In 1881, Taze founded the Zion’s Watch Tower Tract Society in Pittsburgh, PA, a group that in 1931 would take on the name of The Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Jehovah’s Witnesses claim to be the only group to have truth revealed to them by Jehovah. In this case, why do they require ongoing changes in doctrine? Does truth really change?
constant changes in doctrine and failed predictions are a clear indication that Jehovah does not direct the Watchtower Society. For the external observer this is the logical conclusion, yet for one of Jehovah’s Witnesses it barely raises a grimace. How can this be? Because changes and failures are immediately dismissed in the mind of a Jehovah’s Witness by the thought stopping concept:
“The Bible tells us the light would get brighter”.
By twisting Proverbs 4:18, the Watchtower interprets the word “light” in Proverbs 4 as referring to Watchtower “doctrinal” understanding, yet this is simply done as justification for prior error.Addressing the flawed logic of this claim is required.The concept of light becoming brighter implies that previous doctrine was correct, but incomplete. The Watchtower Society has promoted many significant doctrines that were later discarded as incorrect. Others have changed back and forth, even reverting to their original position, in each case contradicting a former truth.
The main justification from the Watchtower for changed doctrine is Proverbs 4:18.
““The path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established,” states Proverbs 4:18. Yes, Jesus’ leadership is progressive, not stagnant. Another way to cooperate with Christ’s “brothers” is to have a positive attitude toward any refinements in our understanding of Scriptural truths as published by “the faithful and discreet slave.”” Watchtower 2011 May 15 p.27
“Regarding progressive spiritual enlightenment, Proverbs 4:18 has proved true. It says: “The path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established.” How thankful we are for the progressive spiritual enlightenment we have experienced!” Watchtower 2001 Jan 15 p.18
The Watchtower interprets the word “light” in Proverbs 4 as referring to Watchtower “doctrinal” understanding, yet this is simply done as justification for prior error. Aspects to consider are:
What is the intended meaning of Proverbs 4:18?
Is Watchtower doctrine getting brighter or changing?
Would Jehovah direct a religion to promote falsehood?
Actually, Proverbs 4;18 contrats between good and evil people. It was not intended to be prophetic indication that God gradually reveals truth to the Watchtower Society. Rather than extract a sentence, when taken in entirety the context of Proverbs chapter 4 is a comparison of behaviour between good and bad people, not the dispensing of doctrinal truth through an organization. From the outset, it can be seen that using this Scripture to discuss doctrinal errors and changes is without basis.
How many wrong teachings did God allow to become part of the Bible canon? Now compare that with how many wrong teachings are contained within the Watchtower over less then 150 years. Ongoing reversal of doctrine can only indicate God is not involved in these new flashes of light that later turn out to be falsehoods. Yet the Watchtower leadership claim these changes are from Jehovah, not to be questioned.
The Watchtower also justifies errors through comparison with the Apostles and the mistakes that they made.
“Like the apostles of Jesus Christ, they have at times had some wrong expectations.” Reasoning from the Scriptures p.136
This is a strawman argument, as it addresses an issue quite different to the one at hand.Rather than suggesting that Apostles made mistakes, consider “What percentage of the Apostles writings in the Bible are wrong?” Zero percent. “What percentage of Watchtower statements has been wrong?” The difference being, the Apostles were directed by God, the Governing Body is not.
Since the Watchtower Governing Body is unlike the Apostles and not directed by God when arriving at doctrine, they should not be followed blindly, without question.
Watchtower changes include numerous false dates, significant doctrine and the promotion of pagan symbols and teachings. Rules on shunning, medical advice and education have been adversely life changing, even life threatening. Falsehood does not originate from Jehovah. Doctrinal meandering cannot be justified as new light; rather it is proof that God does not direct the Watchtower Society.