by slimboyfat 33 Replies latest social current
I concur Slimboyfat, Penton was a wonderfull person. Over 50 people defected with him from this cult when he left. That is a testimony to his character.
I’m glad you restructured this post in recognition and honour for the man. He deserves nothing less!
Gavindlt, if one's character can be judged by the number of his followers, then Jim Jones and Kamala Harris are demigods.
Professor Penton is in mythical Sheol, a metaphysical "place" that even the inspired scholars at The Watchtower could not explain. Wherever he is or is not, Schrödinger's James Penton knows nothing now.
Barbara & Joe Anderson are talking about James Pentons books on SixSreens.
Jehovah's Witness's and the Third Reich mentioned.
They'r commenting how instrumental that book is.
You start to have a very different perspective on a group who was persecuted. But who's leader actually ingratiated themselves with their captor.
Again,,,its a very sad week about Dr Pentons passing. Depressed.
WT society has secretly hidden things in its passed which were not meant to be published.
We should be ever thankful & grateful people like Penton released these books. Forever in their debt.
Thx SBF, for the info. And iloowy.goowy for the further info on his last book:
https://www.amazon.com/Rutherfords-Coup-Watchtower-Succession-Aftermath/dp/1778143008
https://books.google.com/books/about/Rutherford_s_Coup.html?id=1a6e0AEACAAJ
Evidently saw through to publication by Rud Person. Anyone read it?
Perhaps in public domain?
Any further info would be welcome.
Yes, I’ve read it, or most of it - it’s a long book with some dry patches.
The research and writing is by Rud Person. James Penton contributed a foreword and complimented Rud Person on his research and the end product.
I’m not entirely sure what to make of the book. It has a lot of interesting information, for sure, and its central thesis that Rutherford took control of Watchtower illegitimately, a familiar claim among former JWs, is supported in some detail with reference to contemporary documents. The whole matter seems complicated and the discussion is dense. I think it would require more concentration and follow-up on the references than I was able to give to it for a conscientious reader to determine whether the case is convincing. The book has interesting features including mini biographies of some of the key figures and appendices that provide interesting additional material including an interview with old Bethelite recalling his time at headquarters during Rutherford’s presidency.
Thx SBF, for the further info. Sounds pretty dry alright.
Penton was an angry man. He's not in heaven like he thought he would be. The thing about being mild tempered is in play there.
What makes you say he was an angry man? He had a good conceit of himself, for sure. (Is that a Scottish phrase only, or does it translate across the Atlantic?) I think his books can be criticised for being biased in tone against JWs to an extent that is a bit outside academic norms. However, especially “Apocalypse Delayed” really is essential reading for anyone interested in Watchtower history.
Thanks SBF and others on this Thread that have given me more insight in to the Jim Penton, the man.
I agree that he was a bit, as we say down here in Kent, "full of himself", and that came over somewhat in his writing on occasion.
I think the accusation of "Bias" against the J.W Org. is a bit misleading, yes, Jim did not present his work in the way most Academics do, hiding their feelings by "balancing" criticism in some way, often Academics are afraid of criticism from their peers and community, so do not express their true opinions, I see this time and again, but Jim knew his Work would be quote mined by the Org. if he did that.
His contribution to those who wish to investigate the Org. was immense.
Condolences to all who knew and loved him.
