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)

"Keep on the Watch!"....by proclaiming false dates?

In this blog, i'd like to offer some commentary on a Watchtower article that explains their self-proclaimed "overeagerness" as it relates to the predicting of "the time of the end."  But more importantly, i'd like to display a balanced view of how followers of Christ should seek God's Kingdom as it relates to Christ parousia.

*** w84 12/1 p. 17 par. 12 Keep Ready! ***

When the enthroned Lord Jesus inspected his household in 1919, he found the group of Christians associated with the Watchtower magazine loyally striving to “keep on the watch” with the help of spiritual “food at the proper time.” Until this very day, that “slave” class has faithfully continued to provide spiritual food to enable the Master’s “domestics” and their companions to “keep looking, keep awake.”—Mark 13:33.

Here we have the Jehovah's Witnesses' claim to "faithfulness" to the exclusion of all other religious groups per Jesus' inspection in 1919.  This matter cannot be overstated given the fact that it is Jesus Christ himself who made the appointment, rather than a self-proclaimed appointment.  Though it is not my intent to be a "faultfinder," no one can be blamed for seeking to test this organization in light of its claims; especially when it is the claim of Jesus Christ himself!  The question is, has the Watchtower been faithful in producing "spiritual food" that passes the inspection of Jesus Christ?  I can only imagine the standards that the Son of God would implement in inspecting a particular religious group for faithfulness and dispensing "spiritual food at the proper time"; surely a stricter set of standards than what I could come up with!

*** w84 12/1 p. 18 par. 13 Keep Ready! ***

It is easy for the established churches of Christendom and other people to criticize Jehovah’s Witnesses because their publications have, at times, stated that certain things could take place on certain dates. But is not such line of action in harmony with Christ’s injunction to “keep on the watch”? (Mark 13:37)

This is an interesting claim, given the statements made just one sentence prior.  On one hand, they have the highest possible standard set for themselves with the divine approval of Jesus Christ.  But on the other hand, they can be excused for setting false dates?  While it is true that Jesus commanded His followers in the first century to "keep on the watch," is it also true that they set specific dates for "the time of the end?"  This is quite confusing because The Watchtower has, on several occasions, criticized others for doing precisely what they have commended themselves for doing:

*** g93 3/22 p. 3 Why So Many False Alarms? ***

THE story is told of a boy who watched the sheep of the villagers. To stir up a bit of excitement, one day he cried out, “Wolf! Wolf!” when there was no wolf. The villagers rushed out with clubs to drive off the wolf, only to find that there was none. It was such great fun that later on the boy repeated his cry. Again the villagers rushed out with their clubs, only to discover that it was another false alarm. After that a wolf did come, and the boy sounded the warning, “Wolf! Wolf!” but the villagers dismissed his cry as another false alarm. They had been fooled too often.

So it has become with those who proclaim the end of the world. Down through the centuries since Jesus’ day, so many unfulfilled predictions have been made that many no longer take them seriously.

***g68 10/8 p. 23 ‘A Time to ‘Lift up your head’ in confident hope”***

 True, there have been those in times past who predicted an “end to the world,” even announcing a specific date.  Some have gathered groups of people with them and fled to the hills or withdrawn into their houses waiting for the end.  Yet, nothing happened.  The “end” did not come.  They were guilty of false prophesying.  Why? What was missing? 

Missing was the full measure of evidence required in fulfillment of Bible prophecy.  Missing from such people were God’s truths and the evidence that he was guiding and using them. 

Is this a double standard that the Watchtower has set for themselves?  It would seem that when they proclaim a false date, it is to be commended for "keeping on the watch" in harmony with Christ's words.  But when someone else does it, they are "false prophets" that "no one should take seriously."

Since it is Jesus' words that should hold the most value to us as followers of Him, what does He say about those who predict things that don't come to pass?

“See to it that you are not misled; for many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not go after them.”(Luke 21:8)  

“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15) 

 If Jesus warns against those who claim that "the time is near," then how could it be that He appointed and approved of a group who not only presents a double standard, but has emphatically predicted the time to be near (with an exact date in mind) on more than one occasion?

*** w84 12/1 p. 18 par. 13 Keep Ready! ***

On the other hand, have Christendom’s churches encouraged Christian watchfulness by teaching that the Kingdom is “the ruling of God in our hearts”? Have they not, rather, encouraged spiritual sluggishness by considering expectation of “the end” to be “meaningless” or “an insignificant myth”? Have apostates who claim that “the last days” began at Pentecost and cover the entire Christian Era promoted Christian alertness? Have they not, rather, induced spiritual sleepiness?

Actually, a large portion of "Christendom" has held a much louder and more prominent voice in proclaiming "the end is near" than what Jehovah's Witnesses have done.  A sales count on books like The Late Great Planet Earth by Hal Lindsey and The Left Behind Series by Tim LaHaye proves just how widespread this is amongst Christendom.  Even in 1984 when this article was published, "Christendom" had already bought into the "end times" hysteria.  So who exactly is The Watchtower criticizing here?

*** w84 12/1 p. 18 par. 14 Keep Ready! ***

¹⁴ True, some expectations that appeared to be backed up by Bible chronology did not materialize at the anticipated time. But is it not far preferable to make some mistakes because of overeagerness to see God’s purposes accomplished than to be spiritually asleep as to the fulfillment of Bible prophecy? 

I'm not so sure about that.  The last time I checked, the Bible had some very stern words towards those who make false predictions in God's name that aren't said of those who are "spiritually asleep":

“‘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 YHWH has not spoken?’ “When a prophet speaks in the name of YHWH, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which YHWH has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.”(Deuteronomy 18:20–22) 

And just to clear up any doubt as to who these words could be qualified to:

*** rs p. 132 False Prophets ***

False Prophets

Definition: Individuals and organizations proclaiming messages that they attribute to a superhuman source but that do not originate with the true God and are not in harmony with his revealed will.

***w/30 5/15 p. 155***

 The difference between a true and false prophet is that the one is speaking the word of the Lord and the other is speaking his own dreams and guesses…The true prophet of God today will be telling forth what the Bible teaches, and those things that the Bible tells us are soon to come to pass.  He will not be sounding forth man-made theories or guesses, either his own or those of others…This text proves again that those men who foretell things out of harmony with the Bible statements are false prophets.  

In light of these claims, is the Watchtower being inconsistent when they claim the following:

1. Making false prediction where "certain things happened on certain dates" is "in line with Christ's injunction to 'keep on the watch'"

2. Those who "announce a specific date" of "the end of the world" that "did not come...are guilty of false prophecying."

To back up these claims, the Watchtower provides some biblical examples that are to serve as parallels to their setting dates:

*** w84 12/1 pp. 18-19 pars. 14-15 Keep Ready! ***

Did not Moses make a 40-year miscalculation in trying to act ahead of time to remove Israel’s affliction? (Genesis 15:13; Acts 7:6, 17, 23, 25, 30, 34) Were not Christ’s apostles overanxious to see the Kingdom established, not to speak of their complete misunderstanding as to what the Kingdom really is? (Acts 1:6; compare Luke 19:11; 24:21.) Were not the anointed Christians in Thessalonica impatient to see “the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ” and “the day of Jehovah”?—2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2.

¹⁵ There is nothing basically unscriptural in using chronology in efforts to learn “the appointed time” for the fulfillment of God’s purposes. (Habakkuk 2:3) Daniel calculated when Jerusalem’s devastation was due to end. (Daniel 9:1, 2) The first-century faithful Jewish remnant were in expectation of the coming of the Messiah because they calculated the end of a time, based on prophecy. (Daniel 9:25; Luke 3:15) Late 19th-century and early 20th-century Christians were enabled to live in expectation of God’s Kingdom rule well before 1914 because they calculated when “the appointed times of the nations” were due to end. (Luke 21:24; Daniel 4:16, 17) It was, therefore, understandable why efforts were made to use other Biblical time indications to try to find out when the long-awaited hopes might become a reality. Faithful servants of Jehovah in the past cried out: “How long, O Jehovah?”—Isaiah 6:11; Psalm 74:10; 94:3.

One is encouraged to look up each one of these biblical references and consider whether these are an accurate parallel to the "end of the world" predictions that the Watchtower has made as "God's channel of communication":

“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

“Also, in the year 1918, when God destroys the churches wholesale and the church member by millions, it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell to learn the meaning of the downfall of “Christianity.” –The Boiling Caldron p. 485

“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

 Hopefully one can see that there is a vast difference between the miscalculation of a chronology and predicting something in God's name that doesn't come to pass (Deut. 18:20-22).  Even the Watchtower's own writings reveal this.  But their statement, "There is nothing basically unscriptural in using chronology in efforts to learn 'the appointed time' for the fulfillment of God’s purposes" reveals ignorance on their part or an unwillingness to apply their own standards to themselves.  

*** w84 12/1 p. 19 pars. 16-18 Keep Ready! ***

¹⁶ Since Jesus clearly stated that no man could know “that day” or “the hour” when the Father will order his son to ‘come’ against Satan’s wicked system of things, some may ask: ‘Why is it so urgent to live in expectation of the end?’ It is urgent because practically in the same breath, Jesus added: “Keep looking, keep awake . . . keep on the watch.” (Mark 13:32-35) The “sign” of Jesus’ parousia has been in evidence since 1914. We now await “the sign of the Son of man,” when he ‘comes’ as Jehovah’s Executioner.

¹⁷ When Jesus gave the first-century Judean Christians a sign whereby they would know that the time had come to flee from Jerusalem, he insisted on the need to act immediately. (Luke 21:20-23) Why all the urgency, since nearly four years elapsed from the appearing of the sign in 66 C.E. and the actual destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E.? Because Jesus knew that if they delayed, they would keep putting off their flight and eventually be caught by the Roman armies.

¹⁸ Similarly today, it would be highly dangerous for Christians to rationalize about the urgency of our times and adopt a “cruising speed” attitude that reflects doubt about the nearness of the end.

Of course it would be unbiblical for Christians to adopt a "cruising speed" attitude towards the day when Christ will return.  The problem with the Watchtower is that they have adopted a completely unbalanced mindset towards end times chronologies and predictions to the point of rationalization, whereas the true follower of Christ lives each day with the realization that the end could come; not in overeagerness, but with balance.  Such swaying could lead to some very serious consequences that the Watchtower has yet to take responsibility of.  The word of the Lord Jesus are quite clear towards those who cause such stumbling:

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.” (Mark 9:42)

One who associates themselves with such an organization would do well to ask themselves who their loyalty is with; God or man?  I pray that if this question is something you are contemplating, then you will find what can only be found in the person of Jesus Christ:

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.” (Matthew 11:28–29)

John Piper, I just don't understand...

Perhaps my charismatic friends can help me understand this better, because I don't get it.  If I am having a small group study and someone says, "I have a word from the Lord for you..." then I can't take that to mean anything other than...a word from the Lord.  That is, if its really a word from God, then should I not get a bible with blank pages at the end and write these "words from the Lord" under the heading, "the 67th book of the Bible: New words from the Lord?"

It is either from God or it isn't.  Call it an "inlking, spiritual impression, vision" or whatever you want.  But if God is speaking, then God is speaking.  It is a "thus saith the Lord" and it should be taken as nothing other than this.  If its not this, then why not call it what it is?  "I really have something on my heart that i'd really like to share with you guys."  See?  Wasn't that easy?  The substance of the encouragement would be just the same and effective, without the qualifier "from the Lord."  And furthermore, the consequences are far less devastating if you turn out to be wrong. That is, what happens when you get really honest with yourself in deciding that this wasn't a "word from the Lord," but simply a product of your own God-given wisdom and discernment?

Watchtower date-setting: false prophecies or mere misinterpretations?

Jehovah's Witnesses and Deuteronomy 18:20-22