crowd of people who are confident that a destruction of even greater magnitude is now imminent. The evidence is that Jesus' prophecy will shortly have a major fulfilment, upon this entire system of things. This has been a major factor in influencing many couples to decide not to have children at this time." Awake! 1974 Nov 8 p.11
"Since there is such a short time left, study no longer than six months with a prospective convert." WT 5/15/1969 p. 312
Easy to discern what the expectations were. So what happened when 1975 came?
NOTHING!!! Again, a set date of certainty falls by the wayside. And with it came the excuses....again.
"It may be that some who have been serving God have planned their lives according to a mistaken view of just what was to happen on a certain date or in a certain year. They may have, for this reason, put off or neglected things that they otherwise would have cared for. But they have missed the point of the Bible’s warnings concerning the end of this system of things, thinking that Bible chronology reveals the specific date."
"But it is not advisable for us to set our sights on a certain date, neglecting everyday things we would ordinarily care for as Christians, such as things that we and our families really need. We may be forgetting that, when the “day” comes, it will not change the principle that Christians must at all times take care of all their responsibilities. If anyone has been disappointed through not following this line of thought, he should now concentrate on adjusting his viewpoint, seeing that it was not the word of God that failed or deceived him and brought disappointment, but that his own understanding was based on wrong premises."
The Watchtower 1976 Jul 15 pp.440-441
"In modern times such eagerness, commendable in itself, has led to attempts at setting dates for the desired liberation from the suffering and troubles that are the lot of persons throughout the earth. With the appearance of the book Life Everlasting-in Freedom of the Sons of God, and its comments as to how appropriate it would be for the millennial reign of Christ to parallel the seventh millennium of man's existence, considerable expectation was aroused regarding the year 1975. There were statements made then, and thereafter, stressing that this was only a possibility. Unfortunately, however, along with such cautionary information, there were other statements published that implied that such realization of hopes by that year was more of a probability than a mere possibility . It is to be regretted that these latter statements apparently overshadowed the cautionary ones and contributed to a buildup of the expectation already initiated. The Watchtower 1980 March 15 p.17
There is an obvious set pattern at work here. For an end times religion to survive, it needs to generate some type of excitement, fear, hype, and base it on prophecies from the bible, and some calculated formula cooked up in order to stimulate interest. Join us and live forever, ignore us and die. The problem is that the very bible itself condemns these groups that come along and prey on people's emotions. I posted scriptures at the beginning of this section. A criterian was set. Let's review each verse and see how the jws stand up to it.
Acts 1:6,7--"They therefore who were come together, asked him, saying: Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? But he said to them: It is not for you to know the times or moments, which the Father hath put in his own power"
Not for them to know, yet they claim that God is the one behind all of their information, that He is providing it. Clearly they didn't understand what Jesus meant here.
Luke 21:8--"He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them."
Uh-oh. How many times did their set dates fail? Jesus specifically said not to follow them.
John 16:13--"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.'
If the spirit guides one into truth, there would be no mistakes made. No dates would have failed had the spirit been guiding them along. Easy to see that this was not the case.
Dueteronomy 18:20-22--"But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death. You may say to yourselves, "How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD? If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him."
This leaves no wiggle room at all. They taught it. They preached it. They tried to hide/change it. They tried to blame it on others. And they used God to attempt to back their claims.
Examining the history of the Witnesses exposes them for what they really are. Everything is in print for all to see.
I am going to focus on the dates picked by the Witnesses, beginning with C.T. Russell. Sure, there were other groups before the jws that attempted the same thing. Setting a date for a specific event to occur. But those earlier ones have faded off into history as failures. The Witnesses however, continue to hold on to their calculations, and continue to preach about them. But before I go into the dates, I want to list a couple of scriptures that warn against making these claims.
Jesus tells his followers in Acts 1:6,7 that it is none of their business when they asked him about when the kingdom would be restored right now.
"They therefore who were come together, asked him, saying: Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? But he said to them: It is not for you to know the times or moments, which the Father hath put in his own power"
Luke 21:8 goes a step further. Notice what Jesus says.
"He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them."
John 16:13 describes how the spirit operates.
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.'
Dueteronomy 18:20-22 shows how God feels about this.
"But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death. You may say to yourselves, "How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD? If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him."
These scriptures set the criteria for us when examining anyone that sets dates and claims these are given to them by God's holy spirit. It is pretty cut and dry. The spirit guides you to the truth, but anyone that is making false claims is not to be followed or feared. God even said to put those ones to death. So we can see it is not something to be taken lightly. Now let's check out those dates.
C.T. Russell's chronology was the following.
1799---when the last days began.
1874---the start of Jesus' invisible presence.
1878---Jesus became king in heaven.
1914---End of the world.
Note the following:
"The chapter in SCRIPTURE STUDIES, Vol. II, showing the parallels between the Jewish and Christian Dispensations, makes prominent four dates, viz., (1) October, 1874; (2) April, 1878; (3) October, 1881, and (4) October, 1914;" Watch Tower 1911 June 15 p.190
"The careful student will have observed that the period designated 'The Time of the End' is very appropriately named, since not only does the Gospel age close in it, but in it, also, all prophesies relating to the close of this age terminate, reaching their fulfillments. The same class of readers will have noticed, too, the special importance of the last 40 of these 115 years (1874-1914), called 'The End' or 'Harvest.'" Studies in the Scriptures Series III - Thy Kingdom Come p.121
Russell thought that the Harvest would not include the whole world, just the Christian church that would be cleaned up. The rest of the world would not recognize what was happening.
Many of the current jws don't even know about 1799. They do not realize that this was the original accepted date for when the last days began.
"THE "Time of the End," a period of one hundred and fifteen (115) years, from A.D. 1799 to A.D. 1914, is particularly marked in the Scriptures. "The Day of His Preparation" is another name given to the same period " Studies in the Scriptures Series 3 Thy Kingdom Come p.23
The 1799 date was still being taught well after Russell's death. I found this in a book titled "The Harp of God" 1921. It states the following.
"The Lord has caused Daniel to record specifically what would happen when the time of the end sould begin. The "time of the end" means a specific time period at the end of gentile dominion. "And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him; and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown." Daniel 11:40,41.
"The fulfillment of this prophecy fixes the beginning of "the time of the end", because the prophecy definitely so states. The campaign of the great warrior Napoleon Bonaparte is clearly a fulfillment of this prophecy, as reference to the historical facts concerning his campaign plainly show. The 'king of the south' mentioned in the prophecy is refers to Egypt; the "king of the north" means Great Britain, which was then an integral part of the Roman Empire. Napoleon was in Egypt fighting the Egyptian armies, which were led by Murat Bey, and which he defeated. His victory not only struck terror to the Egyptians, but far into Africa and Asia, and all of the surrounding tribes submitted to the great conqueror. While he was doing this, the British in the north, under the leadership of Lord Nelson, were making an effective attack on Napoleon's forces at sea. Napoleon began this Egyptian campaign in 1798, finished it and returned to France on October1, 1799. The campaign is breifly, yet graphically, described in the prophecy, verses 40 to 44; and being completed in 1799, marks, according to the prophet's own words, the beginning of the "time of the end."
1874 was a crucial date for Russell.
The second advent of our Lord in the end or harvest of the Gospel age, occurring in the fall of 1874, proves to be at a point of time exactly parallel to the time of his first advent, in the end of the Jewish age. ... the Jubilee Cycles show October 1874 to be the date of our Lord s return. ... While the time-prophecies thus point to and harmonize with 1874 as the date of our Lord s second presence, assuring us of the fact with mathematical precision, we find ourselves overwhelmed with evidence of another character; for certain peculiar signs, foretold by the Lord and the apostles and prophets, which were to precede his coming, are now clearly recognised as actually fulfilled. ... The cleansing of the sanctuary was also accomplished as predicted, and at a time sufficiently in advance of 1874 to make ready "a people prepared for the Lord" a people in devout expectancy of his coming"" The Time of the Harvest (1911 ed.) pp.125,127,129
And again, still being taught well after Russell was gone.
"“The Scriptural proof is that the period of his presence and the day of God's preparation is a period from 1874 A.D. forward. The second coming of the Lord, therefore, began in 1874; and that date and the years 1914 and 1918 are specially marked dates with reference to his coming. “Prophecy can not be understood until it has been fulfilled or is in the course of fulfillment. From 1874 to 1914 the prophecy concerning the Lord's coming was being fulfilled and could be understood, and was understood, by those who were faithful to the Lord and who were watching the development of events, but not by others."” Creation 1927 2,175,000 ed. p.289
The jws are well known for pointing at what is happening in the world as "proof" of something to support their claims. The 1927 creation book does not disappoint. Notice this hilarious list of "proof".
"But mention is made of some of those things that have come to light since 1874, as a further evidence of the Lord's presence since that date, as follows: Adding machines, aeroplanes, aluminium, antiseptic surgery, artificial dyes, automatic couplers, automobiles, barbed wire, bicycles, carborundum, cash registers, celluloid, cream separators, disc plows, electric railways, electric welding, elevators, escalators, fireless cookers, gas engines, harvesting machines, illuminating gas, induction motors, linotypes, monotypes, motion pictures, pasteurization, radium, railway signals, Roentgen rays, skyscrapers, smokeless powder, submarines, subways, talking machines, telephones, television, typewriters, vacuum cleaners, wireless telegraphy and wireless telephony." Creation 1927 2,175,000 ed. p.297
1878 was thought to be when Jesus would become king and grant the anointed ones their heavenly reward by resurection or rapture.
... "the spring of 1878 as the time when he would assume his power as heavenly King. They also thought they would be given their heavenly reward at that time." Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers of God's Kingdom p. 632
"Expecting the Lord Jesus to come in 1878 to catch them up miraculously to be with him in heaven, some who had been Second Adventists (including Barbour) were disappointed when that miracle did not occur. Russell, though, "did not for a moment feel cast down," but "realized that what God had so plainly declared must some time have a fulfillment"; and he "wanted to have it just in God's time and way."
On one occasion while talking with Russell about the events of 1878, I told him that Pittsburgh papers had reported he was on the Sixth Street bridge dressed in a white robe on the night of the Memorial of Christ's death, expecting to be taken to heaven together with many others. I asked him, "Is that correct?"
Russell laughed heartily and said: "I was in bed that night between 10:30 and 11:00 P.M. However, some of the more radical ones might have been there, but I was not. Neither did I expect to be taken to heaven at that time, for I felt there was much work to be done preaching the Kingdom message to the peoples of the earth before the church would be taken away." FAITH ON THE MARCH pp.26-27
1914 is probably the most noteworthy date for the jws. It is interesting to see the metamorphasis of that date from when it was first taught down to now. Originally, it was when Armageddon would come. Here are some quotes from various literature.
"Now, in view of recent labor troubles and threatened anarchy, our readers are writing to know if there may not be a mistake in the 1914 date. They do not see how present conditions can hold out so long under the strain. We see no reason for changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble." Zions Watch Tower 1894 July 15 p.226
"The seventh trumpet sounds from Aug. 1840, until "the time of trouble," or day of wrath is ended. Hence, it doubtless ends with the times of the Gentiles, and this forty years of conquest; and therefore, sounds until A. D. 1914; at the end of which, Babylon the great, will have fallen, and the "dragon" be bound: that is, the nations will be subdued, and "the prince of this world cast out."" Three Worlds and The Harvest of This World (1877) p.143
" we have seen that God has a set time for every feature of his plan, and that we are even now in this "Day of Vengeance," which is a period of forty years; that it began in October, 1874, and will end in October, 1914 [very shortly]." Studies In the Scriptures Series IV - The Day of Vengeance -pp.546, 547
Pretty clear to see that 1914 was to be the end of this system, when Satan would be cast out.
Unfortunately, nothing happened. All of these predictions failed. so the jws had to change everything in order to survive. That's why you no longer hear about 1799, 1874, 1878, and other dates that were thought to have meaning back then. Those dates have been buried to avoid the embarassment of many false claims that were made. Of course, without some urgent message, the jws would have been classified as just another christian sect. Another end times religion that made false predictions.
What are they saying about 1914 now? Check out these quotes.
"The Watchtower has consistently presented evidence that Jesus' presence in heavenly Kingdom power began in 1914. Events since that year testify to Jesus' presence. Jehovah's Witnesses have consistently shown from the Scriptures that the year 1914 marked the beginning of this world's time of the end and that "the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men" has drawn near." Watchtower 1993 Jan 15 pp.5,9
"How did Jehovah's Witnesses know more than 30 years in advance that 1914 would be an important date for divine rulership? Though the Witnesses at the time did not understand the full implication of events about to take place, the Watch Tower magazine as far back as December of 1879 pointed to 1914 as a marked date in regard to Bible prophecy. And the March 1880 issue of the Watch Tower linked God's Kingdom rule with the ending of what Jesus Christ referred to as "the appointed times of the nations," or "the times of the Gentiles." (Luke 21:24; Authorized Version) That Watch Tower said: "'The Times of the Gentiles' extend to 1914, and the heavenly kingdom will not have full sway till then."" Watchtower 1984 Apr 1 p. 6 1914 a Marked Year-Why?
"Even earlier, however, C. T. Russell wrote an article entitled "Gentile Times: When Do They End?" It was published in the Bible Examiner of October 1876, and therein Russell said: "The seven times will end in A.D. 1914." He had correctly linked the Gentile Times with the "seven times" mentioned in the book of Daniel. (Dan. 4:16, 23, 25, 32) True to such calculations, 1914 did mark the end of those times and the birth of God's kingdom in heaven with Christ Jesus as king. Just think of it! Jehovah granted his people that knowledge nearly four decades before those times expired." Yearbook 1975 p.37
"As for the time of Christ's second presence, Daniel's prophecy is again the one that gives the chronology for it. (Dan. 4:16) It was figured out as pointing to A.D. 1914, and The Watchtower called notice to the significance of 1914 in the year 1879." Watchtower 1952 Nov 1 p.658
"For over thirty years before that date and for half a century since, Jehovah's witnesses have pointed to the year 1914 as the time for the end of "the appointed times of the nations" and the time in which Christ would begin his Kingdom rule. (Luke 21:24)" Watchtower 1966 Feb 15 p.103
Very dishonest and disgusting. Of course, they cannot simply admit that they were wrong. So they lie about what was being taught in the early days. The sad thing is that current members of this religion will never know about this unless they stray outside of the walls that are forbidden for them to do so.
Enter the year 1925. and the slogan "Millions Now Living Will Never Die." Really? Let's check out what was being said back then.
"Seventy jubilees of fifty years each would be a total of 3500 years. That period of time beginning 1575 before A.D. 1 of necessity would end in the fall of the year 1925, at which time the type ends and the great antitype must begin. What, then, should we expect to take place? The chief thing to be restored is the human race to life; and since other Scriptures definitely fix the fact that there will be a resurrection of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and other faithful ones of old, and that these will have the first favour, we may expect 1925 to witness the return of these faithful men of Israel from the condition of death, being resurrected and fully restored to perfect humanity and made the visible, legal representatives of the new order of things on earth." Millions Now Living Will Never Die p.88
"Hence these faithful men may be expected on earth within the next few years." The Harp of God p.340 1921
"The year 1926 would therefore begin about October first, 1925. We should, therefore, expect shortly after 1925 to see the awakening of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Melchisedec, Job, Moses, Samuel, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, John the Baptist, and others mentioned in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews. ... No doubt many boys and girls who read this book will live to see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Daniel, and those other men of old come forth in the glory of their better resurrection, of perfect in mind and body. It will not take long for Christ to appoint them to their post of honor and authority as his earthly representatives. The world and all the present conveniences will seen strange to them at first, but they will soon become accustomed to the new methods. They may have some amusing experiences at first; for they never saw telephones, radios, automobiles, electric lights, aeroplanes, steam engines, and many other things so familiar to us." The Way to Paradise (1924) pp.224,226
Sound familiar? Well, buckle up for the next comments.
"The Bible and "The Bible in Stone" [the Pyramid of Giza] give the date 1914: for the beginning of the great change. History proves that the ouster proceedings began promptly on time. Prophecy indicates that 1925-1926 will see the greater part of the ousting completed. All the world's statesmen are dreading the next few years." p.171
"Seventy times 50 are 3,500. The whole period would therefore have been 3,500 years from the time the Jews entered Canaan until all the types would have been fulfilled. As they entered Canaan 1,575 years before Christ there would be 1,925 years of types after Christ, or 1925 A. D." p.223
"Of course it will take some time to get things in smoothly running order after the great stress between now and 1926. It may be ten years or more before you get your home all fixed up, and the gardens bringing forth the luscious fruits and appetizing vegetables in abundance. Even if it takes a while longer you will be that much better prepared. You will have secured the services of the best decorators you can find. Some of them used to be undertakers; but since there are no more people dying, they have had to seek some new occupation. Their experience as undertakers prepared them to become decorators with very little difficulty." p.228
All of those from the Way to Paradise book written in 1925. Oh, and to make sure you do not have any doubts about what they were writing,
"... this chronology is not of man, but of God.... the addition of more proofs removes it entirely from the realm of chance into that of proven certainty.... the chronology of present truth [is]... not of human origin." Watch Tower 1922 July 1 p.217
So these claims came from God, not from man. They became rather boastful.
"We cannot be blamed for presenting from the Scriptures such evidence as they afford which leads us to believe that a certain event will take place at a given time. Some times the Lord has let His people looking for the right thing at the wrong time, and more frequently they have looked for the wrong things at the right time. But all the enemies of the cause of present truth in the earth are fervently hoping that the Bible students will not be so successful in 1925 in looking for the right thing at the right time as they were in 1914. if they are, however, it will be the other fellow that will have to do the explaining, and not we." Golden Age 1924 Feb 13 p.314
Well, what happened? NOTHING. All of these claims and predictions failed once again. And what was their statement afterwards?
"Question: Have the ancient worthies returned? Answer: "Certainly they have not returned. No one has seen them, and it would be foolish to make such an announcement. It was stated in the 'Millions' book that we might reasonably expect them to return shortly after 1925, but this was merely an expressed opinion; besides it is still shortly after 1925. ... Some anticipated that the work would end in 1925, but the Lord did not state so. The difficulty was that the friends inflated their imaginations beyond reason; and that when their imaginations burst asunder, they were inclined to throw away everything." Watch Tower 1926 pp.196, 232
Inflated their imaginations? Give me a break. You would think though after so many failures that these guys would learn not to set any specific dates.
And then came the year 1975.
I'm just going to let the quotes speak for themselves.
"Does God's rest day parallel the time man has been on earth since his creation? Apparently so. In what year, then, would the first 6,000 years of man's existence and also the first 6,000 years of Gods rest day come to an end? The year 1975. It means that within a relatively few years we will witness the fulfilment of the remaining prophecies that have to do with the "time of the end"." Awake! 1966 Oct 8 pp.19-20
"It did not take the brothers very long to find the chart beginning on page 31, showing that 6,000 years of man's existence end in 1975. Discussion of 1975 overshadowed about everything else. "The new book compels us to realize that Armageddon is, in fact, very close indeed," said a conventioner. Surely it was one of the outstanding blessings to be carried home!" .. Brother Franz. 'Does it mean that Armageddon is going to be finished, with Satan bound, by 1975? It could! It could! All things are possible with God. Does it mean that Babylon the Great is going to go down by 1975? It could. Does it mean that the attack of Gog of Magog is going to be made on Jehovah's witnesses to wipe them out, then Gog himself will be put out of action? It could. But we are not saying. All things are possible with God. But we are not saying. And don't any of you be specific in saying anything that is going to happen between now and 1975. But the big point of it all is this, dear friends: Time is short. Time is running out, no question about that." Watchtower 1966 Oct 15 pp.629,631
"Well now, as Jehovah's Witnesses, as runners, even though some of us have become a little weary, it almost seems as though Jehovah has provided meat in due season. Because he's held up before all of us, a new goal. A new year. Something to reach out for and it just seems it has given all of us so much more energy and power in this final burst of speed to the finish line. And that's the year 1975. Well, we don't have to guess what the year 1975 means if we read the Watchtower. And don't wait 'till 1975. The door is going to be shut before then. As one brother put it, "Stay alive to Seventy-Five""
"The immediate future is certain to be filled with climactic events, for this old system is nearing its complete end. Within a few years at most the final parts of Bible prophecy relative to these "last days" will undergo fulfilment." Watchtower 1968 May 1 p.272
One thing is absolutely certain, Bible chronology reinforced with fulfilled Bible prophecy shows that six thousand years of man's existence will soon be up, yes, within this generation! (Matt. 24:34) This is, therefore, no time to be indifferent and complacent. This is not the time to be toying with the words of Jesus that "concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father." (Matt. 24:36) To the contrary, it is a time when one should be keenly aware that the end of this system of things is rapidly coming to its violent end. Make no mistake, it is sufficient that the Father himself knows both the "day and hour"!
"The fact that fifty-four years of the period called the "last days" have already gone by is highly significant. It means that only a few years, at most, remain before the corrupt system of things dominating the earth is destroyed by God." Awake! 1968 Oct 8 p.13
"Many schools now have student counselors who encourage one to pursue higher education after high school, to pursue a career with a future in this system of things. Do not be influenced by them. Do not let them "brainwash" you with the Devil's propaganda to get ahead, to make something of yourself in this world. This world has very little time left! Any "future" this world offers is no future! Wisely, then, let God's Word influence you in selecting a course that will result in your protection and blessing. Make pioneer service, the full-time ministry, with the possibility of Bethel or missionary service your goal. This is a life that offers an everlasting future!" Watchtower 1969 Mar 15 p.171
"If you are a young person, you also need to face the fact that you will never grow old in this present system of things. Why not? Because all the evidence in fulfillment of Bible prophecy indicates that this corrupt system is due to end in a few years. Of the generation that observed the beginning of the "last days" in 1914, Jesus foretold: "This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur."-Matt. 24:34. Therefore, as a young person, you will never fulfill any career that this system offers. If you are in highschool and thinking about a college education, it means at least four, perhaps even six or eight more years to graduate into a specialized career. But where will this system of things be by that time? It will be well on the way toward its finish, if not actually gone!" Awake! 1969 May 22 p.15
"Bible chronology which indicates that Adam was created in the fall of the year 4026 B.C.E. would bring us down to the year 1975 C.E. as the date marking 6,000 years of human history with yet 1,000 years to come for Christ's Kingdom rule. So whatever the date for the end of this system, it is clear that the time left is reduced, with only approximately six years left until the end of 6,000 years of human history." Watchtower 1970 May 1 p.273
"Yes, since the summer of 1973 there have been new peaks in pioneers every month. Now there are 20,394 regular and special pioneers in the United States, an all-time peak. That is 5,190 more than there were in February 1973! A 34-percent increase! Does that not warm our hearts? Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world's end." Kingdom Ministry May 1974 p.3 How Are You Using Your Life?
"Today there is a great crowd of people who are confident that a destruction of even greater magnitude is now imminent. The evidence is that Jesus' prophecy will shortly have a major fulfilment, upon this entire system of things. This has been a major factor in influencing many couples to decide not to have children at this time." Awake! 1974 Nov 8 p.11
"Since there is such a short time left, study no longer than six months with a prospective convert." WT 5/15/1969 p. 312
Easy to discern what the expectations were. So what happened when 1975 came?
NOTHING!!! Again, a set date of certainty falls by the wayside. And with it came the excuses....again.
"It may be that some who have been serving God have planned their lives according to a mistaken view of just what was to happen on a certain date or in a certain year. They may have, for this reason, put off or neglected things that they otherwise would have cared for. But they have missed the point of the Bible’s warnings concerning the end of this system of things, thinking that Bible chronology reveals the specific date."
"But it is not advisable for us to set our sights on a certain date, neglecting everyday things we would ordinarily care for as Christians, such as things that we and our families really need. We may be forgetting that, when the “day” comes, it will not change the principle that Christians must at all times take care of all their responsibilities. If anyone has been disappointed through not following this line of thought, he should now concentrate on adjusting his viewpoint, seeing that it was not the word of God that failed or deceived him and brought disappointment, but that his own understanding was based on wrong premises."
The Watchtower 1976 Jul 15 pp.440-441
"In modern times such eagerness, commendable in itself, has led to attempts at setting dates for the desired liberation from the suffering and troubles that are the lot of persons throughout the earth. With the appearance of the book Life Everlasting-in Freedom of the Sons of God, and its comments as to how appropriate it would be for the millennial reign of Christ to parallel the seventh millennium of man's existence, considerable expectation was aroused regarding the year 1975. There were statements made then, and thereafter, stressing that this was only a possibility. Unfortunately, however, along with such cautionary information, there were other statements published that implied that such realization of hopes by that year was more of a probability than a mere possibility . It is to be regretted that these latter statements apparently overshadowed the cautionary ones and contributed to a buildup of the expectation already initiated. The Watchtower 1980 March 15 p.17
There is an obvious set pattern at work here. For an end times religion to survive, it needs to generate some type of excitement, fear, hype, and base it on prophecies from the bible, and some calculated formula cooked up in order to stimulate interest. Join us and live forever, ignore us and die. The problem is that the very bible itself condemns these groups that come along and prey on people's emotions. I posted scriptures at the beginning of this section. A criterian was set. Let's review each verse and see how the jws stand up to it.
Acts 1:6,7--"They therefore who were come together, asked him, saying: Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? But he said to them: It is not for you to know the times or moments, which the Father hath put in his own power"
Not for them to know, yet they claim that God is the one behind all of their information, that He is providing it. Clearly they didn't understand what Jesus meant here.
Luke 21:8--"He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them."
Uh-oh. How many times did their set dates fail? Jesus specifically said not to follow them.
John 16:13--"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.'
If the spirit guides one into truth, there would be no mistakes made. No dates would have failed had the spirit been guiding them along. Easy to see that this was not the case.
Dueteronomy 18:20-22--"But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death. You may say to yourselves, "How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD? If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him."
This leaves no wiggle room at all. They taught it. They preached it. They tried to hide/change it. They tried to blame it on others. And they used God to attempt to back their claims.
Examining the history of the Witnesses exposes them for what they really are. Everything is in print for all to see.
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