COMMENTARY ON

Practices & Beliefs

OF THE WATCHTOWER

"Modesty" and "Speculations" of the Watchtower Society's "Faithful and Discreet Slave"

Re: the year 1874

"The Scriptural proof is that the second presence of the Lord Jesus Christ began in 1874 A.D.

--the book, PROPHECY p.65 (1929)

"The date of the close of that 'battle' is definitely marked in Scripture as October, 1914. It is already in progress, its beginning dating from October, 1874."

--Watchtower 1/15/1892, p.1355

"The Scriptures show that the second presence [of the Lord] was due in 1874 . . . . This proof shows that the Lord has been present since 1874"

--Watchtower 3/1/1923, p.67

"Surely there is not the slightest room for doubt in the mind of a truly consecrated child of God that the Lord Jesus is present and has been since 1874."

--Watchtower 1/1/1924, p.5

"From Adam's creation to the end of 1943 A.D. is 5,971 years.

We are therefore near the end of six thousand years of human history, ...."

--The TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE by Rutherford (1943) Chap.11, p.152

"In the year 1943 the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society published the book "The Truth Shall Make You Free." In its chapter 11, entitled "The Count of the Time," it did away with the insertion of 100 years into the period of the Judges and went according to the oldest and most authentic reading of Acts 13:20, and accepted the spell-out numbers of the Hebrew Scriptures. This moved forward the end of six thousand years of man's existence into the decade of the 1970's. Naturally this did away with the year 1874 C.E. as the date of return of the Lord Jesus Christ and the beginning of his invisible presence or parousia."

--God's Kingdom of a Thousand Years p.209, para.55 (Frederick Franz) (1973)

Re: the year 1914

"The present great war in Europe is the beginning of the Armageddon of the Scriptures."

--SERMONS (C.T. Russell) 1917

"The date of the close of that 'battle' is definitely marked in Scripture as October, 1914. It is already in progress, its beginning dating from October, 1874."

--Watchtower 1/15/1892, p.1355

Subsequently in the July 1894 Watch Tower under the heading:

CAN IT BE DELAYED UNTIL 1914?

"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. We see no reason for changing from our opinion expressed in the view presented in the Watch Tower of January 15, '92. We advise that it be read again."

--Watchtower 7/15/1894, p.1677

"We did not say positively that this would be the year."

--Watchtower 11/1/1914, p.5565

Re: the year 1925

". . . 1925 shall mark the resurrection of the faithful worthies of old. . . ."

--Millions Now Living Will Never Die, p.97 (Rutherford, 1920)

"After 1925 expect shortly Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. . . ."

--The Way to Paradise, p.224 (1924)

"There will be no slip-up. . . . Abraham should enter upon the actual possession of his promised inheritance in the year 1925 A.D."

--Watchtower 10/15/1917, p.6157

"This chronology is not of man but of God . . . of divine origin . . . absolutely and unqualifiedly correct."

--Watchtower 7/15/1922, p.217

"1914 ended the Gentile times. . . . The date 1925 is even more distinctly indicated by the Scriptures. . . . by then the great crisis will be reached and probably passed."

--Watchtower 9/1/1922, p.262

"1925 is definitely settled by the Scriptures. . . . the Christian has much more upon which to base his faith than Noah had (so far as the Scriptures reveal) upon which to base his faith in the coming deluge."

--Watchtower 4/1/1923, p.106

"The year 1925 is a date definitely and clearly marked in the Scriptures, even more clearly than that of 1914"

--Watchtower 7/15/1924, p.211

Re: the year 1975

"In what year, then, would the first 6,000 years of man's existence and also the first 6,000 years of God's rest day come to an end? The year 1975."

--Awake! 10/18/1966, p.19

"Aid" book claimed Adam and Eve were created in the same year:

Adam at age 130 had a son, Seth --Aid to Bible Understanding, p.333

Eve at age 130 had a son, Seth -- Aid to Bible Understanding, p.538

"Hence, the first six thousand years since man's creation could be likened to the first six day of the week in ancient Israel. The seventh one-thousand-year period could be likened to the seventh day, the sabbath, of that week.--2Pet.3:8 How fitting it would be for God, following this pattern, to end man's misery after six thousand years of human rule and follow it with His glorious Kingdom rule for a thousand years!"

--Awake! 10/8/1968, p.14

"Are we to assume from this study that the battle of Armageddon will be all over by the autumn of 1975, and the long-looked-for thousand-year reign of Christ will begin by then? Possibly. . . . It may involve only a difference of weeks or months, not years."

--Watchtower 8/15/1968, p.499

"Would there be another creative 'day,' a seventh 'day,' at the close of the 'morning' of which the whole earth would be populated with a human family and be a global Paradise? 'Evening' of seventh creative 'day' begins, 4026 B.C.E."

--God's "Eternal Purpose" Now Triumphing for Man's Good, p.51, (1974)

"Morning' of seventh creative 'day' begins, 526 B.C.E. The first half or 'evening' period of God's seventh creative 'day' was now closing, 3,500 years from creation of Adam and Eve."

--God's "Eternal Purpose" Now Triumphing for Man's Good, p.131 (1974)

"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, 5/1974, p.3

Re: "This Generation" (The generation beginning in 1914 A.D.)

". . . the generation alive in 1914, some will see the major fulfillment of Christ Jesus' prophecy and the destruction. . . ."

--Awake! 10/8/1973, p.19

"Before the 1914 generation completely dies out, God's judgment must be executed."

--Watchtower, 5/1/1985, p.4

"The Hebrews . . . reckon seventy-five years as one generation. . . ."

--Awake! 4/8/1988, p.14

"Most of the generation of 1914 has passed away. However, there are still millions on earth who were born in that year or prior to it. . . . Jesus' words will come true, 'this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened.'"

--Awake! 4/8/1988, p.14

The present-day fulfillments of these and other prophecies prove that we are indeed living in "the last days."

--Watchtower 7/15/1991, p.5

Christians should regard education as a means to an end. In these last days, their purpose is to serve Jehovah as much and as effectively as possible. If, in the country where they live, minimal or even high school education will only allow them to find jobs providing insufficient income to support themselves as pioneers, then supplementary education or training might be considered. This would be with the specific goal of full-time service.

--Watchtower 11/1/1992 p.18

Bible prophecies indicate that Satan's world has been in its last days for nearly 80 years now, since the pivotal year 1914. This world is nearing its end.

--Watchtower 3/15/1994 p.20

Other Bible prophecies confirm that this would occur during the last days of the wicked system. That is where we are, in the conclusion of the system of things.

--Watchtower 4/15/1994 p.11

By now, in this latter part of "the last days," the great majority of the 144,000 have died and received their heavenly reward.

--Watchtower 7/1/1995 p.15

Many divinely inspired Bible prophecies are being fulfilled today--a number of them on the Christian congregation.

--Watchtower 9/1/1995 p.17

Page 2 of Awake! magazine, under the "Awake! magazine's purpose" statement

(March 8, 1988 thru November 1, 1995):

"Most important, this magazine builds confidence in the Creator's promise of a peaceful and secure new world before the generation that saw the events of 1914 passes away."

"Jehovah's prophetic word through Jesus Christ is: 'This generation [of 1914] will by no means pass away until all things occur.' (Luke 21:32) And Jehovah, who is the source of inspired an unfailing prophecy, will bring about the fulfillment."

--The Watchtower, May 15, 1984, pgs. 6-7

"Jehovah's Witnesses, in their eagerness for Jesus' second coming, have suggested dates that turned out to be incorrect." . . . "Never did they say, 'These are the words of Jehovah.'"

--Awake! March 22, 1993, pg. 4

In view of the foregoing historical record, we can only wonder what must run through the minds of Jehovah's Witnesses who have been associated with the organization through the years of many of these "disappointments" when they read such statements as the following quoted from the June 1, 1997 Watchtower magazine:

"Modesty on the part of the faithful and discreet slave class, commissioned to provide the Christian household with food at the proper time, prevents it from presumptuously running ahead and wildly speculating about things that are still unclear. The slave class strives to avoid being dogmatic. It is not too proud to admit that as of now it cannot answer every question, keeping Proverbs 14:18 clearly in mind. But how thrilling to know that Jehovah, in his own due time and in his own way, will continue to reveal his secrets as to his purposes! Never should we become impatient with Jehovah's arrangement, indiscreetly trying to rush ahead of the Revealer of secrets. How reassuring it is to know that the channel Jehovah is using today does not do so! It is both faithful and discreet."

--Watchtower 6/1/97 p.14, par.7

"However, the prophet who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded him to speak or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must die. And in case you should say in your heart: 'How shall we know the word that Jehovah has not spoken?' when the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or come true, that is the word that Jehovah did not speak. With presumptuousness the prophet spoke it. You must not get frightened at him."

--Deuteronomy 18:20-22 (NWT)

"Be as Men Who Are Facing Har-Magedon Unafraid .. In behalf of such right-hearted individuals Jehovah has considerately raised up his 'prophet to the nations.' .. In behalf of such individuals who at heart seek God's rule instead of man's rule, the 'prophet' whom Jehovah has raised up has been, not an individual man as in the case of Jeremiah, but a class. The members of this class are, like the prophet-priest Jeremiah, wholly dedicated to Jehovah God through Christ and, by the begettal of Jehovah's holy spirit, they have been made part of 'a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession' .. At this late date, there is a mere remnant of this 'prophet' class yet on earth." {WT Oct 1 1982 26-7}

"Today, a remnant of this 'faithful slave' is still alive on earth. They occupy a position similar to that of Paul .. when that apostle said of the wonderful truths .. 'It is to us God has revealed them through his spirit.' .. How vital it is for everyone in God's family to submit loyally to the teachings and arrangements of the Great Theocrat, Jehovah, and his King-Son, Christ Jesus, as transmitted through the 'faithful slave' on earth." {WT Jun 1 1982 17 etc.}

"Do not conclude that there are different roads, or ways, that you can follow to gain life in God's new system. There is only one. There was just one ark that survived the Flood, not a number of boats. And there will be only one organization - God's visible organization - that will survive the fast-approaching 'great tribulation.' It is simply not true that all religions lead to the same goal .. You must be part of Jehovah's organization, doing God's will, in order to receive his blessing of everlasting life." {YCLF 255} [but "[The time period from 1914 until Armageddon is the] 'great tribulation.'" {WT Aug 15 1935 246-51}, so it began 68 years earlier, and cannot therefore be fast-approaching]

"And just as in the first century there was only one true Christian organization, so today Jehovah is using only one organization. (Ephesians 4:4, 5; Matthew 24:45-47) Yet there are some who point out that the organization has had to make adjustments before, and so they argue: 'This shows that we have to make up our own mind on what to believe.' This is independent thinking. Why is it so dangerous? Such thinking is an evidence of pride. And the Bible says: 'Pride is before a crash, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.' (Proverbs 16:18) If we get to thinking that we know better than the organization, we should ask ourselves: 'Where did we learn Bible truth in the first place? Would we know the way of the truth if it had not been for guidance from the organization? Really, can we get along without the direction of God's organization?' No, we cannot!.. Fight against independent thinking." {WT Jan 15 1983 27}

"Avoid Independent Thinking .. How is such independent thinking manifested? A common way is by questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization." {WT Jan 15 1983 22}

"Consider some of the other 'twisted things' used to mislead God's people today. On occasion opposers will question the various teachings that Jehovah's people hold in common. Often this becomes a debate about words, just as it was in the first century. (1 Timothy 6:3,4) They may also question the need for an organization to direct the minds of God's people. Their view is, God's spirit can direct individuals without some central, organized body of men giving direction. They will declare that all one needs to do is to read the Bible." {WT Mar 1 1983 25} [A wicked idea indeed]

"It is easy for the established churches of Christendom and other people to criticize Jehovah's Witnesses because their publications have, at times, stated that certain things could take place on certain dates. But is not such line of action in harmony with Christ's injunction to 'keep on the watch'? .. But is it not far preferable to make some mistakes because of overeagerness to see God's purposes accomplished.. ?" {WT Dec 1 1984 17-8}

"The Catholic Church occupies a very significant position in the world and claims to be the way of salvation for hundreds of millions of people. Any organization that assumes that position should be willing to submit to scrutiny and criticism." {AWAK Aug 22 1984 28}

(The above is an eye opener! Since the Watchtower claims to be the ONLY way of salvation, are they inviting Witnesses to put the Governing Body under scrutiny? Why does the Watchtower become so defensive and abusive when put under scrutiny?)

"So stay in that house, eating and drinking the things they provide, for the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not be transferring from house to house." {NWT Luke 10:7}

[Notice the Scripture reference? This verse speaking against house-to-house work, is not quoted in the index of the 1984 NWT!!(New World Translation, JW Bible)]

"Generally rapists try to get a woman in some isolated place where people are not around. At times they have a weapon and threaten to use it if the victim does not co-operate. Should a Christian quietly submit? No.. the rapist is asking a person to break God's law by committing fornication. Under such circumstances a Christian is obligated to resist. -1 Corinthians 6:18.. 'If I gave in and he raped me, I would eventually die and have no hope of a resurrection.'" {AWAK Feb 22 1984 24-7}

"[Our] beliefs and practices are not new but are a restoration of first-century Christianity .. Jesus was [only] a perfect man .. not God in flesh" {RFTS 203/306}

"Shocking as it is, even some who have been prominent in Jehovah's organization have succumbed to immoral practices, including homosexuality, wife swapping, and child molesting. It is to be noted, also, that during the past year, 36,638 individuals had to be disfellowshipped from the Christian congregation, the greater number of them for practicing immorality." {WT Jan 1 1986 13}

"Why have Jehovah's Witnesses disfellowshiped for apostasy some who still profess belief in God, the Bible and Jesus Christ? Approved association with Jehovah's Witnesses requires accepting the entire range of the true teachings of the Bible, including those Scriptural beliefs that are unique to Jehovah's Witnesses. What do such beliefs include? .. The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses are the sole interpreters of the Bible.. That 1914 marked the end of the Gentile Times and the establishment of the Kingdom of God in the heavens, as well as the time for Christ's foretold presence.. Only 144,000 will go to heaven.. Armageddon is near, followed by the Paradise earth, where the rest of the Witnesses will live." {WT Apr 1 1986 30-1}

"Would That All Were Prophets! .. You will be interested to learn that God has on earth a people, all of whom are prophets, or witnesses for God. In fact, they are known throughout the world as Jehovah's Witnesses" {AWAK Jun 8 1986 9}

".. this does not mean that a person is under obligation to divulge truthful information to people who are not entitled to it. ... Evidently the course of Abraham, Isaac, Rahab, and Elisha in misdirecting or in withholding full facts from non-worshipers of Jehovah must be viewed in the same light. -Ge 12:10-19; chap 20 (Abraham lying to Pharoah and Abimelech); 26:1-10 (Isaac lying to Abimelech); Jos 2:1-6; Jas 2:2(Rahab lying to king of Jericho)" {INS2 245}

(Did you read the above?! So from this one can gather that the Watchtower encourages its congregation to LIE to those not of the Society!! Is this the proper way to witness? Can any good become of this deceit? Is this God's will? Did Jesus teach us to LIE in order to bring people to the Father? This is very DANGEROUS instruction indeed!)

"We cannot take part in any modern version of idolatry - be it worshipful gestures toward an image or symbol or the imputing of salvation to a person or an organization." {WT Nov 1 1990 26)

(Why then give your HQ the name of a pagan temple? Jeroboam worshiped golden calves in a center called "Bethel" (1 Kings 12:28-33) The name of WTS Headquartes - BETHEL)

".. there are common threads going through the confused tapestry of the world's religions. Many religions have their roots in mythology. Nearly all are tied together by some form of belief in a supposed immortal human soul that survives death and goes to a hereafter or transmigrates to another creature. Many have the common denominator of belief in a dreadful place of torment and torture called hell. Others are connected by ancient pagan beliefs in triads, trinities, and mother goddesses. Therefore, it is only appropriate that they should all be grouped together under the one composite symbol of the harlot 'Babylon the Great.'" {MSFG 369-70}

(Watchtower founder, Charles Taze Russell, based much of his "prophecy" on the PYRAMIDS of GIZA!! He referred to them as the "GREAT STONE PROPHETS!!}

"There is no allowance in this language for lying, deceit, or a tricky tongue. Those who speak this language must always speak truth." {WT Apr 1 1991 24}

"A religion that teaches lies cannot be true." {WT Dec 1 1991 7}

(I agree!)

"The Year That Shocked The World .. Today, a small percentage of mankind can still recall the dramatic events of 1914. Will that elderly generation pass away before God saves the earth from ruin? Not according to Bible prophecy. 'When you see all these things,' Jesus PROMISED, 'know that he is near at the doors. Truly I say to you that THIS generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.' - Matthew 24:33, 34." {WT May 1 1992 3}

"What about Rahab's misleading words [lies, actually] to pursuers of the spies? God approved of her course. (Compare Romans 14:4) She took a risk in order to protect his servants, giving evidence of her faith.. a person is not obligated to divulge truthful information .. Even Jesus Christ did not give full details or direct answers when doing so could have brought unnecessary harm. (Matthew 7:6; 15:1-6; 21:23-27; John 7:3-10) Evidently, Rahab's course of misdirecting the enemy officers must be view in that light." {WT Dec 15 1993 25}

(Again they promote deceit! Are they calling Jesus a liar?)

"It is not reasonable to expect that present favorable conditions for preaching the good news will continue indefinitely. [Not with the arrival of the Internet - see above!] Besides, did not Jesus say that this generation will not pass away until all things are fulfilled? A generation, according to Psalm 90:10, is from seventy to eighty years. The generation that witnessed the end of the Gentile Times in 1914 does not have many more years left."

"For the year 2000, I visualize a world transformed into a beautiful paradise! But I don't think that either the present world or its rulers will live to see that day.. We are living in the last days of the system of things." {AWAK Nov 8 1986 78}