Quoting form author Kenneth Rawson, in his book, Pastor Russell the Founder of the Bible Students, not the Jehovah’s Witnesses (2nd Edition), we read the following:
With all the Internet exchange of information, Jehovah’s Witnesses are beginning to realize that the image of Judge Rutherford is a liability and they are out to minimize his stature and fictionalize a relationship between Pastor Russell and Jehovah’s Witnesses that never existed.
Additionally, there are thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses and ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses who are dissatisfied with the current operation of the Watch Tower and the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Unfortunately, many have become mentally depressed.
Both my parents were Bible Students before Judge Rutherford gained control of the Watch Tower. From a young age I have vivid memories of discussions my parents had with other Bible Students from Pastor Russell’s day concerning the takeover of the Watch Tower by Judge Rutherford and the direction he pursued.
Also, my situation in the Bible Student movement during the 1940s through the 1960s enabled me to have discussions with more close associates of Pastor Russell than other Bible Students. This history has been invaluable to me.
I learned from these associates of Pastor Russell that in 1926 Judge Rutherford discarded the basic Scriptural teaching of character development. Galatians 5:18-25 and 2 Peter 1:4-11. He said we are characters and can’t change. They felt this was to justify some of his questionable actions. Actually, this was the beginning of the end of many Bible Students’ relationship to the Watch Tower. Why?
Pastor Russell’s Bible Students cherished the teaching of character development. They believed that the 144,000 were to share with Jesus in the Kingdom, as sympathetic priests (1 Peter 2:9) who would nurture, develop in love and judge the world of mankind. To qualify for this work they must now develop the character likeness of the Heavenly Father. 2 Corinthians 3:18.
The writer published some of this material in the 1950s, 1970s and most of it in the 1990s, but the need is now greater than ever. The information goes forth with the prayer that by our Heavenly Father’s grace it will give Scriptural direction to those who love Jehovah.
To read more, click on this link: C.T. Russell Not Founder of JWs
I have been reading all this as now it has all become confusing . So many doctrines have changed , as well as so many people . Much of this religion has put such a strain on my family that many have left it . There are so many things happening in the congegations , that its pointless in even asking an elder to help . So many have hidden behind the teachings yet do the opposite . My Mother whom was a witness destroyed our whole family yet many condoned what she was doing . After her death the worst was brought about by my brother and his wife , never in all the years of their up bringing in this religion would have I seen such horrible treatment of dis honesty . No wonder from the examples of family being true Christians would I have ever thought this would happen . I cant wait till this system ends , the truth shall be known and those punished for what they have done to other’s .
Golden Eagle,
I’m so sorry to hear about your family. So many have been damaged by the high control religion. I left the JWs when I was 26 (now I’m 31). I didnt leave due to wanting to be an apostate or immoral. I found the Bible Students after I read CT Russell’s “Divine Plan of the Ages.” It opened my eyes to how much the current Watch Tower Society has become like the church systems they tear down. I have learned that every single man, woman and child that has ever existed will come back from the grave and have an opportunity to learn the truth. That being in an organization is not what Jehovah designed. That God is only calling the Bride Class to reign in heaven with his Son. That, yes that there will be an earthly class but Jesus never promised earthly hopes to his followers. He came to call the Bride. Thats purely a 1935 invention to Rutherford. That Israel still has a place in Gods plan which is why they became a nation. The original Watchtower was a publishing house. Russell never believed in obedience to an organization. In fact he warned against organization. Each congregation (ecclesia) is autonomous. We don’t have a president or headquarters or governing body. Each ecclesia runs itself. We all come together and study and exchange ideas based on the scriptures.
Brother God has a plan for ALL mankind. Not just those who accept before Armageddon. If you’d like I can send you the booklet. Its CT Russell’s book in a condensed form. That and I can send both condensed and full version. God had a plan for all of mankind. He is so much greater that the WT makes him out to be. I don’t want to tear down my JW friends but I cannot approve of what the society has become after the death of Russell. Ask any questions you want. My email is “Johnsc11 at AOL dot com.” Sorry it doesnt allow me to post an email.