Although we cannot measure the exact length of "this generation," we do well to keep in mind several things about the word "generation": It usually refers to people of varying ages whose lives overlap during a particular time period; it is not excessively long; and it has an end. (Ex. 1:6) How, then, are we to understand Jesus' words about "this generation"? He evidently meant that the lives of the anointed who were on hand when the sign began to become evident in 1914 would overlap with the lives of other anointed ones who would see the start of the great tribulation. That generation had a beginning, and it surely will have an end. The fulfillment of the various features of the sign clearly indicate that the tribulation must be near. By maintaining your sense of urgency and keeping on the watch, you show that you are keeping up with advancing light and following the leadings of holy spirit. - Mark 13:37.
And as we have all discussed on here the last few months, it is well noted (at least by us) that whoever wrote this tripe could not provide one, single scripture to support this nonsense. Of course, the word "evidently", covers a multitude of false predictions made by these goons, and is quickly discarded whenever their prophecies fail to materialize. Which happens 100% of the time. It's easy for many JWs to dismiss the Borg's failed predictions in days gone by, and accept this noo lite as being the final 'refinement' in bible truths. Yet how many of us remember 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 years ago, that the rank and file were just as confident when they read the following nonsense in their day:
"Despite the doubts of so many, from what Jesus said about his coming, it can be said with confidence that most persons who read this article, and millions of others, will live to see that earth-shaking event take place." ------w 1975 1/1 p. 9 Will You Live to See Christ's "Coming"?
"Yes, in the initial fulfillment, "this generation" evidently meant the same as it did at other times-the contemporaneous generation of unbelieving Jews. That "generation" would not pass away without experiencing what Jesus foretold. As Williamson commented, this proved true in the decades leading up to Jerusalem's destruction, as an eyewitness historian, Josephus, described. In the second or larger fulfillment, "this generation" would logically also be the contemporaneous people. As the article beginning on page 16 establishes, we need not conclude that Jesus was referring to a set number of years making up a "generation."-----w 1995 11/1 p. 31 Questions From Readers
"So when, on the Mount of Olives, he again spoke of "this generation," he evidently did not mean the entire race of Jews throughout history; nor did he mean his followers, even though they were "a chosen race." (1 Peter 2:9) Neither was Jesus saying that "this generation" is a period of time."----w 1999 5/1 p. 11 par. 12 "These Things Must Take Place"
The Writing Department has made more embarassing gaffs than the Duchess of York, and it is incredible that anyone still buys their bullshit at all. I believe that, while they'll never admit it, more and more of the rank and file are uncomfortably aware that "this generation" has completely lost it's meaning, at least from the WT's point of view, and that they will in fact, grow old and die in this "System of Things". The Borg is desperately trying to stem the fallout of their disastrous change in the Nov 1995 WT that shocked so many and was the beginning of the fallout they now have.
For all the times the WTS have painted themselves into a corner with their ridiculous predictions, it is worth noting that they have never issued an apology. Not once. No matter how devastating their lies had on millions of people, they will never accept responsibility for their screw-ups and simply put it all down to "noo lite". It should be interesting to see how long it takes before they go and change what Jesus "evidently" meant by "this generation" yet again.
Truly nauseating.
