What was Beth-sarim? What was it's purpose? Why can't I find any information on it on the official JW website?
2007-01-14 04:26:38 · 7 answers · asked by Baby g 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It was a mansion in San Diego that Judge Rutherford lived in while he waited for Abraham and the prophets to return. He deeded it to them since he expected their return "any day now" and supposedly it was built for THEIR use, not his. (Great excuse for building yourself a palace, huh?)
JW's may tend to ignore Beth Sarim by saying "who cares? How does that affect us?"
This is how: JW's continue to be affected by the teachings of men claiming to be "the faithful slave". Because they ignore the lessons of their own history, they refuse to see that their leaders are mere men teaching their own ideas in the name of God. Following these men affects every aspect of their lives.
Achtung says in another thread that JW's are proud of their "rich spiritual heritage". Beth Sarim is a part of that heritage and history, yet most Witnesses are unaware of its true nature. The 1975 Yearbook omitted any reference to the fact that it was built for the ancient prophets. The Proclaimers book mentions Beth Sarim, but the reference to the ancient prophets returning is very vague and the connection would not be clear to anyone unless they were familiar with the history of Beth Sarim.
Although the Beth Sarim incident can be igonored because it doesn't affect JW's of today, it should be noted that there are many other things that don't affect JW's or anyone else today, and yet they affect many decisions that JW's make. For example, thousands of years ago some pagans engaged in mother worship. That hardly affects or seems relevant to most people today, yet JW's give much weight to these religious historical events. Most would not send a card to their mother on Mothers Day because of that. On the other hand, Beth Sarim was not a part of some pagan religous culture, but part of Watchtower history itself which would make it much more relevant to anyone who looks to the Watchtower for guidance on events of the near future.
2007-01-14 05:46:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 6⤋
Information for this is in the "Proclaimers" book.
It honestly explains what happened.
The money requested was identified for this building. All monies donated for this project was used in the building of the project.
When the building was sold, all monies was returned to the Society and was used in the preaching work.
There were / are no lies attached to this building.
People will attempt to use this as charges of "false prophecies"
The prophecies are found in the bible.
Christ is returning.
The early prophets will be returning.
The earth will be a paradise.
These are the prophecies, uttered by inspired prophets.
Jehovah's Witnesses contary to other's claims are not inspired, they are not infallable and have never claimed to be such.
They are as the Beroeans searching the scriptures to determine what it realy teaches.
Our faith is in Jehovah, his Son Jesus.
From our study of Jehovah's Word, we understand that there will be a faithful slave who would guide his people today.
Even though circumcision was ended with the death of Jesus,
Jesus allowed circumcision to continue in the Christian Congregation for another 15 - 20 years.
Acts chapter 15.
30 years after Jesus' death, Paul was correcting the thinking of spirit anointed christians as to when Jesus was returning.
We don't know the day or the hour, but Jesus said we would know the season.
We don't know the day or the hour, but we are told to stay awake instead of sleeping as the rest do.
2007-01-15 13:15:25 · answer #2 · answered by TeeM 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
It is a part of the early days of the society when they were still doing much the same things other churches were doing, such as observing man made holidays and involvement in politics. They had to grow beyond that, while the churches of Christendom continues to drift away from God and Christ. Of interest, had the witnesses not grown beyond those early days, than like other churches do, that house would have become a holy shrine to be exulted and visited. It has no importance to an organization who has made it their goal to get closer to God and Christ.
2007-01-14 15:56:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
In anticipation of the soon to be resurrected biblical prophets and patriarchs, Joseph Rutherford, president of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society commissioned the construction of a house in San Diego, California. This house was to become home for Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Samuel and all the rest mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11. However, when the biblical party failed to appear, the EMBARASSING Beth-Sarim incident had to be repressed.
http://www.watchman.org/jw/bethsarm.htm
Go to that site. It will explain everything. I don't know why they wouldn't have it on their official site. Probably with most things they don't like to advertise their false prophecies. Out of sight, out of mind.
2007-01-14 12:34:50 · answer #4 · answered by Mom of Three 6 · 4⤊ 4⤋
Beth-Sarim was the residence where Rutherford died, named by himself. As far as any of it is concerned, who cares, what affect does it have on any of us. I seem to enjoy listening to ones complain that JW's have changed over the years, my point to that --- it is a good and humble thing. Where other religions are moving further from God's Word (such as accepting homosexuality) in order to become acceptable to people, JW's make changes in order to become more acceptable to God.
Yes, JW's look forward to the end of this system and would love to predict the end if we could. In fact, we have a whole publication that OUTLINES the many changes we mave made, such as the celebrating of christmas. JW's, unlike other "Christian" faiths, refuse to be bound by the traditions of men or otherwise widely held beliefs because they are popular. If, after further study of the bible, our beliefs need to be adjusted, we adjust them and openly so.
We do not hold to clearly pagan traditions such as the trinity, which even the Catholic encyclopedia pointedly claims to of pagan descent. We are not in a popularity contest.
2007-01-14 12:55:37 · answer #5 · answered by OatesATM 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
One of the many places the J.W.'s FLUBBED!
It was a place bought and purchased by Judge Rutherford using J.W money.
It was to be the home of the Prophets when they return to Earth !
The judge died, was buried at Beth-Sari (in Sunny California).
The CULT sold the property in (something like) 1947 for a fabulous profit.
No J.W I ask can tell me where their beloved "Judge Rutherford" is now buried...... they don not care!
NOW those poor old Prophets have no place to live when they return to earth!
Just like the predictions of the World ending in 1914, 1917, etc.... the story changes.or, is conveniently forgotten!
2007-01-14 12:37:51 · answer #6 · answered by whynotaskdon 7 · 2⤊ 5⤋
Good luck in getting any JWs to respond to this question.
2007-01-14 12:32:22 · answer #7 · answered by Weird Darryl 6 · 3⤊ 4⤋