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Timeline of the 'Light Getting Brighter'


The Librarian

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(If someone wants to start making a copy of this list in another language topic on here please do...or if I missed something please leave a comment below )

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Doctrines unchanged since 1879

  • Biblical infallibility. Early copies of Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence made reference to the Bible as God's "infallible Word".[71] (this has slightly changed in 2015)
  • God's name is JehovahWatch Tower Society founder Charles Taze Russell used the name "Jehovah" occasionally, but not consistently, when referring to God.[72]
  • Jesus Christ gave his human life as a ransom sacrifice; belief in Jesus necessary for salvation. Russell believed that God's design for mankind was a restitution or restoration to the perfection and glory lost in Eden. This depended on God providing a ransom for all mankind to release them from the inevitability of death. Christ became that ransom sacrifice.[73][74]
  • The timing of Christ's Second Coming, or "presence", can be calculated through Bible chronology. Russell believed the timing of Christ's advent could be calculated by determining the length and termination point of the "Gentile Times"[75][76] and also by calculating the close of six "thousand-year days" (6000 years) of human history, at which point God's Kingdom would be established.[62][77][78][79][80]
  • Christ's return to earth was invisible. Russell claimed the Greek word parousia (Matthew 24:37) referred to a period of time, rendered more accurately as "presence" than "coming"[81]
  • Paradise earth to be restored, humans to live forever.[82][83][84]
  • Evolution is a teaching contrary to the Bible and denies the need of redemption by Christ.[85][need quotation to verify][86]
  • Humans created as living souls.[87]
  • The dead are unconscious, awaiting resurrection.[88]
  • Anointed individuals are resurrected to heaven with spirit bodies.[89]
  • God's Kingdom is an organized heavenly government over earth, ruled by Jesus and the anointed.[90]

1880–1889

  • 1880: Clergy-laity distinction viewed as unscriptural.[91]
  • 1881: Rejection of the Trinity doctrine.[92][93][94] Russell claimed the Trinity doctrine had "not a word of Scripture" to support it. He explained: "We understand the Scriptures to teach that the Holy Spirit is not a separate and distinct person, but that it is the divine mind or influence—the motive power of Divinity exercised everywhere and for any purpose, at His pleasure."[95][96][97] In 1877 Russell and co-author N. H. Barbour had criticized the anti-Trinitarian view of the Christadelphians;[98] an 1880 book by Zion's Watch Tower writer J. H. Paton emphasised that the Holy Spirit was a person[99] and early Watch Tower issues referred to the Holy Spirit as "he"[100][101][102] and part of the "Divine Three".[103]
  • 1881: Faith alone is not enough for someone's becoming a joint-heir with Christ in heaven, but also a life of "self-sacrifice in the service of the truth" is required.[104]
  • 1882: No hellfire. According to Russell, most references to "hell" in the New Testament were more accurately translated as "grave".[105][106]
  • 1887: The New Covenant, which Russell had claimed since 1880 would be inaugurated only after the last of the 144,000 anointed Christians had been taken to heaven,[107] was said to be "now in force".[108][109]
  • 1890–1899[edit]
  • 1890: The "Time of the End" of Daniel 12:4 is identified as beginning in October 1799—when Napoleon invaded Egypt and ended the power of the papacy—and closing in 1914, at which point violent worldwide revolution would mark the end of the old world order and the beginning of a new one.[110]
  • 1891: Biblical rapture is not a sudden event. The anointed are changed into spirit form, throughout the whole period of Christ's presence, at the time of each one's physical death.[111][112]
  • 1897: "This generation" of Matthew 23:36 defined as "people living contemporaneously."[113]

1900–1909

  • 1904: Worldwide descent into anarchy and disintegration of human rule, previously predicted to occur in October 1914,[114][115] changed to "after October 1914".[116]
  • 1904: 144,000 "elect" to go to heaven. Russell believed God had chosen a "fixed and limited ... number who should constitute the New Creation of God". God had not foreordained individuals, but those who met his "moral qualities and heart measurements" would be chosen to go to heaven.[117][118]
  • 1904: "Great Company" of Revelation 7:9, 14 identified as a secondary spiritual class who have "insufficient zeal for the Lord, the Truth and the brethren" who are granted heavenly life, but on a lower spiritual plane.[119] In heaven they serve as servants rather than kings and priests.[120][121]

 

  • 1907: The inauguration of the New Covenant described as belonging "exclusively to the coming age."[122] Russell began to teach that the "church" (144,000 anointed Christians) had no mediator, but itself joined Christ as a joint messiah and mediator during the millennium.[109][123]

1910–1919

  • 1914: Length of each creative 'day' of Genesis defined as precisely 7000 years.[124]
  • 1914Russell "by no means confident" 1914 would bring the upheaval he had predicted.[125]
  • 1916: Timing of Armageddon, previously claimed to have begun in 1874 and to culminate in 1914,[126][127] changed to have begun in 1914.[128][129]
  • 1919: Preaching work displaces "character development" as the "chief concern" of Bible Students. Russell had taught that Christians should embark on the gradual process of "sanctification" and personality improvement to fight sinful inclinations[130][131] In 1919 The Watch Tower declared that the primary concern for Bible Students was to labor with God to find members of the elect class.[132]
  • 1919: The seven angels, or "messengers", of Revelation chapters 1 and 2 are identified "for the first time in the history of the church" as St Paul, St John, Arius, Peter Waldo, John Wycliffe, Martin Luther and Charles Taze Russell.[133]

1920–1929

  • 1920: Jesus Christ's crowning as king of God's kingdom, previously 1878,[134] changed to 1914.[135]
  • 1920: The preaching of the gospel of the kingdom "in all the world for a witness unto all nations", (Matthew 24:14), previously claimed to have already been completed,[136] identified as a work for modern-day anointed Christians.[137]
  • 1922: Establishment of God's kingdom over earth, previously expected to result in the destruction of human governments and a "new rule of righteousness" by the end of 1914[138] changed to an invisible event in heaven in 1914.[139][140]
  • 1923: "Sheep class", mentioned at Matthew 25:31-46 defined as those who do good to "elect" class and are rewarded by surviving Armageddon and gaining life under Christ's thousand-year reign.[141][142][143] Russell had previously applied the parable to the work of dividing the people in the Millennial Age.[144]
  • 1923: Limitations placed on extent of Christ's ransom and resurrection hope. Russell had taught that Christ had provided a ransom for all; a 1923 Watch Tower article asserted that clergymen would not be resurrected and benefit from the ransom;[145] later articles claimed that benefits of the ransom would also be denied to Adam and Eve; those who died in the Noachian flood; those who died at Sodom and Gomorrah; both the falls of Jerusalem and those who will die at Armageddon.[146]
  • 1925: Armageddon identified as a battle between God and Satan, resulting in the overthrow of human governments and false religion. Armageddon had previously been understood to mean a "melee between contending forces of mankind", resulting in social revolution and political anarchy.[147][148][149][150][151][152]
  • 1925: Michael, the dragon and the man-child in Revelation chapter 12, previously defined as the Pope, the Roman Empire and the papacy, redefined as Jesus, Satan and the New Nation (or Kingdom), respectively.[153][154]
  • 1926: Use of name Jehovah, previously used sparingly at assemblies and in public preaching, given new emphasis. Announced in January 1, 1926 issue of The Watchtower.[155]
  •  
  • 1926: "Satan's organization" defined as the rulers of politics, commerce and religion and all their followers.[156]
  • 1927: "First resurrection" of "sleeping saints", previously 1878,[157] changed to 1918.[158][159]
  • 1927: Identification of "time of the end" as a 115-year period from 1799 to 1914 discontinued.[160] Final reference appeared in J. F. Rutherford's Creation (1927).[161]
  • 1927: "Faithful and wise servant" of Matthew 24:45-47, previously defined as Russell since 1897,[162][163][164][165] changed to a "class" comprising all remaining "anointed" Christians.[166]
  • 1927: "This generation" of Matthew 23:36, previously defined as "people living contemporaneously"[113] changed to a remnant of the "anointed" on earth during Armageddon.[167]
  • 1928: Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, previously regarded as a testimony to the Bible and its chronology,[48][168] declared to have no prophetic significance and built under the direction of Satan.[169]
  • 1928: Celebration of Christmas, previously embraced as a "tribute of respect" to Christ,[170][171] discontinued because of its "pagan origin".[172]
  • 1929: Honoring of God's name described as "the outstanding issue facing all intelligent creation".[173]
  • 1929: "Superior authorities" of Romans 13:1 to whom Christians had to show subjection and obedience, previously defined as governmental authorities, redefined as God and Christ only.[174][175] Secular state then regarded as demonic and almost without redeeming features.[176]
  • 1929: Beginning of "Time of the End" of Daniel 12:4 changed from 1799 to 1914.[177]

1930–1939

  • 1931: Adoption of the name "Jehovah's witnesses".[178]
  • 1932: Assertion that God's Holy Spirit ceased operating on his people when "[Jesus] the Lord came to his tem
  • ple, in 1918",[179][180] at which point Jesus 'took charge of feeding the flock'.[181]
  • 1932: The "Jews" who will be restored to their homeland, previously defined as literal Jews,[182] redefined as the Christian congregation.[176][183][184]
  • 1932: Identification of "Jonadabs", a "sheep" class of people who take a stand for righteousness and who are to be preserved by God through Armageddon to gain everlasting life on earth. The term was drawn from the account at 2 Kings 10.[185] In 1920 Rutherford had written that it was "unreasonable" to think God was developing any class other than the little flock (the 144,000 to attain heavenly kingship) and the "great company" (second spiritual class also with a heavenly hope). In 1934 the Watchtower explained that the "Jonadabs" survive Armageddon by living in the figurative "City of refuge", represented by remaining affiliated with the Watch Tower Society.[186]
  • 1932: Watch Tower Society adherents with an earthly hope should join the worldwide preaching work.[187] In 1927 The Watchtower had directed that only anointed Christians were "entitled" to take part in the ministry.[188]
  • 1933: Christ's parousia – his second coming or invisible "presence" – previously established as 1874 and reaffirmed as late as 1929,[189] changed to 1914.[190]
  • 1934: Vindication of God's name becomes central doctrine.[191] Rutherford noted that God had provided Jesus Christ's sacrifice as the redemption price for sinful humankind, but wrote that this was "secondary to the vindication of Jehovah's name".[192]
  • 1934: The 1917 teaching that Russell was exercising strong influence from heaven on the "harvesting" of anointed Christians[193] described as "foolish".[194]
  • 1935: "Great crowd" of Revelation 7 defined as the "sheep" of Matthew 25, resulting in a redirection of proselytizing efforts from gathering the "elect" (remnant of the 144,000 with a heavenly destiny) to gathering an indeterminate number of people who could survive Armageddon and receive everlasting life on earth. Previously, the "great crowd" was believed to have a heavenly hope.[141][195]
  • 1935: Tobacco use "unclean" and prohibited for Bethel (branch office) staff and traveling overseers.[196]
  • 1935: Vaccines, described since 1921 as "devilish" and "an outrage",[197][198] condemned as a violation of God's law.[199]
  • 1936: Device on which Jesus was killed, previously defined as a wooden cross, redefined as a "tree".[200] An image of the cross appeared on the front page of The Watch Tower until October 1931.[201]
  • 1937: Jehovah's Witnesses with an earthly hope could be described as "Christian".[202] In 1930 the Watchtower had asserted that the term "Christian" could be applied only to anointed followers of Christ.[203]
  • 1938: God's mandate to "be fruitful and multiply" said to apply only after the start of the millennium. The Watchtower said the mandate had never been carried out under righteous conditions, and so had failed to be fulfilled according to God's will. Rutherford urged Witnesses to delay marriage and the bearing of children until after Armageddon.[204]
  • 1939: Witnesses required to demonstrate complete neutrality in worldly affairs.[205]

1940–1949

  • 1942: Tobacco prohibition applied to all appointed positions, such as congregation overseers and servants.[206]
  • 1943: Destruction of Jerusalem moved from 606 BCE to 607 BCE, when the Watch Tower Society realised there was no year zero between 1 BCE and 1 CE, in order to maintain calculations regarding 1914; return of the Jews from Babylon to Jerusalem moved from 536 BCE to 537 BCE to maintain 70 years after 607 BCE.[207][208]
  • 1943: Adam's creation, previously 4129 BCE[209] or 4128 BCE,[210] moved forward 100 years to 4028 BCE. The shift in dates also moved the termination point of 6,000 years of human history from October 1872[211] to 1972.[212][213]
  • 1944: Responsibility for administering discipline, including disfellowshipping, of dissident members passed from entire congregation to congregational judicial committees.[214][215] Russell had recommended in a 1904 publication that a congregation "committee" investigate a congregant's serious "error or sin", but the entire congregation voted whether "to withdraw from him its fellowship".[216]
  • 1944: Adam's creation, previously 4028 BCE, changed to 4026 BCE.[217]
  • 1945: Blood transfusions forbidden.[218][219] Russell had viewed the prohibition on eating blood in Acts 15:19-29 as a
  • "suggestion" to gentile Christians in order to "guard against stumbling themselves or becoming stumbling blocks to others"[220] and ensure peace within the early church.[221]

1950–1959

  • 1951: "This generation" of Matthew 23:36, previously defined as a remnant of the "anointed" on earth during Armageddon[167] changed to "a 'generation' in the ordinary sense" who were alive in 1914.[222]
  • 1951: Celebration of birthdays considered "objectionable" because celebrations are "steeped in false worship" and exalt humans.[223]
  • 1952: Vaccines, previously condemned, considered acceptable.[224][225]
  • 1953: Adam's creation, previously 4026 BCE, changed to 4025 BCE. End of God's 6,000-year "rest day" ending in northern hemisphere autumn 1976.[226]
  • 1954: Worship of Jesus, previously considered appropriate and necessary,[227][228][229] deemed inappropriate, with the New World Translation translating proskyne′ō as "do obeisance to" rather than "worship" (King James Version).[230]
  • 1955: Operation of Holy Spirit, asserted in 1932 to have ceased in 1918, stated as having been still operative after 1918.[231]

 

1960–1969

  • 1961: Acceptance of blood transfusion deemed a disfellowshipping offence.[232] Acceptance of human organ transplant stipulated a personal matter to be decided without criticism.[233]
  • 1962: "Superior authorities" of Romans 13:1 redefined as earthly governments, reverting the 1929 change[234] to
    ussell's 1886 teaching.[235] A year earlier, Russell's view was considered to have made the Watch Tower Bible Students unclean in God's eyes.[174][236]
  • 1963: Adam's creation changed back to 4026 BCE.[237] End of 6,000 years of human history due in northern hemisphere autumn 1975.[238]
  • 1967: Human organ transplants equated with cannibalism,[239] "a practice abhorrent to all civilized people", and said to be a procedure not permitted by God.[240] The Watchtower article announcing the view is interpreted by commentators as a prohibition.[9][241] In a 1972 article, Jehovah's Witnesses are described as having taken a "stand" against organ transplants, saving them from the consequences of such operations, on the basis of the description of the procedure as "a form of cannibalism".[242]
  • 1968: Interval between Adam's creation and the close of the sixth creative "day", previously "quite some time",[213][217][243][244] changed to "a comparatively short period of time" that "may involve only a difference of weeks or months, not years." The change led to expectations that Christ's 1,000 year reign could begin in 1975.[245]

1970–1979

  • 1973: Tobacco use banned. Tobacco users not to be accepted for baptism and baptized Witnesses to be disfellowshipped if they continue to smoke after "a reasonable period of time, such as six months".[246]

1980–1989

  • 1980: Acceptance of human organ transplants stipulated as a matter of personal choice not warranting congregational discipline. View of transplants as cannibalism now said to be held only by "some Christians".[247] The Watchtower article is regarded by commentators as a reversal of Society's 1967 position that the procedure is not permitted by God.[9][241]
  • 1981: Members who formally resign membership of the religion (disassociate) are to be shunned in the same manner as disfellowshipped Witnesses.[248]
  • 1983: Martial arts and carrying "firearms for protection against humans" disqualify a Witness from "special privileges in the congregation", such as appointment as elder.[249]
  • 1988: Length of creative 'days' in Genesis, previously defined as exactly 7,000 years each,[250] changed to "at least thousands of years in length" [emphasis added][251]

1990-1999

  • 1990: Interval between Adam's creation and the close of the sixth creative "day" changed to "some time", employing a 1963 reference rather than the 1968 change.[252]
  • 1992: The "modern-day Nethinim", previously defined as synonymous with the "other sheep",[253] redefined as a subset of the "other sheep" who serve in positions of authority within the organization as "helpers" to the Governing Body.[254]
  • 1995: "This generation" at Matthew 23:36, previously defined as a typical human lifespan since Jesus' parousia in 1914,[222] redefined as a class of people displaying certain characteristics for an indefinite period of time.[255][256][257][258][259]
  • 1995: Fulfillment of Jesus' parable of the separating of sheep and goats, previously considered to have been ongoing since 1914, changed to after the start of the 'great tribulation'.[260][261]
  • 1995: The expression "vindication of Jehovah’s name" declared unnecessary, with emphasis on "vindicating his sovereignty" and "sanctifying his name" as being more accurate.[262] The former expression had not appeared in any publication since 1991.[263]
  • 1999: Voting is no longer prohibited. It is also not encouraged.

2000–2009

  • 2007: Selection of the 144,000 "anointed", previously considered to have ended in 1935,[264] changed to an indefinite period.[265]
  • 2008: "This generation" redefined as "anointed" believers, who will "not pass away" before the great tribulation begins.[266] This was a return to the belief held in 1927.[167]

2010–2019

 

References


71. Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, January 1, 1908, page 2.
72. Franz 2007, p. 492
73. Russell 1886, pp. 149–172
74. Charles Taze Russell, "Harvest Gatherings and Siftings", Zion's Watch Tower, July 15, 1906, p. 3821 (reprint).
75. 1975 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, page 36.
76. "Who Can Read the Sign Aright?", Watchtower, February 1, 1985, page 10.
77. Rogerson, Alan (1969), Millions Now Living Will Never Die: A Study of Jehovah's Witnesses, Constable & Co, London, pp. 17–23, ISBN 978-0-09-455940-0
78. Barbour 1877, pp. 67–77
79. Penton 1997, p. 20
80. Russell 1889, pp. 38, 39
81. Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, August 1879, Reprints 20, page 3.
82. C. T. Russell, The Object and Manner of Our Lord's Return, 1877.
83. The Watch Tower, July 1, 1879, p. 7 (reprint).
84. "Speak the Pure Language and Live Forever!", The Watchtower, May 1, 1991, page 17, "In 1879...a small Bible-study group led by Charles Taze Russell was meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. They had become certain that Jesus’ second coming...would restore Paradise on earth, with eternal life for obedient humans."
85. Charles Taze Russell, "Haverst Gatherings and Siftings", Zion's Watch Tower, July 15, 1906, p. 3824 (reprint).
86. C. T. Russell, The Divine Plan of the Ages, 1886, study IX, page 172, "These things are clearly taught in the Scriptures, from beginning to end, and are in direct opposition to the Evolution theory; or, rather, such "babblings of science, falsely so called," are in violent and irreconcilable conflict with the Word of God."
87. Barbour 1877, pp. 6, 42
88. Barbour 1877, p. 42
89. Barbour 1877, p. 165
90. Barbour 1877, p. 48,49
91. Watch Tower, January 1880, Watch Tower Reprints page 64 As Retrieved 2009-09-23, page 2
92. Watch Tower, April 1881, Watch Tower Reprints page 207 As Retrieved 2009-09-23, page 7, "And why did they thus keep the people in ignorance? Because they feared that if people knew this, the only text which gives even a shadow of support to the doctrine of the TRINITY, to be an interpolation to support a papal error, they might renounce the error".
93. Zion's Watch Tower, September 1881, Watch Tower Reprints page 278 As Retrieved 2009-09-23, page 132, "As to the motives and errors which may have led to these unwarranted interpolations of the [Bible] text, we may be able to offer a suggestion, viz., the last mentioned (1 John 5:7,8) was probably intended to give authority and sanction to the doctrine of the "Trinity."
94. Watch Tower, October 1881, Watch Tower Reprints page 290 As Retrieved 2009-09-23, page 4, ""He gave his only begotten Son." This phraseology brings us into conflict with an old Babylonian theory, viz.: Trinitarianism. If that doctrine is true, how could there be any Son to give? A begotten Son, too? Impossible. If these three are one, did God send himself? And how could Jesus say: "My Father is greater than I." John 14:28. [emphasis retained from original]"
95. Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, July 1882, Reprints 370, page 3.
96. Penton, M. J. (1997), Apocalypse Delayed (2nd ed.), University of Toronto Press, p. 343, note 64, "Barbour and Paton were trinitarians ... although Henry Grew and George Stetson, two others who had influenced him, were non–trinitarians, Russell did not take a stand on the matter, at least publicly, until after his split with Paton."
97. Jehovah's Witnesses, Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1993, page 120.
98. N. H. BarbourC. T. Russell, Three Worlds, 1877, page 57, "I am beginning to think Age-to-come people, and many others among pre-millennialists, do not believe in anything of a spiritual nature, or have the most remote comprehension of things of that order; either that the saint is raised 'a spiritual body,' or in the existence of spiritual beings, or even of the Holy Spirit itself. I know one class of age-to-come believers, the Christadelphians, do not. The Holy Spirit, say they, is but a principle, or element of power, and not an intelligence. It is nothing more nor less than 'electricity;' is taught in one of their books, now before me. What wonder they discern only a fleshly future."
99. J. H. Paton, Day Dawn, A.D. Jones, 1880, page 225, 229, "The work of the Holy Spirit is one of the most important elements in the plan of revelation and salvation. He is always spoken of by the Saviour as a Person, and is called the " Spirit of truth." We will follow the Saviour's example in this, though we do not propose to deal with the philosophy of that fact. He being the Spirit of truth, it is His mission to make known the truth."
100. Zion's Watch Tower, July 1880, page 8, "But the Spirit cannot resign his work until it is complete."
101. Zion's Watch Tower, August 1880, page 4, "Then let the Spirit use his sword upon others as he may see fit to humble them, strip them of pride, and bring them to the rock that is higher than they."
102. Zion's Watch Tower, November 1880, page 8, "The Spirit is still our leader and instructor. He is now telling us of Him who comes by way of unseen presence that He is here present."
103. Zion's Watch Tower, March 1881, page 5, "The number three is surprisingly prominent, as the subject opens before us ... We would first call attention to the Divine Three – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – often mentioned in the Bible."
104. Charles Taze Russell, "Harvest Gatherings and Siftings", Zion's Watch Tower, July 15, 1906, p. 3825 (reprint).
105. Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, May 1882, Reprints 356, page 8.
106. Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, September 1882, Reprints 392, page 4.
107. "The Three Great Covenants", Zion's Watch Tower, March 1880.
108. "The New Covenant vs the Law Covenant", Zion's Watch Tower, September 1887.
109. Wills 2006, pp. 63–68
110. Russell 1891, pp. 38,47–59
111. Russell 1891, pp. 239–242
112. Charles Taze Russell, "Harvest Gatherings and Siftings", Zion's Watch Tower, July 15, 1906, p. 3823 (reprint).
113. Studies in the Scriptures 4. pp. 602–603.
114. Russell 1889, p. 78
115. "The Outlook - War & Prosperity", Zion's Watch Tower & Herald of Christ's Presence, September 15, 1901 (R2876 page 292)
116. "Universal Anarchy", Zion's Watch Tower & Herald of Christ's Presence, July 1, 1904 (R3389 page 197)
117. The New Creation, (Volume VI of Studies in the Scriptures), 1904, page 179: “We have every reason to believe that the definite, fixed number of the elect [chosen anointed ones] is that several times stated in Revelation (7:4; 14:1); namely, 144,000 ‘redeemed from amongst men."
118. "The Great Company", Zion's Watch Tower, October 15, 1904.
119. The New Creation, (Volume VI of Studies in the Scriptures), 1904, page 168-170.
120. Wills 2006, pp. 57, 58
121. "The Rank of the Ancient Worthies", "The Great Company", Zion's Watch Tower, October 15, 1904.
122. "Our Advocate, the World's Mediator," Zion's Watch Tower, January 1, 1907.
123. "The Word Mediator Used Differently,", Watch Tower, January 1909.
124. Scenario of the Photo-Drama of Creation, ©1914 International Bible Students Association, page 3
125. "Views from the Watch Tower", Zion's Watch Tower & Herald of Christ's Presence, January 1, 1914 (R5373: page 3)
126. Russell 1889, p. 101
127. "Overcome With Wine", Zion's Watch Tower & Herald of Christ's Presence, January 15, 1892 (R1357: page 27)
128. "What Smiting of the Waters May Mean", Zion's Watch Tower & Herald of Christ's Presence, February 1, 1916 (R5845: page 38)
129. "The Burning of the Tares", Zion's Watch Tower & Herald of Christ's Presence, September 1, 1916 (R5951: page 265)
130. The Watch Tower, October 1, 1913, pgs 291-295.
131. Zion's Watch Tower, April 1, 1916, pages 98-99.
132. The Watch Tower, December 15, 1919, pg 375.
133. "The Table of the Great King,", The Watchtower, April 1, 1919, as cited by James Penton, Apocalypse Delayed, pg 181.
134. Russell 1889, p. 233
135. Watch Tower, July 1, 1920, page 196.
136. C. T. Russell, The Battle of Armageddon, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1897, page 568.
137. "Gospel of the Kingdom", The Watchtower, July 1, 1920, pages 199-200.
138. "View from the Tower", Zion's Watch Tower & Herald of Christ's Presence, January 15, 1892 (R1354: page 19)
139. New Heavens and a New Earth, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1953, page 225.
140. Watch Tower, November 1, 1922, pages 332-337.
141. Penton 1997, p. 72
142."The Keys of the Kingdom and the Great Crowd", Watchtower, October 1, 1971, page 14.
143. "The Parable of the sheep and goats", The Watchtower, October 15, 1923, pages 307-314.
144. Wills 2006, p. 113
145. Watch Tower, October 15, 1923.
146. Wills 2006, pp. 141, 142
147. Watch Tower, January 1, 1925.
148. Rutherford 1930, p. 134
149. Rutherford 1930, p. 223
150. Rutherford 1930, p. 251
151. Zion's Watch Tower, August 1, 1892, page 238.
152. The Finished Mystery, 1917, pages 256-258. See comment on Rev. 16:16-20.
153. Watch Tower, March 1, 1925, page 69.
154. J. F. Rutherford, The Battle of Armageddon, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1889, page 541.
155. "Restoration of True Religion", Watchtower, March 1, 1954, page 150.
156. J.F. Rutherford, Deliverance, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, 1926, pages 268,269.
157. Russell 1891, p. 306
158. Watch Tower, June 1, 1927.
159. Rutherford 1930, p. 226
160. Russell 1891, p. 23
161. Creation by J.F. Rutherford, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1927, chapter 12, page 314.
162. The Battle of Armageddon (Part IV, "Studies in the Scriptures") by C. T. Russell, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1897, page 613.
163. Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, July 15, 1906, page 215.
164. Franz 2002, pp. 78–79
165. Watch Tower, March 1, 1923, pages 68 and 71, as cited by Raymond Franz, Crisis of Conscience, Commentary Press, 2007, page 63.
166. Watch Tower, January 1, 1927 and February, pages 7, 51-7, as cited by Penton, Apocalypse Delayed.
167.The Watchtower: 62. February 15, 1927.
168. Watchtower, June 15, 1922, page 187, as reproduced by Raymond Franz, Crisis of Conscience, page 225, 226.
169. Watchtower, 1928, pages 339-45, 355-62, as cited by M. James Penton, Apocalypse Delayed, University of Toronto Press, page 170.
170. "The Prince of Peace", Zion's Watch Tower & Herald of Christ's Presence, December 1, 1904, page 364.
171. The Golden Age, December 24, 1919, page 215: "Christmas is regarded by many people as the date of the birth of the babe Jesus in a manger at Bethlehem. Whether the date is correct or not is of small importance, but the event was and is of the greatest importance."
172. 1975 Yearbook, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, page 146
173. Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1993, page 152.
174. Franz 2007, p. 484
175. "The Higher Powers", Watch Tower, June 1929, pages 163-169, 179-185.
176. Penton 1997, p. 65
177. The Watchtower, December 1, 1929, pages 355-357, as cited by Edmond C. Gruss, The Four Presidents of the Watch Tower Society, page 117 and Tony Wills, A People For His name, page 48.
178. Penton 1997, p. 62
179. Preservation by J. F. Rutherford, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1932, page 103-194.
180. Watch Tower, October 1, 1932, page 294.
181. Preparation, ©1933 by J. F. Rutherford, Watch Tower, page 196
182. The Watchtower, February 15, 1925, page 57, "We know the work of restitution must come to the Jews first, and through them to the rest of the world. As the Scriptures state that Jerusalem is to be the capital of the world and that the ancient worthies are to be princes in all the earth, we are warranted in expecting that the kingdom work will begin at Jerusalem."
183. Vindication, Book 2, by J.F. Rutherford, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1932, pages 258, 269, 295.
184. Vindication, Book 3, by J.F. Rutherford, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1932, page 333.
185. Jehovah's Witnesses – Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1993, page 165.
186. Watchtower, August 15, 1934, as cited by Tony Wills, A People For His Name, pg 192-193.
187. Vindication, J. F. Rutherford, Book III, pages 83. 84.
188. Watchtower, January 15, 1927, pg 26, 27, "He who is called to be a minister of God must be a new creature, begotten of God's Holy Spirit; none other can have a share. In this ministry only those who are new creatures in Jesus Christ are entitled to share." As cited by Tony Wills, A People For His Name,(2007), pg 194.
189. Prophecy by J. F. Rutherford, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1929, chapter 4, page 65.
190. Watch Tower, December 1, 1933, page 362: "In the year 1914 that due time of waiting came to an end. Christ Jesus received the authority of the kingdom and was sent forth by Jehovah to rule amidst his enemies. The year 1914, therefore, marks the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, the King of glory."
191. Penton 1997, p. 69
192. Jehovah, J.F. Rutherford, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1934.
193. Watchtower, November 1, 1917, page 6161.
194. J.F. Rutherford, Jehovah, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1934, page 191.
195. Jehovah's Witnesses in the Divine Purpose, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1959, page 140.
196. The Watchtower, March 1, 1935
197. The Golden Age, October 12, 1921, Page 17, "Vaccination never prevented anything and never will, and is the most barbarous practice ... We are in the last days; and the devil is slowly losing his hold, making a strenuous effort meanwhile to do all the damage he can, and to his credit can such evils be placed ... Use your rights as American citizens to forever abolish the devilish practice of vaccinations."
198. The Golden Age, January 5, 1929, Page 502, "Thinking people would rather have smallpox than vaccination, because the latter sows seeds of syphilis, cancers, eczema, erysipelas, scrofula, consumption, even leprosy and many other loathsome affections. Hence the practice of vaccinations is a crime, an outrage, and a delusion."
199. The Golden Age, April 2, 1935, Page 465, "As vaccination is a direct injection of animal matter in the blood stream, vaccination is a direct violation of the law of Jehovah God."
200. Riches, by J.F. Rutherford, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1936, page 27.
201. Franz 2007, p. 150
202. Watchtower, November 1, 1937, page 336, as cited by Tony Wills, A People For His Name, pg 195.
203. Watchtower, March 1, 1930, page 71, "Since "Christ' means the anointed of God, it is manifestly true that no one can properly be termed a Christian who is not in Christ and who has not received the anointing."
204. A People for His Name, Tony Wills, pgs 186-187, citing Watchtower October 15, 1938, pg 307, Watchtower, November 1, 1938, page 323, Watchtower, November 15, 1938, page 346.
205. Watch Tower, November 1, 1939, as cited by Jehovah's Witnesses, Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1993, page 193.
206. The Watchtower, July 1, 1942, pages 205-206
207. "Questions from Readers". The Watchtower: 94. February 1, 1955. "Jehovah's witnesses from 1877 up to and including the publishing of "The Truth Shall Make You Free" of 1943 considered 536 B.C. as the year for the return of the Jews to Palestine"
208. "Determining the Year by Fact and Bible". The Watchtower: 271–2. May 1, 1952. "Concerning the first error, Russell and others considered 1 B.C. to A.D. 1 as being two years whereas in fact this is only one year because, as has been said above, there is no "zero" year in the B.C.-A.D. system for counting years."
209. Russell 1889, p. 54
210. Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, May 15, 1896, R1980 page 112.
211. Three Worlds, by N. H. Barbour and C. T. Russell, 1877, pages 67, 186, as cited by Edmund Gruss, The Jehovah's Witnesses and Prophetic Speculation, 1972, pages 62-63.
212. The Truth Shall Make You Free, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1943, chapter 11, page 151.
213. Gruss, Edmond C. (1972), The Jehovah's Witnesses and Prophetic Speculation, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co, pp. 68–69, ISBN 0-87552-306-4
214. Penton 1997, p. 89
215. The Watchtower, May 15, 1944.
216. The New Creation, Watch Tower, 1904, pages 289-290, "The administration of discipline is not the function of the elders only, but of the entire [congregation]. ... If the reproved one fails to clear himself, and continues in the error or sin, then two or three brethren without previous prejudice should be asked to hear the matter and advise the disputants. (Elders they may or may not be, but their eldership would add no force or authority in the case except as their judgment might be the riper and their influence the more potent.) If this committee decide unanimously with either party, the other should acquiesce and the matter be wholly at an end--correction, or restitution, so far as possible, being promptly made. If either of the original disputants still persists in the wrong course, the [accuser, a committee member] or, preferably, all of these together, may then (but not sooner) exercise their privilege of bringing the matter before the [congregation]. Thus it is evident that the Elders were in no sense to be judges of the members—hearing and judgment were left to the [congregation]. The two preliminary steps (above mentioned) having been taken, the facts being certified to the elders, it would be their duty to call a general meeting of the [congregation], as a court--to hear the case in all of its particulars, and in the name and reverence of its Head to render a decision. ... if the transgressor refuse to hear (obey) the decision of the entire [congregation], ... the [congregation] is to withdraw from him its fellowship and any and all signs or manifestations of brotherhood. [emphasis retained from original]
217. "Questions From Readers", The Watchtower, 1 February 1955: 94–95
218. Penton 1997, p. 153
219. The Watchtower, July 1. 1945.
220. The Watch Tower, November 15, 1892 p. 351.
221. The Watch Tower, April 15, 1909 pp. 116-117, "These prohibitions had never come to the Gentiles, because they had never been under the Law Covenant; but so deeply rooted were the Jewish ideas on this subject that it was necessary to the peace of the Church that the Gentiles should observe this matter also ... these items thus superadded to the Law of Love should be observed by all spiritual Israelites as representing the Divine will.”
222. The Watchtower: 404. July 1, 1951.
223. Questions From Readers, Watchtower, October 1, 1951.
224. The Watchtower, December 15, 1952.
225. "Questions From Readers", Watchtower, September 15, 1958: "Q: Are we to consider the injection of serums such as diphtheria toxin antitoxin and blood fractions such as gamma globulin into the blood stream, for the purpose of building up resistance to disease by means of antibodies, the same as the drinking of blood or the taking of blood or blood plasma by means of transfusion? A: No, it does not seem necessary that we put the two in the same category, although we have done so in times past.
226. "Questions From Readers", The Watchtower, 1 February 1955: 95
227. "Interesting Queries", Watch Tower, July 15, 1898, page 216.
228. Watchtower, November 15, 1939, page 339: "Jehovah God commands all to worship Christ Jesus because Christ Jesus is the express image of his Father, Jehovah"
229. Watchtower, October 15, 1945, page 313: "Since Jehovah God now reigns as King by means of his capital organization Zion, then whosoever would worship Him must also worship and bow down to Jehovah's Chief One in that capital organization, namely, Christ Jesus."
230. "Questions From Readers", Watchtower, January 1, 1954, page 30.
231. "Modern Restoration of True Worship (1919-1932)", The Watchtower, May 15, 1955, page 296, "Jesus—then to expand on a global scale—so now in the spring of 1919 there was an outpouring of Jehovah’s Holy Spirit organizationally upon the Christian remnant."
232. Watchtower, January 15, 1961, page 63.
233. Watchtower, August 1, 1961, page 480.
234. Watchtower, November 15, 1962.
235. The Divine Plan of the Ages, by C. T. Russell, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1886, page 266: "They taught the Church to obey the laws, and to respect those in authority because of their office, even if they were not personally worthy of esteem; to pay their appointed taxes, and, except where they conflicted with God's laws (Acts 4: 19; 5: 29), to offer no resistance to any established law. (Rom. 13: 1 - 7)"
236. "The Congregation in the Time of the End", Watchtower, March 1, 1961, page 146.
237. All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1963, page 286.
238. "The Removal of Mankind's Chief Disturber", The Watchtower, 15 July 1967: 446–447
239. Awake, June 8, 1968, Page 21 “Christian witnesses of Jehovah,... consider all transplants between humans as cannibalism.”
240. Watchtower, November 15, 1967, pages 702-704
241. Penton, M. J. Penton, Apocalypse Delayed, University of Toronto Press, pp. 165–171, "In 1967 the society suddenly decided that what had been permissible no longer was. Organ transplants suddenly became a form of human cannibalism ... Yet after many faithful Jehovah's Witnesses had suffered for their faith by giving up transplants which in some cases could have made their lives more pleasant and comfortable and by saving them from early death in others, the society again reversed itself."
242. "Keep Abstaining from Blood", Awake!, July 8, 1972, page 28, "The stand of the Christian witnesses of Jehovah—that such transplants are in effect a form of cannibalism—proved a safeguard. How so? In that it spared them much frustration, grief and anxiety, which were experienced not only by the patients and their relatives but even by many of the assisting medical personnel."
243. "Questions From Readers", The Watchtower, February 1, 1955, page 95, "However, from our present chronology (which is admitted imperfect) at best the fall of the year 1976 would be the end of 6,000 years of human history for mankind... Obviously, whatever amount of Adam’s 930 years was lived before the beginning of that seventh-day rest of Jehovah, that unknown amount would have to be added to the 1976 date."
244. Thy Kingdom Come by C. T. Russell, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1889, pages 127-128. "long enough [for Adam] to realize his lack of a companion" and an additional "two years would not be an improbable estimate" to have passed between Adam's creation and Edenic expulsion (beginning the seventh creative day).
245. "Why Are You Looking Forward to 1975?", The Watchtower, August 15, 1968, page 499-500
246. Watchtower, June 1, 1973, page 340.
247. "Questions From Readers", Watchtower, March 15, 1980, page 31.
248. John Dart, "Defectors Feel Witnsses' Wrath", Los Angeles Times, January 30, 1982, Part II, page 4, "The Sept. 15 Watchtower magazine told members that anyone who has written a letter of resignation should be shunned as if he had been 'disfellowshipped', or expelled ... 'This is a hardening, a tightening, of our policy,' confirmed William Van De Wall, a headquarters spokesman for the Watchtower Society. Denying any great membership losses, Van De Wall said the new directive was to counteract 'disgruntled' ex-members."
249. “Seek Peace and Pursue It”, The Watchtower, July 15, 1983, page 25
250. "Questions from readers", The Watchtower, January 1, 1987, page 30, "A study of the fulfillment of Bible prophecy and of our location in the stream of time strongly indicate that each of the creative days is 7,000 years long. It is understood that Christ’s reign of a thousand years will bring to a close God’s 7,000-year ‘rest day,’ the last ‘day’ of the creative week. Based on this reasoning, the entire creative week would be 49,000 years long."
251. "Creation", Insight, volume 1, 1988 Watch Tower, page 545, "Since the seventh day has been continuing for thousands of years, it may reasonably be concluded that each of the six creative periods, or days, was at least thousands of years in length ... Ascribing not just 24 hours but a longer period of time, thousands of years, to each of the creative days better harmonizes with the evidence found in the earth itself."
252. All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1990, page 286.
253. Man's Salvation Out of World Distress at Hand!, pages 167–168 (1975)
254. The Watchtower, April 15, 1992, pages 12–17
255. Watchtower, November 1, 1995, page 20.
256. The Watchtower, June 1, 1997, page 28: "The recent information in The Watchtower about "this generation" did not change our understanding of what occurred in 1914. But it did give us a clearer grasp of Jesus' use of the term "generation," helping us to see that his usage was no basis for calculating-counting from 1914 – how close to the end we are."
257. Joel P. Engardio (December 18, 1995), "Apocalypse Later", Newsweek
258. Penton 1997, p. 317
259. John Dart, "Jehovah's Witnesses Abandon Key Tenet", Los Angeles Times, November 4, 1995.
260. Watchtower, February 1, 1995.
261. Penton 1997, p. 316
262. "Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small", The Watchtower, May 15, 1995, page 25
263. "Chapter 24: Why Jesus Came to Earth", The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, ©1991, "Jesus came to earth particularly to preach about God’s Kingdom, which will vindicate his Father’s name"
264. Watchtower, February 15, 1995, p.19.
265. Watchtower, May 1, 2007, pages 30-31: "It appears that we can not set a specific date for when the calling of Christians to the heavenly hope ends."
266. "Watchtower", February 15, 2008, pages 23-24: "On the other hand, Christ's faithful anointed brothers, the modern-day John class, have recognized this sign as if it were a flash of lightning and have understood its true meaning. As a class, these anointed ones make up the modern-day "generation" of contemporaries that will not pass away "until all these things occur."* This suggests that some who are Christ's anointed brothers will still be alive on earth when the foretold great tribulation begins."
267. "Holy spirit's role in the outworking of Jehovah's purposes", The Watchtower, 15 April 2010: 10
268. "Your Leader Is One, the Christ". The Watchtower: 23. September 15, 2010.
269. "Annual Meeting Report".
270. The Watchtower: 20–25. July 15, 2013.

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(If someone wants to start making a copy of this list in another language topic on here please do...or if I missed something please leave a comment below ) Part of series on: Doctrines

2012 - Gen 49:27. "Benjamin...will divide spoil".  Specfically applied to Esther and Mordecai (Benjaminites) receivingHaman's estate as "spoil". Watchtower, January 1, 2012, p.29. 2012 - Dan 2:44

To The Librarian, this Wikipedia list differs in many parts from our list on the WT Library CDRom, which I will post here: List by Year 1870-1875, soul, ransom, manner of Christ’s return: kr 28

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2012 - Gen 49:27. "Benjamin...will divide spoil".  Specfically applied to Esther and Mordecai (Benjaminites) receivingHaman's estate as "spoil". Watchtower, January 1, 2012, p.29.

2012 - Dan 2:44. "All these kingdoms" refers specifically to the governments represented in the symbolic image, not all present day governments as formerly explained. Watchtower, June 15, 2012, p.17.

2012 - Dan 8:24. The "ruin" caused by the "fierce-looking king" specifically applied to scope of Anglo-American military destruction i.e dropping of two atomic bombs. Watchtower, June 15, 2012, p.16.

2012 - Dan 2::41-43. "toes" of the symbolic image held as having no separate prophetic significance apart from what is represented by the feet of the image. The number 10 is not mentioned here. Formerly held to be the final conglomeration of nations at the time of Armageddon. Watchtower, June 15, 2012, p.16.

2012 - Emergence of seventh world power. Emergence of Anglo-American world power seen in USA/British partnership formed during World War 1, 1914-18 CE. Formerly timed with ascendancy of British Empire in 1763 CE. Watchtower, June 15, 2012, p.15,19.

 

There are additional examples listed on pages 26-27 of the 2016 Yearbook

 

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To The Librarian, this Wikipedia list differs in many parts from our list on the WT Library CDRom, which I will post here:

List by Year
1870-1875, soul, ransom, manner of Christ’s return: kr 28
1872, ransom: jv 718
1876, 1914 end of Gentile Times: kr 15, 28
1877, Christ’s return and presence: kr 28
1879, Babylon the Great: kr 16-17, 28
1880, hell: w89 3/15 19-20
1881, Jehovah: jv 123
soul: jv 127; w87 9/15 29
why evil is permitted: jv 123
1882, Trinity: kr 28; jv 123, 125; w89 3/15 18-19; w87 9/15 29
1884, “other sheep” (Joh 10:16): w95 2/1 11
“sheep” and “goats” (Mt 25): w95 2/1 12
1886, “superior authorities” (Ro 13): w96 5/1 13
1894, origin of teaching of immortality of the soul: w89 3/15 20
1895, elder arrangement: kr 118-119, 123, 129
1907, covenants: jv 630
1917, Revelation: w95 5/15 21; jv 148
1919, importance of divine name: kr 42
a. 1919, work of true Christians: kr 42, 45
1920, ‘good news of kingdom’ is of established Kingdom: w06 2/1 25
time of fulfillment of Matthew 24:14: jv 292
1922, Jehovah and his messenger of the covenant inspect spiritual temple (Mal 3:1-3): w87 6/15 14
Jehovah’s and Satan’s organizations: kr 54
1923, “sheep” and “goats” (Mt 25): re 120; ip-2 254; w95 2/1 12; w95 5/15 18; jv 163-164; w86 5/15 14
1925, Armageddon: jv 140
birth of Kingdom: kr 50; w06 2/15 28-29; re 177; w95 5/15 21; jv 78-79, 138-139; w86 5/15 14
Jehovah’s and Satan’s organizations: w06 2/15 28-29; jv 78-79; w87 6/15 19
1926, Armageddon: w95 5/15 18; jv 140-141
character development: jv 172-173
1927, Christmas: kr 102-103
“faithful and discreet slave” (Mt 24:45-47): w95 2/1 12-13; jv 143, 626
1928, Christmas: kr 102-103; w95 5/15 19; jv 199
cross: kr 104
Easter: kr 105
‘good news of kingdom’ not preached by Bible distribution: w06 2/1 24-25
Great Pyramid of Giza (Gizeh): w00 1/1 9-10; jv 201
Kingdom more important than personal salvation: kr 50
1929, issue of sanctification of Jehovah’s name: kr 45
“superior authorities” (Ro 13): kr 56; w96 5/1 13-14; w95 5/15 22
Valentine’s Day: kr 105
1930, Revelation: w95 5/15 21; jv 148
1931, those marked on forehead (Eze 9:4): re 120; ip-2 254-255; jv 165
1932, appointment of elders: kr 123; w95 5/15 22; jv 213-214, 638
Jehonadab (Jonadab) class: kr 52; re 120; ip-2 255; w95 2/1 13; jv 83, 165-166
“other sheep” to preach: w10 2/15 16; w95 2/1 13; w95 7/1 15; jv 292; w90 12/15 13
restoration prophecies: kr 108; w95 5/15 19-20; jv 141-142; w86 5/15 14
1934, covenants: jv 630
dedication and baptism for “other sheep”: w09 8/15 16; re 120; w95 7/1 15; jv 83; w90 12/15 13
1935, chronology: jv 632-633
flag salute: w06 2/15 29
“great crowd” (Re 7): kr 52-54, 63, 177; w06 2/15 29; re 120, 122; w01 5/15 14-15; ip-2 255; w95 2/1 13-15; w95 5/15 20; jv 83-84, 166-167, 169-170, 261, 443-444; sh 358; w88 3/1 12; w86 5/15 14
sexual morality: kr 110
use of tobacco: kr 112
1936, birthday celebrations: kr 105
cross: kr 105; w06 2/15 29; w95 5/15 20
1937, “other sheep” appointed to responsible positions: jv 216
1938, congregation organization and appointments: kr 123; w06 2/15 28; w02 7/1 17; ip-2 317; w99 2/1 18; w95 5/15 22; jv 217-221, 639
no separate meetings for children and youths: jv 246
relative places of anointed and “great crowd”: w99 2/1 18
1939, neutrality: kr 56, 148-150; w95 5/15 23; jv 193; w89 3/15 21; w86 5/15 14
1941, issue of rightfulness of Jehovah’s sovereignty: jv 262; w89 3/15 21; w87 6/15 19
1942, beast ascending from abyss (Re 17:8): re 246-248; jv 93, 262; w88 3/1 15
1943, chronology: jv 133, 632-633
1944, chronology: jv 133, 632-633
congregational handling of wrongdoing: jv 187
disfellowshipping to be handled by responsible brothers: kr 114
governing body: jv 228-229
sanctity of blood: kr 112
theocratic principles in relation to Society’s charter: jv 227-229
1945, sanctity of blood: kr 112; w06 2/15 29; w95 5/15 23; jv 183; w89 3/15 14
1946, New Year’s Day: kr 105
1947, polygamy: w95 2/1 16; jv 176
1950, princes (Ps 45:16): w95 7/1 15; jv 76, 263
term “religion”: jv 567
1952, disfellowshipping: kr 114; w06 5/15 24-25; jv 187
1953, desirable things of the nations (Hag 2:7): jv 263
Gog of Magog (Eze 38, 39): jv 263
nucleus of new earth: w95 7/1 15
1961, sanctity of blood: jv 183-184
1962, “superior authorities” (Ro 13): kr 57; w06 2/15 29-30; g00 10/22 21-23; w96 5/1 14; w95 5/15 21-22; jv 147, 198, 264; w90 11/1 11; w87 6/15 19; g87 6/8 25; w86 5/15 14
1963, Babylon the Great: kr 54, 56; jv 147-148
Revelation: w95 5/15 21; jv 148
1965, earthly resurrection: w86 5/15 14
1966, denarius paid to vineyard workers (Mt 20): w07 5/1 30
1969, great tribulation: w99 5/1 16; w94 2/15 17-18
Revelation: w95 5/15 21; jv 148
1971, elder arrangement: w95 5/15 22; jv 106, 233
Governing Body: jv 106-107, 233-234; w90 3/15 18
1972, appointment of elders and ministerial servants: w06 5/15 24
Jehovah’s great spiritual temple: w10 7/15 22; w00 3/15 13-14
1973, use of tobacco: kr 112; w06 2/15 30; yb97 136-137; w95 2/1 16-17; w95 5/15 23; jv 181
1976, employment involving gambling: w95 5/15 23; jv 180
1979, “keys of the kingdom” (Mt 16:19): w95 5/15 24
1983, use of firearms: w06 2/15 30
1984, sheepfolds of “fine shepherd” (Joh 10): w95 5/15 24
1985, “other sheep” declared righteous as friends of God: w06 2/15 30; w95 7/1 15
1986, “great crowd” figuratively partake of Jesus’ flesh and blood (Joh 6:51-56): w87 6/15 19; w86 2/15 15-20, 30-31
“ten virgins” (Mt 25): ws 38-44, 46-55
1987, Christian Jubilee: w06 2/15 30; w95 5/15 24; w87 1/1 19-28, 30; w87 4/15 30
Declaration Pledging Faithfulness: w87 2/15 31
1988, 144,000 sing new song before 24 elders (Re 14:3): re 200-201
approved associates: w88 11/15 10-15, 17
figurative heart: it-1 1057-1058
no resurrection for dead in Sodom and Gomorrah: w88 6/1 30-31
parents may study with disfellowshipped minor child: w88 11/15 20
Revelation: w95 5/15 21; jv 148
unbaptized publishers: w89 2/15 29; w88 11/15 16-20
1991, meaning of Proverbs 27:23: w91 8/1 31
1992, Nethinim and sons of the servants of Solomon after exile: w92 4/15 12-17, 31
1993, kings of north and south during time of the end (Da 11, 12): w93 11/1 13-23
start and end of 1,260 days (Re 11:3) and time, times, and a half (Da 7:25; 12:7): w94 8/1 31; w93 11/1 9-10
1994, tribulation and celestial phenomena (Mt 24:29-31; Mr 13:24-27; Lu 21:25-28): w94 2/15 16-21
1995, “sheep” and “goats” (Mt 25): w13 7/15 6; w06 2/15 30; w97 7/1 30-31; w95 10/15 18-28
“this generation” (Mt 24:34; Mr 13:30; Lu 21:32): w97 6/1 28; w95 11/1 10-21, 30-31
1996, acceptability of customary (tribal) marriage: g96 12/8 23
civilian service in lieu of military service: yb97 16; w96 5/1 19-20
“flesh” saved through “great tribulation” (Mt 24:22): w96 8/15 15-20
great tribulation “cut short” (Mt 24:22): w96 8/15 17-18
1997, transfiguration vision (Mt 17; Mr 9; Lu 9): w97 5/15 9-14
1998, duration of new covenant (Heb 13:20): w98 2/1 22-23
Ezekiel’s vision of restored temple and land (Eze 40-48): w06 2/15 30; w00 3/15 13-14; w99 1/15 9; w99 3/1 8-23
nations blessed through Abraham’s seed (Ge 22:18): w98 2/1 14-15
1999, ‘disgusting thing standing in a holy place’ (Mt 24:15; Mr 13:14): w06 2/15 30; w99 5/1 15-20
2000, blood fractions: w00 6/15 29-31
use of one’s own blood: w00 10/15 30-31; w00 12/15 30
2001, “divorce certificate” for Judah (Isa 50:1): ip-2 152-153
‘doves to birdhouse holes’ (Isa 60:8, 9): w02 7/1 12-13; ip-2 308-309
worshipping Jehovah “with spirit” (Joh 4:24): w06 2/15 30; w02 7/15 15; w01 9/15 28
2002, courtyard in which “great crowd” serve (Re 7:15): w02 5/1 30-31
2003, meaning of baptism of Jewish believers at Pentecost 33 C.E.: w03 5/15 30-31
why some early Christians observed features of the Law: w03 3/15 23-25
2007, start of heavenly resurrection: w07 1/1 27-30
when calling to heavenly hope ceases: w07 5/1 30-31; w07 8/15 19
2008, illustration of dragnet (Mt 13): w08 7/15 20-21
illustration of leaven hidden in flour (Mt 13; Lu 13): w08 7/15 19-21
illustration of man casting seed (Mr 4:26-29): w08 7/15 14-16
illustration of mustard grain (Mt 13; Mr 4; Lu 13): w08 7/15 17-19, 21
Mary’s pain during Jesus’ birth: w08 10/1 23
“this generation” (Mt 24:34; Mr 13:30; Lu 21:32): w10 4/15 10-11; w08 2/15 23-24; w08 4/15 29
2009, “all creation that is under heaven” (Col 1:23): bt 217
head covering for female interpreters for the deaf at meetings: w09 11/15 12-13
resurrection hope for baby dying in womb: w09 4/15 12-13
2010, illustration of wheat and weeds (sowing of seed) (Mt 13:24, 38): w10 3/15 20
illustration of wheat and weeds (wheat brought into storehouse) (Mt 13:30): w10 3/15 22
2011, entering Jehovah’s rest (Heb 4): w11 7/15 24-28
feet of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream image (Da 2): kr 177; w12 6/15 15-16, 19
Jesus “a corresponding ransom” (1Ti 2:6): w11 6/15 13; w11 8/15 32
olive tree (Ro 11): w11 5/15 23-25
Peter in Rome: w11 8/1 25
2012, “all these kingdoms” (Da 2:44): w12 6/15 17
Mordecai and Esther “divide spoil” in fulfillment of Genesis 49:27: ia 142; w12 1/1 29
ruin caused by “king fierce in countenance” (Da 8:23, 24): w12 6/15 16
toes of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream image (Da 2): w12 6/15 16
when seventh world power emerged: w12 6/15 15, 19
2013, anointed not to survive Armageddon on earth: w13 7/15 5
‘Assyrian invades our land’ (Mic 5:5): w13 11/15 20
chosen ones gathered (Mt 24:31; Mr 13:27): w13 7/15 5
“evil slave” (Mt 24:48-51): w13 7/15 24
“faithful and discreet slave” (Mt 24:45-47): w13 7/15 8, 20-25
great tribulation: w13 7/15 3-8
illustration of wheat and weeds (Mt 13): w13 7/15 13-14
Jesus comes, arrives (Mt 24, 25): w13 7/15 7-8, 24
Jesus inspects spiritual temple 1914-1919 (Mal 3:1-4): w13 7/15 11-12
meaning of name Jehovah: nwt 1735
2014, appointment of elders and ministerial servants: w14 11/15 28-29
basis first-century Jews had for being “in expectation” of Messiah (Lu 3:15): w14 2/15 26-27; w14 6/15 22
duration of cleansing of spiritual temple (Mal 3:1-4): w14 11/15 30
marriage in resurrection (Lu 20:34-36): w14 8/15 29-30
“solid foundation of God” (2Ti 2:19): w14 7/15 8-9, 13
two witnesses (Re 11): w14 11/15 30
2015, Gog of Magog (Eze 38, 39): w15 5/15 29-30
head covering for sister conducting Bible study: w15 2/15 30
illustration of talents (Mt 25): w15 3/15 20-24
illustration of ten virgins (Mt 25): w15 3/15 13-16
paradise Paul saw in vision (2Co 12:1-4): w15 7/15 8-9
types and antitypes: w15 3/15 9-11, 17-18; w15 6/15 32
 

 

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However, it may have seemed to some as though that path has not always gone straight forward. At times explanations given by Jehovah's visible organization have shown adjustments, seemingly to previous points of view. But this has not actually been the case. This might be compared to what is known in navigational circles as 'tacking.' By maneuvering the sails the sailors can cause a ship to go from right to left, back and forth, but all the time making progress toward their destination in spite of contrary winds.. No matter where we may live on earth, God's Word continues to serve as a light to our path and a lamp to our roadway as to our conduct and beliefs. (Ps. 119:105) But Jehovah God has also provided his visible organization, his 'faithful and discreet slave,' made up of spirit anointed ones, to help Christians in all nations to understand and apply properly the Bible in their lives. Unless we are in touch with this channel of communication that God is using, we will not progress along the road to life, no matter how much Bible reading we do. - WT Dec 1 1981 p.27

 

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On 3/23/2016 at 0:29 PM, Mr_VHC@WNF said:

this Wikipedia list differs in many parts from our list on the WT Library CDRom

The WT Library CD-ROM list is not intended to be a comprehensive list of doctrinal changes. It's from the "Index of Watch Tower Publications" (since 1985), and its purpose is to show which particular changes happened to be mentioned in print after 1985. Notice that about 110 years of Watch Tower publications (references from 1875-1985) are missing from that list. There was another such list made in the 1935-1985 Index, but again this was not comprehensive, and was intended to mention only the changes that had come up for discussion (in print) during that same period. Also, there were several changes to doctrines made that were not referenced specifically as a change which usually meant that the Index had no reason to mention them.

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Thanks. It wasn't meant to be an argument. Just to show there was a list on the WT Library CD/ DVD. Also notice the differences in dates when changes are said to occur. I found it interesting that the Wikipedia quote above also contains references from Raymond Frans.

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8 hours ago, Matthew9969 said:

why the need to keep a strict chronological timeline of the doctrinal changes of the watchtower?

For many of us it is a fascinating area of interest.

8 hours ago, Matthew9969 said:

Since the Governing body is the faithful and discreet slave, and Gods mouthpiece, is their spiritual ear hard of hearing, or is Jehovah changing doctrine?

Here are some suggestions. Maybe you can think of more:

  • Jehovah through Jesus the Head of the Congregation corrects them
  • they get things wrong so correct them 
  • they get things wrong again so correct them again 
  • times change
  • prophecy is fulfilled
  • the world scene changes
  • scientific advancements are made
  • standards of morality deteriorate
  • understanding improves
  • ability to explain improves 
  • understanding of Bible languages improves
  • evidence is unearthed
  • etc. etc. etc. etc. 
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37 minutes ago, Gone Fishing said:

Here are some suggestions. Maybe you can think of more:

  • Jehovah through Jesus the Head of the Congregation corrects them
  • they get things wrong so correct them 
  • they get things wrong again so correct them again 
  • times change
  • prophecy is fulfilled
  • the world scene changes
  • scientific advancements are made
  • standards of morality deteriorate
  • understanding improves
  • ability to explain improves 
  • understanding of Bible languages improves
  • evidence is unearthed
  • etc. etc. etc. etc. 

Sounds like the normal pattern of progress and development such as is made in technology, medicine, science etc...and everything else through the passage of time and history. Such is the limitation of man. So I don’t understand when it comes to spiritual knowledge and understanding, some expect we should comprehend everything suddenly and from day one. And what day would that be? Maybe they can tell us.

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5 hours ago, Gone Fishing said:

For many of us it is a fascinating area of interest.

Here are some suggestions. Maybe you can think of more:

  • Jehovah through Jesus the Head of the Congregation corrects them
  • they get things wrong so correct them 
  • they get things wrong again so correct them again 
  • times change
  • prophecy is fulfilled
  • the world scene changes
  • scientific advancements are made
  • standards of morality deteriorate
  • understanding improves
  • ability to explain improves 
  • understanding of Bible languages improves
  • evidence is unearthed
  • etc. etc. etc. etc. 

Fair enough, I can see that, as long as it can be backed up biblicaly. No need to delve into it, but one example that consfuses me and others is the overlapping generations theory, which definatley could be a whole thread itself.

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