Apocalypticism + Populism = Jehovah's Witnesses
In thinking broadly about the various aspects that make Jehovah's Witnesses who they are and the world-view they prescribe to, I have come to the conclusion that there are no two things that make Jehovah's Witnesses who they are more than their blending of social populism with apocalyptic speculation.
JWs see the world as being run completely by elite institutions. This in itself isn't a bad assessment. Our modern bureaucratic societies do generate a large gap between "the people" and those who are in positions of power.
Rutherford was the master as using populist ideas in order to convince his followers to accept a religious message. Instead of focusing on "taking back power" as some political populists argue, Rutherford instead convinced people they should give up completely on trying to change the system.
But why?
Because he believed that the battle between "the people" and the elitist "satanic" institutions would be destroyed not by the people themselves but by "Jehovah's Kingdom". No need for people to change society because our solid predictions about the apocalyptic events to soon occur are undeniable truth. At least they thought they were.
The longer time goes on the weaker the Watchtowers argument is for standing on the sidelines. Even during times when positive social change was happening (the American civil rights movement for instance) the Watchtower argued that all should sit on the sidelines and wait for Gods Kingdom. As the years go by I believe it will be more difficult for the Watchtower to present the idea that the best way to stand up for the innocent is to sit by and do nothing.
Apocalypticism + Populism = Jehovah's Witnesses
by drew sagan 4 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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drew sagan
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nvrgnbk
Excellent post, drew.
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hamilcarr
These are the catchphrases of every new belief or political system. After a relatively short period of rapid increase comes a long and difficult period of stabilisation and 'defense'. I think JWs have recently reached this point and will try to gradually weaken their radical eschatological beliefs in favor of a more moderate discourse, which will be closer to mainstream christianity. I think it's the only possibility they have to survive the 21 century unless major societal upheavals are to happen in the near future.
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R.Crusoe
It's amazing how much negative publicity they cover you with about every aspect of the human world till it disables you from feeling a part of it and then all you are left with is misery and a long wait for your own death!
WTF are they up to??
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drew sagan
I think JWs have recently reached this point and will try to gradually weaken their radical eschatological beliefs in favor of a more moderate discourse, which will be closer to mainstream christianity.
This is probably the most likely scenario. Putting off apocalyptic expectations does not last forever. Some groups take radical action to try and fulfill their expectations personally (peoples templet, heavens gate, ect.) Other groups simply continue to come up with new expectations and dates, although the movement suffers because after each disappointment more leave. The most rational and least dramatic is to make slow changes over time.
At this point I see the Watchtower as being in a state of limbo. They have continued to suspend and postpone their apocalyptic speculations but refuse to add more meaningful components to their ideology. They need to start slowing changing and planning for the future, but I don't see it happening. They stubbornly continue to proclaim that the end is near. Their followers can't be in a state of constant expectation forever. They are going to need other goals that help keep them as loyal members.