1914 and the Watchtower

The Strain On 1914

International Bible Students and Watch Tower founder, Charles Taze Russell viewed himself as God’s mouthpiece. He passed away in the year 1916. He leaves behind a legacy of time prophecies, not one of which had brought the results he foretold. I have a real problem with men and organizations claiming themselves to be what Christ says that he himself says he is.

It is a very very sad thing when men and women are misled to believe these self-proclamations of men and organizations and they defend these men and organizations as being who they proclaim themselves to be. For example, the organization today known as the International Bible Students (IBS) hold Charles Taze Russell as a deity of sorts. He, though dead, is revered and held in high respect  – in my opinion – more so than Christ himself. I recently read an article generated by that organization and it mentioned Charles Taze Russell over 100 times and Jesus 10 times.

The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society (WTBTS) revere and fear the organization itself and its leadership known as the Governing Body as being God’s earthly channel and earthly organization. Yet, Christ says that he is the ONLY channel and way to the Father. (John 14:6)

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

When I write about these things, some members of these organizations have a problem with me personally. I fully understand why. I am a threat to them in the sense that I speak the truth and ask the right questions of them and not allow myself to be diverted away from the subject matter at hand; and they know it, though they would never admit it in a million years.  

Myself a former – and non-disgruntled disassociated Jehovah’s Witness for more than twenty years, being of sound mind – know what I am talking about; and so do these two organizations. One of many common denominators I want to focus on here is that the proclamations made by both organizations are primarily made by persons of European descent. Charles Taze Russell, born of Scottish parents, makes the arrogant proclamation that he is God’s mouthpiece – in other words, Gods Word.  And, people believe this! Yet, Jesus [the] Christ, The Son of God, is God’s mouthpiece!

Many persons wonder why I bring up persons of European descent. Well, it is very simple: They have started and taken the lead in promoting and portraying God, Christ, Angels, Adam, Eve, Moses, Noah, Moses, The Prophets, The Apostles and others in their likeness in art, film, literature, and religion. They have insisted on maintaining these portrayals.These are false portrayals and therefore false entities. Attached to these false entities are the false teachings and utterances that have saturated every corner of the world that it is left confused and in turmoil. We live in a world so full of religion, yet it is a very difficult place to live in. And, those dealing the most heinous crimes and the greatest death blows to the human family has historically been what the European man has stood up and calls Christianity. Yet, this religious system in all of its bulkiness claims itself holy, pious, and true. But it is as Jesus described them at Matthew 23:27-28:

… you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

Yes, indeed! Christianity has been responsible for the deaths of many innocent persons since its origin by the European man. Yes, inside of it are a full measure of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. As a system of religion, it is more concerned with the outward appearance or image than it is what it should be on the inside. It appears righteous before the whole world but it itself is full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

So I mention the European man because he has been selling a bill of deception to the world and dares any question him about it. Evidence of that can be seen on this website. If I ask a simple question as to why are organizations such as the IBS, WTBTS or even the Catholic Church: “Why are these organizations exclusively White man’s clubs when it comes to their leadership?” Or, “Why are men such as Charles Taze Russell –  a man of European descent – being hailed as a prophet and as “God’s Mouthpiece?” Or, “Why has there been a push in the world to get persons of color to come into these organizations under the guise of conversion to fall to the feet of the teachings of such a man?” Or, “Why is the organization (Watch Tower) being promoted rather than Christ?” Or, “Why does it all appear to be worship of the White man?”

While God, Christ, Adam, Eve, Angels, etc should NEVER be portrayed in the likeness of any race of man (as God, Christ and Angels are not flesh and blood anyway), one does not see in the literature of these organizations non-European portrayals. It is one-sided. I am convinced that it is all by design. In other words, people sat in meetings and discussed and planned it to be this way. But for what purpose? To mislead the world. To present a false image that God and all of his heavenly hosts are portrayed in the likeness of persons of European descent. By doing this and saturating the world with these false images, the world is misled to think that God favors persons of European descent and therefore persons of non-European descent should not question them but follow their lead; and, more sinister to revere them as a superior race among mankind. It is a subtle form of White Supremacy at work.

I say let’s put it all to the test: Portray Adam, Eve, Angels, God, Jesus, Noah, Moses, The Prophets and The Apostles as persons of African descent in art, film, literature, and religion. Saturate those images throughout the world. Place them before the children of persons of European descent and watch the resulting backlash! It will not be pretty and accepted in this world? Why? Because the world in which we live is one conceived of by the European; it is not of God. Why? Because God does not play favorites. (Acts 10:34)

No one, and I mean no one, has been able to answer the question as to why some have arrogated themselves to do such a thing. They avoid the question and turn the attention on me as if – by asking such a thing – I have committed some great sin and they the place a foul stench upon me and make me the subject as a distraction away from the questions I raise.  No! I have struck an evil nerve in them and those nerve endings are agitated and they lash out. They would actually prefer that the world just accept what they are doing as truthful and “business as usual.”

What many have yet to understand is that I CHAMPION Christ’s teachings. In their minds, I am a rebel; one who is misled. What it really boils down to is that I do not accept all that they teach and I question, challenge and disagree with them and put them to the test. This is what they do not like. (1 John 4:1)

Bottom Line: If Christ did not teach it, then it is not true and therefore, false. The IBS and WTBTS and indeed all of the system of religion called Christianity are not teaching the things Christ taught. Therefore, when utterances out of these organizations speak of 1914, Charles Taze Russell being God’s Mouthpiece, Governing Bodies, God’s Earthly Organization, the Bible as The Word of God, Water Baptism, Hellfire, Rapture, Trinity, etc; then I question where they are getting all of this from? Jesus [the] Christ did not teach any of that stuff. Yet, they get insulted when you question them about such things.

The WTBTS, an organization having roots with Charles Taze Russell also, proclaims itself as the way (God’s earthly channel and organization or body) and it proclaims itself the truth; all things Jesus said he himself was and is. (John 14:6). Their proclamation comes from men of European descent. The leadership of the WTBTS has been since 1943 up to 1999 all men of European descent. It was only in 1999 that an African American – Samuel Herd –  was appointed to that eight-member exclusive body. I have personally met and spoke with Mr. Herd and I believe his appointment was one of tokenism because many persons of color within the organization were beginning to question why has this body been exclusively White men. Yet, there are no persons of Hispanic, Asian, Indian, etc descent on this body. Yet, the more than seven million in the membership is comprised of these racial groups.

Yet, the proclamation of 1914 being the year that Christs officially began his Kingdom rule; that is his second return (Parousia) occurred in that year; that the Appointed Times of the Nations ended in that year; that the beginning of the Last Days occurred; and that three and a half years after 1914 (1918) that the resurrection of the followers of Christ sleeping in death from the Apostles onward began in that year  – still issues forth out of the IBS and WTBTS. Notice what Charles Taze Russell –  the self-proclaimed mouthpiece of God – said back in 1930 in the book Light 1, page 194:

All of the Lord’s people looked forward to 1914 with joyful expectation. When that time came and passed there was much disappointment, chagrin and mourning, and the Lord’s people were greatly in reproach. They were ridiculed by the clergy and their allies in particular, and pointed to with scorn, because they had said so much about 1914, and what would come to pass, and their ‘prophecies’ had not been fulfilled.

The passage of 1914 saw no complete overthrow of all kings and human institutions on the earth; no takeover by Christ’s Kingdom; no destruction of what they teach as Babylon the Great; no conversion of Israel to Christianity.

While these organizations (IBS and WTBTS) and the leadership associated with them and it’s European-base made these lofty predictions; Jesus, however, says something completely opposite. He says at Matthew 24:36:

But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

Jesus further says at Matthew 24:42:

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.

And Jesus says at Acts 1:7:

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.

Yet, men and organizations have proclaimed and still proclaim that THEY KNOW!

I have caught much heat just by mentioning these three Scriptures by members of the IBS and WTBTS. They hem and haw and go into long dissertations, but the bottom line and final word is what Jesus says: No human, no angel and not even himself knows. So how can men make such proclamations concerning things Jesus says that even he does not know? Such proclamations of men and organizations are false and will not stand.

The Stain Upon 1914

I fully understand the zeal and eagerness displayed by many about the promised return of Christ. I also understand that it human nature to say things on the spur of the moment and the jumping to hasty conclusions. Yet, I believe the human-generated time prophecy of 1914 presents a major problem: It is false, yet many believe it to be true. It is a date that many of the other teachings and prophetic events foretold to happen by the IBS and WTBTS hinge upon its truthfulness. Just as dangerous is that men and organizations teach and encourage others to share in and believe their error. And, what is most disturbing of all is that the organizations of men that teach it, will label those – like myself – who do not follow their course as lacking faith, as rebellious, proud, impressed with their own wisdom (I get that a lot), egotistical, ambitious, self-willed, misled by the adversary, or guilty of repudiating the Lord.

Any Jehovah’s Witness expressing doubts about 1914 and the chronology surrounding it will have the quality of their relationship with God subtly placed in question – along with their wisdom and faith. The WatchTower organization even punishes by disfellowshipment the questioners who do not allow themselves to be readjusted. Isn’t that something!  This is evil and a form of intellectual intimidation. These organizations demand loyalty to themselves and when it is NOT given, this is what they do. They never once think that persons – such as myself – are being loyal to Christ and His God and our God. Such is the pattern and arrogance of the men of European descent who made the lofty self-proclamations about themselves I mentioned earlier in this article. They want to be followed and not challenged or questioned.

The Most High God makes the following statement at Jer 23:21:

I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied.

The International Bible Students and Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society have run with their message of 1914. God did not send Charles Taze Russell (or the organization where he got the 1914 teaching – the Second Adventist) with this proclamation of 1914. The Most High God sent His Son and He did not give him any such proclamation of a date. So why are these organizations proclaiming that God gave it to Charles Taze Russell or to them?

It must be understood that this foundation that the IBS and WTBTS built upon 1914 has become very fragile. If by any remote chance that this date is rescinded by these organizations, it would completely collapse that foundation. Prideful human nature will resist admission of such an error especially when it has received worldwide publication for many years as the truth.

What many Jehovah’s Witnesses today do not know – and as a Jehovah’s Witness I did not know – is that in the Watchtower magazines and other Watch Tower publications published from 1879 to the late 1920’s, the time prophecies were contrary to what is believed about them now! In other words, different dates – other than 1914 – were assigned to the things now associated and taught about it. Surely, the Most High God does not make mistakes. What He utters comes true. God is never wrong or in error. The utterances of men are in error and men make mistakes. Men are false. False prophets. Notice what Deuteronomy 18:22 says concerning things uttered by men claiming that it is from God:

If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so do not be alarmed.

1914 is a message the Lord has not spoken. It is a presumption of men. Yet, when the events built upon a date Jesus says no one but the Father knows fails, religious organization will find a way to dupe its membership that there was some new light. This new light game the Watch Tower organization plays so well is just a convenient way to cover over the error they made without ever having to admit to an error. Yet, millions of my ex-Brothers and Sisters fall for it because they believe (the other error) that Jehovah God uses an earthly organization as His channel to communicate us. I thought Jesus was and is the only way. He teaches and speaks the truth.

With the passing of each month and year, the crushing weight and strain upon the untruthfulness of the 1914 teaching is being felt by the IBS and WTBTS.

The Watch Tower book entitled The Time Is At Hand pages 77-78 (published 25 years before 1914), taught the following about the year 1914:

  • That in that year God’s Kingdom will have come down and be firmly established on top of ruins of the present governments.
     
  • That before the 1914 date, Christ will have returned to destroy the existing governments and then establish his own.
     
  • That before 1914 the 144000 will be glorified with Christ because, without them, Christ cannot set up his kingdom.
     
  • That from 1914 onward, Jerusalem will no longer be trodden down by the Gentiles, will find Jehovah’s favor.
     
  • That by 1914 the nation of fleshly Israel will convert.
     
  • That in 1914 the Great Tribulation will begin.
     
  • That before 1914, God’s Kingdom will be established on the earth.

The above points all come from an organization that says that it is God’s earthly channel and organization. Yet, the above points are no longer taught by the Watch Tower organization today. Why? Because none of them came true. Remember what the Deuteronomy 18:22 says about prophets claiming to speak in the name of Jehovah.

Most Jehovah’s Witnesses today have no clue of the magnitude of these claims made for the year 1914 back then. Why? Because the Watch Tower organization today pass them over and does not mention them. The IBS and WTBTS engage in the deceptive and mind-controlling practice of keeping its membership babies and kindergarten-level so that its members will be dependent upon (not independent) of them for its food and direction. There is no growth to maturity. Such growth only comes when persons think for themselves and put to the test any utterance of men claiming to come from God. This is proper. (1 John 4:1)

Sooner or later, any utterance claiming to be from God, but is not, will meet up with reality. The reality is the truth: The utterances of the one Jehovah sent, His Son. And, it is to this one we are to listen to. (Luke 9:35)

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R. Jerome Harris

No one of importance. A disciple (student) of Christ apart from the established religious systems who reasons, thinks and concludes matters for myself. Something is not right with the state of religion in the world. The real dichotomy is that we live in a world so full of religion, yet is an evil, immoral, and dangerous place to live. A mental and spiritual separation from this world that Jesus said his kingdom is no part of is the first step to a "break-through" to freedom and entry into a much larger spiritual world where God and Christ resides and the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of God can be accessed.

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  1. Charles Taze Russell was indeed the founder of the original Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society; however, he was not the founder of the Jehovah’s Witnesses organization. Russell did not believe in any such authoritarian organization; additionally he preached against the kind of “Armageddon” message that the JWs proclaim.

    Russell disclaimed being a prophet, and never gave any prophecies; however, he died in 1916 rejoicing in seeing his expectation that the time of trouble did begin in 1914 as he had expected (which had been his main expectation regarding 1914 since 1904).

    Russell did indeed believe that he was a mouthpiece for God; additionally, he said that all Christians are mouthpieces for God.

    Yes, Rutherford wanted to use the Bible prophecies to bolster his “Jehovah’s Witnesses” dogma, so he rejected the overwhelming testimony that had been presented by Russell and others so as to make the prophecies appear to apply to his alleged “Jehovah’s visible organization”. However, by 1928, the vast majority of the Bible Students had rejected Rutherford’s alleged “Jehovah’s visible organization”; they did not become members of Rutherford’s organization, nor did they take the name “Jehovah’s Witnesses”.

    Russell, on the other hand, did not speak for any such authoritarian organization, and he did not seek to beat his fellow-servants to make them agree with him. In other words, he allowed his fellow-servants to disagree with him, and even at times presented other views that he himself did not endorse.

    See my site for more…

    1. That is not correct. I know that is what the IBS pushes and wants others to believe. The International Bible Students Association and the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society are the same entities. Both have their roots with Charles Taze Russell. It is men who came along and created the “LEGAL” division for themselves. That does not change what these organizations are and where they came from.

      Anyone can look at the many publications from long ago and even up this day and they will find statements inside the cover such as:

      1961, 1981, 1984 WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA AND INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION (All rights reserved)

      In fact, one can find the above statement inside the NWT of the Bible.

      Something is very wrong when people try to divert people from the truth and try to make them believe lies because “selfish” men want to separate themselves from another the main organization from which they sprang. Both the WTBTS and IBS have the same Father: Charles Taze Russell.

      That you state what “Russell did not believe” shows a reverence and preference for a man. Why is it not what Jesus taught and believed? He is the Word of God, is he not. Who is Charles Taze Russell? It is obvious that it is what Charles Taze Russell said more so that what Jesus said that carries more weight with the IBS.

      This is extremely disturbing that the calling to to follow men.

      Not once is Jesus [the] Christ mentioned. I do not revere or worship men. Charles Taze Russell is nothing to be but a man, Christ, God’s Mouthpiece, is everything.

  2. What I presented is correct; nothing you gave shows otherwise. The legal entities that Russell formed were not meant to be a “religous organization” such as Rutherford created after Russell died. In the days of Russell, those who made up the association of Bible Students were not necessarily legal members of either the legal entity known as the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, nor of the legal entity known as International Bible Students Association. They were definitely not considered to be members of a religious organization of either of those legal entities. Many of them had voting shares in the legal entities, but, from Russell’s standpoint, Russell did not deem them to be members of any outward religious organization because of their having such voting shares. In 1915, Russell published in Bible Students Monthly, Volume 7, Number 9 (1915), Under the title, “The Catholic Church — St. Peter’s Kingdom Keys, statements to the effect that no such “outward organization” is the true church. Russell did not recognize, and he actively preached against, the kind of “religious organization” that Rutherford created after Russell died. The Bible Students in general did not become members of the Rutherford’s new organization. The works that were presented by various authors amongst the Bible Students of that time show this. Morton Edgar, for instance, around 1928, stated:
    ++++++++
    The word “organisation” does not occur in the Bible, and its use is apt to mislead. The Scriptural word is “kingdom”; and our Lord distinctly said that “the kingdom of God cometh not with observation”—with outward show—Luke 17:20. Therefore there is no “visible organisation of God on earth,” as is claimed by some to their undoing.

    How often Brother Russell warned us against this very thing, and how foolish we shall be if we do not heed his warning. We shall indeed be foolish if we claim that “only through our system or organisation will the heavenly Father accept praise and service”; for this would make it appear necessary for every spirit-begotten child of God to “bow the knee” to the few who have constituted themselves heads of the organisation. The apostle shows that it is only the carnal, fleshly mind that is deceived by such unscriptural claims—1 Cor. 3:1-6, 18-23….

    I for one entirely repudiate this talk of “God’s visible organization on earth” during this Gospel Age. It is dangerous talk, and gives rise to all kinds of persecutions and ungodly claims, as anyone who has consecrated reasoning powers can see…. If there was one thing that our dear Brother Russell warned us against, more strongly than any other, it was this very thing. Brother Russell never made any such claim for the “Society” when he was here in the flesh and amongst us, for he knew better. But Judge Rutherford, apparently, does not know enough to keep himself clear of it. In the very first chapter of the first volume of “Studies,” Brother Russell speaks of this “false idea that the nominal church, in its present condition, is the sole agency” for the recovery of the world from sin. — Published in “Gleanings From Glasgow”
    ++++++
    No, I have known and talked to many Bible Students who lived through that time. They held no concept of leaving a religious organization such as the “Jehovah’s Witnesses”. They never were members of such an organization to be begin with.

    In Russell’s day, the term International Bible Students Association was used in two different ways: (1) it was used of the Bible Students movement in general and was not a legal entity; (2) then, in 1913, Russell and his associates created the legal entity in London by the name of “International Bible Students Association”. This did not mean that the International Bible Students all of a sudden became members of the legal entity. Later, before he died, Russell realized that this could cause some legal issues, and thus, he suggested that local ecclesias not use the term “International Bible Students” as the name of their local congregations, but rather to use “Associated Bible Students”.

    After Russell died, Rutherford, by means of deceit and legal trickery, was able to take control over the two legal entities, the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, and the International Bible Students Association. Within a few weeks, the word “organization” began to often appear in the pages of the Watch Tower, but this was done in such a way that most Bible Students were not aware of the implications until the mid 1920s, when Rutherford began to demand the independent congregations of Bible Students had to submit to him, in accordance with his new “Jehovah’s visible organization” dogma. The vast majority of the Bible Students did not submit themselves to Rutherford, and thus, DID NOT BECOME members of Rutherford’s new organization. They did not leave an organization which they never recognized, nor believed in.
    See my site for more details and documentation:
    http://rlbible.com/ctr

    I will say that any Bible Student who is worshiping Charles Taze Russell would be in condition of self-contradiction, since Russell preached against such. Any Bible Student who gives more weight to words of Russell than the Word of God is in self-conflict, since Russell preached against that also.

    Those who know me and my writings know that your judgment of me is not true. I do believe that God used Russell to bring forth many truths out of the storehouse, the Bible. I believe, as he did, that every true Christian should be a mouthpiece for God, in telling others about Jesus and his God, and what they have done for mankind.

    1. Brother Jesus’s words carry far more water than “Brother Russell.” Perhaps it is “he” that one should turn to for validation. What is this “Brother Russell says stuff? The Most High God did not send a “Brother Russell,” he sent His Son. You defend “Brother Russell, a man” I will defend and champion what Christ taught.

      You feel you are correct, that is your choice. That is natural. EVERYONE thinks they are correct. I am not trying to convince you of anything. The act of convincing others in this world is to amounts to control over ones thinking ability. It is God who makes seeds of truth Grow upon humble hearts, not hardened ones. Religious organization creates hardened hearts. That is why their members so easy condemn others and attack those who do not agree with them. There is nothing Christ-like about persons like that. Yet, they have the audacity to get others to believe as they do so that they can act as they do.

      I am not going to swap words with you because you think somehow I am going to change my mind. I personally think you worship men and not God. I believe you place a man – Charles Taze Russell – before The Son of God and he (Russell) is being listened to as if Christ does not have a voice.

      Your history is one of violence and imposition. That you would say that I should repent and retract shows that. You are an arrogant lot and I believe many see this “spirit” in you.

      You can so easily tell others to repent and retract, yet you take exception when others disagree with you. What is that and where did you learn it? So 1 John 4:1 does not apply to you.

      I do not revere or worship men or organizations. I WILL PUT YOU TO THE TEST.

      The IBS and WTBTS and ALL religious organizations are so far removed from Christ (and so into themselves or another man), that they would not know the truth of Christ if it was standing in front of them.

      If Christ says one thing, you will not believe him, you would have to consult “Brother Russell” first.

      When you respond on this forum, you do not sound sure of yourself. Confidence in ones conviction would not prompt engaging in getting “personal.” Truth has the strength to stand on it’s own; it needs no help from any human.

      Agitation over what others write or say that is not in line with what you believe is an indicator of immaturity and uncertainty of belief.

      I place the following not so much for you, but for others to research the matter for themselves:

      FACT: The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, was founded by Charles Taze Russell, it’s first President.

      FACT: Charles Taze Russell “personally” started The Watch Tower as his own magazine (Zion’s Watch Tower) and was it’s sole editor. His wife Maria was on the board of directors.

      Concerning that board of directors Russell himself states in his Zion’s Watch Tower magazine dated April 25, 1894, page 59:

      ” … Sister Russell (Maria) and myself of course elect the officers, and thus control the Society …”

      FACT: Charles Taze Russell viewed himself as the Faithful and Wise Servant. (Watch Tower of March 1, 1923, page 68)

      FACT: Charles Taze Russell believed himself to be God’s mouthpiece. (Watch Tower, July 15, 1906, page 229)

      FACT: In his last will and testament, which was published in the December 1, 1916 Watch Tower, Russell donated his magazine to the corporation and he showed that he had FULL CONTROL over all of the WTBTS publications and after his death he expected the Watchtower magazine be published in accordance with “his” wishes.

      FACT: After Russell’s death, Rutherford was “elected” to replace him. So the Watch Tower and IBS have the same roots. They just split over the issue of maintaining a single President as opposed to a Governing Body. So it is incorrect to say that Russell did not found the WTBTS and Rutherford did. The IBS cannot get it’s story straight. I have had one IBS say that Russell did not found the WT and another say he did.

      FACT: Both organizations, though claiming to be Christian, have a White supremacist history. That is, no people of color was seen in them for many years in their early days. Even the leadership within these organizations have been and still are White men. This is NOT from God. Looking at the WTBTS and the IBS one would think God uses White people ONLY to dispense truth. This is a LIE as that is not God’s way.

      FACT: Both organizations were silent in the days of mistreatment of African Americans in the 50’s and 60’s

      FACT: Russell believed Blacks were inferior in intelligence. This is still in practice today by both the WT and IBS. From the beginning, President C. T. Russell believed that the millennial kingdom was about to break upon mankind, accompanied by life in paradise and a restoration of the earth to the condition as found in the garden of Eden. Though in this present life the black man was found to be inferior, Russell argues, this will work to his advantage during the millennium. Humility, promoted by a position of inferiority, would breed strength of character to the “colored” if they are so rightly exercised by it (in other words, if they remain humble and not challenge the status quo). Note the following from the April 1, 1914 Watchtower:

      “If nature favors the colored brethren and sisters in the exercise of humility it is that much to their advantage, if they are rightly exercised by it. A little while, and our humility will work out for our good. A little while, and those who have been faithful to their Covenant of Sacrifice will be granted new bodies, spiritual, beyond the veil, where color and sex distinctions will be no more. A little while, and the Millennial kingdom will be inaugurated, which will bring restitution to all mankind – restitution to the perfection of mind and body, feature and color, to the grand original standard, which God declared “very good,” and which was lost for a time through sin, but which is soon to be restored by the powerful kingdom of Messiah. (p. 105-106)

      FACT: Segregation was practiced during the days of C. T. Russell and even into Rutherford’s term as president of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. This excerpt is taken from The Watch Tower of April 1, 1914, p. 105:

      “Recognizing that it meant either the success or the failure of the enterprise of the Drama as respects the whites, we have been compelled to assign the colored friends to the gallery, which, however, is just as good for seeing and hearing as any other part of The Temple. Some were offended at this arrangement.”

      “We have received numerous letters from the colored friends, some claiming that it is not right to make a difference, others indignantly and bitterly denouncing us as enemies of the colored people. Some, confident that Brother Russell had never sanctioned such a discrimination, told that they believe it would be duty to stand up for equal rights and always to help the oppressed, etc. We were obliged to explain the facts, assuring all of our loving interest in the colored people, and of our desire to do them good, and not injury. We again suggested that if a suitable place could be found in which the Drama could be presented for the benefit of the colored people alone, we would be glad to make such arrangements, or to cooperate with any others in doing so.”

      Even more fascinating is the Watchtower’s early view of the lesser interest and intelligence of the Black and Hispanic races concerning the deeper things of the Bible. The Watchtower of April 15, 1900 said the following regarding blacks not participating in the “pioneer” work:

      “There are probably as many as a hundred colored brethren on the Watch Tower lists, some of them very clear in the truth, and very earnest in its service, financially and otherwise. We have received letters from several of these, who had intended engaging in the volunteer work, expressing surprise that in the call for volunteers in the March 1st issue we restricted the inquiry to white Protestant churches. They rightly realized that we have not the slightest of race prejudice, and that we love the colored brethren with just the same warmth of heart that we love the white, and they queried therefore why such a distinction should be made in the call. The reason is that so far as we are able to judge, colored people have less education than whites – many of them quite insufficient to permit them to profit by such reading as we have to give forth. Our conclusion therefore is based upon the supposition that reading matter distributed to a colored congregation would more than half of it be utterly wasted, and a very small percentage indeed likely to yield good results. (p. 122)”

      The average Jehovah’s Witness today that is confronted with this information would probably excuse the organization of being in error because “the light was dim” back then but that now the “light has gotten brighter and brighter,” and those days are long gone.

      I am grateful that Christ is my ONLY Teacher and I listen to him as God commands. (Luke 9:35). You people want to be revered and worshiped and seek a following behind a man.

      Russell is not God’s mouthpiece and his voice is the voice of a dead man. The WTBTS and IBS – and indeed all religious organizations – are already dead. They are full of dead man’s bones (Russell being one such dead man).

    2. “Those who know me and my writings know that your judgment of me is not true. I do believe that God used Russell to bring forth many truths out of the storehouse, the Bible. I believe, as he did, that every true Christian should be a mouthpiece for God, in telling others about Jesus and his God, and what they have done for mankind.”

      What you refer to as “my” judgment of you is not a “judgment.” Why is it that when members of particular religious organizations are critiqued, challenged, questioned and not agreed with, they play the “judgment” game. It is a “testing” in accordance with 1 John 4:1. All followers of Christ are obligated to do so to see whether or what ANYONE says (that includes me) is genuinely from God.

      The belief that God sent Charles Taze Russell fails the test. God sent His Son, Jesus [the] Christ. How in the world are men being stationed above Christ.

      No special man – as many make Russell – is needed. God has told all of you to listen to His Son. It is clear that many refuse to listen to Christ and feel a man – Russell – is needed to “explain” Christ.

      In that case, God should have withheld from sending His Son in the first place. Charles Taze Russell has replaced God’s Son and The Word of God. He (Russell) has been made the Word of God (God’s Mouthpiece).

      This very disturbing.

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