Defending the Faith Ministries
Biblical
Iconoclasts
By Uri Brito
Have you ever seen yourself as an iconoclast? That is, as one who challenges cherished beliefs. The study of Scriptures in both Old and New Testaments lead us to conclude that one of our goals as Christians, to borrow Paul’s language is to bring every cherished belief to submit to the Lordship of Christ. Paul tells us that since we are new creatures, we are therefore Christ’s ambassadors. He then proceeds to affirm the duty to do all we can to reconcile men and women to Christ (II Corinthians 5:20). In chapter four Paul says that this great power to reconcile people to Christ does not come from us but from God. Paul speaks of our great duty but he sets this duty in the context of God’s Sovereign work in the lives of men and women. He alone changes the heart and He alone has provided the means to accomplish such supernatural act.
In the next three articles this author wishes to address one of the most influential cults of our time, namely the Jehovah’s Witnesses. By God’s grace these articles will drive you to continually be challenged and in turn challenge every thought or philosophy that opposes the faith once for all delivered to all the saints (Jude3).
The Jehovah’s Witnesses which are best known for its door-to-door knocking evangelism has to immensely grown due to its evangelistic zeal and fervor in spreading their message. It is noteworthy that they find great urgency in their mission to deliver the message from the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. With approximately 9 million members worldwide, the organization in Brooklyn, New York has absolute authority over its followers.
The founder of the organization, which later came to be known as the Jehovah’s Witnesses, was Charles Taze Russell (1852-1916). Russell was raised in Allegheny, Pennsylvania where he was indoctrinated by the teachings of the Congregational Church. Early on in his life Russell had a strong fear of hell. This doctrine he later abandoned after being influenced by the teachings of the Seventh-Day Adventists. “Charles Taze Russell was opposed to organized religion and to many of the teachings of historic Christianity (Examining the Cults by Harold J. Berry – Pg.45).” He then began to teach the Bible, which is how he came to be called “Pastor” Russell though he was never an ordained minister. This group met regularly in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the 1870’s. The group discussed issues such as Jehovah’s Kingdom and the Second Coming of Christ. This was the beginning of the group, which would later be called “Jehovah’s Witnesses.”
After dedicating much time to study the Bible, Russell began to disagree with Adventism on several points (especially their view on the atonement). He then started his own magazine entitled: “ Zion’s Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.” Russell began to promote his disagreements with Seventh-Day Adventists in extensive fashion through his seven voluminous writings. By far this was his magnum opus. This series of books was called the “Studies in the Scriptures.” The first volume appeared in 1886 and the last volume appeared in 1917 after his death. He spent his latter years doing extensive traveling proclaiming his teachings and interpretation of the Bible. There are many other details about Russell’s life that are very controversial but these details are not of importance in this series.
In the next few articles we will deal with the main teachings of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Then the series will conclude with an adequate critique of the same teachings taught by the Watchtower. By God’s grace this series will be of great help in our understanding of this very significant cult. Walter Martin had said many times that a “ Christian must know the Bible so well that when a counterfeit arises he may immediately detect it.” This is the very purpose for which we are called by God to love and cherish His special revelation by knowing Him and His words with alacrity in light of all He has done on our behalf.
For Christian Education notes on the Jehovah's Witnesses click here