Hi Sandyjo,
Lots of people have said that Russel was doing his best and he was only human after all. That same sentiment is still being used about the WTS today. The only problem with that argument is that it was claimed that Russel, then Rutherford and Knorr claimed to be the "Faithful & Discreet Slave". Franz changed it to encompass the remnant of the 144,000. As such they are supposed to have a "direct line" to Jehovah as He is communicating to His people by means of this slave class. If that was true, then no longer can Russell, Rutherford etc. be excused for making "human" mistakes. They claimed there "truth" doctrine was coming directly from Jehovah. In 1972 the Watchtower carried an article claiming the FDS class to be "Inspired" of God (a claim they have since tried to retract).
If this FDS class was inspired, then how can it make mistakes - or are we saying Jehovah makes mistakes.
If it is NOT inspired, then what right do they have to disfellowship or excommunicate anyone who disagrees with their understanding of scripture and doctrine. Surely if they are only doing their best to understand these things as men, then I have every right to choose to accept their interpretation or reject it.
Unfortunately, that is not the case in the Organisation...you accept it or get thrown out!
You will miss the people and association, as I did. But just analyse how real those friends were, who can turn their back on you overnight based on the decision of 3 men who at best are only human and trying to do their best to follow the decrees of a man made organisation, and who at worst are totally inept, unqualified and too inexperienced in life to be making such far reaching decisions.
Many of the principles taught and practices taught by the WTS are good and I continue to live my life by them. But, despite what the Society claims, there are many other people living their lives by those same scriptural principles who are NOT JWs.
Take care
Ivor
www.geocities.com/ivor_hope