Jehovah’s Witnesses
Conspiracy Theories
Please note that I am not Defending Jehovah's Witnesses regarding
their Religious Beliefs. I am, however, defending them against
the false accusations that Charles Taze Russell and subsequent
high-ranking members of the leadership were Secret Masons.
That, in my opinion, is easily disprovable gossip and does more harm
than good.
When Jehovah’s Witnesses see such information being circulated by well-intentioned but, in my opinion, short sighted individuals, it encourages them to conclude that all criticism is equally false. There are enough legitimate things to criticize without adopting self-defeating sensational conspiracy arguments. It reduces ones creditability when discussing valid criticisms.
When one thinks back on their own tenure as a
Jehovah’s Witnesses, I am sure there were many enterprises that one
sincerely engaged in that were beneficial in one way or another.
Personally, being raised a Jehovah’s Witnesses taught me zeal and
integrity even though I was Wrong in much of what I
preached. However, I take
comfort in Paul’s words in his first letter to Timothy.
1Timothy 1:12-13
[AMP]
I give thanks to Him Who has granted me [the needed] strength and
made me able [for this], Christ Jesus our Lord, because He has judged
and counted me faithful and trustworthy, appointing me to [this
stewardship of] the ministry.
(13) Though I
formerly blasphemed and persecuted and was shamefully and outrageously
and aggressively insulting [to Him], nevertheless, I obtained mercy
because I had acted out of ignorance in unbelief.
One’s creditability is enhanced, in my opinion,
when a critical person gives credit where credit is due.
Then one’s critical disclosures will carry far more weight in
the minds of reasonable people.
https://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Jehovah%20Witnesses/jw.htm
Above is a Website that was “Compiled and Edited by
David J. Stewart”.
Who Is David J. Stewart?
The website Jesus-is-Savior.com, as well as its counterpart
JesusIsPrecious.org, is run by a
man named David J. Stewart and yields a lot of internet readership.
It is often shared among conservative circles, especially those who may
be classified as “fundamentalists”. However, though this site may be
correct about certain issues, it misses the mark on many important
doctrines, including some that are essential to the Christian faith.
Though he is sometimes labeled a “fundamentalist”, he does not actually
hold to the fundamental truths of the Christian faith.
https://pulpitandpen.org/2017/09/30/warnings-about-jesus-is-savior-com/
Other Christian Sites critical of David J. Stewart
https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Jesus_Is_Savior
Note:
The main source of
Stewart’s link to JW’s
is a convicted felon, Fritz Springmeier.
He also goes by the name:
Viktor E. Schoff. Springmeier
has written and
self-published
a number of books based on the subject of the bloodline Illuminati and
their use of mind control. He has endorsed the existence of
Project Monarch,
an alleged
CIA
mind control
project whose existence is based on the assertions of
Cathy O'Brien.[5][6]
Who is Fritz Springmeier?
Criminal
conviction
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Fritz_Springmeier
On January 31, 2002, Springmeier was indicted in the United States
District Court in Portland, Oregon[7]
in connection with an armed robbery. On February 12, 2003, he was found
guilty of one count of armed bank robbery in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§
2113(a) and (d) and one count of aiding and abetting in the use of a
semi-automatic rifle during the commission of a felony in violation of
18 U.S.C § 924(c)(1).[8][9]
In November 2003, he was sentenced to 51 months in prison on the armed
robbery charge and 60 months on the aiding and abetting charge, fined
$7,500, ordered to pay $6,488 in restitution, and assessed an additional
$200.[10]
Springmeier's conviction was affirmed by the United States Court of
Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.[11]
He was imprisoned, and was released from federal prison on March 25,
2011.[12][13]
Stewart
says:
The
Jehovah Witnesses are a Satanic organization, based upon the occult
of Freemasonry. Charles Taze Russell was a 33rd Degree Freemason; as was
Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon cult. Carefully notice the
Masonic cross at the upper left
corner of the photo below
on the issue of The Watchtower
and Harold of Christ’s Presence. (Note:
This is a picture of the upper left hand corner of the magazine.)
Note: The Cross and Crown (a
cross passing
through a
crown) is a
Christian
symbol
used by various
Christian denominations, particularly the
Bible
Student movement.[1][2]
It has also been used in
heraldry.[3][4]
The emblem is often interpreted as symbolizing the reward in heaven (the
crown) coming after the trials in this life (the cross) (James
1:12).
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Cross_and_Crown
Note:
That some variation of this symbol was also used by the Masons,
does not make Russel a Mason.
There is no relevant evidence that he was a Mason when he founded
the WT.
Springmeier
goes on: The founders of
both "faiths," the Mormons and Jehovah's witnesses, were of the
Illuminati bloodline. Charles Taze Russell, who founded the Watchtower
Society (Jehovah Witnesses), was of the Illuminati Russell bloodline,
which also founded the infamous Skull and Bones Society at Yale
University. Charles Taze Russell was a Satanist, a pedophile according
to his wife, and a friend of the Rothschilds. Indeed it was the
Rothschilds who funded the Jehovah's Witness operation into being, along
with other Illuminati bankers, through "contributions" by organizations
like the Rothschild-controlled B'nai B'rith. This was proved in a court
of law in 1922. One of the key people involved in this was Frank Goldman
who later became President of B'nai B'rith. Why would an organization
set up (in theory) to help Jewish people and promote the Jewish faith,
be funding into existence the Jehovah's Witnesses??? I think the name
Rothschild answers the question. Russell was also a high degree
Freemason and Knights Templar. He promoted Zionism, another Rothschild
creation (see Hitler was a Rothschild), on behalf of his friends and
backers.
In his book
The Watchtower & the Masons
Fritz Springmeier says:
"It has
always been disconcerting that the Masons are so adept at smokescreens.
The leader of the Anti-Masonic political party in the 1830-1840’s turned
out to be a Mason. Both C.T.
Russell and J. Rutherford printed material that was less than favorable
to Freemasonry. And yet I now know that C.T. Russell was a Freemason, a
Knights Templar. I also know that Rutherford worked intimately with
Freemasons who were his good friends."
Note:
Fritz Springmeier has no credible evidence of this whatsoever.
You can review both
Rutherford and Russel Bios on Wikipedia and find that there is no
link to the Masons while they were associated with the Watchtower.
Note:
Russells Use of Masonic symbolism
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Charles_Taze_Russell
Wikipedia says: "
Some have claimed that various symbols Russell employed in his published
literature are Masonic in nature, and that such associations implied he
engaged in occult activity. In later editions of the
Studies in the Scriptures
series a winged solar disk was stamped on the front cover, a symbol that
is also associated with Freemasonry.[citation
needed]
However, Russell's use of the
winged solar-disk
originated from his understanding of Malachi 4:2, which denotes a sun
with wings, as a symbol that Christ's millennial Kingdom had begun to
emerge.[105]
Some critics also claim that the pyramid near Russell's gravesite is
Masonic,[65][106][107][108]
because of its shape and its use of the
Cross and Crown
symbol, although this remains disputed.[109][110]
The Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon has said that Russell was
not a Freemason,[111][112]
and notes that these symbols under discussion used are not exclusive to
Masonry but pre-date the fraternity.[113]
In June 1913, during a transcontinental speaking tour, Russell lectured
in a Masonic hall in
San Francisco,
saying:
"
Although I have never been a Mason ... Something I do seems to be the
same as Masons do, I don't know what it is; but they often give me all
kinds of
grips
and I give them back, then I tell them I don't know anything about it
except just a few grips that have come to me naturally.[114]
Throughout his ministry he said that he believed Christian identity is
incompatible with Freemasonry.[115]
He described Freemasonry,
Knights of Pythias,
Theosophy,
and other such groups as "grievous evils" and "unclean".[116][117]
Springmeier continues:
Read the eye-opening,
Occult Theocracy
(free online .PDF book), by Edith Starr Miller.
She
wrote the book in 1933 and lists Charles Taze Russell as a Knights
Templar Mason on page page 737...
http://maritimes.indymedia.org/uploads/2007/06/10008-occult_theocrasy-s-_2.jpg
It [Russell’s Writings] condemns the
Roman Catholic Church, referring to Rome in true esoteric Masonic style
as Babylon and disposes of the Pope and his entire hierarchy as agents
of the Antichrist who are doomed to extinction accor-ding to the
familiar Masonic formulas of
Albert Pike, Mazzini and Co.
. . . . Page 122 of
The Finished Mystery he wrecks any hopes we might still cherish with
regard to benevolent brotherhoods in the following sentence — " As the
trouble increases, men will seek,
but in vain,
for protection in the great
rocks and fortresses of society
(Freemasonry, Oddfellowship, and Trades Unions, Guilds, Trusts and all
societies secular and ecclesiastical) and in the mountains
(governments) of the earth ". (about page 540)
Note:
Somehow Edith Star Miller interprets these statements as
Freemasonry dogma. Does
this really sound like a Mason?
I think not.
Source: Edith Starr Miller,
Lady Queenborough
(July 16, 1887 – January 16, 1933) was a New York socialite, author and
anti-Mormon agitator.
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Edith_Starr_Miller
Note:
Next, there is a supposed connection with the Catholic Church.
It is said, “THE JEHOVAH'S WITNESS A DAUGHTER OF THE CATHOLIC
CHURCH. This Satanic
society used Catholic Church Sources in order to produce its New World
Translation. Westcott and
Hort were two Satanists, founders of the Hermes Club and members of
famed Russian witch Madam Blavatsky's Theosophy cult.
Note: Westcott and Hort
Translation:
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Westcott-Hort
The New Testament in
the Original Greek
is a Greek-language version of the
New Testament
published in 1881. It is also known as the Westcott and Hort
text, after its editors
Brooke Foss Westcott
(1825–1901) and
Fenton John Anthony
Hort
(1828–1892). (Textual scholars use the abbreviation "WH".[1])
It is a
critical text,
compiled from some of the oldest New Testament fragments and texts that
had been discovered at the time. The two editors worked together for 28
years. . . .
The edition of Westcott and Hort began a new epoch in the history
of textual criticism.[6]
Most critical editions published after Westcott and Hort share their
preference of the Alexandrian text-type and therefore are similar to
The New Testament in the Original Greek.
Note:
The Watchtower Society liked the Westcott-Hort translation
because it could be interpreted more in line with their teachings.
It aligned itself with the Alexandrine theory of interpretation
which differed from the Roman view.
Many people disagree which makes the use of this text somewhat
controversial.
https://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Jehovah%20Witnesses/jw.htm
Note:
Next we have reference to Russell’s association with the Illuminate.
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Illuminati
The Illuminati[1]
(plural of
Latin
illuminatus, "enlightened") is a name given to several groups,
both real and fictitious. Historically, the name usually refers to the
Bavarian Illuminati, an
Enlightenment-era
secret society
founded on 1 May 1776. The
society's goals were to oppose
superstition,
obscurantism,
religious influence over public life, and abuses of
state power.
"The order of the day," they wrote in their general statutes, "is to put
an end to the machinations of the purveyors of injustice, to control
them without dominating them."[2]
The Illuminati—along with
Freemasonry
and other secret societies—were outlawed through
edict
by the Bavarian ruler
Charles Theodore
with the encouragement of the
Catholic Church,
in 1784, 1785, 1787, and 1790.[3]
In the following several years, the group was vilified by conservative
and religious critics who claimed that they continued underground and
were responsible for the
French Revolution.
Note:
Modern Illuminati
Several recent and present-day
fraternal
organisations
claim to be descended from the original Bavarian Illuminati and openly
use the name "Illuminati". Some of these groups use a variation on the
name "The Illuminati Order" in the name of their own organizations,[28]
while others, such as the
Ordo Templi Orientis,
have "Illuminati" as a level within their organization’s hierarchy.
However, there is no evidence that these present-day groups have any
real connection to the historic order. They have not amassed significant
political power or influence, and most, rather than trying to remain
secret, promote unsubstantiated links to the Bavarian Illuminati as a
means of attracting membership.[22]
Note:
The Illuminati in Popular Culture
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Illuminati_in_popular_culture
Early conspiracy theories surrounding the Illuminati have inspired
various creative works, and continue to do so.
Note:
Today there are numerous lists of the “Illuminati” made up by
various groups as a part of their “conspiracy” theories.
Note:
The Russell Bloodline http://www.lovethetruth.com/books/13_bloodlines/toc.htm
(Fritz Springmeier Page)
http://www.lovethetruth.com/books/13_bloodlines/russell.htm
(Referenced from Fritz Springmeier’s page which appears to be
written by him. It
reverences his work throughout the site.)
Fritz
Springmeier writes: (Remember who Springmeier is)
Last year in the Jan. ’93
newsletter I wrote an article about the Illuminati and the Watchtower
Society. Recently, on Dec. 10, ’93, Texe Marrs interviewed me over
international short wave radio about the 1990 book "The Watchtower and
the Masons." . . . Because
of numerous problems within the congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses
with Satanic Ritual Abuse, . . .
In fact, two J.W.s who had actually been in the Illuminati while
J.W.s but had broken free, confronted the Governing Body and
headquarters with their evidence of the Illuminati operating within the
membership of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Note:
How authoritative do you think this observation is?
Who were these “two J.W.s who had actually been in the
Illuminati” ? Were
they pioneers or Circuit Servants or what?
How did they ever get back to Bethel?
Springmeier goes on:
The purpose of this next subsection may be misunderstood, unless I make
myself clear at this point. This
author has not established any link between the various famous Russells.
. . . Both the
Russell and the Rutherford families came from Scotland as well as
MacMillan and many other key early Watchtower leaders. . . .
One item that has popped up consistently is that people with the
surname Russell repeatedly appear as important figures in the various
elements of the World Order as it has developed. Before becoming aware
of the One World Order, this Author had no inkling how important blood
lines have been for the elite that controls the world. Friendships have
also played a role, for instance, Eleanor Roosevelt (who was involved in
numerous communist organizations’ and was an actual card carrying member
of the American communist party) was a close friend and confidant to
Ronald Reagon’s mother. . .
. Chapter 1 .8 will go into
more details on what
circumstantial evidence there is
that might lead one to believe
that Charles T. Russell was a Satanist.
. . .
To summarize, these various
Russells (who until the
genealogy work is done to show the connections should be viewed as
individuals -- not a group)
have been prominent members of
the Illuminati, the Masons, the Fabians, the Mormons, the Jehovah’s
Witnesses, the Jesuits, the Royal Society, and the Media controlled by
those of the New World Order, and a deputy chairman of the Federal
Reserve. Typically they have been merchants and lawyers, with a fair
share of them also as Christian heretics. It will be easier perhaps to
illustrate how the Russells keep popping up in the New World Order story
line by listing a good sampling of them.
Note:
I don’t think anything written by Springmeier or endorsed and
referenced by him could be more bizarre.
If I used him as an example of anything, it would be in the
context as a radical conspiracist who has attempted to make a
self-published mountain out of a mole hill or less.
Note:
Finally, Are the Masons Devil Worshipers?
http://www.cuttingedge.org/free11.html
Anti-Masons use examples like this paragraph below which is supposedly
taken from Masonic literature as a proof showing Masons are Devil
Worshipers.
"Lucifer,
the Light-bearer!
Strange and mysterious name to give to the Spirit of Darkness!
Lucifer, the Son of the Morning!
Is it he who bears the
Light, and with its splendors intolerable, blinds feeble, sensual, or
selfish souls? Doubt it
not!" [Albert Pike, Morals
and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, p.
321, 19th Degree of Grand Pontiff; Red Emphasis added]
The articles
response:
What a revelation!
From the first degree, the first Initiation,
the Mason is urged mightily to
"seek the Light"! The
average Mason is continually saying that he is "seeking the Light", and
will spend his entire life "moving toward the Light".
Almost every person in Western Civilization will assume that this
"Light" is the revelation of the God of the Bible; indeed, this
statement is held up continuously to try to convince us that Masonry is
Christian. Yet,
here, Albert Pike is saying that
Lucifer is the One who bears the Light of Freemasonry!
Lucifer is the Light-bearer of Freemasonry .
Note:
For a reasonable person,
it should be obvious to see that the above Masonic quote is asking a
question about Light with Darkness.
Pike refers to “Lucifer, the Light-bearer” as having a “Strange
and mysterious name.”
How can the Devil be both a
“Light-bearer” and the “Spirit of Darkness”?
He answers the question by saying that there is
no “Doubt” that with such
light having “splendors
intolerable” the Devil
blinds feeble, sensual or selfish souls.” I think Pike was thinking
of 2Corinthians 11:13-14 KJV which says, “ For such are false apostles,
deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
(14) And no marvel; for
Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”
Note:
What do the Freemasons stand for?
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Freemasonry
Note:
What do Freemason’s do?
Freemasons as a group donate millions of dollars daily to charitable
purposes. The Masonic organization the Shriners has for some time been
providing free medical services for children suffering from burns. In
addition, Freemasons as individuals or Lodges give quite a large amount
of charity on their own anonymously just as a matter of principle, of
which there is little or no record.
Besides that, Masonic teaching aims to make good men better, to improve
them and make them better in their family life, their business life and
their civic life. It doesn't always work of course but in this way too
Masons can be seen to be doing good.
Note:
https://www.gotquestions.org/free-masonry.html
Freemasonry is not a religion.
While it is not opposed to Christianity, many of their beliefs
and practices conflict with some Christian doctrines.
Masons teach that there is a Supreme Being, but they accept all
people’s god to fill that role.
Masons do not believe in the exclusivity of the Christian faith.
According to Freemasonry, a person will be saved and go to heaven
as a result of his good works and personal self-improvement.
Note:
Anti Freemasonry
Anti-Masonry
(alternatively called Anti-Freemasonry) has been defined as
"opposition to Freemasonry",[90][91]
but there is no homogeneous anti-Masonic movement. Anti-Masonry consists
of widely differing criticisms from diverse (and often incompatible)
groups who are hostile to Freemasonry in some form. Critics have
included religious groups, political groups, and
conspiracy theorists.
There have been many
disclosures and exposés dating as far back as the 18th century. These
often lack context,[92]
may be outdated for various reasons,[93]
or could be outright
hoaxes
on the part of the author, as in the case of the
Taxil hoax.[94]
The first book produced by Taxil after his conversion was a four-volume
history of Freemasonry, which contained fictitious eyewitness
verifications of their participation inThe first book produced by Taxil after his conversion was a four-volume
history of Freemasonry, which contained fictitious eyewitness
verifications of their participation in
Satanism.
With a collaborator who published as "Dr. Karl Hacks", Taxil wrote
another book called The Devil in the Nineteenth Century, which
introduced a new character, Diana Vaughan, a supposed descendant of the
Rosicrucian alchemist
Thomas Vaughan.
The book contained many tales about her encounters with incarnate
demons,
one of whom was supposed to have written prophecies on her back with its
tail, and another who played the piano in the shape of a crocodile.[2]
. . . .
On April 19, 1897, Taxil called a press conference at which he
said he would introduce Diana Vaughan to the press. He instead announced
that his revelations about the
Freemasons were fictitious. He thanked the clergy for their
assistance in giving publicity to his wild claims.[3]
The confession was printed, in its entirety, in the Parisian newspaper
Le Frondeur, on April 25, 1897, titled: Twelve Years Under the
Banner of the Church, The Prank Of Palladism. Miss Diana Vaughan–The
Devil At The Freemasons. A Conference held by M. Léo Taxil, at the Hall
of the Geographic Society in Paris.[4]
The hoax material is still used to this day.
Chick Publications
publishes such a tract called The Curse of
Baphomet[5]
and Randy Noblitt's book on
satanic ritual abuse,
Cult and Ritual Abuse,
also cites the Taxil hoax.[6]
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Note:
Based on this review, I do not believe that Russell or Rutherford
or any subsequent member of the JW’s in
good standing has anything to do with the Masons.
Interestingly, the Masons have a good reputation among people of
all religions.