How come the Watchtower doesnt name an author for its articles?

Question

Isnt an argument only as credible as its source? So, with no known source, there is no crediblity to the argument.

Answer 1

Probably because no one wants to take credit .

Answer 2

That unselfishness was indeed a characteristic of early Christianity is testified to by secular historians. Thus C. Brinton, J. Christopher and R. Wolff state in their book, A History of Civilization: “The Christian was by no means content with the prospects of his own salvation. His acceptance of the will of God was not passive. He was from the first an ardent missionary, anxious to convert others.” These authors also speak of the “unselfishness, unself-consciousness” of Christianity, adding: “In the true Christian life all men are one, and subsidiary groups are a distraction—or worse, a padding for the selfish ego. The important thing is for the individual to avoid all kinds of personal triumphs over others, all competitive successes, all the things that set off and sharpen his ego . . . The ideal of unselfishness is there. Christianity tries to tame the more extravagant flights of the competitive human spirit, tries to subdue self-assertiveness, truculence, boasting, pride, and other manifestations of the ‘natural’ man.” The Christian was “not only to subdue his own ego; he should open his heart in loving kindness to all his fellow men.”

Since we are suppose to put aside ego, prideful manner it would be fitting that The Watchtower will not have their authors put their names on the articles. But if you have a comment about their articles. You can always write them, They are listed.

Answer 3

Literature published by the Watch Tower Society does not draw attention to any individual as the writer. Under the supervision of the Governing Body, dedicated Christians in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and islands of the sea have had a part in preparing such material for use by congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide. But all credit is given to Jehovah God. “It is the truth rather than its servant that should be honored and proclaimed. There is too much disposition to credit truth to the preacher, forgetful that all truth is of God, who uses one or another servant in its proclamation as it may please him.” This is the principal reason why writers and translators of Watch Tower publications, as well as members of the New World Bible Translation Committee, choose to remain anonymous.

If you would like further information, please get in touch with Jehovah's Witnesses at the local Kingdom Hall. Or visit

Answer 4

***Progressively, over the years, practices that might have the effect of drawing undue attention to certain humans in connection with the preparation of spiritual food have been eliminated. Down till the death of C. T. Russell, his name as editor was listed in nearly every issue of the Watch Tower. Names or initials of others who contributed material often appeared at the end of articles they prepared. Then, starting with the issue of December 1, 1916, instead of showing the name of one man as editor, The Watch Tower listed the names of an editorial committee. In the issue of October 15, 1931, even this list was removed, and Isaiah 54:13 took its place. As quoted from the American Standard Version, it reads: “And all thy children shall be taught of Jehovah; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” Since 1942 it has been the general rule that literature published by the Watch Tower Society does not draw attention to any individual as the writer. Under the supervision of the Governing Body, dedicated Christians in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and islands of the sea have had a part in preparing such material for use by congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide. But all credit is given to Jehovah God.

***We also honor Jehovah God by manifesting a humble attitude, crediting God with any successes that we may enjoy. The apostle Paul properly observed regarding his ministry: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept making it grow; so that neither is he that plants anything nor is he that waters, but God who makes it grow.” (1 Corinthians 3:6, 7) Truly, Paul was concerned with bringing due honor to God, not to himself or to any other human. Thus, today, the publications of the Watch Tower Society do not identify those who write them, and writers avoid letting others know what they have contributed. In this way, attention is focused on the information, which is designed to honor Jehovah, and not on any human.

This policy of focusing attention on Jehovah, thus honoring him, is surprising to some. A few years ago, when setting up a sound system for a public talk in New York City’s Central Park, the Witnesses were playing one of the Kingdom Melodies tapes as a test for the system. A well-dressed couple asked one of the Witnesses what the music was. Thinking that the couple were Witnesses, he answered: “That’s Kingdom Melodies No. 4.” “Yes, but who composed that music?” they asked. The Witness replied: “Oh, the composer is anonymous.” The couple responded: “People who compose that kind of music do not do it anonymously.” The Witness replied: “But Jehovah’s Witnesses do.” Yes, they do this so that all honor goes to Jehovah God!

Answer 5

Every article in The Watchtower is a committee effort, with shared authorship. Of course, the primary message is from the Divine Author, and The Watchtower merely intends to move its readers closer to that Author, Jehovah God.

For the most part, Jehovah's Witnesses deflect attention away from human personalities. In doing so, they avoid some of the problems which the apostle Paul felt compelled to address.

(1 Corinthians 1:12-17) What I mean is this, that each one of you says: “I belong to Paul,” “But I to Apollos,” “But I to Cephas,” ...Paul was not impaled for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? ...Christ dispatched me, not to go baptizing, but to go declaring the good news

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/jt/
http://watchtower.org/e/20030815/
http://watchtower.org/e/jt/index.htm?article=article_02.htm

Answer 6

The argument is valid unless you can prove the contrary, it doesn´t matter who wrote it cause if you don´t like the writer you can claim that is not good, but all the material is taken from the bible and average of 100-150 verse of the bible are used.

Answer 7

No one other than the people stuffing them under front doors consider the Watchtower to be a legitimate source of information.

Answer 8

If one carefully reads the articles, one can see the information is based upon what the Bible teaches, therefore human authorship is relatively unimportant.

The statements made therein are supported by the Scriptures, which are cited and/or quoted.

Answer 9

Ideally, an argument should stand on its own.

Citing facts might help, though.

Answer 10

It's because the authorship is demonic.