Is it possible that the WTS comes out with 'new light' in order to hide a secret truth within the higher ranks of its organization?
Is The WTS A Masonic Organization?
by Latin assassin from Manhattan 20 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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mizpah
This theory has been floating around for some time. I don't believe there is any evidence that the Watchtower is or was in any way connected to the Masons. Conspiracy theories usually fall flat on their faces with good research. But some die very hard.
The "Protocols of the Jewish Elders" was proven to be completely false. In fact, it was an attempt to justify anti-semitism. But even today, this theory will occasionally raise its head especially among those white supremacy hate groups.
Latin: Why do you think there could be a connection between the Watchtower and the Masons?
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Latin assassin from Manhattan
I asked because I know that the current site of the WTS headquarters was formerly a Masonic Hall.
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mizpah
Latin: I didn't know that. But I do know that Russell originally bought the property of the famous and scandalous preacher, Henry Ward Beecher, who was one of the most prominent ministers of his day and one of the most controversial. Many of the historical sites in Brooklyn were absorbed by the Watchtower Society and either torn down or drastically changed. That is one of the reasons that the Watchtower has a bad reputation among its neighbors in Brooklyn.
The Society's version of Russell's move to New York from Pennsylvania is another "tale" it spins. From what I remember, the Society says that Jehovah directed Russell to New York because of its location as one of the great shipping centers of the world. No mention is ever made to the fact that Russell was fighting alimony payments to his wife in the PA courts that had awarded her more benefits. This move took him out of the jurisdiction of that court. Maria was the original one that came up with the idea that Russell was the "faithful and wise servant" of Jesus illustration. She lived to regret it, though. And she later identified him as the "evil servant" of the same scripture.
The history of the Watchtower Society makes for fascinating reading. I would recommend Penton's book Apocalypse Delayed for anyone who has an interest in this subject.
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neverthere
My grandad was a Mason and I can tell you that they are NOTHING like JW's. The origins of the Masonic Temples comes from witchcraft, that is why they are at "degrees". (That's what grandad said anyways)
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jwsons
The graveyard of Charles Taze Russell is a pyramid with the peak of pyramid has an eye on it, it also has "The Watchtower Bible and Tracts Society" clearly on it. If Wacotower and Dark Society is not the owner of this property, it should refute this emblem and sue people who made its name "WTB&TS" appears on this tomb to the court. However, they silent about it. So who are the Masonic in this Dark society ? Look at this : http://www.geocities.com/endtimedeception/templar.htm
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jwsons
The graveyard of Charles Taze Russell is a pyramid with the peak of pyramid has an eye on it, it also has "The Watchtower Bible and Tracts Society" clearly on it. If Wacotower and Dark Society is not the owner of this property, it should refute this emblem and sue people who made its name "WTB&TS" appears on this tomb to the court. However, they silent about it. So who are the Masonic in this Dark society ? Look at this : http://www.geocities.com/endtimedeception/templar.htm
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mizpah
As I understand it, the gravesite of Russell is being taken care of by those who still follow Russell's teachings. They would be the ones that Jehovah's Witnesses call the "evil servant class." When I started to study in the early 50s, there were two groups in our city. One was the "Dawn Bible Students" and the other was the "Associated Bible Students." We would occasionally meet some of them out in service. Most were very elderly. They tried to tell me about the early history of the Bible Students and how Rutherford "stole" the Watchtower. They were always kind and considerate. Of course, I was young and ignorant about the early history of the Watchtower. I always managed to make a quick retreat.
Now I can understand their viewpoint. Rutherford did, in fact, steal the organization from those who Russell appointed to be his successors. He used "strong arm" measures to eliminate any oppostion. It has been estimated that many, if not most, of the old Bible Students left the organization at the time.
A few years ago, I was writing to an elderly man in Ct. He belonged to a group of "new covenanters" who broke with Russell early on when Russell taught that the church did not come under the "new covenant". Some of Russell's very close associates and relatives left the organization at that time. But this was long before the practice of "disfellowshipping" and "shunning."
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William Penwell
I believe the early Watchtower symbol of the cross inside of a crown was or is very close to a masonic/knights of the templar symbol. As a matter of fact my mother used have her fathers label pin with that very same symbol.
Will
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Big Tex
When I was a kid, even into adolesence, I would doodle when I was bored. Most times I would draw this:
Other times I would doodle stars, or one eye, or dark and white squares forming a checked floor.
