by shotgun 39 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
If I recall correctly, this was one of the BIG issues back in Rutherford's day, and he finally had to put his foot down and let the brothers know that they would use the calendar everyone else used, and they would LIKE it.
No doubt there was a prophecy fulfilled in his doing so, eh?
I think the people in the religion were a bit cooky, no?
No wonder they ran around with plackards and loudspeakers. They were freakin' nuts!!!
Here was the big announcement:
w3/1/35 80
CALENDAR
THE English word ?calendar? means a system of reckoning time by dividing time into days, months and years. The ability of man is very limited; and when man attempts to do anything of importance and, in doing so, ignores Jehovah?s Word, he is certain to get into difficulty. Since the time of the rebellion in Eden that old Serpent, also called Satan, Dragon and Devil, has employed all manner of subtle and deceptive methods to divert the attention of man from Almighty God. This is particularly noted with reference to the calendars for the division of time. Naturally men have desired to divide time in such manner that they could keep an accurate record of events. In doing this had men adhered strictly to the Word of Jehovah God and diligently sought to be guided by the Most High, they would have fared far better. The ancient Greeks and Romans made calendars, but in doing so they disregarded the Word of God entirely and employed the wisdom of men, which is foolishness in the sight of God. Satan saw to it that they were turned away from Jehovah.
Many persons of the present day have the idea that the calendar generally in use is of divine origin; but in this they are entirely wrong. The calendar now used was prepared and came into use in this manner: An Italian physician called Aloysius Blius projected a plan for amending the Julian calendar, which was used for some time; and after his plan was made then it was presented to Pope Gregory XIII. Gregory called in the wise men of the Catholic Hierarchy for a consultation about this calendar; and this occurred about the year 1577. In the year 1582 Gregory issued a brief abolishing the Julian calendar, and introduced in its stead the calendar that is now generally in use and which is known as the Gregorian calendar. According to the Word of God the Gregorian calendar is entirely wrong, and this alone is proof that the making of that calendar and its introduction were not by God?s direction but were done under the infiuence of Satan, the enemy of Jehovah.
Now, since the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and his enthronement and his gathering together of his faithful followers, the time seems at hand to more clearly understand God?s purposes as expressed in his Word, and this includes the manner of measuring time. It seems proper and fitting that we should try to ascertain the correct way of measuring time and give publication thereto.
In its Year Book for 1935 this Society has published a sample calendar, and a detailed explanation of this calendar shall also be published. The space in The Watchtower is hardly sufficient for such publication, because that space is needed for other truths. The Golden Age magazine is one of the publications of the WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY, and. T he Golden Age will publish the explanation of the division of time, or the calendar, and. The Watch tower readers are requested to give careful consideration to the same. A series of articles covering this matter will appear within a short time in the Golden Age magazine.
Two months later, here was the "retraction":
The Calendar was never used. Apocalypse Delayed has something on this, too (my copy out on loan, so I don't have a reference).w5/1/35 142
THE CALENDAR
TO HAVE a correct system of reckoning time is desirable. It is well known that the calendars heretofore used have been incorrect and unsatisfactory. For this reason The Golden Age published facts concerning a system of reckoning time, obtaining the important data from the Scriptures, and some from astronomy. Seeing there is a danger of giving importance to this and to the exclusion of weightier matters, this note of warning is here sounded. God?s people should keep in mind the ?pyramid? delusion and the speculations that accompanied the study of chronology, and the pitfalls into which these things led many. Do not fall into a similar trap. It is of far more importance to understand our commission and to perform it than to understand at just what time Adam was created. Be reasonable and moderate. Avoid wild speculation as to at what time and in what manner things future will come to pass. Be sure that you always are guided by the counsel of the Lord?s Word. The statements in The Golden Age are not dogmatic, but are worthy of due and careful consideration.
Craig
Shotgun:
I'm embarrassed to admit that I'm having trouble making it bigger!
Apparently there is a new drug out on the market for that problem. hehehe
onacruse. I liked this part.
Be reasonable and moderate. Avoid wild speculation as to at what time and in what manner things future will come to pass. Be sure that you always are guided by the counsel of the Lord?s Word. The statements in The Golden Age are not dogmatic, but are worthy of due and careful consideration.
They don't even heed their own counsel !
So, today is Lifeday, Redemption 7th. Who the hell knows what year it is!
Most things are pagan,wedding ceremonies,the exchanging of the rings etc.Bowling is pagan,peoples names are pagan ,some greetings are pagan.I had this web sight in my computer but can't find it .It has all pagan practices of today.I will try to locate it. kls
I just figured out the year. 1914 Generation: 90 yrs.
So do you think you would have heard things like this at Bethel in 1935??
You're here in Peace? I thought you were going to come in Jehovah.
The Toronto branch needs to fill their order of Vindication for the months between Vindication and Order.
Don't be superstitious -- Mansday the 13th falls on Jehovah this year.
I didn't realize it was already the end of Jehovah!
Please, Judge, we need a break -- it's already the last day of Life!
