Thank you!
I found the History of the Church online, and therefore I confirmed the quote on Wikipedia:
https://ia600501.us.archive.org/4/items/HistoryOfTheChurchhcVolumes1-7original1902EditionPdf/hoc.pdf
many sites claim that c.t.
russell was a mason.barbara anderson and james penton, respected wt historians, claim that he was not.according to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/list_of_freemasonsthroughout history some members of the fraternity have made no secret of their involvement, while others have not made their membership public.
in some cases, membership can only be proven by searching through the fraternity's records.
Thank you!
I found the History of the Church online, and therefore I confirmed the quote on Wikipedia:
https://ia600501.us.archive.org/4/items/HistoryOfTheChurchhcVolumes1-7original1902EditionPdf/hoc.pdf
many sites claim that c.t.
russell was a mason.barbara anderson and james penton, respected wt historians, claim that he was not.according to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/list_of_freemasonsthroughout history some members of the fraternity have made no secret of their involvement, while others have not made their membership public.
in some cases, membership can only be proven by searching through the fraternity's records.
Many sites claim that C.T. Russell was a Mason.
Barbara Anderson and James Penton, respected WT historians, claim that he was not.
According to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Freemasons
Throughout history some members of the fraternity have made no secret of their involvement, while others have not made their membership public. In some cases, membership can only be proven by searching through the fraternity's records. Such records are most often kept at the individual lodge level, and may be lost due to fire, flood, deterioration, or simple carelessness. Grand Lodge governance may have shifted or reorganized, resulting in further loss of records on the member or the name, number, location or even existence of the lodge in question. In areas of the world where Masonry has been suppressed by governments, records of entire grand lodges have been destroyed. Because of this, masonic membership can sometimes be difficult to verify.
Barbara already checked the records and there is no record of C.T. Russell:
https://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/98890/heres-proof-that-charles-taze-russell-pennsylvania-freemason
Yet over the years critics of Russell and Jehovah’s Witnesses have continued to use Ross’s fallacious statement plus a number of other charges, two of which should be regarded as utter nonsense. The first is that Russell was into occult practices, and the second is that he was a Freemason. [127] The first claim is based almost entirely on his use of certain symbols such as the winged disk that appeared on copies of Studies in the Scriptures and the cross and crown motif that appeared in Watch Tower literature and was often worn by Bible Students as religious ornaments. But instead of being drawn from Egyptian paganism as has been asserted by Russell’s adversaries, the winged disks simply represented “the sun of righteousness” that would “arise with healing in his wings” according to Malachi 4: 2. As for the cross and crown motif, it was simply a common one in the nineteenth and earlier centuries that was used by many Christian groups. Equally specious is the claim that Russell was a Freemason. That is easy to see from comments in which he advised Bible Students against becoming Masons [128] and by his lack of knowledge of the work and rituals of Freemasonry."
Penton, M. James. Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses, Third Edition (p. 64). University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division. Kindle Edition.
Footnotes:
127 For a prime example of such claims, see Fritz Springmeier, The Watchtower and the Masons (Portland, Oregon: printed privately, 1990).
128 He stated: “We note also the Order of Free Masons, if judged by its past history, has some secret object or scheme, more than fraternity and financial aid in time of sickness or death. And, so far as we can judge, there is a certain amount of profane worship or mummery connected with the rites of this order and some others, which members do not comprehend, but which, in many cases, serves to satisfy the cravings of the natural mind for worship, and thus hinders it from seeking the worship of God in spirit and truth – through Christ, the only appointed Mediator and Grand Master” (WT, reprints 1827).
Penton, M. James. Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses, Third Edition (p. 415). University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division. Kindle Edition.
So that is proof enough for me that Russell wasn't a Mason.
However, it is very well known (and public even) that Joseph Smith and many early Mormon leaders were Masons.
My question is, where are the records? I have tried searching everywhere online but cannot find one way to actually prove that Joseph Smith was a Mason.
If anyone knows, that would be really appreciated.
Thanks!
ever since i came out of the witnesses, i've become very political.. i've heard lots of arguments back and forth for many things.. in the u.s. there is the argument that it is "racist" to want to deny entry to muslims.
while there is freedom of religion, there is also the very valid concern of maintaining democracy and a justice system that is based on modern values.we as exjw's constantly quote the pew center for statistics on jw's such as: they are last place in the us for members of a religion that go to university, and second-last for poverty levels of members of a religion.
we accept those statistics and mention them as proof of how damaging the jw's are.now, let's use the same center for some very scary statistics on islam:http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/07/22/muslims-and-islam-key-findings-in-the-u-s-and-around-the-world/.
I read about the difference between the Hadith and the Quran. My point still stands. Although the Quran itself does not have a "stone adulterers" text, the Hadith does, and now, comparing again to Christianity:
The Quran is like the New Testament. A lot more "chill" than the Old Testament, but still has horrible things in it.
The Hadith is like the Old Testament. Very horrible things in it.
The problem is that Christianity's holy texts go from VIOLENT to PEACEFUL(ISH). Islamic holy texts go from PEACEFUL(ISH) to VIOLENT.
So it's worse.
Now, I don't support a total ban of Muslims, but I do support heavy vetting. The vetting was already pretty heavy during the Obama administration.
I don't support welcoming hundreds of thousands, possibly millions, without at least making sure that they will respect the laws and the customs of the lands where they go. But, given the fundamental nature of the religion, this is highly unlikely. At some point, they will want to implement their own rules.
ever since i came out of the witnesses, i've become very political.. i've heard lots of arguments back and forth for many things.. in the u.s. there is the argument that it is "racist" to want to deny entry to muslims.
while there is freedom of religion, there is also the very valid concern of maintaining democracy and a justice system that is based on modern values.we as exjw's constantly quote the pew center for statistics on jw's such as: they are last place in the us for members of a religion that go to university, and second-last for poverty levels of members of a religion.
we accept those statistics and mention them as proof of how damaging the jw's are.now, let's use the same center for some very scary statistics on islam:http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/07/22/muslims-and-islam-key-findings-in-the-u-s-and-around-the-world/.
Rainbow, I need to research what you just said. If true, then that would change my viewpoint completely.
ever since i came out of the witnesses, i've become very political.. i've heard lots of arguments back and forth for many things.. in the u.s. there is the argument that it is "racist" to want to deny entry to muslims.
while there is freedom of religion, there is also the very valid concern of maintaining democracy and a justice system that is based on modern values.we as exjw's constantly quote the pew center for statistics on jw's such as: they are last place in the us for members of a religion that go to university, and second-last for poverty levels of members of a religion.
we accept those statistics and mention them as proof of how damaging the jw's are.now, let's use the same center for some very scary statistics on islam:http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/07/22/muslims-and-islam-key-findings-in-the-u-s-and-around-the-world/.
Ok Perry,
I know you like being apologetic for Christianity, but no. It's got its share of really horrible things. The point is twofold:
1) Christianity has moved on from being horrible, as in the Middle Ages.
2) More importantly, IT HAS AN OUT. It doesn't HAVE to follow the Mosaic Law, which is absolutely horrible and at par with the Koran, or possibly worse. Islam doesn't have an "out", unless you consider the interpreters of the law, similar to Jews. Most interpreters of the Jews are extremely liberal, whereas the interpreters of the Muslims aren't.
Islam needs hundreds of years to "grow up". It needs to.
ever since i came out of the witnesses, i've become very political.. i've heard lots of arguments back and forth for many things.. in the u.s. there is the argument that it is "racist" to want to deny entry to muslims.
while there is freedom of religion, there is also the very valid concern of maintaining democracy and a justice system that is based on modern values.we as exjw's constantly quote the pew center for statistics on jw's such as: they are last place in the us for members of a religion that go to university, and second-last for poverty levels of members of a religion.
we accept those statistics and mention them as proof of how damaging the jw's are.now, let's use the same center for some very scary statistics on islam:http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/07/22/muslims-and-islam-key-findings-in-the-u-s-and-around-the-world/.
Well, the problem is, that you have a religion where there are various levels of following it, and it only takes a little for a "moderate" Muslim to become a religious fanatic. Very similar to many, many cases of JW's that lead a double life or are "weak" and then suddenly become the obnoxious pious-sneer.
Except that instead of preaching and being a dickhead, Muslims can become jihadists...
ever since i came out of the witnesses, i've become very political.. i've heard lots of arguments back and forth for many things.. in the u.s. there is the argument that it is "racist" to want to deny entry to muslims.
while there is freedom of religion, there is also the very valid concern of maintaining democracy and a justice system that is based on modern values.we as exjw's constantly quote the pew center for statistics on jw's such as: they are last place in the us for members of a religion that go to university, and second-last for poverty levels of members of a religion.
we accept those statistics and mention them as proof of how damaging the jw's are.now, let's use the same center for some very scary statistics on islam:http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/07/22/muslims-and-islam-key-findings-in-the-u-s-and-around-the-world/.
https://www.penalreform.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Sharia-law-and-the-death-penalty.pdf
Qisas crimes: Murder 11
Arguments against the death penalty for the offence of murder in Islam: victim forgiveness and restitution 13
‘Most serious crimes’ threshold 15
Hudud crimes – ‘claims against God’ 15
Zina: adultery 17
Riddah: apostasy 22
Hirabah: ‘waging war against God’ or brigandage or banditry or robbery 24
Ta‘zir crimes 25
Other death penalty applicable offences 26
Drug offences 26
Homosexuality 27
Sorcery and witchcraft 28
ever since i came out of the witnesses, i've become very political.. i've heard lots of arguments back and forth for many things.. in the u.s. there is the argument that it is "racist" to want to deny entry to muslims.
while there is freedom of religion, there is also the very valid concern of maintaining democracy and a justice system that is based on modern values.we as exjw's constantly quote the pew center for statistics on jw's such as: they are last place in the us for members of a religion that go to university, and second-last for poverty levels of members of a religion.
we accept those statistics and mention them as proof of how damaging the jw's are.now, let's use the same center for some very scary statistics on islam:http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/07/22/muslims-and-islam-key-findings-in-the-u-s-and-around-the-world/.
Ever since I came out of the witnesses, I've become very political.
I've heard lots of arguments back and forth for many things.
In the U.S. there is the argument that it is "racist" to want to deny entry to Muslims. While there is freedom of religion, there is also the very valid concern of maintaining democracy and a justice system that is based on modern values.
We as exJW's constantly quote the PEW center for statistics on JW's such as: They are last place in the US for members of a religion that go to university, and second-last for poverty levels of members of a religion. We accept those statistics and mention them as proof of how damaging the JW's are.
Now, let's use the same center for some very scary statistics on Islam:
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/07/22/muslims-and-islam-key-findings-in-the-u-s-and-around-the-world/
These statistics easily represent millions upon millions of people.
For example, in Afghanistan, 99% of people are Muslim. 99% of these (according to these stats) want Shariah.
That would mean that OVER THIRTY MILLION PEOPLE want Shariah to be the law of the land.
Now, here is my key proposition:
Christianity believes in both the New and the Old Testament. Depending on the individual religion, they cherry pick parts of the Old Testament that they want to follow, and so some religions say that gays are an abomination, that abortion should be illegal, etc. I don't know of any Christian religion that wishes to follow the following Bible texts literally:
(Deuteronomy 13:9, 10) 9 but you should kill him without fail. Your hand first of all should come upon him to put him to death, and the hand of all the people afterward. 10 And you must stone him with stones, and he must die, because he has sought to turn you away from Jehovah your God, who has brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slaves.
if you have a friend who only speaks spanish, or they speak english but spanish is their preferred language, i am pleased to tell you that there is a spanish translation of jwfacts in progress.
so far, these are the completely translated articles:asociación de la watchtower con las naciones unidas - un ngo associationcelebración de los cumpleaños - birthdayslas transfusiones de sangre - bloodpredicción fallida de 1975 - 1975¿por qué está mal el ser un testigo de jehová?
- what's wrong with being a jw?escándalos de la watchtower - watchtower scandalsexpulsión y rechazo - disfellowshippingfolleto general acerca de la watchtower - pdf - general pdf about wtvideo - crecer como testigo de jehová - growing up a jw¿debería estar jehová en el nuevo testamento?
SSA,
Are you bilingual?
Do you know HTML?
If so, please PM me.
I am doing the translation mainly, and I am in constant communication with Paul.
if you have a friend who only speaks spanish, or they speak english but spanish is their preferred language, i am pleased to tell you that there is a spanish translation of jwfacts in progress.
so far, these are the completely translated articles:asociación de la watchtower con las naciones unidas - un ngo associationcelebración de los cumpleaños - birthdayslas transfusiones de sangre - bloodpredicción fallida de 1975 - 1975¿por qué está mal el ser un testigo de jehová?
- what's wrong with being a jw?escándalos de la watchtower - watchtower scandalsexpulsión y rechazo - disfellowshippingfolleto general acerca de la watchtower - pdf - general pdf about wtvideo - crecer como testigo de jehová - growing up a jw¿debería estar jehová en el nuevo testamento?
Hi everyone,
If you have a friend who only speaks Spanish, or they speak English but Spanish is their preferred language, I am pleased to tell you that there is a Spanish translation of jwfacts in progress. So far, these are the completely translated articles:
Asociación de la Watchtower con las Naciones Unidas - UN NGO Association
Celebración de los Cumpleaños - Birthdays
Las transfusiones de sangre - Blood
Predicción fallida de 1975 - 1975
¿Por qué está mal el ser un Testigo de Jehová? - What's wrong with being a JW?
Escándalos de la Watchtower - Watchtower Scandals
Expulsión y Rechazo - Disfellowshipping
Folleto General acerca de la Watchtower - PDF - General PDF about WT
Video - Crecer como Testigo de Jehová - Growing up a JW
¿Debería estar Jehová en el Nuevo Testamento? - Jehovah in the NT
Miedo y Control Mental - Fear/mind control
Fechas Falsas - Failed dates
Cómo Ayudar a Alguien a Salir - How to help someone to come out
Predicciones Fallidas de 1914 - 1914
Citas Fuera de Contexto, Engaños, y Mentiras - Misquotes, lies, deception
La Doctrina de la Generación - Generation
La Luz Se Hace Más Brillante - Light gets brighter
Predicción Fallida de 1925: Millones Que Ahora Viven Nunca Morirán - 1925
¿Necesitamos pertenecer a la Organización para ser salvos? - Organization
¿Habrá un paraíso en la Tierra? - Paradise on Earth
Cuerpo Gobernante - Governing Body
Esclavo Fiel y Discreto - Faithful and Discreet Slave
Guía de 15 Minutos a la Verdad - 15 minute guide to Truth
¿Es La Verdad? - Is it Truth
Abuso De Menores - Child Abuse