Authority Over Jehovah's Witnesses: Christ or Their Elders?

The Watchtower Society, known to many as Jehovah's Witnesses, has long been recognized for its organizational unity. However, this unity has been enforced rather than organic, leading to a critical examination of who truly holds authority over its members. This examination is particularly pertinent considering the societal role and religious practices of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Enforced Unity Over True Doctrine

The articles in the Watchtower and other literature of the Watchtower Society frequently emphasize that its members must adhere to its teachings. Any deviation from these teachings can lead to severe consequences, such as disfellowshipping, which often results in social isolation and loss of fellowship. This practice of enforced doctrinal conformity has been a subject of scrutiny, especially in cases where these teachings have been proven to be in error.

Testimonies of Watchtower Leaders

The testimony of Watchtower leaders during the Douglas Walsh vs the Right Honourable James Latham Clyde MP, PC, trial in Scotland in 1954, provides a stark insight into the enforcement of the organization's teachings. According to the trial transcript, which spans over 700 pages, it is clear that vocal dissenters are not tolerated within the organization. Consider the following exchange:

Q. (Qustion asked) : Am I right that you put what is described as the end of the time of the Gentiles in October 1914?

A. (Answer): Yes.

Q. (Question): Is it not the case that Pastor Russell put that date in 1874?

A. (Answer): No.

Q. (Question): Is it not the case that he fixed the date prior to 1914?

A. (Answer): Yes.

Q. (Question): What date did he fix?

A. (Answer): The end of the Gentile times he fixed as 1914.

The above testimony reveals that the predictions of Herbert W. Armstrong, the leader of the Watchtower Society, regarding the end of the Gentile times were contrary to the original predictions of Pastor Russell. Despite this, members were required to adhere to Armstrong's version, or risk disfellowshipping. This enforcement of a miscalculation underscores the societal ranks' insistence on uniformity, even when faced with factual errors.

Enforced False Prophecy and Sectarian Unity

In the same trial transcript, the importance of speaking the truth on religious matters is emphasized, yet the promulgation of false prophecy is acknowledged. For instance:

Q. (Question): It was promulgated as a matter which must be believed by all members of Jehovah's Witnesses that the Lord's Second Coming took place in 1874.

A. (Answer): That was the publication of a false prophecy. It was a false statement or an erroneous statement in fulfillment of a prophecy that was false or erroneous.

Q. (Question): And that had to be accepted by the whole of Jehovah's Witnesses.

A. (Answer): Yes, because you must understand, we must have unity. We cannot have disunity with a lot of people going every way. An army is supposed to march in step.

The leaders' firm stance on unity, even if it involves false prophecy, highlights the organization's emphasis on organizational harmony over truth. This enforcement of false beliefs creates a unique type of religious practice where adherents must suppress personal beliefs and dissent to maintain their social and religious standing.

Disciplinary Measures and Religious Doctrine

The requirement for members to accept false prophesies creates a situation where internal conflict and dissent can lead to severe consequences. Dissenters risk disfellowshipping, which can lead to ostracism and the loss of fellowship. Consider the following:

Q. (Question): If a member of Jehovah's Witnesses took the view himself that that prophecy was wrong and said so, would he be disfellowshipped?

A. (Answer): Yes, if he said so and kept on persisting in creating trouble. Even though the whole organization believes one thing, even though it be erroneous, and somebody else starts on his own trying to put his ideas across, then there is a disunity and trouble. There cannot be harmony. There cannot be marching...
Our purpose is to have unity.

This response from a Watchtower leader highlights the importance of conformity and unity in the organization. Dissent is not merely discouraged but actively punished, illustrating the organization's strict hierarchical structure and the role of the elders in maintaining it.

Consequences of Dissent and True Christian Doctrine

The treatment of dissenters also raises questions about the true nature of Christian doctrine. The following exchange is particularly telling:

Q. (Question): Unity at all costs?

A. (Answer): Unity at all costs. Because we believe and are sure that Jehovah God is using our organization, the governing body of our organization, to direct it, even though mistakes are made from time to time.

Q. (Question): A unity based on an enforced acceptance of false prophecy?

A. (Answer): That is conceded to be true.

Q. (Question): And the person who expresses his view as you say that it was wrong and was disfellowshipped would be in breach of the covenant if he was baptized?

A. (Answer): That is correct. If he became a baptized member and continued in this course he would be in breach of the covenant and would be worthy of death.

This response not only confirms the organization's adherence to a strict hierarchy but also suggests that true Christian doctrine is secondary to the maintenance of organizational unity. The implication is that adherence to organizational dictates, even if these are erroneous, is prioritized over personal faith and reasoning, which fundamentally challenges traditional Christian thought.

Conclusion

The examination of the Watchtower Society's leadership and disciplinary measures reveals a critical aspect of religious authority and societal control. While the organization emphasizes unity and adherence to its teachings, this often comes at the cost of individual truth and dissent. It raises important questions about the balance between organizational unity and the true essence of Christian doctrine. As the societal role of Jehovah's Witnesses continues to evolve, understanding and challenging these practices becomes increasingly significant.