Did Russell Get No Birthday Beliefs from Muslim Study as a Mason?

Did Russell get any “no birthday” belief from a study with the Muslims while he was a Mason? Was Charles Taze Russell ever a Mason? Did he ever teach anyone to not celebrate birthdays?

This is in response to an article entitled "Are Brithdays Pagan?" appearing at:

http://jesus-messiah.com/html/birthdays.html

The article is addressing the Jehovah’s Witnesses belief concerning not celebrating birthdays.

First, let us say that we are not in disagreement with much of what is stated on that page.  We are mostly addressing some errors concerning the references to Charles Taze Russell and the allegations being made regarding Russell.

The statement is made:

They [Jehovah’s Witnesses] will not confess that this doctrine came from the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Charles Taze Russell got it from his Muslim studies as a member of the Masonic lodge.

It is further stated:

It is believed, and with good suspicion, that Charles Taze Russell, founder of the JWs, got his doctrine against observing birthdays from his association with the Masonic Lodge, and directly from Islamic influence.  Yes, there is an abundance of Islamic teaching veiled in many rituals of the Lodge.  Muslims do not believe in observing birthdays and devout Caliphs do not observe the birthday of Mohammed.  Russell had even more reason to crank out a doctrine against birthday celebration with his stand against Christmas, the alleged birthday of Jesus.  It was from this event on December 25 that Russell forged his doctrine against pagan holidays and birthdays, all in one neat package.  He could teach against the birthday of the Son of God and go back and pick up the ancient festival of the birthday of the sun, or sun god, and show where they were mixed.

(1) Charles Taze Russell was never associated with the organization known as “Jehovah’s Witnesses”. Russell did not believe in such an organization, and preached against such a sectarian organization until the day he died. After Russell died, Rutherford, by means of deceit and legal trickery, gained control of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, and used that legal entity to develop the sectarian organization that is now called “Jehovah’s Witnesses.”

(2) Russell was never involved in any special studies of the Muslim religion, nor was he ever a member of any Masonic lodge, nor is there any "good reason" to suspect that he was. Many conspiracy theorists, by use of imagination, create a lot of alleged "facts" which are in reality not facts, etc.

(2) Charles Taze Russell never promoted a belief against celebrating birthdays or Christmas at all, thus he never got such an idea from any studies he might have made concerning the Muslim religion. In fact, the “Daily Heavenly Manna” book that was published by the WTS in Russell’s time carried a page for recording birthdays opposite each date. Today, The Dawn Bible Students Association continues to publish this book with the similar format.
http://dawnbible.com/dawnpub.htm

God, of course, never prohibited the celebration or observance of birthdays; nevertheless, we believe that many of God’s commands should be considered related to the mimicking of the idolatrous rituals that are often associated with such celebrations, in this case, that of making wishes (in effect, petitions, prayers) upon a cake and/or candle. The Bible tells us to make our requests known to the Heavenly Father, not to a cake or candles. — Philippians 4:6; 1 Corinthians 10:14,20.

(4) Charles Taze Russell was never a member of the Masons’ organization at all. If he had been, he certainly would not have spent nearly his entire life proclaiming a message that goes contrary to the Masonic philosophy, and especially in contradiction to conspiracy theories that many often claim to be the goals of the Freemasons..

On of the prominent promoters of such theories is Fritz Sprngmeier. We have written some responses regarding him, which may be seen at:
http://rlctr.blogspot.com/2016/12/p-springmeier.html

Those who are well-acquainted with the writings of Charles Taze Russell find all the proof they need within those writings that attests that Russell was never a member of the Masons’ organization, and we have no reason to question his statement when he said: “I have never been a Mason.” — Sermon: “The Temple of God,” 1913.

Additionally, we have never seen anything among the Masons that suggests, as an organization, that they do not celebrate birthdays, or that they hold, as an organization, to any kind of doctrine that one should not celebrate birthdays.

The Great Pyramid of Giza and the Bible Students — Interview (English/Portuguese) with Bro. Jeff Mezera (Video)

Was Charles Taze Russell Really a Freemason? (Video Response)

A video that been presented, which may have been produced by a member (or members) of the Jehovah's Witnesses sect, entitled, "Was Charles Taze Russell 'really' a Freemason?" At any rate, what is presented in the video is more or less favorable towards Brother Russell. The video does show that Russell was not a member of the Freemasons. His life works overwhelming show that he was not in favor of such goals often being attributed the "Illuminati". It is indeed non-sensical to think that Russell spent all those years from approximately 1870 to 1916 promoting a message that is contrary to what many are attributing to Russell.

However, the video presents a view often held that Brother Russell was the "founder of the Christian denomination of Jehovah's Witnesses." The fact is that Russell was a non-sectarian who did not believe in creating a sect or denomination, nor in creating an authoritarian organization, and definitely not a religious organization such as the "Jehovah's Witnesses". Russell preached against such sectarian authoritarianism throughout the years of his ministry. He also preached against the kind of "Armageddon" message that is preached by the JW organization. In effect, the scriptural glad tidings of great joy that will be for all the people that was the center of Russell's ministry, is almost the very opposite of the  JWs' "Good News" of great woe that will be for most people that they (and their children) will be eternally destroyed in Armageddon if they do not join the JW organization.

The video states that Russell had an interest in "pyramidology." As far as we can determine, Brother Russell himself never used the word "pyramidology"; of itself this word simply means "pyramid study" or "study of a pyramid". The word "pyramidology" could certainly be applied to Russell's study of God's Witness in Egypt.

The word "pyramidology" is often, however, associated with many forms of spiritistic and occult practices that Russell did not believe in. Russell's Biblical study of God's Witness in Egypt had nothing at all to do with spiritism, nor did it have anything to do what is commonly called occultism, astrology, pyramid power, etc. Russell's interest was in the Biblical study of God's Witness in Egypt; such study has been referred to as "pyamidology", but that term can be misleading, since many people may associate the term with things that Russell did not believe in. It is often claimed that Russell was obsessed with "pyramids." Russell had no general interest in "pyramids" (plural). His interest was in one pyramid, the one which bears overwhelming evidence as being God's witness in Egypt. The only interest he appeared to have in other pyramids was to show the difference between them and the one often referred to as "The Great Pyramid."

Rutherford evidently found that the abundance of evidence regarding God's Witness in Egypt would not fit his "organization" goals, so he claimed that all this "evidence" was put there by Satan in order deceive. This claim, in effect, would mean that Satan had knowledge of the Bible before the Bible was written. Rutherford did not actually address the evidence, but rather he disregarded it. Many Bible Students, such as Morton Edgar, have refuted Rutherford's claims, and as far as we can determine, Rutherford simply ignored those refutations.

The claim is presented that Russell stated that he was Freemason. This refers to something that Brother Russell said in his sermon, "The Temple of God." The quote has to be taken out of context, however, since Russell was not saying that he was a member of man's Freemason organization. Russell actually disclaimed being a member of any of man's secret organizations, and he preached against the goals of those organizations. He did, using Masonic terminology, make an analogy so as to speak of being a freemason for Christ.

Russell evidently was under the false impression that all Masons professed to be Christian, and thus he spoke of them in the sense that he spoke of Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, etc., that is as "friends" and "brethren."

The video mentions the claim may be many that Brother Russell used "Masonic symbols." The Biblical illustrations Russell used were not "Masonic symbols", although some Masons may have made use of similar Biblical imagery. Cross and Crown symbolism has been used by almost all the major denominations of Christendom, without any thought of it having anything at all to do with the Masons' organization. No shape, of itself, is pagan, or idolatrous, although many things in God's creation may be perverted for idolatrous heathen occult practices, etc.

The "TAU" is used throughout the Hebrew in the Old Testament and also in the Greek of the New Testament. Rutherford's call for an alleged non-spirit begotten class of Jehonadabs, did not fit the imagery of the cross and crown. It appears, however, that many of Rutherford's followers clung to the usage of the cross and crown, and thus Rutherford made use of works by some earlier authors and used his self-proclaimed organizational authority to dissuade further use of the cross and crown symbolism, so as to focus on building an organization with what could be considered, in effect, a governing class, such as Paul preached against in 1 Corinthians 4:8.

The video is correct about Russell's grave, although it does not appear to fully have the details correct. Russell is definitely not buried under any pyramid at all, nor is the pyramid that Bohnet designed and Rutherford authorized to be built on the WTS lot in the Rosemont Cemetery a "Masonic" pyramid. Rutherford, however, authorized Bohnet to build that pyramid replica of God's Witness in Egypt, not in the middle of the Rosemont Cemetery, but in the middle of the lot then owned by the WTS in that cemetery. There are those that claim that Russell's last will and testament stated that he wished for such a monument to be built. This is false, however, but it is true that there is no record in any of Russell's known writings that mentions the building of such a pyramid structure on the WTS lot in the Rosemont Cemetery.

The picture  presented in the video of Russell's gravestone is that which was apparently replaced several years after his death. Russell himself never claimed to be "the Laodicean Messenger.".

Russell and Peters' "The Theocratic Kingdom"

This is related a series of books entitled The Theocratic Kingdom, by George N. H. Peters. Brother Russell was acquainted with Peters, and spoke highly of him, although Russell thought Peters had not gotten rid of some the “shackles” of “Babylon”. Russell wrote comments regarding Peter’s The Theocratic Kingdom, and provided information about those books, including the purchase price. Lately, however, it is being circulated around that “the May 1883 issue of Zion’s Watch Tower criticized Peters’ work, recommending that readers not purchase the title.” Quotes are given, which on the surface, appear to support this statement; and yet, if one reads what Russell actually wrote in May 1883 concerning Peter’s books, we do not find any place where he recommended either that one should or should not purchase this series of books. Here is the entire notice that appeared in the May 1883 Watch Tower:

THE THEOCRATIC KINGDOM.

Brother G. N. H. Peters, of Springfield, Ohio, is an old acquaintance and friend. He is a believer in the redemptive work of Christ, and hence a Christian brother. He is a believer in the future reign of Christ and the saints, for which cause sake he has suffered the loss of some things — some of the esteem of the nominal church. We regret to have it to state, however, that he is not free from Babylon’s shackles, being yet identified with the Lutheran sect — hence has been hindered from a fuller development in grace and knowledge of the word and plan of God than if he stood in the full liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.

Our brother has spent a large part of the past thirty years in preparing a very comprehensive work on Eschatology, entitled – -“THE THEOCRATIC KINGDOM.” It treats of the kingdom of God to be established, from the standpoint known as “Premillenarian.” It gives voluminous reports of the hundreds of views entertained on this subject — advocating in the main the so-called “Pre-millenarian” view. While the author does not ignore the teachings of the Apostles, he lays greater stress and value on the opinions of the “Fathers” (the Christian teachers of the first five centuries) than we could acknowledge as proper.

The work will comprise three volumes of about 600 pages each. The publisher says that the price should be $5 per volume, but if sufficient orders — or promises at $3 per volume — are received in advance to justify, then that will be the price.

While we cannot recommend it to you more than as above, to briefly state the facts and circumstances, yet if you should conclude to order it or a prospectus of it you should address our brother and friend as above.

See this series of books online at:

https://archive.org/details/TheTheocraticKingdomPetersVols1-3

It should be obvious that in a sense, Brother Russell recommended the books, yet it was not without pointing out that it does not provide the plan of God as given in the Bible. Thus, Brother Russell could not fully recommend the book. To  say, however, that he recommended that the readers of the Watchtower not buy the books would be to distort what he actually stated. While we have not taken the time to read the book, we understand that it presents views that, in effect, deny the basis of the atonement as presented in the Bible.  Nevertheless, Brother Russell considered Peters to be a brother in Christ, a believer in the redemption through Jesus. The fact that Brother Peters presents some erroneous views does not mean that there is no helpful information to be found in his books, and thus Bible Students could find something useful in those books, just as useful information may be found in the works of many other Christian authors who do not understand the divine plan of the ages. Indeed, we do know that some Bible Students have made use of the books. For instance, Brother Donald Holliday, in study "The Secrets of the Kingdom," states:

The first seven parables of Matthew 13 describe various developments throughout the long age that was to precede the second advent of earth’s king and the coming of his kingdom. Then the “harvest,” described as the ending of the age, would take place under the auspices of the returned Lord. However, two of these parables, the ‘Mustard seed’ and the ‘Leaven,’ have sometimes been taken out of context and misapplied to a gradual process of kingdom development during this intervening age. There is some resulting confusion, therefore, as to the nature of the promised kingdom and the time of its commencement. One careful Bible scholar has regarded this error to be so serious and widespread even among Protestants that he has devoted three weighty volumes, drawing over a thousand references from Christian resources, in refuting this mistaken idea.(3)

In the footnote reference (3) we find:

3. George N. H. Peters (1825-1909), The Theocratic Kingdom (three volumes, 2,000 pages).

Brother Russell, however, probably viewed himself as having no right to tell anyone to buy or not to buy those books or any other books.  He simply left it up to each reader as to whether they should or should not buy the books. The fact that he included the purchase prices of the books shows that he expected that some of the readers may want to purchase the books.

Was Russell the Founder of a False Religion?

It was claimed on a site that evidently no longer exists that Charles Taze Russell was “the founder of the Jehovah’s Witnesses,” under the heading, “Jehovah’s Witnesses: False Religion.” Another site, under the title, "The Jehovah's Witnesses: A False Religious Organization," states: "The Jehovah's Witnesses is a religious organization which had its beginning in the early twentieth century. It was founded by Charles Taze Russell in the latter half of the nineteenth century."  The two statements in the latter quote appear to contradict each other. In truth, Charles Taze Russell was not the founder of the religion known as “Jehovah’s Witnesses.” He did not believe in such an organization, nor did he believe in the teachings of this religion. He was certainly not the founder of that which he did not believe in. 

Russell was certainly not the founder of the Jehovah’s Witnesses organization.

First, Russell was a non-sectarian who did not believe in such a sectarian organization. Russell preached against the sectarian kind of spirit that prevails amongst the JW organization. Russell, while he did not believe in denominationalism or sectarianism, believed and taught that true Christians, members of the true church, may be found amongst all denominations and sects that profess to be Christian.

Second, Russell did not believe in the kind of authoritarianism that the leadership of the JWs claim. He certainly never employed the “mind control” techniques used the by the JW leadership. Russell believed that the only authority in the church is Jesus and the apostles.

Third, Russell did not believe in the message of eternal doom for unbelievers that the JWs preach. This is related to their teaching regarding the battle of Armageddon. As far as we know, they still teach that most of earth's unregenerated population, including children, babies, etc., will be eternally destroyed during that battle. Indeed, Russell believed that all unbelievers would eventually be enlightened with the truth. Russell did not teach or believe in the kind of Armageddon that is preached by the Jehovah’s Witnesses; actually, he preached against similar teachings that existed in his day. Russell believed that Armageddon was a period during the time of trouble in which the peoples of the nations were to be chastised in preparation for the blessings of God’s Kingdom.

It is true that the "Jehovah's Witnesses" had its beginning in the early twentieth century. The founder of this organization was Joseph Rutherford, not Charles Taze Russell. Rutherford created the Jehovah's Witnesses organization by rejecting the core teachings of Russell and the Bible Students, especially as related to the basis of the atonement, Christian freedom (no centralized organization on earth clothed with authority), and many other things. 

Russell was therefore certainly not the founder of that which he did not believe in, and which he preached against.

Indeed, Russell himself never thought of himself as the “founder” of any religion; he claimed Christ as the founder of the religion that he believed in, that is, Biblical Christianity.

It is claimed that because of Russell’s “questionable character”, the Jehovah’s Witnesses no longer look at Russell as the founder of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Officially, the “Jehovah’s Witnesses” leadership claim that their religion goes all the way back to Abel. Individually, however, one might hear some the “Jehovah’s Witnesses” refer to the Charles Taze Russell as their founder, or as the “modern-day” founder of their religion. However, we are not aware that any of them would “no longer” claim him as their founder because of an alleged “questionable  character” that is falsely attributed to Russell. Nevertheless, the JW leadership does highly discourage study of Russell’s writings, with the claim that it is “old light.” We highly suspect that the real reason is that Russell’s writings would expose much of the teachings of the JW leadership as being false.

The true founder of the religion known as “Jehovah’s Witnesses” was Joseph Rutherford. Rutherford, after Russell died, used deceit and legal trickery to gain control of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society as a basis to form his new religion which he later called “Jehovah’s Witnesses.” You will not find any reference in Russell’s writings to a Watch Tower organization, and certainly not of an organization that Rutherford conceived after Russell died. Russell refused to usurp any authority over anyone (except as that which had been given to him as the President of the Watch Tower Society itself, which pertained only the internal affairs of he Watch Tower Society, not external matters of the lives of individuals who were external to the Watch Tower Society. That Russell was still maintaining this belief until he died can be seen from his statement in The Watch Tower, August 15, 1916, page 248:

Let it be borne in mind that the Society exercises no authority, makes no criticism, but merely gives advice; and that in the interest of the Lord’s Cause and the Lord’s people.

Almost immediately after Russell died, however, Rutherford and his followers began to present a concept an “organization” in connection with the Watch Tower Society. (See the Watch Tower issues of December of 1916).

See also: Russell and the JWs