* Who Did Russell Actually Believe to Be the "Only Authority" in the Church?

The assertion is often made that Russell claimed to be the "only authority" to interpret the Bible, often attributing the present-day claims of the Jehovah's Witnesses "central authority" and "Jehovah's organization" teachings back to Russell. 

For the sake of brevity, we are not presenting everything Russell stated about this, but we have selected quotes that are succinct and to the point. We should also note that not everything that appeared in The Watch Tower of Rusell's day was actually written by Russell. Sometimes Russell presented material written by others and stated so, but usually, the articles were presented without attribution as to who originally wrote the articles. Russell, however, was the editor, but especially in the last ten years of his life, we doubt that he actually read everything before it was printed in the Watch Tower magazine.

Nevertheless, we find some comments related to authority in the church in an article entitled "The Doctrinal Test in Methodism". It appears that the idea that a Methodist member must accept all the doctrines of their article of faith was challenged by some and that such was no longer being required.

Part of the reply was this:

The Lord himself is the only rightful Head of the Church, and consequently the only authority in it. A recognition of his headship or supreme authority in the Church, and of his Word alone as its doctrinal standard, with faith in him as the Redeemer and in the power of his truth to sanctify, together with a recognition of the individual liberty of consecrated believers, to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth, is the only proper attitude of the Church. -- Watch Tower, March 1, 1892, page 67

In 1892, this clearly states that our Lord Jesus is the only rightful head of the Church, and the only authority in it. Then the article speaks of his Word, that is, the Bible, as being the only standard for doctrine. Of course, the only source to learn of Jesus and be obedient to him is the Bible. 

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Later, in an article entitled, "Zeal the Measure of Love", The Watch Tower again touched on the authority Christians should recognize. There it is stated:

Nothing must be allowed to separate between us and the inspired Word if we would walk in the Light. Whatever "helps" really point us to the Bible as the only authority, and assist us in rightly dividing it, are profitable to us as servants and guides: but that which attempts to be to us instead of God's Word is a dangerous foe. -- Watch Tower, August 15, 1897, page 240..

It should be obvious that in 1897, Russell believed that the only authority in the church is the Bible. Although he did not specifically mention his books, it is obvious that he did not view his books as being the "authority", but only as "helps". Nevertheless, he more than likely also was referring to the helps provided by many other authors.

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In 1900, Russell presented the article entitled "Love As Brethren; Be Sympathetic, Be Courteous" referring to 1 Peter 3:8; 5:5,6. This article speaks how it is a mistake to regard various ones in a congregation who have been appointed in positions of service "as of a different class from the others of the flock, – a class vested with authority from God, and not amenable to the same regulations which govern all the members of the body." The article then goes on to say:

The Apostle distinctly points out that a servant is not a ruler, that a servant has no authority. Indeed, so far as the true Church is concerned, the only authority in it is the Lord, the Head of the Church, and his Word, and the words of those whom he specially chose to be his mouth-pieces, the apostles. -- Watch Tower, July 1, 1900, page 195.

Thus Russell, in 1900, again affirms that the only authority in the church is the Lord Jesus, through his apostles and the Word, that is, the Bible. Obviously, he did not see himself as being an authority or "the authority", nor did he see the Watch Tower Society of his day as being or representing any central authority here on earth over the Church.

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In June of 1900, Russell presented an article entitled, "Of Whom and For Whom Do We Speak?" This article addresses the question raised by some of Russell's use of "we" in his articles, etc. Some had thought that Russell may be speaking as an authority on behalf of a sect, or a religious party, etc. Russell explained that his usage of the word "we" referred only to himself as editor of the publications of the Watch Tower. He did not speak for any sect, party, creed or confession. Among the things presented in the article, however, was this:

We recognize the Bible as a divine revelation, the only standard of truth, and endeavor to keep close to its letter and spirit. But "we" will neither bind others to "our" convictions nor permit any to bind "us" to theirs. The only fixed creed we recognize is the simple and fundamental one -- that God sent his Son, who died for our sins; and that through faith in this, and obedience to him, to the extent of our ability, we shall be saved. All who so confess are "Christians" and are to be treated as "brethren." They should be assisted to grow in knowledge and grace, but should be accorded fullest liberty, -- "The liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free." Neither directly nor indirectly has anyone a right to make a creed for them nor to otherwise speak for them and then imply their "disloyalty" and "heresy" if they attempt to resent misrepresentations. -- The Watch Tower, June 1, 1900, page 175.

The above is almost the very opposite of what is now presented by the Jehovah's Witnesses' Watchtower. The article speaks of treating other Christians as "brethren" in Christ, even if they do not agree with "our" convictions. The article speaks against setting up a creed as being a standard for accepting each other as "brethren".

Additionally, we will also point out that at various times, even many who profess to be "Bible Students" have set up a standard beyond what is written for acceptance of association of fellow believers, such as the idea that one has to accept Brother Russell as the faithful and wise servant or accept certain teachings -- beyond the fundamentals -- of Russell or the teachings of some other "leader" as a basis for fellowship. While Russell preached against such, sectarianism has many times prevailed even among the Bible Students. 

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Concerning his Studies in the Scriptures, The Watch Tower Society also published an article in 1910, entitled, "Is Reading the Scriptures Studies Bible Study?" (Watch Tower, September 15, 1910, page 298) While we cannot be certain that Russell wrote the article, he probably at least edited it. Nevertheless, amongst what is said in the article, the following may be found:

"The six volumes of SCRIPTURE STUDIES are not intended to supplant the Bible.... It is for each one to think for himself, however, and to guide his conduct in every way accordingly.... We should say, "I will not take it because these studies say so; I wish to see what the Bible says." And so we would study the Scriptures in the light of these SCRIPTURE STUDIES; we would prove every point, or disprove it, as the case might be. We would be satisfied with nothing less than a thorough investigation of the Bible from this standpoint... because the Scriptures are the standard.... 'SCRIPTURE STUDIES' NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE BIBLE." -- Watch Tower, September 15, 1910, page 298.

The article was written to endeavor to answer the question proposed. The conclusion is yes, but only in the case where one has already looked up the scriptures and verified that what is being said in the Scriptures Studies is in harmony with the Bible. Even then, as shown in the article, if one finds some error, the Bible should take precedence over what is stated in the Scripture Studies. The article does show that Russell regarded the Bible as "the standard", not his Studies. This is in harmony with many other statements made before 1910.

Just before Russell died, Russell had the following printed in The Watch Tower, August 15, 1916, page 248:

Let it be borne in mind that the Society exercises no authority, makes no criticism, but merely gives advice; and that in the interest of the Lord’s Cause and the Lord’s people.

This statement is repeated in the book, What Pastor Russel Said, page 518, This may have been stated in response the some of the Bible Students at that time who were indeed regarding Russell or the Watch Tower as having authority.

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The above was originally posted on November 6, 2009; Updates made May 5, 2014; August, 2014; June/July 2023.

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For more related to Russell and authority see our links provided on the Authority and Organization page.