When Watchtower’s new ‘history’ book was released this summer it was said to have been released because their old one had too many pages. “God’s Kingdom Rules!” was presented as a slimmer, and therefore more translatable, volume than its predecessor.
I’ve recently had a chance to go through it, and I firmly believe its purpose is much more complex than we have been led to believe.
A key difference between Watchtower’s old and new history book is that the new version is meant to be studied at weekly meetings. The older Proclaimers book was merely a personal reference volume, and had no questions and answers for the paragraphs.
As a study book, each Jehovah’s Witness will soon be expected to study a lesson from the new history book and attend the requisite Q&A book group each week. Throughout and after this very long process, Jehovah’s Witnesses will be well-armed with its fallacies and fabrications.
“God’s Kingdom Rules!” is a carefully crafted whitewash of Watchtower history that cunningly converts past bitter defeats into glorious victories. The book is spectacularly Orwellian.
Rearranging history
The volume opens by attempting to thrill the reader into imagining they are someone from 1914 sitting in the room when Charles Taze Russell announces the “end of the Gentile times.”
Only the perspective of an ardent believer in Pastor Russell is given. What the book fails to mention is that many of Russell’s followers were disillusioned by the lackluster results of his predictions.
As with Harold Camping in 2011, Russell’s 1914 end of the world prophecy was a failure. Both cases left behind followers that either believed in what was cooked up next, or cut their losses and moved on.
Rather than being recognized as an abysmal and embarrassing theological failure, Russell’s failed prediction has been re-shaped as the triumphant herald of the end of an age. In quite dramatic fashion, the moment is portrayed as an exciting historical event rather than the depressing disappointment it truly was.
Only a few pages later do you find Watchtower’s new and improved embarrassment: the “overlapping generations” doctrine, designed to explain Matthew 24:34.
Over the past century, Watchtower has been forced to evolve. They have transitioned from setting hard apocalyptic dates to using the generation who witnessed the “events” of 1914 as an apocalyptic barometer.
Since this original generation have all died off, the doctrine has gone through some strenuous changes. The current contortion can be found in question and answer form very early into the book. It spuriously claims that two generations can actually be considered as one.
George Orwell, author of the legendary novel 1984, spoke about theocratic entities changing their history in this way:
“A totalitarian state is in effect a theocracy, and its ruling caste, in order to keep its position, has to be thought of as infallible. But since, in practice, no one is infallible, it is frequently necessary to rearrange past events in order to show that this or that mistake was not made, or that this or that imaginary triumph actually happened.”
The organization that controls Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world through its “ruling caste,” the Governing Body, is claimed to be infallible. Logically, it simply cannot err while continuing to claim a perfect status. However, being an entity established by humans, it does fail. When this happens, a “rearrangement” of the past is called for, which is exactly what the God’s Kingdom Rules! book accomplishes.
The beginning of the book somewhat desperately tries to convince the reader that God’s plan has been progressively revealed. This “new light” strategy is a perfect way to covertly accomplish what Orwell was talking about. It allows for a future restructuring of past events which are then portrayed as the progressive understanding of “God’s will.”
It’s a “get out of jail free card,” to borrow a Monopoly metaphor.
Jehovah’s Witnesses – conquerors of the courtroom?
Section 4 of the book, entitled “Kingdom Conquests – Legally Establishing the Good News,” sparked a special interest for me. It paints the Watchtower as under direct attack from Satan through the world’s legal systems and its citizens. Irwin Zalkin, who is currently battling in court against the Watchtower, had this to say about their practices:
“These guys will deny and deny, they are belligerent, they are arrogant, they treat victims as adversaries. This is not an organization that is ready to accept the reality of what they have been doing.” (Source: U-T San Diego)
Section 4 of the book attests to the accuracy of Zalkin’s observations. The language clearly indicates that Watchtower sees opponents in the courtroom as agents of the devil.
The book again attempts to alter Watchtower’s history by awarding the organization with the image of “conquerors” of the courtroom. Countless court documents over many decades paint a picture very similar to the words Zalkin used: arrogant and belligerent. Yet, within Watchtower’s new “history” book, they are portrayed as the valiant conquerors who vanquished the dragon.
The book cultivates this image by ignoring the negative and focusing on the positive. Granted, Watchtower has been involved in many landmark victories throughout the 20th century. They’ve even received attention from the outside world for their efforts to protect their freedom to propagate an unpopular message.
For instance, Joel Engardio, civil liberties advocate and creator of the documentary “Knocking,” had this to say about Watchtower in the courtroom:
“There have been nearly 50 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court involving Jehovah’s Witnesses that involved the issue of constitutional rights… We have to thank Jehovah’s Witnesses for being on the forefront of protecting everyone’s freedoms.”
Engardio is talking about giving credit where credit is due, as I understand it. However, Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t want any of the credit. This is clearly spelled out on page 156:
“Why have Jehovah’s people won so many landmark legal victories? We have no political influence. Yet, in country after country and court after court, fair-minded judges have protected us from the onslaught of tenacious opposers and, in the process, have set precedents in constitutional law. Without a doubt, Christ has backed our efforts to gain those victories. (Read Revelation 6:2) Why do we fight such legal battles? Our intent is not to reform the legal system. Rather, our goal is to ensure that we can continue to serve our King, Jesus Christ, without hindrance.”
They never intended to give the legal system a helping hand. Clearly, they do not concern themselves with the rights of others. Rather, their sole concern has always been running their doomsday propaganda machine without hindrance.
If they took an ounce of credit for any of the constitutional precedents they have helped introduce, they would be part of what they preach as being doomed. Within their theology the legal systems of the world, including their written laws, are merely things to be used until Armageddon comes and they are all destroyed.
Do we really owe them a debt of gratitude as Engardio claims? Are Jehovah’s Witnesses really team players in the battle for freedom?
Democracy on the chopping block
Unfortunately, Engardio isn’t the only one who buys into Watchtower’s side of the story. He, as well as people who see Jehovah’s Witnesses as brave defenders of freedom, need to take a good look at pages 26 and 27 of their new book. It shows the structure of the kingdom they predict will destroy the world’s governments and take their place. Atop this structure is the heavenly person who has allegedly been directing the Watchtower since 1914. This is what they have to say about their ruler:
“Enthroned in 1914, Jesus Christ is a powerful, just, wise and merciful King who is humble before Jehovah God. (Isa. 9:6, 7; 11: 1-3) Unlike imperfect human rulers, he cannot be corrupted, nor is he hampered by fractious congresses and parliaments or self-seeking lobbyists and special interests groups.”
As a religion founded in the United States of America, a system of checks and balances made the Witnesses possible in the first place. Before the advent of representative democracy, the world was mostly ruled by a slew of dictators who wielded absolute power.
In a world of dictators there was no freedom of religion, and an outfit like Watchtower could never have been conceived. They relied on these systems in order to even get off the ground, yet they make the claim that, in the future, humanity will revert back to the old ways with an established monarchy.
Watchtower has had many opportunities over the past 100 years to show that their organization is different, but they have completely failed in this endeavor. They have been plagued with scandals, cover-ups, false prophecies, and have shown utter disregard for the sanctity of life itself.
According to Watchtower’s record, any monarchy setup by them would undoubtedly be exactly the same as every other failed dictatorship that has ever existed. There is no reason to believe otherwise.
All they can do is desperately attempt to alter their past and misrepresent themselves to everyone as something they are not. Fortunately, we now live in a world that is interconnected through technologies such as the internet. It is now much more difficult to get away with changing your own past in the manner to which Watchtower has become accustomed.
People simply have more access to information than ever before. And knowledge is power.
Further reading…
Nobody touches a jw child in the UK. I have many friends. Manchester included. Nobody.
Rose:-)? Bless, Who? Where? Pity.
Nobody puts their hands , when, where?
There are many wonderful jws. Love them to bits, pity I’m not one of them.
Apparently the Yorkshire ripper has only got one eye.x
Yes it was a pen. So he could see then next one coming. Don’t play with Jw children. . . ever.. x
Hello j Rosie :-). Bless.x. I.P? Bless.x
On page 103-104 it states that jehovahs witnesses no longer use the old cross and crown lapel pins, because it is considered idol worship….
Ummmmmmm I see almost all jws wearing JW.ORG lapel pins, even at meetings.
Please tell me what the difference is.
Gods kingdom rules book….
Don’t like peados or women haters, the Bible is such excuse.
Same story , New light.
Don’t worry UK peados, the police will protect you until ur conviction::) They have children too.x
Great article and interesting read. As a recent escapee, at least how I now refer to my awakening, I will admit that I never considered the governing body infallible nor the organization perfect. As “earthly” representatives appointed in 1914 they claim to have the right to 100% of a JW’s loyalty, including all teachings, right or wrong. Just like David was loyal to Saul despite his screw ups and the Israelites toward Moses despite his failures, a JW may recognize something isn’t right but will remain patient for an answer. In other terms, they will wait for “new light.” On the other hand, many probably just don’t care enough to rock the boat and will just accept whatever it is that isn’t worthy of acceptance. But the pillar, 1914, is a facade. Hence… No need to give them your loyalty.
If one really sits down and thinks about it, though, how can they claim to be Jesus channel, make sooooooo many false statements, claim that it is spirit directed, and call it progression. At what point is it Jesus directing information (and how exactly is he doing that IF the GB was being spirit directed? Is it through leading their minds to these conclusions they put in print?) versus these imperfect men THINKING they are being led by the spirit. Too many questions and errors and bridges to gap in your mind to blindly follow men. I’ll stop rambling now…
What kind of person wouldn’t warn his friends about a paedophile? What kind of person can stand there and watch while a child is being assaulted and say nothing? What kind of person wouldn’t support that child in court?
What an absolute disgrace, words fail my contempt for that Organization.
The majority of Jws are very decent people, you can’t possibly, surely, go along with that.
“Under attack by Satan through the worlds legal systems.”
“in court after court “Fair minded judges” have protected
us from the onslaught of tenacious opposers.”
——————————-
Typical cockeyed reasoning, How could I have accepted
such tripe.? — Don’t think, don’t question, just hear and
obey.
How can you, with prior information, not protect a child ?
I recently threw away aprox, 6, kilo’s of old light into my
recycling bin, in the form of obsolete wt publications.
Books that once contained new light and were touted
round my neighbourhood as the latest Devine
revelations.
Have I been a bit hasty,? maybe the contents will be
recycled again, it’s happened before.!
@Brad. Enjoyed your comment & I don’t think you were rambling.You made a lot of sense in your reasoning.The point you made about David being loyal to Saul is the unhinged reasoning the Governing Body use about being Loyal to the Elders at all cost because like Saul they are imperfect,and ‘LEAVE THINGS with JEHOVAH ‘ like David did and HE will Sort things out in Due Time??? OH GIVE ME HOLY STRENGTH!! This is the SICK Reasoning that has got the Poor Children who have suffered ABUSE at the hands of Elders& Ministerial Servants who have abused the responsibility they have been entrusted with. ! How can this be Gods Organisation when this has been allowed to go on not just the abuse but the POOR WAY it has been Handled!!
@pickledbrain we can say that now but a jw or member of another religion where the same thing is undoubtedly happening can point to the nation of Israel where the high priest’s sons were doing all kinds of whack activities until god said enough and had them killed. Or when kings were passing their kids through fires. .there are many ways an indoctrinated person will justify it in their mind to protect their walls from coming down and having to come to grips with reality.
@Brsd. Your right that those who are indoctrinated use the WARPED Reasoning of the nation of Israel being Gods chosen people even though some kings allowed their children to be sacrificed so likewise then the Jw organisation even though wicked things happen in it even some members of Governing Body such as Leo Greenlees & Ewart Chitty were Removed & were wicked it is still Gods Organisation. BUT IF WE FOLLOW THAT LOGIC then Gods Nation was DESTROYED in 607 b.c So Then following that PARALLEL (TYPES & ANTITYPE)
@Brad. Sorry didn’t finish my last comment after Type & ANTITYPE then Gods Organisation I.e.. Like the Nation of Israel was destroyed in 607bc then the Governing Body & JW Organisation should be destroyed at Armageddon because their sins have Amassed up to heaven such as DISFELLOWSHIPPING people for not agreeing with Flip Flop teachings : VACCINATIONS,ORGAN Transplants,GENERATION THEORIES,BLOOD FRACTIONS,WATCHTOWER ORGANISATION being RICHEST LANDOWNER in BROOKLYN,ARMAGEDDONS 1914,1915,1918,1925,1942,1975&JUST Around the Corner so give me ALLyour TIME,ENERGY,MONEY to BUILD New HQ at WARWICK (2017) WALKILL,PATTERSON & Now in ENGLAND the New BETHEL at Chelmsford in 2020 !!!! Give me your MONEY (Wills,Houses,Stocks,Shares,Donations) so those on GB can get Richer & Fatter .Excuse Me GOVERNING BODY But JESUS had nowhere to lay his head & Apostle Paul had a PART TIME JOB as a TENTMAKER to provide for his needs so why don’t the GB get Part Time Jobs & follow the Bible Role Models & not put Expensive Burdens on Brother & Sisters!!!
Just a thought regarding David’s loyalty to Saul. Could it be that David was showing respect to YHWH and not Saul?
Jonathan was loyal to David because?
So do you have to be loyal to what is false and clearly apostate?
McDonald’s food chain reminds me of the Watchtower Society, both have clowns as their advertising tools.
It would be interesting to know how many people have left the Watchtower Society in the last 100y, apparently, in the US alone, McDonald’s kills 5.5 million cattle yearly.
Surely, from any point of view, it is an act of apostasy to proclaim that you have been appointed by God over all the belongings, when no such approval has been granted.
If , and I have no doubt, 1914 is a false parusia, then James’s words at chapter 4 apply now. In other words if the parusia is false the last days have not begun yet. In that chapter James gives advice as to what Christians ought to do. Even if a person is not a believer, it’s a fascinating scenario. Regards.x
Apologies folks, James chapter5.
Without doubt members of the Watchtower organization read this blog.
Interesting that James describes the man of lawlessness as Job’s false comforters.
If the kingdom of the heavens is like, are there wheat and weeds in the so called spiritual paradise? Are there , by the dragnet (good news), suitable and unsuitable fish in your organization? Does the Watchtower have a problem with apostasy within its ranks (from a Watchtower point of view) How is it then that Chirst , according to your own beliefs, is going to punish every other religion first when you are the ones who, supposedly, bear God’s name? To illustrate, if I had uncontrollable children and went next door to ask the neighbours to control their children, would that seem hypocritical and sensible? Fair questions for the Watchtower to answer.
One more fair, honest, question,
If Chirst posed the question, in effect for all people themselves to answer, ” who really is” why do you punish people for asking that question of you , or have you been approved over all the master’s belongings yet?
I might be deluded, but I’m honest.
I’m upset at the abuse I’ve seen:-( , time for the carpet crawlers. Genesis:-)x
Waking up from religious indoctrination, mine included , is similar to the CAGE, Genesis. x
Now that you are awake, John Lennon, working class hero.x
Bless:-) that’s so sweet Watchtower:-) I guess I’m just, from your point and mine, just watching the wheels go round:-) x John Lennon.
@Gary I’m not sure what all of your comments mean. Perhaps you should use the @ symbol and the person’s name you are replying to. If you just click “reply” it puts your comment at the bottom and no reference to which post you are commenting on. In that context it sounds like tangent thoughts are just flying out and I’m sure that is not what you intend to sound like.
@ Brad. Carrying on from my previous comments , perhaps Anthony Morris ‘THE THIRD ‘ could imitate the Apostle Paul & get a PART TIME Job as a Shoemaker??? Or Stephen Letts as a Part Time English Teacher or David Splane as a Part Time MUSIC TEACHER?? Or Mark Sanderson as a Food Diet Advisor!!! Or Gerrit Losch as a Part Time Social Welfare Carer for Abused Children??? Or Samuel Herd as a Part Time Adviser on Women’s Rights in the Workplace!!
Pickled brain, you’re funny. I needed a giggle today.
Or how about Anthony Morris getting a job as a life coach.
@Grace. Thank you for your kind comment .I think we all need a sense of humour.It helps break down the Pain & Anguish we have all suffered at the hands of this Organisation!! Psychiatrists say Laughter is the best medicine!! I think they are right! Take care all you JWs & Ex-JWs out there! PRAISE THE LORD or should I say PRAISE THE ‘GB’ !!! The Chosen Kings & PRiests that will rule with Christ!! Let’s all Give PRAISE to Priest Anthony!King David (Splane) not THE KING DAVID(He was a bit of a Lad,Adulterer & Murderer) ! Then there is High Priest Samuel(Herd) Not ‘The Real High Priest Samuel ! Then we have High Priest Stephen Letts(Not the one that was stoned to Death at the feet of Apostle Paul) Then we have High Priest & King Mark Sanderson(Anointed at 48) whom I suspect he could be MENTALLY DISEASED as the main calling of the Anointed stopped in 1935 so said King J.R. Not Ewing the one in Dallas.The other J.R. The one who couldn’t get through an eye of a Needle because he was too busy building Beth SARIM(Small Circuit Flat with 10 Bedrooms) Ho Hum Give me a Bottle of Rum !!!
Morris should be a guidance counselor. He specifically mentions 4 year university as a specific topic in the latest broadcast BTW. Or.. Maybe a fashion advisor. He knows a great deal how a suit should fit or the color of socks you should wear.
Good ol Morris, turning bible principles into bible law! How many times does he repeat the same old things. Sorry, but the guy just doesn’t seem like a pleasant person.
@Brad . I agree with your point on Morris. What is IRONIC it is alright to send someone from Bethel to study Law for 4 or 5 years and then Condemns them for not being Humble .He says there will be no Lawyers or Doctors after Armageddon as if that is a reason not to be a Doctor but he said it Is alright to train for 2 years to be a Nurse.ANTHONY !! There will be no need for nurses either! Doctors SAVE JWs Lives NOW when they need an ORGAN TRANSPLANT.Thank JEHOVAH for 5 or 6 Years at University these Doctors study!Moses studied in all the wisdom of the Egyptians & Shadrach ,Meshach& Abednego taught with the best of the Babylonians .I have known plenty of Brothers who have been plumbers & carpenters who have said their environment mixing with tradesmen who are foul mouthed,Violent & Alcoholic. So it’s not just university where this behaviour is obnoxious. As Mose proved its not where u learn your profession determines how u turn out but HOW You handle it !!!
Listen Obey be Depressed
I am really wondering how this level of thought control can be achieved.
I mean, to a vast degree I can understand how for example north koreans can be blindfolded into thinking they and their leader are the envy of the world. Thorough childhood education, basically no contact to the outside world, monitoring and reporting the smallest imaginary violation and of course the ever present lingering threat of labor camps. Taking of changing history, who would openly challenge the “divine birth” of Kim Jong-Il? Or that his father single-handedly defeated the Japanese?
No wonder people who still *can* see through this bs keep their mouth carefully shut and do their best to just go on with live and exploit every advantage they may get themselve. They all face a very palpable threat.
But then the JWs. They are not so excluded. They have access to “worldy” education from play-schools on. They have computers and free access to the internet in most countries. And for sure they don’t use the internet to watch cute cat babies on youtube only. How can they be so dumb (forgive me for this word)? Its just that I don’t get it.