by Vanderhoven7 25 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
But what was God's crucial single visible organization from 300 AD to 1800 AD i.e., before Russell came on the scene?
The Roman Catholic Church of course ,what other organization lasted that long ?
And is still in existence
And their are currently about 1.3 Billion members .
Smiddy3 - You stole my thunder! Nice!!!
Speaking in rough numbers and approximations:
Beginning with recorded history, the first 3,100 years of recorded history there is no visible organization for the god of the Bible on Earth. According to the Watchtower, there was no visible organization for the god of the Bible for 1,820 years until Judge Rutherford caught the eye of King Jesus of the Heavenly Kingdom of YHWH. So, no salvation for anyone between the years of 99 CE and 1820 CE.
The WTS preaches that there is a single visible organization because that way, they can insert themselves between God and humanity. Being a gatekeeper in that sense confers immense power and influence on a person or group. The leadership of the WTS has always pushed the idea that he/they are God's conduit on Earth.
It's also nonsense, of course. If I can reach out to God directly in prayer, and God listens to prayers and answers prayers... why do I need a man or a group of men to intervene? Didn't Jesus already intervene in the way that actually mattered? Didn't He specifically mention that He was the conduit, not some hucksters who wouldn't even be born for some 1,900 years?
If God is within reach to me, why would I depend on someone else to act as a middle man? Too many religions treat God as if he was a CEO, needing intermediaries at every step of the way, keeping the little people from ever even catching a glimpse of him. No no no! I have a direct line. Step aside, please.
It makes them feel part of a tribe. Humans seem to be tribal after all. that's why people get salty over football teams etc.
Watchtower, September 15, 1895: "Beware of "organization." It is wholly unnecessary. The Bible rules will be the only rules you will need. Do not seek to bind others' consciences, and do not permit others to bind yours."
Punkofnice,
I have cited that quote to many JWs.
I've never gotten a response.
Deer in the headlights.
Does not compute...
Ding. Probably you'll get the usual boo hoo of 'but that's old light(tm)'.
Yes, but remember new light does not contradict old light but adds to it.
The accurate rationalization is that this quotation originated in 1895 wheras Jehovah only became editor of the Watchtower in 1919.
Thus pre-1919 truths don't really count.đ
Honestly, I think itâs even simpler.
At this point (despite what any loyalist will insist), the everyday, mundane, boots-on-the-ground aspects of being a JW arenât particularly appealing.
Affiliation with âGodâs Exclusive Earthly Organizationâ is really the only half-tangible incentive left.
Case in point; how many of us here started planning our WTexit (consciously or otherwise) the moment we realized it wasnât?
Russell was right Punky
"Beware of "organization." It is wholly unnecessary. The Bible rules will be the only rules you will need. Do not seek to bind others' consciences, and do not permit others to bind yours."
Watchtower, September 15, 1895:
Spot on Tonus , but all excellent points. I say this as an outsider looking in .
I have learnt so much on this site .
Jan
