New Light or Old Darkness?
March 26, 2021 E-Letter
Early in the ministry (1980’s) I thought that if the JW could see firsthand how the Watchtower had contradicted itself and the Bible over time it would be an excellent way to wake them up. The contradictions in Watchtower history grew over time because they would change their interpretation of the Bible or their own history.
We are posting a number of e-letters Make Sure Ministries has received from David Henke, founder of Watchman Fellowship, Inc., an apologetics ministry, on a variety of subjects. They will post on Tuesdays into the foreseeable future. As always, we appreciate your comments. Please consider clicking on the link following this blog to learn more about Watchman Fellowship and what they have to offer. E-letters have been slightly edited for clarity.
They called these new interpretations “new light”:
“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”
Proverbs 4:18
I compiled a very large number of photocopies of these examples of New Light and placed them side by side. I then asked the same question after each quote. The questions would force the JW reading it to choose one quote or the other but at the same time they would also be contradicting the past teachings of the Society.
I titled the booklet “New Light.” And I described it as “Everything the Watchtower ever said and wished they hadn’t.”
I gave copies to several ex-JWs and they said it was the most powerful evidence they had ever seen.
Today there are websites that compare current and past teachings in similar fashion. It is this availability of the evidence that is the primary cause of many JWs leaving the Watchtower. Unfortunately, the majority [of those who leave] don’t find a biblical faith.
Below is an example of a contradiction in Watchtower history and teaching:
From this it is clearly seen that the editor and publisher of Zion’s Watch Tower disavowed any claim to being individually, in his person, that “faithful and wise servant.” He never did claim to be such.
God’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached, 1973, page 346, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society
Question: Did Russell claim to be the Faithful and Wise Servant? Yes, or No.
Thousands of the readers of Pastor Russell’s writings believe that he filled the office of “that faithful and wise servant,” and that his great work was giving to the household of faith meat in due season. His modesty and humility precluded him from openly claiming this title, but he admitted as much in private conversation.
The Watch Tower, Dec. 1, 1916, in Watchtower Reprints page 5998
Question: Did Russell claim to be the Faithful and Wise Servant? Yes, or No.
At this point we should read the very next verse after their “new light” quote of Scripture above:
The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
Proverbs 4:19
The next three blogs, one published on Tuesday of each of the following three weeks, will be examining Charles Taze Russell’s life from the perspective of two of his contemporaries who wrote pamphlets exposing him, Mr. Cook and Rev. Ross. Links will be provided in subsequent blogs to download these pamphlets written in the early 20th century.
Pamphlets by Christian Leaders Exposing Charles Taze Russell During His Lifetime, Part 1
Pamphlets by Christian Leaders Exposing Charles Taze Russell During His Lifetime, Part 2a (3/28/23)
Pamphlets by Christian Leaders Exposing Charles Taze Russell During His Lifetime, Part 2b (4/4/23)
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