Changing Baptism Arrangement

Prior to 1951	1955 to 1985	1985 onwards
Baptism as a Christian in any religion, provided by full water immersion	Baptised by Watchtower Representative. To Father, Son and Holy Spirit	Baptised by Watchtower Representative. To Father, Son and the Organization

Baptismal exclusivism is a major symbolical sectarian feature and the changes outlined below represent the Watchtower Societies desire for stricter control and segregation of its members. Christian baptism requires confession of faith in Jesus, followed by full water immersion. The simplicity of this ritual is attested to by multiple New Testament examples; the Ethiopian Eunuch, those that presented themselves to John the Baptist and the 3000 Peter baptised.

Acts 8:36 “The eunuch said: “Look! A body of water; what prevents me from getting baptized?”"

Jesus set the standard, saying:

Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit ….”

At times followers were baptized in the name of Jesus alone. However, it was then necessary to specifically pray to receive the holy spirit.

Acts 2:38 “Peter [said] to them: “Repent, and let each one of YOU be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of YOUR sins, and YOU will receive the free gift of the holy spirit.” Acts 8:14-16 “When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Sa·mar´i·a had accepted the word of God, they dispatched Peter and John to them; 15 and these went down and prayed for them to get holy spirit. 16 For it had not yet fallen upon any one of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Originally that was how baptism was conducted by the Watchtower Society. Over time a regimented pre-baptism approval procedure has developed. Most significantly, since 1985 the candidate declares they are devoting themselves to an organization when answering the two pre-baptismal questions. As late as 1955 a person did not need to be baptized by the Watchtower Society to be considered a Jehovah’s Witness. Baptism by another Christian denomination was considered valid provided it was as an adult by full immersion.

“Rebaptism was necessary only if the previous baptism was not in symbol of a dedication, or if it was not by immersion” Watchtower 1955 July 1 p.412

It was not until 1956 that baptism by the Watchtower Society became mandatory.

“Yes, one must be baptized again. Obviously, by any of such religious systems one was never in reality baptized “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit,” because had he been so baptized he would have appreciated the authority and office of such true Higher Powers.” Watchtower 1956 July 1 p.406

The rationale for the change was that though other religions baptize in the name of “The Father, and the Son, and the holy spirit”, they do not recognize Jehovah and Jesus to represent the Higher Powers of Romans 13:1. Strange, since this view of the Higher Powers was only held between 1928 and 1961 and the Watchtower no longer accepts Jehovah and Jesus as the Higher Powers either. More unusual, the Watchtower 1956 December 15 p.763 made the qualification that only those who had been baptized after 1918 needed to be re-baptized. Apparently that was the date when Christendom was officially rejected by Jehovah. The pre-baptismal process continued to become more rigid. Prior to baptism it became necessary for an interested person to answer 80 questions in front of 3 different elders. This was increased to 124 questions in the 1983 Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry. Since 2005 there are 104 questions. (Organized To Do Jehovah’s Will pp.182-216) There is certainly no such Biblical precedence for this. The Watchtower justification is that Jews needed no such questions as they already knew Jehovah’s requirements and so simply had to confess faith in Jesus to be baptized. This is nonsense. In Jesus day there were many Jewish Sects that believed many different things. For instance Sadducees and Pharisees had diametrically opposing views of the resurrection. In addition to this, Jesus did away with the Mosaic Law, the arrangement of animal sacrifices and revealed the Sacred Secret, making Christianity significantly different to Judaism. Despite this gulf of theological between Jewish thinking and Christianity baptism only required that a person such as the Ethiopian Eunuch profess faith in Jesus.

Baptism Questions

Under Russell baptism candidates were simply asked if they had consecrated themselves to the Lord.

“What are the questions usually put by Brother Russell when receiving candidates for water immersion?
ANSWER.–You will notice that they are on broad lines–questions which any Christian, whatever his confession, should be able to answer in the affirmative without hesitation if he is suitable to be acknowledged as a member of the Church of Christ:
(1) Have you repented of sin with such restitution as you are able, and are you trusting in the merit of Christ’s sacrifice for the forgiveness of your sins and the basis of your justification?
(2) Have you made a full consecration of yourself with all the powers that you possess–talent, money, time, influence–all to the Lord, to be used faithfully in His service, even unto death?
(3) On the basis of these confessions, we acknowledge you as a member of the Household of Faith, and give to you as such the right hand of fellowship, not in the name of any sect or party or creed, but in the name of the Redeemer, our glorified Lord, and His faithful followers.” What Pastor Russell Said pp.35, 36

Later, two questions developed containing reference to the Father, Son and holy spirit, as shown in a scan from the Watchtower 1944 February 1 p.44.

 ”Therefore now with your mouth make a public declaration of your faith by answering these two questions that I shall ask you, and let your answers be hearable, that all those about you may be witnesses to the declaration that you solemnly make:
(1) Have you recognized yourself before Jehovah God as a sinner who needs salvation, and have you acknowledged to him that this salvation proceeds from him the Father through his Son Jesus Christ?
(2) On the basis of this faith in God and in his provision for salvation, have you dedicated yourself unreservedly to God to do his will henceforth as he reveals it to you through Jesus Christ and through the Bible under the enlightenment of the holy spirit?” Watchtower 1956 July 1 p.407

An important comment was made in 1955, something significantly contradicted in the arrangment introduced in 1985.

“A Christian, therefore, cannot be baptized in the name of the one actually doing the immersing or in the name of any man, nor in the name of any organization, but in the name of the Father, the Son and the holy spirit.” Watchtower 1955 July 1 p.411 “We do not dedicate ourselves to a religion, nor to a man, nor to an organization. No, we dedicate ourselves to the Supreme Sovereign of the Universe, our Creator, Jehovah God himself. This makes dedication a very personal relationship between us and Jehovah.” Watchtower 1966 October 1 pp.603-604

In total disregard for these previous comments and Biblical examples, in 1985 the baptism questions changed, with the candidate having to announce their desire to become associated with an Organization.

“At the close of the convention baptism talk, the baptism candidates will be in position to answer with depth of understanding and heartfelt appreciation two simple questions that serve to confirm that they recognize the implications of following Christ’s example. The first question is:
On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?
The second is:
Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization? Having answered yes to these questions, candidates are in a right heart condition to undergo Christian baptism.” Watchtower 1985 June 1 p.30

Rather than follow the biblical example of confession in Christ prior to baptism, a Witness must prove they know intricately Watchtower doctrine and law, and then devote themselves to “God’s spirit-directed organization” - the Watchtower Society.

Changes to the Generation Teaching

“If you are a young person, you also need to face the fact that you will never grow old in this present system of things. Why not? Because all the evidence in fulfillment of Bible prophecy indicates that this corrupt system is due to end in a few years. Of the generation that observed the beginning of the “last days” in 1914, Jesus foretold: “This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.” Awake! 1969 May 22 p.15 - Click here for scan

From inception a key factor to the growth of the Watchtower Society has been the dangling carrot that the end is about to happen at any moment. The shorter the time left the higher the growth, so immediately prior to 1914. 1925 and 1975 growth increased to as high as 20% per year.

At other times the concept that the “generation will by no means pass away” has been used to stimulate urgency. Looking retrospectively it is remarkable to see the continual change of the ‘generation’ teaching in order to make each decade in the 1900’s appear to be the decade that the end would come.

For many decades the Watchtower Society promoted the concept that Armageddon would come whilst people born prior to 1914 were still alive. This is a crucially important doctrinal issue, as it was this teaching that motivated many to join the Truth. Yet this doctrine was not truth, as it was discarded in 1995. Since this doctrine was changed there has been almost zero growth for the Organization in most of the developed world.

“The countdown that has proceeded for some six millenniums now nears its zero hour. So close is it that people who were alive in 1914, and who are now well along in years, will not all pass off the scene before the thrilling events marking the vindication of Jehovah’s sovereignty come to pass”- Mark 13:30. Survival into a New Earth (1984) “The Countdown Nears Its Zero Hour” p.184-185 … The early members of this group are now in their 60’s or 70’s or older. Jehovah did not allow the ingathering of this group to begin too soon. The “great crowd,” including many of the earliest members thereof, will survive into the “new earth.”"Prophetic information in the Bible about our day details the following: …The survival of at least some of the generation that saw the beginning of “the conclusion of the system of things.” True Peace And Security (1986) p.70

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life p.95

I was born in 1969 and during my entire childhood was led to believe that I would never die. During primary school I prayed that the end would be fulfilled so that I would not have to go to high school. Later, in my teens I would sun bake with my cousins smeared in Johnson’s Baby Oil to help get a tan, laughing that we didn’t have to worry about skin cancer, we would never get that old.

Generation teachings

Numerous methods of describing a generation have been used to keep people thinking that the end was about to occur. For Russell a generation was within 100 years from the start of the signs of the end (1780). Gradually a generation became shorter, then longer until now there is no specified period of time. These include;

• 100 -120 years based on the maximum life expectancy of mankind, such as the life of Moses Deuteronomy 34:7
• 70 to 80 years based on Psalms 90:10
• 40 years based on Numbers 32:13, “So Jehovah’s anger blazed against Israel and he made them wander about in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation that was doing evil in the eyes of Jehovah came to their end.”
• 36 ½ years, being the length of time from the death of Jesus to the fall of Jerusalem, and the average of human life in the 1800’s
• 33 years based on quotes such as in Webster’s unabridged dictionary; “The average lifetime of man, or the ordinary period of time at which one rank follows another, or father is succeeded by child; an age. A generation is usually taken to be about 33 years.”
• Changing the youngest age a person can be considered part of the generation
• Changing the start date of the generation

This has allowed the end of the generation to shift constantly.

• • • • • • To end ’soon’ - generation unspecified living in ‘last days’

          To end early 2000’s - maximum lifespan of baby in 1914

        To end by 1989 - 75 year life expectancy of baby in 1914

      To end early 80’s - 70-80 year life expectancy of 10 year old in 1914

    To end 1975 - 70-80 year life expectancy of 15 year old in 1914

  To end by 1950 - 30-40 year generation from 1914

To end in 1914 - 36 1/2 year generation from 1878

The Generation to end 1914

Originally the start year for the generation was 1780. A generation was either 100 years or 120 years, used to prove that the end would come in 1880. Russell changed this concept to align the end of the system to 1914, stating a generation would last 36 ½ years.

“A “generation” might be reckoned as equivalent to a century (practically the present limit) or one hundred and twenty years, Moses’ lifetime and the Scripture limit. (Gen. 6:3.) Reckoning a hundred years from 1780, the date of the first sign, the limit would reach to 1880… Or, since the Master said, “When ye shall see all these things,” and since “the sign of the Son of Man in heaven,” and the budding fig tree, and the gathering of “the elect” are counted among the signs, it would not be inconsistent to reckon the “generation” from 1878 to 1914–36 1/2 years– about the average of human life today.” Studies in the Scriptures Series IV -The Day of Vengeance 1897 ed. pp.604, 605

When Armageddon did not arrive in 1914 the doctrine on Christ’s presence was reengineered. Overtime 1914 became the start of the generation, rather than the end of the generation. The end of the generation would definitely arrive whilst some people born prior to 1914 were still alive. This concept continued until 1995.

To end by 1951: 37 year generation

In the early 1950’s a generation was once again explained to be around 36 ½ years (37 years). With the start date moved to 1914 the end was to arrive 1951.

“By keeping the people ignorant they led them into having Jesus killed on a torture stake at Calvary. Thirty-seven years later this willfully cultivated ignorance led to its fatal consequences, the destruction of the city of Jerusalem with an enormous loss of human lives, just as Jesus had predicted, and the breaking up of the Jewish nation till this day. And now in this “time of the end” the revived nation of Israel with capital at the modern city of Jerusalem chooses to go on in the steps of its forefathers . . .” Watchtower 1950 September 1 p.277″The length of time is indicated by him when he said, “Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.” (Matt. 24:34) The actual meaning of these words is, beyond question, that which takes a “generation” in the ordinary sense, as at Mark 8:12 and Acts 13:36, or for those who are living at the given period.” Watchtower 1951 July 1 p.404

“Counting from the end of the “appointed times of the nations” in 1914, we are 37 years into the “time of the end” of this world. (Luke 21:24, Dan. 12:4) During these crucial years Jehovah’s witnesses have sought shelter and strength in him, and they can confess for themselves that he is a “well-proved help in trouble”. If it were not for this, they would not be here today nor increasing in numbers. But we are entering the most serious and trialsome years of this “time of the end”. The final conflict of Armageddon draws near.” Watchtower 1951 February 15 p.179

After 1951 drew to a close without incidence a generation was extended, possibly up 70 or 80 years.

“The Bible does speak of a man’s days as being threescore and ten or fourscore years; but it assigns no specific number of years to a generation.-Ps. 90:10. … Some persons living A.D. 1914 when the series of foretold events began will also be living when the series ends with Armageddon. All the events will come within the span of a generation. There are hundreds of millions of persons living now that were living in 1914, and many millions of these persons could yet live a score or more years. Just when the lives of the majority of them will be cut short by Armageddon we cannot say.” Watchtower 1952 September 1 pp.542-543

To coincide with 1975

In 1968 it was said that a person as young as 15 could ‘discern’ the beginning of the time of the end. Add 70 or 80 years to a person born in 1899 and the generation was to end in the mid 1970’s.

“Some of the generation that discerned the beginning of the time of the end in 1914 will still be alive on earth to witness the end of this present wicked system of things at the battle of Armageddon.-Rev. 16:14, 16.” Watchtower 1968 May 1 p.272 (also December 1 p.715)”Jesus was obviously speaking about those who were old enough to witness with understanding what took place when the ‘last days’ began. … Even if we presume that youngsters 15 years of age would be perceptive enough to realize the import of what happened in 1914, it would still make the youngest of ‘this generation’ nearly 70 years old today.” Awake! 1968 October 8 p.13

The Awake! 1968 October 8 also made the following assertions;

To the Early 1980’s

By revising the age of discernment down to 10, but excluding babies, the Watchtower led a reader to the realisation that in the early 1980’s those of the generation were between “70 or 80 years old”. (Ps 80:10)

“Thus, when it comes to the application in our time, the “generation” logically would not apply to babies born during World War I. It applies to Christ’s followers and others who were able to observe that war and the other things that have occurred in fulfillment of Jesus’ composite “sign.”" Watchtower 1978 October 1 p.31″As indicated by an article on page 56 of U.S. News & World Report of January 14, 1980, “If you assume that 10 is the age at which an event creates a lasting impression on a person’s memory,” then there are today more than 13 million Americans who have a “recollection of World War I.” And if the wicked system of this world survived until the turn of the century, which is highly improbable in view of world trends and the fulfillment of Bible prophecy, there would still be survivors of the World War I generation. However, the fact that their number is dwindling is one more indication that “the conclusion of the system of things” is moving fast toward its end.” Watchtower 1980 October 15 p.31

“In Jesus’ day, some of the disciples who heard his words, and others of his contemporaries, survived to live through the final “tribulation” on the Jewish system of things. They were the “generation” of Jesus’ time. At this writing, in the United States alone there are more than 10,000,000 persons still living who were old enough to observe “a beginning of pangs of distress” in 1914-1918. Some of these may still survive quite a number of years. Yet Jesus assures us that, before “this generation” passes away, he will come as “Son of man” to execute judgment on Satan’s system of things. (Matthew 24:8, 21, 37-39)” “Let Your Kingdom Come” (1981) p.140

The late 1980’s

In 1984 discernment was no longer a criteria and babies started to be included in the generation, meaning that the generation were once again between 70 and 80.

“If Jesus used “generation” in that sense and we apply it to 1914, then the babies of that generation are now 70 years old or older. And others alive in 1914 are in their 80’s or 90’s, a few even having reached a hundred. There are still many millions of that generation alive.” Watchtower 1984 May 15 p.5

In 1988 an expert was used to prove a generation is 75 years. A baby born in 1914 would be 75 in 1989, leading the reader to the conclusion that the end was imminent.

“J. A. Bengel states in his New Testament Word Studies: “The Hebrews . . . reckon seventy-five years as one generation, and the words, shall not pass away, intimate that the greater part of that generation [of Jesus' day] indeed, but not the whole of it, should have passed away before all should be fulfilled.” This became true by the year 70 C.E. when Jerusalem was destroyed. Likewise today, most of the generation of 1914 has passed away. However, there are still millions on earth who were born in that year or prior to it. And although their numbers are dwindling, Jesus’ words will come true, “this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.” This is yet another reason for believing that Jehovah’s thieflike day is imminent.” Watchtower 1988 April 8 p.14

Within the lifespan of baby born in 1914

Eventually the generation was given no age limit, the only proviso was that some people born in 1914 would still be alive at Armageddon.

“Remember, Jesus said of those living through the last days, starting in 1914: “Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.” (Matthew 24:34) Yes, peace will really come within this generation but not through the nations’ efforts.” Watchtower 1991 April 15 p.7

1995 Generation Teaching

In 1995 a significant change occurred to the generation teaching that allowed “this generation” to extend for an unlimited period of time. The change was a result of necessity, and has led to a large fall in growth rate of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

In 1993, while at Bethel, I started to wonder what would happen if the end did not come before the generation had all died. I had begun to have the inkling that the Watchtower Society was not directed by God. Here was an Organization in control of billions of dollars. Would it be given back to the members once the truth had been proven untrue? No, that could not happen. The alternative would be to adjust the teachings. Maybe Jesus invisible presence would be changed to have started at the end of the 6,000 years, in 1975. Or maybe the meaning of the generation could be changed. These were vague ideas as there seemed no need for changes for at least another decade. Other people were having similar ideas. Since 607 is an incorrect date the Watchtower could use 587 B.C.E. and start the generation at 1934. Maybe a generation would include that last person to die at the age of 130. Maybe the generation started in 1957 when the last sign, the space race, started. The problem with all these ideas is that sooner or later a time would pass when they could once again be proved wrong.

Needless to say, despite expecting it, I was deeply affected when the teaching of a generation was changed in 1995. The Faithful and Discreet Slave had clearly seen it necessary to introduce this new teaching to prevent a mass exodus of members if the end did not appear by the early 2000’s. It was at that point that I knew that Watchtower teachings are not directed by Holy Spirit.

The 1995 generation change had significant consequences. The latest teaching is simple to understand, but was presented in unspecific terms to hide the controversy. Put simply, the end may arrive after every person born in 1914 has died out. The people born in 1914 form a collective generation and with those born in following generations. Sometime in the future this ongoing generation will see the end. This could be tomorrow but it could also be in 200 years time. Clearly this teaching has been introduced to protect the organization from the very specific, wrong teaching of the last hundred years.

“Eager to see the end of this evil system, Jehovah’s people have at times speculated about the time when the “great tribulation” would break out, even tying this to calculations of what is the lifetime of a generation since 1914. However, we “bring a heart of wisdom in,” not by speculating about how many years or days make up a generation, but by thinking about how we “count our days” in bringing joyful praise to Jehovah. (Psalm 90:12) Rather than provide a rule for measuring time, the term “generation” as used by Jesus refers principally to contemporary people of a certain historical period, with their identifying characteristics. In line with the above, professor of history Robert Wohl wrote in his book The Generation of 1914: “A historical generation is not defined by its chronological limits . . . It is not a zone of dates.”…Therefore, in the final fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy today, “this generation” apparently refers to the peoples of earth who see the sign of Christ’s presence but fail to mend their ways…Is anything to be gained, then, by looking for dates or by speculating about the literal lifetime of a “generation”?… Does our more precise viewpoint on “this generation” mean that Armageddon is further away than we had thought? Not at all! Though we at no time have known the “day and hour,” Jehovah God has always known it, and he does not change. (Malachi 3:6) Obviously, the world is sinking further and further toward terminal ruination. The need to keep awake is more critical than it has ever been. Jehovah has revealed to us “the things that must shortly take place,” and we should respond with an absorbing sense of urgency.-Revelation 1:1; 11:18; 16:14, 16.” Watchtower 1995 November 1 p.20″In the final fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy at Matthew 24:34-39, to what does the expression “this generation” refer? Jesus apparently refers to the peoples on earth who see the sign of Christ’s presence but fail to mend their ways.-11/1, pages 19, 31.” Watchtower 1995 December 15 p.30

Rather than saying that Jehovah’s Organization or the Governing Body incorrectly promoted a wrong teaching the 1995 Watchtower states ‘people’ made the false assumption. This allows the reader to assume that the followers misunderstood or wrongly speculated, shifting blame from the leaders that promoted the teaching. Also the term ’speculated’ is an understatement, a more honest term would be ’strongly emphasised’ that ‘millions now living will never die”. A third incorrect statement is that it is a ‘more precise viewpoint’. It was the opposite. It had been precisely stated that people born before 1914 would never die, now it is vaguely implied that this generation could last even hundreds of years.

Even the masthead of the Awake! has been changed with this new teaching. Prior to 1995 it said “This magazine builds confidence in the Creator’s promise of a peaceful and secure new world before the generation that saw the events of 1914 pass away.” This was changed to “This magazine builds confidence in the Creator’s promise of a peaceful and secure new world that is about to replace the present wicked, lawless system of things.”

Further clarification appeared in 1997.

“In that statement, Peter was clearly not being precise as to any fixed age or length of time, nor was he tying the “generation” to any certain date. He did not say that people should get saved from the generation that was born in the same year Jesus was or the generation that was born in 29 C.E. Peter was speaking about the unbelieving Jews of that period-some perhaps being rather young, others being older-who had been exposed to Jesus’ teaching, had seen or heard of his miracles, and had not accepted him as Messiah. …It must be acknowledged that we have not always taken Jesus’ words in that sense. There is a tendency for imperfect humans to want to be specific about the date when the end will come. Recall that even the apostles sought more specifics, asking: “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”-Acts 1:6. …

So the recent information in The Watchtower about “this generation” did not change our understanding of what occurred in 1914. But it did give us a clearer grasp of Jesus’ use of the term “generation,” helping us to see that his usage was no basis for calculating-counting from 1914-how close to the end we are.” Watchtower 1997 June 1 p.28

This latest concept is senseless as it removes any meaning from Matthew 24:34. If ‘generation’ refers to people of an ongoing period of time there was no point saying “this generation will by no means pass away”.

This was the first change of consequence for many Witnesses active in 1995. It prompted some to question the ability and right for the Organization to dogmatically direct their steps, concluding that these changes signify Watchtower teachings do not result from God’s direction. For many years prior to 1995 the global growth rate of publishers was around 6%. Within the next 3 years it had dropped to 2% per annum. The growth rate of educated countries has been even more deeply affected. In 2004 22 countries had zero or negative growth, in 2005 this had risen to over 50 countries. Whereas 30 years ago every 1,500 hours of witnessing resulted in one extra publisher by 2000 it took over 5,000 hours. (See Watchtower Statistics)

Generation Change 2007

For over 70 years, the Watchtower has claimed that all 144,000 Anointed rulers were chosen prior to 1935, at which time the calling was closed.

“Logically, the calling of the little flock would draw to a close when the number was nearing completion, and the evidence is that the general gathering of these specially blessed ones ended in 1935.” Watchtower 1995 February 15 p.19″Hence especially after 1966 it was believed that the heavenly calling ceased in 1935. … Thereafter, any called to the heavenly hope were believed to be replacements for anointed Christians who had proved unfaithful.” Watchtower 2007 May 1 pp.30-31

In 2007, the 1935 teaching was changed with a simple admission:

“Thus it appears that we can not set a specific date for when the calling of Christians to the heavenly hope ends.” Watchtower 2007 May 1 p.31

Subtle as it may appear, this is of significance, as it was to pave the way for yet another generation doctrinal change.

“Previously, this journal has explained that in the first century, “this generation” mentioned at Matthew 24:34 meant “the contemporaneous generation of unbelieving Jews.”* That explanation seemed reasonable because all other recorded uses that Jesus made of the term “generation” had a negative connotation, and in most cases, Jesus used a negative adjective, such as “wicked,” to describe the generation. (Matt. 12:39; 17: 17; Mark 8:3 Thus, it was felt that in the modern-day fulfillment, Jesus was referring to the wicked “generation” of unbelievers who would see both the features that would characterize “the conclusion of the system of things” (syn-te’lei-a) and the system’s end (te’/os).
It is true that when Jesus used the word “generation” negatively, he was speaking to or about the wicked people of his day. But was that necessarily true of his statement recorded at Matthew 24:34? Recall that four of Jesus’ disciples had approached him “privately.” (Matt. 24:3) Since Jesus did not use negative qualifiers when speaking to them about “this generation,” the apostles would no doubt have understood that they and their fellow disciples were to be part of the “generation” that would not pass away “until all these things [would] occur.”
…
On the other hand, Christ’s faithful anointed brothers, the modern-day John class, have recognized this sign as if it were a flash of lightning and have understood its true meaning. As a class, these anointed ones make up the modern-day “generation” of contemporaries that will not pass away “until all these things occur.”* This suggests that some who are Christ’s anointed brothers will still be alive on earth when the foretold great tribulation begins.” Watchtower 2008 February 15 pp.23-24

The generation is no longer said to refer to the unbelievers, but to Anointed believers. However, this does not bring Armageddon any closer. Because it is now said that the calling of heavenly ones may not have closed, and with no suggestion for when this may occur, there is no limit to when “this generation” will die out.

Interestingly, in Crisis of Conscience, Raymond Franz showed that in the 1970’s Schroeder had proposed applying the generation solely to the Anointed.

The leadership had made numerous adjustments and now had few remaining options. There was the 1957 starting date for “this generation” proposed by members Schroeder, Klein and Suiter, but that seemed an unlikely choice. There was Albert Schroeder’s idea of applying the phrase to the ”anointed” class (an idea that had been floating around the organization for many, many years) which offered certain advantages-there are always additional persons (some fairly young) who each year decide for the first time that they are of the “anointed” class. So this would offer an almost… p.265

With the current Watchtower doctrine, “generation” can no longer be used as a limiting word; it can extend infinitum; applied to the overlapping lives of contemporaries. There are a number of reasons why the new view is of dubious merit.

• The New Testament applies the word generation consistently to evildoers in a negative connotation, yet the Watchtower applies this term on this specific occasion to the righteous anointed.
• Jesus statement that the generation would “by no means pass away” applied to a group that saw both his ministry and the destruction of Jerusalem. The term generation and statement that they will “by no means pass away” have becomes all but meaningless with current Watchtower doctrine.
• When Jesus made this statement there were no Anointed, as the Holy Spirit was not poured out until after his death at Pentecost 33A.D. Jesus is claimed to be applying the term “this generation” to a class that at the time of the statement did not even exist.

This new understanding will no doubt result in further changes. It was already illogical to claim that between 33 A.D, and 1935 there have only been 144,000 true Christians (76 a year), especially when considering there were over 50,000 memorial takers in 1935 alone. As the terminology referring to the 144,000 at Revelation 7:1-8 and 14:1-5 is almost entirely figurative, at some point in time it is likely the Watchtower will be forced to concede the 144,000 is not a literal number.

In similar vein, the concept that the Great Crowd started to be gathered from 1935 becomes equally irrelevant. The Great Crowd are specifically described in Watchtower theology as people that survive Armageddon (as compared to Other Sheep that include those worshippers that die prior to Armageddon).

“Jehovah did not allow the ingathering of this group to begin too soon. The “great crowd,” including many of the earliest members thereof, will survive into the “new earth”.” Survival into a New Earth p.185

It will not be long before the last one baptised in 1935 will have passed away, meaning that no one baptised in 1935 will be able to be considered part of the Great Crowd.

For over 100 years Witnesses have been discouraged from having children, getting married and going to University. I was condemned by a number of Jehovah’s Witnesses for doing an Accounting degree in the late 1980’s, because “the end is so close and in the new system we will need builders, not accountants.” A Witness has been encouraged to keep a short term focus “because the end is so close”. The Watchtower 1938 November 1 p.324 advised not to have children because the end was so near. Most of these followers have since passed away without the joy of rearing children and grandchildren. This short-sightedness has been encouraged by changing the generation and end teachings in the late 1800’s, the early 1900’s, the 1920’s, the 1940’s, the 1950’s, the 1960’s, the 1970’s and the 1980’s.

Directed by Holy Spirit?

“We will also increase our joy if we prayerfully and diligently study God’s spirit-inspired Word and  Christian publications prepared under the spirit’s guidance.” -  Watchtower 1992 Mar. 15 pp.21-22

In what way does Jehovah’s Holy Spirit direct the Watchtower Society? What influence does it have on doctrine? How is it involved in the appointment of brothers to positions of authority? These are important questions to answer, well before any discussion of doctrine has begun. An earthly organization that audaciously claims a monopoly over salvation must provide justification of a direct link with God. The Watchtower Society does this by claiming guidance by Holy Spirit. The official teaching is that the Holy Spirit directs the modern day Governing Body in the area of interpreting teachings and appointing brothers to be overseers and Jehovah actively directs them to feed their followers with truth.

“Under the guidance of his holy spirit and on the basis of his Word of truth, Jehovah provides what is needed so that all of God’s people may be “fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought” and remain “stabilized in the faith.” (1 Cor. 1:10; Col. 2:6, 7) Surely we are grateful for Jehovah’s spiritual provisions in these last days. Thus, “the faithful and discreet slave” does not endorse any literature, meetings, or Web sites that are not produced or organized under its oversight.” Kingdom Ministry Sep. 2007 US Edition “They do not claim that this slave class is infallible, but they do view it as the one channel that the Lord is using during the last days of this system of things.” Proclaimers p.626

The Watchtower specifically states that Holy Spirit directs it to interpret teachings and make decisions.

“The men of that governing body, like the apostles and older men in Jerusalem, have many years of experience in God’s service. But they do not rely on human wisdom in making decisions. No, being governed theocratically, they follow the example of the early governing body in Jerusalem, whose decisions were based on God’s Word .” You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth p.195 “Consider, too, the fact that Jehovah’s organization alone, in all the earth, is directed by God’s holy spirit or active force. (Zech. 4:6) Only this organization functions for Jehovah’s purpose and to his praise. To it alone God’s Sacred Word, the Bible, is not a sealed book. Many persons of the world are very intelligent, capable of understanding complex matters. They can read the Holy Scriptures, but they cannot understand their deep meaning. Yet God’s people can comprehend such spiritual things. Why? Not because of special intelligence on their part, but as the apostle Paul declared: “For it is to us God has revealed them through his spirit, for the spirit searches into all things, even the deep things of God.”" Watchtower 1973 July 1 p.402

The Watchtower claims to contain God’s opinions, not those of men.

“The Watchtower is not the instrument of any man or set of men, nor is it published according to the whims of men. No man’s opinion is expressed in The Watchtower. God feeds his own people, and surely God uses those who love and serve him according to his own will. Those who oppose The Watchtower are not capable of discerning the truth that God is giving to the children of his organization, and this is the very strongest proof that such opposers are not of God’s organization.” Watchtower 1931 Nov. 1 p.327 “It is vital that we appreciate this fact and respond to the directions of the “slave” as we would to the voice of God, because it is His provision.” Watchtower 1957 June 15 p.370

However, this book lists numerous doctrinal changes promoted as truth that later were admitted as wrong. Many cannot be dismissed as “brighter light” as they were significant doctrines that were wrong and completely replaced. Though Jehovah’s Witnesses dismiss this, doctrinal changes do matter if a religion claims direction by Jehovah. They do matter when a religion demands unquestioning obedience. We shall see that they do particularly matter when related to life threatening medical decisions.

Provisional Infallibility

The Organization operates under the confusing concept of ‘Provisional Infallibility’. On the one hand, information contained in Watchtower is from God and accepted without question; on the other hand, the Watchtower admittedly contains significant mistakes. The Organization uses the irrational concept that Holy Spirit directes them but they are not inspired. This is illogical - inspired means to be directed by Holy Spirit. The concepts of infallibility and inspiration are simple, yet discussing them in line with Watchtower teachings becomes complicated because by definition it is impossible to have direction of Holy Spirit but not be inspired. According to The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition:

• Infallible; “Incapable of erring” (therefore to be infallible means to be perfect)
• Inspire; “to affect, guide, or arouse by divine influence” (or in other words inspired means to be directed by Holy Spirit)

Therefore, if the Organization claims the direction of Holy Spirit it is by definition claiming to be inspired. In this case, it cannot make mistakes, by definition, it should be infallible in the same way the Bible is infallible.

By Definition         Directed by Holy Spirit = Inspired Bible Directed by Holy Spirit = Inspired Infallible (no errors) Watchtower Directed by Holy Spirit  =/ Inspired Fallible (contains errors)

Presented as formula highlights the flaw in the Watchtower reasoning, the Watchtower contradicts itself when saying that God’s Holy Spirit directed its doctrines, yet they are not necessarily correct. An example of this is in the 1988 Revelation book. The second chapter makes the claim that the explanation of Revelation in the book is directed by God’s spirit. In the third chapter the ‘Slave’ even likens itself to the apostle John, claiming to be the equivalent channel on earth today, used by Jehovah in the same manner the apostle John was and directed by God’s spirit. Then the inserted proviso appears that the writings are not infallible as were John’s.

“The mysteries locked up in the book of Revelation have for long baffled sincere students of the Bible. In God’s due time, those secrets had to be unlocked, but how, when, and to whom? Only God’s spirit could make known the meaning as the appointed time drew near. (Revelation 1:3) Those sacred secrets would be revealed to God’s zealous slaves on earth so that they would be strengthened to make known his judgments. (Compare Matthew 13:10, 11.) It is not claimed that the explanations in this publication are infallible. Like Joseph of old, we say: “Do not interpretations belong to God?” (Genesis 40: … God had a channel for communicating Revelation in John’s day, and John was the earthly part of that channel. Likewise, God has a channel for giving spiritual nourishment to his ’slaves’ today. In his great prophecy concerning the conclusion of the system of things, Jesus identified the earthly part of this channel as “the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time.” (Matthew 24:3, 45-47) He uses this John class in unlocking the meaning of the prophecy….Those of the John class, some of whom have shared for upwards of 70 years in the fulfillment of these visions, are happy that God’s spirit has unlocked the meaning so that they can explain it to others.” Revelation, Its Grand Climax At Hand! p.9, 15

The assertion is that Holy Spirit directs the modern day Governing Body in the same way that it directed Jehovah’s Organization in the past.

“The holy spirit is the active force of the living God, which he sends out through his Son, Christ Jesus, and which operates toward Jehovah’s people, enlightening and directing his theocratic organization on the earth today as it did in the days of the apostles.” Watchtower 1959 Apr. 1 p.219

However, the Society claims not to be inspired or infallible.

“The Governing Body consists of a group of anointed Christian men …These preside over the worldwide activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses. They are not inspired by God and hence are not infallible, but they rely on God’s infallible Word as the highest authority on earth.” Jehovah’s Witnesses - Unitedly Doing God’s Will Worldwide p.26 “The brothers preparing these publications are not infallible. Their writings are not inspired as are those of Paul and the other Bible writers.” Awake! 1993 Mar. 22 p.4

It is a contradiction for the Governing Body to say that they are not inspired in one article but that Holy Spirit directs them in another. Read together the following two statements are discernibly contradictory.

“Jehovah God has made known to his anointed ones in advance what these scriptures mean.” Watchtower 1931 June 1 p.160 “Jehovah’s people confess no powers of inspiration today” Watchtower 1952 Apr. 15 p.253

I make no implication that individual members of Jehovah’s Organization need to be infallible. As all humans are imperfect, God has always used imperfect humans, such as Moses, David and Paul. However, if God’s Holy Spirit in the past inspired imperfect people to pen his perfect words infallibly in the Bible, and if his Holy Spirit is said to be directing Jehovah’s people through the Watchtower in the same manner today, these directions are inspired and so must be infallible. If God’s words are no longer infallible, then his current earthly channel is not being directed by Holy Spirit, as Jehovah’s channel always has been. They should not demand unquestioning loyalty and do not have God’s authority to strictly enforce obedience to Watchtower specific doctrinal interpretation. Notice that though the older men of Jerusalem were fallible, their writings were inspired.

“It was referred to the apostles and older men at Jerusalem, who served as a central governing body. Those older men were not infallible; they were not persons who never made a mistake. (Compare Galatians 2:11-14.) But God used them. They considered what the inspired Scriptures said on the subject at hand as well as the evidence of the operation of God’s spirit in opening up the Gentile field, and then they rendered a decision. God blessed that arrangement.” United in Worship p.120

Though the Bible writers were not infallible they were inspired, so everything they wrote in the Bible was infallible. The members of the Apostolic Governing Body were fallible, but as a body, they were inspired, so as a body their decisions, interpretations and writings were infallible. This is a significant difference. In fact, this is the crux of the matter and pivotal to understanding the truth to the premise behind the Watchtower Society.For the Governing Body to say that the Holy Spirit similarly guides their interpretations and appointments and yet they make mistakes must border on blasphemy. When the Holy Spirit directs a person, they do not get it wrong; otherwise, what was the point of the Holy Spirit’s direction? The Watchtower has no choice but to say that the Holy Spirit directs the Organization because this is a Biblical prophecy, and the way Jehovah’s people were always directed: “We are living also in the time of final fulfilment of the prophecy to which the apostle Peter referred on the day of Pentecost, namely: “It shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my Spirit.” (Joel 2:28, 29)” Watchtower 1958 Jan. 15 p.45 The Bible states in very clear terms that the Holy Spirit directed the early Christians so Jehovah’s Witnesses have to say that Holy Spirit likewise directs the Governing Body of the Watchtower Society in our day.

“Thus all the thrust or drive of God’s holy spirit pointed in one direction, and hence, in recognition of this, when writing the letter conveying their decision, this body or council said: “For the holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to you, except these necessary things.”-Ac 15:1-29.” Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2 p.1023 Spirit

If the Governing Body is to claim to be like the early Christian’s, then as a body, they must be guided by Holy Spirit and infallible. To say otherwise is to contradict the Bible.

“Fulfilling Jesus’ promise recorded at John 16:13, “the spirit of the truth” was to guide the Christian congregation progressively into all the truth. (John 16:13) 13 However, when that one arrives, the spirit of the truth, he will guide YOU into all the truth, for he will not speak of his own impulse, but what things he hears he will speak, and he will declare to YOU the things coming.” Watchtower 1990 Mar. 15 p.11

Note that John 16 makes no room for guidance into untruth. Things may not always be clear at once. They may be progressive, but it would always be truthfully. It would also happen before the event (’the things coming’), not only after the event. The contradictory Watchtower stance that the Governing Body is directed in the same manner as the early Christians, but that the early Christian decisions are infallible but theirs are not, is necessitated by their ongoing errors and changes. On retrospect, Watchtower mistakes are justified in the most pleasant way.

“The increasing light on God’s Word as well as the facts of history have repeatedly required that adjustments of one kind or another be made down to the very present time. But let us never forget that the motives of this “slave” were always pure, unselfish; at all times it has been well-meaning. … For those who truly love God’s law there is no stumbling block.” Watchtower 1979 Mar. 1 pp. 23-24

Yet, when not justifying errors the message is quite different. To disagree with these admittedly ‘fallible’ teachings is to be disloyal to Jehovah himself, leading to destruction.

“One observer noted that these men “were critical of the articles in The Watchtower, not wanting to accept it as . . . God’s channel of truth, always trying to influence others in their way of thinking.” However, loyal elders never try to influence others to reject any of the spiritual food provided by God through the faithful slave. As Jehovah’s dedicated Witnesses, all of us must be loyal to him and to his organization. We should never even contemplate turning aside from God’s wonderful light, pursuing an apostate course that can lead to spiritual death now and eventual destruction.” Watchtower 1992 Nov. 15 pp. 19-20 Serve Jehovah Loyally

It is not wrong for the Governing Body to admit to not being inspired and having made errors - it is wrong to make such admission and then enforce strict adherence to their own direction by claiming they alone speak for Jehovah.

Supernatural Direction

Russell

Russell claimed to be God’s mouthpiece, guided by the Lord.

“No, the truths I present, as God’s mouthpiece, were not revealed in visions or dreams, nor by God’s audible voice, nor all at once, but gradually, especially since 1870, and particularly since 1880. Neither is this clear unfolding of truth due to any human ingenuity or acuteness of perception, but to the simple fact that God’s due time has come; and if I did not speak, and no other agent could be found, the very stones would cry out. The following history is given not merely because I have been urged to give a review of God’s leadings in the path of light, but specially because I believe it to be needful that the truth be modestly told, that misapprehensions and prejudicial misstatements may be disarmed, and that our readers may see how hitherto the Lord has helped and guided. … Then I knew why the Lord had led me to it so slowly and cautiously. I needed a special preparation of heart for the full appreciation of all it contained, and I was all the more assured that it was not of my own wisdom; for if of my own why would it not have come at once?” Zion’s Watch Tower 1906 July 15 pp.230, 234

The current structure and doctrine of the Watchtower Society is so significantly different from Russell’s time it must make one wonder about such guidance.

Rutherford

Rutherford decided that once Jesus was enthroned Holy Spirit ceased guiding the Slave and that Jesus was using his angels to direct his people.

“God uses angels to teach His people now on earth.” The Golden Age 1933 Nov. 8 p.69 “Enlightenment proceeds from Jehovah… and is given to the faithful anointed…. the remnant are instructed by the angels of the Lord. The remnant do not hear audible sounds, because such is not necessary. Jehovah has provided his own good way to convey thoughts to the minds of his anointed ones.” Preparation p.64 “No man can properly interpret prophecy, and the Lord sends his angels to transmit correct information to his people.” Watchtower 1936 Feb. 15 p.52

This unusual sounding claim is not without precedence as God spoke to his servants through angels in the past. Yet the question cannot escape, if angels gave teachings to Rutherford why were so many wrong? A more appropriate description of Rutherford’s inspiration appears in the works of psychologist William James.¹“

“Even more perhaps than other kinds of genius, religious leaders have been subject to abnormal psychical visitations. Invariably they have been creatures of exalted emotional sensitivity liable to obsessions and fixed ideas; and frequently they have fallen into trances, heard voices, seen visions, and presented all sorts of peculiarities which are ordinarily classed as pathological.”

Current Guidance

In recent years, the Watchtower states that Jesus uses both angels and Holy Spirit to guide his congregation.

“… Christ used his authority by actively leading his congregation on earth. He did this by means of the holy spirit, the angels, and the governing body made up of the 12 apostles and the elders of the Jerusalem congregation. Jesus stated that he would be with his disciples right up to the conclusion of the system of things, where we now are. In the following article, we will see how he is still the active Head of the Christian congregation and how he is leading his “sheep” today.” Watchtower 1987 Aug. 1 p.15

A Governing Body member scrutinizes each Watchtower to ensure it represents truth.

“To this day the Governing Body follows similar guidelines. Each article in both The Watchtower and Awake! and every page, including the artwork, is scrutinized by selected members of the Governing Body before it is printed. … Therefore, you can read The Watchtower and Awake! with confidence.” Watchtower 1987 Mar. 1 p.15

In many articles, there is no room for any doubt that the Watchtower must be upheld as from Jehovah. It has even stated that we can have more confidence than Noah had, who personally spoke with God. The following quotes make the reader feel the Watchtower contains infallible opinion of God. How then can it be fallible?

“Holy spirit, working through God’s organization, will also help us to gain a wonderfully clear understanding of what Jehovah has in store for those who love him. After explaining that prominent people of this system of things cannot understand God’s purposes, Paul wrote: “It is to us God has revealed them through his spirit.”" Watchtower 1993 Aug. 15 p.11 “… spiritual food provided by God through the faithful slave.” Watchtower 1992 Nov. 15 p.20 “Today, Jehovah provides instruction by means of “the faithful steward.” (Luke 12:42)” Pay Attention to Yourself and to All The Flock p.13 “MARKING A CENTURY OF DIVINE DIRECTION - By the year 1970 a century had passed since Charles Taze Russell and a few associates began meeting for earnest, prayerful study of the Scriptures. Through all those decades, Jehovah’s servants had enjoyed spiritual enlightenment and divine direction.” Yearbook 1975 p.245 “The point is that Christians have implicit trust in their heavenly Father; they do not question what he tells them through his written Word and organization. Things work out well for those who in this trusting way go along with God’s way of doing things. For example, Jehovah through his organization has for years warned his people of the harmful effects of using tobacco, and those who heeded this advice were benefited both physically and spiritually.” Watchtower 1974 July 15 p.441 “God uses The Watchtower to communicate to his people: it does not consist of men’s opinions…. Those who believe that God uses The Watchtower as a means of communicating to his people, or of calling attention to his prophecies, should study The Watchtower with thankfulness of heart and give Jehovah God and Christ Jesus all the honor and credit and give neither honor nor credit to any man.” Watchtower 1942 Jan. 1 p.5 “As to Noah, the Christian now has much more upon which to base his faith than Noah had (so far as the Scriptures reveal) upon which to base his faith in a coming deluge.” Watchtower 1923 Apr. 1 p.106

Appointments Directed

Holy Spirit receives the credit for appointing people to ‘privileges’ within the congregation. For instance, the appointment of an elder is at the recommendation of the body of elders, put before the Circuit Overseer and sent to Bethel for prayer. If Holy Spirit is involved, then any elder who is sinning will be revealed and not appointed. The same should be true of disfellowshipping; people will always be disfellowshipped justly if Holy Spirit is involved. There will be a revealing of sinners, just as Joshua discovered Achan’s theft at the direction of Jehovah.

“Our Leader uses this Governing Body to appoint qualified men - whether spirit-anointed or not - as elders in the local congregations. In this regard, the holy spirit, which Jehovah has given Jesus authority to employ, plays a pivotal role. (Acts 2:32, 33) First of all, these overseers must meet the requirements set out in God’s Word, which was inspired by holy spirit. (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 2 Peter 1:20, 21) The recommendations and appointments are made after prayer and under the guidance of the holy spirit. Additionally, the individuals appointed give evidence of producing the fruitage of that spirit. …How reassuring to know that Jesus Christ provides leadership to his disciples today through the Governing Body, the holy spirit, and the angels!” Watchtower 2002 Mar. 15 p.14 “We are living also in the time of final fulfillment of the prophecy to which the apostle Peter referred on the day of Pentecost… (Joel 2:28, 29, AS; Acts 2:16-1 We should therefore expect the spirit’s activity to include appointing overseers…. In consideration of the spirit’s fruitage produced by the candidate and in harmony with the written requirements set out in the Holy Scriptures written by men under the operation of the holy spirit, the governing body acts, being itself moved by the holy spirit for which it prays to God that it may guide the governing body. So today as well as in Paul’s day it may be said that the holy spirit appoints overseers over the flock of God that he purchased “with the blood of his own Son.”" Watchtower 1958 Jan. 15 p. 45 “Under the direction of the holy spirit, Branch Committees recommend mature, spiritual men to serve as circuit and district overseers. After being appointed directly by the Governing Body, they serve as traveling overseers. … Traveling overseers submit reports to the branch office. With the help of the holy spirit and the inspired Scriptures…” Watchtower 1990 Mar. 15 p.20

There is claimed direction of disfellowshipping; angels will discover wrongdoers.

“In addition, Jehovah’s angels can maneuver matters so that any who cause others to stumble are removed from among Jehovah’s people.” Watchtower 2007 Mar. 1 p.24

Real life examples bring the theory of spirit directed appointments face-to-face with reality. I personally know numerous examples of brothers appointed as elders and ministerial servants whilst breaking committing fornication, adultery and homosexuality, some for in excess of 20 years, proof the Holy Spirit is not involved in appointments, disfellowshipping and reinstatement. The converse example is the reinstatement of wrongdoers persisting in their sins. Disfellowshipped people who view the Watchtower Society as a cult have formulated their return via internet chat rooms and been reinstated, solely so they can continue to associate freely with family members, or as an attempt to help them leave the Watchtower Society.² Some high profile cases have been amongst the Governing Body themselves, brothers said to be chosen by Jehovah.

“This appeared in the issues of June 1 and 15 and proved conclusively that Jehovah’s organization must henceforth be guided and directed by Jehovah’s spirit through the visible governing body made up of those servants whom Jehovah himself would appoint.” Watchtower 1965 June 1 p.352

During the 1980’s three members of the Governing Body stepped down. Raymond Franz resigned in 1980, concluding that the Watchtower did not represent true Christianity. Ewart C. Chitty resigned in 1980. The Yearbook 1980 p.258 simply stated, “In the past year Ewart C. Chitty resigned, so that at present there are 17 members of this body.” This was not due to apostasy, but for homosexual conduct prior to his appointment to the Governing Body. In 1984, Leo Greenlees resigned. Though there was no written statement, the following breakfast announcement occurred at Brooklyn Bethel.

“This is to inform the bethel family that Leo Greenless is no longer a member of the bethel family and the matter is closed.”³

This too was for homosexual conduct prior to his appointment, and a result of accusations against Greenlees from Mark Palo. A vague indication of what this was for appeared in the Watchtower.

“Shocking as it is, even some who have been prominent in Jehovah’s organization have succumbed to immoral practices, including homosexuality, wife swapping, and child molesting.” Watchtower 1986 Jan. 1 p.13

It would seem unlikely that “Jehovah himself” appointed people to the most important position in his earthly organization when they had engaged in such wrongdoing prior to their appointment.

Conclusion

The Governing Body makes strong claims that Holy Spirit guides it to interpret the Bible correctly and to appoint men. In total contradiction, the Governing Body says Holy Spirit does not direct the Organization to have infallible interpretation of scripture. Accuracy is no longer necessary for God! If Truth can morph in an ongoing manner, why the importance of following these leaders and not the leaders of another similarly unguided Organization? It is illogical to demand total obedience, claim its guidelines are to be followed as “the voice of God”, yet admit mistakes. Watchtower publications clearly state that Jehovah directed:

• Imperfect people to infallibly write the Bible
• The first century Apostles to make infallible guidelines when directing the early Christian congregations
• The Governing Body to provide the Watchtower in our day - but this time God’s Organization is being guided with the inclusion of mistakes

Jehovah has always been able to provide infallible information, even though the humans used were fallible. When Holy Spirit directed Jehovah’s followers, the recorded statements have always been accurate. There is no room for erroneous teachings if an Organization makes the claim Jehovah directs it and is God’s only true path to truth and salvation. Holy Spirit does not direct an Organization that claims to be fallible. Errors make it apparent Holy Spirit does not guide Watchtower doctrine any more so than it has in any other religion. Neither has Holy Spirit guided appointments. Keep this in mind when delving into the reality of Watchtower truth.

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1. The Varieties of Religious Experience: A study in Human Nature (New York: Modern Library; reprint edition, 1994) first published in 1902 2. For example, Going Undercover to Rescue My Daughter (J Sage Nancy, 2006) 3. See Apocalypse delayed: the story of Jehovah’s Witnesses (University of Toronto Press. Second Edition Reprinted 1999) M James Penton p.393