C T Russell's involvement with the Freemasons re-evaluated

by Finkelstein 36 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  Finkelstein

  Here is video someone put out that goes deep into C T Russell's associated involvement with the Freemasons.

  There is no question that he drew out a good portion from this organization in creating some of his theological ideas.

  Being that it was J Rutherford that helped to place a Pyramid monument at his grave site indicates he could have been associated with the Freemasons himself to a certain extent.

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpQfxdvO-54

  

  A cross and crown laid upon a cross pattée inscribed with "In Hoc Signo Vinces" resting upon downward pointing swords in saltire is often used to represent the Knights Templar.
  (The various symbols used allude to the orders of the body, though the cross and crown is often used alone as well.)
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  sparrowdown

  Yes, for an org that has been so symbol and logo phobic over the years the fact that their own history/ literature past and present is loaded with masonic and occult symbolism seems to have slipped under their anti symbolism radar.

  They are either very blind and stupid or very clever and evil.

  Or maybe just religious nuts and holy spirit has been asleep at the wheel of the chariot... again.
• 

  slimboyfat

  This book is the most comprehensive history of the early Bible Students ever written. In an appendix it discusses the issue of Russell's claimed links with freemasons.

  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Separate-Identity-Organizational-Readers-1870-1887/dp/1304969401
  
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  brandnew

  Dont forget the winged sun disc of Ra!!!!

  On most of russells books
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  brandnew

  Or the twin columns on the cover of the creation movie, or the all seeing eye, or russell making a pyramid shape with his fingers on purpose.☺
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  Finkelstein

  Whats interesting is that the WTS admonished other Christian based faiths for its idolatry worship of the Cross when they were using the image of the Watchtower symbol exclusively.
  

  Russell was certainly lured into spiritualism wherever he ran into it, the Adventist movement in the late 1800's got him started and Freemasonry further supported these ideologies of a incoming New World Order, an arising Golden age.

  He perceived himself that he was offering and exposing previous unknowns of bible theology, a code cracker of revealing god's set timetable and the important significance this was going to have for mankind.
  

  In reality Russell was deeply immersed into this Christ returning theology proportionately out of personal emotions and from his own inherent ignorance but people nevertheless listened to him with alluring interest , the same way people today are allured by the JWS and the WTS.

  What Christ is returning and Armageddon is coming soon .....really go on.
  
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  sparrowdown

  Classic WT misdirect. Point out the symbolism in other "false" religions while they are using symbols "borrowed" from the masons.

  If it walks like a duck....

  There is way too much freemason "smoke" there not to have been a good ole freemason fire at some point.
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  Finkelstein

  The observation of JWS churches being called Kingdom Halls in similarity to Masonic Halls cant be unnoticed.

  Both Russell and Rutherford used Masonic Halls to give public talks.

  One could describe both Russel and Rutherford as rogue bible teachers propagating their own bible interruptions

  and using their own printed publications to spread their ideologies around, not only to allure people to those publications but to also incite people to distribute them themselves.

  The power of the press or the printed word is advantageous in endeavors of Charlatanism and the Watchtower society is standing proof of that fact. .
  
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  sparrowdown

  If they are so damn interested in truth why not just own it.

  They could put out some articles, have a book burning and claim nu-lite. In effect - publicly purge themselves of any freemason connections.

  But no, they hide it at every turn. Gee, wonder why. Lied themselves into a corner - much?
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  Bonsai

  I haven't met a witness yet who gives a damn or is perturbed about Watchtower's past. Their stock response to connections with Freemasons is that the organization had to undergo a lot of cleansing and refinement over the years.

  Modern witnesses are so apathetic to their past that if you show them a 1995 magazine they'll tell you that it's "old light" and not applicable anymore.