http://spiritualbrother.blogspot.com/2008/10/letter-of-disassociation-written-by.html
At the above link we find a letter of disassociation from the JWs written by one who identifies himself as "spiritualbrother." Many, like this person, are leaving the "Jehovah's Witnesses" organization, but are at the same time being misled by the lies and falsehoods that are being spread abroad. While I am not associated with JWs, the letter does contain a lot of false statements concerning Charles Taze Russell, and the purpose of this post is not to defend the Jehovah's Witnesses' organization, but to address those false statements concerning Russell, or to give links where one can find information about those statements.
I am glad to see that "spiritualbrother" has come to see a clearer picture of the faithful and wise steward. (Luke 12:42-48) Nevertheless, part of being faithful and wise in service of the Master would require that we also be careful what we might say about fellow servants. We should be careful not to just accept and repeat what people might being saying out of spite or hatred, but rather we should check to make sure that what we repeat is not actually distortions and falsehoods that are being spoken against a fellow-servant of the Master.
Regarding the mission of the church, please see:
hhttp://rlbible.com/?p=41
Regarding "blood transfusions," see:
http://rlbible.com/?p=527
Regarding the "holy name," see
http://jesus-rlbible.com/?page_id=2
http://mostholyname.wordpress.com/
http://nameofyah.blogspot.com/
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Saturday, January 3, 2015
JWs, Jesuits and Charles Taze Russell
This Presentation is in response to a video presented by Youtube poster:
Entitled:
The Jehovah's Witnesses Watch Tower Founded by The Jesuits Cults Exposed Low
Entitled:
The Jehovah's Witnesses Watch Tower Founded by The Jesuits Cults Exposed Low
I will be presenting, to the best of my knowledge, the facts concerning the statements as made in video concerning Charles Taze Russell.
Much that is presented in this video has already been addressed elsewhere, so I am providing links to other research where one may find documentation and/or other information concerning what is being presented.
First of all, I am not associated with the Jehovah's Witnesses, nor do I support such an organization.
Charles Taze Russell and the Jehovah's Witnesses
Charles Taze Russell was never a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses organization, nor was he the founder of that organization. He did not believe in such an authoritarian organization.
See my research regarding:
Russell and the Jehovah's Witnesses
Russell and the Jehovah's Witnesses
End of the World in 1914?
It is claimed that the end of world was expected for 1914.
Russell himself was not expecting "the end of the world" in 1914. Nevertheless, at least before 1904, it depends on how one would define "end of the world". To Russell, who was familiar with the "end of the world" predictions of the Adventists, this term meant the end of the planet earth, and the eternal condemnation of all but a few. Russell did not believe in any such "end of the world".
Russell was expecting the "end of the times of the Gentiles" in 1914, and in his earlier statements, he presented his expectation that the end of the time of trouble to come in 1914. From this view, one could equate his expectations with the "end of the world", although Russell himself did not do so. Nevertheless, in 1904 -- ten years before 1904 -- Russell came to understand that the scriptures show that the ending of the Gentitle Times would not bring the end of the time of trouble, but rather that it would signal the beginning of the time of trouble. Thus, one cannot say that from 1904 ownward Russell was expecting "the end of the world" in 1914.
Links related to the above:
The claim is made that Russell started publishing "The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Kingdom" although he had no theological training or background.
By the time Russell started the Watch Tower magazine in 1879, he had already had about ten years of theological training and background. By 1879, his education probably equaled that of bachelor's degree, and in some ways more so.
See:
Russell's Watch Tower and the JW Watchtower
The Watchtower magazine that exists today is not Russell's Watch Tower magazine. Russell's Watch Tower no longer exists; it ended when he died.
"The Watchtower" today teaches a message that is almost the very opposite of what Russell taught and believed.
"The Watchtower" today teaches a message that is almost the very opposite of what Russell taught and believed.
No One Can Understand Without Russell?
It is being claimed that Russell said that no one could understand the Bible without his books. That was not exactly what Russell said, but he did say something similar. In context, Russell was discussing the question of whether reading his books was "Bible study". He was saying that such would be so only if one has proven to himself from the Bible itself that what is stated in his books are in harmony with the Bible.
Since error is so prevalent amongst the churches, yes, one does need help to see the truth and realize the difference between the errors and what the Bible actually does say, and Russell did believe that his writings provided that help, since only his writings, or writings of others that were in some way duplicating what he wrote, was showing forth this difference.
Russell did indeed believe that his writings were in harmony with the
light of the Bible, and he believed that God was using him in a special way to show these truths from the Bible, although he did not claim any special inspiration
for his writings. Thus, accepting that his books were in harmony with the light of the Bible, anyone not in harmony with what he had written would be, to some extent, in darkness. Nevertheless, Russell maintained that no one should accept anything that he wrote except that one is convinced that what he wrote was in agreement with the Bible. Indeed, any Bible-believing Christian author who writes anything about the Bible should believe that what he wrote is harmony with the light of the Bible, allowing room for human error and mistakes.
Links related to the above:
Is the Reading of "Scripture Studies" Bible Study?
Russell Quotes Concerning the Bible
We Believe in the Bible
Did Russell Claim His Writing to be Superior to the Bible?
Is the Reading of "Scripture Studies" Bible Study?
Russell Quotes Concerning the Bible
We Believe in the Bible
Did Russell Claim His Writing to be Superior to the Bible?
Furthermore, Russell admitted several times that his conclusions,
especially concerning chronology and time prophecies, could be in
error.
Russell, however, unlike the Watchtower of today, did allow his
associates to reach their own conclusions without threat of being
disfellowshiped.
The Great Pyramid
The video states that Russell believed that the Great Pyramid is God's second witness, next to the Bible. I could not verify that Russell ever viewed the Great Pyramid as God's "second" witness, but he did indeed believe that the Great Pyramid is God's witness spoken of in Isaiah 19. So did many of the Christians before him, and so do many Christians today. To me, the evidence is overwhelming that it is indeed God's witness in Egypt.
It is stated that Russell claimed that the measurements of the Great Pyramid verified 1914 as "the year the world would end." While the Great Pyramid does verify the year 1914, Russell never spoke of 1914 as "the year the world would end."
The video states that 1914 came and went and that "Russell and his followers were not raptured from the earth and the end had not come." As shown, Russell was not expecting "the end" to come in 1914. One of the things Russell stated could happen in 1914 would be the completion of the church, which, to him, meant the 144,000 of Revelation 7 and 14. Such could signal the change of the final member of this group from earthly to heavenly life. He was not expecting a "rapture" as that word is often used. Otherwise, his main expectation was that the time of trouble was to begin in 1914, bringing with it, among other things, "warfare". Russell died in 1916, still believing that the time of trouble had begun in 1914. I, and many others, believe that the time of trouble did begin in 1914, and we are still in this time of trouble, and may be in it for many years yet to come. See the links provided above.
The claim is presented that the "date was pushed forward, from 1914 to 1915, and then, to 1918". This is totally false. This is all in connection with the alleged "end of the world" for these dates. The reality is that Russell never spoke of the end of the world for any of these dates. And to say that 1914 was changed to 1915 or 1918 is very misleading, to say the least. The matter concerning 1915 is very complicated, but this date had been presented long before 1914, and certainly never replaced the date 1914. Russell never stopped believing that in October of 1914 that the Gentile Times ended and that the "time of trouble" began at that time. Russell did speak of 1918 as a possible date for the end of the harvest, but he never spoke of the end of the world for 1918. Since this has been discussed on my other websites, I will not go into this in detail here.
See my research related to:
1915
and
1918
The Great Pyramid
The video states that Russell believed that the Great Pyramid is God's second witness, next to the Bible. I could not verify that Russell ever viewed the Great Pyramid as God's "second" witness, but he did indeed believe that the Great Pyramid is God's witness spoken of in Isaiah 19. So did many of the Christians before him, and so do many Christians today. To me, the evidence is overwhelming that it is indeed God's witness in Egypt.
It is stated that Russell claimed that the measurements of the Great Pyramid verified 1914 as "the year the world would end." While the Great Pyramid does verify the year 1914, Russell never spoke of 1914 as "the year the world would end."
The video states that 1914 came and went and that "Russell and his followers were not raptured from the earth and the end had not come." As shown, Russell was not expecting "the end" to come in 1914. One of the things Russell stated could happen in 1914 would be the completion of the church, which, to him, meant the 144,000 of Revelation 7 and 14. Such could signal the change of the final member of this group from earthly to heavenly life. He was not expecting a "rapture" as that word is often used. Otherwise, his main expectation was that the time of trouble was to begin in 1914, bringing with it, among other things, "warfare". Russell died in 1916, still believing that the time of trouble had begun in 1914. I, and many others, believe that the time of trouble did begin in 1914, and we are still in this time of trouble, and may be in it for many years yet to come. See the links provided above.
The claim is presented that the "date was pushed forward, from 1914 to 1915, and then, to 1918". This is totally false. This is all in connection with the alleged "end of the world" for these dates. The reality is that Russell never spoke of the end of the world for any of these dates. And to say that 1914 was changed to 1915 or 1918 is very misleading, to say the least. The matter concerning 1915 is very complicated, but this date had been presented long before 1914, and certainly never replaced the date 1914. Russell never stopped believing that in October of 1914 that the Gentile Times ended and that the "time of trouble" began at that time. Russell did speak of 1918 as a possible date for the end of the harvest, but he never spoke of the end of the world for 1918. Since this has been discussed on my other websites, I will not go into this in detail here.
See my research related to:
1915
and
1918
The video claims that Russell died in 1916, "sick, weary, and disappointed." Russell, of course, was indeed sick with multiple illnesses, which I am sure did cause him much weariness. However, I have found no evidence that Charles Taze Russell died
disappointed in 1916; the evidence from his writings suggest that he
was indeed rejoicing that the time of trouble had begun in 1914!
The video then states that at Russell's gravesite there stands to this day a "massive stone pyramid" as a reminder "of his false prophecy". This, again, is misleading. Several years after Russell died, Rutherford did build a
replica of the Great Pyramid in the center of the plot owned by the WTS
in the Rosemont Cemetery. It stands to this day as a monument to
Russell's and the Edgars' works regarding God's Stone Witness, as well
as a testimony to God's Plan salvation for the church and the whole
world. Russell, however, never made any prophecies, and thus, never gave
any "false prophecy".
See my research related to:
Russell and the Great Pyramid
and
The Great Pyramid and the Bible
Joseph Rutherford
The video then discussed Joseph Rutherford. After Russell died, Rutherford virtually destroyed the legal instrument as Russell had intended for it to be, and by deception had new by-laws passed, and by use of the new entity that he, in effect, created, proceeded to form a new organization based on a similar hierarchy as used by the Roman Catholic Church, with himself holding authority similar to a pope. Russell preached against such an "outward organization."
See my research related to:
Russell and the Great Pyramid
and
The Great Pyramid and the Bible
Joseph Rutherford
The video then discussed Joseph Rutherford. After Russell died, Rutherford virtually destroyed the legal instrument as Russell had intended for it to be, and by deception had new by-laws passed, and by use of the new entity that he, in effect, created, proceeded to form a new organization based on a similar hierarchy as used by the Roman Catholic Church, with himself holding authority similar to a pope. Russell preached against such an "outward organization."
In 1917, Rutherford, by means of
legal trickery, had the majority of the Board of Directors dismissed and
replaced with his supporters. His legal trickery caused many of the Bible Students to stop supporting him. By 1918, about 1/7 of the Bible Students were no longer supporting Rutherford. As Rutherford continued to tighten his grip on
claiming that local congregations should be in subjection to him, by
1928 the Bible Students movement, as a whole, represented by the vast
majority, had rejected Rutherford's new organization, and were
continuing their activities without that organization.
See documents presented by various Bible Students (I do not necessarily agree with all conclusions presented in these documents):
http://www.heraldmag.org/olb/contents/bsllinks/History.htm
See documents presented by various Bible Students (I do not necessarily agree with all conclusions presented in these documents):
http://www.heraldmag.org/olb/contents/bsllinks/History.htm
http://www.heraldmag.org/olb/contents/doctrine/witness2.htm
http://www.heraldmag.org/olb/contents/doctrine/witness5.htm
The End Just Around the Corner
The idea that "as in 1914", nothing happened, is false, since something DID happen in 1914, as has already been discussed. As best as I can determine, Russell NEVER spoke of "the end just around the corner" at all. Russell did not believe in the doomsday message that Rutherford later preached, although many incorrectly attribute the present-day Armageddon message back to Russell.
See my research related to:
Russell and Armageddon
The Jesuits
The video never mentions how any of this is thought to be tied to the Jesuits, so I am not sure why the Jesuits are mentioned in the title.
http://www.heraldmag.org/olb/contents/doctrine/witness5.htm
The End Just Around the Corner
The idea that "as in 1914", nothing happened, is false, since something DID happen in 1914, as has already been discussed. As best as I can determine, Russell NEVER spoke of "the end just around the corner" at all. Russell did not believe in the doomsday message that Rutherford later preached, although many incorrectly attribute the present-day Armageddon message back to Russell.
See my research related to:
Russell and Armageddon
The Jesuits
The video never mentions how any of this is thought to be tied to the Jesuits, so I am not sure why the Jesuits are mentioned in the title.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Russell, the JWs and the Great Pyramid - Video Reply
I am presenting here a series of short replies to a video entitled, "Jehovah's Witness Founder CT Russell's Pyramid". Evidenlty, the person presenting the video has been thoroughly deceived by the vast amount of misrepresentations being made concerning Russell. It is not my desire, however, to personally attack anyone, but rather to address the ways that Russell is being misrepresented.
I am not associated with the Jehovah's Witnesses, but I have been studying the works of Russell and many other Bible Students for more than 50 years. So many today are misrepresenting what Russell taught and believed.
First, Charles Taze Russell was not a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses organization. Russell did not believe in such an organization, and he preached against similar authoritarian organizations of his time. Russell also preached against similar views of Armageddon that the JWs preach. It is therefore highly misleading to present Russell as the founder of that which he did not believe in, and which he preached against.
See my research related to:
Russell and the Jehovah's Witnesses organization:
Regarding:
Russell and Armageddon:
It is claimed that Russell "changed the date of the invisible return of Jesus several times." This is definitely NOT true. In 1876, Russell accepted Barbour's view that Russell had returned in 1874; Russell died in 1916 still holding to the view that Christ had returned in 1874. Before 1876, Russell did not have any view concerning any date related to Christ's return, although he had already become convinced that Christ would not return in the flesh, since Jesus sacrificed his flesh for life of the world. Russell never once, from 1876 to 1916, changed his view concerning the date of the invisible return of Jesus, thus it is false that Russell "changed the date of the invisible return of Jesus" even once, much less "several times".
See my research regarding:
I am not associated with the Jehovah's Witnesses, but I have been studying the works of Russell and many other Bible Students for more than 50 years. So many today are misrepresenting what Russell taught and believed.
First, Charles Taze Russell was not a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses organization. Russell did not believe in such an organization, and he preached against similar authoritarian organizations of his time. Russell also preached against similar views of Armageddon that the JWs preach. It is therefore highly misleading to present Russell as the founder of that which he did not believe in, and which he preached against.
See my research related to:
Russell and the Jehovah's Witnesses organization:
Regarding:
Russell and Armageddon:
It is claimed that Russell "changed the date of the invisible return of Jesus several times." This is definitely NOT true. In 1876, Russell accepted Barbour's view that Russell had returned in 1874; Russell died in 1916 still holding to the view that Christ had returned in 1874. Before 1876, Russell did not have any view concerning any date related to Christ's return, although he had already become convinced that Christ would not return in the flesh, since Jesus sacrificed his flesh for life of the world. Russell never once, from 1876 to 1916, changed his view concerning the date of the invisible return of Jesus, thus it is false that Russell "changed the date of the invisible return of Jesus" even once, much less "several times".
See my research regarding:
Russell and 1874
Contrary to what is presented in the video, the scriptures contain an abundancy of testimony that Christ's return would be without observation by the world. -- Matthew 24:37-39; Luke 17:20,26-30; 1 Peter 3:18.
See my studies related to:
Christ's Return
Russell's studies:
http://www.mostholyfaith.com/bible/volumes/index.asp#vol2
http://www.mostholyfaith.com/bible/volumes/index.asp#vol3
Sad to say, the Watchtower of the JW organization has indeed misrepresented various details of what Russell believed and taught, including saying that the JWs (which did not even exist in Russell's time) had proclaimed for over 30 years before 1914 that Christ was to return in 1914. We know of no one, however, who before 1914, thought that Christ was to return in 1914. Russell never presented such an idea in any of this publications, including his Watch Tower magazine.
See my research related to Russell and 1914:
http://ctr.rlbible.com/?cat=5
Since Russell was not expecting any future return of Christ, however, Russell certainly was not making any "spectacular forecasts concerning the return of the Lord Jesus Christ and the end of the world"; indeed, Russell was NOT expecting neither the return of Christ in 1914, nor was expecting "the end of the world" in 1914. Concerning the latter, Russell plainly stated that he was not expecting the end of the world in 1914.
See my research related to:
Russell and the End of the World
The "Chart of the Ages" presented as a "page of Russell's Pyramid Bible Teaching" does not directly deal with the testimony of the Bible concerning the Great Pyramid, but, like many other organizational charts, simply uses pyramids to show the development of God's Kingdom through various ages and dispensations. Russell, of course, did believe that the Great Pyramid is God's witness in Egypt, as do many thousands of Christians; since there is overwhelming evidence that this is true, there is nothing sinister or evil about such a belief.
This chart may be found on line at several sites owned by Bible Students; here is one:
http://www.nsbible.org/sits_v1/chart.htm
For Russell's explanation of this Chart of the Ages, see:
http://www.mostholyfaith.com/bible/volumes/A12.asp
After 1878, Barbour began preaching doctrine that, in effect, denied the Biblical basis of the atonement. Russell finally allowed Barbour to go his own way, and, in 1879, Russell began publishing his own magazine, which was, at first, Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, later, The Watch Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence. Russell's main reason to start the publication of this magazine was to defend the atonement through Jesus; had Barbour not started presenting his new teachings, it is quite probable that Russell would never have started printing a separate magazine.
Russell was not interested in "selling" newspapers. Newspapers generally made their money, not just by selling newspapers, but mostly by paid advertisements, which was charged relative to the circulation. Russell's journal, however, carried no paid advertisements, and the subscription price was so low that I doubt that it even covered the costs related to publishing and distributing the magazine. Additonally, subscription to the magazine was free to any who could not afford the subscription price. Furthermore, tens of thousands of free papers were distributed. Much of this work was paid for out of Russell's original fortune, and/or by other business ventures that Russell used to create funds for the work of the Watch Tower Society. The insinuation that Russell was in some way getting rich by selling newspapers is preposterous.
Russell never claimed any "revelations", as such implies revelation directly from God, as through angels, visions, etc.; and to say that he was constantly changing his doctrine would be misleading. His main work was from 1876 to 1916 the defence of the atonement, that never changed, even if he did progress in understanding details that demanded some change in his views related to the atonement. Russell was not telling anyone that they had to accept his views or else that they were not a Christian, or that he would not associate with them, etc. Indeed, not all of his associates always agreed with him, especially as related to time prophecies and chronology.
See my research related to Russell and Prophet:
http://ctr.rlbible.com/?page_id=3000
As far as I know, Barbour also never claimed to have received any revelations, as through an angel, visions, etc.
The conerstone doctrine of Russell and the Bible Students is the the ransom for all. The JWs, although they make reference to such, actually by their doctrine have rejected this cornerstone doctrine of the Bible.
See my research regarding
Russell and the ransom sacrifice of Jesus
Also:
Ransom for All
Contrary to what is presented in the video, the scriptures contain an abundancy of testimony that Christ's return would be without observation by the world. -- Matthew 24:37-39; Luke 17:20,26-30; 1 Peter 3:18.
See my studies related to:
Christ's Return
Russell's studies:
http://www.mostholyfaith.com/bible/volumes/index.asp#vol2
http://www.mostholyfaith.com/bible/volumes/index.asp#vol3
Sad to say, the Watchtower of the JW organization has indeed misrepresented various details of what Russell believed and taught, including saying that the JWs (which did not even exist in Russell's time) had proclaimed for over 30 years before 1914 that Christ was to return in 1914. We know of no one, however, who before 1914, thought that Christ was to return in 1914. Russell never presented such an idea in any of this publications, including his Watch Tower magazine.
See my research related to Russell and 1914:
http://ctr.rlbible.com/?cat=5
Since Russell was not expecting any future return of Christ, however, Russell certainly was not making any "spectacular forecasts concerning the return of the Lord Jesus Christ and the end of the world"; indeed, Russell was NOT expecting neither the return of Christ in 1914, nor was expecting "the end of the world" in 1914. Concerning the latter, Russell plainly stated that he was not expecting the end of the world in 1914.
See my research related to:
Russell and the End of the World
The "Chart of the Ages" presented as a "page of Russell's Pyramid Bible Teaching" does not directly deal with the testimony of the Bible concerning the Great Pyramid, but, like many other organizational charts, simply uses pyramids to show the development of God's Kingdom through various ages and dispensations. Russell, of course, did believe that the Great Pyramid is God's witness in Egypt, as do many thousands of Christians; since there is overwhelming evidence that this is true, there is nothing sinister or evil about such a belief.
This chart may be found on line at several sites owned by Bible Students; here is one:
http://www.nsbible.org/sits_v1/chart.htm
For Russell's explanation of this Chart of the Ages, see:
http://www.mostholyfaith.com/bible/volumes/A12.asp
After 1878, Barbour began preaching doctrine that, in effect, denied the Biblical basis of the atonement. Russell finally allowed Barbour to go his own way, and, in 1879, Russell began publishing his own magazine, which was, at first, Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, later, The Watch Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence. Russell's main reason to start the publication of this magazine was to defend the atonement through Jesus; had Barbour not started presenting his new teachings, it is quite probable that Russell would never have started printing a separate magazine.
Russell was not interested in "selling" newspapers. Newspapers generally made their money, not just by selling newspapers, but mostly by paid advertisements, which was charged relative to the circulation. Russell's journal, however, carried no paid advertisements, and the subscription price was so low that I doubt that it even covered the costs related to publishing and distributing the magazine. Additonally, subscription to the magazine was free to any who could not afford the subscription price. Furthermore, tens of thousands of free papers were distributed. Much of this work was paid for out of Russell's original fortune, and/or by other business ventures that Russell used to create funds for the work of the Watch Tower Society. The insinuation that Russell was in some way getting rich by selling newspapers is preposterous.
Russell never claimed any "revelations", as such implies revelation directly from God, as through angels, visions, etc.; and to say that he was constantly changing his doctrine would be misleading. His main work was from 1876 to 1916 the defence of the atonement, that never changed, even if he did progress in understanding details that demanded some change in his views related to the atonement. Russell was not telling anyone that they had to accept his views or else that they were not a Christian, or that he would not associate with them, etc. Indeed, not all of his associates always agreed with him, especially as related to time prophecies and chronology.
See my research related to Russell and Prophet:
http://ctr.rlbible.com/?page_id=3000
As far as I know, Barbour also never claimed to have received any revelations, as through an angel, visions, etc.
The conerstone doctrine of Russell and the Bible Students is the the ransom for all. The JWs, although they make reference to such, actually by their doctrine have rejected this cornerstone doctrine of the Bible.
See my research regarding
Russell and the ransom sacrifice of Jesus
Also:
Ransom for All
Focus on the Atonement
Russell did not depart from Barbour because of any alleged forecasting of the return day of the Lord Jesus!! This is totally ridiculous! Barbour was not even expecting Christ to return in 1878, nor did Russell ever have any expectation of 1878 as being the return day of the Lord Jesus. Russell parted with Babour because of Barbour's rejection of the Biblical basis of the atonement.
See my research related to
Russell and 1878
Especially see:
Russell did not depart from Barbour because of any alleged forecasting of the return day of the Lord Jesus!! This is totally ridiculous! Barbour was not even expecting Christ to return in 1878, nor did Russell ever have any expectation of 1878 as being the return day of the Lord Jesus. Russell parted with Babour because of Barbour's rejection of the Biblical basis of the atonement.
See my research related to
Russell and 1878
Especially see:
Russell did not USE the measurements of the Great Pyramid to forecast anything pertaining to any date; he did demonstrate that the measurements of God's Witness in Egypt correspond to the chronology of the Bible and the prophetic dates of the Bible.
See my research regarding
Russell and the Great Pyramid
Although the date 1925 came up during the days of Russell, Russell did not believe that 1925 held any significance regarding Bible prophecy. (Please note that the book, The Finished Mystery, was not written by Russell.) In effect, Russell rejected 1925 as having any prophetic significance.
See Russell's own words
regarding 1925
Russell did speak of himself as a mouthpiece of God; he also claimed that all true Christians are mouthpieces for God.
See my research regarding:
Russell as a mouthpiece of God
Russell did not once present any alleged revelations from God beyond what is written; he did present what he stated to be his own surmisings and conclusions regarding his own study of the Bible prophecies; he did NOT claim these to be revelations from God, nor did he ever make these claims a test of whether one is a Christian or not.
The Great Pyramid of Giza, I believe, is God's Stone Witness in Egypt; it does not, of itself, reveal Christ's return in 1874, nor did Russell ever claim such an idea. Barbour and Russell had used several lines of Bible prophecy and prophectic parallels that reach the year 1874; this is therefore based, not upon the Great Pyramid, but upon the Bible itself.
See Russell's studies:
The Time Is At Hand
Thy Kingdom Come
From 1904 onward, Russell was NOT expecting the end of Gentile goverments in 1914; he was expecting the beginning of the time of trouble in 1914.
See my research on the
Beginning of the Time of Trouble - Quotes From Russell
The Great Pyramid is indeed refered to by many Christians as the Bible in Stone. I am not sure that this term originated from Russell or Barbour, since many Christians had already come to realize that the Great Pyramid is God's witness in Egypt long before Barbour accepted this. Russell did not "arbitrarly" insert the dates into the pyramid to prove any alleged revelations. Russell did show how the measurements of the GP corroborated the Bible chronology and time prophecies. However, there was one problem concerning the measurement of the lower passageway, since no one had actually measured the floor of that passageway due to the debris that had accumulated. The Edgars, however, later removed the debris and took some accurate measurements of the lower passageway.
See:
The works of the Edgars
See also my research regarding:
Russell and the Great Pyramid
No, Russell did not teach the Great Pyramid with dogmatism, but rather he spoke of it as his belief. He never once demanded that others had to accept his belief concerning the Great Pyramid to either be a Christian, or to have fellowship in the Bible Students movement, which movement did not have, and still does not have, any central authority on earth. Russell disclaimed that either he or the WTS had any central authority over the Bible Students.
See my research regarding
Russell and authority in the church
The video quickly presents a picture of Russell's gravestone, but turns attention to Rutherford's pyramid monument of God's witness in Egypt, evidently with the claim that this monument is Russell's gravestone as "a pyramid bible." That pyramid, in fact, is not at all Russell's gravestone.
Rutherford, in creating his new "Jehovah's visible organization" dogma, wished to use the various Bible prophecies to allegedly support his organization dogma, and thus claimed the Great Pyramid was built by Satan. The manner in which he did this would, in effect, mean that Satan had knowledge of the Bible before it had been written. Nevertheless, rather than keep the scriptural evidence that Russell taught concerning chronology and time prophecies, Rutherford slowly disregarded the abudance of scriptural study of both Barbour and Russell pertaining to time prophecies, and replaced them with applications of prophecy that he concluded demonstrated the veracity of his "organization" dogma.
See my research regarding
Russell's grave
Rutherford further rejected the foundational Biblical teaching of the ransom for all and replaced it with a teaching that basically says that one has to join Rutherford's organization or else be eternally destroyed in his idea of Armageddon. Thus, again, the claim of the video is just the opposite of what really happened, for Russell preached against similar teaching concerning Armageddon of his day.
Russell constantly defended the only means of salvation as being through the Lord Jesus Christ; only if one is almost totally ignorant of what Russell taught and believed could one say that Russell, by constantly refusing to take any authority, was actually possessing "zeal for power and prestige", or that Russell attacked "the only person who can save a soul". Russell constantly pointed to Jesus as only means of being saved from sheol/hades. He rightly pointed out from the scriptures, however, that no one can be saved from the lake of fire, the second death. If the condemnation through Adam was to suffer conciously for eternity, then to pay the wages of sin, then Jesus would have to now be suffering for all eternity to pay such wages. Russell overall pointed out the truth from the Bible concerning hell and the wages of sin.
See my own studies regarding hell, the lake of fire, the rich man and lazarus, etc.
Presenting what scripture says is not attacking the Lord Jesus Christ, but rather it is actually upholding the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of the Most High, who gave himself as a man for as a ransom for all. No scripture, rightly translated, presents Jesus as uncreated, having existed for eternity past, etc., while the genitive partitive usage of Colossians 1:15 definitely presents Jesus as being a creature, the first of such.
See my studies related to
Jesus as being a creature:
My own beliefs regarding the beginning in Genesis 1:1 can be found at:
http://binfo.rlbible.com/?page_id=281
and:
http://jesus.rlbible.com/?page_id=5211
Russell, by divesting himself of his fortune, and devoting his whole life and time to preaching Jesus, was definitely not what he is being accused of being. Those who actually know Russell's works know that Russell did not sell out his Savior for a little silver and a little time in the limelight and the headlines, rather, he did just the opposite. Russell did not create a new Jesus, nor a new Gospel, but rather he upheld the Jesus presented by the apostles, and the Gospel presented by the apostles, which placed him in contrast with the "new Gospel" and "new Jesus" that began to to be proclaimed after the apostles died. Russell in no wise changed the way of salvation from what is stated in the Bible.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Strange Prophecy of Jehovah's Witnesses & the Giza Pyramid
Another blogger has posted a lot of misleading information about Charles Taze Russell as related to Russell's Biblical study of what he believed to be "God's Stone Witness in Egypt". Much of what is stated in the blog appears to have been copied from other sources, so the author may not have been actually aware that what he has presented misrepresents the truth.
(1) It is falsely claimed that Charles Taze Russell is the founder of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Those who are truly familiar with Russell's works know that Russell did believe in such an organization as the Jehovah's Witnesses; in fact, he preached against the idea of any central authority other than Jesus and the apostles and he preached against the idea that any outward organization has any scriptural claim to be the true church. Please note that the owner of this site is not with the Jehovah's Witnesses, nor does he seek to defend that organization.
See:
Russell - Founder of the JWs?
http://ctr.reslight.net/?cat=484
(2) The statement is made that Russell used the Great Pyramid of Giza for making Biblical prophetic predictions. This statement is misleading in that Russell did not use the Great Pyramid as the source of his conclusions, but rather he used the Bible itself.
See:
Charles Taze Russell - "Prophet?"
http://ctr.reslight.net/?cat=118
Russell and the Great Pyramid
http://ctr.reslight.net/?p=48
(3) It is claimed that Russell's study of the Great Pyramid sounds like the occultic new age type of thinking. This is misleading, since Russell's Biblical study of prophecy has nothing at all do with the Satanic occultism, or Satan's "New Age" ideas, except that, as Russell stated several times, Satan often seeks to imitate truth in order to get people to believe his lies.
See: Charles Taze Russell and the Occult:
http://ctr.reslight.net/?cat=599
(4) It is stated that the use of pyramids for prophecy is unBiblical. As stated, we agree, and I am sure that Russell would have agreed with that statement -- as it is stated -- also. However, the intent of the statement is misleading regarding at three points: (a) the reference to "pyramids" (plural) does not apply to Russell, since his interest was only in one pyramid he believed to be God's witness in Egypt; (b) the phrase "for prophecy" does not apply to Russell since he did not look to the Great Pyramid itself "for prophecy", but as corroboration of Bible prophecy; (c) the statement "is unBiblical" would seem to designate Russell's study of the Great Pyramid as being "unBiblical"; I do not believe that study of God's witness in Egypt to be "unBiblical", since such study corroborates and confirms the Bible itself as being God's revelation to man.
See:
The Great Pyramid and the Bible
http://gp.reslight.net
(5) A picture is presented of Rutherford's pyramid monument with caption "Pyramid/Grave of C.T. Russell of the Jehovah Witnesses". There are three things that misrepresented in that one statement: (a) The pyarmd monument shown was not built by Russell, but Rutherford had it constructed several years after Russell died. (b) Rutherford's pyramid monument is not Russell's grave. (c) Russell was never a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses organizaton.
See:
Russell's Grave
http://ctr.reslight.net/?cat=176
(6) The statement is made that Russell brought in influences from eastern mysticism into Christianity. In actuality, the only "eastern mysticism" that Russell believed in was the mysteries of the Bible, which is an "eastern" -- not a "western" book. Russell did not believe in, and did not teach, the "eastern mysticism" of heathen religions. The thought, however, suggests that the study of God's witness in Egypt, and how it corroborates the Bible is in some way connected to heathen religious mysticism, which it is not. The thought also suggests that Russell was the one who introduced the Biblical study of the Great Pyramid into Christianity. He was not; there were many Christians before him who had concluded that the Great Pyramid is God's witness in Egypt. Russell did not introduce that idea into Christianity, since it had already been introduced into Christianity by others who had come before him.
The title suggests that it is strange to study God's witness in Egypt; it is indeed "strange" to those who have not actually studied the matter, and especially to those who have their minds made up to be against such a study. Nevertheless, does not the Bible itself speak of how Ephraim considered God's laws to be strange. (Hosea 8:12) Indeed, many Christians, having highly influence doctrines of men and modern thought, might find much that is in Bible to be "strange".
I do not necessarily agree with all conclusions given by the following authors:
Bible Review Magazine 1902-1903 (Google Affiliate Ad)
Royal 39127H ETB1 Electronic Bible Reference Book (Google Affiliate Ad)
Handbook of Biblical Hebrew (Google Affiliate Ad)
Royal Consumer ETB1 KJV And World English Bible (Google Affiliate Ad)
Manual of Biblical Archaeology (Google Affiliate Ad)
(1) It is falsely claimed that Charles Taze Russell is the founder of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Those who are truly familiar with Russell's works know that Russell did believe in such an organization as the Jehovah's Witnesses; in fact, he preached against the idea of any central authority other than Jesus and the apostles and he preached against the idea that any outward organization has any scriptural claim to be the true church. Please note that the owner of this site is not with the Jehovah's Witnesses, nor does he seek to defend that organization.
See:
Russell - Founder of the JWs?
http://ctr.reslight.net/?cat=484
(2) The statement is made that Russell used the Great Pyramid of Giza for making Biblical prophetic predictions. This statement is misleading in that Russell did not use the Great Pyramid as the source of his conclusions, but rather he used the Bible itself.
See:
Charles Taze Russell - "Prophet?"
http://ctr.reslight.net/?cat=118
Russell and the Great Pyramid
http://ctr.reslight.net/?p=48
(3) It is claimed that Russell's study of the Great Pyramid sounds like the occultic new age type of thinking. This is misleading, since Russell's Biblical study of prophecy has nothing at all do with the Satanic occultism, or Satan's "New Age" ideas, except that, as Russell stated several times, Satan often seeks to imitate truth in order to get people to believe his lies.
See: Charles Taze Russell and the Occult:
http://ctr.reslight.net/?cat=599
(4) It is stated that the use of pyramids for prophecy is unBiblical. As stated, we agree, and I am sure that Russell would have agreed with that statement -- as it is stated -- also. However, the intent of the statement is misleading regarding at three points: (a) the reference to "pyramids" (plural) does not apply to Russell, since his interest was only in one pyramid he believed to be God's witness in Egypt; (b) the phrase "for prophecy" does not apply to Russell since he did not look to the Great Pyramid itself "for prophecy", but as corroboration of Bible prophecy; (c) the statement "is unBiblical" would seem to designate Russell's study of the Great Pyramid as being "unBiblical"; I do not believe that study of God's witness in Egypt to be "unBiblical", since such study corroborates and confirms the Bible itself as being God's revelation to man.
See:
The Great Pyramid and the Bible
http://gp.reslight.net
(5) A picture is presented of Rutherford's pyramid monument with caption "Pyramid/Grave of C.T. Russell of the Jehovah Witnesses". There are three things that misrepresented in that one statement: (a) The pyarmd monument shown was not built by Russell, but Rutherford had it constructed several years after Russell died. (b) Rutherford's pyramid monument is not Russell's grave. (c) Russell was never a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses organizaton.
See:
Russell's Grave
http://ctr.reslight.net/?cat=176
(6) The statement is made that Russell brought in influences from eastern mysticism into Christianity. In actuality, the only "eastern mysticism" that Russell believed in was the mysteries of the Bible, which is an "eastern" -- not a "western" book. Russell did not believe in, and did not teach, the "eastern mysticism" of heathen religions. The thought, however, suggests that the study of God's witness in Egypt, and how it corroborates the Bible is in some way connected to heathen religious mysticism, which it is not. The thought also suggests that Russell was the one who introduced the Biblical study of the Great Pyramid into Christianity. He was not; there were many Christians before him who had concluded that the Great Pyramid is God's witness in Egypt. Russell did not introduce that idea into Christianity, since it had already been introduced into Christianity by others who had come before him.
The title suggests that it is strange to study God's witness in Egypt; it is indeed "strange" to those who have not actually studied the matter, and especially to those who have their minds made up to be against such a study. Nevertheless, does not the Bible itself speak of how Ephraim considered God's laws to be strange. (Hosea 8:12) Indeed, many Christians, having highly influence doctrines of men and modern thought, might find much that is in Bible to be "strange".
I do not necessarily agree with all conclusions given by the following authors:
Bible Review Magazine 1902-1903 (Google Affiliate Ad)
Royal 39127H ETB1 Electronic Bible Reference Book (Google Affiliate Ad)
Handbook of Biblical Hebrew (Google Affiliate Ad)
Royal Consumer ETB1 KJV And World English Bible (Google Affiliate Ad)
Manual of Biblical Archaeology (Google Affiliate Ad)
Monday, December 20, 2010
Russell Was Never the President of the Jehovah's Witnesses
It is stated concerning Russell:
While JWs no longer have one absolute "earthly leader" in the sense of one dominant individual, as it did have in the reigns of its first three Presidents, Charles Taze Russell (1852-1916); Joseph Franklin Rutherford (1869-1942) and Nathan Homer Knorr (1905-1977)Is this true? No, since there was no "Jehovah's Witnesses" organization in the days of Russell, and Russell certainly did not have "reign" over anyone.
Indeed, Charles Taze Russell was never the president of the Jehovah's Witnesses. The JWs' organization did not exist in the days of Russell. Russell was a non-sectarian who preached against such authoritarianism as is found in the JW organization. Furthermore, Russell disowned being any "ruler" of the church (which he stated many times existed amongst all the denominations of Christianity). The JWs have indeed rejected what Russell presented related to "organization" and Christian freedom in his Studies in the Scriptures, Volume 6.
Nor did Russell use fear of the "second death" as a whip to bring anyone into subjection (as does the JW leadership). The gospel - the good news of great joy which is to be to all the people - preached by Russell was almost the opposite message of that is preached by Jehovah's Witnesses. After Russell died, Rutherford immediately had the by-laws of the Watch Tower Society changed, and went about creating a new organization, which the bulk of the Bible Students movement rejected in 1920s.
See:
Was Russell the Founder of What is Now Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Bible Students Did Not Become Jehovah's Witnesses
Russell was indeed the main founder of the legal entity The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. However, that entity was not originally created so as to support or control an organization such the "Jehovah's Witnesses." Russell, being a non-sectarian, did not believe in any such kind of organization (and actively preached against such until he died), nor did he or the Bible Students believe in the message that is preached by that organization. Even though some of the Bible Students sought to give to Russell a special authority, Russell himself disclaimed any special authority for himself or for the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.
See Russell, Authority and Organization
Furthermore, Russell actively preached against similar kinds of alleged "good news" (as preached by the JWs) until he died. Russell never preached a gospel that Christians had to come to him, or to the Bible Students movement, for salvation, as do the JWs regarding their organization. He taught salvation only through Christ, irrespective of any human sect, organization, or denomination. No, the JWs did not retain what Russell taught in this regard, but claimed that for one to have salvation, one has to come to what they call "Jehovah's organization," meaning that which is headed by their leadership in Brooklyn.
Yes, in 1931 Rutherford named his new organization "Jehovah's Witnesses." He did this because the Bible Students (as a whole, represented by the majority) had rejected this new organization, as well as his new gospel of woeful bad tidings of eternal destruction for most of the people. As a whole, the Bible Students movement carried on its affairs without giving approval to Rutherford's new organization, or his new gospel, and are still doing so to this day. Therefore, as a whole, the original Bible Students movement did not take the name Jehovah's Witnesses.
It is true that Rutherford developed his new organization "out of" the Bible Students movement, but the Bible Students movement as a whole (represented by the majority) rejected that new organization. It is not just a matter of semantics; it is a matter of actually examining the facts.
There was no "central authority" in the days of Russell; the only "authority" -- if one can call it that -- that Russell maintained was that of "pastor" towards those congregations that had elected him as such. Russell did not seek to take control of the affairs of local congregations. All congregations were free to either elect him as pastor or not, or to reject him as pastor at any time. All congregations were free to make their own appointments of elders and deacons for whatever needs they might have. Such coercive methods of Rutherford and the JWs were not approved by Russell, and we are sure that he would not approve of the JW organization today because they do employ those methods, and especially since they have denied the ransom for all, the main doctrine that Russell started publishing the Watch Tower to defend.
Russell, however, allowed others to disagree with his conclusions; he often printed differing views in the pages of the Watch Tower, and even learned from those who disagreed with him. He did not go around -- or have any representatives going around -- disfellowshiping people because they disagreed with him.
Yes, one of the very first acts that Rutherford did was to deceive the voters into passing new by-laws for the Watch Tower (without permitting the voters to read the new by-laws) which new by-laws did indeed, in effect, create a "new organization," the very thing Russell had sought to keep from happening, both by the original charter and by his last will and testament, as well as written statements, which Rutherford ignored. Trusting Rutherford, the voters passed the by-laws without having read them. It was only later that many of them began to realize they had been deceived, and even later that the majority of the Bible Students began to realize what had happened.
The word "organization" rarely appeared in the Watch Tower publications in the days of Russell as related to the legal entity, and never in the sense that Rutherford began to use that term after Russell died.
At first, back in 1917, only a few of the Bible Students understood what was happening; however, by 1930, the majority of the Bible Students movement had indeed rejected Rutherford's new organization, and his dogma related to that organization.
See:
What Did C. T. Russell Teach About "Organization" As Related to His Watch Tower?
Steven E. Jones made the following statement:
Russell was indeed the main founder of the legal entity The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. However, that entity was not originally created so as to support or control an organization such the "Jehovah's Witnesses." Russell, being a non-sectarian, did not believe in any such kind of organization (and actively preached against such until he died), nor did he or the Bible Students believe in the message that is preached by that organization. Even though some of the Bible Students sought to give to Russell a special authority, Russell himself disclaimed any special authority for himself or for the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.
See Russell, Authority and Organization
Furthermore, Russell actively preached against similar kinds of alleged "good news" (as preached by the JWs) until he died. Russell never preached a gospel that Christians had to come to him, or to the Bible Students movement, for salvation, as do the JWs regarding their organization. He taught salvation only through Christ, irrespective of any human sect, organization, or denomination. No, the JWs did not retain what Russell taught in this regard, but claimed that for one to have salvation, one has to come to what they call "Jehovah's organization," meaning that which is headed by their leadership in Brooklyn.
Yes, in 1931 Rutherford named his new organization "Jehovah's Witnesses." He did this because the Bible Students (as a whole, represented by the majority) had rejected this new organization, as well as his new gospel of woeful bad tidings of eternal destruction for most of the people. As a whole, the Bible Students movement carried on its affairs without giving approval to Rutherford's new organization, or his new gospel, and are still doing so to this day. Therefore, as a whole, the original Bible Students movement did not take the name Jehovah's Witnesses.
It is true that Rutherford developed his new organization "out of" the Bible Students movement, but the Bible Students movement as a whole (represented by the majority) rejected that new organization. It is not just a matter of semantics; it is a matter of actually examining the facts.
There was no "central authority" in the days of Russell; the only "authority" -- if one can call it that -- that Russell maintained was that of "pastor" towards those congregations that had elected him as such. Russell did not seek to take control of the affairs of local congregations. All congregations were free to either elect him as pastor or not, or to reject him as pastor at any time. All congregations were free to make their own appointments of elders and deacons for whatever needs they might have. Such coercive methods of Rutherford and the JWs were not approved by Russell, and we are sure that he would not approve of the JW organization today because they do employ those methods, and especially since they have denied the ransom for all, the main doctrine that Russell started publishing the Watch Tower to defend.
Russell, however, allowed others to disagree with his conclusions; he often printed differing views in the pages of the Watch Tower, and even learned from those who disagreed with him. He did not go around -- or have any representatives going around -- disfellowshiping people because they disagreed with him.
Yes, one of the very first acts that Rutherford did was to deceive the voters into passing new by-laws for the Watch Tower (without permitting the voters to read the new by-laws) which new by-laws did indeed, in effect, create a "new organization," the very thing Russell had sought to keep from happening, both by the original charter and by his last will and testament, as well as written statements, which Rutherford ignored. Trusting Rutherford, the voters passed the by-laws without having read them. It was only later that many of them began to realize they had been deceived, and even later that the majority of the Bible Students began to realize what had happened.
The word "organization" rarely appeared in the Watch Tower publications in the days of Russell as related to the legal entity, and never in the sense that Rutherford began to use that term after Russell died.
At first, back in 1917, only a few of the Bible Students understood what was happening; however, by 1930, the majority of the Bible Students movement had indeed rejected Rutherford's new organization, and his dogma related to that organization.
See:
What Did C. T. Russell Teach About "Organization" As Related to His Watch Tower?
Steven E. Jones made the following statement:
Most of Russell's core doctrines: denial of the Trinity, denial of conscious existence after death, apostasy of Christianity in the second century, Jesus' invisible return, destruction of this present world at Armageddon, salvation only through the Society, etc, were retained by Rutherford and by the Watchtower Society down to this day.Denial of Trinity
Russell denied what is not in the Bible. He did not find any trinity concept in the Bible, and he did find that the trinity is in contradiction to the redemption that is in Christ as presented in the Bible. In effect, man's added-on trinity doctrine actually replaces what the Bible presents about the ransom for all. Russell, therefore, did not accept the adding of the trinity concept to the Bible.
See: Russell and the Trinity (links)
Denial of the Conscious Existence After Death
Russell actually denied that the dead are conscious while dead, he did not deny any conscious existence after death, since he believed those who have died, both the just and unjust, are to be raised in the resurrection of the last day.
Russell, however, showed how such doctrines as the trinity and the alleged inherent immortality of the human soul/spirit are not in the Bible, have to be added to the Bible, and how they have replaced and/or are in contradiction to the glorification of God and the central doctrine of the Bible pertaining to God's redemption out of sin and death in Adam, that is, the atonement (which is to the glorification of God).
See: Russell Regarding Hell, Sheol, Hades, Gehenna, Lake of Fire
Apostasy of Christianity in the Second Century
Russell taught the apostasy had already begun in the first century, just as it states in the Bible. However, if Steven E. Jones does not believe there has ever been any apostasy, then why is he not a member of the Roman Catholic Church and in obedience to the pope in Rome? Indeed, most of the earlier protestant reformers did believe that there had been an apostasy and that the Roman Catholic Church was a result of that apostasy. This concept was indeed at the very basis of the protestant reformation.
Jesus' Invisible Return
Do the Jehovah's Witnesses preach Christ's invisible return the same as Russell? No; they do believe Christ returned invisibly in 1914; Russell, however, never believed that. Russell taught that Christ had returned in 1874, and was indeed present on the earth, since that date. The JW leadership has, however, rejected the chronology that Russell presented. Rutherford wanted to find some way to apply prophecies to his new organization in order to promote his claim that his new organization is "God's visible organization on earth", and thus rejected what Russell had presented on major applications of time prophecy so as to force those time prophecies into his alleged history of the alleged "God's visible organization on earth". The JWs have rejected practically everything that Russell presented in his Studies in the Scriptures, Volumes 2 and 3.
Additionally, Russell did not believe in the doctrine of "God's visible organization on earth," nor in the chrononology and applications of time prophecies as presented by Rutherford, and which are basically still held by the JW leadership to this day. Thus, while the JWs did retain the date 1914, what that date means to them, and what it meant to Russell, are totally different. Thus, the JW leadership did not retain what Russell taught about the year 1914.
See:
Russell and 1914 (links)
Destruction of This Present World at Armageddon; Salvation Only Through the Society
The JWs did not at all retain what Russell taught about the passing away of the present heavens and earth, nor of what he taught concerning "Armageddon." Russell did not believe in the JW-type Armageddon at all. Some of the Second Adventists as well as the 7th Day Adventists taught a doctrine similar to what the JWs preach, and Russell thoroughly countered those teachings, and openly opposed them. We are sure that he would also do the same concerning Rutherford's new doctrine of an Armageddon that would eternally destroy millions, billions, of unregenrated men, women and children without their ever having any benefit from the ransom for all. The JWs have rejected practically everything Russell presented regarding Armageddon in his Studies in the Scriptures, Volume 3.
Denial of the Conscious Existence After Death
Russell actually denied that the dead are conscious while dead, he did not deny any conscious existence after death, since he believed those who have died, both the just and unjust, are to be raised in the resurrection of the last day.
Russell, however, showed how such doctrines as the trinity and the alleged inherent immortality of the human soul/spirit are not in the Bible, have to be added to the Bible, and how they have replaced and/or are in contradiction to the glorification of God and the central doctrine of the Bible pertaining to God's redemption out of sin and death in Adam, that is, the atonement (which is to the glorification of God).
See: Russell Regarding Hell, Sheol, Hades, Gehenna, Lake of Fire
Apostasy of Christianity in the Second Century
Russell taught the apostasy had already begun in the first century, just as it states in the Bible. However, if Steven E. Jones does not believe there has ever been any apostasy, then why is he not a member of the Roman Catholic Church and in obedience to the pope in Rome? Indeed, most of the earlier protestant reformers did believe that there had been an apostasy and that the Roman Catholic Church was a result of that apostasy. This concept was indeed at the very basis of the protestant reformation.
Jesus' Invisible Return
Do the Jehovah's Witnesses preach Christ's invisible return the same as Russell? No; they do believe Christ returned invisibly in 1914; Russell, however, never believed that. Russell taught that Christ had returned in 1874, and was indeed present on the earth, since that date. The JW leadership has, however, rejected the chronology that Russell presented. Rutherford wanted to find some way to apply prophecies to his new organization in order to promote his claim that his new organization is "God's visible organization on earth", and thus rejected what Russell had presented on major applications of time prophecy so as to force those time prophecies into his alleged history of the alleged "God's visible organization on earth". The JWs have rejected practically everything that Russell presented in his Studies in the Scriptures, Volumes 2 and 3.
Additionally, Russell did not believe in the doctrine of "God's visible organization on earth," nor in the chrononology and applications of time prophecies as presented by Rutherford, and which are basically still held by the JW leadership to this day. Thus, while the JWs did retain the date 1914, what that date means to them, and what it meant to Russell, are totally different. Thus, the JW leadership did not retain what Russell taught about the year 1914.
See:
Russell and 1914 (links)
Destruction of This Present World at Armageddon; Salvation Only Through the Society
The JWs did not at all retain what Russell taught about the passing away of the present heavens and earth, nor of what he taught concerning "Armageddon." Russell did not believe in the JW-type Armageddon at all. Some of the Second Adventists as well as the 7th Day Adventists taught a doctrine similar to what the JWs preach, and Russell thoroughly countered those teachings, and openly opposed them. We are sure that he would also do the same concerning Rutherford's new doctrine of an Armageddon that would eternally destroy millions, billions, of unregenrated men, women and children without their ever having any benefit from the ransom for all. The JWs have rejected practically everything Russell presented regarding Armageddon in his Studies in the Scriptures, Volume 3.
Rutherford introduced a doctrine that is almost the opposite of what Russell taught, thus it is certainly misleading to say that the JWs have retained what Russell taught about the "destruction of this world" or about "Armageddon." They indeed teach almost the opposite of the core doctrines Russell presented in all six volumes of his Studies in the Scriptures. The core doctrine of Russell was the Biblical doctrine of the "ransom for all." Russell never believed in the JW-type of Armageddon, nor did he believe in the end of the world in the same manner that the JWs teach. The JWs did not retain what he taught on these topics. Russell never taught anything like the idea that all who disagreed with his teaching would be eternally destroyed without receiving any benefit from the ransom. Instead, he taught that they would be saved from the Adamic condemnation and be given a full opportunity to believe in the age to come. No, the JWs did not retain the doctrine of Armageddon from Russell, but Rutherford created a totally new doctrine of Armageddon. Russell most definitely never taught any doctrine of "salvation only through the Society." The JWs did not retain what Russell taught about salvation, but rejected what he taught and replaced it with a new gospel of salvation through their organization. Indeed, they have rejected the very basis of salvation as Russell presented in his Studies in the Scriptures, Volumes 1 and 5.
We assume that Steven E. Jones actually believes that Russell taught "salvation only through the Society", as he has not changed his statement on this, although it is totally false. Russell never taught such a thing! There are many others, however, who are also so ignorant of what Russell taught that have attributed many of the teachings of Rutherford and the later JW leadership to Russell.
Reference:
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