Reflection from the past...

Scorpion

"If you are a young person, you also need to face the fact that you will never grow old in this present system of things. Why not? Because all the evidence in fulfillment of Bible prophecy indicates that this corrupt system is due to end in a few years. Of the generation that observed the beginning of the "last days" in 1914, Jesus foretold: "This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur."-Matt. 4:34. Therefore, as a young person, you will never fulfill any career that this system offers. If you are in high school and thinking about a college education, it means at least four, perhaps even six or eight more years to graduate into a specialized career. But where will this system of things be by that time? It will be well on the way toward its finish, if not actually gone!"-AWAKE!, May 22.1969, page 15.

Scorpion

"ANOTHER REFLECTION"

By 1914 the Lord will have full control. Gentile governments will be overthrown; body of Christ will be glorified; Jerusalem will no longer be trodden; Isreal's blindness will be turned away; there will be world-wide anarchy; and God's kingdom will take the place of man's governments.
Studies in the Scriptures Volume 2 (The Time Is at Hand 1889) early edition, pages 76-78

In the later editions of volume two, (1904) the date 1914 was changed to 1915 on pages 98-99 and also 101.

"There is no reason for changing the figures; they are God's dates, not ours; 1914 is not the date for the begenning, but the end! WT 7/15/1894

"We did not say positively that this would be the year." WT 11/1/1914

What is the lesson to be learned here?

larc

Also, in the pre - 1914 edition of Studies in the Scriptures Vol II you quoted above, they wrote that 1914 "will be the furthest limit of the rule of imperfect men." In the 1916 edition, they changed it to the idea that 1914 "will see the disintegration of the rule of imperfect men." Thus, with an ecoonomy of word changes Russell was able to radically alter the meaning of the text. This ia a clever writing method, but not a very honest one.

I think the WTBTS needs to revise their definition of "the truth." "The truth is whatever we printed in the last 12 months."

Scorpion

larc,

It seems today that religious movements of all types alter the writings of their leaders or try to give new meaning to what was said in order to cover over the errors, false prophesies and down right rediculous teachings. It is amazing that someone can believe such nonsense after the facts have been presented. Of course, I was one that took some convincing that the WT was full of it.

larc

More History

The Great Pyramid - from God: "Its wonderful coorespondencies with the Bible LEAVE NO DOUBT the same divine inspirer of the prophets and apostles inspire this 'Witness' also." Studies in the Scriptures III, 1905 ed. p.17 (All Caps are mine)

The Great Pyramid - from Satan: Regarding it, they wrote, "Then Satan put this knowledge in dead stone, which may be called Satan's Bible, and not God's stone Witness." Watchtower, Nov. 15, 1928.

"Beth-Sarmin, built in 1930, is now held in trust for the occupancy of those princes on their return." New World p. 104

"Berth-Sarim was built for Brother Rutherford's use." 1975 Yearbook.

In 1941, during WWII, they wrote: "the near future will bring and is already hastening to bring ... Armageddon. the battle of the great day of God Almighty." Consolation p.11

In 1968 they wrote: "During World War I, God's people expected it to lead directly into Armageddon, but Jehovah prevented such a climax at that time. WE DIDN'T SUCCUMB TO SUCH A TEMPTATION DURING WORLD WAR II." (All caps mine)
Kingdom Ministry, Jan. 1968 p. 5.

"Would it be Scripturally proper for them to now marry and to begin to rear children? No, is the answer, which is supported by the Scriptures" Face the Facts, 1938, 46.

Pathofthorns

Funny how the past has been hidden with so much just sitting on half of our bookshelves or on a computer disc.

Quite interesting to see just how much things have changed. The religion becomes a completely different entity every 15 years or so. And at the same time, despite how much its changed, it remains surprisingly, or should i say, sadly the same.

Path

thinker

These are some of the things my "worldly" husband brought to my attention. Funny, how being raised in the "truth" doesn't really educate you on their true beliefs. Interesting to me that so many extremely intelligent people still buy into it, my parents for one. It becomes so clear when you have an open mind, and truly look for answers.
Thinkers Wife

RR

Interesting, Russell admitted he was wrong about the events, and had even warned the WT readers as early as 1902 that things may not happen as they predicted, but when WWI broke out, they were hopeful.

However he saw nothing wrong with the dates, when he stated. "these are God's dates" he believed they were and still do. In fact, there were several ways to arrive at the Chronology.

The Chronology Russell has was different from the Society.

And I agree, that teh Society has reinterpretted what Russell taught and believed, making it sound as if he was a JW.

"People in glass houses, shouldn't throw stones"

Pathofthorns

Can u explain what you just said in more detail?

Thanks

Path

larc

RR,

Yes, could you elaborate.? Do you have a reference and quote for the 1902 Russell statement you alluded to? As of the 1908 version of Studies In the Scriptures II, he had not changed the text that I mentioned above.

Reflection from the past...

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