AndDontCallMeShirley: Great collection of references and observations. Good comments from everyone.
The approaching of 1975 was indeed a big deal for many. I personally know of two families that sold their homes in the early 70’s. They were very sincere, and well meaning, both were raising young children. When Armageddon did not occur, years passed as they rented, using up most of their savings. The housing market had changed in the meantime and they weren’t able to ever get back in.
All of this enthusiasm and eagerness was clearly built up over years by the WTS leaders. They hyped the idea using charts showing the 6000 years ending in 1975 etc. What I found truly despicable, callous and cold-hearted was the Watchtower comments the following summer blaming all the obedient JW’s for misunderstanding things.
WT 1976 July 15 pp. 440-441 pars. 11, 13, 15-16
11 It may be that some who have been serving God have planned their lives according to a mistaken view of just what was to happen on a certain date or in a certain year. They may have, for this reason, put off or neglected things that they otherwise would have cared for. But they have missed the point of the Bible’s warnings concerning the end of this system of things, thinking that Bible chronology reveals the specific date.
13 Did Jesus mean that we should adjust our financial and secular affairs so that our resources would just carry us to a certain date that we might think marks the end? If our house is suffering serious deterioration, should we let it go, on the assumption that we would need it only a few months longer? Or, if someone in the family possibly needs special medical care, should we say, ‘Well, we’ll put it off because the time is so near for this system of things to go’? This is not the kind of thinking that Jesus advised.
15 But it is not advisable for us to set our sights on a certain date, neglecting everyday things we would ordinarily care for as Christians, such as things that we and our families really need. We may be forgetting that, when the “day” comes, it will not change the principle that Christians must at all times take care of all their responsibilities. If anyone has been disappointed through not following this line of thought, he should now concentrate on adjusting his viewpoint, seeing that it was not the word of God that failed or deceived him and brought disappointment, but that his own understanding was based on wrong premises.
16 However, say that you are one who counted heavily on a date, and, commendably, set your attention more strictly on the urgency of the times and the need of the people to hear. And say you now, temporarily, feel somewhat disappointed; are you really the loser? Are you really hurt? We believe you can say that you have gained and profited by taking this conscientious course. Also, you have been enabled to get a really mature, more reasonable viewpoint. Eph. 5:1-17.
Just like that the WTS leaders washed their hands of this mess. Finally in March 1980 an acknowledgement was made that the year 1975 had been oversold and touted more than it should, but no formal apology was given.
If you sold your house, quit a good job, or gave up a once in a lifetime opportunity; well it sucks to be you. Get over it already. The GB loves you!
