OBEY THE WATCHTOWER SOCIETY OR DIE!
YOU CAN FREELY DISTRIBUTE THIS TO ANYONE YOU WANT TO!
Below is a TIMELINE OF QUOTES from Official Watchtower Society Publications which show clearly, that the WATCHTOWER teaches that you MUST OBEY EVERYTHING THEY TELL YOU OR BE DESTROYED!You can verify these Quotes by checking your local Kingdom Hall Library, or by checking the Official Watchtower Library CD-ROM, or by looking up the Original Publication (if you have one).
I got most of these Quotes from the AMAZING JW QUOTES WEBSITE AT http://Quotes.JehovahsWitnesses.com
I welcome any and all comments and questions, and you can always E-Mail me too.
LET THE QUOTES BEGIN:
The Watchtower February 1881 Issue, Page 3 (When Charles Taze Russell was President of the Society):
"If we were following a man undoubtedly it would be different with us; undoubtedly one human idea would contradict another and that which was light one or two years ago would be regarded as darkness now. But with God there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning, and so it is with truth; any knowledge or light coming from God must be like its author. A new view of truth never can contradict a former truth. New Light never extinguishes older light, but adds to it...."
The Watchtower December 1881 Issue, Page 301 (When Charles Taze Russell was President of the Society):
"Now we appear like men, and all die naturally like men, but in the resurrection we will rise in our true character as Gods"
Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence January 1st 1908 (Reprint) Page 4110:
"Views From the Watch Tower"
We are not prophesying; we are merely giving our surmises, the Scriptural basis for which is already in the hands of our readers in the six volumes of SCRIPTURE STUDIES. We do not even aver that there is no mistake in our interpretation of prophesy and our calculations of chronology. We have merely laid these before you, leaving it for each to exercise his own faith or doubt in respect to them.
The Watchtower June 1st 1917 Issue, Page 6091:
....Truly there lived among us in these last days a prophet of the Lord.... his works remain an enduring witness to his wisdom and faithfulness!
The Watchtower April 1st 1919 Issue, Page 6414:
"....Is not the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society the one and only channel which the Lord has used in dispensing his truth continually since the beginning of the harvest period?"
The Watchtower April 1st 1920 Issue, Pages 100 and 101:
"We would not refuse to treat one as a brother because he did not believe the Society is the Lord's channel. If others see it in a different way, that is their privilege. There should be full liberty of conscience."
Page 103:
"That it ("Studies in the Scriptures", Volume 7) contains some mistakes is freely admitted. Even the Bible contains some."
The Watchtower April 15th 1928 Issue, Page 126:
Sometimes a member of a class will refuse to engage in the canvassing for the books because there are some mistakes in the books, and says his conscience will not permit him to put books in which there are mistakes into the hands of the people. Of course this is another method that the enemy adopts to confuse the minds and furnish an excuse for not being faithful to the Lord. As every one knows, there are mistakes in the Bible and there has never been a book written yet that is perfect that has been written by any human hand.
"Prophecy" Book (1929 Edition), Page 22:
"Therefore their speech shows them to be false prophets. While they claim to speak in the name of the Lord, their predictions neither come true nor tend to magnify Jehovah's name. According to the divine rule they prove to be false.... If these prophecies have not been fulfilled, and if all possibility of fulfillment is past, then these prophets are proven false."
The Watchtower May 15th 1930 Issue, Pages 154-155:
"If he is a false prophet, his prophecy will fail to come to pass"
"The difference between a true and a false prophet is that the one is speaking the word of the Lord and the other is speaking his own dreams and guesses"
"The true prophet of God today will be telling forth what the Bible teaches, and those things that the Bible tells us are soon to come to pass. He will not be sounding forth man-made theories or guesses, either his own or those of others"
"This text proves again that those men who foretell things out of harmony with the Bible statements are false prophets. In 1914-1918 these same three classes told the whole world that the great World War would end all wars and make the world safe for democracy; and that the young men who died on the field of battle would die sacrificial deaths as did Jesus and would go to heaven. Their prophecies did not come true. Therefore they are false prophets; and the people should no longer trust them as safe guides."
"Light" Book Volume 1 (1930):
Page 64:
"The Lord used The Watchtower to announce these truths. Doubtless he used his invisible deputies to have much to do with it"
Page 106:
"Visible human creatures had to do with that message, yet, in fact, it was a message of the Lord sent through his invisible angels, because without a doubt these are clothed with authority to direct the course of earthly members of God's organization".
Page 120:
"Again God put in the the mind of his people, by his angel, to act and carry out his purposes"
Page 218:
"Again the Lord sent his angel to carry out matters of great importance as pertaining to his people on earth. He caused his representatives or deputies, who are invisible to men, to direct what should be done by his visible servants on the earth. This is further proof of the completeness with which Jehovah keeps his hand in all his work"
"Light" Book Volume 2 (1930):
Page 12:
"Doubtless the Lord uses these holy angels to direct the course of his people on earth; what they shall take and what they shall do. The angels are a part of God's organization...."
Page 20:
"....the servant class on earth are directed by the Lord through his duly constituted deputies or angels."
Page 250:
"....the heavenly messengers or angels of the Lord now used by the Lord in behalf of the remnant. These angels are invisible to human eyes and are there to carry out the orders of the Lord. No doubt they first hear the instruction which the Lord issues to his remnant and then these invisible messengers pass such instructions to the remnant"
The Watchtower August 1st 1930 Issue, Page 239:
"The Watchtower is the channel which Jehovah, our God, is using at this time to in the faithful remnant who are keeping the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
The Watchtower September 1st 1930 Issue, Page 203:
"But it seems certain that when Jesus came to his temple and began his work of judgment he would direct his holy angels to take the necessary action to cause the separation of the disapproved from the approved ones, and would use his angels to bear messages to them to direct the approved ones as to what to do."
The Watchtower June 1st 1931 Issue, Page 160:
"Jehovah God has made known to his anointed ones in advance what these scriptures mean."
The Watchtower November 1st 1931 Issue, Page 327:
"The Watchtower is not the instrument of a man or any set of men, nor is it published according to the whims of men. No man's opinion is expressed in the Watchtower."
The Watchtower April 1st 1932 Issue, Page 101:
"To the whole series of messages of truth which he gave and which he continues to give ever since the lighting have been flashing from the temple and upon the record of his word. The expression "the word", therefore includes every revelation of truth down to and including the book Vindication and whatsoever shall be revealed and published, by the Lord's grace, as long as the remnant is on earth."
Vindication Book Volume 3 (1932), Page 250:
"....the heavenly messengers or angels of the Lord now used by the Lord in behalf of the remnant. These angels are invisible to human eyes and are there to carry out the orders of the Lord. No doubt they first hear the instruction which the Lord issues to his remnant and then these invisible messengers pass such instructions to the remnant"
The Watchtower September 1st 1932 Issue, Page 263:
"There cannot be a question or doubt that Jesus Christ can and does direct every division of his organization and that he can and does use his holy angels to carry into operation his orders and direct the course of the remnant on earth, regardless of the fact that the remnant cannot see these agents or ambassadors of the Lord and can have no direct or audible communication with them."
The Watchtower April 1st 1933 Issue, Page 99:
"The Lord makes clear in his due time. And he usually reveals the same to his people by having them performing something in fulfillment of the prophecy and then discloses to his faithful the meaning thereof."
The Watchtower May 15th 1933 Issue, Pages 154-155:
"Surely Jehovah has an organization on earth, because everything with him is done orderly. For many years he has used the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society. There is but one class of people that are doing his work on earth today and these we call "the Society", acting under the direction of the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society and putting forth the Watchtower publications."
"Preparation" Book (1933):
Page 36:
"Certain duties and Kingdom interests have been committed by the Lord to his angels, which include the transmission of information to God's anointed people on the earth for their aid and comfort"
Page 67:
"....angels of the Lord at the temple are used to enlighten and comfort the anointed ones and to bring them refreshing truths. Those of the remnant being honest and true, must say. We do not know; and the Lord enlightens them, sending his angels for that very purpose"
The Watchtower August 15th 1933 Issue, Page 247:
"Enlightenment proceeds from Jehovah by and through Christ Jesus and is given to the faithful anointed on earth at the temple, and brings peace and consolation to them."
The Watchtower November 1st 1933 Issue, Page 296:
As surely as Jehovah has an organization on the earth, just so surely he is feeding the members of that organization by the hand of Christ Jesus. The facts prove that he uses the Watchtower publications to bring these truths to attention of his remnant....
The Watchtower May 1st 1934 Issue, Page 131:
"The Watchtower is not the teacher of God's people. The Watchtower merely brings to the attention of God's people that which he has revealed, and it is the privilege of each and every one of God's children to prove by the Word of God whether these things are from man or from the Lord."
"Riches" Book (1936), Page 316:
"Jehovah has made the necessary arrangements within his organization to instruct his people, and all recognize that for some years The Watchtower has been the means of communicating information to God's people. That does not mean that those that prepare the manuscript for The Watchtower are inspired, but rather it means that the Lord through his angels sees to it information is given to his people in due time...."
"CHILDREN" Book (1941), Page 214:
John, dear, don't you think we should have The Watchtower and study it regularly, that we might be informed of the unfolding of Jehovah's prophecies?
The Watchtower January 1st 1942 Issue, Page 5:
"God uses The Watchtower to communicate to his people: it does not consist of men's opinions"
The Watchtower May 1st 1944 Issue, Page 138:
His remnant of faithful followers catch the glory light from the unfolding of the Holy Scriptures, which were written for our day and which Jehovah's appointed interpreter Christ Jesus explains to us.
The Watchtower August 15th 1950 Issue, Page 263:
Name and Purpose of The Watchtower
"....The Watchtower.... invites careful and critical examination of its contents in the light of the Scriptures."
The Watchtower February 1st 1952 Issue, Pages 79-80:
If we do not see a point at first we should keep trying to grasp it, rather than opposing and rejecting it and presumptuously taking the position that we are more likely to be right than the discreet slave.
We should meekly go along with the Lord's theocratic organization and wait for further clarification....
The Watchtower April 15th 1952 Issue, Page 253:
Aids for Understanding Prophecy
19. When may prophecies be understood? The Lord said to Daniel, "O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end." (Dan. 12:4, AS) This indicates that the further fulfillments of the prophecies are sealed until the physical facts appear that begin to fulfill them. So the rule seems to be reasonable and certain that prophecies cannot be understood until they are in the course of fulfillment or until they have been fulfilled. Jehovah as the great Interpreter makes known the meaning of his revelations in his due time, and speculation by men cannot bring to light the true meaning of prophecy before time. Jehovah has provided a channel, the "faithful and discreet slave" class, who are given spiritual "food at the proper time", and this spiritual food includes among other things the understandings of the prophecies in the course of their fulfillments. (Matt. 24:45, NW) Jehovah's witnesses themselves are not nor can they be interpreters of prophecies. But as fast as the "superior authorities" Jehovah and Christ Jesus reveal the interpretations through their provided channel that fast do God's people publish them the world over to strengthen the faith of all lovers of righteousness.
PROPHESYING TODAY
20. Since Joel 2:28, which has its complete fulfillment after 1919, foretells that God will pour out his spirit upon people of all kinds and "your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions", in what sense then do Jehovah's witnesses prophesy today? Jehovah's people confess no powers of inspiration today. However, they do pray continually for more of God's holy spirit to understand the many prophecies already uttered and preserved for the final preaching work which Jehovah's witnesses are now undertaking. They know that the inspired infallible Scriptures of prophecy will be fulfilled toward them correctly. They diligently study the visions and dreams of God's faithful men of old. They can quote and copy the Scriptures of God's inspired men and can apply them according to the facts. They can observe how God interprets them by Christ Jesus through the events and facts that he causes to appear. They are then faithful in publishing and preaching the revealed prophecies to the utter ends of the earth. The twentieth-century preaching prophets of Jehovah are the ones who are running to and fro over the Bible to gain knowledge of the divine pronouncements which is on the increase.-Dan. 12:4.
The Watchtower June 1st 1955 Issue, Page 333:
Similarly today the power of appointment of all servants in congregations rightfully rests with the governing body of the "faithful and discreet slave" class, which is under the direct supervision of Christ Jesus at the temple.
Qualified to be Ministers Book (1955):
"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."
Page 156:
If we have love for Jehovah and for the organization of his people we shall not be suspicious, but shall, as the Bible says, 'Believe all things,' all the things that the Watchtower brings out, in as much as it has been faithful in giving us knowledge of God's purposes....
The Watchtower February 1st 1956 Issue, Page 88:
Cautious as Serpents Among Wolves
45. We dare not lie against God's Word, adding to it or taking away from it, reading into it what it does not say and denying, passing over or explaining away what it does truthfully say. "Every word of God is tried:.... Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar." (Prov. 30:5, 6, AS) We may not tell untruths in his name, for that puts God in the light of a liar. "Let God be found true, though every man be found a liar." (Rom. 3:4, NW) In Jeremiah's day the false prophets prophesied lies in Jehovah's name and lied against his purpose, foretelling in his name what he had not foretold. Therefore Jehovah was against them. He executed judgment against them at Jerusalem's destruction in 607 B.C. (Jer. 23:25; 27:15) Religious liars like them today cannot escape a like judgment but will meet a like end at Armageddon.
The Watchtower June 1st 1956 Issue, Page 345:
Newcomers must learn to fall in line with the principles and policies of the New World society and act in harmony with them. Sometimes it becomes rather difficult for some of our new associates to make the change. They are prone to be a little rebellious or unruly. But to become genuinely a part of the New World society it is Imperative that proper respect for theocratic arrangement and order be shown. A humble, obedient mental attitude is required.
The Watchtower November 1st 1956 Issue, Page 666:
11. Who controls the organization, who directs it? Who is at the head? A man? A group of men? A clergy class? A pope? A hierarchy? A council? No, none of these. How is that possible? In any organization is it not necessary that there be a directing head or policy-making part that controls or guides the organization? Yes. Is the living God, Jehovah, the Director of the theocratic Christian organization? Yes!
12. Because of the vital fact that the law that governs the operation of the theocratic New World society is the Word of Jehovah God, and because of the fact that the heaven-enthroned Christ Jesus is Jehovah's Executive Officer carrying on his work in the earth, and because of the further fact that the spirit of God by Christ Jesus is operating through his Word and upon the hearts and minds of his dedicated servants, the New World society is theocratic, meaning "God-ruled."
The Watchtower May 1st 1957 Issue:
"At all times they (Jehovah's Witnesses) must be very careful not to divulge any information to the enemy that he could use to hamper the preaching work."
Page 274:
"We must recognize not only Jehovah God as our Father but his organization as our Mother."
Pages 283-285:
14. Showing respect for Jehovah's organization really resolves itself down to our attitude toward God's visible channel and the trust that we place in our proved, faithful brothers. If we have become thoroughly convinced that this is Jehovah's organization, that he is guiding and directing his people, then we shall not be unsettled by anything that happens.
We will not 'forsake our mother's teaching' by immediately beginning to criticize and find fault....
gratefully and willingly show our respect for Jehovah's organization, for she is our mother and the beloved wife of our heavenly Father....
The Watchtower May 15th 1957 Issue, Pages 313 to 315:
Appreciating Basic Christian Publications
....Their zeal for knowledge may even prompt them to dig back into things that were published long before they came into the truth, expanding and deepening their understanding, and ever growing in Christian maturity.... Do you dig out older publications to expand and deepen your knowledge on subjects about which questions arise? Have you really studied these earlier publications?... How is your background of knowledge? .... Never think: "Oh, I know most of that." For you will find, indeed, that you do not and that you will be strengthened by your additional study...once you have completed your study of them you can then look to even older publications.... Only by studying earlier publications and digging back through previous issues of The Watchtower kept in the library at your local Kingdom Hall. There is much in the way of spiritual riches and aids toward mature knowledge in these earlier publications, and their study is most certainly worth your time.
The Watchtower June 15th 1957 Issue, Page 370:
"Respond to the directions of the organization as you would the voice of God"
The Watchtower October 15th 1958 Issue, Page 613:
"'Sometime between April 16 and 23, 1957, Armageddon will sweep the world! Millions of persons will perish in its flames and the land will be scorched.' So prophesied a certain California pastor, Mihran Ask, in January 1957. Such false prophets tend to put the subject of Armageddon in disrepute."
The Watchtower January 15th 1959 Issue, Pages 39 to 41:
Down with the Old - Up with the New!
....but, Who will be Jehovah's prophet to the nations, to speak to them everything that He should command? Who will be the modern Jeremiah? .... So who will prophesy with his message in this time of the end of the nations of this world? .... How was the question answered? .... The fact that decides the answer to the question is, not, Do all the clergy of Roman Catholicism and of Protestantism agree that Jehovah's witnesses have been and are God's prophet to the nations? but, Who discerned the divine will for Christians in this time of the world's end and offered themselves to do it? Who have undertaken God's foreordained work for this day of judgment of the nations? Who have answered the call to the work and have done it down till this year 1958? Whom has God actually used as his prophet?
14. By the historical facts of the case Christendom is beaten back in defeat. Jehovah's witnesses are deeply grateful today that the plain facts show that God has been pleased to use them. .... It has been because Jehovah thrust out his hand of power and touched their lips and put his words in their mouths....
The Watchtower October 1st 1959 Issue, Pages 607-608:
Questions from Readers
Question: Who are the writers of the publications of the Watch Tower Society, and what are their educational qualifications? -M.D., U.S.A.
The literature published by the Watch Tower Society is published in the name of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Regardless of who may write certain articles, they are checked carefully by members of the governing body before they are published; so they are properly viewed as coming from the Society. Our publishing work is not done to glorify any men or to give them a name of prominence before this world, depending upon the name of men in order to induce a study of God's Word with the aid of the Watch Tower Society's publications. We avoid all kinds of creature worship and anything that would stimulate to creature worship. In harmony with this endeavor the Society does not identify the writers of the various books, booklets, magazines, or articles that it publishes. They prefer to remain anonymous, not because of their educational background but in order that the students of the literature may concentrate on the truths and the facts presented instead of upon the identity of the writer and being influenced by who he is. They prefer that the Society and not the individual contributor to its publications should be the thing to recommend the Watch Tower publications to all readers and that the attention of readers should be directed to the organization that is being used by Jehovah God as his instrument rather than to any individual.-Matt. 24:45-47.
So we let the literature speak for itself.
The Watchtower June 1st 1960 Issue, Page 352:
"...for the purpose of protecting the interests of God's cause, it is proper to hide the truth from God's enemies."
The Watchtower July 15th 1960 Issue, Pages 438-439:
Staying Awake with the "Faithful and Discreet Slave"
2. How is this divine will to be made known and brought to the attention of the worthy multitudes of men of good will toward Jehovah? Again the awake world-watchman, the "slave" class, must undertake another world educational campaign following their restoration as witnesses after 1919. Such a global work has now been under way for more than forty years and is reaching its fruitful culmination. The facts show that during this time and up to the present hour the "slave" class has served as God's sole collective channel for the flow of Biblical truth to men on earth. Just as the early Christian congregation collectively served as the channel of communication from heaven to earth, so in our time. (Eph. 3:10) Abundant spiritual food and amazing details as to the doing of God's will have been flowing through this unique channel actually as a miraculous evidence of the operation of holy spirit. The present stature of the New World society of Jehovah's witnesses, numbering nearly a million ministers in 175 lands, gives eloquent testimony that it is not the product of human ingenuity. Rather, it is the product of holy spirit operating theocratically through a tested channel, influencing the lives of dedicated men and women in all walks of life.-Zech. 4:6.
The Watchtower July 15th 1961 Issue, Pages 431-432:
Become Activated by the Spirit of Jehovah
6. From a study of God's Word one appreciates that Jehovah does not dispense his dynamic energy through just any organization that chooses to label itself religious. Neither does God deal with individuals independently of his own wifely organization, the "mother" of all those dedicated to God. (Gal. 4:26) He has always had His channel of communication on earth through which his spirit operates. Remember how Miriam and Aaron tried to bypass this channel and almost lost their lives as a result? Only after Jesus had been baptized by Jehovah's representative did he receive holy spirit and strength to enable him to do his powerful works. (Num. 12:1-16; Matt. 3:16; Acts 10:38) By and through this holy spirit Jesus aided those associated with him so they could understand the truth, and so they too could receive power to "cure sick people, raise up dead persons, make lepers clean, expel demons." Thus is emphasized the importance of association with Jehovah's organization.-Matt. 10:8; Luke 24:45; 1 Cor. 2:10.
The Watchtower November 15th 1963 Issue, Page 688:
Execution of Divine Judgment upon False Religion
3: Can there be false religion? It is not a form of religious persecution for anyone to say and to show that another religion is false. It is not religious persecution for an informed person to expose publicly a certain religion as being false, thus allowing persons to see the difference between false religion and true religion.
The Watchtower May 1st 1964 Issue, Pages 277-278:
Building a Firm Foundation in Christ
8. God's Word is the basis of our faith. As we pore over its pages our mind is communing with God's. Our faith is established and strengthened. We are "always ready to make a defense" by offering "a reason for the hope" that we hold, and we are thereby equipped to teach others the way of life. (1 Pet. 3:15; 2 Tim. 2:2) Why, though, is such emphasis placed on "accurate" knowledge? Why should such care be exercised in our study of the columns of The Watchtower, and of our application of the Scripture texts to the material under consideration? It is through the columns of The Watchtower that Jehovah provides direction and constant Scriptural counsel to his people, and it requires careful study and attention to details in order to apply this information, to get a full understanding of the principles involved, and to assure ourselves of right thinking on these matters. It is in this way that we "are thoroughly able to grasp mentally with all the holy ones" the fullness of our commission and of the preaching responsibility that Jehovah has placed on all Christians as footstep followers of his Son. Any other course would produce independent thinking and cause division. "Now I exhort you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that you should all speak in agreement, and that there should not be divisions among you, but that you may be fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought." (1 Cor. 1:10) If all who are associated in the Christian organization have the mind of God and of Christ there will be unity and all will be built up in maturity of understanding.
The Watchtower June 15th 1964 Issue, Pages 365-366:
THE KINGDOM'S ESTABLISHMENT
22. As Jehovah revealed his truths by means of the first-century Christian congregation so he does today by means of the present-day Christian congregation. Through this agency he is having carried out prophesying on an intensified and unparalleled scale. All this activity is not an accident.
Jehovah is the one behind all of it.
The abundance of spiritual food and the amazing details of Jehovah's purposes that have been revealed to Jehovah's anointed witnesses are clear evidence that they are the ones mentioned by Jesus when he foretold a "faithful and discreet slave" class that would be used to dispense God's progressive revelations in these last days. [....]
23. The holy spirit of Jehovah is working mightily today! How thankful we should be for the provision God has made of this slave class, the modern spiritual remnant, as they faithfully dispense the revealed truths of Jehovah! With these rich truths to light the way, Christians do not grope in this dark, jungle-like world as do the masses of people in Christendom and heathendom alike. To the contrary, Jehovah's faithful witnesses have been progressively brought to an understanding of Jehovah's purposes, which are clearer now than ever before in history. Their organization, being patterned after the first-century Christian congregation, is blessed by Jehovah. He has prospered their work of preaching "this good news of the kingdom" in 194 different lands to date. Each year they gather into the organization tens of thousands of new ministers, clearly a product of Jehovah's spirit operating through his invisible King-Son and his angelic representatives, then through his faithful slave class on earth today.-Matt. 24:14.
Awake! June 22nd 1964 Issue, Page 6:
"While historians of all nations have been and are more or less guilty of writing biased history, either consciously or unconsciously, those in the employ of totalitarian governments have been especially notorious in prostituting their art by deliberately tampering with the facts of history....
the facts in human history are at times distorted....
With the fall of the German Empire and the establishment of the Weimar Republic after World War 1 came the need of rewriting that history. When Hitler and his Nazis came into power, German history as they found it did not suit them and so they rewrote it....
All that is stated may be true and yet may present a distorted picture because of what is stressed and what is omitted....
True as this is of secular histories and encyclopedias, it is even more true of religious historical works."
The Watchtower October 1st 1964 Issue, Page 601:
Pay Attention to Prophecy
....for God has on earth today a prophetlike organization, .... Jehovah's anointed witnesses on earth.
The Watchtower June 1st 1965 Issue, Pages 351-352:
Questions from Readers
First of all, we must recognize what is meant when we say God's visible organization was made strictly or fully theocratic. The term "theocracy" means "God rule" or "rule by God."
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."
New features of the work have required new methods, which has meant revisions and changes from time to time in organization instructions, but it is all a part of the advancement of Jehovah's theocratically controlled organization under the immediate direction of Jehovah God himself. Therefore, these revisions and changes are themselves fully theocratic, so they do not alter in any way the fully theocratic structure of the organization.
The Watchtower June 1st 1967 Issue, Page 338:
...in Jehovah's organization it is not necessary to spend a lot of time and energy in research, for there are brothers in the organization who are assigned to that very thing....
The Watchtower August 1st 1967 Issue, Pages 469-470:
It is true that some points are difficult to grasp at first, but instead of complaining or arguing about them....
it may be better to leave it alone for a while, waiting further clarification....
we must avoid complaining even about small things....
The Watchtower October 1st 1967 Issue, Page 590:
Finding Freedom with Jehovah's Visible Organization
Jehovah poured out his spirit upon them and assigned them the responsibility of serving as his sole visible channel, through whom alone spiritual instruction was to come. Those who recognize Jehovah's visible theocratic organization, therefore, must recognize and accept this appointment of the "faithful and discreet slave" and be submissive to it.
Since 1879 the Watch Tower magazine has been used by this collective group to dispense spiritual food regularly to those of this "little flock" of true Christians.
The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life Book (1968), Page 13:
Why It Is Wise to Examine Your Religion
4: However, you have no doubt heard people say: "It doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you lead a clean moral life and deal kindly with your neighbors." But is that all there is to worshiping God in an acceptable way? These things are necessary, but God requires more. Doctrines are also involved. The Bible informs us that "the true worshipers will worship the Father with spirit and truth." (John 4:23) If our worship is to be acceptable to God, it must be firmly rooted in God's Word of truth. Jesus reproved those persons who claimed to serve God but who relied heavily on the traditions of men in preference to God's Word. He applied to them God's own words from Isaiah 29:13, saying: "It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach commands of men as doctrines." (Matthew 15:9) Since we do not want our worship to be in vain, it is important for each one of us to examine his religion.
5: We need to examine, not only what we personally believe, but also what is taught by any religious organization with which we may be associated. Are its teachings in full harmony with God's Word, or are they based on the traditions of men? If we are lovers of the truth, there is nothing to fear from such an examination. It should be the sincere desire of every one of us to learn what God's will is for us, and then to do it.-John 8:32.
Awake! October 8th 1968 Issue:
"True, there have been those in times past who predicted an end to the world', even announcing a specific date. Yet nothing happened. The end' did not come. They were guilty of false prophesying. Why? What was missing? ....Missing from such people were God's truths and evidence that he was using and guiding them."
The Watchtower January 1st 1969 Issue, Page 2:
Ever since 'The Watchtower' began to be published in July of 1879 it has looked ahead into the future.... No, 'The Watchtower' is no inspired prophet, but it follows and explains a Book of prophecy the predictions in which have proved to be unerring and unfailing till now. 'The Watchtower' is therefore under safe guidance. It may be read with confidence, for its statements may be checked against that prophetic Book.
The Watchtower January 15th 1969 Issue, Pages 50-51:
Are You Ready for the Responsibilities of a Baptized Witness?
14. His study as well as his association with Jehovah's people helps him to understand that Jehovah has, not only a heavenly, but also an earthly, visible organization of people doing his will. Jesus foretold that among his people there would be a "faithful and discreet slave" class who would be providing the spiritual food to God's family of devoted servants on earth, acting as his channel of communication and overseeing the carrying out of the Kingdom interests world wide. (Matt. 24:45-47)
The Watchtower April 15th 1970 Issue, Page 246:
Questions That People Ask About Jehovah's Witnesses
How many are aware that adhering to false religion can mean their eternal destruction?....
Are true Christians going to stand by quietly and say nothing about such gross misrepresentations? Hardly!
Awake! April 22nd 1970 Issue, Pages 8-10:
Changes That Disturb People
One of the reasons is that people are disturbed by what is happening in their churches. Yes, millions of persons have been shocked to learn that things they were taught as being vital for salvation are now considered by their church to be wrong. Have you, too, felt discouragement, or even despair, because of what is happening in your church?
A businessman in Medelln, Colombia, expressed the effect the changes have had on many.
Tell me, he asked, how can I have confidence in anything? How can I believe in the Bible, in God, or have faith? Just ten years ago we Catholics had the absolute truth, we put all our faith in this. Now the pope and our priests are telling us this is not the way to believe any more, but we are to believe new things. How do I know the new things will be the truth in five years? What are some of these changes that disturb people?
Should Meat Be Eaten on Friday?
FOR centuries Catholics abstained from eating meat on Fridays. It was a Church law. Many sincerely believed it was a law of Almighty God. But now this has changed.
The fact is that the meatless-Friday rule was made an obligation only some 1,100 years ago. Pope Nicholas I (858-867) was the one who put it into effect. And how vital was it considered that Catholics abide by this rule? A publication that bears the Catholic imprimatur, indicating approval, states: The Catholic Church says that it is a mortal sin for a Catholic to eat meat on Friday knowingly and wilfully, without a sufficiently grave and excusing reason. It adds: The Church says that if a man dies in unrepented mortal sin, he will go to hell.Radio Replies, Rumble and Carty (1938).
Thus the devout carefully avoided eating meat on Fridays. They sincerely believed that failure to obey could lead to their eternal punishment in a fiery hell. But then, early in 1966, Pope Paul VI authorized local Church officials to modify this abstinence requirement in their countries as they saw fit. The pope was acting in line with recommendations made at the recently completed Second Vatican Council. Thus, in one country after another, meatless Fridays were virtually abolishedin France, Canada, Italy, Mexico, the United States, and so on.
The Effect
The effect upon many devout Catholics has been devastating. All these years I thought it was a sin to eat meat, explained a housewife in the midwestern United States. Now I suddenly find out it isnt a sin. Thats hard to understand. If you are a Catholic, can you understand how a practice that was considered by the Church a mortal sin can suddenly be approved? if it was a sin five years ago, why is it not today? Many Catholics cannot understand. When a woman in Canada was asked how she felt about the changes in her church, she replied: I dont know. Maybe you can tell me. What are they going to do with all those people sent to hell for eating meat on Friday?
Not just a few Catholics have asked such questions. The change in teaching has shaken their confidence in the Church. Would you not feel the same way if what you had always been taught to be vital for salvation was suddenly considered unnecessary? Would you not be inclined to question other teachings of your church also?
Many persons have begun to ask questions regarding the basis for this teaching, as well as about other Church teachings. And what especially disturbs them is that they have not received satisfying answers.
What Becomes Evident
The inability of the Church to explain its position Scripturally makes evident an important fact: The Catholic Church has not based its teachings upon what Gods Word says. Rather, it has founded many of its beliefs and practices on the unstable traditions of men.
"The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah" Book (1971 Edition), Pages 56-59:
"Ezekiel was not raising himself up as a prophet and presuming to speak in the divine name. He was really a prophet sent by the Most High God...Not alone were the inspired words of Ezekiel prophetic, but he himself was a prophetic figure in his action, as is later shown on occasions. (Ezekiel 24:24) Since Ezekiel himself was a 'portent,' or 'sign' (AV), of someone to come, and since he was not a type or prophetic figure of Jesus Christ, whom did the prophet Ezekiel typify in carrying out his divine commission?"
"Here, then, since 1914, and particularly since the year 1919, after World War I had ended, we should look for the modern-day counterpart of the prophet Ezekiel. Who is Ezekiel's present-day counterpart, whose message and conduct correspond with that of that ancient prophet of Jehovah? Of whom today was he a 'sign' or 'portent'? Not of some individual man, but of a group of people. Being made up of a unified company of persons, the modern Ezekiel is a composite personage, made up of many members, just the same as the human body is."
"So it is with the modern-day counterpart of Ezekiel: it is, not one person's body, but a composite body, made up of many members. All the members were together to do the will of Jehovah, who is the Creator of this modern 'Ezekiel.' Who, then, are the group of persons who, toward the beginning of this 'time of the end,' were commissioned to serve as the mouthpiece and active agent of Jehovah? In order to determine this, check the history of 1919, the first postwar year after the first world war."
Page 62:
"They were a small minority group of men and women who had dedicated themselves to Jehovah as God by following in the footsteps of his Son Jesus Christ. To give public evidence of this dedication to Jehovah, they had undergone water baptism just as their Leader Jesus Christ had done when he was immersed in the Jordan river by John the Baptist."
Pages 70-71:
"At the time, they might not view or appreciate him as a prophet of Jehovah. But whether they heard him as such or refrained from hearing and paying attention to him, the occasion was to come when these rebellious people would 'know also that a prophet himself happened to be in the midst of them.' Jehovah would confirm him as a prophet before them by causing what Ezekiel prophesied to come true...Likewise it was a trying mission upon which the modern Ezekiel class was sent, to religious people of the same type as those in Ezekiel's day.
But regardless of how Christendom views or regards this group of anointed witnesses of Jehovah, the time must come, and that shortly, when those making up Christendom will know that really a 'prophet' of Jehovah was among them...Since the year 1919 C.E. the anointed remnant of Jehovah's witnesses have found it to be just like that as they have spoken fearlessly the word of Jehovah in the midst of Christendom."
The Watchtower August 1st 1971 Issue, Page 467:
"Then we should expect them to have Gods prophetic truths. Does the evidence show this? Let us examine what Jehovah's witnesses have been saying down through the years and compare it with what has been said by the political, religious and commercial leaders of this system of things. Who has told the truth? Who today deserve our confidence as they tell of events to come in the very near future?"
The Watchtower March 15th 1972 Issue, Page 189:
Wanted - a Messenger
WHAT IS REQUIRED OF GOD'S MESSENGER
....More accurately, was there any group on whom Jehovah would be willing to bestow the commission to speak as a "prophet" in His name, as was done toward Ezekiel back there in 613 B.C.E.? .... It is of importance to every individual on earth to identify the group that Jehovah has commissioned as his "servant" or messenger. We must recognize and understand the warning that he brings. We need to take action on the warning to safeguard our lives, for they are in a danger as grave as that of the lives of Jerusalem's citizens as that city neared destruction. For this reason forthcoming issues of The Watchtower will further discuss the identity and work of Jehovah's commissioned messenger as revealed in His vision to Ezekiel.
The Watchtower April 1st 1972 Issue:
Page 197:
'They Shall Know that a Prophet Was Among Them'
People today can view the creative works. They have at hand the Bible, but it is little read or understood. So, does Jehovah have a prophet to help them, to warn them of dangers and to declare things to come?
IDENTIFYING THE "PROPHET"
These questions can be answered in the affirmative. Who is this prophet? ... This "prophet" was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah's Christian witnesses. ... Of course, it is easy to say that this group acts as a "prophet" of God. It is another thing to prove it. The only way that this can be done is to review the record.
Page 200:
"This would indicate that Jehovah's Witnesses today make their declaration of the good news of the Kingdom under angelic direction and support...."
"....the nations will see the fulfillment of what these witnesses say as directed from the heaven"
"Paradise Restored To Mankind By Theocracy" Book (1972), Pages 353, 354:
"Jehovah, the God of the true prophets, will put all false prophets to shame either by not fulfilling the false prediction of such self-assuming prophets or by having His own prophecies fulfilled in a way opposite to that predicted by the false prophets. False prophets will try to hide their reason for feeling shame by denying who they really are."
The Watchtower August 1st 1972 Issue, Page 458:
Loving Oversight of the Congregation of God
THEOCRATIC APPOINTMENT IN THE CONGREGATION
10. But who is at the head of this rapidly expanding congregation, you ask? Is it some brilliant, farsighted man, some human who is a master organizer? No, for the Christian congregation is operated theocratically, meaning that it recognizes the leadership only of Jehovah God as exercised through his Son and enthroned King, Jesus Christ. (Isa. 33:22; Heb. 12:2; Rev. 19:16) This is what makes the congregation theocratic in structure, adhering to God-rule. If an organization is to be fully theocratic, it must be directed and controlled altogether by God and by the forces he operates. It is vital, therefore, that each one recognize that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Christian congregation, as well as showing proper regard for those on earth who have been theocratically appointed to positions of oversight.-Phil. 2:9-11; 1 Cor. 11:3; Acts 14:23.
Page 460:
18. Each week the principal Bible study aid published by Jehovah's witnesses, the Watchtower magazine, is studied by the congregation as a whole. This is done in the form of a question-and-answer discussion. For this meeting the entire congregation usually meets in one place. Through the columns of The Watchtower comes increased light on God's Word as Jehovah makes it known. Because of the vital nature of these discussions, the Watchtower study is the most important meeting for all of Jehovah's Christian witnesses and interested persons. Therefore, the Watchtower study conductor, who presides over this meeting, has an important responsibility. This study enables all to be united in the same line of thought.-1 Cor. 1:10.
The Watchtower November 1st 1972 Issue, Page 644:
"Does this admission of making mistakes stamp them (the Watchtower Society) as false prophets? Not at all, for false prophets do not admit to making mistakes."
The Watchtower August 1st 1973 Issue, Page 460:
Cultivating Friendship with God
14. Yes, we should be deeply appreciative of all the fine spiritual food that "the faithful and discreet slave" class has been providing through The Watchtower, now for ninety-four years. [i.e. since 1879]
Awake! October 22nd 1973 Issue, Page 6:
Examine the Evidence
Reasonable persons agree that the only fair method is to examine the evidence on both sides, both for and against a disputed theory. That is how one arrives at the truth.
The Watchtower January 15th 1974 Issue, Page 35:
Can You Be True to God, Yet Hide the Facts?
When persons are in great danger from a source that they do not suspect or are being misled by those they consider their friends, is it an unkindness to warn them? They may prefer not to believe the warning. They may even resent it. But does that free one from the moral responsibility to give that warning?
If you are among those seeking to be faithful to God, the issues these questions raise are vital for you today.
"Is This Life All There Is?" Publication (1974), Page 46:
"Knowing these things, what will you do? It is obvious that the true God, who is himself 'the God of truth' and who hates lies, will not look with favor on persons who cling to organizations that teach falsehood. (Psalm 31:5; Proverbs 6:16-19; Revelation 21:8) And, really, would you want to be even associated with a religion that had not been honest with you?"
The Watchtower May 15th 1976 Issue, Page 297:
They (the Governing Body) do not claim infallibility or perfection. Neither are they inspired prophets.
"Holy Spirit -- The Force Behind the Coming New Order!" Book (1976), Page 148:
Chapter 8: "Spirit of Life from God Entered into Them"
"The holy spirit, which Jehovah prophesied that he would pour out in the last days, has not ceased to operate, for the remnant are still baptizing disciples of Christ in the name of that spirit...The announced purpose behind God's pouring out of his spirit upon all sorts of flesh was that the recipients thereof might prophesy. The facts substantiate that the remnant of Christ's anointed disciples have been doing that prophesying to all the nations for a witness in favor of God's kingdom."
The Watchtower January 1st 1980 Issue, Page 2 (Inside Front Cover):
A WATCHTOWER enables a person to look far into the distance and announce to others what is seen. Likewise, this magazine, published by Jehovah's Witnesses, aids the reader to see what the future holds
The Watchtower February 15th 1981 Issue, Page 19:
OUR VIEW OF THE "SLAVE"
We can benefit from this consideration. If we have once established what instrument God is using as his "slave" to dispense spiritual food to his people, surely Jehovah is not pleased if we receive that food as though it might contain something harmful. We should have confidence in the channel God is using. At the Brooklyn headquarters from which the Bible publications of Jehovah's Witnesses emanate there are more mature Christian elders, both of the "remnant" and of the "other sheep," than anywhere else upon earth.
The Watchtower September 15th 1981 Issue, Page 18:
Godly Conduct Toward Others
NOT INHUMANE TOWARD OTHERS
13. As an aid in determining what our conduct should be toward such a person (who has been Disfellowshipped), we need to understand Jesus words: Let him be to you just as a man of the nations and as a tax collector. In later centuries, some Jewish rabbis did express extreme views, such as that a Jew should not even help a Gentile who was in peril of death. Such heartlessness was not shown only toward Gentiles. For instance, in Jesus parable about being a true neighbor, both a Levite and a priest refused to help an injured fellow Jew, though a Samaritan later did so. Luke 10:29-37.
14. But in Matthew 18:17 Jesus could not have meant that his disciples were to refuse to do an act of human kindness, as in a case of accident or of desperate need. Jesus showed such kindness to some Gentiles.
The Watchtower December 1st 1981 Issue, Page 27:
The Path of the Righteous Does Keep Getting Brighter
Jehovah God has also provided his visible organization, his "faithful and discreet slave," made up of spirit-anointed ones .... Unless we are in touch with this channel of communication that God is using, we will not progress along the road to life, no matter how much Bible reading we do.
The Watchtower October 1st 1982 Issue, Page 27:
Be as Men Who Are Facing Har-Magedon Unafraid
8. 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."
The Watchtower January 15th 1983 Issue:
Page 22:
Avoid Independent Thinking
Avoid.... questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization.
Page 27:
....some who point out that the organization has had to make some 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?
"Fight against independent thinking."
The Watchtower February 15th 1983 Issue, Page 12:
You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth - But How?
A third requirement is that we be associated with God's channel, his organization. ... Jehovah is using only one organization today to accomplish his will. To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it.
Reasoning From the Scriptures Book (1985 and 1989 Editions), Page 136:
False Prophets
Have not Jehovah's Witnesses made errors in their teachings?
Jehovah's Witnesses do not claim to be inspired prophets. They have made mistakes. Like the apostles of Jesus Christ, they have at times had some wrong expectations.-Luke 19:11; Acts 1:6.
Awake! June 8th 1986 Issue, Page 9:
"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.
The Watchtower, February 1st 1987 Issue, Page 19:
"First of all, there is the matter of being obedient and ready to respond to encouragement. When direction and encouragement come from the proper source, it is only right that we should respond readily. Thus, rather than viewing these qualities as mere national traits, we keep in mind Jesus' words: 'My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.' (John 10:27) We also remember that one feature of 'the wisdom from above' is being 'ready to obey.' (James 3:17) These are qualities that all Christians are encouraged to put on. Due to background and upbringing, some may be more given to independent thinking and self-will than others. Perhaps this is an area where we need to discipline ourselves and 'make our mind over' so that we can perceive more clearly what the 'will of God' is. Romans 12:2."
The Watchtower August 1st 1987 Issue, Page 10:
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES recognize no man as their leader. Their organizational structure has no equivalent of the pope of the Roman Catholic Church, the patriarchs of the Eastern Orthodox Churches, or the leaders of other churches and sects of Christendom.
Their allegiance is to Jesus Christ, the Head of the Christian congregation, who stated: "Your Leader is one, the Christ." Matthew 23:10.
Page 20:
Back in early Christian times, some decisions made by the governing body may have been hard to understand at the time. This was doubtless the case when Paul was sent back to Tarsus or when he was sent to the temple after his third missionary journey. (Acts 9:30; 21:23-25)
Yet, Christ was actually behind such decisions. (Acts 22:17-21; 23:11)
Today we can be confident that whatever Christ allows to occur among his disciples on earth has some lofty purpose behind it, even as in the first century.
The Watchtower April 1st 1988 Issue, Page 30:
What about the authority in the Christian congregation? Since those in responsible positions are appointed by the operation of the holy spirit and they base their counsel and admonition on the Word of God, we can be sure that obeying duly appointed authority in the Christian congregation is appropriate. (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17)
But it does not mean that we obey such authority without giving due consideration to what is being said.
Why?
The apostle John offered this counsel: "Do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God." (1 John 4:1)....
Is the information before us different from what we have been taught through "the faithful and discreet slave"?
Is the person spreading that message speaking to honor the name of Jehovah, or is he trying to exalt himself?
Is the information in harmony with the overall teachings of the Bible?
These are questions that will help us in `testing' anything that may sound questionable.
We are admonished to "make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine."Matthew 24:45; 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
Insight on the Scriptures Book Volume 2 (1988), Page 245:
"(Jehovah's Witnesses are not) under obligation to divulge truthful information to people who are not entitled to it"
Awake! March 22nd 1990 Issue:
Young People Ask - Should I Get Baptized?
Really, the freedom Satan's world offers is a mere illusion. As the apostle Peter said of some who were misled in his day: "While they are promising them freedom, they themselves are existing as slaves of corruption. For whoever is overcome by another is enslaved by this one." (2 Peter 2:19)
Is it really freedom to have your thinking, conduct, and morals controlled by others?
The Watchtower December 15th 1990 Issue, Page 26:
For over a century, delightful, correct words of truth covering every aspect of life have been presented in the Watch Tower Society's publications and widely distributed in many languages.
Awake! March 22nd 1993 Issue, Pages 3-4:
"Why So Many False Alarms?"
Jehovah's Witnesses, in their eagerness for Jesus' second coming, have suggested dates that turned out to be incorrect. Because of this, some have called them false prophets. Never in these instances, however, did they presume to originate predictions 'in the name of Jehovah.' Never did they say, 'These are the words of Jehovah.' The Watchtower, the official journal of Jehovah's Witnesses, has said: "We have not the gift of prophecy." (January 1883, page 425) "Nor would we have our writings reverenced or regarded as infallible." (December 15, 1896, page 306) The Watchtower has also said that the fact that some have Jehovah's spirit "does not mean those now serving as Jehovah's witnesses are inspired. It does not mean that the writings in this magazine The Watchtower are inspired and infallible and without mistakes." (May 15, 1947, page 157) "The Watchtower does not claim to be inspired in its utterances, nor is it dogmatic." (August 15, 1950, page 263) "The brothers preparing these publications are not infallible. Their writings are not inspired as are those of Paul and the other Bible writers. (2 Tim. 3:16) And so, at times, it has been necessary, as understanding became clearer, to correct views. (Prov. 4:18)"-February 15, 1981, page 19.
The Watchtower July 1st 1994 Issue, Pages 12-13:
As loyal servants of Jehovah, why would we even want to peek at the propaganda put out by rejecters of Jehovah's table....
The Watchtower January 1st, 1996 Issue, Pages 2 and 9:
"Thus Israel learned the hard way the futility of relying on human organizations. Instead of enjoying peace, the nation was dragged off into exile in Babylon.-2 Chronicles 36:17-21."
The Watchtower June 1st 1997 Issue:
"Jehovah's Witnesses are happy to reveal who they are and what they are doing. Following Bible principles is the surest method of steering clear of dangerous groups whose motives are less than honorable. (Isaiah 30:21)"
"True religion in no way practices secretiveness."
"They (the First-Century Christians) were out in the open as to their beliefs and activity. The same is true of Jehovah's Witnesses today."
"...Jehovah's Witnesses will be happy to reveal the plain facts of their activity and beliefs to anyone who cares to know the facts. Why not investigate for yourself, thus being in position to be properly informed as to their faith?"
Page 14, Paragraph 7:
"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 4:18 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."
Webster's Dictionary Definitions of "Dogmatic":
1: Dictatorial
2: Being Unduly and Offensively Positive in Laying Down Principles and Expressing Opinions
3: Imposing One's Will or Opinions On Others
4: Oppressive to, or Arrogantly Overbearing Toward Others
5: Forcing Acceptance of One's Opinions
6: Disposition to Follow Abstract Theories in Framing Laws or Policies Affecting People
The Watchtower August 1st, 1998 Issue, Page 24:
"As I look back over my lifetime in Jehovah's service, I can see that Jehovah is the one who is running this organization - not men."
The Watchtower September 1st, 1998 Issue, Pages 17-18:
"Because Jehovah's servants follow divine, not human, standards, his organization is theocratic, clean, and wholesome."
The Watchtower July 1st 2001 Issue, Page 18:
"....not all doubt is bad. At times, you need to suspend acceptance of something till you are sure of the facts;"
"Religious exhortations to the effect that you should just believe and should doubt nothing are dangerous and deceptive;"
"A loving Christian is certainly ready to believe those who have proved trustworthy in the past. But God's Word also warns against 'putting faith in every word.' (Prov. 14:15);"
"Sometimes a person's past record gives legitimate reason for doubt. 'Although - the deceptive talker - makes his voice gracious,' the Bible warns, 'do not believe in him.' - Proverbs 26:24, 25;"
"The apostle John also warns Christians against blind belief. 'Do not believe every inspired expression,' he writes. Rather, 'test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God.' (1 John 4:1);"
"An 'expression,' a teaching or opinion, might appear to emanate from God. But did it really come from him? Exercising some doubt, or suspending belief, can be a real protection because, as the apostle John says, 'many deceivers have gone forth into the world.' - 2 John 7;"
"Yes, an honest, humble examination of the facts to establish the truth is often called for."
The Watchtower November 15th 2001 Issue, Page 19:
"Hypocrisy.... will ultimately prove death-dealing to those who practice it. In the end, hypocrisy will be openly exposed. 'There is nothing covered over that will not become uncovered,' said Jesus Christ, 'and secret that will not become known.' (Matthew 10:26; Luke 12:2) Wise King Solomon declared: 'The true God himself will bring every sort of work into the judgment in relation to every hidden thing, as to whether it is good or bad.' Ecclesiastes 12:14."
Quote from the Letter that the Watchtower Society Faxed to Dateline on February 7th 2002, and was posted on the Official Watchtower Society Media Website around May 28th 2002:
"Our Governing Body is willing to resolve differences of opinion (with the people who were on Dateline) within the framework of the Congregation and according to Scriptural Principles."
The Watchtower June 15th 2002 Issue, Page 31:
A Time to Reveal a Confidential Matter
Keeping certain matters confidential can mean the difference between peace and contention. But is there a time to reveal a confidential matter? Note what the prophet Amos says about his God: "Jehovah will not do a thing unless he has revealed his confidential matter to his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7) From these words, we can glean something concerning confidentiality. Jehovah may keep certain matters confidential for a period of time and eventually reveal them to some individuals. How can we imitate Jehovah in this regard?
At times, the appointed shepherds in the Christian congregation find it beneficial to keep a certain matter undisclosed. (Acts 20:28) For instance, with the benefit of the congregation in mind, they may decide to keep the details of some arrangements or changes in congregation responsibilities confidential until a specific time.
In such a case, however, it is important to make clear to those who are involved if, when, and in what manner the matter is to be revealed. Knowing when a matter will be publicly disclosed may help them to maintain confidentiality. - Proverbs 25:9.
The Watchtower July 15th 2002 Issue:
"since 1919, the Israel of God has obediently and consistently shed forth Jehovah's light."
Quote from the Letter that J.R. Brown (Watchtower Society's Main Spokesman) sent on May 9th 2002 to Betsan Powys, Reporter for the Panorama TV Show about their Pedophile Policy (This Letter was posted on the Official Watchtower Media Website around July 14th 2002):
"Ms. Powys, please do not conclude that we believe that our system is perfect. No human organization is perfect. But we do believe that we have a STRONG, BIBLE-BASED POLICY on child abuse."
The Watchtower August 1st, 2002 Issue, Pages 14 and 22:"Although no organization directed by humans can be perfect, we are delighted to be able to serve God in the company of faithful fellow believers, who gladly submit to godly authority!"
The Watchtower September 15th 2002 Issue, Pages 16-18:"In the first century, such individuals as Hymanaeus, Alexander, and Philetus, were advocating ideas that did not fit "the pattern of healthful words." (1 Timothy 1:18-20; 2 Timothy 2:16, 17) How could the early Christians avoid being led astray by apostates? By carefully studying the inspired writings and applying them in life. Those walking in accord with the example they had in Paul and other faithful ones were able to recognize and reject anything that did not conform to the pattern of truth they had been taught. (Philippians 3:17; Hebrews 5:14) Instead of being "mentally diseased over questionings and debates about words," they continued moving ahead in their positive course of godly devotion. (1 Timothy 6:3-6) We do the same thing when we keep on putting into practice the truths we have learned....""Satan tries to break our integrity through the sowing of doubts about what we have been taught. Today, as in the first century, apostates and others seek to destroy the faith of guileless ones. (Galatians 2:4; 5:7, 8) Sometimes they have used the media to spread distorted information or even outright lies about the methods and motives of Jehovah's Witnesses....""....Whatever stumbling blocks were involved, some evidently preferred falsehoods over the truths of God's Word. Soon they stopped practicing the things they had learned, and this was to their own spiritual detriment. - 2 Peter 3:15, 16""We can avoid turning aside to false stories today if we scrutinize and are selective about what we listen to and what we read.... "And modern-day apostates keep on trying to sow seeds of doubt in order to subvert the faith of Christians.... So we need to be careful.""....If our ears are inclined towards disgruntled ones, we need to analyze ourselves prayerfully. (Psalm 139:23, 24) Are we inclined to find fault with Jehovah's people? If so, why?....""Rather than being critical, let us maintain a spiritually healthy view of the information received through personal study and congregation meetings. (1 Corinthians 2:14, 15) And instead of questioning God's Word, how much wiser it is to have the attitude of the first-century Beroeans who examined the Scriptures closely! (Acts 17:10, 11) Then, let us act on what we learn, turning down false stories and clinging to the truth."
The Watchtower October 1st 2002 Issue:Page 16:"Strong faith, in turn, fortifies us to obey Jehovah, even when his requirements seem to go contrary to human reasoning."Page 19:"...the faithful slave through its Governing Body.... 7. By submitting to the slave class, God's people also show their subjection to the Master, Jesus Christ."Page 22:"How important, therefore, that we have an obedient attitude toward that 'slave'!"
Preparing for Child Custody Cases Booklet, Page 3: (MY COMMENT: I am not sure which Year this Publication was Released)"Many try to portray the beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses as dogmatic and restrictive....emphasize the fact that you have formed your beliefs and adopted your practices after much study and reflection; your religion is not simply a matter of rules imposed by the elders. You want to emphasize the fact that you are a thinking.... individual."
Quote from The Watchtower Magazine Mission Statement:"This journal is not dogmatic, but confident; for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in His service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgement of His good pleasure, the teaching of His Word, for the upbuilding of His people in grace in knowledge, and we not only invite, but urge our readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word which reference is constantly made to facilitate such tests."Edited by - UnDisfellowshipped on 2 October 2002 1:25:11
Edited by - UnDisfellowshipped on 3 October 2002 4:24:43