Until 1954 JWs worshipped Jesus (?)

[apostoli]

While researching something totally unconnected with the WT&TS I came across an interesting site, which indicates that Russell, Rutherford and Knorr all advocated worship of Jesus. And most amusing of all, the founders of the WT&TS put forward the same arguments justifying such that JWs now argue against.

It seems clear that His Divinity was retained in humanity because He repeatedly spoke of Himself as having come down from heaven, and because He, though passing through trial and sorrow as a man, was yet possessed of the authority and exercised the prerogatives of a God. He was the object of unreproved worship even when a babe, by the wise men who came to see the new-born King. Matt. 2:2-11. Even the angels delighted to do Him honor. "When He bringeth the first-begotten into the world, He saith, "And let all the angels of God worship Him." Heb. 1:6. He never reproved any one for acts of worship offered to Himself, but when Cornelius offered such service to Peter--the leading apostle-- "he took him up, saying, stand up; I myself also am a man." .... Had Christ not been more than a man the same reason would have prevented from receiving worship...." Zion's Watch Tower 1892 May 15 p.157

Peace

[Sparko]

i doubt you will get much JW response to that one!

run brave sir robin!

[apostoli]

i doubt you will get much JW response to that one!

run brave sir robin!

I didn't expect to! Though I thought someone would raise obeiance versus worship. As I recall: In the OT there is text (1 Chron 29:20) that has the Israelites worshiping both YHWH & the King. As I recall: there is a bible version that erroneously renders the text so that YHWH is worshipped and obeianace is given to the King.

In anycase, next time worship of Jesus comes up, I'll just appeal to Russell as my authority, and let him speak for me.

Peace

ps: As someone in B-Greek notes "The JWs may argue, whatever the meaning of PROSKUNEW may be, that Jesus was worshipped as the anointed one (the king), being thus God's representative without being God, and point for instance to 1 Chron.29:20, where the Jews worshipped YHWH and the king (David) - both God and the king are the objects of the same action. So I do not think that Greek helps to prove/disprove the point made."

The NWT translates 1 Chron 29:20 as "bow low and prostrate themselves" which accords with the NKJV and several other versions.

[apostoli]

run brave sir robin!

Ha ha ha!

The Ballad of Brave Sir Robin (Monty Python)

Bravely bold Sir Robin
Rode forth from Camelot.
He was not afraid to die,
Oh brave Sir Robin.
He was not at all afraid
To be killed in nasty ways.
Brave, brave, brave, brave Sir Robin.

He was not in the least bit scared
To be mashed into a pulp.
Or to have his eyes gouged out,
And his elbows broken.
To have his kneecaps split
And his body burned away,
And his limbs all hacked and mangled
Brave Sir Robin.

His head smashed in
And his heart cut out
And his liver removed
And his bowls unplugged
And his nostrils raped


And his bottom burnt off
And his pen--

"That's... that's enough music for now lads,
Looks there's dirty work afoot."

Brave Sir Robin ran away.
("No!")
Bravely ran away away.
("I didn't!")
When danger reared it's ugly head,
He bravely turned his tail and fled.
("no!")
Yes, brave Sir Robin turned about
("I didn't!")
And gallantly he chickened out.

****Bravely**** taking ("I never did!") to his feet,
He beat a very brave retreat.
("all lies!")
Bravest of the braaaave, Sir Robin!
("I never!")