Jehovah's Witnesses did Jehovah shed "new light" regarding Jesus' death on a cross?

Question

Do you know who changed this belief? When and why was the cross changed to the torture stake?

Charles Taze Russell's teachings included the cross. It wasn't until the Watchtower Society's second president (Joseph Rutherford), that the teachings regarding Jesus' execution were changed.
The Bible students for many years wore a pin with a wreath of laurel leaves as the border and within the wreath was a crown with a cross running through it on an angle (a Masonic symbol, by the way).
It was Joseph Rutherford's idea to change this belief (read your own publication 1975 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses. pg.148.).
According to Watchtower dogma, Jesus returned in 1918 reviewing all the churches of the world and supposedly chose the Watchtower Society to be the
only "true" religion. Wouldn't Jesus himself let them know in 1918 that he did not die on a cross, as seen through these publications?
The historian Tacitus referred to Jesus dying on a cross.

And the most undeniable proof that The Watchtower misinterprets Jesus' death on a cross is in their very own publication "The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures".
Mark 15:27 "And together with him they are putting on stakes two robbers, one out of the right-hand parts and one out of the left-hand parts of him." The NWT purposely omits the words "hand".

Also, in The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures. pg.1155, they show a page from Lipsius's writings that shows a man on a stake rather than a cross. The page they used here of Lipsius writings indicate that an upright stake or tree was used for a great number of crucifixions, as the illustration shows (the illustration the
Watchtower erroneously used to support their shady torture stake doctrine). However, no reference to Jesus' death is at all mentioned on this page. Lipsius was in no way referring to
Jesus Christ's death in regards to this
particular type of execution.

BUT, here's the kicker: Lipsius does
refer to Jesus' death on a different page in his book. An illustration depicts the execution style of Jesus' death, not the illustration the Watchtower used to support their teachings on the matter. This is an undeniable example of the Watchtower Society deliberately altering original writings to support their
own non-Biblical beliefs.

On this page, Lipsius writes "In the Lord's cross there were four pieces of wood, the upright beam, the crossbar, a tree trunk (piece of wood) placed below, and the title (inscription) placed above."

Also, we can see in John 20:25, Thomas uses the plural "nails" for his hands. If he died on an upright stake, why would two nails be needed? They could (and would) have used one nail to drive through both hands.

The Greek word stauros wasn't just used for an upright pole like The Watchtower claims. The word stauros was also used to describe a variety of wooden structures used for execution during Biblical times.
Matthew 27:37 says the sign was placed above his head, but if he was hung on an upright pole, it would be placed above his HANDS, not head.

UPDATE LINEDANCER:

You don't know much about history. It is a common bisbelief that humans for centuries believed the earth to be flat. Christopher Columbus and his contemporaries knew very well that the earth was round. Medieval science had been built on the precise studies of Greek scholars, and every educated person of Columbus's time knew that the earth is round. Not only had the ancient Greeks discovered that the earth is round, but the philosopher Eratostenes accurately calculated the earth's circumference in the third century BEFORE Christ! Medieval scholars debated such details as the earth's size and how big are the oceans, but no serious scholar believed the earth to be flat.
The myth that people of the 15th century believed that the earth was flat was popularized by 19th century atheists in order to use science in their war against religion. . The flat-earth myth did not appear in schoolbooks before 1870, but nearly all textbooks included it after 1880.

UPDATE 2 LINEDANCE:

Why would the cross being "pagan" mean he didn't die on one? Weren't the ones who killed him pagan? Wouldn't they have used a pagan symbol? You don't make any sense.

UPDATE 3: LINEDANCER

"I NEVER said that people in Columbus' thought that the earth was flat..."
-- Your INTENTION was comparing a need of general knowledge of humankind to change like that of The Watchtower's doctrine. Why else would you have brought it up?
What's funny is that if the Watchtower publish next month that "the new light" shows Jesus died on a cross, you'd quickly believe it with no questions asked. You're more quick to change your belief for them but not anyone or anything else.

Again, if the faithful and discreet had the "truth" and are the only ones who have correct interpretations of the Bible, then you would ALWAYS have the truth and correct interpretations. If you had to change your "truth" or "correct interpretations" then it was never true or correct in the first place. Obviously they DON'T have the truth or correct interpretations or they would've told you the FIRST time.

UPDATE 4: LINEDANCER

Funny thing about the sign above "his head" huh? Yeah, I guess there was a sign that was written big enough for everyone to see the charge against him to fit in the very tiny triangle between his hands and head....

UPDATE 5: ALEX S

The extended wood above his hands does not go with the sign above his head. Even if there was "extended" wood, the sign would be placed above HIS HANDS. But the scripture says it was placed above his head. A sign large enough for people to read his charges would not have fit between the tiny triangle between his hands and head.

BESIDES, someone being crucified with arms straight up die of asphyxiation within minutes. Jesus stayed on the cross for more than three hours. This can be possible if his arms were at angles.

UPDATE: LINEDANCER

You are so wrong. Your NWT DOES omit the word "hand" from Mark 15:27
Your online NWT:(http://www.watchtower.org/bible/mr/chapter_015.htm#bk27)
Also "parts" are in brackets meaning the Watchtower added this word!! They "parts" are not found in the original Greek. How could a robber be "out of right hand" and "out of left hand" if he had both hands nailed together above him? The Greek scripture is, of course, referring that from Jesus' right HAND (not parts or "side") and one out from his left HAND (not parts or "side").

Answer 1

This question is concerned with the idea of 'new light' given (exclusively) to JWs. Yes, they would have to admit (if being honest) that 'new light' on the matter came in with the second Presidency of their organization.

The reason for it was the almost desperate desire of Wt.Soc leaders to show themselves to be God's chosen mouthpiece for the last days. After all, if you claim God chose you in 1919 as the ONLY group pleasing him then and you were to be entrusted with ALL spiritual feeding of ALL Christians world-wide, you'd better have something better and different on offer! Otherwise, why couldn't those other religious leaders also be God's mouthpiece?

Typically, the JW answers prove that JWs are more concerned to debate what Jesus died upon than WHY he died and WHETHER JWs (let alone anyone else) have been brought into the New Covenant sealed with Christ's sacrificial blood. As 99.9% remain outside this New Covenant it's not surprising that they make such a fuss about a lesser point. Of course the Bible prophecy 'Accursed is anyone hung on a tree' applies to Christ on Calvary! The Roman torture instrument was made from a tree trunk! It was a tree minus leaves and branches! SO WHAT? That proves nothing about the shape of the Roman cross! And, yes, pagans have used crosses (myriad shapes) over the centuries. SO WHAT? That proves nothing about the shape of Jesus' cross! When will JWs stop chasing the wind and allow the life-giving wind of the Holy Spirit to fill them?

Answer 2

Numerous translators of the Christian Greek Scriptures (New Testament) therefore translate Peter’s words at Acts 5:30 to read: “The God of our forefathers raised up Jesus, whom you slew, hanging him upon a stake [or, “tree,” according to the King James Version, New International Version, The Jerusalem Bible, and Revised Standard Version].” You might also wish to check how your Bible translates xy′lon at: Acts 10:39; 13:29; Galatians 3:13; and 1 Peter 2:24.

The book The Non-Christian Cross adds: “There is not a single sentence in any of the numerous writings forming the New Testament, which, in the original Greek, bears even indirect evidence to the effect that the stauros used in the case of Jesus was other than an ordinary stauros [pole or stake]; much less to the effect that it consisted, not of one piece of timber, but of two pieces nailed together in the form of a cross.” Christ could well have been impaled on a form of crux (stau·ros′) known as the crux simplex. That was how such a stake was illustrated by the Roman Catholic scholar Justus Lipsius of the 16th century.

Answer 3

In several texts, Bible writers use another word for the instrument of Jesus’ death. It is the Greek word xy′lon. (Acts 5:30; 10:39; 13:29; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24) This word simply means “timber” or “a stick, club, or tree.”

Explaining why a simple stake was often used for executions, the book Das Kreuz und die Kreuzigung (The Cross and the Crucifixion), by Hermann Fulda, states: “Trees were not everywhere available at the places chosen for public execution. So a simple beam was sunk into the ground. On this the outlaws, with hands raised upward and often also with their feet, were bound or nailed.”

Answer 4

According to Strongs Greek Lexicon, the greek word stauros, which occurs 27 times in the New Testament, can be translated both as an upright pole, or stake, or as a cross.

The Jehovah's Witnesses choose to use upright stake as they see the cross as a pagan symbol. They aren't wrong to translate stauros in this way, and neither are those who translate the word as cross.

The belief hasn't been changed at all. It's merely a matter of how Bible translators choose to express the word.

Answer 5

A top JW contributor (achtung Heiss) I personally feel said it best. (Just to quote a partial statement I found interesting)

Read the rest of the statement here:
(http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AlkFkL7kKlOQt3Q5Y.B6qfPty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071028204833AADuPNn&show=7#profile-info-oVHFz52Laa)

[Quote]
It seems ironic also that the Greek term "stauros" was used to refer to either a plain or crossed stake, and the Latin term "crux" was used to refer to either a plain or crossed stake, and the English term "torture stake" can be used to refer to either a plain or crossed stake. Yet, pro-cross activists seem intent on shouting down any possibility other than their cherished but unsupportable tradition.

True Christians (such as Jehovah's Witnesses) do not behave in such a closeminded manner, and in fact true Christians (such as Jehovah's Witnesses) spend little time arguing about the exact shape of Christ's instrument of impalement. As true disciples of Christ, Jehovah's Witnesses do not distract from his message of the good news by going around denouncing the cross. Instead, Witnesses believe that the bible plainly forbids idolatry of any kind, including the worshipful use of icons such as crucifixes.

Moving forward...

I once stumbled on a Bible named 'The Complete Jewish Bible'. I took a glance at a website and read something that might be of interest to you. (It sure was to me!)

Just to quote some statements:

[Quote]
Rendered from the original Greek into modern English by scholar David H. Stern....How is the Jewish New Testament different from all other New Testaments? The simple answer is that the Jewish New Testament expresses the original and essential Jewishness which is inherent in the Gospel. It restores the Jewishness missing in most English translations, which present the message in a Gentile-Christian linguistic, cultural, and theological framework.The Jewish New Testament encourages Jews to understand that Yeshua is a friend to every Jewish heart, and the New Testament is a Jewish book filled with truths to be accepted and acted upon. At the same time, it challenges Christians to acknowledge the Jewishness of their faith and their oneness with the Jewish people.[Unquote]

It's noteworthy to see how this translator decided to render 'stauros'. (Keep in mind the Messianic Jewish movement beliefs are different from JW)

[Quote]
(CJB) Mark 15:27 On execution-stakes with him they placed two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. [unquote]

(Interesting, you said[quote] "The NWT purposely omits the words "hand".[unquote],the translator must of missed it too.)

...also look at Mt 10:38, Mt 16:24, Mt 26:2, Mt 27:31,32, Mr 8:34, Mr 15:20,24, Lu 9:23, Lu 14:27, Lu 23:26, Joh 19:25

Sadly, your quest for bashing this religon due to this topic is to some extent without merit. It's not only this religon translating the word 'stauros' to 'stake'.

Im not a JW and I see your point (per se). The attitude in your question/statement show's you do not want answers and thus is invalid for a serious discussion.

Answer 6

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This began under Rutherford and Rutherford's chief of theology Franz. Franz also was the prime source behind the vagaries of the NWT. The NWT and various deceptions of heretical material wander far from the true teaching of Jesus Christ.
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Note:
NEW YORK KING'S COUNTY CLERKS'S COURT RECORD, 1940, vol. II, p 795: Fred W. Franz on the witness stand:

Q. Who subsequently became the Editor of the magazine, the main editor of the "Watch Tower" magazine ?
A. In 1931, October 15th, as I recall, the "Watch Tower" discontinued publishing the names of any editorial committee on the second page.

THE COURT: He asked you who became the editor.
THE WITNESS: And it said --

THE COURT: Who became the editor ?
Q. Who became the editor when this was discontinued ?
A. Jehovah God."

Fred W. Franz later became the President of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society and remains in that position to this day (1950). So we see that Jehovah God is the editor of the Watch Tower.
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Olin R. Moyle, v F.W.Franz, et al. Libel suit testimony, May 10th to May 27th, 1943, New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division:Fred W. Franz on the witness stand, sections 2596 & 2597 -
"Q. At any rate, Jehovah God is now the editor of the paper, is that right ?
A. He is today the editor of the paper.

Q. How long has he been editor of the paper ?
A. Since its inception he has been guiding it.

Q. Even before 1931 ?
A. Yes, sir."

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The cross is not pagan.

There are similar symbols used but none have the meaning nor the significance of the cross.

Show me where these symbols are and what they look like and mean - if you have any accurate information.

Show me the images not a bunch of fallacious words.

Answer 7

Instead of making such ridiculous statements why dont you research the cross for yourself?
Good grief.Even Jesus' apostles made mistakes.They too at times had wrong expectations and understanding.(Luke 19:11;Acts.1:6).Why dig up things that weren't clear 30 or 50 years ago and have since been clarified?

Answer 8

This only adds to the condemnation: They strain at the meanings of the word describing what Jesus was crucified on, but swallow the camel of false Jehovah's Witnesses Doctrines- Murdering members by interfering with Medical Treatment, expelling members who obtain Divine Healing, falsely Prophesying the End of the World many times. If you can discern the Doctrine of Jesus' Crucifixion on a cross to be incorrect, why do you not perceive the beam of False Doctrines in your own eyes?

Answer 9

Go to http://watchtower.org for more info

The Bible’s Viewpoint
http://www.watchtower.org/e/200604a/article_01.htm
Did Jesus Really Die on a Cross?

THE cross is one of the most recognizable religious symbols known to man. Millions revere it, considering it to be the sacred instrument on which Jesus was put to death. Roman Catholic writer and archaeologist Adolphe-Napoleon Didron stated: “The cross has received a worship similar, if not equal, to that of Christ; this sacred wood is adored almost equally with God Himself.”

Some say that the cross makes them feel closer to God when they pray. Others use it as an amulet, thinking that it protects them from evil. But should Christians use the cross as an object of veneration? Did Jesus really die on a cross? What does the Bible teach on this subject?
What Does the Cross Symbolize?

Long before the Christian era, crosses were used by the ancient Babylonians as symbols in their worship of the fertility god Tammuz. The use of the cross spread into Egypt, India, Syria, and China. Then, centuries later, the Israelites adulterated their worship of Jehovah with acts of veneration to the false god Tammuz. The Bible refers to this form of worship as a ‘detestable thing.’—Ezekiel 8:13, 14.

The Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John use the Greek word stau·ros′ when referring to the instrument of execution on which Jesus died. (Matthew 27:40; Mark 15:30; Luke 23:26) The word stau·ros′ refers to an upright pole, stake, or post. The book The Non-Christian Cross, by J. D. Parsons, explains: “There is not a single sentence in any of the numerous writings forming the New Testament, which, in the original Greek, bears even indirect evidence to the effect that the stauros used in the case of Jesus was other than an ordinary stauros; much less to the effect that it consisted, not of one piece of timber, but of two pieces nailed together in the form of a cross.”

Some ancient drawings depict the use of a single wooden pole in Roman executions

As recorded at Acts 5:30, the apostle Peter used the word xy′lon, meaning “tree,” as a synonym for stau·ros′, denoting, not a two-beamed cross, but an ordinary piece of upright timber or tree. It was not until about 300 years after Jesus’ death that some professed Christians promoted the idea that Jesus was put to death on a two-beamed cross. However, this view was based on tradition and a misuse of the Greek word stau·ros′. It is noteworthy that some ancient drawings depicting Roman executions feature a single wooden pole or tree.

“Guard Yourselves From Idols”

A more important issue for true Christians should be the propriety of venerating the instrument used to kill Jesus. Whether it was an upright single torture stake, a cross, an arrow, a lance, or a knife, should such an instrument be used in worship?

Suppose a loved one of yours was brutally murdered and the weapon was submitted to the court as evidence. Would you try to gain possession of the murder weapon, take photographs of it, and print many copies for distribution? Would you produce replicas of the weapon in various sizes? Would you then fashion some of them into jewelry? Or would you have these reproductions commercially manufactured and sold to friends and relatives to be venerated? Likely you would be repulsed at the idea! Yet, these very things have been done with the cross!

Besides, the use of the cross in worship is no different from the use of images in worship, a practice condemned in the Bible. (Exodus 20:2-5; Deuteronomy 4:25, 26) The apostle John accurately reflected the teachings of true Christianity when he admonished his fellow Christians with the words: “Guard yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21) This they did even when it meant facing death in the Roman arena.

First-century Christians, however, held the sacrificial death of Christ in high esteem. Likewise today, although the instrument used to torture and kill Jesus is not to be worshipped, true Christians commemorate Jesus’ death as the means by which God provides salvation to imperfect humans. (Matthew 20:28) This superlative expression of God’s love will bring untold blessings to lovers of truth, including the prospect of everlasting life.—John 17:3; Revelation 21:3, 4.

Galations 3: 13: "Christ by purchase released us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse instead of us, because it is written: “Accursed is every man hanged upon a stake.”

Acts 5:30: "The God of our forefathers raised up Jesus, whom YOU slew, hanging him upon a stake."

Answer 10

I am an ex-JW. I am a Deist, not a Christian and do not believe in the Bible. However, from having it shoved down my throat all my life, I am well versed.

I think the Witnesses are full of s**t but there is compelling evidence that the writers of the accounts meant a stake, not a cross.

It is curious that no other religions have picked up on this. With all the scholarly evidence, pro and con, you would think more religions would go with the stake idea.

It is not above the Witnesses to go the more controversial route, against overwhelming evidence, but in this case from the scholarly evidence, they have a good point.

The letter "t" was used in pagan worship and the JW's contend that it was when Paganism was merged with Christianity at the council of Nicea by the Emperor Constantine, to ease political unrest in the Roman Empire, the cross was worked in as the symbol of Jesus death.

The JW's are so wrong on so many provable issues, why bother with this one?

I also agree that if my father was shot I would not wear a gun around my neck in his honor.

As far as Linedancers ref to "Princess Yum-yum. (Yawn) Another JW basher", that gives me license to refer to Linedancer as "one who evades direct questions".