Terry,
Your topic here gives more definition to a fuzzy picture I had been wondering about. I couldn't put my finger on it.
In initially addressing issues on line here, I have used the pamphlet "What the Bible Really Teaches" as a jumping off point, a book that to an outsider like myself throws a whole lot of Biblical references at the reader. If a dream in Daniel can trump a Gospel in doctrine, well what could I say? But I would ask "What does this all mean?"
In the midst of this I was doing some independent research - and I located the transcripts of the 1954 (!!) Walsh trial where Franz and other officers testified in a court in Scotland. To my surprise I had discovered that the Brooklyn crew testified to their belief that Jesus was the Archangel Michael. It was news to me. And here I was taking all of this instruction ( on behalf of my ex) where no expense was spared to point out the error of thinking that Jesus was part of the Trinitiy ( whether I personally believed it or not).
But where did it say what they believed?
In an Appendix of the book.
Why?
Because it fit into the concept of corporate organization in heaven - or an army - or a corporation - and a battle was coming up with Satan. There had to be a chain of command. Besides, in an epistle it was suggested that Jesus or Michael had a voice like a trumpet.
This was it? No wonder this book was not up front about its beliefs.
In one of the few times I had attended a Sunday service back in the spring of 2009 with my ex, I was struck by the WatchTower text for the day. It was an examination of "stumbling" in Matthew - and in questioning people were encouraged to say how willing they were to cut off their arms or cast their eyes out. I did not observe any missing limbs or sensory organs. In passing, Christ's Sermon on the Mount was mentioned - and the text referred to his theme of "Blessed are..." as something I remember quite well in its strange condescension.
"Nifty."
I had assumed that the organization was not just Bible based, but lost in a sea of apocalyptic pronouncement based on the Old Testament. I hadn't stop to consider or even sensed that power and devotion were being concentrated on a present day institution.
...OUTLAW