C. T. RUSSELL vs. THE ORGANIZATION

[RR144]

In my Bible discussions with Jehovah's Witnesses, there is one topic that always seems to come up. They just can’t wait to share with me that Jehovah has an Organization. Just what do they mean by "Organization"? The Watchtower Society says:

"Jehovah's organization is theocratic. This means that it is ruled by the direct administration of God, and all who desire to serve in association with the organization must respect the theocratic arrangement of things." (Qualified to be Ministers, 1955, p. 380)​

The earthly leaders of this organization are called the "Governing Body". The Watchtower says,

"... recognition of that governing body and its place in God's theocratic arrangement of things is necessary for submission to the headship of God's Son.” (Watchtower, 12/15/72, p. 755)​

In light of these Watchtower claims, we will look at what the first Watchtower president, Charles Taze Russell, had to say about organization. We think you’ll find his thoughts very interesting, if not enlightening. Did he believe a governing body should set rules for our lives?

Russell warned:

"Beware of It is wholly unnecessary. 'organization.' The Bible Do not rules will be the only rules you Will need. seek to bind others consciences....and đo not permit others to bind yours. Believe and obey so far as you can understand God's Word today....” (WATCH TOWER,1895, p. 216​

He also said:

"...it is plain that the forming of a visible organization of such gathered out ones would be out of harmony with the spirit of the divine plan …” (Watch Tower, 1894, p. 384)​

Therefore, for Russell the Watchtower's founder, God's Church should not be an organization. Ironically. since Russell refused to recognize a central governing body of human leaders, he would certainly be "disfellowshipped" from the Jehovah's Witnesses today. Yes, Charles Russell would not qualify as a Christian in the eyes of today's Watchtower leaders. But Russell would not understand their reasoning.

He said:

"There is no organization today clothed with such divine authority to imperiously command mankind... though we are well aware that many of them in theory claim that they ought to be permitted to do so….”​

So we see a great battle between the thinking of present-day Watchtower leaders and their founder.

Early in his career Russell was asked this question, "Would not an earnest, aggressive organization, built upon Scriptural lines, be the best means of spreading and publishing the real Good Tidings?" In the March 1883 WATCH TOWER, page 6, he answered:

"The natural man can see that a visibly organized body, with a definite purpose, is a thing of more or less power...But the natural man cannot understand how a company of people, with no organization which they can see, is ever going to accomplish anything."​

Now it matters not what you may believe about Russell’s character and theology. What I wish to illustrate is how the Watchtower's first president would argue that today's Watchtower organization has no right to even exist! Would it not be well for Watchtower leaders to read the advice of Jesus who dealt with the pride of his own disciples. He said at Mark 9:35, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and minister of all.” - NWT

 

[Gottservant]

In my Bible discussions [...]

Would it not be well for Watchtower leaders to read the advice of Jesus who dealt with the pride of his own disciples. He said at Mark 9:35, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and minister of all.” - NWT

I read quickly over your post, until I read the line at the very end - that's when you got my interest!

You are right, Jesus had a standard in mind for Church leadership.

I wonder how others are going to reply!

 

[RR144]

I read quickly over your post, until I read the line at the very end - that's when you got my interest!

You are right, Jesus had a standard in mind for Church leadership.

I wonder how others are going to reply!

What's interesting, the Witnesses will say that since the death of Russell they have received new light, new understanding of God's plan of Salvation. The problem is, were Russell to see what the organization he founded has become, he wouldn't recognize it. In fact, it was the Society AFTER his death that promoted him as "that faithful and wise servant" of Matthew 24:45. Now, were there those who believed he was during his lifetime? Sure, but he NEVER proclaimed himself as such, never claimed anything special. A few years after his death, the Society under the leadership of J.F. Rutherford, claimed "That Servant" was not an individual but a class, all true Christians associated with the Society, the 144,000 of revelation 7. Russell was then demoted from being THE Servant of Matthew 24, to being a member of that Servant Class. Then later he was kicked out of the class. How so? Well, Rutherford moved Christ's return 40 years. Claiming as the Witnesses believe today that Jesus returned invisibly in 1914, and then searching around for the next few years for those who were doing His will. Finding them in 1918, he appointed the Watchtower Society as his earthly channel. Since Russell died in 1916, he couldn't possibly be "That Servant" as an individual or part of "That Servant Class". It would take 100 years later for the Society to introduce new light and state that "That Servant Class" was not made up of the 144,000 left on earth but was indeed made up of the Governing Body who run the worldwide organization of Jehovah's Witnesses.

One must wonder why the Lord would return in 1914, chose a group of people doing a work He approved of, praise them for such a work and then reorganize them so drastically that they no longer resemble the work they were doing when he returned. A work that they have overhauled doctrinally and organizationally hundreds of times, so that what they taught in 1918, so no longer taught in 2018 and what was taught in 2018, is no longer taught in 2023. All under the guise of "new light". Jehovah is not a God of confusion; He is a God of Light and order.

 

[Keiw]

In my Bible discussions with Jehovah's Witnesses, there is one topic that always seems to come up. They just can’t wait to share with me that Jehovah has an Organization. Just what do they mean by "Organization"? The Watchtower Society says:

"Jehovah's organization is theocratic. This means that it is ruled by the direct administration of God, and all who desire to serve in association with the organization must respect the theocratic arrangement of things." (Qualified to be Ministers, 1955, p. 380)​

The earthly leaders of this organization are called the "Governing Body". The Watchtower says,

"... recognition of that governing body and its place in God's theocratic arrangement of things is necessary for submission to the headship of God's Son.” (Watchtower, 12/15/72, p. 755)​

In light of these Watchtower claims, we will look at what the first Watchtower president, Charles Taze Russell, had to say about organization. We think you’ll find his thoughts very interesting, if not enlightening. Did he believe a governing body should set rules for our lives?

Russell warned:

"Beware of It is wholly unnecessary. 'organization.' The Bible Do not rules will be the only rules you Will need. seek to bind others consciences....and đo not permit others to bind yours. Believe and obey so far as you can understand God's Word today....” (WATCH TOWER,1895, p. 216​

He also said:

"...it is plain that the forming of a visible organization of such gathered out ones would be out of harmony with the spirit of the divine plan …” (Watch Tower, 1894, p. 384)​

Therefore, for Russell the Watchtower's founder, God's Church should not be an organization. Ironically. since Russell refused to recognize a central governing body of human leaders, he would certainly be "disfellowshipped" from the Jehovah's Witnesses today. Yes, Charles Russell would not qualify as a Christian in the eyes of today's Watchtower leaders. But Russell would not understand their reasoning.

He said:

"There is no organization today clothed with such divine authority to imperiously command mankind... though we are well aware that many of them in theory claim that they ought to be permitted to do so….”​

So we see a great battle between the thinking of present-day Watchtower leaders and their founder.

Early in his career Russell was asked this question, "Would not an earnest, aggressive organization, built upon Scriptural lines, be the best means of spreading and publishing the real Good Tidings?" In the March 1883 WATCH TOWER, page 6, he answered:

"The natural man can see that a visibly organized body, with a definite purpose, is a thing of more or less power...But the natural man cannot understand how a company of people, with no organization which they can see, is ever going to accomplish anything."​

Now it matters not what you may believe about Russell’s character and theology. What I wish to illustrate is how the Watchtower's first president would argue that today's Watchtower organization has no right to even exist! Would it not be well for Watchtower leaders to read the advice of Jesus who dealt with the pride of his own disciples. He said at Mark 9:35, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and minister of all.” - NWT

The light has grown brighter since Mr. Russell's day. He only had error filled trinity translations to use. But that was corrected. At the proper time= when God wills not before) truth is revealed through these-Matt 24:45--One best listen to the ones Jesus appointed because Jesus said if one rejects them its just like rejecting God and Jesus.(Luke 10:16). Mr Russell would fully agree with todays governing body once he was shown truth. He sought truth.

 

[Keiw]

What's interesting, the Witnesses will say that since the death of Russell they have received new light, new understanding of God's plan of Salvation. The problem is, were Russell to see what the organization he founded has become, he wouldn't recognize it. In fact, it was the Society AFTER his death that promoted him as "that faithful and wise servant" of Matthew 24:45. Now, were there those who believed he was during his lifetime? Sure, but he NEVER proclaimed himself as such, never claimed anything special. A few years after his death, the Society under the leadership of J.F. Rutherford, claimed "That Servant" was not an individual but a class, all true Christians associated with the Society, the 144,000 of revelation 7. Russell was then demoted from being THE Servant of Matthew 24, to being a member of that Servant Class. Then later he was kicked out of the class. How so? Well, Rutherford moved Christ's return 40 years. Claiming as the Witnesses believe today that Jesus returned invisibly in 1914, and then searching around for the next few years for those who were doing His will. Finding them in 1918, he appointed the Watchtower Society as his earthly channel. Since Russell died in 1916, he couldn't possibly be "That Servant" as an individual or part of "That Servant Class". It would take 100 years later for the Society to introduce new light and state that "That Servant Class" was not made up of the 144,000 left on earth but was indeed made up of the Governing Body who run the worldwide organization of Jehovah's Witnesses.

One must wonder why the Lord would return in 1914, chose a group of people doing a work He approved of, praise them for such a work and then reorganize them so drastically that they no longer resemble the work they were doing when he returned. A work that they have overhauled doctrinally and organizationally hundreds of times, so that what they taught in 1918, so no longer taught in 2018 and what was taught in 2018, is no longer taught in 2023. All under the guise of "new light". Jehovah is not a God of confusion; He is a God of Light and order.

The prophecy of Daniel 4 points to 1914, revealed through Mr Russell and no other mortal on earth saw it. Thus he said in 1879--peace will be taken from the earth( Rev 6:4) in 1914. He was correct, not by accident but by God revealing the prophecy of Daniel 4 through him.=The next king to sit on Gods throne. No king sat on Israels throne after 607 bce. Until 2520 (Day for a year)-607 + 2520=1914--No king sat on the throne 2520 days after 607 bce, Not until Rev 6:2 occurred. And 6:4-peace will be taken from the earth=ww1, verifies the chronology is correct.
1914-Rev 6:2-He receives his crown= the presence( Matt 24:37--1Cor 15:23--Philip 2:12--2Pet 3:4)

 

[Jack]

The light has grown brighter since Mr. Russell's day. He only had error filled trinity translations to use. But that was corrected. At the proper time= when God wills not before) truth is revealed through these-Matt 24:45--One best listen to the ones Jesus appointed because Jesus said if one rejects them its just like rejecting God and Jesus.(Luke 10:16). Mr Russell would fully agree with todays governing body once he was shown truth. He sought truth.

Even the JW bible declares Jesus is God and Hell Fire is EVERLASTING!

 

[Prycejosh1987]

I admire JWs for what they do in evangelizing, but at the same time i think it is a hoax. because i have seen them and they stand there chilling talking about life and not preaching. God will not bring someone to us to preach to naturally. It happens but not very often, we usually have to make efforts to connect to the person.

 

[Berean]

The light has grown brighter since Mr. Russell's day. He only had error filled trinity translations to use. But that was corrected. At the proper time= when God wills not before) truth is revealed through these-Matt 24:45--One best listen to the ones Jesus appointed because Jesus said if one rejects them its just like rejecting God and Jesus.(Luke 10:16). Mr Russell would fully agree with todays governing body once he was shown truth. He sought truth.

So is the Trinity the only error Russell had to deal with? I don't think so, despite his using the King James Bible and other translations available in his day. He was not a trinitarian. He wrote a whole volume about it. (see The Atonement Between God and Man).

Just to let you know Keiw, the Society has only kept less than 5% of what Russell taught doctrinally, everything else was rejected under the guise of new light.

I doubt very much that "Russell would fully agree with todays governing body once he was shown truth." The Society has become EVERYTHING he abhorred in the nominal churches. So, no, I would disagree, he would not agree with your governing body.

 

[Keiw]

So is the Trinity the only error Russell had to deal with? I don't think so, despite his using the King James Bible and other translations available in his day. He was not a trinitarian. He wrote a whole volume about it. (see The Atonement Between God and Man).

Just to let you know Keiw, the Society has only kept less than 5% of what Russell taught doctrinally, everything else was rejected under the guise of new light.

I doubt very much that "Russell would fully agree with todays governing body once he was shown truth." The Society has become EVERYTHING he abhorred in the nominal churches. So, no, I would disagree, he would not agree with your governing body.

He celebrated Christmas and the such. They gave worship to Jesus back then. He would believe the facts so yes he would agree with today's JW,s. Its hard to find truth in altered and error filled trinity translations. Those translations mislead.

 

[Jack]

Even the JW bible calls Jesus "Mighty God", "Eternal Father" AND "the Almighty"!

 

[Keiw]

Even the JW bible calls Jesus "Mighty God", "Eternal Father" AND "the Almighty"!

Jesus is NEVER called Almighty. Isaiah says-His NAME will be called those things.

 

[PS95]

I admire JWs for what they do in evangelizing, but at the same time i think it is a hoax. because i have seen them and they stand there chilling talking about life and not preaching. God will not bring someone to us to preach to naturally. It happens but not very often, we usually have to make efforts to connect to the person.

Hello Prycejosh,
I agree with you that on the external it looks as if Jws are evangelizing. We have to beware of appearance. We have to look at content. Jws gospel is not the one the apostles taught. It's a different gospel and any sincere Jw will admit that and tell you that the apostles gospel has reached fulfillment and they have an updated version.
They preach their 1914 invisible return (that they kept from Russell's pyramid) and earthly hope for you good news. You must join the religion and obey the elite leaders in NY who sub for Christ as their mediator.
It is a very different gospel than the bible teaches. What did Paul say about those bringing a different gospel? They also have a different Jesus than we have all been taught for 2000 years. Their Jesus was a product of Michael's impersonal life force being put into Mary's ovum. Also, Jesus only became Christ the Lord at baptism. Somehow he managed not to sin for 30 years prior to baptism. He did not rise but only Michael's impersonal life force went back to heaven. Life force is much like how they describe the Holy Spirit- akin to an electric current. Jws love to argue and pick at words. They are masters of deceit. I have sympathy for them to a degree because they are misled. I draw my line where they are out teaching others things they ought not. We need to heed the apostles advice to expose them as false teachers. I however will not argue with them much. It's a waste of time as they never admit wrong and need to have the last word. I pray for them instead.

Jws today try to distance themselves from Charles taze Russell as much as possible, and instead think of Rutherfors as their first president. Not suprisingly, they are always changing their history. Notice below the difference in pagan pyramid measurements- They offered no reason for the change- poof it was just simply changed.. pyramids always grow and shrink I suppose.

Here is an excerpt from Russell’s Studies in the Scriptures: Thy Kingdom Come, Series III, p. 342. The boldface shows the changes between the measurements reported in the 1897 and 1907 editions of the book:

1897 edition:

“Then measuring down the Entrance Passage from that point, to find the distance to the entrance of the ‘Pit,’ representing the great trouble and destruction with which this age is to close, when evil will be overthrown from power, we find it to be 3416 inches, symbolizing 3416 years from the above date, B.C. 1542. This calculation shows A.D. 1874 as marking the beginning of the period of trouble; for 1542 years B.C. plus 1874 years A.D. equals 3416. Thus the Pyramid witnesses that the close of 1874 was the chronological beginning of the time of trouble…” (Russell, Studies in the Scriptures: Thy Kingdom Come, Series III, p. 342, 1897 edition)

1907 edition:

“Then measuring down the Entrance Passage from that point, to find the distance to the entrance of the ‘Pit,’ representing the great trouble and destruction with which this age is to close, when evil will be overthrown from power, we find it to be 3457 inches, symbolizing 3457 years from the above date, B.C. 1542. This calculation shows A.D. 1915 as marking the beginning of the period of trouble; for 1542 years B.C. plus 1915 years A.D. equals 3457. Thus the Pyramid witnesses that the close of 1914 will be the beginning.” (Russell, Studies in the Scriptures: Thy Kingdom Come, Series III, p. 342, 1907 edition)

 

[Jack]

Jesus is NEVER called Almighty. Isaiah says-His NAME will be called those things.

Yes He is, Rev 1:8!

 

[Keiw]

Hello Prycejosh,
I agree with you that on the external it looks as if Jws are evangelizing. We have to beware of appearance. We have to look at content. Jws gospel is not the one the apostles taught. It's a different gospel and any sincere Jw will admit that and tell you that the apostles gospel has reached fulfillment and they have an updated version.
They preach their 1914 invisible return (that they kept from Russell's pyramid) and earthly hope for you good news. You must join the religion and obey the elite leaders in NY who sub for Christ as their mediator.
It is a very different gospel than the bible teaches. What did Paul say about those bringing a different gospel? They also have a different Jesus than we have all been taught for 2000 years. Their Jesus was a product of Michael's impersonal life force being put into Mary's ovum. Also, Jesus only became Christ the Lord at baptism. Somehow he managed not to sin for 30 years prior to baptism. He did not rise but only Michael's impersonal life force went back to heaven. Life force is much like how they describe the Holy Spirit- akin to an electric current. Jws love to argue and pick at words. They are masters of deceit. I have sympathy for them to a degree because they are misled. I draw my line where they are out teaching others things they ought not. We need to heed the apostles advice to expose them as false teachers. I however will not argue with them much. It's a waste of time as they never admit wrong and need to have the last word. I pray for them instead.

Jws today try to distance themselves from Charles taze Russell as much as possible, and instead think of Rutherfors as their first president. Not suprisingly, they are always changing their history. Notice below the difference in pagan pyramid measurements- They offered no reason for the change- poof it was just simply changed.. pyramids always grow and shrink I suppose.

Here is an excerpt from Russell’s Studies in the Scriptures: Thy Kingdom Come, Series III, p. 342. The boldface shows the changes between the measurements reported in the 1897 and 1907 editions of the book:

1897 edition:

“Then measuring down the Entrance Passage from that point, to find the distance to the entrance of the ‘Pit,’ representing the great trouble and destruction with which this age is to close, when evil will be overthrown from power, we find it to be 3416 inches, symbolizing 3416 years from the above date, B.C. 1542. This calculation shows A.D. 1874 as marking the beginning of the period of trouble; for 1542 years B.C. plus 1874 years A.D. equals 3416. Thus the Pyramid witnesses that the close of 1874 was the chronological beginning of the time of trouble…” (Russell, Studies in the Scriptures: Thy Kingdom Come, Series III, p. 342, 1897 edition)

1907 edition:

“Then measuring down the Entrance Passage from that point, to find the distance to the entrance of the ‘Pit,’ representing the great trouble and destruction with which this age is to close, when evil will be overthrown from power, we find it to be 3457 inches, symbolizing 3457 years from the above date, B.C. 1542. This calculation shows A.D. 1915 as marking the beginning of the period of trouble; for 1542 years B.C. plus 1915 years A.D. equals 3457. Thus the Pyramid witnesses that the close of 1914 will be the beginning.” (Russell, Studies in the Scriptures: Thy Kingdom Come, Series III, p. 342, 1907 edition)

You must be blinded by the darkness. Paul is 100% clear at 1 Cor 8:5-6--He warns all other gods are false, then names only the Father as the true God. Not to mention at John 17:3-Jesus is 100% clear= The one who sent him( Father)= THE ONLY TRUE GOD= the true gospel.

 

[Keiw]

Yes He is, Rev 1:8!

I am the alpha and omega says Jehovah God.

 

[Jack]

You must be blinded by the darkness. Paul is 100% clear at 1 Cor 8:5-6--He warns all other gods are false, then names only the Father as the true God. Not to mention at John 17:3-Jesus is 100% clear= The one who sent him( Father)= THE ONLY TRUE GOD= the true gospel.

Everyone's blinded by darkness except JW's, right JW?

 

[Jack]

I am the alpha and omega says Jehovah God.

Have you read the JW bible? It calls Jesus "Mighty God", "Everlasting Father" and "the Almighty". You should read it some time.

 

[PS95]

You must be blinded by the darkness. Paul is 100% clear at 1 Cor 8:5-6--He warns all other gods are false, then names only the Father as the true God. Not to mention at John 17:3-Jesus is 100% clear= The one who sent him( Father)= THE ONLY TRUE GOD= the true gospel.

Hello Kiew,
That doesnt address what I've written at all. I'm not surprised though.

As to your comment.. oh please.. I will not be baited into a trinity discussion with you on here. I've noticed that is Jw pet diversion topic, and it seems that you bait people to it REGARDLESS of the topic in oreder to avoid answering, knowing it's banned here.
If you want on post the verse on Carm's trin forum feel free, and I will happily discuss it there with you.

Now, what's your opinion on the pyramid measurement & date changes in the books?

 

[Keiw]

Everyone's blinded by darkness except JW's, right JW?

You yourself said it.

 

[Keiw]

Have you read the JW bible? It calls Jesus "Mighty God", "Everlasting Father" and "the Almighty". You should read it some time.

It says--His NAME will be called those things.