Appreciate Russell's Writing's !! W/t 04/2002

by Latte 6 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  Latte

  W/T April 15,2002 P.28

  Two Pastors Who Appreciated Russell’s Writings

  As observed in 1925 by Remigio Cuminetti, Banchetti showed “much sympathy” for the work of the Bible Students and was “fully convinced” of the doctrines as explained by them.

  On one occasion. Banchetti was dicussing Russell’s writings with a man named J.Campbell Wall. In answer to Wall’s criticisms, Banchetti said: ”I am certain that if you read Russell’s six volumes, you would experience a vigorous and deep joy, and you would thank me with emotion. I do not parade doctrine; but I read those books eleven years ago, and thank God every day for putting before me such light and such consolation by means of a work that is entirely and solidly founded on the Holy Scriptures.”

  Listen, Listen, Listen

  It is significant that these two Waldensian pastors- Daniel Rivoire and Giuseppe Banchestti- expressed appreciation for the way Russel explained the Bible. Banchetti wrote: “I say that none of us evangelicals, not even our pastors of theology professors, nobody knows everything. Nay, we have many, many other things to learn…..[we should] …..stay and listen, not thinking we know it all, and not rejecting what is offered for our examination. Rather, listen, listen, listen.”

  Every year, thousands listen to the Kingdom message as brought to their homes by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Open-minded people everywhere who thirst for Bible truths are responding to Jesus’ invitation: “Come be my follower.”

  If only they were alive now......I reckon that they would be posting on here, with all us open-minded ones! lol

  Sure makes me angry when they post these kind of de-sensitising articles.[>:(]

  Latte
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  refiners fire

  What an ironic fate for Russell.
  A thinker, Founder of a sect he would have hated.
  A writer, whose works are hidden never to be read.
  A figurehead, who noone knows the truth about.

  His masterpiece- "The Battle of Armaggedon"
  A 600 page compilation of totally irrelevant news snippets from
  the 19th century.
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  refiners fire

  "Battle of Armaggedon"

  page 633:
  ..."The distillery, the brewery, the saloon, the brothel, the poolroom, all time killing and character depraving businesses will be stopped"...

  Pooltables are banned in the kingdom brothers and sisters.

  ...."the new Kingdom will have abundant power to execute summary justice in the punishment of evildoers,when they have determined to act, but before they have done injury"...

  Apparently theres some kind of mind reading system in the Kingdom wherby you may identify a murderer before he murders.
  Sure hope THAT one doesnt get abused.

  page 635.
  ...."if the whole people were put to work systematically and wisely,
  not more than 3 hours labour from each individual would be necessary"...

  Hey! Didnt Stalin try that one!!

  Page 636.
  ..."The nations will be ruled by force, irresistible force, until righteous order is established by submission, every knee shall bow,...and outward obedience shall be compulsory"....

  I just cant WAIT to get to the Kingdom Brothers!
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  Tammie

  Sorry, I'm just testing something.
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  Bodhisattva

  SIX VOLUMES?!? What about the seventh? True, it wasn't really Russell's, but it was to be held in the same esteem. Or since they repudiated it a couple years ago in a study article, are they free to change 77-year-old quotes?
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  Will Power

  I can't believe it. They are more or less advertising these books as being something a zealous JW would want to read! Above & beyond the normal reading requirement because they love the troof so much.
  How do they get away with it?

  They should recommend old issues of the National Inquirer while their at it! At least they have photos of miracles, the boy with a cow body or the alien that looks just like Jesus, etc.

  They never cease to amaze me.
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  larc

  Just like many things, the Society has changed its mind several times, on their opinion of Russell. One year after his death they wrote, "The two most prominient messengers, are the first and the last - St. Paul and Pastor Russell." (Wt, 11-1-17, p. 323) It is surprising that they didn't call him St. Charles.

  In 1951, they wrote something quite different, "... who is preaching the teaching of Pastor Russell? Certainly not Jehovah's Witnesses! They can not be accused of following him, for they neither quote him as an authority nor publish or distribute his writing." (Awake!, 5-8-51) Eight years later, they wrote a much more positive statement about Russell, which implyed that he was divinely inspired. "Jehovah's Witnesses admire the qualities he possessed as a man, but were we to give the honor and credit to Pastor Russell, we would be saying the the works and success were his; but Jehovah's Witnesses believe that it is God's spirit that guides and directs." (Jehovah's Witnesses in the Divine Purpose, p. 63)

  So, what does the Society think of Russell? I guess it depends on which year you ask them.