Hello everyone,
As I've promised, here below the secon part , but before we go into the
core of the subject, as usual, let's take as a reminder, from the WTBS Inc.
own words:
These two quotes were published in the year 1971 and the year 1994 :
*** sg 110 21 Informative Material, Clearly Presented ***
9 Accuracy of statement. Jehovah’s witnesses are an organization of truth. We should want to speak the truth and be absolutely accurate in every detail at all times. This should be so not only as regards doctrine but also in our quotations, what we say about others or how we represent them, also in matters involving scientific data or news events.
*** w94 1/1 20 The Watchtower and Awake!-Timely Journals of Truth Magazines That Advocate Truth
3 Jehovah is the God of truth. (Psalm 31:5) His Word, the Bible, is a book of truth. (John 17:17) Honesthearted people respond to truth. (Compare John 4:23, 24.) One reason that TheWatchtower and Awake! have touched the hearts of millions of readers is that they are journals of integrity and truth. In fact, it was over the issue of loyalty to Bible truth that TheWatchtower began to be published."
You can see : only a few printed lines and already 9 times the word "TRUTH " is literally thrown to the ' reader'!
Now let's test this bold statement and examine its implications , in a very serious matter:
the existence of a ' governing body'., or as the WTBS Inc. likes it: the "Governing Body" .
As part one dealt with the fisrt-century period of time, part two will focus on the 19th and
20th century.
Let's start:
"The Watchtower " April 15 th , 2001 page 29:
*How does the Governing Body differ froml a legal corporation?
While directors of a legal corporation are voted into office by its members , the
Governing Body is not appointed by any man but is appointed by Jesus Christ. There is no need for the directors of the various corporations used by the Jehovah's Witnesses to be members of the Governing Body.. A the recent annual meeting of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, members of the Governing Body who were serving as its directors and officers voluntarily stepped aside from their positions. The vacancies were filled by mature brothers of the "other sheep." (John 10:16) Thus the Governing Body can spend more time in preparing spiritual food and in otherwise caring for the spiritual needs of the worldwide brotherhood.- (1/15, page 29,31).-
Do not fail to take notice of the claim.
*** w99 2/1 18 Our Treasure in Earthen Vessels ***
18 The year 1938 was crucial in clearly identifying the two classes. The March 15 and April 1, 1938, issues of The Watchtower presented the two-part study “His Flock” and made clear the relative places of the anointed remnant and their companions, the great crowd. Then the June 1 and June 15 issues carried study articles on “Organization,” based on Isaiah 60:17. All congregations were called on to request the Governing Body to appoint local servants, thus bringing in an improved, God-ordained, theocratic arrangement. The congregations did just so."
As you may notice this article infers, or leads to the assumption that in the year 1938 there was already a 'Governing Body'!
But how can we compare the above with this one?
*** w97 5/15 17 Theocratic Administration in the Christian Era ***
8 From the incorporation of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania in 1884 until 1972, the president of the Society exercised great authority in Jehovah’s organization, while the Governing Body was closely associated with the Society’s board of directors. The blessings enjoyed during those years prove that Jehovah accepted that arrangement. Between 1972 and 1975, the Governing Body was enlarged to 18 members. Things moved closer to the first-century arrangement when greater authority was invested in this enlarged body, some of whom are directors of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.
It is very clear : from 1884 until 1972, "... the president of the Society exercised great authority in Jehovah’s organization, while the Governing Body ..."
But in 1993, we eventually get a glimpse of the real situation:
*** jv 228 15 Development of the Organization Structure ***
Then, in 1944, a service assembly was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in connection with the Watch Tower Society’s annual meeting. On September 30, prior to that annual meeting, a series of highly significant talks were given on what the Scriptures say as to the organization of Jehovah’s servants. Attention was focused on the Governing Body. On that occasion it was emphasized that theocratic principle must apply to all the agencies used by the faithful and discreet slave class. It was explained that the legal corporation did not have as members all the “consecrated” people of God. It merely represented them, acting as a legal agency on their behalf. However, inasmuch as the Society was the publishing agent used to provide Jehovah’s Witnesses with literature that contained spiritual enlightenment, the Governing Body was logically and of necessity closely associated with the officers and directors of that legal Society. Were theocratic principles being fully applied in its affairs?
Again, remember the association of '1944' with the 'Governing Body'
Let's take another quote from the same book, only few lines below:
*** jv 228-9 15 Development of the Organization Structure ***
Brother Knorr, the Society’s president, explained: “From the provisions of the Society’s charter, it would seem that the being a part of the governing body was dependent upon the contributions to the legal Society. But according to the will of God this could not be so among his true chosen people.”
It was a fact that Charles Taze Russell, who for the Society’s first 32 years was foremost in the governing body, was financially, physically, and mentally the greatest contributor to the Society.
Now, there is a something else coming into the picture, i.e. the 'Society's charter ' and the
recognition of a fact : ' Charles Taze Russell, who for the Society’s first 32 years was foremost in the governing body'.
A few pages forward:
*** jv 234 15 Development of the Organization Structure ***
In the early 1970’s, careful thought was given to further reorganization of the Governing Body. Ever since the incorporation of the Watch Tower Society in 1884, publishing of literature, supervision of the global evangelizing work, and arrangements for schools and conventions had been cared for under the direction of the office of the president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.
Wait a second , here we have a ' reorganization of the Governing Body' and a reminder that :
'...since 1884, all activities had been cared for ' under the direction of the office of the president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.'
Now there is an urgent need to go back in time, to take a closer look at what was published:
*** w90 3/15 14 'The Faithful Slave' and Its Governing Body ***
20. (a) How did a modern-day Governing Body appear on the scene? (b) What were the members of the Governing Body doing, and under whose guidance?
20 Supplying information on the development of the modern-day Governing Body, the December 15, 1971, issue of The Watchtower explained: “Five years later [in 1884] Zion’s Watch Tower Tract Society was incorporated and served as an ‘agency’ to minister spiritual food to thousands of sincere persons seeking to know God and to understand his Word . . . Dedicated, baptized, anointed Christians became associated with that Society at headquarters in Pennsylvania. Whether on the Board of Directors or not, they rendered themselves available for special work of the ‘faithful and discreet slave’ class. They aided in the feeding and directing of the slave class, and thus a governing body made its appearance. This was evidently under the guidance of Jehovah’s invisible active force or holy spirit. Also, under the direction of the Head of the Christian congregation, Jesus Christ.”
*** w90 3/15 14 'The Faithful Slave' and Its Governing Body ***
21. (a) Whom did Christ find distributing spiritual food, and how did he reward them? (b) What awaited the faithful slave and its Governing Body?
21 In 1918, when Jesus Christ inspected those claiming to be his slaves, he found an international group of Christians publishing Bible truths for use both inside the congregation and outside in the preaching work. In 1919 it truly turned out to be as Christ had foretold: “Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings.” (Matthew 24:46, 47) These true Christians entered into the joy of their Master. Having shown themselves “faithful over a few things,” they were appointed by the Master to be “over many things.” (Matthew 25:21) The faithful slave and its Governing Body were in place, ready for a widened assignment. How glad we should be that this was so, for loyal Christians are richly benefiting from the devoted work of the faithful slave and its Governing Body
With the 'aid' of this Watchtower issue , we are very blessed indeed, because we have received
some quite interesting informations:
1*** there is a modern Governing Body;
2***there is a specific article published in 1971 ;
3***that a Governing Body made its appearance;
4*** that , in the year 1919 'The faithful slave and its
Governing Body were in place' ;
5***that , this was evidently under the guidance of Jehovah’s
invisible active force or holy spirit;
6***that it was also, under the direction of the Head of the Christian
congregation, Jesus Christ.”
We great expectations we turn the clock 30 years and examine the Watchtower article
published on December 15th 1971. What do we find? Well it's easy...only precious
'gems of truth '!!
1 st gem:
*** w71 12/15 755 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***
"The official magazine of Jehovah’s Christian witnesses is The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. In the year 1944 the Watchtower magazine began to speak about the governing body of the Christian congregation. "
2 nd gem:
*** w71 12/15 757 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***
GOVERNING BODY
According to the apostolic example of the first century C.E., these dedicated, baptized Christians known today as Jehovah’s witnesses have a governing body, as specifically noted from the year 1944 onward. This governing body has through the years been associated with the publishers of the Watch Tower magazine and the Board of Directors of the legal religious corporation now known as Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.
3 rd gem:
*** w71 12/15 757-8 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***
In view of what was presented from the platform by speakers to the “Divine Name” District Assemblies of Jehovah’s witnesses around the earth during the summer of 1971, the question was being asked, Are the directors of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania the same as the governing body of Jehovah’s witnesses, who are an unincorporated body of dedicated, baptized Christians and who worship Jehovah as their God? Also, at the annual corporation meeting of the Watch Tower Society such as that at Buckingham, Pennsylvania, do the members of the Society automatically elect the members of the governing body of Jehovah’s witnesses by electing the members of the Society’s Board of Directors? Such questions interested those attending the meeting.
4 th gem:
*** w71 12/15 758 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***
Hence the question arises, Can this majority of voters who are made up of such “other sheep,” by voting in the directors of the Watch Tower Society, at the same time be voting in the members of the anointed governing body of the “faithful and discreet slave” class? Scripturally, they could not do so. Not just because they are not anointed heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ, but because the governing body of the “slave” class is not appointed by any man. It is appointed by the same one who appointed the twelve apostles in the first century C.E., namely, Jesus Christ the Head of the true Christian congregation and the Lord and Master of the “faithful and discreet slave” class.—John 15:16, 19.
5 th gem:
*** w71 12/15 758-9 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***
The governing body does not have officers such as the Society’s Board of Directors has, namely, president, vice-president, secretary-treasurer and assistant secretary-treasurer. It has merely a chairman, such as the governing body of the first century had. Apparently, the apostle Peter was the chairman of the governing body on the festival day of Pentecost of 33 C.E., and the disciple James, the half brother of Jesus Christ, was the chairman at a later date, according to the account in Acts of Apostles. From this, and from what historical evidence there is available, the chairmanship of the governing body rotated, just the same as the chairmanship of the presbytery or “body of elders” of each Christian congregation rotated among the coequal elders.—1 Tim. 4:14.
6 th gem:
*** w71 12/15 759-60 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***
How is it, then, that members of the governing body come to be directors of the Pennsylvania corporation? This is according to the will of the voting members of the Watch Tower Society. They choose to be guided by God’s inspired Word. They look to Jehovah God through Jesus Christ to direct them in this matter of voting for the Society’s directors. From the Society’s present-day Charter (as amended in 1944) the Society as a legal corporation is merely an “administrative agency” of Jehovah’s witnesses. Hence, also, of the governing body of Jehovah’s witnesses. So the Society’s voting members see that this governing body could most directly use that “administrative agency” as an instrument in behalf of the work of the “faithful and discreet slave” class by having members of the governing body on the Board of Directors of the Society. They recognize that the Society is not the administrative body, but is merely an agency for administering matters.
7 th gem:
*** w71 12/15 760 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation *** HOW THE GOVERNING BODY CAME TO EXIST
How did this governing body make its appearance in recent times? Evidently under the direction of Jehovah God and his Son Jesus Christ. According to the facts available, the governing body became associated with the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. C. T. Russell was patently of that governing body back there in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. Being fully dedicated to God through Christ, he set himself to apply his time, energy, abilities, wealth and influence to defending God’s inspired Word and spreading its message.
Please notice:
a) "How did this governing body make its appearance in recent times? Evidently under the direction of Jehovah God and his Son Jesus Christ."
b) "C. T. Russell was patently of that governing body back there in the last quarter of the nineteenth century." !
8 th gem:
*** w71 12/15 761 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***
Dedicated, baptized, anointed Christians became associated with that Society at headquarters in Pennsylvania. Whether on the Board of Directors or not, they rendered themselves available for special work of the “faithful and discreet slave” class.
They aided in the feeding and directing of the slave class, and thus a governing body made its appearance. This was evidently under the guidance of Jehovah’s invisible active force or holy spirit. Also, under the direction of the Head of the Christian congregation, Jesus Christ the Son of God.
True, the members of that governing body were not directly appointed by the Lord Jesus Christ.
For that matter, not all the members of the governing body associated with the Jerusalem congregation in the first century were thus directly appointed. How, then, were those “elders” of the Jerusalem congregation who were not numbered among the twelve apostles made members of the governing body? Evidently by appointment of the original twelve apostles, acting under the guidance of Jehovah’s holy spirit.
Please notice:
a) "Dedicated, baptized, anointed Christians became associated with that Society at headquarters in Pennsylvania." It is very clear that this is referring to :
"…the last quarter of the nineteenth century."!
b) "…thus a governing body made its appearance."
c) " This was evidently under the guidance of Jehovah’s invisible active force or holy spirit."
d) "Also, under the direction of the Head of the Christian congregation, Jesus Christ the Son of God."
Now a big shot ...in the foot:
e) "True, the members of that governing body were not directly appointed
by the Lord Jesus Christ. "
Oh, my dear what is this ? Did I read it well ...???
It really sound... amazing/strange because just within a period of 30 years , the claim - from the WTBS Inc. - has changed , from this :
*** w71 12/15 761 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***
Dedicated, baptized, anointed Christians became associated with that Society at headquarters in Pennsylvania. Whether on the Board of Directors or not, they rendered themselves available for special work of the “faithful and discreet slave” class.
They aided in the feeding and directing of the slave class, and thus a governing body made its appearance. This was evidently under the guidance of Jehovah’s invisible active force or holy spirit. Also, under the direction of the Head of the Christian congregation, Jesus Christ the Son of God.
True, the members of that governing body were not directly appointed by the Lord Jesus Christ.
For that matter, not all the members of the governing body associated with the Jerusalem congregation in the first century were thus directly appointed. How, then, were those “elders” of the Jerusalem congregation who were not numbered among the twelve apostles made members of the governing body? Evidently by appointment of the original twelve apostles, acting under the guidance of Jehovah’s holy spirit.
to this:
"The Watchtower " April 15 th , 2001 page 29:
*How does the Governing Body differ froml a legal corporation?
While directors of a legal corporation are voted into office by its members ,
the Governing Body is not appointed by any
man but is appointed by Jesus Christ."
All by the gentle stroke of a pen!
But if you think it is finished...you're in for a surprise , because we all remember that
in 1965, the WTBS Inc. published this:
*** w65 6/1 352 Questions from Readers ***
This strengthening of theocratic controls continued over a period of twenty years, from 1918 to 1938, and corresponds to the twenty-year building program of Solomon, in which time he completed Jehovah’s temple, his own house, the porch of judgment and the House of the Forest of Lebanon or the armory.
In 1938 Jehovah revealed this correspondency to his servants and it was published in The Watchtower in a two-part article entitled “Organization.” This appeared in the issues of June 1 and 15 and proved conclusively that Jehovah’s organization must henceforth be guided and directed by Jehovah’s spirit through the visible governing body made up of those servants whom Jehovah himself would appoint. The concluding paragraph in this series stated: “Jehovah’s theocratic government is now in full control of the people of God.”
Will you please notice too, that now , the 'governing body', has also changed into
"Governing Body ' !!!
Now let' arrive to the last gem:
9 th gem:
*** w71 12/15 761 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***
This is illustrated by the action of those twelve apostles when appointing Stephen and Philip and five other men to take care of certain business of the Jerusalem congregation. (Acts 6:1-8) Also, the apostle Paul pointed out in his remarks to the elders of the Ephesus congregation that the overseers of God’s flock of spiritual sheep were appointed by God’s holy spirit. (Acts 20:28)
Thus, too, even though there were no apostles of Christ on hand in the nineteenth century, God’s holy spirit must have been operative toward the formation of the governing body for his anointed remnant of the “faithful and discreet slave” class. The facts speak for themselves. There came on the scene a body of anointed Christians who accepted and undertook the responsibilities of governing the affairs of Jehovah’s dedicated, baptized, anointed people who were following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and endeavoring to fulfill the work stated in Jesus’ prophecy at Matthew 24:45-47. Facts speak louder than words. The governing body is there. Thankfully Jehovah’s Christian witnesses know and assert that this is no one-man religious organization, but that it has a governing body of spirit-anointed Christians."
As a last addition to all these informations, another one concerning the possible origins
of the term : ' governing body' applied to religious matters:
The quote is taken from the book :
" RICHES " by J.F. Rutherford (publishers WTBS Inc. in 1936
to show where the WTBS Inc. might have taken the concept/idea the idea of the a “governing body”.
Let’s start with page 80:
" The Roman Catholic Hierarchy , the governing body, together with the clergy
of the other denominations, claims to be the representatives of God
and the ones to whom the right is delegated to proclaim his Word."
"…The Roman Catholic Hierarchy , that governing religious-political body , has misled
and greatly deceive millions of honest persons."
It sound very, very familiar....!!!
Then from the pages 228-229:
"The Roman Catholic Hierarchy is defined in its own pubblications as follows :" The Catholic Hierarchy, or the governing body of the Catholic Church, consists of His Holiness the Supreme Pontiff, assisted by the SacredCollege of Cardinals and by several Sacred Congregations, or permanent ecclesiastical committee,of which the Cardinals are the chief members; by the Patriarchs, Archibishops and Bishops; by the ApostolicNuncios and Delegates, Vicars and Prefects, and by certain Abbots and other Prelates."
What a coincidence that only a few years later – as the following watchtower article proves it - a sudden change!!
*** w71 12/15 755 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***
”The official magazine of Jehovah’s Christian witnesses is The Watchtower
Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.
In the year 1944 the Watchtower magazine began to speak about the
governing body of the Christian congregation.”
and also :
*** w71 12/15 757 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***
GOVERNING BODY
“According to the apostolic example of the first century C.E.,
these dedicated, baptized Christians known today as Jehovah’s witnesses
have a governing body, as specifically noted
from the year 1944 onward. “
I do hope that the researched material will be useful.
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
" Nescit vox missa reverti" ( Horatius, ars poetica, 390) ****A word, once spoken, cannot be recalled back .