by ninja 16 Replies latest jw friends
Russell simply borrowed occult/Masonic symbols and ideas to lend legitimacy to his rebranding of a Millennialist offshoot publishing business. That's all, folks!
Betterdaze that's a possibility. It's not as glamorous as a good conspiracy though. Every story needs a protaganist and an antagonist.
betterdaze nailed it IMO;
"Fraternal organizations were much more popular at that time; every one and his uncle belonged one. They were social clubs with valuable bu$iness networks — that was their function. So Russell dropped catchwords and phrases into his writing that would appeal to these gentlemen. If he could attract one fraternal member to Watchtowerism, that one may bring in his fellows (and by extension, their wives and families)."
These societies were a worldwide fascination at the end of the 19th Century. Freemasonry concepts are incompatible with the dubs.
As Freemasons we believe in making the world a better place now by acting in a way that is governed by brotherly love, relief and truth.
Tell us about the future, "brother".
Are there freemasons in the watchtower society?
At Kingdom hall construction sites you'll sometimes find people who call themselves masons working for free, and it's a good thing. Most JW contractors I knew were well known for their shoddy workmanship, and don't deserve to get paid.
W
For there to be freemasons running the wts assumes 2 very huge and implausible things:
1- There is original thought at Bethel these days. Not. The lawyers are the only ones doing any original thinking and their efforts are directed at limiting liability. Franz, Schroeder, etc were the last of the "thinkers" Everyone else is parroting.
2- There is some great conspiracy. Not. Everyone in the org (at all levels) is so caught up in the never ending cycle of performing repeditive tasks that there is simply no time or energy left for conspiracy.
I heard Russell's blood line is being kept secret by the Watchtower Society, but you can decode the where abouts on the back of the latest Kellog's Frosted Flakes box.
I hate to shatter your preconcieved ideas, but there is no secret underwear, and we don't predict the future.
You will find conspiracy theorists everywhere who all have an opinion on the Freemasons born of ignorance and wishful thinking. There may be some New World Order stuff at work amongst powerful people who happen to be Freemasons but Freemasonry itself is dedicated to enlightenment and charity.
