Here is an excerpt from the study article entitled "Peace, Security and the 'Image of the Beast'" in the October 1, 1985 issue of The Watchtower. (Note: the organizations referred to in paragraph 10 are Satan's political system and the United Nations.)
The Rider of the Beast
10 Did you notice something else about the beast? There was a "woman" riding it. She is identified as the worldwide empire of false religion, "Babylon the Great, the mother of the harlots and of the disgusting things of the earth." (Revelation 17:3-5, 15) Have the world's religions 'ridden' both organizations, trying to guide their course? Yes, particularly the religions of Christendom.
11 For example, Dutch correspondent Pierre van Paassen described the "something akin to religious enthusiasm" of the representatives of the Protestant churches of America, Britain, and the Scandinavian countries who attended sessions of the League of Nations. In 1945 the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America declared: "We are determined to work for the continued expansion of the curative and creative functions of the United Nations Organization." In 1965 Pope Paul VI declared that he saw in the organization "the reflection of the loving and transcendent design of God for the progress of the human family on earth-a reflection in which We see the message of the Gospel which is heavenly become earthly." Indeed, religious leaders have made that organization "full of blasphemous names."-Revelation 17:3; compare Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14.
No Force for Peace
12 The United Nations does not enjoy good relations with God's Kingdom. In fact, its supporters oppose that Kingdom. The angel told John: "[The ten horns] will battle with the Lamb, but, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, the Lamb will conquer them. Also, those called and chosen and faithful with him will do so." (Revelation 17:14) True to the prophecy, the nations have persistently 'battled with the Lamb' throughout this time of the end, opposing and persecuting those who act as ambassadors of his Kingdom. The Lamb, though, is unconquerable, and so are his servants on earth who continue preaching the good news of God's Kingdom despite bannings, imprisonments, and even death.-Matthew 10:16-18; John 16:33; 1 John 5:4.
13 In truth, the United Nations could never be a force for real peace. Its rider, "Babylon the Great," is one of the most wicked war makers in history, and she is "drunk with the blood of the holy ones and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus." (Revelation 17:6) The wars of the nations who support that organization have soaked the earth in blood. (Matthew 24:6, 7) And the power behind them, Satan the Devil, "the great dragon," is no peacemaker. (Revelation 12:9, 17; 13:2) Mankind will never enjoy security as long as these entities exist. They will have to be removed.
Questions
Paragraph 10: Did the Watchtower Society "ride" and "try to guide the course" of the United Nations by voluntarily seeking associate NGO status with it in 1991?
Answer: Yes, according to the Witnesses who claim that association was sought to further human rights and the preaching work.
Paragraph 11: Has the Watchtower Society made numerous positive statements about the role and function of the United Nations in its publications, particularly Awake! magazine, since 1991 in compliance with the requirement that associated NGOs "mobilize support" for the United Nations and its goals?
Answer: Yes. Read those old magazines.
Paragraph 12: If the "United Nations does not enjoy good relations with God's Kingdom," why would it permit the Watchtower Society, the legal corporation employed by the "faithful and discreet slave" to preach the Kingdom message, to obtain associate NGO status with it for some ten years?
Answer: Apparently neither the scarlet-colored wild beast nor the aspiring harlot are too picky about whom they get in bed with.
Paragraph 13: If the "United Nations could never be a force for real peace," why did the Watchtower Society voluntarily seek associate NGO status with it?
Answer: Probably money, when you get right down to the root of it.
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