Chris Barhorst shows that the Watchtower Bible And Tract Society does a lot
of flip-flopping on materials they claim came directly from God.
May God bless,
Carl
my website -- http://www.nettally.com/saints/
my blog -- http://www.anniemayhem.com/cgi-bin/wordpress/
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Light, New Light, Old Light
by Chris Barhorst
Sidney, OH
In discussing doctrine with a Jehovah's Witness, it is highly probable the
terms "Old Light" and "New Light" will be brought up. This is especially
true when discussing failed prophecies or doctrinal changes made by the
Watchtower Society.
This concept is based on Proverbs 4:18 which states, "But the path of the
righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and
lighter
until the day is firmly established," (NEW WORLD TRANSLATION, Watchtower
Society).
The Watchtower Society sets forth the idea, that as time goes on, the
light,
or understanding of Scripture, gets brighter or clearer.
Thus, when prophecies fail, or doctrinal changes are made, the Society
simply excuses it away as New Light. But is New Light always new?
The history of Jehovah's Witness theological flip-flopping with reference
to
Romans 13 is an outstanding example of one way in which the Watchtower
perpetuates fraud against their own people.
In discussing the superior authorities of Romans Chapter 13, under the
heading, "Identifying the Superior Authorities," the "Watchtower" magazine
stated, "For some years, until 1962, Jehovah's Witnesses held that the
superior authorities were Jehovah God and Christ Jesus.
"However, in line with Proverbs 4:18 light increased, and this view was
adjusted which may raise questions in the minds of some. Are we now
correct
in saying that these authorities are the kings, presidents, prime
ministers,
mayors, magistrates, and others who wield secular, political power in the
world and that we owe them subjection in a relative way?" (1 November
1990,
p.11).
The next paragraph answers the question when it states, "Irenaues himself,
though, viewed the superior authorities as 'actual human authorities.'
The
context of Paul's words show that Irenaeus was correct," (Ibid).
Notice the phrase "until 1962." This leaves the impression that up until
1962 the Society had taught exclusively the doctrine that the superior
authorities of Romans Chapter 13 were Jehovah God and Christ Jesus with
the
one change occurring in 1962, in view of the New Light.
However, a review of Watchtower history reveals that the so-called New
Light
which broke forth in 1962, was not so new after all. "In 1929 the clear
light broke forth. That year the Watchtower published the Scriptural
exposition of Romans Chapter 13. It showed Jehovah God and Christ Jesus,
rather than worldly rulers and governors, are 'The Higher Power' and that
Christian souls must 'obey God rather than men...'" (THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE
YOU FREE, p.312).
Previous to the clear light of 1929, the current view of the superior
authorities (of Romans 13) was held. (See STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, Vol.
1, p.266).
Hence, the original interpretation of Romans 13 held that the superior
authorities were human rulers. Then in 1929, New Light was given which
explained the superior authorities were actually Jehovah and Jesus.
Finally, in 1962, more New Light (or perhaps a resurgence of Old Light)
broke forth to show the superior authorities to be, in actuality, human
rulers! In revealing this change in doctrine, the Watchtower Organization
seems reluctant to reveal all of its history.
Is the Watchtower Society really bringing forth "New Light" or is someone
at
the Watchtower simply playing with the light switch?
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