Ray Franz saw it. Most of us here see it. But the normal rank and file Jehovah's Witness doesn't have a clue as to HOW MANY times the predictions of dates allegedly marking the " end of the world " have come and gone without realization or fulfillment. Here is a short summation from Ray Franz's book " Crisis of Conscience " for those who were not aware.
On pg. 142 of " Crisis of Conscience " it states that even as far back as 1796 ( as well as centuries before ) people in religions were expecting the " end " or " fall of the antichrist ". " George Bell predicted such a " fall " of the antichrist ( according to his view, the Pope ) " Him and others thought the beginning of the " last days " would come in 1799. It came and went, nothing. Then a man in England arose by the name of John Aquila Brown . He thought the 2,300 days in Daniel would end in 1844 . " This understanding was also adopted by the American pioneer of the second adventist movement , William Miller. "
Then Charles Russell researched further and stated in his publications in 1878 that the end of the nations rule would come in 1914. End of the Gentile times. Russell even stated adamantly in his Watchtower magazine Jan. 15th 1892 that " The date of the close of that " battle "Armageddon is DEFINITELY marked in scripture as October, 1914. " But surprise, surprise ! The nations kept ruling , Russell died in 1916 and many of the then Bible students were left bewildered wondering WHAT'S NEXT ? Enter J.F. Rutherford to the rescue ! Apparently Rutherford had led many in the Bethel family and others to believe that 1925 ( according to Fred Franz ) was forecast to be the time for the start of the millennium or thousand year reign of Christ. But even after it came and went with nothing happening Fred Franz admitted Judge Rutherford stated , " I know I made an ass of myself. " ( Pg. 137 " Crisis of Conscience " )
So then predictions were made about 1975 being the end of 6,000 years since man's creation. Fred Franz and others made very blatant comments indicating THIS would very well be THE YEAR ! But again, it came and went, nothing. Now it's been 96 years since 1914, still nothing. And in the latest February 15th Watchtower the WT society is DENYING they ever had a talk saying " Millions Now Living WILL Never Die " . They claim the talk was " Millions Now Living MAY never die . "
I agree with Ray Franz's view of the heavy load of responsibility the WT society holds when he stated in his book on pg. 138, " The organization, however, treats these mistakes as mere evidence of human imperfection and also as evidence of great desire and enthusiasm to see God's promises. I believe that the " record " shows there is more to it than that. It is one thing for a man to make an " ass " out of himself because of wanting to see something happen. It is quite another thing for him to urge others to share his views, to criticize them if they do not, even to question their faith or impugn their motives if they do not see the matter as he sees it. " Franz continues, " It is still more serious for an organization representing itself as God's appointed spokesman to all mankind to do this - and to do it, not for a few days or months , but for years, even decades, repeatedly, on an earthwide basis. The responsibility for the results can surely not be shrugged off with simply saying, " Well, nobody's perfect. "
So over 130 years have passed since this marketing scheme of C.T. Russell, J.F. Rutherford, Nathan Knorr, Fred Franz , etc, etc etc. ( need I go on ? ) has been keeping the proverbial carrot in front of rank and file Jehovah's Witnesses keeping them in fear of something that NEVER happens. It is how ALL mind control cults control people - through guilt and fear. So if you are newly exiting Jehovah's Witnesses - do yourself a favor- educate yourself about the history of failed expectations in the WT society and Jehovah's Witnesses and you will be happy you are no longer being deceived anymore. You'll confirm it for yourself ! Best way to do it. As always I welcome all your thoughts and observations. Peace out to all, Mr. Flipper
