In a previous response to a question I asked, a Jehovah's Witness said that CT Russell did not fit the description of a false prophet in Matt 24:23-25 in spite of the fact that he proclaimed "The Christ is here" (in the earth) at a time that Jehovah's Witnesses NOW believe that he wasn't here at all. (The year 1874.)
This answerer went on to say that not even Mr Russell's most vitriolic enemies ever pretended he performed great signs and wonders.
It's rather obvious that one's followers, NOT his enemies, are the ones who perceive "great signs and wonders" on the part of a false prophet.
So if you think Russell was a false prophet, what perceived 'great sign or wonder' did Russell perform which has caused people to look to him as a man "used" by God in spite of the fact he announced 'Christ is here' when Christ wasn't here?
2007-06-29 01:50:53 · 7 answers · asked by steervase 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Achtung, Russell DID claim "divine revelation." See my other question and read it in the Proclaimers book.
Ladybird, you have apparently NOT read Russell's books. He taught that in 1874, Jesus left heaven and came to earth in an invisible spirit body. He taught that "parasouia" meant an ACTUAL PRESENCE, just invisible to humans. The teaching was changed after Russell died. Read "The Time is at Hand" written by Russell. It's Volume II of Studies in the Scriptures.
2007-06-29 02:14:52 · update #1
If he really said that, I don't think God was using him. But I don't like to call anyone a false prophet if they're a good Christian, even if they're misled. (I know JW's probably don't agree with that. )
Russell said that 1914 would bring the end of the world or the Kingdom of God or Armageddon or something, I'm not quite sure what. So even though he was wrong, I think his followers were impressed because World War I started that year and that probably seemed to them that it was a sign.
2007-06-29 03:05:52 · answer #1 · answered by browneyedgirl 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Neither the contemporaries of Russell nor any other Jehovah's Witnesses have ever considered Russell to be a literal prophet, and Russell himself consistently rejected the notion that he had any miraculous revelation from heaven.
As a mere man, Russell's gifts were for organization, research, writing, and public speaking. While he certainly enjoyed the blessings of holy spirit, he certainly did not do so in a manner different from that of thousands or millions of other Christians.
Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/jt/index.htm?article=article_02.htm
http://jw-media.org/people/who.htm
2007-06-29 01:54:23 · answer #2 · answered by achtung_heiss 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Do you have a CT Russell tshirt?
Do you have a poster of him in your bedroom?
Is his picture on your wallpaper or screen saver?
You sound as bad as a teenager going crazy over the Spice girls or Back Street Boys.
Why do you worship man so much?
CT Russell was not the founder of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Jehovah's Witnesses did not start in 1879. That is when the Watchtower magazine started printing. But JWs did not start then.
2007-06-29 13:34:40 · answer #3 · answered by sklemetti 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think you are being a bit unfair. I am not a JW, but dismissing Russell altogether is not wise. Even Moses misrepresented God to the people. Does this make him a false prophet? Read the Bible and deal with the discrepancies in the humility of your own heart.
May God richly bless you as you study His Word.
2007-06-29 01:58:12 · answer #4 · answered by Mutations Killed Darwin Fish 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Russell was a false prophet and the founder of the Jehovah's Witnesses....Surely if Almighty God wanted to start a true faith ....a pure religion, he would have been able to find a less scandalous person than Russell...Judge Ruthaford followed Russell in leading the flock, and he is no better....
When God chooses a prophet for his ministry....From the time the Holy Spirit is in him his life improves, not the other way around......It is time for all JW's to examine the origins of their faith....What you find will either build up what you already know..or...You will begin a new search for real truth...
Sklemetti...will you get your false facts straight?...lol
2007-06-29 03:24:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
I guess not no man should be looked at in those ways 'only god performs great signs and wonders' men just have there own reasons to claim these things like money or fame. and from what i know of jahovas whitesses they just really want your money and dedication don't listen to man study the bible or koran and use your own heart to guide you not some book
or other person your heart usually knows best people will usually lead you in the wrong direction
2007-06-29 02:00:42 · answer #6 · answered by ravingnative 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No. But I can! :D Magickly speaking, of course. :P
2007-06-29 01:58:04 · answer #7 · answered by Demon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋