jv chap. 28 p. 623 Testing and Sifting From Within
"...Brother Russell wrote, in 1896: "As we have been to some extent, by the grace of God, used in the ministry of the gospel, it may not be out of place to say here what we have frequently said in private, and previously in these columns,—namely, that while we appreciate the love, sympathy, confidence and fellowship of fellow-servants and of the entire household of faith, we want no homage, no reverence, for ourselves or our writings..."
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"We would not refuse to treat one as a brother because he did not believe the Society is the Lord's channel. If others see it in a different way, that is their privilege. There should be full liberty of conscience."(Watchtower April 1, 1920, pp.100-101)
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Contrary to your claim, Adam, Russell was the most moderate of all WT presidents.
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The WT Society now:
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"[Avoid] questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization --" Watchtower 1983 Jan 15 p.22 Avoid Independent Thinking.
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"'Believe all things,' all the things that the Watchtower brings out" --Qualified to be Ministers (1955) p.156
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"In Jehovah's organisation it is not necessary to spend a lot of time and energy in research, for there are brothers in the organisation who are assigned to that very thing" Watchtower 1967 Jun 1 p.338
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"But this does not mean that he should introduce additional material from his own personal research and thus possibly overshadow what has been published in the magazine. Extensive research has already been involved in producing the study article, and the points to be emphasized are those included in the paragraphs under consideration. When outside material is introduced, it often detracts from what "the faithful and discreet slave" has prepared for the congregation. (Matt 24:45-47) The impression may be given that the additional information from the conductor's research is of equal or greater value."
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"A basis for approved fellowship with Jehovahs Witnesses cannot rest merely on a belief in God, in the Bible, in Jesus Christ, and so forth. Simply professing to have such beliefs would not authorize one to be known as one of Jehovahs Witnesses. Approved association with Jehovahs Witnesses requires accepting the entire range of the true teachings of the Bible, including those Scriptural beliefs that are unique to Jehovahs Witnesses." (Watchtower, April 1, 1986, p. 31).
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None of this sounds like a JW has any room whatsoever for their "conscience". They do and believe only what WT tells them to. The last quote says that- it doesn't matter what's in the BIble, what WT says is Law.
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Cofty's point is spot on, Adam, whether you agree or not.
