Posts by itsyou

Here's the entire article from that 10 August 1941 article in the "Globe Democrat" of St Louis

JUDGE RUTHERFORD, LEADER OF JEHOVAH WITNESSES, GOT HIS START IN ST. LOUIS

Got Inspiration at Bible Meeting
Formed Group at Boonville
Associatd With Witnesses in East in 1910
First Newspaper Interview in Three Years
Judge Kept Under Guard
He Objects To Being Called Sect's Leader

Joseph F. Rutherford, leader of the obedient multitude of Jehovah's Witnesses here for their national convention, began his career as a "follower of Jesus" in St. Louis 37 years ago, he disclosed to the Globe-Democrat yesterday in the first interview he has given a news-paper-man in three years.

"One night in 1904," he said, "I wandered into a meeting of 150 Bible students on Grand avenue and came out so impressed and delighted I returned to Boonville, Mo., where I was practicing law, and formed a Bible study group there." Six years later, in New York, he became associated with Jehovah's Witnesses as a lecturer and subsequently traveled every state in the Union and spoke in many large cities in Europe and Asia.

BACK IN CITY

His present five-day visit to St. Louis during the convention is the longest since "that Bible meeting, which was the turning point of my career."

Although his word is absolute among the more than 500,000 Jehovah's Witnesses in United States, Judge Rutherford objects to being called their leader--"Im just a follower of Jesus like the others, fighting alongside them"--and prefers to be known only as president of the three corporations which do the Witnesses publishing.

"The many thousands that have come to St. Louis have not come on my account, but only that we together might bear testimony and encourage people who have been mislead and deluded by false doctrines in order that they might see that the theocratic government is the hope and only hope of the human race." he said.

LAWYER 17 YEARS

"For 17 years I practiced law in the courts of Missouri, including the courts of St. Louis, state and federal. The title "judge" some people still apply to me comes from my service as special judge under the provisions of the Missouri statute. But Christian people are not interested in men, but their interest is centered in the theocratic government and the truth concerning that government is proclaimed by men in all walks of life and one does not stand above the other.

"To me, titles mean nothing." he laughed. "It doesn't matter whether I'm called Judge or jackass." But from the Witnesses Rutherford is accorded a mixture of reverence due a divine agent, and honor and gratitude that would go to a teacher and way-shower.

Conventionites deny they fear for his safety, but the tall, soft-spoken man is guarded with a thoroughness rivaling the Secret Service ring about President Roosevelt. His place of abode in St Louis is a secret which officials preserve with a polite "I don't know."

When he arrives at the Arena a double line of husky well-instructed men link arms to shield him. Efficient flying squads block any approach near him in the building, while at least two guard are on duty at each of four landings in the arena stairway leading to the fourth-floor administration offices.

The Judge takes the elevator. Others must walk, explaining their mission four times en route. Few survive the gauntlet. Rutherford said he tries to make himself available to any Witness, but his subordinates explain they are seeking to conserve his strength.

Before and after addresses from the speakers' platform, the guard is even tighter. He arrives only seconds before he begins to talk and is whisked to an automobile before the concluding applause dies out. The audience is cautioned not to whisper. Ushers have turned back everyone seeking to enter the auditorium with a pop-bottle in his hand. No one not wearing a "convention servant" ribbon is permitted within 50 feet of the platform.

Asked to explain the basic differences between beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses and other religions, Rutherford said: "They are diametrically opposed and therefore can't be classified together just as you can't add a man and a house and have two men or two houses. Christianity, as opposed to "christianity" means doing the will of Almighty God. Religion is the doing of anything that is contrary to the will of God."

NO HUMAN LEADER

Along the same lines, Rutherford explained, Jehovah's Witnesses could be called neither a sect, cult, church, nor organization. "The first two imply a human leader, which I am not," he said. "The latter two definitions are improper because our work is an individual mission, individuals serving God in their own way."

As to the literal interpretation of the Bible he asserted "we simply do what it says and don't try to twist out interpretations that will serve our agenda. There are no contradictory parts of the Bible. Rutherford was reluctant to talk of international affairs, since he felt an expression of personal opinion might be construed as reflecting of members "who must, in all things, follow their own consciences."

"We naturally are neutral in the European crisis," he said. "Jehovah's Witnesses are fighters, but not with carnal weapons. It's truth that makes people free, and we are fighting with truth as our weapon. We couldn't conscientiously fight for the German, Italian or such governments, since we are devoted to fighting for the theocratic government.

CALLS HITLER CRAZY

"Hitler," he commented, "Is as crazy as a bedbug. He is under the control of demons as sure as the sun shines, but there isn't the remotest chance he will succeed in his purpose of dominating the world."

Jehovah's Witnesses, as ordained ministers, are exempt under the Selective Service act, he said, and have been specifically covered in an exemption order by Gen. Hershey, Selective Service director.

Rutherford, often rumored to be wealthy since he took up residence in "Bethsarim," $75,000 mansion near San Diego, Cal., laughed at a question pertaining to his personal income.

"If I died tomorrow," he said "I wouldn't have money enough to buy a coffin. I imagine though, I would depend on the society buying me one. I haven't showed a net personal profit in anything all my life."

NO COLLECTION TAKEN

Collections are never taken among Jehovah's Witnesses, he added, and they never ask for money.

"As the scriptures declare, all the wealth belongs to Almighty God," Rutherford declared. "We are engaged in His work and He sees to it that a sufficient amount of money is provided to carry on the work. He does not beg nor do His faithful followers.

"Every one of Jehovah's Witnesses serves freely and without hire. Every person attending this convention, who is able, pays his own expenses and if he has a little surplus he joyfully gives that to help pay for the expenses of the poor, and here we are feeding many poor people free of charge."

He declined to disclose the society's income from literature on the ground that the "religions never submit a public statement on theirs."

The California mansion, he went on, is not his property. "It was bought and is owned by the Watchtower Society," he added. "I have no property myself. Even the copyrights from my books and pamphlets are held by the Society.

"I occupy Bethsarim only by virtue of being president of the society, and succeeding presidents will be entitled to do the same."

CERTAIN UPHEAVALS

Judge Rutherford at one point elaborated on references many convention speakers had made to the end of the world being near. Asked for a date prediction and probable first manifestations of destruction of the world, he said:

"It isn't wise to try to fix biblical prophesies to a calendar, but there are certain upheavals in civilization predicted in the Bible after which the final stage then will begin. The word "then" is not amplified, but there are many indications the trend toward Armageddon began in 1914. Coincidentally, that marked the beginning of Hitler's evil career.

"The earth will not be destroyed physically. There will always be an earth and there will always be men on it because God put them there. It simply means the triumph of Christ's will over evil. The destruction will be a displacement of evil in the same way that light displaces or dissipates darkness.

DIFFERENT MANNER

Judge Rutherford's quiet voice and friendly manner is wholly unexpected in view of the unquestioning promptness with which he is obeyed by subordinate officials. As Rutherford's spokesmen, the commands of his subordinates are likewise law to members.

Their obedience is astounding. At one night session the chairman inside the Arena announced over the loudspeaker the Arena grounds were badly littered with the refuge of a thousand tincan meals and beds made of newspapers. He requested it be cleaned up. Instantly every person within hearing sprang into action and the debris vanished in seconds.

In the lobby of the Arena, during speeches, booth attendants growl a firm "Be quiet," if any stranger has the effrontery to interrupt their listening. Throughout the convention, no smoking has been permitted.

With thanks to Atlantis, as ever, from 7 years ago -- http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/scandals/103438/1/Rutherford-and-Elevators-All-Others-Use-the-Stairs

itsyou

15

Vulcan--2013,May,Our Kingdom Ministry/

by Atlantis in

.

2013, may, our kingdom ministry.link by the blue box and blue arrow.http://www.sendspace.com/file/dzezcj.click on slow download.http://www.fileswap.com/dl/snvol4en1s/.click the green download button.http://www.fileflyer.com/view/hm53dcp..vulcan.

itsyou

Can somebody explain the timeline please? TIA

Awake 22 July 1970

Watching the World: Who are entitled to draft exemption? The Supreme Court of the United States ruled on June 15 that men who have conscientious scruples against all war based on moral and ethical reasons are entitled to draft exemptions. The new interpretation of the Selective Service law by the High Court’s 5-to-3 decision exempts from military service “all those whose consciences, spurred by deeply held moral, ethical, or religious beliefs, would give them no rest or peace if they allowed themselves to become a part of an instrument of war.” Considerations of policy, pragmatism or expediency would be no bases for exemption, the Court ruled.

Awake 22 May 1975

Watching the World: The U.S. Selective Service System’s requirement for a man to register for the draft within a month of his eighteenth birthday was abolished on April 1. Now all men born in a given year will be required to register during just one brief period each year. The dates are to be announced later this year. When the induction system was replaced by the volunteer army, it was feared that many men would either unintentionally or purposely forget to register. However, the Selective Service System director reports that more 18-year-olds registered last year than were believed to be alive.

Kingdom Ministry June 1976

Announcements: The Government has announced that the Selective Service arrangement ceased to function as of January 23, so none now reaching 18 years of age will have to register. Brothers of draft age who are in the pioneer service, or elders or ministerial servants, should not request of the Society certificates to use verifying their ordination, since the draft arrangement no longer functions.

Kingdom Ministry May 1983

Announcements: Selective service regulations require that all men register for the draft when reaching 18 years of age. All of those required to do so should take care of this matter promptly, viewing it as a Christian’s obligation to the superior authorities. Elders will want to have in mind when young brothers are nearing the age of 18 and give them appropriate reminders. Questions as to the young Christian’s responsibilities in this regard may be answered by the elders.

....and approximately annually thereafter (depending on other KM Announcements?) with wording variations up to....

Kingdom Ministry January 2008

Announcements: U.S. Selective Service regulations require that all men under the age of 26 who are (1) citizens and have reached 18 years of age or (2) noncitizens who move to the United States must register within 30 days. From the time a man registers until he turns 26, he must notify Selective Service within ten days of any change of address. Compliance with this law is a Christian’s obligation to the superior authorities. Elders should remind those to whom this applies or will soon apply of their duty to register.

itsyou

19

PO refuses to give me a "shepherding" visit ... wtf ???

by Calebs Airplane in

so 2 weeks ago i received an email from the po... he wants to give my wife and i a shepherding call very soon... but get this... he mentioned that they had already made shepherding calls to the entire congo and we were the only ones left... i don't know whether i'm i supposed to feel loved or despised (by that completely irrelevant comment).

he's probably doing this to impress the co who is probably visiting soon.... my response to his email was basically: no problem... please feel free to stop by anytime... however, no need to come with a second person.

i would prefer a 1 on 1 meeting (not 2 on 1).

itsyou

it seems to be standard procedure?

http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/188898/1/New-BOE-letter-on-inactive-ones

"arrangements should be made by the Congregation Service Committee for two elders to visit the inactive one."

But really you gave TMI re:wife - pure red flag in any circumstance, JW or not - but you probably gave them a good laugh??

itsyou

42

JWgift.org - the UK's Watchtower-sponsored website that "should not be seen as the soliciting of funds in any way"...

by cedars in

...even though it has a massive button on the home page saying "make a donation.".

https://www.jwgift.org/welcome.aspx.

cedars.

itsyou

@Bangalore: "Would this be of interest to the Charity Commission?"

Why, is the Gift Aid Declaration on the website wrongly worded or something???

I think people kinda presumed the website was called "jwgift' because it is meant to be using the 'Gift Aid' facility they have in Britain - the clue is the word 'Gift' ;)

But then as I said before, never presume anything....

itsyou

42

JWgift.org - the UK's Watchtower-sponsored website that "should not be seen as the soliciting of funds in any way"...

by cedars in

...even though it has a massive button on the home page saying "make a donation.".

https://www.jwgift.org/welcome.aspx.

cedars.

itsyou

Do they donate $10 per member per week in Britain? Or is my maths wrong?

What do they donate in America?

itsyou

42

JWgift.org - the UK's Watchtower-sponsored website that "should not be seen as the soliciting of funds in any way"...

by cedars in

...even though it has a massive button on the home page saying "make a donation.".

https://www.jwgift.org/welcome.aspx.

cedars.

itsyou

@cofty: "Hello itsyou welcome to JWN. You joined 4 hours ago and already you are an expert archivist."

;) thanks

@ohiocowboy: "ItsYou, Welcome!!! I too have found the search function here to be a valuable tool to see if specific topics have already been discussed in length. There are indeed many treasures to be found on this site if only we take the time to look!"

;) thanks - yeah people just don't take the time nowadays, they just can't be bothered!! :( though of course saying they can't be bothered kinda implies that they actually know how to search! And you should never presume anything....

itsyou

42

JWgift.org - the UK's Watchtower-sponsored website that "should not be seen as the soliciting of funds in any way"...

by cedars in

...even though it has a massive button on the home page saying "make a donation.".

https://www.jwgift.org/welcome.aspx.

cedars.

itsyou

@cedars

thanks

sorry, I wasn't here in 2004.

Anyway way more than just those three threads LOL!

2007

http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/beliefs/144628/1/Watchtower-ONLINE-DONATIONS

2005

http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/experiences/82994/1/link-from-society-website-donate-to-disaster-relief

;)

itsyou

5

Interesting Blog from Former Vancouver B.C. Pioneer in China

by Poztate in

jw
friends

http://www.believermag.com/issues/201302/?read=article_scorah.

oops saw already posted by wolfy.

itsyou

@ambersun: "I loved the part when it suddenly dawned on her that all those enthusiastic Chinese studies she had conducted while still living in Vancouver were only really interested in the free English lessons she was giving them at the same time"

A bit of creative writing me thinks - she is a good writer, very lucid and readable....

but it is accepted that many Chinese students have JW studies to improve their English and English conversation - with studies continued because it is thought that it will help to break down barriers, they themselves might not become 'JWs', but once these students go back to China with presumably good, even high-ranking jobs, they will at least be friendly to any advances JWs make in China in the years to come

so no real surprise or revelation, but actually something that should be done to help lay the groundwork....

sorry

itsyou

42