Ray Franz mentioned in Crisis of Conscience that in 1980 Schroeder, Klein, and Suiter proposed changing the start of "this generation" from 1914 to 1957. As the "this generation" doctrine has since mysteriously morphed any date associated with it is moot. However, as time marches on without the developments anticipated by the GB may they again pick a new year, this time for the invisible enthronement of Christ, in an attempt to buy time and regain credibility? What dates or historical events would be likely choices?
Will we see the GB replace 1914 with a new date in the next 30 years?
by nvrgnbk 55 Replies latest watchtower bible
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Mary
I think the only reason they haven't abandoned 1914, is because they'd also have to abandon 1919, which they refuse to do. It would easy enough to get rid of Jesus' (supposed) ruling as King on that date, but by abandoning 1919 and the date when they claim they were approved and chosen as the F&DS---well, I don't think they're willing to hand the reigns over on that one.
They already did a botched job trying to explain it away in 1995: They say that the Last Days still began in 1914, but that a 'generation' can mean just about anything. Of course, examining this up close shows it makes no sense whatsoever, even by their own standards. Jesus said "When you see these things START to occur," your deliverance was "near". If these things started to occur in 1914, then The End should have come long ago..........Best not to think about it I guess.
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Brother Apostate
Have they learned from past mistakes?
Probably not.
They could get some wild ideas from this site:
http://www.threeworldwars.com/2012/12-21-2012.htm
Seems that some folks never step trying to calculate the day and the hour!
BA- When it comes, it comes.
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Narkissos
Frankly I don't think so. Now that they have successfully defused the generation time-bomb 1914 is not a danger anymore, just one "specific teaching" such as 1844 is to the Adventists. Inasmuch as it roughly corresponds to a "historical date" (WWI) it works even better as an argument. So, imo, they have much more to lose than to gain in changing it.
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Brother Apostate
by abandoning 1919 and the date when they claim they were approved and chosen as the F&DS---well, I don't think they're willing to hand the reigns over on that one.
Good point, Mary.
BA- That would really let the cat out of the bag.
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stillajwexelder
YES - They will simply have no choice - but while Barber, Barr and Jackass are around it will not happen. When Jackass is dead it will happen - but they will have to- Passage of time will force it.
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under_believer
NO.
They will just stop talking about 1914, and after a while everyone else will stop talking about it too. The Watchtower is getting out of the prophecy interpretation business, slowly but surely, Revelation book study notwithstanding. I suspect that was probably at the behest of one of the oldtimers on the Governing Body.
I think as time goes on we'll see them focus more on their current strengths--control, loyalty, and retention. -
moshe
The local KH and the group JW experiences at assemblies and meetings is their religion and no changes in the WT dogma will cause a mass exodus from the KH. A new date could be introduced and accepted by the brothers, I believe. They have an entrenched "us against the world" mentality that in a perverse way gives them pleasure. As long as the changes are done gradually,and no massive public scandal surfaces, then I don't see any mad rush for the exits at the KH. Eventually, demographics will catch up with them and without fresh converts they will end up just a withered stalk of a religion, much like today's Christian Scientists. Once the elder arrangement breaks down due to a lack of replacements, then the organization will begin to fall apart at that point. Maybe JW's will eventually revert to their original roots- Bible study meetings in private homes.
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Amnesty Vendor
Honestly, there are so few jws around who even have a clue about the importance of those dates.
They could change it to almost anything and the vast majority would stay around to show loyalty at any cost.
The relatively few who give up will simply be dismissed as bitter apostates, seeking their own selfish desires.
No matter how weak the doctrinal argument or strong & clear the evidence, if a jw ain't ready to leave - they simply ain't goin' nowhere! -
nvrgnbk
Thanks to one and all for the interesting replys. Imho this issue will not make the org. disappear overnight however, it must produce a profound effect with the passing of time.
In the replys I observe three basic schools of thought:
1. No. They will propose no new year as significant as 1914. They will cling to it till the bitter end.
2. Yes. They must do so to retain some shred of credibility and to motivate the members.
3. They will eventually refrain from referring to 1914 and hope that it fades from the collective memory of the members.
Each of the three are in their own way valid but I'm leaning towards #2. I just can't see how they can escape it.
Not done yet, just collecting my thoughts,
Nvr