Are the Watchtower's predictions "hollow?"

Sometimes I wonder if the Governing Body remembers their own history.  But then again, i've come to expect them to be less than honest, which is quite unfortunate.  Though there might be some who would love nothing more than to have a "gotcha" moment in pointing out yet another less-than-honest statement by the Governing Body, I would much rather them demonstrate some humility.

Given the recent false prediction by Harold Camping, I was actually hoping the Governing Body would leave this one alone.  Otherwise, it would not be the first time they have applied a double standard in accusing others of making false predictions that didn't come to pass.

However, in the February 1, 2011 Watchtower on p. 25, the leaders in Brooklyn had this to say,

First of all, this statement is not completely accurate regarding Camping's prediction.  Like the Watchtower's pre-1914 predictions, Camping's was based upon his faulty interpretation of the Scriptures.  And as far as I know, Camping didn't claim any type of non-biblical divine revelation that God had personally given to him.  In fact, any claims to authority Camping would have made could only pale in comparison to what the Watchtower had and continues to claim for themselves.  The point is, the reader of the Watchtower may have gotten the impression that Camping just made up everything or had some type of inspired revelation from God.

Second, the prediction made by Camping is described as "hollow."  I agree.  The problem is, where did the Watchtower ever describe their own predictions in this manner?  At the very least, did the Watchtower ever apologize for their false predictions which resulted in a severe disappointment for many?  Consider only a few,

“The year 1925 is a date definitely and clearly marked in the Scriptures, even more clearly than that of 1914.” –The Watchtower July 15, 1924 p. 211

“Therefore we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old, particularly those named by the Apostle in Hebrews chapter eleven, to the condition of human perfection.” –Millions Now Living will Never Die  1920, p. 90 

If you are a young person, you also need to face the fact that you will never grow old in this present system of things. Why not? Because all the evidence in fulfillment of Bible prophecy indicates that this corrupt system is due to end in a few years. -Awake! 1969 5/22 p. 15

Shortly, within our twentieth century, the “battle in the day of Jehovah” will begin against the modern antitype of Jerusalem, Christendom. -The Nations Shall Know that I am Jehovah p. 216

The purpose of Awake! is stated clearly on page 4 of each issue: “This magazine builds confidence in the Creator’s promise of a peaceful and secure new world before the generation that saw the events of 1914 passes away.” Certainly such a magazine deserves as wide a distribution as possible in our house-to-house ministry! -Kingdom Ministry 10/93 p. 8

Could these false predictions be described as anything short of "hollow?"  If so, then where were they ever appropriately described as such?  If they weren't, then would such neglect be what one would expect from "God's organization?"

This is information that I would encourage some to share with their JW friends and family.  Do so with caution, humility, and love.  But never do so at the expense of the gospel and pointing to Christ as "the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6)  Remember, your goal is not to create an ex-JW, but a Christ follower.

What was expected to happen in 1914?

*** w89 4/15 pp. 6-7 par. 8 The Infamous Harlot—Her Fall ***

⁸ For some 40 years the Bible Students boldly proclaimed that the year 1914 would mark the end of the Gentile Times. As expected, that year brought world-shaking events, not the least of these being the first world war. 

One has to wonder how the Watchtower can portray their own history in this light.  But then again, many JW's and non-JW's reading the literature may be unaware of its history of failed predictions.  Therefore, such ones would see no reason to question these commendations.

However, when one considers the nature of the actual predictions made pre-1914, it would be difficult to deny that such words are not an accurate portrayal.  Some may even conclude that such a misrepresentation of pre-1914 predictions are nothing short of dishonest.

Compare the above quotation to what was really said about 1914:

“The date of the close of that ‘battle’ is definitely marked in Scripture as October, 1914.  It is already in progress, its beginning dating from October, 1874.” –Zion’s Watch Tower Jan. 15, 1892 p. 22 

“We see no reason for changing the figures—nor could we change them if we would.  They are, we believe, God’s dates, not ours.  But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble.  We see no reason for changing from our opinion expressed in the View presented in the Watch Tower of Jan. 15, ’92.  We advise that it be read again.” –Zion’s Watch Tower, July 15, 1894 p. 226 

“True, it is expecting great things to claim, as we do, that within the coming twenty-six years all present governments will be overthrown and dissolved…In view of this strong Bible evidence concerning the Times of the Gentiles, we consider it an established truth that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the Kingdom of God, will be accomplished at the end of A.D. 1914.” –The Time is at Hand (1908 ed.) p. 99 

“Be not surprised, then, when in subsequent chapters we present proofs that the setting up of the Kingdom of God is already begun, that it is pointed out in prophecy as due to begin the exercise of power in A.D. 1878, and that due ‘battle of the great day of God Almighty’ (Rev. 16:14), which will end in A.D. 1914 with the complete overthrow of earth’s present rulership, is already commenced.” –Time is at Hand (1911 ed.) p. 101

It should be readily obvious to anyone that there was more going on than predictions merely about "world shaking events" and the "end of the gentile times."  Thus, what happened in 1914 was not expected, contrary to what the Watchtower would have us believe according to the above quotation.  On the contrary, what was expected was "the complete overthrow of earth's present rulership." 

Silly me...it was a "spiritual" meaning!

According to THIS, Camping has now explained what really happened on May 21.  But just in case you don't want to give Camping any more attention than he deserves by reading the report, allow me to translate his excuse:

When your doomsday end-of-the-world prediction doesn't come to pass; give it a "spiritual" meaning instead.  


Where have we heard THAT EXCUSE before?


(ht: EYE ON APOLOGETICS)

A picture is worth a thousand words...but added interpretations can be helpful

For those unfamiliar with the significance of this, allow me to briefly summarize.  The prediction made by the Watchtower was this:

*** w84 5/15 pp. 6-7 1914—The Generation That Will Not Pass Away ***

From a purely human viewpoint, it could appear that these developments could hardly take place before the generation of 1914 disappears from the scene. But fulfillment of all the foretold events affecting the generation of 1914 does not depend on comparatively slow human action. Jehovah’s prophetic word through Christ Jesus is: “This generation [of 1914] will by no means pass away until all things occur.” (Luke 21:32) And Jehovah, who is the source of inspired and unfailing prophecy, will bring about the fulfillment of his Son’s words in a relatively short time.—Isaiah 46:9, 10; 55:10, 11.

 Are these just words of men; mere opinions or interpretations of Scripture? Are we obliged to believe them?

***w31 11/1 p.  327 Taught of God***

The Watchtower recognizes the truth as belonging to Jehovah, and not to any creature. The Watchtower is not the instrument of any man or set of men, nor is it published according to the whims of men. No man’s opinion is expressed in The Watchtower.

*** w10 9/15 p. 13 par. 8 Unity Identifies True Worship ***

⁸ Similarly today, a Governing Body composed of spirit-anointed Christians contributes to the unity of the worldwide congregation. The Governing Body publishes spiritually encouraging literature in many languages. This spiritual food is based on God’s Word. Thus, what is taught is not from men but from Jehovah.—Isa. 54:13.

*** w10 9/15 p. 23 par. 8 “Your Leader Is One, the Christ” ***

In this time of the end, Christ has committed “all his belongings”—all the earthly interests of the Kingdom—to his “faithful and discreet slave” and its representative Governing Body, a group of anointed Christian men. (Matt. 24:45-47) The anointed and their other sheep companions recognize that by following the lead of the modern-day Governing Body, they are in fact following their Leader, Christ.

Did the prediction come to pass? To see for yourself, read the column on the right side of the magazine cover.  If you claim to be a follower of Christ, would you view the organization responsible for publishing this magazine worthy of the above claims?  Or should they be regarded as follows;

(Matthew 7:15) ¹⁵ “Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to YOU in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. 

(ht: FREE MINDS)

Watchtower date-setting: false prophecies or mere misinterpretations?

Jehovah's Witnesses and Deuteronomy 18:20-22

Question for Jehovah's Witnesses: how are we to "review the record?"

Pat Robertson's "prophecy" for 2009

Yeah, I just have to include this at the beginning of each year because it reminds me of how far the church has strayed from true biblical discernment. It just amazes me how this man has any credibility left, after one failed prediction after another. Yet, you can see in this video how intently people are listening to Robertson, as if he really is a prophet of God. Just a few things I wanted to note:

1) Apparently, there must have been some new manuscript discoveries that prove that Matthew 7:15 wasn't part of the original text.

2) Apparently, the biblical requirements for prophets don't include certainty as to whether or not they are really "hearing from the Lord." I wonder if Isaiah ever said something along the lines of, "well, I really hope I am hearing correctly from the Lord. If not, then it'll be my fault rather than His."

3) It seems as if Robertson's predictions are simply the opposite of what the experts say.

4) I feel sorry for everyone who actually listens to Robertson and has high hopes for his "predictions" and becomes disappointed when they don't come true.

Anyway, here's Robertson's "prophecy" for 2009:

A study in Scriptural and logical gymnastics

If you would like to study the art of Scriptural and logical gymnastics, then look no further. Me and Tom "SheepandGoats", one of Jehovah's Witnesses, once had an exchange that lasted a few emails before he realized that i'm a terrible, mean, horrible, nasty person that just likes to argue, therefore having no further interaction with me. But all I can do now is pray for his salvation and point out his erroneous ways in hopes that someone else will set him straight.

In his post, Tom uses the classic "they aren't false prophecies because they were simply misinterpreting Scripture." Yeah, so as long as Benny Hinn cites a Scripture backing for his next outrageous prophetic, "word from the lord," then he's off the hook? Works great doesn't it? I can see it now, back in the days of Moses; they were about to stone him for uttering a false prediction in "the name of Jehovah" and he cries, "wait...wait!!! I forgot to mention that I based my prediction on Scripture!"

"well, why didn't you say so?" exclaims Moses. "All right guys, throw down your rocks. Sorry about the misunderstanding! For a second there I thought you were simply speaking your own dreams and guesses! Didn't know you were just misinterpreting the Scriptures!"

One reason why Joel Osteen shouldn't be behind the pulpit

This is a short portion of an interview held on December 23 on Fox News Sunday with Christ Wallace. Since Mit Romney and Mormonism is a hot political topic today, Wallace obviously felt it appropriate to ask the pastor of America's largest church and best selling author, Joel Osteen, what he thought about Mit Romney and Mormonism.

WALLACE: And what about Mitt Romney? And I've got to ask you the question,
because it is a question whether it should be or not in this campaign, is a
Mormon a true Christian?

OSTEEN: Well, in my mind they are. Mitt Romney has said that he believes in Christ as his savior, and that's what I believe, so, you know, I'm not the one to judge the little details of it. So I believe they are. And so, you know, Mitt Romney seems like a man of character and integrity to me, and I don't think he would — anything would stop me from voting for him if that's what I felt like.

WALLACE: So, for instance, when people start talking about Joseph Smith, the founder of the church, and the golden tablets in upstate New York, and God assumes the shape of a man, do you not get hung up in those theological issues?

OSTEEN: I probably don't get hung up in them because I haven't really studied them or thought about them. And you know, I just try to let God be the judge of that. I mean, I don't know. I certainly can't say that I agree with everything that I've heard about it, but from what I've heard from Mitt, when he says that Christ is his savior, to me that's a common bond.

Ok. Either Joel Osteen is completely ignorant of Mormonism (which is very likely), or he is deliberately ignoring the clear distinctions between Mormons and Christians. Look, if you head the largest church in America, wouldn't it behoove you to know just a little about other faiths? And if you didn't, then why don't you say, "I'm not really sure. I haven't studied it thoroughly enough to really give a good response."

But because Osteen was on National Television, he is clearly responsible for everything he says. And to say that he has a "common bond" with Romney in that Christ is his savior is to completely ignore and misrepresent the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. In Mormonism, Jesus is the spirit brother of Lucifer (thats right, the devil) and the literally begotten son of God the Father. This is a completely different Jesus! What's even more incredible is that Mormonism has a completely different God. According to LDS theology, God was once a man who lived on another planet and had a God as we do. Again, a completely different God!

Such ignorance is unacceptable by men like Osteen. I'm no expert on Mormonism, but if I were going to make any statements about it on national television, i'd better have my facts straight!

Oh, and here's a little fun to lighten your mood in case you are as livid as I am:

What is a false prophet?

Deuteronomy 18:20-22 says,

"But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die. You may say in your heart, 'How will we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?' When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him."

Is it not true that, from this passage, if someone predicts a specific event for a particular year and that it does not come to pass, then is that person a false prophet?

In light of this, read the following quotes and tell me if you think that the one speaking them is a false prophet:

"Our Lord, the appointed King, is now present, since October 1874, A.D., according to the testimony of the prophets."

"Surely there is not the slightest room for doubt in the mind of a truly consecrated child of God that the Lord Jesus is present and has been since 1874."

"The battle of the great day of God Almighty (Rev. 16:14), which will end in A.D. 1914 with the complete overthrow of earth's present rulership, is already commenced."

"The date of the close of that 'battle' is definitely marked in Scripture as October 1914. It is already in progress, its beginning dating from October 1874."

"We see no reason for changing the figures; nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the 'beginning', but for the 'end' of the time of trouble. We see no reason for changing from our opinion expressed in the View presented in the...in Jan. 15, 1892. We advise that it be read again."

At this point I don't want to mention who these quotes are from. I just want the reader to think and decide if the one speaking them would be considered a false prophet or not in light of Deut. 18:20-22? Your thoughts?

2007 + Pat Robertson = False Prophecies!!

The new year is always a wonderful time for all of us. It gives us a chance to set new goals, resolutions, or even to start over in life. Yes, these are good times. But what would the new year be like without a new prophecy from Pat Robertson? This really should not be a laughing matter, but time after time Mr. Robertson has embarrased not only himself, but his ministry and cause for Christ. And because of his rather ugly track record of false prophecies, it is difficult to view his newest prophecy as anything short of laughable.

According to this article, God told Pat Robertson that at the end of 2007, there will be "a horrific terrorist act on the United States that will result in 'mass killing.'" Ironically, Pat Robertson isn't exactly sure what kind of attack this might be. "The Lord didn't say nuclear. But I do believe it will be something like that," he claims. The attack is going to be so horrific that many major cities, including the possibility of millions of lives, will be affected by the attack.

There are a few observations i'd like to make in light of Pat Robertson's "prophecy":

1) Pat heard this from God. But Pat isn't sure if its going to be nuclear. Now, if I recall correctly, pretty much every prophecy uttered in the Old Testament said specifically what would happen to Israel if they didn't repent. Is God having a hard time speaking or is Pat Robertson having a hard time hearing? Or might there be another possibility? *

2) Pat brags about being God's spokesman all the time, yet he "puts these things out with humility" in regards to a possible nuclear attack that will possibly jeopardize millions of lives.

3) "I have a relatively good track record," he said. "Sometimes I miss." Is that God's fault or Pat's? Can Pat point us to any New or Old Testament prophet who uttered even one false prophecy? Or in other words, can true prophets err?

4) Pat Robertson has never read Deuteronomy 18:20 or Revelation 22:18-19.



*Perhaps God didn't reveal anything to Pat? Maybe God's revelation really is complete and sufficient, equipping the man of God with everything he needs to live his life (2 Tim. 3:16)?