As long as I can remember, the WTS taught that the "evil slave" mentioned conversely to the FDS by Jesus were the "Russelites", or group of people that followed Russel's teachings, but hated Rutherford and hated the fact that he took it upon himself to write the final "Studies in the Scriptures" volume. Then they refused to follow the direction that the organization was going at that time. They then started their own tight-knit religious group with the sole intention of immortalizing Russel and his teachings, which got them the label of "evil slave". Is this still taught by Witnesses? Any help would be appreciated.
"Evil Slave" still believed to be "Russelites"?
by Theocrat 19 Replies latest jw friends
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minimus
I believe that is still correct. And my, how the "Russellites" have beaten down on that poor "Slave". They are known as such brother beaters!!
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sir82
You rarely hear any talk of this any more.
There have been a handful of references in the WT lately to certain ones who "didn't take seriously the responsibility to preach" in the 20's & 30's. I know there was a huge (like 75%) mass defection in the late 20's, so it seems the "evil slave" teaching may be morphing a bit. But it really seems to have faded into inconsequentiality.
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minimus
You rarely hear talk of it anymore because that "slave" is dead.
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under_believer
This application was made as recently as 2004 in a Watchtower study, relating the "evil slave" to both the original Russellites, though they are not named but only described, and subsequent "apostates" as well.
*** w04 3/1 pp. 13-14 ‘The Faithful Slave’ Passes the Test! ***
“That Evil Slave”2 Jesus spoke of the evil slave immediately after discussing “the faithful and discreet slave.” He said: “If ever that evil slave should say in his heart, ‘My master is delaying,’ and should start to beat his fellow slaves and should eat and drink with the confirmed drunkards, the master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect and in an hour that he does not know, and will punish him with the greatest severity and will assign him his part with the hypocrites. There is where his weeping and the gnashing of his teeth will be.” (Matthew 24:48-51) The expression “that evil slave” draws our attention to Jesus’ preceding words about the faithful and discreet slave. Yes, the “evil slave” came from the ranks of the faithful slave. How?
3 Before 1914, many members of the faithful slave class had high hopes of meeting with the Bridegroom in heaven that year, but their hopes were not fulfilled. As a result of this and other developments, many were disappointed and a few became embittered. Some of these turned to ‘beating’ their former brothers verbally and consorting with “confirmed drunkards,” religious groups of Christendom.—Isaiah 28:1-3; 32:6.
4 These former Christians came to be identified as the “evil slave,” and Jesus punished them with “the greatest severity.” How? He rejected them, and they lost out on their heavenly hope. They were not, however, immediately destroyed. They first had to endure a period of weeping and gnashing of teeth in “the darkness outside” the Christian congregation. (Matthew 8:12) Since those early days, a few other anointed individuals have shown a similar bad spirit, identifying themselves with the “evil slave.” Some of the “other sheep” have imitated their unfaithfulness. (John 10:16) All such enemies of the Christ end up in the same spiritual “darkness outside.”
5 Nonetheless, the faithful and discreet slave went through the same tests as “that evil slave.” Rather than becoming embittered, however, they were readjusted. (2 Corinthians 13:11) Their love for Jehovah and their brothers was strengthened. As a result, they have been “a pillar and support of the truth” during these tumultuous “last days.”—1 Timothy 3:15; 2 Timothy 3:1. -
kid-A
Interesting question. From what I recall, they stopped referring to them as just including the remaining Bible Students, but now consider any
high ranking "apostate" to fall under this category (i.e. anyone who "knew" the truth and then deliberately tried to oppose or destroy jehoobies "chosen"
organization). But I could be wrong on that.
BTW the "Dawn Bible Students" are still alive and well, faithfully reading the works of Chucky T. Russell in New Jersey....LOL
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drew sagan
That is one heck of a quote under_believer, thanks for posting it. I can't believe I never even noticed this stuff when attending these meetings.
I found this quite interesting:Before 1914, many members of the faithful slave class had high hopes of meeting with the Bridegroom in heaven that year, but their hopes were not fulfilled.
Funny how the Watchtower teaches that they where selected in 1919 and all other religions rejected, but here they show themselves to be in Gods full favor WELL BEFORE then. In fact anybody that disagreed with them BEFORE THEY WHERE EVEN CHOSEN is doomed. Very interesting, this might be one of my new favorite articles. -
Nosferatu
3 Before 1914, many members of the faithful slave class had high hopes of meeting with the Bridegroom in heaven that year,
WHO'S FAULT WAS THAT??? I'm pointing at YOU Watchtower!!!!!
5 Nonetheless, the faithful and discreet slave went through the same tests as “that evil slave.” Rather than becoming embittered, however, they were readjusted.
No, they became hypocritical assholes. What a twisty road the JWs drive on!
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blondie
So if a JW says they are of the anointed and they leave the WTS and start "opposing them" are they part of the evil slave or only those that were labeled such around 1918 and 1919?
Hmmm
Blondie
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hamsterbait
The scripture states that "if that slave should say in his heart 'my Master is delaying' and consort with the drunkards and harlots" then the master on arriving will punish him by cutting him in pieces. There is where the weeping and gnashing of his teeth will be."
Since we are now 90 years after 1914, it seems appropriate to ask who the evil slave is now.
The WT claims that all the groups who broke away died out (see "Proclaimers" book )
By their actions the WTBTS seems to be thinking (in their heart) "my master is delaying" - why else are they investiing in long term projects?
They are consorting with political, interfaith, and financial interests, even giving mortgages to congos of 25 to 30 years. Is this the conduct of those who believe the Master's coming is "imminent?"
The drunkards according to WT are the Harlot "babylon" ( drunk on the blood of the holy ones) They are cooperating with other cultic religions to campaign for religious freedom for themselves. ( the harlot is the drunk)
The WT can be shown to have been splintering into separatist groups since 1917. Witnoids just refuse to look at the evidence and say that the other splinter groups died out. A LIE.
They were indeed cut in pieces (as the literal translation says) They are now splintering themselves further.
It is very imprtant that we see that the "my master is delaying" is said in the hearts of the annointed. It is not admitted openly.
Their actions betray what is in their heart.
ANNOINTED GB MEMBERS IN THEIR 50s - when was the door closed? Guess what their hearts say!
HB
HB