I know he somehow tricked his way in. I thought him and Russell had some sort of falling out??? What the heck happened???
Still Can't Figure Out Exactly How Rutherford Took Control of the Society
by cognac 12 Replies latest jw friends
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ziddina
I think that Ray Franz covers that in "Crisis of Conscience"...
If not, then maybe the "FreeMinds" website.
At any rate, from what I've read of the man, Rutherford ruled by verbal abuse and intimidation; nasty verbal vitriol, spewed upon those who dared cross him - and he went to great lengths to "get even" with such people later, if he couldn't break and crush them immediately.
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UnConfused
Sounds like a christian peach!
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ziddina
Here's a link to an article with one of "Da Judge's" original articles from a 1924 Watchtower - on the subject of alcohol and Prohibition...
It might give you some insight into the man's character...
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ziddina
And here's a link to the conflict between Moyle - a lawyer employed by Watchtower during Rutherford's time, and Rutherford himself...
It contains a sort of "disassociation" letter from Moyle, describing Rutherford's behavior in unflinching language, and describes Rutherford's reaction to Moyle's letter and criticism...
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james_woods
Lovely kind religion with saint-like leaders, isn't it?
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steve2
The above source is as good as any on Rutherford's methods and manner. It is hard to escape the conclusion that he was a man devoid of empathy and obsessed with a mission.
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Phizzy
I would love to see verified proof of the way he did it in those days after Russell died, I think that would be proof enough for an honest JW to see that God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit would have nothing to do with the power hungry bully Rutherford.
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Bonnie_Clyde
I think James Penton had a lot to say about it in the book, "Apocalyse Delayed," as to exactly what happened when he took over. Russell intended that the president was to be MacMillan.
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Sic Semper Tyrannis
I read the same thing about how Russell intended MacMillan to be his successor. But the problem was that Russell never made any such decision in the only legally binding document - his will. I think it's important to understand that Russell never expected to die without seeing Armageddon, and should he have passed, had made only temporary provisions in order to continue publishing his books while keeping the movement alive in the short amount of time left. Russell expected the end soon, and whoever took over in the interim was of little importance. What he did was put most of the decision making power into the hands of the Editorial Committee. Rutherford, being an experienced attorney, found a way to get the existing members dismissed and manuevered the vote to appoint himself and his loyalists as replacements. If Russell had indeed intended for MacMillan to take the ropes, the choice in itself was undoubtedly meant to appoint a caretaker president who would not make any rash or emotional decisions while keeping the movement running as it had before. MacMillan was a yes man. Had Russell have known that as of 2012 the world was still ticking along, he might have made more concrete efforts in his will.