It is clear from their own publications that they have changed their position:
"Question: The fact that our Lord received worship is claimed by some to be an evidence that while on earth he was God the Father disguised in a body of flesh and not really a man. Was he really worshiped, or is the translation faulty? Answer: Yes, we believe our Lord Jesus while on earth was really worshiped, and properly so . . . " (Zion’s Watch Tower, July 15, 1898, 216).
"Religious leaders of Christendom followed the same course. They replaced the name Jehovah with ‘God’ (‘Allah’ in Arabic) and ‘Lord.’ That contributed to the development of the false doctrine of the Trinity, which has no basis in the Holy Scriptures. Because of this, millions mistakenly worship Jesus and the holy spirit and consider them equal to God" (The Watchtower, November 1, 1993, 4).
How did this reversal happen over a time span of almost 100 years?
2007-10-10 13:07:27 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
More quotes:
"Since Jehovah God now reigns as King by means of his capital organization Zion, then whosoever would worship him must also worship and bow down to Jehovah’s Chief One in that capital organization, namely, Christ Jesus, his Co-regent on the throne of The Theocracy" (The Watchtower, October 15, 1945, 313).
"Hebrews 1:6 relates to Jesus’ position under God. . . . Though Psalm 97:7, which speaks about worshiping God, was applied to Christ at Hebrews 1:6, Paul had shown that the resurrected Jesus is ‘the reflection of [God’s] glory and the exact representation of his very being’ (Heb. 1:1–3). So any ‘worship’ the angels give God’s Son is relative and is directed through him to Jehovah" (The Watchtower, January 15, 1992, 23; brackets in original).
"From Jesus’ words and actions, it is clear that only Jehovah God is to be worshiped" (The Watchtower, May 1, 1989, 18).
2007-10-10 13:08:54 · update #1
Achtung_Heiss: A well thought out answer, but with one short coming. These were teachings from the Watch Tower Society, not my opinions. Explain how within a 100 years the teachings can be 180° apart. After all, God is eternal and unchanging, correct?
2007-10-11 11:37:09 · update #2
Greek word "proskuneo"
According to Strong's lexicon "proskuneo" it has several nuances in meaning, and is used to denote doing an act of respect before a human ruler or dignitary. It is not always used to denote what we call an act of worship.
Clarity of when it is and is not used as worship is what you see in the article.
Definition proskuneo: kneeling or prostration to do homage
A. to the Jewish high priests
B. to God
C. to Christ
D. to heavenly beings
E. to demons
2007-10-10 14:38:55 · answer #1 · answered by keiichi 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The primary "question" here seems one of semantics regarding the term "worship".
Jehovah's Witnesses fully understand and agree that Jesus Christ the Son deserves and receives what can be described as "worship", but only when the English-language word "worship" has been properly defined. The obeisance and honors due the Christ should remain unambiguously subject to the "exclusive devotion" which is owed to the Father, Jehovah God. The Scriptures quite plainly show that true worship is uniquely devoted to the person of Almighty Jehovah God the Father. His Son, Jesus, personally taught that Jehovah deserves a unique form of "sacred service".
(Matthew 4:10) Jesus said... ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’
(Luke 4:8) Jesus said... ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’
(Exodus 20:5) I Jehovah your God am a God exacting exclusive devotion
Jehovah the Father specifically directs that Jesus the Son receive obeisance and honor. Note that Jesus is at God's right hand and has *BECOME* better than the angels.
(Hebrews 1:6) [God] says: “And let all God’s angels do obeisance to him [Jesus].”
(Hebrews 1:3-4) [Jesus] sat down on the right hand of the Majesty in lofty places. So he has become better than the angels
From where does Christ's authority come?
(Matthew 28:18) And Jesus approached and spoke to them, saying: “All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth.
(Acts 2:36) God made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you impaled.
(John 3:35) The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand.
(Acts 5:31) God exalted this one as Chief Agent and Savior to his right hand
(Psalm 2:2-6) The kings of earth take their stand And high officials themselves have massed together as one Against Jehovah and against his anointed one... Jehovah himself will hold them in derision..., Saying: “I, even I, have installed my king [Jesus]
Learn more:
http://watchtower.co.uk/e/20050422/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.co.uk/e/19951101/article_02.htm
2007-10-11 13:16:44 · answer #2 · answered by achtung_heiss 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In 1898 using the KJV, it seemed that people were worshipping Jesus.
As scholars knowledge of Greek improved and better bibles came along, It is knowed that the Greek word the KJV uses as worship literally means to bow down as to an authoritive figure.
The KJV also says Christians are to be worshiped at Rev 3:9
9Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
If it ok according to the KJV to worship Christians, how much so is it to bow down in obedience to Jesus.
As bible get better our understanding gets better.
Or do you prefer to remain in the past?
.
2007-10-10 20:37:10 · answer #3 · answered by TeeM 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
WHAT ARE YOU A DETECTIVE GO TO ONE OF THEIR VISITS IN THEIR CHURCH AND ASK THEM. HOW HARD IS THAT IF YOU WANT TO KNOW SO BAD. GO ASK CATHOLIC WHY THEY TALK SO MUCH **** AND OTHER RELIGIONS THAT THEY WORSHIP LIKE 10 SUPPOSELY GOD'S.DO ME THAT FAVOR.PEACE AND LOVE I THNK YOU NEED IT.
2007-10-10 20:18:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋