Did Russell Give Out That He Himself Was “Some Great One”?

By Ronald R. Day, Senior, Restoration Light Bible Study Services (ResLight; RlBible)

J. J. Ross, in this pamphlet entitled Facts and More Facts About the Self-Styled “Pastor” Russell asserts the following concerning Charles Taze Russell:

He got a considerable following of the common people, and sold out the five men’s furnishing stores which he owned, thenceforth devoting all his time to teaching and preaching his peculiar religious doctrines and giving out that he himself “was some great one.”

Since Ross puts “was some great one” in quotes, we are left with the impression that Ross is quoting from Russell, and that somewhere Russell made the claim that he “was some great one,” using those very words. In fact, however, the alleged “fact” assertion that Ross presents is not fact at all. Search as we may, we do not find anywhere that Russell used the expression “some great one” of himself.

One may search Russell works for the expression “some great one” below:

Ross did not give any citation as to where he obtained the quote: “was some great one.” We have found no place where Russell actually used the expression “was some great one” as such, and he definitely never spoke of himself as being "some great one,' so the quote is evidently false. As best as we are able to determine, Ross may have been referring to what is stated in the October 1, 1909 Watch Tower, page 293, which, in Ross’ mind, could possibly be twisted to mean that Russell claimed that he was “some great one.”  Let us read the whole paragraph in order to get the context of what was actually stated:

Our opponents are ready to admit that the Lord has used the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society as his channel or servant in forwarding the harvest message in a most remarkable degree — in a manner and to an extent hardly to be believed and never equaled — in many tongues and at the hands of many “fellow-servants,” Colporteurs, Pilgrims, Volunteers, etc. They admit that there is no question that a remarkable service has been rendered, and hence that it is indisputable by any who believe that there is a harvest work in progress and that the Society has been a servant of the harvest message in a most profound and peculiar sense, even if they dispute that it has fulfilled Matthew 24:45, as being “that servant.” Our friends, on the other hand, point out that very rarely, indeed, is there any quarrel or dispute over the privilege of being a servant, and that never in the world’s history before has this passage been applied, and that very few would be either desirous of being “that servant” or capable of fulfilling that service. They point out that a servant is known by his service, and that if the service be shown to have been performed, the title of servant is an appropriate one, although one not generally coveted. Those who have laid claims to being “some great one” have styled themselves in some fantastic manner Messiahs, Elijahs, prophets, etc., but amongst these none has ever been found to claim the title of “servant,” nor to rejoice specially in service — particularly not without money and without price, but merely from love for the Lord, love for the Truth and love for the brethren.

Please note above that Russell did not refer to himself as “some great one,” but he refers to others who have made claims to being such. Russell himself consistently disclaimed being a prophet, and certgainly never claimed to be the Messiah, Elijah, etc. Nevertheless, it appears that Ross may have taken Russell out of context so as to present as a  “fact” that Russell was “giving out that he himself ‘was some great one.'” Nevertheless, Ross continues in this same manner throughout his pamphlet, so that his “facts” are actually distortions and misrepresentations, as we hope to continue to show, God willing, as we present more posts concerning Ross' alleged "facts".

* Russell, Blacks and Discrimination

This is in response to an article entitled, “Jehovah’s Witnesses, Blacks and Discrimination“, written by Jerry Bergman, Ph. D. (Evidently, the article has been removed, so our response only includes what we got to before its removal.) We are not with the Jehovah’s Witnesses, so our response is not to defend the JWs or their organization, but rather we are responding regarding statements made concerning Charles Taze Russell. Russell, himself, was never a member of the JW organization, but many view things he wrote and stated are often quoted as though he were laying down dogma as does the JW leadership.

Bergmen presents several quotes from the Golden Age. The Golden Age magazine was not printed in Russell’s day, but we mention this because due to the ay that quotes are presented from that magazine; many may associate what is stated there as being from Russell, although Russell had no control over what was printed in that magazine. A sentence is quoted from the October 15, 1919 Golden Age and is offered as proof of discrimination. In the context, however, the author of the article was simply pointing out some of the arguments being presented for the case of national prohibition. After that, the article presents some of the arguments of related the negative consequences of national prohibition. The one sentence, however, is quoted out of context and placed in the context of “racial discrimination”, although we highly doubt the author had any intent of racial discrimination.

Bermgen states:

Another article refers to Orientals as “coolies” who were “cutthroats and murderers” (Golden Age, March 10, 1926, p. 374).

What was stated in context:

The story is told of Dr. Clark that while a missionary in India he listened to a song from a band of coolies who had been cutthroats and murderers, but had become converted. The chief one had once been captured and sold as a slave. No master could keep him, he was so wicked. A missionary bought him with the hope of saving him. Here the coolie heard that the blood saves!

“Could it cleanse a murderer?”

“Yes.”

“One who killed five ment?”

“Yes; all sin!”

“One who killed ten, twenty, thirty?”

“Yes, all manner of sin.”

“I am that man.”

His life was transformed. Verily, can man do this, and can God not? (Jeremiah 18:4-6)

Before going further, we wish to emphasize that this was not written by Russell, although some may quote this as being from Russell. Nevertheless, the story is evidently being retold from some other source, although the source is not stated, and we have not been able to find the source. At any rate, as respects the word “coolies”, the article simply reflects the common usage of that time. The word simply referred, not to all Orientals, but rather to unskilled Orientals. The term, like the term “darkie” as used by Stephen Foster, could be used in an endearing manner, or it could be used as expressing a source of cheap labor. The former usage is, not, of itself, racism, any more than if one had said “Chinese”, “Japanese”, or “Khmer”. Nevertheless, it could also be used as a derogatory term, but it should be obvious that this was not the intent in the article.

Bergmen further makes it appear that the author was claiming that all Orientals were “cutthroats and murderers”, which is definitely a deceitful method of quoting out of context, since it is apparent from the context that the author was referring to just this one “band”, not all Orientals. We do not know if Bergmen, himself, is the source of the material he is presened, or if he is just repeating what he read from someone else. Nevertheless, who ever came up with the quotes out of context had to know that they were misrepresenting what was actually stated.

Biological Inferiority of the Black Race

Bergman claims that the Watchtower “for decades officially taught the doctrine of biological inferiority of the black race.” We have found no evidence anywhere Brother Russell’s writings that he ever thought such a thing, It is further claimed: "Formal segregation of blacks was once rigidly enforced in their organization, both during the rule of their first president, C.T. Russell (1852- 1916) and their second, Joseph F. Rutherford (1869-1942) and even until the late 1950's." This refers to "the rule of their first president". The fact is that Russell was never the president of an organization such as the Jehovah's Witnesses, and Russell never claimed authority to rigidly or otherwise to "rule" over others related to such an idea. Russell preached against authoritarianism. The norms in the US at that time, however, was totally different than it is today. In many -- if not most -- places in the United States at that time it was against the law for whites and "colored" to congregate together.

Getting to quotes from Brother Russell, Bergmen presented some selective quoting from The Watch Tower, April 1,1914, page 110:

Recognizing that it meant either the success or the failure of the…[Photo] Drama as respects the whites, we have been compelled to assign the colored friends to the gallery… 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 … told us that they believe it would be duty to stand up for equal rights and always to help the oppressed…. 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.

Bergmen then states:

The administration then concluded that the Watchtower interests were to be put ahead of efforts to achieve racial justice and human rights, a policy that continues today.

Brother Russell, like Jesus and the apostles in the Bible, did not believe that the Christian's mission is to reform Satan's world. The point was not to put "Watchtower interests" first, but rather to put first the presentation of God's wonderful message from the Bible, the good news of great joy that shall be for all people presented in the Photo Drama. This message is centered in Christ, who died to reconcile the world to God. -- Romans 5:6,8,12-19; 2 Corinthians 5:18,19; 1 Timothy 2:5,6; 1 John 2:2; 4:10,14.

Bergmen then presents some more selective quotes:

Our explanations were … it is a question of putting either the interests of God’s cause first, or else the interests of the race first. We believed it our duty to put God first and the truth first–at any cost to others or to ourself! We explained that we thought that all the colored brethren should know… that we love to serve them in any way possible and to give them the very best we have to give of the Gospel message; and that it is only a question of whether our giving to them in one way would entirely deprive us of giving the truth to others (Watchtower, April 1, 1914:110).

Bergmen’s method of quoting and his comments make it appear that as a result of the incident at the Photo-Drama showing, that Brother Russell decided a new policy for the WTS. In reality, Russell was, in effect, reiterating the policy, based on the New Testament, from the beginning of not getting involved in the world’s politics and social issues. However, the kind of selective quoting presented by Bergmen is very misleading, for it leaves out various parts and often combines one thought as being associated with something that was not originally intended.

We will present the entire article below.

THE COLOR LINE FOUND NECESSARY

   WE might have anticipated that many colored people would be deeply interested in THE PHOTO-DRAMA OF CREATION. But it did not impress itself upon us until gradually their number increased to about twenty-five per cent. of the whole audience. Of course, we were glad to see them, glad that they were interested in the DRAMA. We had the same feeling respecting them as others; but it was quickly discerned that it was not a case of feeling, but that, whereas the colored people of New York City are about five per cent. of the population, in our audiences they are about twenty-five per cent. and the number increasing. What shall we do? As the attendance of the colored people would increase, proportionately the number of the whites would decrease; for explain it how we will, a majority of whites prefer not to intermingle closely with other races.

  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 co-operate with any others in doing so.

   Our explanations were apparently entirely satisfactory to all of the fully consecrated. To these we explained that it is a question of putting either the interests of God’s Cause first, or else the interests of the race first. We believed it our duty to put God first and the Truth first– at any cost to others or to ourself! We explained that we thought that all the colored brethren should know our attitude toward them–they should know that we love to serve them in any way possible and to give them the very best we have to give of the Gospel Message; and that it is only a question of whether our giving to them in one way would deprive us of giving the Truth to others.

    Some who were still tenacious and quarrelsome we merely reminded of our Lord’s declaration that in inviting visitors into the house it is the place of the host to say where they shall sit, and then we showed them the parable of the man who chose the chief seat of honor and was given a lower one.

   In answer to the query as to how our course of conduct squared with the Golden Rule, we replied that it squares exactly. We would wish others to put God first. If our personal interests are or ever have been in conflict with the real and apparently best interests of the Lord’s Cause, it is a part of our consecration vow to ignore our interests in favor of the interests of the Lord’s Cause. This is what we mean by the declaration that we are dead to self and alive to our God as New Creatures.

   We reminded one dear sister that the Lord enjoins humility, and assures us that unless we humble ourselves we shall not be exalted. 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 shall 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.

See also our resource page: Russell and Racism

1 Corinthians 13:1 - The Tongue of Angels

Was Charles Taze Russell a Mason? (Working on)

(page needs updating of most links).

(One may translate this page into Spanish by using Google translate (CLICK HERE) or by use of the translation utility provided elsewhere on this page. Most of the pages linked to on this page also have the translation utility available.)

Before reading this, please note that we are not with the Jehovah's Witnesses.

We are posting here regarding comments that were made related to a video on youtube.com entitled:
COMPROBADO: Charles Taze Russell era un masón...! y la Watchtower lo oculta...!

The comments have been removed from the video, but we still have some our comments which we will edit for hpresent here, and we are also adding a little more related to what is stated in the video.

Charles Taze Russell was most definitely NOT a member of the Freemasons' organization. The tens of thousands of pages that have been produced from his works attest that he was not a member of that organization. All the alleged proof presented in the video (similar to that of Fritz Springmeier) is actually based on what has to be imagined and assumed.

Russell did, however, sometimes make use of some of terminology of the Freemasons. For example, in that of the of "building" of the temple of God as described in the Bible, but he did not apply this with the Freemasons' own symbolisms, but he applied it to the Bible, and he also applied the concept of a "secret society" to that Biblical msytery (secret) of the church and the secret things that only the people of God can understand. Russell also, in harmony with Colossians 3:4 and Romans 8:19, made use of the Mason's expectation, showing that what they (as well as the whole world) are expecting is actually the true Messiah of the Bible. Russell's method was similar to Paul's use of the heathen idol of the unknown God as a basis to explain the true God, who was unknown to them, or the races that he applied to the Christian race. (Acts 17:23; 1 Corinthians 9:24) Paul was not condoning the unknown god idol, nor was he condoning all that is associated with Roman/Greek races; neither was Russell ever condoning either the Freemasons' or the Rosicrucians' organizations. He classified all such "secret societies" together, and advised Christians to have nothing do to with them.

Did Russell "confess" to be a member of the Freemasons' organization in his sermon on the "Temple of God"? Absolutely not! In speaking of man's Freemasons' organization, Russell plainly stated in that sermon: "I have never been a Mason." We have no reason to think that Russell was lying when he stated that in his sermon.

Russell and the Jehovah's Witnesses

After Russell died, Rutherford began almost immediately to create a new organization, with himself as its head, which led him to eventually reject the "good news of great for all the people" that was preached by Russell and the Bible Students and is still being preached by the Bible Students.

The "Finished Mystery", however, was not written by Russell. We are not with the Watchtower, and we do not consider the tens of thousands of pages of Russell's works to be rubbish. His works may be found online at http://www.mostholyfaith.com/Beta/Main.asp.

Russell did not believe in an organization such as the Jehovah's Witnesses. The JWs preach a message that is almost the opposite of the "good news of great joy which will be for all people" that Russell preached.

Rutherford did not change the name of the earlier Bible Students movement to "Jehovah's Witnesses" in 1931. Indeed, by the year 1928, the vast majority of the Bible Students around the world had already rejected Rutherford's new organization and Rutherford's new alleged good news which included the tidings of great woe of eternal destruction in the second death for millions of men, women and their children who did not accept Rutherford's message. Rutherford's message thus denied for those millions of people any benefit from the ransom for all. Indeed, in many ways, Rutherford's message became almost the opposite of Divine Plan as taught by Russell.

Regarding the designation: International Bible Students Association. There are some Bible Students who still use the phrase "International Bible Students Association". The legal entity in England, however, by the name of International Bible Students Association is under the control of the Watchtower, and the name of that legal entity has not been changed. Thus, the usage of the term "International Bible Students Association" by Bible Students who are not affilated with the Watchtower's Society could cause confusion. It appears that today most simply refer to themselves as "Bible Students" or "Associated Bible Students".  

Russell a Prophet?

The video asserts as being a fact that Charles Taze Russell called himself the 'last Laodicean prophet". The video states that, according to Russell, he was chosen by God to sgiw the way of truth to this last generation". The fact is that Charles Taze Russell never claimed to be a prophet at all; in fact he stated many times that he was not a prophet. He never claimed to be "the last prophet," Laodicean or otherwise. Indeed, you can search all through Russell's writings; you will not find "PROFETA LAODICEANO" (Laodicean Prophet) ever even mentioned anywhere in his writings. Russell did not put "Laodicean Messenger" on his gravestone, nor did he leave any directions that such should be done. Contrary to the claims we have seen some make, Russell's will did not request that his tombstone have "Laodicean Messenger" on it. Russell, however, had no control over what others did or claimed about him, especially after he had died. Although he expressed his desire that those associated with him not preach Brother Russell, Russell did not assume authority to tell others what they should or should not believe, even though many of his associates were, in effect, attributing special authority to Russell.

We have not been able to find any assertion by Russell that he claimed that that God had chosen him to be any kind of prophet or messenger at all. Indeed, anyone truly familiar with Russell's works will note that his manner of humility would not harmonize with such an assertion. Russell surely believed God was making use of him (and many others), but he never claimed any kind of direct revelation from God, or from angels, or by visions, etc. While he believed that it was due time for many prophecies to be understood, and he endeavored to present such understanding of those prophecies, he did show that much of his understanding came from those who had become before him, especially Nelson Barbour. He never claimed that his conclusions regarding Bible prophecies were without error, and cautioned several times against viewing his conclusions as being divinely-inspired prophecies.

Russell's original gravestone did not have the term "Laodicean Messenger" on it; evidently the present gravestone was erected some years after Russell died. Rutherford had to authorized the new tombsone, and it was probably Rutherford's idea to have "The Laodicean Messenger" place on that tombstone. Here is a photo of the original gravestone, which is was actually more in harmony with Russell's will:

Russell never gave any prophecies, and stated many times that his expectations should not be considered "prophecy". In effect, Russell stated that his expectations could be wrong, but that the prophecies of the Bible will be fulfilled regardless as to whether he had it right or not.


Was Russell Buried in a Masonic Cemetery?

No, it is not true that Russell was buried in a Masonic Cemetery. Charles Taze Russell is buried at the Rosemont United Cemetery, 226 Cemetery Lane, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Russell was buried in a plot owned by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in that cemetery. Nevertheless, this is not a “Masonic Cemetery”. In the 1990s, the Masons bought the land adjacent to the cemetery, but they did purchase the Rosemont Cemetery.

Is the Pyramid in the Rosemont Cemetery "Russell's pyramid"?

We have not found anything in Russell's writings that suggests that he ever considered such a construction of a pyramid. Joseph Rutherford had this pyramid constructed several years after Russell died, and it was claimed that Russell had approved that construction, but, to us, it seems that such extravagance would have been out of character for Russell. That pyramid monument, however, was not just a memorial for Russell, but for all the workers who died while living at the Watch Tower headquarters. There are many names inscribed on that monument. At any rate, it was Rutherford who had the monument constructed, and therefore we refer to it as Rutherford's pyramid monument.

Nevertheless, the monument was constucted as result of Russell's study on God's Witness in Egypt. Russell's Biblical study of God's Witness in Egypt, however, had nothing to do with the Freemasons (although some individual Freemasons may have endeavored a similar study). Russell's study of the God's Witness in Egypt certainly has nothing at all do with engaging in or advocating the practice any kind of heathen occult rituals, spiritism,. demonism, astrology, etc.

End of the World

Russell had no obsession about the "end of the world". Indeed, since the term "end of world" was being described as doomsday for the whole created universe, he several times stated that he did not believe in such. Russell certainly did not believe in the "end of the world" as the Jehovah's Witnesses present it.. Nevertheless, it appears to us that Russell spent most of his time defending the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, and helping others to become more like Jesus.

To Russell the expression "end of the world" seemed to be a denial that the world would be blessed by the coming millennial age. Russell did believe in the end of the age, to be followed by the blessing of all the heathen; Russell did not believe in the concept of the end of the world as that expression is often used. Russell certainly did not believe in the JWs' concept of the end of the world.

The very article presented in the video from Bible Students Monthly: "End of the Word in 1914 - Not the View of Pastor Russell nor of the I.B.S.A." shows what Russell believed concerning the concept of the "end of the world". However, the presentation of that issue of BSM in the video apparently is to leave the impression that Russell was preaching "the end of the world" in 1914, disregarding the subtitle shoing that such was not Russell's view.

The claim was made by commenter that Russell falsely predicted "many times" the end of the world.  In reality, the only time that one could construe that any date for the "end of the world" would be 1914. Before 1904, Russell adopted Barbour's proposition that the time of trouble was to be over in 1914, and many like to quote some of Russell's earlier statements regarding this with the idea that he was predicting the end of the world. From Russell's standpoint, however, he was not predicting the end of he world. Nevertheless, this is the "only" date that one could possibly present in such a connection, although even then Russell was not predicting what many think of as the "end of the world", nor even what the JWs preach as the "end of the world."

Nevertheless, it appears that some of the Bible Students evidently did not accept Barbour's conclusion that the time of trouble was to end in 1914, and from their study of the prophecies, they came to the conclusion that 1914 would not see the end of the time of trouble, but rather the beginning of the time of trouble. Such was mentioned by Russell several times in the years up to 1904, but until 1904 Russell himself still held to the idea that 1914 would see the end of the time of trouble, not the beginning of the time of trouble. However, in 1904, he became persuaded that he had been wrong in accepting Barbour's conclusion, and came to realize that the end of the times of Gentiles would indeed see the beginning, not the end of, the time of trouble. Thus, from 1904 up until 1914, Russell spoke of his expectations of seeing the beginning of the time of trouble in 1914. This would mean that he was no longer expecting the full end of Gentile kingdoms in 1914, but rather the nations would enter into the time of trouble in 1914 or shortly thereafter. After 1904, he certainly was not expecting the "end of the world" in 1914, as many have falsely claimed.

**** below needs to be edited; links may not work.

Russell and 1874

Regarding the claim that Russell prediced the end of the world 1874: Acually, Russell never predicted anything at all for 1874, and certainly thus never expected any kind of "end of the world" for that date, since it was not until two years after 1874 (in 1876) that Russell even accepted that date, and then he accepted it as the time when Christ had returned. He certainly never expected any kind of "end of the world" at all for 1878, 1881, or any other date; so the idea that Russell "many times" predicted the end of the world comes from someone's imagination.

Many seem to think that the date 1914 is a product of the measurements of the Great Pyramid. Actually, the date 1914 is arrived at by several lines of prophetic prophecies as recorded in the Bible; it is not just a "product" of the measurements of the Great Pyramid, although the Great Pyramid measurements do corroborate the conclusions derived from study of Bible prophecy.

Winged Sun Disk

It is claimed that Russell used the symbol of the sun-god, Ra, on his publications. Evidently, this is asserted as being proof that Russell was a Freemason, although it is still not clear how. The fact is that Russell did use a symbol of winged sun disk, not as a symbol of Ra, but of the true "sun of righteousness" as spoken of in the Bible. The Bible's symbolism regarding the present sun of vanity and unrighteoueness and the need of, and promises of, a sun of righteousness can be traced back to the Garden of Eden. -- Genesis 3:15; 19; 12:3; 18:18; 22:18; 26:4; 28:14; Psalm 72:7; Isaiah 2:2-4; Jonah 4:8; Ecclesiastes 1:2,3; 13-18; 2:11,17-22; 4:1,7,15; 5:13; 6:1; 9:3,11; Song of Solomon 1:6; Malachi 4:2; Romans 8:19; Revelation 7:16.


PiedraParlante claims that the above fails to explain Russell's use of a symbol, although as far as I am concerned it does explain it. The above scriptures, especially Malachi 4:2, do indeed show the scriptural usage of the sun of righteousness.

"To you who fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings." -- World English.

Of course, PiedraParlante may agree with many who claim that the winged sun disk is Masonic; these often follow up that logic by claiming that the Bible is a Masonic book, or that the Bible has been corrupted by the Masons to include Masonic symbolism. I have no reason to imagine this.

I also invite all to search those scriptures carefully and prayerfully to see if what I have presented is indeed a perversion of God's Word, and if I am perverting scripture, please tell me how rather than just make an vague assertions. On the other hand, it may be that God may not allow many to see the relevance of the scriptures, but if one is truly seeking to know the truth, I believe that God's spirit will lead that person to understand the relevance. If the reader does not understand the relevance, and sincerely seeks to understand, feel free to ask questions in comments area below.

PiedraParlante refers to Leviticus 18:3:

Leviticus 18:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, I am Yahweh your God.
Leviticus 18:3 After the doings of the land of Egypt, in which you lived, you shall not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, where I bring you, you shall not do; neither shall you walk in their statutes.
Leviticus 18:4 My ordinances shall you do, and my statutes shall you keep, to walk therein: I am Yahweh your God

Russell, of course, by using Biblical symbolism that the Egyptians had corrupted for idol worship, was not joining those Egyptians in the their symbolism. Russell did not do after the manner of the Egyptians in having people bow down to any image, or worship of a "sun-god," nor was he teaching people to walk in the ways of the laws of ancient Egypt.

Great Pyramid

Charles Taze Russell did believe that the Great Pyramid is God's stone witness in Egypt. I, and thousands of other Christians also believe this. This belief has nothing at all to do with the Freemasons'organization.
See:
http://ctr.reslight.net/?feed=rss2&cat=14

PiedraParlante evidently imagines that the Great Pyramid is a "pagan" structure, and that if I believe that it was put there by God, I am believing in a pagan symbol. The whole earth belongs to Yahweh (Deuteronomy 10:4; Psalm 24:1; 1 Corinthians 10:26), including the land of Egypt. Yahweh can certainly put a structure in the land of Egypt or anywhere else on the earth if He so wishes. And, yes there are indeed, thousands of Christians that do believe that the Great Pyramid is God's stone witness in Egypt. Regardless of whether one believes that the Great Pyramid is the monument spoken of in Isaiah 19:19,20 or not, the scripture still shows that God can put whatever He wants anywhere He wants on His earth, without becoming "pagan" of itself. Of course, practically all of God's creation has been perverted to idolatrous practices (sun, moon, stars, cows, etc.); this does not mean that God's sun, for instance, is itself "pagan" or that it is an idol.

Occultism

Charles Taze Russell was not involved in any demonic occultism.
See:
Russell and Occultism
http://ctr.reslight.net/?feed=rss2&cat=599

Cross and Crown

Russell never approved of the Masons' organization, nor did he ever use artwork designed to promote the Freemasons' organization. The cross/crown artwork Russell used had nothing at all do with the Freemasons' organization or the organization called the Rosicrusians.

The cross/crown symbol that Russell used, and that Bible Students use today, is not, of itself, a pagan or Masonic symbol, although the Knights Templar do use some artwork that is similar. Likewise, the heathen have indeed perverted symbolism for their idolatries, and God has allowed such perversion, as he did with Egypt. (Isaiah 19:14) The cross/crown symbolism has been used for centuries by almost every major Christian denomination. PiedraParlante has reproduced an argument that is similar to Springmeier and others in which that which is being imagined and assumed is presented as though fact, such as the assumption that the Cross and Crown is a Masonic symbol, and thus anyone who uses anything like that is imagined and assumed to be using a Masonic symbol; however, it is also claimed that the cross and crown is a Rosicrusian symbol, and thus, anyone who uses as similar symbol is using a Roscicrusian symbol. (Evidently it is also being imagined that the Freemasons and Rosicrusians are one and the same, and that all Rosicrucians are Freemasons, and that all Freemasons are Rosicrusians) From that it is imagined and assumed, and based on what is imagined assumed it is stated as a fact, that Russell, because he is imagined to have used Masonic symbols, is also imagined to have been a Freemason and a Rosicrusian. The whole argument is built on what has to be imagined and assumed.
See:
http://ctr.reslight.net/?feed=rss2&cat=168
Is the Cross Symbol an Idol?
http://bibleforum.reslight.net/index.php/topic,357.0.html

Russell's Cross and Crown Symbolism - Masonic? Rosicrucians?
http://bibleforum.reslight.net/index.php/topic,359.msg1421.html#msg1421

I will add that, because of the misuse of the cross and other symbolism, I believe that it would have been better if Russell had not used artwork that closely resembled that used in idolatrous worship.
See:
For the Sake of the Others' Conscience
http://idolatry.reslight.net/?p=23

Jesus' Return
Jesus did say that he was to give his flesh for the life of the world; he did not take that flesh back; he was put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit. Having ascended and offered his body for sin, Jesus does not take that body back, which would, in effect, annul the whole basis of the redemption in Christ.
See:
Jesus Died a Human Being - Raised a Spirit Being
http://atonement.reslight.net/archives/1.html
The Man Jesus - Still a Man?
http://atonement.reslight.net/archives/87.html
Is Jesus Still a Little Lower Than the Angels?
http://atonement.reslight.net/archives/195.html
Jesus' Appearances in the Locked Room
http://godandson.reslight.net/archives/215.html
The World Will See Me No More
http://prophecy.reslight.net/archives/12.html
Christ's Parousia - Presence or Arrival?
http://prophecy.reslight.net/archives/44.html
Astrape - Lightning?
http://prophecy.reslight.net/archives/38.html

Faithful and Wise Servant/Faithful and Discreet Slave

I am not with the JWs and I don't believe in their doctrine of a faithful and discreet slave class who rules over another class that are not of the faithful and discreet slave class. Nor do I believe that Jesus was speaking of appointing Charles Taze Russell to an office called "Faithful and Wise Servant." For what I believe on this, see:
http://ctr.reslight.net/?feed=rss2&cat=137

Denominationalism/Sectarianism

I agree with Russell that Christ never authorized any denominationalism or sectarianism. All such sectarianism will not be permitted to continue into the new age when God's kingdom will rule the whole earth. This includes the sect known as "Jehovah's Witnesses" as well as the Roman Catholic sect and all denominations and sects of Protestantism. I also agree with Russell that destruction of Babylon the Great will free all from such sectarianism, that such destruction is not to result in the eternal destruction of those who are in Babylon the Great. (Russell thus disagreed with the JWs' teaching of eternal destruction of all those "in Babylon the Great.")
See:
Sectarianism
http://bstudents.reslight.net/sectarianism
Russell and Sectarianism
http://ctr.reslight.net/?feed=rss2&cat=486
Russell and Catholic Church
http://bibleforum.reslight.net/index.php/topic,361.msg1427.html#msg1427
Mankind's Course to the Day of Judgment
http://hereafter.reslight.net/archives/152.html

=====================
The following digresses from the actual theme of the video, but PiedraParlante brings these matters up in his responses to me, so I am mostly just giving links to where I have discussed these matters before.

Hell Fire

As for "hell fire", although some translators have added that expression to their translation, the Bible never speaks of such.The word being mistranslated as "hell fire" is the Greek word that is usually transliterated as "Gehenna," meaning the Valley of Hinnom. See my examination of these scriptures:
http://hereafter.reslight.net/archives/category/gehenna/feed

Michael the Archangel

See:
http://godandson.reslight.net/archives/category/names/michael/feed

Is Jesus the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?

In the Bible, Jesus is not once presented as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. One can use the spirit of human imagination so as to assume such in many scriptures, but a close examination of the scriptures reveal that the Son of the Most High is not a person of the Most High of whom he is the Son.
See my site:
Jesus and His God
http://godandson.reslight.net

Isaiah 9:6
No Trinity in Isaiah 9:6
http://notrinity.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html
Not a Series of Names
http://godandson.reslight.net/archives/1091.html
The Mighty God
http://godandson.reslight.net/archives/26.html
The Singular Name of the Son Given
http://godandson.reslight.net/archives/537.html
Isaiah 9:6 and the Alleged Trinity
http://godandson.reslight.net/archives/82.html
The Singular Name
http://sonofyah.wordpress.com/2008/09/08/isaiah-967/

John 1:1
In the Beginning
http://godandson.reslight.net/archives/300.html
The Logos of God
http://reslight.wordpress.com/2008/10/11/logos/
What Beginning?
http://sonofyah.wordpress.com/2008/12/08/john-11a/
John 1:1 and Trinitarian Assumptions
http://defending.reslight.net/archives/19.html
The Logos was Theos
http://godandson.reslight.net/archives/372.html

Colossians
1:15
http://godandson.reslight.net/archives/tag/colossians-115
1:16
http://godandson.reslight.net/archives/tag/colossians-116
2:9
http://godandson.reslight.net/archives/369.html

Hebrews 1:8
http://godandson.reslight.net/archives/367.html

1 John 5:20
http://godandson.reslight.net/archives/1322.html

Jesus is mighty (Hebrew EL, Greek THEOS -- transliterated), but Jesus is not the MIGHT, the Almighty, the one who is the only true MIGHT (John 17:3), the source of all might (including the mightiness of Jesus).
http://godandson.reslight.net/archives/19.html

Salvation
The Bible no where says that for one to be saved, one must add to the Bible that Jesus is Yahweh, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, or that one must add trinitarian or "oneness" dogma to the Bible and read that dogma into the scriptures.

Christmas
http://idolatry.reslight.net/?p=12

Comments regarding the above may be posted below:

Cure For Appendicitis

It is being claimed that Russell taught that appendicitis is caused by biting worms in the colon. The obvious reason for this claim is to make it appear that Russell was some kind of quack who should not be taken seriously. Russell, himself, however never claimed to have any special knowledge of appendicitis or any other disease. 

As far as appendicitis pain, there was an article in the Watch Tower of January 1, 1912, page 26, entitled "Cure for Appendicitis". We don't know that Russell himself wrote it; it was probably given to him from one of his associates, possibly a doctor, and he simply had it printed in the magazine. It is probable that in 1912,  much of the work at the Watch Tower Society was handled by others, although Russell sought to approve everything that appeared in the Watch Tower, he himself stated, "We try to be careful about every word that goes into the Watch Tower, but we do not claim to be infallible; we are doing the best we can." -- What Pastor Russell Said, page 57.

 The article does not state that appendicitis itself is caused by "biting worms", but rather that the pain from appendicitis is caused by "biting worms". We cannot say exactly what is meant by "biting worms" in the article, but bacteria itself could be described as "worms", and we suppose the infections caused by bacteria could be described as from biting worms.

Nevertheless, there is research that speaks of parasitic pinworms that have been found in the appendix with appendicitis. Sanotin was indeed used even by some doctors in the days of Russell to bring relief to patients suffering from appendicitis pain, as it does expel such parasites, thus bringing relief to the patient suffering from pain caused by those worms.

Regardless, the short article was simply a suggestion; it was not presented as being dogma, infallible, without error, etc. Nor did the article represent an authoritarian organization such as Rutherford created after Russell died. If the article had appeared in one of the home advice magazines of that day, more than likely no one today would be writing evil of those authors. But because it was printed by the magazine that Russell edited, it is being presented as though it was some kind of official doctrine that was being promulgated by someone. Russell, however, never assumed any such authority, not for himself, nor for the Watch Tower Society of his day.

We should also note that the information was passed gratis; Russell was not getting rich in having this information published.

The article may be found online at:
http://mostholyfaith.com/Beta/bible/Reprints/Z1912JAN.asp#Z26:13

The World Magazine and the Alleged 28 Year Old Prophecy

JW Claims and Russell's Expectations Regarding 1914

Some Early Quotes Regarding 1914

* Did Russell Change the End of the Gentile Times to 1915?

Did Russell "Await the Rapture" On the Mount of Olives?

* Did Russell Claim that the Gentile Times Had Not Ended in 1914?

Revelation 14:9-11 – The Smoke of Their Torment (Working on)

Do these verses refer to the doctrine that many will suffer consciously for all eternity?

Revelation 14:9 Another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a great voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead, or on his hand,
Revelation 14:10 he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of his anger. He will be tormented (literally, touchstoned) with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.
Revelation 14:11 The smoke of their torment (being touchstoned) goes up forever and ever. They have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name. — World English.

The words translated tormented and torment above are in the Biblical Greek forms of the word that usually transliterated as Basanos, which literally means "touchstone".

First, we note that these verses are in the book of Revelation, a book that is full of symbolism. This is not speaking of a literal beast, nor of literal wine, nor of literal fire, nor of literal brimstone (sulfur), nor of literal smoke, nor a literal lamb, etc. Likewise, the touchstoning, rendered “tormented” in most translations is symbolic of a trial, a testing, which does result in an everlasting symbolic “smoke” that can symbolically be seen forever. Such a symbolic touchstoning, while taking place, would certainly not be pleasant, bur rather very unpleasant, and thus, traditionally, the touchstoning has come to be viewed figuratively as representing a torment, or vexation.

All will at once concede that if a literal worshiping of a beast and his image are meant in verse 9, then few if any in civilized lands are liable to the penalty of verse 11; and if the beast and image, and worship, and wine, and cup are symbols, so also are the torments, and smoke, and fire, and brimstone.

Second, we need to note what is not spoken of here. There is nothing said here about the Bible hell (hades/sheol), nor of anyone suffering while allegedly being conscious while dead. Nor does it say that those being touchstoned have gone into the second death, pictured as a lake of fire in Revelaton 20:14. There is nothing said about alleged immortal souls or spirits of any human being kept alive for eternity. All of such ideas have to imagined, assumed, added to, and read into what is stated. Indeed, the scriptures does not say that these being touchstoned by fire and sulphur are while in this experience, in a death condition as is traditionally thought of.

The touchstoning being spoken of takes place while these people are alive here before the present evil age has ended, and it takes place upon the earth.  It is depicted as a trying of which continues from day to day, without letup, allows no rest to those undergoing this trial for the duration of the trial. Their having no “rest” could signify the lack of rest of faith in Christ (Hebrews 4:3,9,10), as opposed to their putting faith in that which is symbolized by the beast and its image. The trial is connected with their bowing down to the beast and image of the beast. Basically, this is a trial of worshipers who are worshiping in a manner unapproved by God. Included in these are the tares that Jesus spoke of, false Christians. Their trial will leave a symbolic smoke that will be symbolically seen forever and forever, attesting of the horrible results of this beast and its image. The deception and error of these systems will never be forgotten –as smoke, which continues to ascend after a destructive fire, is a testimony that the fire has done its work.

No Salvation Until Russell?

Reply to: Alleged "Dark Secrets" Video (Working On)

CTR’s Expectations Concerning 1914 (Working On)