The Finished Mystery: What JWs Once Believed

by Kenneson 7 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

• 

  Kenneson

  To view a copy of this book go to http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Thebes/5606/FM/TC.htm

  It is still made available by the Bible Students. It's interesting to note that one of the first truths presented in the preface portrays Charles Taze Russell as the Messenger of the Laodicean Church--"that wise and faithful servant of the Lord." Now follow along for further truths. On page 15 it is Christ not Jehovah who is the Almighty of Rev. 1:8; on page 17 we find Christ establishing a Church; on page 57 the Holy Spirit is a Person, not an active force; on page 60 the Great Pyramid of Giza predicts the year of Armageddon, which page 62 says will definitely occur in the spring of 1914; but Christ had already returned invisibly in 1874, according to pages 54, 60, and 68; Christ was crucified (page 68) and you will love this one on page 188 which reveals that Michael the Archangel is really the Pope and his angels are the Pope's bishops!!!!!

  When confronted with all these debunked "truths" supporters of the Watchtower will point to several Scriptures to try to justify their new "truths." They maintain that if the apostles could have misconceptions and remain apostles (see John 21:23) so can the W.T. and at the same time remain God's earthly organization. See also Luke 24:25, 27 and 45; Mark 9:35-45 and Malachi 3:1-2.

  Strange how JWs are willing to justify their own errors, but expect perfection from other religions!
• 

  RR

  er ... correction, The Finished Mystery is not accepted by the Bible Students. Although it is on their Bible Students Library Cd Rom, it is there as a resource material along with many other non-Bible Students literature.

  It has never been reprinted by the Bible Students.

  RR
• 

  Kenneson

  R.R.

  Thanks for the correction. I am puzzled, however. Why does it state "International Bible Students Association" underneath the first paragraph of the introduction if it is not accepted by the Bible Students? Was it once accepted? If rejected, why so?
• 

  RR

  Good question, and one few ever realize the answer too.

  The International Bible Students Association was incorporated by the Watch Tower Society in 1914, up until that time the various congregations were known as simply Bible Students or International Bible Students of [City, State]. When Pastor Russell incorporated the name IBSA for the European work, he told all Bible Student congregations not to use the name IBSA when advertising their meetings/studies. So the congregations adopted the name Associated Bible Students of [City, State] so that there would be no confusion. If you look at the older Watch Tower journals, you'll see listings for Associated Bible Students meetings, etc.

  This shows that the congregations in Russell's time were autonomous or self governed, there was no direct connect to the Society, the Society did not dictate to thjem what they should and shouldn't do, the various congregati9ons were simply in harmony with the Society so long as they piblished what they felt was truth.

  When the Judge took over he attempted to take over the congregations by forming a heirarchy, there was protest and the schisms began, those who gave up their Christian freedom became International Bible Students those he abandoned the IBSA/WTS remained Associated Bible Students.

  The Society used three main corporations in their witnessing and publishing efforts.

  Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society [Parent corporation in PA]

  People's Pulpit Association [New York branch 1909, changed to Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York in 1940s]

  International Bible Students Association [European branch, 1914]

  The Congregations went by the name Associated Bible Students

  So when you see the IBSA name that is the publishing corporation, not the individual Bible Student congregations.

  Hope that helps!

  RR
• 

  Hamas

  At least you are well away from the dubs, RR.
• 

  mizpah

  The "Finished Mystery" was the "bombshell" that caused a schism at Bethel in 1917. Rutherford was passing this publication as the posthumous work of Russell. But, in fact, it was coauthored by Rutherford, Woodworth and Fisher. This issue led to the eventual defection of many Bible Students from the Watchtower organization. Some formed their own "Bible Student" groups. Some of these still use the Studies in the Scriptures but eliminate the "Finished Mystery" as a publication of Rutherford. (More information about this can be found in Penton's APOCALYPSE DELAYED. Pages 50-52)
• 

  Frannie Banannie

  Yeah....it's my understanding that the "Finished Mystery" book was not *finished* by Russell....he only wrote most of it not including the chapter at the end on the book of Revelation, which the Judge.....Rutherford finished himself, twisting things to suit his own purposes...

  Frannie B
• 

  Kenneson

  R.R.,

  Yes, very helpful. I appreciate the clarification.