Before reading this, please note that we are not with the Jehovah's Witnesses. We would also like to note that Charles Taze Russell was never a member of 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 to present 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 man's 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 local groups of Bible Students could lead to confusion, prmoting the idea that the local group is owned by the legal entity in England. It appears that today most "Bible Students" simply refer to themselves as "Bible Students" or "Associated Bible Students".
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. Spaces were made for many names to be inscribed on that monument, although this wasn't carried since Rutherford decided to reject the pyramid so that he could apply the Biblical time prophecies to bolser his organization dogma. 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 a 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.. Russell pointed out that, while most translation speak of the end of the world, the word rendered "worls" actually means "age", that is, the end of the time period. Nevertheless, it appears to us that, rather than focusing on the "end" of the age, Russell spent most of his time preaching and defending the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, and helping others to become more like Jesus.
Nevertheless, to Russell, the expression "end of the world" seemed to be a denial that the world would be blessed by the coming millennial age, the world's coming day of judgment. Indeed, "end of the world" usually meant the eternal doom for all except for those who belong to Christ. Russell did believe in the "end of the age", which is 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. The idea apparently is to make it appear that Bible the large letters "End of the World in 1914", the viewers were to think that this is what Russell taught, and that they were to ignore the subtitle shoing that such was not Russell's view.
The claim was made by a commenter that Russell falsely predicted "many times" the end of the world. In reality, the only time that one could misconstrue Russell "predicted" the "end of world" for any date would only 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 even before 1904 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. Nevertheless, Russell died in 1916, still holding to the belief that the time of trouble had begun in 1914.
Regarding the claim that Russell prediced the end of the world was to come in 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. Before 1874, Russell held no view at all abut 1874, except to reject the views of the Second Adventsts concerning 1874. It was not until about two years after 1874 (in 1876) that Russell even accepted that date, and then he accepted it as the time when Christ had returned. In 1876, he also accepted Barbour's conclusion that the times of the Gentiles were to end in 1914. He certainly never expected any kind of "end of the world" at all for 1874, 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.
One claims that the above fails to explain Russell's use of a symbol, although as far as we are 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, some make the claim that the winged sun disk is Masonic; many of tthese 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. We have no reason to imagine this. Fritz Springmeier claimed that Malachi wrote Malachi 4:2 as a result of being influenced by heathen practices, which would mean that Malachi was a false prophet. -- Deuteronomy 18:20-22.
One refers to Leviticus 18:3; we quote from the RLIV:
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. Contrary to what is often claimed, Rusell's study of God's Witness in Egypt has nothing at all to do with the Freemasons'organization, except that some individual Freemasons may have hald to similar beliefs. Russell's study of God's Witness in Egypt also has nothing to with astrology, spiritistic "occultism", heathen idolatrous practices, etc.
One 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 Jehovah (Deuteronomy 10:4; Psalm 24:1; 1 Corinthians 10:26), including the land of Egypt. Although Jehovah says he is given Egypt a spirit of perversiveness, He also shows that Egypt are his people, and the he will bless them (Isaiah 19:20,24,25) Jehovah 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.
Cross and Crown
The claimed is made that Russell's use of the cross and crown symbol shows that Russell approved of the Freemasons. Actually, 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. One 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.
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.
Faithful and Wise Servant/Faithful and Discreet Slave
We are not with the JWs and we 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".
Denominationalism/Sectarianism
We 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. We 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.")
Comments are made in the video related the trinity and hell. For studies related to the trinity or the idea that Jesus is Jehovah, see our studies at:
https://jesusnotyhwh.blogspot.com/p/posts.html
For studies related the Bible hell and life after death, see:
https://ransomforall.blogspot.com/p/life.html
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 man's 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 local groups of Bible Students could lead to confusion, prmoting the idea that the local group is owned by the legal entity in England. It appears that today most "Bible Students" 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.
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. Spaces were made for many names to be inscribed on that monument, although this wasn't carried since Rutherford decided to reject the pyramid so that he could apply the Biblical time prophecies to bolser his organization dogma. 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 a 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.. Russell pointed out that, while most translation speak of the end of the world, the word rendered "worls" actually means "age", that is, the end of the time period. Nevertheless, it appears to us that, rather than focusing on the "end" of the age, Russell spent most of his time preaching and defending the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, and helping others to become more like Jesus.
Nevertheless, to Russell, the expression "end of the world" seemed to be a denial that the world would be blessed by the coming millennial age, the world's coming day of judgment. Indeed, "end of the world" usually meant the eternal doom for all except for those who belong to Christ. Russell did believe in the "end of the age", which is 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. The idea apparently is to make it appear that Bible the large letters "End of the World in 1914", the viewers were to think that this is what Russell taught, and that they were to ignore the subtitle shoing that such was not Russell's view.
The claim was made by a commenter that Russell falsely predicted "many times" the end of the world. In reality, the only time that one could misconstrue Russell "predicted" the "end of world" for any date would only 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 even before 1904 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. Nevertheless, Russell died in 1916, still holding to the belief that the time of trouble had begun in 1914.
In none of this, however, was Russell claiming any special authority. In fact, he disclaimed such many times. He never assumed authority, for instance, to demand that all had to accept his conclusions, and he certainly never assumed to authority to limit anyone's fellowship because they did not accept his prophetic views.
Russell and 1874
Russell and 1874
Regarding the claim that Russell prediced the end of the world was to come in 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. Before 1874, Russell held no view at all abut 1874, except to reject the views of the Second Adventsts concerning 1874. It was not until about two years after 1874 (in 1876) that Russell even accepted that date, and then he accepted it as the time when Christ had returned. In 1876, he also accepted Barbour's conclusion that the times of the Gentiles were to end in 1914. He certainly never expected any kind of "end of the world" at all for 1874, 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.
One claims that the above fails to explain Russell's use of a symbol, although as far as we are 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, some make the claim that the winged sun disk is Masonic; many of tthese 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. We have no reason to imagine this. Fritz Springmeier claimed that Malachi wrote Malachi 4:2 as a result of being influenced by heathen practices, which would mean that Malachi was a false prophet. -- Deuteronomy 18:20-22.
One refers to Leviticus 18:3; we quote from the RLIV:
Leviticus 18:1 Jehovah spoke to Moses, saying, Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, I am Jehovah 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 idolatrous 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.
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 Jehovah your God
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. Contrary to what is often claimed, Rusell's study of God's Witness in Egypt has nothing at all to do with the Freemasons'organization, except that some individual Freemasons may have hald to similar beliefs. Russell's study of God's Witness in Egypt also has nothing to with astrology, spiritistic "occultism", heathen idolatrous practices, etc.
One 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 Jehovah (Deuteronomy 10:4; Psalm 24:1; 1 Corinthians 10:26), including the land of Egypt. Although Jehovah says he is given Egypt a spirit of perversiveness, He also shows that Egypt are his people, and the he will bless them (Isaiah 19:20,24,25) Jehovah 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.
Cross and Crown
The claimed is made that Russell's use of the cross and crown symbol shows that Russell approved of the Freemasons. Actually, 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. One 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.
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.
Faithful and Wise Servant/Faithful and Discreet Slave
We are not with the JWs and we 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".
Denominationalism/Sectarianism
We 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. We 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.")
Comments are made in the video related the trinity and hell. For studies related to the trinity or the idea that Jesus is Jehovah, see our studies at:
https://jesusnotyhwh.blogspot.com/p/posts.html
For studies related the Bible hell and life after death, see:
https://ransomforall.blogspot.com/p/life.html
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