(from J)

Nice job Dave.

The wrong turn began when Russell collaborated with Nelson Barbour in the 1877 book, "The Three Worlds". It introduced the idea of "present truth" through a select channel. Exclusive "present light".

Russell in his writings kept using the expression "meat in due season" (through his pen). This implied a select "channel" chosen by Christ to interpret what Russell repeatedly labeled "present truth", as if the truth changes and is in addition to what the bible says, and the good news already preached in the 1st Century.

The idea was that since it was 'the due time', there would be 'new light.'

Rutherford took that lead, but introduced the idea of "God's organization". (Which he was directing as the very commands and voice of "Jehovah.") He maintained that by not listening to him, and not accepting his (bizarre) teachings, one was disobeying God. In effect: Rutherford = Jehovah and Jehovah = Rutherford.

This is why the term used today: Organization (GB) direction = "Jehovah's direction". Acts in support of the organization = "Jehovah's worship". Leaving the GB = "leaving Jehovah".

The false premise of a special "channel" saturates all the Watchtower writings. The members are unable to separate or make a distinction between direction from the Bible, and direction from the organization. They are one and the same thing.

John 14:6 is ignored. (they will add the GB between Christ and man, and more and more just skip the lip service to Jesus, and just blatantly put themselves as the one mediator ("channel"). )

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(from B)

Brilliant work all round.

So you take away Jesus Presence , you take away present truth and everything else WT swings off of that. 

I can't believe we fell for it for all those years. 

I had so many family and friends warn me back in 1993.

But I suppose I would have had no appreciation for spiritual things and got to where I am today if I hadn't experienced the last 30 years.

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