TELLING THE TRUTH
"Knowing these things, what will you do? It is obvious that the true God, who is himself ?the God of Truth? and who hates lies, will not look with favor on persons who cling to organizations that teach falsehood. And really, would you want to be even associated with a religion that had not been honest with you?" (Is This Life All There Is, 1974, p46)
HAVE THE WITNESSES EVER PREDICTED IN GOD'S NAME?
What they say now:
"Jehovah's Witnesses, in their eagerness for Jesus' second coming, have suggested dates that turned out to be incorrect. Because of this, some have called them false prophets. Never in these instances, however, did they presume to originate predictions 'in the name of Jehovah.' Never did they say, 'These are the words of Jehovah.'" (g93 3/22 p 3, footnote)
What they really said:
" We see no reason for changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble."
(
"As Jehovah revealed his truths by means of the first century Christian congregation so he does today by means of the present-day Christian congregation. Through this agency he is having carried out prophesying on an intensified and unparalleled scale. All this activity is not an accident. Jehovah is the one behind all of it. The abundance of spiritual food and the amazing details of Jehovah's purposes that have been revealed to Jehovah's anointed witnesses are clear evidence that they are the ones mentioned by Jesus when he foretold a "faithful and discreet slave" class that would be used to dispense God's progressive revelations in these last days." (w64 6/15 p 365)
DO THIER PREDICTIONS COME FROM JEHOVAH?
What they say now:
"They do not claim their predictions are direct revelations from Jehovah and that in this sense they are prophesying in Jehovah's name." (aw 93 3/22 p3,4)
What they really said:
"He has put his 'words', his message, into the mouths of his servants for them to proclaim earthwide." Survival into a New Earth, 1984, p109
"They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble."
(Zion's Watchtower, July 15, 1894, p1677)
WAS 1914 PREDICTED TO BE THE BEGINNING OR THE END OF THE TIME OF TROUBLE?
What they say now:
"'EXACTLY what would occur in 1914 we did not then know, but of one thing we were certain: The year 1914 would see the beginning of the worst time of trouble the earth had yet known; for so many Bible prophecies foretold that. Our faith was strong and our hopes were based on much more than mere human speculation.? With these words, A. H. Macmillan, author of the 1957 best-seller Faith on the March, described his early conviction that 1914 would be a focal point of Bible prophecy." (w84 4/15 p 3)
" From the mid-1870's, Jehovah's people had been anticipating that catastrophic events would start in 1914 and would mark the end of the Gentile Times." (Revelation Climax, 1988, p 105)
What they really said:
"We see no reason for changing the figures -- nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble." (C. T. Russell in w1894 7/15, p 266; p 1677 reprints)
WERE THEY POSITIVE ABOUT 1914?
What they said afterward:
"Studying God's Word, we have measured the 2520 years, the seven symbolic times, from that year 606 B.C. and have found that it reached down to October, 1914, as nearly as we were able to reckon. We did not say positively that this would be the year." (Watchtower, November 1, 1914, p. 325)
What they really said:
"In view of this strong Bible evidence concerning the Times of the Gentiles, we consider it an established truth that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the , will be accomplished at the end of A. D. 1914." (The Time Is At Hand; 1889; 1908 ed.; p. 99)
DID THEY EVEN SAY IT AT ALL?
What they say now:
"But how did they feel when that did not occur in 1914? The Watch Tower of April 15, 1916, said, 'We believe that the dates have proven to be quite right. We believe that Gentile Times have ended. ' However, it candidly added: 'The Lord did not say that the Church would all be glorified by 1914. We merely inferred it and, evidently, erred.'" (Proclaimers, p 635)
What they really said:
"Like Elijah of old, they became quite disconsolate, uncertain of life, thinking the end of existence and work was at hand. This was especially the case since the remnant was part of the virgin class espoused to Christ as his Bride and she failed to realize her hopes of being glorified to heavenly life with him both in 1914 and now in 1918. " (Let Your Name Be Sanctified; 1961; p. 313)
"In this chapter we present the Bible evidence proving that the full end of the times of the gentiles, i.e., the full end of their lease of dominion, will be reached in A.D. 1914; and that the date will be the farthest limit of the rule of imperfect men. And be it observed, that if this is shown to be a fact firmly established by the Scriptures, it will prove; Firstly, that at that date the Kingdom of God, for which our Lord taught us to pray, saying, Thy Kingdom come, will obtain full, universal control, and that it will then be set up, or firmly established, in the earth, on the ruins of present institutions." (The Time Is At Hand, 1888, p. 76, 77)
DID RUSSELL ENCOURAGE AN OPEN MIND REGARDING DATES?
What they say now:
"There is no doubt that many throughout this period were overzealous in their statements as to what could be expected. Some read into the Watch Tower statements that were never intended, and while it was necessary for Russell to call attention to the certainty that a great change was due at the end of the Gentile times, he still encouraged his readers to keep an open mind, especially as regards the time element." (Jehovah's Witnesses in the Divine Purpose, 1959, p52)
What they really said:
"But I am not willing to admit that this calculation is even one year out" (Barbour and Russell in Three Worlds and The Harvest of This World, 1877, p 84)
"They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble."
('s Watchtower, Can It Be Delayed until 1914? C. T. Russell July 15, 1894, Also in Watchtower Reprints, l894 p. 1677)
WHEN DID CHRIST'S PRESENCE BEGIN?
What they say now:
"...Bible chronology also fixes the time for Christ's second presence and the assuming of his right to rule as at 1914; this date was published in The Watchtower as early as 1879, 35 years before 1914." (The Sign of Christ?s Presence [tract], 1955 p 3)
What they really said:
"Surely there is not the slightest room for doubt in the mind of a truly consecrated child of God that the Lord Jesus is present and has been since 1874." (WT Jan 1, 1924 p 5)
WHEN DID CHRIST'S PRESENCE BEGIN? - PART 2
What they say now:
"Why, then, do the nations not realize and accept the approach of this climax of judgement? It is because they have not heeded the world-wide advertising of Christ?s return and his second presence. Since long before World War I Jehovah's Witnesses pointed to 1914 as the time for this great event to occur." (WT Jun 15, 1954 p 370)
What they really said:
"The Scriptural proof is that the second presence of the Lord Jesus Christ began in 1874 A.D. This proof is specifically set out in the booklet entitled 'Our Lord's Return'." (Prophecy, 1929 p 65,66)
WHEN DID CHRIST'S PRESENCE BEGIN - PART 3
What they say now:
"... a prophecy providentially caused sincere 19th century Bible Students to be in expectation. By linking the 'seven times' of Daniel 4;25 with 'the times of the Gentiles', they anticipated that Christ would receive Kingdom power in 1914." (WT Sep 15, 1998 p 15)
What they really said:
"The time of the Lord's second presence dates from 1874." (The Harp of God, 1921, p 231)
DID RUSSEL CLAIM TO BE THE FAITHFUL AND WISE SERVANT?
What they say now:
?From this it is clearly seen that the editor and publisher of ?s disavowed any claim to being individually, in his person, that ?faithful and wise servant?. He did not claim to be such.? (God?s Kingdom of 1,000 Years Has Approached, 1972, p 346)
What they really said:
?Thousands of the readers of Pastor Russell?s writings believe that he filled the office of ?that faithful and wise servant?, and that his great work was giving to the Household of Faith meat in due season. His modesty and humility precluded him from openly proclaiming this title, but he admitted as much in private conversation.? (WT 12/1/16 p 357)
?The man in linen was the Laodicean servant, the Lord?s faithful and wise steward, Pastor Russell.? (The Finished Mystery, 1917, p 418)
WHO WILL SURVIVE ARMAGEDDON?
What they tell outsiders:
?Do they believe that they are the only ones who will be saved? No. ... Jesus admonished that we should not be judging one another. We tend to look on the outward appearance. God looks on the heart.? (Jehovah?s Witnesses in the 20th Century, 1978, p 27)
What they really believe:
?Only Jehovah?s Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the ?great crowd?, as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil.? (WT 09/01/89 p 19)
?Do not conclude that there are different roads, or ways, that you can follow to gain life in God's new system. There is only one. There was just one ark that survived the Flood, not a number of boats. And there will be only one organization--God's visible organization -- that will survive the fast-approaching "great tribulation." It is simply not true that all religions lead to the same goal ... You must be part of Jehovah's organization, doing God's will, in order to receive his blessing of everlasting life ...? (You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, 1990, p255,256)
?Who will live through Armageddon? Only those who obey the bible command to seek Jehovah... How does one seek Jehovah and seek righteousness? By coming into the ?one flock? of the right shepherd.? (From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained, p 58)
DID THE WITNESSES ALWAYS SAY THAT JESUS? RETURN WOULD BE INVISIBLE?
What they say now:
?The fact is that Jehovah's witnesses from the very beginning understood that Christ's second presence was to be invisible.? (g56 4/8, p 17, 18, quoted in w66, 9/15, p 567)
What they really said:
?Forty years, or now, about thirty eight years before the times of the Gentiles end, is none too much time, for the accomplishments of the many wonderful events that must transpire during their continuance... Then, the Lord shall appear with all his saints, and his feet shall stand upon the mount of Olives...? (Three Worlds, 1877, p 84)
WERE THEY DISAPPOINTED WHEN 1914 DIDN?T WORK OUT AS EXPECTED?
What they say now:
?October 1914 passed, and C. T. Russell and his associates were still on earth. Then October 1915 passed. Was Russell disappointed? In The Watch Tower of February 1, 1916, he wrote: "`But, Brother Russell, what is your thought as to the time of our change? Were you not disappointed that it did not come when we hoped that it would?' you will ask. No, we reply, we were not disappointed...." ...No, the Bible Students were not 'taken home' to heaven in October 1914. Nevertheless, the Gentile Times did end in that year.? (Proclaimers, 1993, p 62)
What they really said:
? .... Suppose that A.D. 1915 should pass with the world's affairs all serene and with evidence that the "very elect" had not all been "changed" and without the restoration of natural Israel to favor under the New Covenant (Rom. 11:12,15). What then? Would not that prove our chronology wrong? Yes, surely! Would not that prove a keen disappointment? Indeed it would! It would work irreparable wreck to the parallel dispensations and Israel's double, and to the Jubilee calculations, and to the prophecy of the 2300 days of Daniel, and to the epoch called "Gentile Times," and to the 1,260, 1,290, and 1,335 days.... none of these would be available longer.? (w1907, 10/1, p 295)
WHAT WAS SAID ABOUT 1925?
What they say now:
?The year 1925 came and went. Jesus' anointed followers were still on earth as a class. The faithful men of old times -- Abraham, David and others -- had not been resurrected to become princes in the earth. (Ps. 45:16) So, as Anna MacDonald recalls: "1925 was a sad year for many brothers. Some of them were stumbled; their hopes were dashed. They had hoped to see some of the `ancient worthies' [men of old like Abraham] resurrected. Instead of its being considered a `probability,' they read into it that it was a `certainty,' and some prepared for their own loved ones with expectancy of their resurrection."? (Yearbook for 1975, p 146)
What they really said:
?The date 1925 is even more distinctly indicated by the Scriptures because it is fixed by the law God gave to Israel . Viewing the present situation in Europe, one wonders how it will be possible to hold back the explosion much longer; and that even before 1925 the great crisis will be reached and probably passed.? (w22 9/1 p 262)
ARE WITNESSES PROPHETS?
What they say now:
?Jehovah's Witnesses do not claim to be inspired prophets . They have made mistakes. Like the apostles of Jesus Christ, they have at times had some wrong expectations.? (Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, p 136)
What they really said:
?So, does Jehovah have a prophet to help them, to warn them of dangers and to declare things to come? These questions can be answered in the affirmative. Who is this prophet?.... This "prophet" was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah's Christian witnesses.... Of course, it is easy to say that this group acts as a "prophet" of God. It is another thing to prove it. The only way that this can be done is to review the record. What does it show?? (w72 4/1 p 197)
WHAT HAPPENED IN 1917?
What they say now:
The society has said, on numerous occasions, that the shake up in directors of the Bible Students in 1917 was due to disagreement over the posthumous publication of ?The Finished Mystery?. (Proclaimers, p67-8)
What really happened:
While testifying in court, Joseph Rutherford swore under oath that the directors were not fired for anything to do with the book ?The finished Mystery?.
WHAT DID THEY SAY ABOUT WORLD WAR II?
What they say now:
"During world war 1, God's people expected it to lead directly into Armageddon, but Jehovah prevented such a climax at that time. We didn't succumb to such an expectation during world war II. (Kingdom Ministry, Jan. 1968, p. 5)
?Yes, the ?Faithful and Discreet Slave? was awake to the coming of 1914. In 1942 the ?Faithful and Discreet Slave? guided by unerring spirit made known that the democracies would win World War II and that there would be a United Nations organization set up. Once again the ?Faithful and Discreet Slave? has been tipped off ahead of time.? (w60 7/15 444)
What they really said:
?The witness work for The Theocracy appears to be about done in most of the countries of "Christendom. ... Now the totalitarian rule has suppressed the Theocratic message, and it should be expected that when they quit fighting amongst themselves all the totalitarian rulers will turn their attention to the complete suppression of everything pertaining to the Theocratic Government. What, then, does it mean that the Theocratic Government is now suppressed in many nations? It means that the hour is rapidly approaching when the "sign" of Armageddon will be clearly revealed and all who are on the side of Jehovah will see and appreciate it.." (Watchtower, Sept. 1, 1940, p. 265.
"Receiving the gift, [Rutherford's book, Children] the marching children clasped it to them, not a toy or plaything for idle pleasure, but the Lord's provided instrument for most effective work in the remaining months before Armageddon." (Watchtower Sept. 15, 1941, p. 288)
LET?S MAKE UP AN EXPERIENCE
The experience:
?... I, (Matsue Ishii) was born in 1909 in Kure City, Japan... at the age of I 19 married Jizo, who was a tailor. At the back of our house in Tojo-cho, Osaka, there was a house with a sign: ?Osaka Branch of the International Bible Students Association.? Assuming it to be a Christian group, I visited the house. ?Do you believe in the second advent of the Lord?? I asked the young man who came to the door. ?Christ?s second advent was realized in 1914,? he answered. In astonishment, I told him that was impossible. ?You should read this book,? he said, hading me The Harp of God... I was baptized the following year, March 23, 1929.? (Watchtower, May 1, 1988 p22)
What?s wrong with this story?
Nowhere in The Harp of God (1921 edition), is the date 1914 used in connection with the presence of Jesus. The date of 1874 is given as the date of his presence on at lease nine occasions (pp 230, 231, 234, 235, 236, 237, 241, 244, 271). Even the 1937 and 1940 editions of this book continue to give the old date. How could the young man who came to the door know that ?Christ?s second advent was realized in 1914?, when this teaching was not even published yet?
A possible explanation for this story is that Matsue Ishii was converted on the basis of a doctrine that was subsequently changed. When it came time to print the experience many years later, it may have been considered confusing to a modern reader, so the Watchtower writers altered the facts to fit the current belief system.
Regardless of the explanation, it is impossible for this experience to have happened as the Watchtower has recorded it.
LET?S MAKE UP ANOTHER EXPERIENCE
The experience:
?After the war ended in 1918, there was no work available in England, so I (Jack Nathan) rejoined the army and went off to India as part of the peacetime garrison. In May 1920, the malaria flared up again, and I was sent up into the hills to recuperate. There I read all the books I could get my hands on, including the Bible. Reading the Scriptures intensified by interest in the Lord?s return. Months later, down in Kanpur, I started a Bible study group, hoping to learn more about the Lord?s return. It was there that I met Fredrick James, a former British soldier who was now a zealous Bible Student. He explained to me that Jesus had been present since 1914, invisible to man. This was the most thrilling news I had ever heard... In late 1921 I was transferred back to England, and in the spring of 1922, I was discharged from the army.?
What?s wrong with this story?
This conversation must have taken place between May 1920 and the end of 1921. The date of 1914 as the return of Christ was not announced until 1930. Once again, the details of an experience have been altered to fit current doctrines.
WERE THERE HIDDEN PICTURES?
What they say now:
?Even the Watchtower Society?s publications have been the subject of rumours - for example, that one of the artists had secretly been introducing pictures of demons into the illustrations, was subsequently found out and disfellowshipped...Certainly, the rumour concerning the Society?s publications was harmful, as well as slanderous...? - WT 9/1/84 P. 20
What really happened:
Numerous examples of hidden pictures can be seen in the Society?s publications. Some of these are indisputable. Take a look here:
Feb 1/83 p17 ? face in skirt
Revelation Climax p159 ? face in hand
Nov 1/89 ? theatre marquis
DOES THIS SOUND LIKE THE TRUTH?
?As regards the alleged involvement of children the applicant association submits that children cannot become members of the association but only participate, together with their parents, in the religious activities of the community. In respect of the refusal of blood transfusion, the applicant association submits that there are no religious sanctions for a Jehovah?s Witness who chooses to accept blood transfusion and that, therefore, the fact that the religious doctrine of Jehovah?s Witnesses is against blood transfusion cannot amount to a threat to public health?. - Stated before the European Human Rights Commission, July 3, 1997.
THE REASON FOR THE DONATION ARRANGEMENT
What they say:
?By adopting a method of literature distribution based completely on donation, Jehovah's people are able to greatly simplify our Bible education work and separate ourselves from those who commercialize religion.? - Proclaimers
What really happened:
? Early 1980 - State of California informs Jimmy Swaggart Ministries that tax is due for religious books and tapes sold in the state since 1974. Swaggart eventually pays the tax--$183,000.00--but sues for a refund. The case begins moving toward the U.S. Supreme Court.
? February, 1989 - U.S. Supreme Court rules it is illegal for Texas (and 14 other states) to exempt religious books from sales tax. Some states had been taxing religious books all along.
? Summer, 1989 - Society gives away ?free? books released at U.S. conventions. Witnesses are instructed to place donations in contribution boxes to cover the cost.
? June 22, 1989 - Watchtower Society, files Amicus Curiae (friend of the court) brief with U.S. Supreme Court in Jimmy Swaggart case. Others filing similar briefs include National Council of Churches and Society for Krishna Consciousness.
? January 17, 1990 - U.S. Supreme Court rules against Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, declaring that the sales tax must be paid.
? February 9, 1990 - Society writes letter to congregations announcing that literature will no longer be sold at Kingdom Hall and no price will be set in door-to-door distribution.
? February 25, 1990 - February 9th letter from Society is read at Sunday meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses across the United States.
? March 1, 1990 New policy of distributing literature without naming a price goes into effect.
? The March 15, 1990, WATCHTOWER magazine and March 22nd AWAKE!--printed earlier--still say ?25 cents (U.S.) a copy? and ?$5.00 (U.S.) per year.?; The April 1, 1990, Watchtower no longer carries a price.
? March 11, 1990 Announcement is made at Kingdom Halls in the U.S. that food will be available at no cost, on a freewill donation basis, at conventions.
WHY BETH-SARIM WAS BUILT
What they say now:
?In time, a direct contribution was made for the purpose of constructing a house in San Diego for brother Rutherford's use.. Concerning this property the 1939 book Salvation stated: 'At San Diego, California, there is a small piece of land, on which, in the year 1929, there was built a house, which is called and known as Beth Sarim. ??(Yearbook, 1975, p. 194)
?From 1929 on, Brother Rutherford spent the winters working at a San Diego residence he had named Beth-Sarim. Beth-Sarim was built with funds that were a direct contribution for that purpose.? (Proclaimers, p76)
What they really said:
?At San Diego, California, there is a small piece of land, on which, in the year 1929 there was built a house, which is called and known as Beth Sarim. The Hebrew words Beth Sarim mean 'House of the Princes'; and the purpose of acquiring that property and building the house was that there are those on earth today who fully believe in God and Christ Jesus and in His Kingdom, and who believe that the faithful men of old will soon be resurrected by the Lord, be back on earth, and take charge of the visible affairs of earth. The title to Beth Sarim is vested in the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in trust, to be used by the president of the Society and his assistants for the present, and thereafter to be forever at the disposal of the aforementioned princes on the earth.... It stands there as a testimony to Jehovah's name; and when the princes do return, and some of them occupy the property, such will be a confirmation of the faith and hope that induced the building of Beth Sarim.
(Salvation, 1939, p. 311)
"Hence those faithful men of old may be expected back from the dead any day now. The Scriptures give good reason to believe that it shall be shortly before Armageddon breaks. In this expectation the house at San Diego, California, which house has been much publicized with malicious intent by the religious enemy, was built, in 1930, and named 'Beth Sarim,' meaning 'House of Princes.' It is now held in trust for the occupancy of those princes on their return." (The New World, pp. 104-105, 1942)
