Why We Are Not False Prophets

Comment by Andronicus on 2013-08-29 18:43:34

I mentioned in this part that a prophet is held accountable if he claims to be directly inspired by Jehovah, and what brother or group of brothers would be foolish enough to make this claim. I then said that what we're given in the Watchtower are very strong viewpoints and opinions, always subject to change, because those that write them are not directly inspired by God.

Comment by mdnwa on 2013-08-29 19:09:13

So many times in service or general conversations with non JW's Deuteronomy 18:21, 22 is brought up and I NEVER had a rebuttal. This is after I mentioned a example a brother at a public talk made about "drop of poison in a glass would you drink it" and it would then also get thrown back in my face saying doesn't this apply to us too. Suffice to say when in service I get the "tap out" on the knee from the elder to leave and then he would just explain they are apostates.

Comment by crazyguy on 2013-08-29 19:58:04

Tonight meeting has that part in it, and I should go and during that part laugh uncontrollably.

Comment by smolderingwick1 on 2013-08-29 21:48:45

Yes Meleti, Deuteronomy 18:21, 22 were precisely the verses that came to mind as I sat in silence during the meeting. What could anyone say without turning all eyes upon us? Notice that the scripture says "in case you should say in your heart: 'How shall we know the word that Jehovah has not spoken?'"
We need not ask it out loud, need we? Only to know in our heart that "when the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or come true, that is the word that Jehovah did not speak!" and "With presumptuousness the prophet spoke it!" What many will struggle with is the command to "not get frightened at him" since fear is what I see in the eyes of many who have not figured this out.

Comment by miken on 2013-08-30 07:05:32

For those who believe JW's never claimed to be God's prophet a few quotations:-
However note the Awake March 22, 1993 pp 3-4 quotation where apparently
Deuteronomy 18:21, 22 does not apply to the WT organization!!!
Likewise in heaven (1) Jehovah God originates his utterances; (2) then his official Word, or Spokesman—now known as Jesus Christ—often transmits the message; (3) God’s holy spirit, the active force that is used as the medium of communication, carries it earthward; (4) God’s prophet on earth receives the message; and (5) he then publishes it for the benefit of God’s people. Just as on occasion today a courier may be sent to deliver an important message, so Jehovah at times chose to use spirit messengers, or angels, to carry some communications from the heavens to his servants on the earth.
All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial page 9, para 16
30 Tenth, the congregation of Christ must today follow its first-century pattern by receiving progressive understandings of Bible prophecies which unfold further majestic purposes of the Living God and which new light of truth must be published impartially the world over by God’s prophetlike organization. Only the remnant of Jehovah’s anointed witnesses and their companions “do not treat prophesyings with contempt” but publish their fulfillments as they become clear, in their Bible publications.—1 Thess. 5:20; Rev. 11:3, 4, NW.
Wt May 15, 1955 page 315
13, Do all the clergy of Roman Catholicism and of Protestantism agree that Jehovah’s witnesses have been and are God’s prophet to the nations? but, Who discerned the divine will for Christians in this time of the world’s end and offered themselves to do it? Who have undertaken God’s foreordained work for this day of judgment of the nations? Who have answered the call to the work and have done it down till this year 1958? Whom has God actually used as his prophet?
14 By the historical facts of the case Christendom is beaten back in defeat. Jehovah’s witnesses are deeply grateful today that the plain facts show that God has been pleased to use them. All the preaching and all the Bible educational work that they have done till now in 175 countries and islands of the sea they confess has been, not by help of a military army, nor by human power, but by God’s spirit, his invisible active force. (Zech. 4:6, AV) It has been because Jehovah thrust out his hand of power and touched their lips and put his words in their mouths.
WT Jan 15, 1959 pp 40-41
22 As Jehovah revealed his truths by means of the first-century Christian congregation so he does today by means of the present-day Christian congregation. Through this agency he is having carried out prophesying on an intensified and unparalleled scale. All this activity is not an accident. Jehovah is the one behind all of it. The abundance of spiritual food and the amazing details of Jehovah’s purposes that have been revealed to Jehovah’s anointed witnesses are clear evidence that they are the ones mentioned by Jesus when he foretold a “faithful and discreet slave” class that would be used to dispense God’s progressive revelations in these last days. Of this class Jesus said: “Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings.”—Matt. 24:47.
WT June 15, 1964 page 365
33 Likewise it was a trying mission upon which the modern Ezekiel class was sent, to religious people of the same type as those in Ezekiel’s day. But regardless of how Christendom views or regards this group of anointed witnesses of Jehovah, the time must come, and that shortly, when those making up Christendom will know that really a “prophet” of Jehovah was among them.
The Nations Shall Know I Am Jehovah-How? page 70
This “prophet” was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah’s Christian witnesses. They are still proclaiming a warning, and have been joined and assisted in their commissioned work by hundreds of thousands of persons who have listened to their message with belief........
To Ezekiel, in his vision, and, symbolically to the modern-day “prophet,” the spirit-begotten, anointed ones who are the nucleus of Jehovah’s witnesses today, God gave something to eat.....
Yes, the time must come shortly that the nations will have to know that really a “prophet” of Jehovah was among them. Actually now more than a million and a half persons are helping that collective or composite “prophet” in his preaching work and well over that number of others are studying the Bible with the “prophet” group and its companions
WT April 1, 1972 pp 197-200.
There are some who make spectacular predictions of the world’s end to grab attention and a following, but others are sincerely convinced that their proclamations are true. They are voicing expectations based on their own interpretation of some scripture text or physical event. They do not claim that their predictions are direct revelations from Jehovah and that in this sense they are prophesying in Jehovah’s name. Hence, in such cases, when their words do not come true, they should not be viewed as false prophets such as those warned against at Deuteronomy 18:20-22. In their human fallibility, they misinterpreted matters.
Footnote
Jehovah’s Witnesses, in their eagerness for Jesus’ second coming, have suggested dates that turned out to be incorrect. Because of this, some have called them false prophets. Never in these instances, however, did they presume to originate predictions ‘in the name of Jehovah.’ Never did they say, ‘These are the words of Jehovah.’ The Watchtower, the official journal of Jehovah’s Witnesses, has said: “We have not the gift of prophecy.” (January 1883, page 425) “Nor would we have our writings reverenced or regarded as infallible.” (December 15, 1896, page 306) The Watchtower has also said that the fact that some have Jehovah’s spirit “does not mean those now serving as Jehovah’s witnesses are inspired. It does not mean that the writings in this magazine The Watchtower are inspired and infallible and without mistakes.” (May 15, 1947, page 157) “The Watchtower does not claim to be inspired in its utterances, nor is it dogmatic.” (August 15, 1950, page 263) “The brothers preparing these publications are not infallible. Their writings are not inspired as are those of Paul and the other Bible writers. (2 Tim. 3:16) And so, at times, it has been necessary, as understanding became clearer, to correct views. (Prov. 4:18)”—February 15, 1981, page 19.
Awake March 22, 1993 pp 3-4

• Reply by mdnwa on 2013-08-30 12:03:21

  miken see the problem I have is most inside the org believe/ teach, and is not shy in telling non JW's, we are not only the only approved channel of communication between God and ones on the earth but also the only ones who will be saved. When you say we are "God messengers" but then give the explanation above it only confuses ones since even if certain things were never said directly at the very least it was seriously implied throughout the history.
  I've said it before... so bad I wish ones in the org would have years ago said we are bible students, no more no less, who strive to do Gods will. In that sense we wait on Jehovah and don't bring embarrassment to his name or the millions who have to deal with such questions we really cannot defend. In that way even if mistakes are made others/ us look at it as human error which we all make and not stumble ones since Jehovah's words always come true and when ours do it leads to serious questioning and doubts.

  • Reply by Shannon on 2013-10-22 14:25:39

    well said!

Comment by Dorcas on 2013-08-30 15:02:56

The brother who handled this part in our congregation made the statement that "when the brothers (aka the GB) realize they have made a mistake, they quickly change it and apologize. That's what makes the difference." They quickly change and apologize for the mistake? I can't think of one example of this, not one.

• Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2013-08-30 16:09:39

  This is the crux of the matter in my opinion, Dorcas. Bible writers are remarkable for their humble candor. David is a prime example, but Paul also comes to mind. They were self-effacing servants of God. They acknowledged their failings with specifics.
  Our leadership however makes generalized statements when speaking of past mistakes. What we do is make statements that shift the blame ("some have thought") or imply no one was really responsible ("at times in our publications") or what is most common of late, simply ignore that any previous understanding ever existed.
  The only time we have apologized for misleading God's people was that half-hearted toe-stubbing statement made back in the 80s about 1975. Imagine if Paul had said, "There were some who used to persecute Christians", instead of his frank admissions of transgression that endear him to us. (Gal. 1:14;1 Tim. 1:13) If the GB were to follow that example, we would be much more drawn to them and their example would benefit us all the way down to the local level. Instead, their modus operandi when dealing with error sets the tone for the rest of the hierarchy. How often have we experienced a humble apology from the branch, district or circuit overseer, or the local elders for wrong decisions which adversely affected the sheep?
  It is merely dismissed as a test and we are told to wait on Jehovah. If we complain too much about it, we are accused of having a bad attitude, or worse, of causing division.

  • Reply by apollos0fAlexandria on 2013-08-30 16:48:23

    “There were some who used to persecute Christians”
    Good one Meleti.
    Here's a little exchange with another chap who's reluctant to admit personal responsibility. (It's from "Yes, Minister" back in the 1980's for those who don't know.)
    ..................................
    Sir Humphrey Appleby: The identity of the official whose alleged responsibility for this hypothetical oversight has been the subject of recent discussion is not shrouded in quite such impenetrable obscurity as certain previous disclosures may have led you to assume, but, not to put too fine a point on it, the individual in question is, it may surprise you to learn, one whom your present interlocutor is in the habit of defining by means of the perpendicular pronoun.
    James Hacker: I beg your pardon?
    Sir Humphrey Appleby: It was... I.
    ..................................

  • Reply by JimmyG on 2013-08-30 19:55:56

    That 'apology' in the March 15, 1980 WT, was written by Ray Franz. He said in 'Crisis of Conscience' that he wanted to explicitly apologise, but it would never have been approved by the rest of the GB, hence the guarded way it was written. It has never been the policy of WT leaders to apologise for anything, as you say in stark contrast to the bible writers.

Comment by apollos0fAlexandria on 2013-08-30 16:12:25

Great article and very interesting comments.
In our meeting part the brother tried to make much of the “false expectations of the apostles” based upon ...
(Luke 19:11) ... they were imagining that the kingdom of God was going to display itself instantly.
... and ...
(Acts 1:6) ... they went asking him: “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”
How the distinction between the apostles and JW leadership is not obvious is beyond me. There is a huge difference between a) imagining something or simply asking a question, and b) proclaiming it publicly as fact for decades, making it a question of loyalty that people believe it, drawing a contrast with all other religions and calling them false because they do not believe it.
The prophets of old were not prophets just because they had certain ideas or asked questions. They made proclamations, just as JW's have.
It is also quite ridiculous how we have played with the word “inspired” for so long. We are taught on a regular basis that “Jehovah wants us to ... make more return visits, stay out longer in service on a Saturday, adhere to certain regulations published in the Kingdom Ministry every convention, shun a family member, underline our publications, not question the elders/GB, support a particular avenue of witnessing ... etc”
How can the phrases “the faithful slave asks that we do X” and “Jehovah asks that we do X” have become so interchangeable unless what they decide is truly given by inspiration of God? What Jehovah wants is clearly spelled out in his Word.
I'm not saying that mature spiritual people cannot give direction in accord with Jehovah's will. Most certainly that can, and should, take place. But there is a big difference between "because Jehovah says in his Word that he wants you to do this we are drawing attention to it" and "we tell you to do this - therefore it is Jehovah's will that you do it".
It's a perfect situation for those who claim the authority. The R&F accept that everything that is handed down comes from God, unless it is subsequently changed or shown to be wrong, in which case it wasn't handed down from God, it was just an honest error by over-zealous humans.
Sadly I believe that many of us as readers share responsibility for allowing this double-speak to take root. I'm not saying we could have individually stopped it, but I for one have in the past defended the supposed difference between “inspired of God” and “guided by the spirit”. I should have realized that ultimate authority can only be reinforced, and yet at the same time protected, by masking a claim of the former under the name of the latter.
Apollos

Comment by erick on 2013-08-31 09:35:31

You may remember Harold Camping who infamously predicted May 21, 2011 as the date for the second coming of Jesus. I was still attending meetings at this time and I remember one Sunday the speaker criticized him severely for being a false prophet. I remember thinking is this not a clear case of the pot calling the kettle black.
If one examines the historical proof without bias the evidence is absolutely overwhelming. If Harold Camping is a false prophet then without any doubt the Watchtower Society is as well.

• Reply by mdnwa on 2013-08-31 11:59:15

  Erick EXCELLENT POINT! I remember that as well. I sat in the meeting and it was nonstop making fun of him in the audience and on the platform and something inside me just thought it was hypocritical about that since my mind went back to our failings and predictions. I was thinking... the bible says false prophets plural not singular.

• Reply by smolderingwick1 on 2013-08-31 13:17:45

  I've often been tempted into an angry outburst when the accusation goes out in a WT paragraph or article saying that we are in danger of apostasy when taking the stand as Korah did to Moses (as if the FDS are on the same prophet level as Moses).
  What did Jesus say? "Why, then, do you look at the straw that is in your brother’s eye, but do not observe the rafter that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, allow me to extract the straw that is in your eye,’ while you yourself are not looking at the rafter in that eye of yours? Hypocrite! First extract the rafter from your own eye, and then you will see clearly how to extract the straw that is in your brother’s eye." (Luke 6:41, 42)
  Are we not all guilty of self-justification when accusing another of what we believe to be of less error in ourselves when in fact we learn later the greater error was in us? I remember this every time I get behind the wheel of my car and will pull over to let aggressors by rather than trying to teach them road manners. So when a brother takes me aside to reinforce my faith in our "spirit-directed" organization, I have to rethink just how big the rafter was in my own eye when I did the same. Yes, there is no greater sin than hypocrisy except forgetting that we were guilty of the same.
  Which is why I keep re-reading the words of our exemplar, Jesus. They settle me down and allow the peace of the TRUE spirit to come upon me before I take too much offense over what others might say or do. All will pay for their own sins. But the judgments over which we judge one another will be added to us as well. Just keep praying for those who have yet to see the hypocrisy Jesus might yet reveal to them.
  sw

  • Reply by Dany on 2013-09-04 07:15:07

    One of the greatest comments I've ever read, but at the same time so hard to practise.
    I wish all of us to be able to make progres in that for Jehova's glory.

Comment by mdnwa on 2013-09-10 15:10:56

I had a conversation with someone whose thoughts were "false" prophets are not necessarily ones who misinterpret scriptures or get it wrong due to just eagerly trying to understand or discern the bible since he believes just like angels are interested in certain things without understanding so it's in our nature, which he said the bible shows examples of good people who also erred as well. He believes false prophets are ones who knowingly deter ones from the bible with evil intent that steer right hearted individuals for personal glory or with a warped sense of spirituality. His examples were extremist, WBC, priest who supported say Hitlers reign, etc where the message is so opposite of what the bible teaches they could not justify just misinterpreting scriptures. Your thoughts?
He also said that while he does not fault JW's for their incorrect teachings, predictions or misunderstandings since he believes the GB might truly believe what they are or trying to do is good (although he has some doubts about their assumption of saying publicly they hold a special place with God before it's even provided) and every religion makes incorrect assumptions/ teachings that may or may not be correct. But he doesn't understand why (1) JW's take the "only we can make failed predictions/ understanding but no one else can or else they are Babylon the Great" hard line stance. (2) if other religions are "false" then why do we reference other religions spiritual views/ publications in our magazines where the author or religion is FAR opposite what JW's believe and then also tell it's followers to don't even think about reading said info from the same source or its apostasy. (3) tell everyone we have more truths overall, however other religions have got many other things right that JW's just now accept YEARS later as fact but only JW's take the stance that 100% of other religions are evil. He believes more in a non-denomination stance but while I usually have answers to questions these really did stump me.... thoughts?

• Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2013-09-10 16:22:59

  To the point raised in the first paragraph, I think the best answer is what we are told at Deut. 18:22: "(Deuteronomy 18:22) . . .when the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or come true, that is the word that Jehovah did not speak. With presumptuousness the prophet spoke it. You must not get frightened at him." The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses claim to be Jehovah's appointed channel of communication. Therefore, they speak in Jehovah's name. When what they say will come to pass fails to happen, then they fit this scriptural definition to a T.
  Often, they tell us--as is the case with the November 15, 2013 Study Edition of The Watchtower--that our salvation depends on accepting what they teach us. This fearful warning serves to motivate us to unquestioning compliance. 'Oh, the unsurpassed wisdom of God's word' to have warned us of this eventuality 3,500 years ago. "You must not get frightened at him."
  On the other questions:
  (Deuteronomy 25:13-16) . . .“You must not come to have in your bag two sorts of weights, a great one and a small one. 14 You must not come to have in your house two sorts of e′phahs, a great one and a small one. 15 A weight accurate and just you should continue to have. An e′phah accurate and just you should continue to have, in order that your days may become long on the soil that Jehovah your God is giving you. 16 For everyone doing these things, every doer of injustice, is something detestable to Jehovah your God.
  If Jehovah detests a double standard--two sets of weights--in a literal sense; if one's longevity on the soil Jehovah gave his people depended on fairness; how much more so would that apply to a double standard when it came to teaching falsehoods?

Comment by ANTONINVS on 2016-01-07 07:43:51

Greetings Meleti,
Very, very true. The irony and hypocrisy are inescapable. How many failed predictions. All I can do is shake my head.

• Reply by Bonnie on 2017-10-20 13:20:43

  But the claim is “not prophesy but old light” they can say anything and hide behind “old light” because they claim it wasn’t prophesy.