The text below is from the Jan 1st Watchtower 1913 I don't recognise this in any JW congregations today.
THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION THIS ASSOCIATION sprang up spontaneously and gradually during the past thirty years, but particularly during the past ten years. It is composed of thinking Christian people of various ages who are studying the Bible reverently and profitably. There are no limitations as to membership, except such as could be properly applied to any true Christian: (1) Faith in God as the great Creator and Heavenly Father; (2) Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as the world's Redeemer; (3) Faith in the Bible--that it is the inspired Message of God, respecting His will and purposes in connection with mankind; (4) A clean and honorable life. Our Association finds this platform broad enough for all true Christians, regardless of all denominational lines, quirks and frills. We have no bondage, and any one is as free to leave the classes as to enter them. Indeed, following the example of the early Church in this as well as in other matters, we avoid any special manner of joining these classes, or any special enrollment, or any special commitment as to faith and practise other than the broad principles already mentioned.
Yep, when the judge took over he striped them of their Christian freedom and liberty, which is what caused the split. However, the original
Bible Students
still exist and still go by those standards.
We have no bondage, and any one is as free to leave the classes as to enter them. Indeed, following the example of the early Church in this as well as in other matters, we avoid any special manner of joining these classes, or any special enrollment, or any special commitment as to faith and practise other than the broad principles already mentioned
Hey......didn't you know that you are STILL free to leave this organisation..............there has been added only one stipulation since that quote. Now if you read the fine print at the bottom it says......."but if you do leave, you will lose your entire family, and friends, if they too have joined us.......and........Jehovah will SURELY kill you cuz he hates apostates, ..........but you are free to leave if you want."
regardless of all denominational lines, quirks and frills
Yeah - how it's changed. Be gone ye Babylon the Great! It seems to be mental and spiritual arrogance to completely negate and demonise everyone else's beliefs on the planet. And that's *not* likely to change I don't think.
