JWTruth.orgДокументиран сравнителен ресурс
Ask JWTruth Търсене
Български

Тази страница на

Всички езици

Библиотека със сравнения

Doctrine changes and “new light”

Не всяка корекция е еднакво съществена. Тази библиотека поставя по-ранната и по-късната формулировка една до друга и обозначава вида на всяка промяна: официален обрат в учението, промяна в практиката, промяна в терминологията, насоки за облеклото, промяна в ударението или административна процедура. При всяка двойка е показано обяснението на самата организация.

Последна проверка 19 септември 2026 43 comparisons · quotations read in the original except where a card marks a statement as reported

Как организацията обяснява промяната

JW.org says beliefs are adjusted ‘as our understanding of the Scriptures has been clarified’, citing Proverbs 4:18, and points to the ‘Beliefs Clarified’ heading in its own publications index. In 1981 The Watchtower compared adjusted explanations to a sailing ship ‘tacking’ and said such adjustments had ‘often served as a test of loyalty’. In 2017 it said the Governing Body ‘is neither inspired nor infallible’ and ‘can err in doctrinal matters’. jw.org FAQ, 19 септември 2026 The Watchtower, 1 декември 1981 The Watchtower (study edition), февруари 2017

At times explanations given by Jehovah's visible organization have shown adjustments, seemingly to previous points of view. But this has not actually been the case. This might be compared to what is known in navigational circles as “tacking.” By maneuvering the sails the sailors can cause a ship to go from right to left, back and forth, but all the time making progress toward their destination in spite of contrary winds.

The Watchtower, “The Path of the Righteous Does Keep Getting Brighter”, 1 December 1981, pp. 26-31, par. 2 (p. 27); par. 19 Проверено Open source
Обяснение на организацията · февруари 2017 Проверено

In February 2017 The Watchtower stated that 'The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible' and 'can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction'. The Watchtower (study edition), февруари 2017

Покажи доказателствата (1 източник)
Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower (study edition), “Who Is Leading God's People Today?”

февруари 2017 · pp.23-28 · par. 12 (p. 26) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore, it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction.”

Within a discussion of why the Governing Body's direction should nonetheless be followed.

Официален източник

Бележка за произхода и проверката

Бележка за достоверността. Opened on wol.jw.org; wording, paragraph and page confirmed.

Потвърдено от. src-idx-beliefs-clarified

Notes. 'Beliefs Clarified' cites w17.02 26 under the faithful-and-discreet-slave entry.

Отворено на. 19 септември 2026 · Идентификатор на източника. src-w-2017-0200-who-is-leading-not-infallible

Страница на твърдението Поправка или актуализация
Независима констатация · 19 септември 2026 Проверено

The 'Beliefs Clarified' index records the Sodom, civilian-service, faithful-slave, superior-authorities, generation, great-tribulation and removal changes, but contains no line matching 'transplant', 'vaccin' or 'beard'. Watch Tower Publications Index (Research Guide) — 'Beliefs Clarified' entry, 2026

Позицията на организацията или по-късното ѝ обяснение: The organisation may regard transplants/vaccination as conscience matters and beards as grooming rather than 'beliefs'.

Покажи доказателствата (1 източник)
Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

Watch Tower Publications Index (Research Guide) — 'Beliefs Clarified' entry, “Beliefs Clarified”

2026 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“1988 … no resurrection for dead in Sodom and Gomorrah: w88 6/1 30-31 … 1996 … civilian service in lieu of military service: yb97 16; w96 5/1 19-20 … 2024 … help for ones removed from the congregation: w24.08 27-28”

The organisation's own dated list of adjusted beliefs, with references; also lists 1929/1962 'superior authorities', 1927/2013 'faithful and discreet slave', 1995 and 2008-2010 'this generation', 2024 Sodom and great-tribulation entries. No lines match 'transplant', 'vaccin' or 'beard'.

Официален източник

Бележка за произхода и проверката

Бележка за достоверността. Opened on wol.jw.org and full text searched locally.

Notes. Referenced by the jw.org FAQ as the place where changes are 'recorded and published'.

Отворено на. 19 септември 2026 · Идентификатор на източника. src-idx-beliefs-clarified

Страница на твърдението Поправка или актуализация

Всичко, което се е променило, в един списък

Всяка промяна, документирана в този сайт, групирана по област. Правилата за кръвта също са тук, защото са промени като всички останали; датираните предсказания имат свой собствен център с доказателства.

43 documented changes. Select any one to read the earlier wording, the later wording and the organisation’s own explanation.

What changedEarlierLaterKind of change
Medical
Blood: donating it 15 January 1961 and 15 October 2000 18 септември 2026 Промяна в практиката
Blood: minor fractions 1 ноември 1961 1 юни 1990 Промяна в практиката
Blood: storing and reusing your own 15 октомври 2000 20 март 2026 Официален обрат в учението
Blood: the four primary components 15 юни 2000 18 септември 2026 Официален обрат в учението
Organ transplants 15 ноември 1967 15 март 1980 Официален обрат в учението
Vaccination 1929 to 1931 15 декември 1952 Промяна в практиката
Prophecy
Armageddon: a social revolution, then a war fought by God Until 1926 1926 Официален обрат в учението
Revelation 12: the male child was the papacy, then the Kingdom Until 1925 1 март 1925 Официален обрат в учението
When did Christ’s invisible presence begin: 1874 or 1914? 1889 to 1929 By 1943 Официален обрат в учението
Who can survive the great tribulation? 1 септември 1989 май 2024 Официален обрат в учението
Who is “Gog of Magog”? 1971 to 2015 15 май 2015 Официален обрат в учението
Who is “the king of the north”? 1960 2018, published May 2020 Официален обрат в учението
Daily life
Alternative (civilian) national service 1 септември 1986 1 май 1996 Промяна в практиката
Beards, jackets and ties, women’s trousers 1968 and September 2016 December 2023 and March 2024 Насоки за облеклото и външния вид
Birthdays: recorded in the Bible Students’ own books Until the late 1920s 6 май 1936 Промяна в практиката
Chess 22 март 1973 2017 Промяна в ударението
Christmas: kept at headquarters until 1926 Until December 1926 From 1927-28 Промяна в практиката
Higher education 1992 and 2005 22 август 2025 Промяна в ударението
Military service: from varied conduct to strict neutrality 1914 to 1918 1 ноември 1939 Промяна в практиката
Reporting hours in the ministry Until November 2023 ноември 2023 Административна процедура
Smoking and tobacco 15 февруари 1969 1 юни 1973 Промяна в практиката
Toasting and clinking glasses ‘For years’ 4 юли 2025 Промяна в практиката
Voting in political elections 15 ноември 1950 1 ноември 1999 Промяна в практиката
Working in tobacco: a livelihood becomes a disfellowshipping matter Before February 1974 февруари 1974 Промяна в практиката
Discipline
Blood: what happened to a member who accepted it 15 януари 1961 15 юни 2000 Административна процедура
Disfellowshipping: greetings, invitations and the word itself 15 септември 1981 March and August 2024 Промяна в практиката
Sexual conduct within marriage, 1972 to 1983 15 ноември 1974 15 февруари 1978 Официален обрат в учението
Identity and authority
Congregation elders: elected by members, then abolished, then appointed 1870s to 1932 1971 (1972 in one later account) Административна процедура
When did the call to heaven close: 1931, 1935, or not at all? From 1933 1 май 2007 Официален обрат в учението
Who is the ‘faithful and discreet slave’? 15 март 1990 15 юли 2013 Официален обрат в учението
Biblical interpretation
“Vindicating God’s name” becomes “sanctifying” it To the mid-1980s From the later 1980s Промяна в ударението
Prophetic “types”: Bible characters as pictures of modern classes For most of the twentieth century 15 март 2015 Официален обрат в учението
The ‘superior authorities’ of Romans 13:1 1929 to 1962 15 ноември 1962 Официален обрат в учението
The “antitypical Jubilee”: the Millennium, then Pentecost 33 C.E. Long-held 1 януари 1987 Официален обрат в учението
The “great crowd” of Revelation 7:9: heaven or earth? Before 31 May 1935 31 май 1935 Официален обрат в учението
The cross: a badge of faith, then a pagan symbol 1891 to the late 1920s 1936 Официален обрат в учението
The Great Pyramid as ‘God’s Stone Witness’ 1891 1 декември 1928 Официален обрат в учението
The keys of the Kingdom: two, then three Until 1979 1 октомври 1979 Официален обрат в учението
The restoration prophecies: about the Jews, then about the organisation Until 1932 1932 Официален обрат в учението
The sheep and the goats: when does the judging happen? Before 1923 15 октомври 1995 Официален обрат в учението
The sheepfolds of John 10: two, then three Until 1984 15 февруари 1984 Официален обрат в учението
What the Bible is chiefly about: salvation and the ransom, then sovereignty and the Kingdom Early decades From the 1930s Промяна в ударението
Will the people of Sodom and Gomorrah be resurrected? 1 June 1952: No May 2024: ‘We cannot say for sure’ Официален обрат в учението

Всяка промяна подробно

43 shown
Medical Промяна в практиката Проверено

Blood: donating it #

Earlier · 15 January 1961 and 15 October 2000

Donating blood toward the medical use of blood by others is grounds for disfellowshipping if persisted in (1961); “we do not donate blood” (2000).

The inspired Holy Scriptures answer yes.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”, 15 January 1961, pp. 63-64 Проверено Open source

Hence, we do not donate blood, nor do we store for transfusion our blood that should be ‘poured out.’ That practice conflicts with God’s law.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”, 15 October 2000, pp. 30-31 Проверено Open source

Later · 18 септември 2026

Whether to donate blood “for the clearly expressed purpose of providing components or fractions for use by another person” is a personal decision. Donating for whole-blood use remains unacceptable.

The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses announced on Friday that the decision to accept red cells, white cells, plasma or platelets from another person's blood is a matter of personal conscience. Likewise, each Witness must decide whether or not to donate blood for the clearly expressed purpose of providing components or fractions for use by another person. … The long-standing refusal of whole-blood transfusions on religious grounds, a core teaching based on the command to 'abstain from blood' (Acts 15:20), is unchanged.

JW.org Global News (press release), “Jehovah’s Witnesses: Each Witness Now Decides Whether to Accept or Donate Main Blood Components”, 18 September 2026 Проверено Open source

After further prayerful consideration, the Governing Body has decided that this same principle applies to the four primary components of whole blood—red cells, white cells, plasma, and platelets—that are derived from another person’s blood. Therefore, each Christian must make his own personal decision about the use of these four primary components in all medical and surgical care.

JW.org (Questions From Readers), “How Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Show Respect for Life?”, 18 September 2026 Проверено Open source

Обяснението на организацията: The 2026 announcement presents the distinction between donating for components and donating for whole blood; no earlier publication draws it.

Какво следва от документалния запис: In practice most donated blood is separated into components, and the organisation has not said how the distinction is to be applied.

Твърдения: claim-blood-2026-donation-components-personal

Medical Промяна в практиката Проверено

Blood: minor fractions #

Earlier · 1 ноември 1961

The entire modern medical practice involving the use of blood is called “objectionable”, and infusing “some blood fraction to sustain one’s life” in place of a transfusion is “wrong”. Vaccines and serums are left to individual judgment.

the taking of a blood transfusion, or, in lieu of that, the infusing of some blood fraction to sustain one's life is wrong.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”, 1 November 1961, pp. 669-672 Проверено Open source

It would therefore be a matter of individual judgment whether one accepted such types of medication or not.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”, 15 September 1958, p. 575 Проверено Open source

Later · 1 юни 1990

Albumin, immune globulin and haemophilia preparations are for each Witness to decide as a personal matter.

One person may feel that he in good conscience can; another may conclude that he cannot. Each must resolve the matter personally before God.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”, 1 June 1990, pp. 30-31 Проверено Open source
Intermediate and related statements (1)

15 юни 1978

Haemophilia preparations and other serums become a “gray area” left to conscience. The Watchtower, 15 юни 1978

Обяснението на организацията: The publications present the later position as a matter of conscience within an unchanged principle, and do not describe the 1961 wording as an error.

Какво следва от документалния запис: Between 1961 and 1978 a Witness with haemophilia had no approved treatment; the same preparations are now a personal decision.

Твърдения: claim-blood-1990-five-categories-rejected

Medical Официален обрат в учението Проверено

Blood: storing and reusing your own #

Earlier · 15 октомври 2000

“We do not donate blood, nor do we store for transfusion our blood”; depositing one’s own blood before surgery “conflicts with God’s law”.

Hence, we do not donate blood, nor do we store for transfusion our blood that should be ‘poured out.’ That practice conflicts with God’s law.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”, 15 October 2000, pp. 30-31 Проверено Open source

Later · 20 март 2026

The Bible does not comment on the use of a person's own blood in medical and surgical care, so collecting, storing and reinfusing it is a personal decision.

Christians are not under the Mosaic Law. However, we obey the apostolic command to ‘abstain from blood.’ Furthermore, the Bible does not comment on the use of a person’s own blood in medical and surgical care. Therefore, like other choices about health care, each Christian must make his own decision about the use of his own blood in all medical and surgical care.

JW.org News, “2026 Governing Body Update #2”, 20 March 2026 Проверено Open source

After further prayerful consideration, the Governing Body has decided that this same principle applies to the four primary components of whole blood—red cells, white cells, plasma, and platelets—that are derived from another person’s blood. Therefore, each Christian must make his own personal decision about the use of these four primary components in all medical and surgical care.

JW.org (Questions From Readers), “How Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Show Respect for Life?”, 18 September 2026 Проверено Open source

Обяснението на организацията: The September 2026 article calls the March statement a “Scriptural clarification” that “allows each Christian to do as stated in Galatians 6:5”. The 2000 wording was not described as an error.

Какво следва от документалния запис: Members who declined pre-operative autologous donation, cell salvage or haemodilution did so under a rule the organisation now says the Bible never addressed.

Твърдения: claim-blood-2026-own-blood-personal · claim-blood-2000-own-blood-conflicts-with-gods-law

Medical Официален обрат в учението Проверено

Blood: the four primary components #

Earlier · 15 юни 2000

Accepting red cells, white cells, platelets or plasma from another person “violates God’s law”. The 2008 appendix instructs members to refuse all four, and whole blood, “under any circumstances”.

Jehovah's Witnesses hold that accepting whole blood or any of those four primary components violates God's law.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers — Do Jehovah's Witnesses accept any medical products derived from blood?”, 15 June 2000, pp. 29-31 Проверено Open source

Fractions are derived from the four primary blood components—red cells, white cells, platelets, and plasma.

Keep Yourselves in God's Love (book), “Appendix: Blood Fractions and Surgical Procedures”, 2008 Проверено Open source

Later · 18 септември 2026

“Each Christian must make his own personal decision about the use of these four primary components in all medical and surgical care.” The congregation “will not get involved in that decision”.

After further prayerful consideration, the Governing Body has decided that this same principle applies to the four primary components of whole blood—red cells, white cells, plasma, and platelets—that are derived from another person’s blood. Therefore, each Christian must make his own personal decision about the use of these four primary components in all medical and surgical care.

JW.org (Questions From Readers), “How Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Show Respect for Life?”, 18 September 2026 Проверено Open source

The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses announced on Friday that the decision to accept red cells, white cells, plasma or platelets from another person's blood is a matter of personal conscience. Likewise, each Witness must decide whether or not to donate blood for the clearly expressed purpose of providing components or fractions for use by another person. … The long-standing refusal of whole-blood transfusions on religious grounds, a core teaching based on the command to 'abstain from blood' (Acts 15:20), is unchanged.

JW.org Global News (press release), “Jehovah’s Witnesses: Each Witness Now Decides Whether to Accept or Donate Main Blood Components”, 18 September 2026 Проверено Open source
Intermediate and related statements (2)

22 юни 1982

The four components are named explicitly for the first time as ruled out: whole blood, packed red cells, plasma, white cells and platelets. Awake!, 22 юни 1982

1990

The brochure How Can Blood Save Your Life? states that Witnesses “do not accept transfusions of whole blood, red cells, white cells, platelets, or blood plasma”. How Can Blood Save Your Life? (brochure), 1990

Обяснението на организацията: The organisation calls it “an adjustment to our position on blood components” and says the Governing Body “is not authorized to ’go beyond the things that are written’” because the Scriptures “do not comment on the various products that may be derived from blood”. It has not described the earlier position as an error.

Какво следва от документалния запис: For eighty-one years these were not optional. From 1961 an unrepentant Witness who accepted them could be expelled and cut off from their family; from 2000 they were treated as having disassociated themselves. The organisation’s own magazine named young people who died refusing them.

Твърдения: claim-blood-2026-components-personal · claim-blood-2026-org-calls-it-adjustment · claim-blood-1994-awake-six-named-outcomes

Medical Официален обрат в учението Проверено

Organ transplants #

Earlier · 15 ноември 1967

Accepting a transplanted organ is described as ‘living off the flesh of another human’ and ‘cannibalistic’.

Those who submit to such operations are thus living off the flesh of another human. That is cannibalistic. However, in allowing man to eat animal flesh Jehovah God did not grant permission for humans to try to perpetuate their lives by cannibalistically taking into their bodies human flesh, whether chewed or in the form of whole organs or body parts taken from others.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers (donating one's body for research / accepting transplanted organs)”, 15 November 1967, pp. 702-704, p. 702 Проверено Open source

Later · 15 март 1980

‘It is a matter for personal decision.’ A judicial committee ‘would not take disciplinary action if someone accepted an organ transplant’. The 1980 answer does not refer to the 1967 answer.

It is a matter for personal decision. (Gal. 6:5) The congregation judicial committee would not take disciplinary action if someone accepted an organ transplant.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers (congregation action over an organ transplant)”, 15 March 1980, p. 31 Проверено Open source
Intermediate and related statements (1)

1 август 1961

Donating one’s eyes after death: ‘it does not seem that any Scriptural principle or law is involved’; each individual decides. The Watchtower, 1 август 1961

Обяснението на организацията: The 1980 answer attributes the ‘cannibalistic’ view to what ‘some Christians might feel’; it does not describe the 1967 position as an error. The ‘Beliefs Clarified’ index contains no entry for transplants.

Какво следва от документалния запис: For thirteen years the published position treated a transplant as cannibalism. No data on refusals or outcomes in that period is available in the sources opened.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-transplants-1967-cannibalistic · claim-doctrine-transplants-1980-personal-decision · claim-doctrine-transplants-1961-personal-matter

Medical Промяна в практиката Проверено

Vaccination #

Earlier · 1929 to 1931

The Golden Age publishes, as a reprint of an outside doctor’s article, that “the practice of vaccination is a crime, an outrage and a delusion” (1 May 1929), and, in a signed contribution by H. W. Newcomb, that readers should “avoid serum inoculations and vaccinations, as they pollute the blood stream with their filthy pus” (13 November 1929, p. 107). A 4 February 1931 issue is reported to have called vaccination a violation of the everlasting covenant with Noah; that issue has not been opened and the sentence is recorded as reported, not quoted.

Thinking people would rather have smallpox than vaccination, because the latter sows the seed of syphilis, cancers, eczema, erysipelas, scrofula, consumption, even leprosy and many other loathsome affections. Hence the practice of vaccination is a crime, an outrage and a delusion.

The Golden Age, “Vaccination (by Dr. H. R. Rickards, reprinted from The Quest)”, 1 May 1929, pp. 502-503 Проверено Open scan

Avoid serum inoculations and vaccinations, as they pollute the blood stream with their filthy pus.

The Golden Age, “Health”, 13 November 1929, pp. 106-107 (the sentence on p. 107) Проверено Open scan

Also: The Golden Age, 4 февруари 1931

Later · 15 декември 1952

Vaccination ‘is one for the individual … to decide for himself’ and ‘does not appear to us to be in violation of the everlasting covenant made with Noah’.

The matter of vaccination is one for the individual that has to face it to decide for himself. … it does not appear to us to be in violation of the everlasting covenant made with Noah, as set down in Genesis 9:4, nor contrary to God's related commandment at Leviticus 17:10-14. Most certainly it cannot reasonably or Scripturally be argued and proved that, by being vaccinated, the inoculated person is either eating or drinking blood

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers (Is vaccination a violation of God's law forbidding the taking of blood into the system?)”, 15 December 1952, p. 764 Проверено Open source
Intermediate and related statements (1)

Today

jw.org: ‘No. Jehovah’s Witnesses are not opposed to vaccination. We view vaccination as a personal decision for each Christian to make.’ The FAQ quotes Awake! of 22 August 1965 and does not mention the 1929–1931 material. jw.org FAQ, 19 септември 2026Awake!, 22 август 1965

Обяснението на организацията: The 1952 answer frames the question in terms of the Noachian covenant, the argument the 1931 article is reported to have used, and rejects it without citing the earlier article.

Какво следва от документалния запис: Guidance against vaccination appeared for roughly two decades in a general-interest magazine, in reprints and signed contributions rather than as doctrine, so this pair is labelled a change in published guidance rather than a formal doctrinal reversal. Two citations in common use are wrong: the “filthy pus” sentence is in the 13 November 1929 issue and not 1 May 1929 p. 502, and it carries a by-line.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-vaccination-1929-crime-delusion · claim-doctrine-vaccination-1931-noah-covenant · claim-doctrine-vaccination-1952-reversal · claim-doctrine-vaccination-current-position · claim-doctrine-citation-corrections

Discipline Административна процедура Проверено

Blood: what happened to a member who accepted it #

Earlier · 15 януари 1961

An unrepentant Witness who accepts a transfusion is subject to disfellowshipping, and persistent blood donation is treated the same way.

The inspired Holy Scriptures answer yes.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”, 15 January 1961, pp. 63-64 Проверено Open source

Later · 15 юни 2000

A member who accepts a transfusion is regarded as having disassociated themselves by their own action, rather than being expelled by a judicial committee.

Jehovah's Witnesses hold that accepting whole blood or any of those four primary components violates God's law.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers — Do Jehovah's Witnesses accept any medical products derived from blood?”, 15 June 2000, pp. 29-31 Проверено Open source

Обяснението на организацията: The organisation described the 2000 change to news agencies as a procedural matter rather than a change of position on blood itself.

Какво следва от документалния запис: The practical outcome for the member, loss of contact with the congregation and with Witness family outside the household, is the same under both procedures.

Твърдения: claim-blood-2000-procedural-change-disassociation

Discipline Промяна в практиката Проверено

Disfellowshipping: greetings, invitations and the word itself #

Earlier · 15 септември 1981

‘A simple “Hello” to someone can be the first step that develops into a conversation and maybe even a friendship. Would we want to take that first step with a disfellowshiped person?’

And we all know from our experience over the years that a simple “Hello” to someone can be the first step that develops into a conversation and maybe even a friendship. Would we want to take that first step with a disfellowshiped person?

The Watchtower, “Disfellowshiping—How to View It”, 15 September 1981, pp. 20-26, par. 21 (p. 24); par. 23 (p. 25) Проверено Open source

Christians related to such a disfellowshiped person living outside the home should strive to avoid needless association, even keeping business dealings to a minimum.

The Watchtower, “If a Relative Is Disfellowshiped . . .”, 15 September 1981, pp. 26-31, par. 19 (p. 29) Проверено Open source

Later · March and August 2024

Publishers may ‘use their Bible-trained conscience to decide whether to give a simple greeting’ to a removed person at a meeting and may invite such a person to meetings. ‘In the past, we would not greet such a person.’ The term ‘disfellowshipped’ is replaced by ‘removed from the congregation’.

Under our current arrangement, we don't say a greeting to individuals who've been removed from the congregation. However, the Governing Body has decided that publishers can use their Bible-trained conscience to decide whether to give a simple greeting and welcome a disfellowshipped individual who attends a congregation meeting.

JW Broadcasting — 2024 Governing Body Update #2, “2024 Governing Body Update #2 (official English subtitles)”, 15 March 2024 Проверено Open source

In the past, we would not greet such a person. Here again, each Christian needs to use his Bible-trained conscience in this matter. Some may feel comfortable with greeting or welcoming the person to the meeting. However, we would not have an extended conversation or socialize with the individual.

The Watchtower (study edition), “Help for Those Who Are Removed From the Congregation (Study Article 35)”, August 2024, pp. 26-31, par. 14 (pp. 30-31); footnote b (p. 31) Проверено Open source
Intermediate and related statements (1)

Online text, 19 September 2026

The online text of ‘Organized to Do Jehovah’s Will’ (chapter 14) still uses ‘disfellowshipped’ and does not contain the 2024 greeting guidance. Organized to Do Jehovah's Will (online text), 19 септември 2026

Обяснението на организацията: 2 John 9-11 is now read as describing ‘apostates and others who actively promoted wrong conduct’ rather than every removed person. The organisation presents the change as a merciful adjustment.

Какво следва от документалния запис: What did not change: no extended conversation or socialising with a removed person; relatives outside the household still limit contact. See the shunning section for the full rules.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-shunning-1981-no-hello · claim-doctrine-shunning-2024-greeting-permitted · claim-doctrine-shunning-2024-terminology · claim-doctrine-shunning-organized-book-not-updated-online

Discipline Официален обрат в учението Проверено

Sexual conduct within marriage, 1972 to 1983 #

Earlier · 15 ноември 1974

The Greek term rendered ‘fornication’ at Matthew 19:9 was held to cover acts within a marriage: ‘That por·neiʹa can rightly be considered as including perversions within the marriage arrangement …’ A wife subjected to such acts against her will could seek a Scriptural divorce. A couple who engaged in them by consent ‘would be handled like any other serious wrongdoing’ by the elders.

That por·neiʹa can rightly be considered as including perversions within the marriage arrangement is seen in that the man who forces his wife to have unnatural sex relations with him in effect “prostitutes” or “debauches” her. … If, on the other hand, the lewd practices were engaged in by mutual consent, neither mate would have a basis for claiming por·neiʹa as a Scriptural ground for divorce. … Such a case, if brought to the attention of elders in the congregation, would be handled like any other serious wrongdoing.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”, 15 November 1974, pp. 703-704 Проверено Open source

any married person who goes outside the marriage bond and engages in immoral sexual relations, whether with someone of the opposite sex or someone of the same sex, whether natural or unnatural and perverted, is guilty of committing por·neiʹa or “fornication” in the Bible sense.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”, 15 December 1972, p. 768 Проверено Open source

Later · 15 февруари 1978

‘In the past some comments have appeared in this magazine in connection with certain unusual sex practices, such as oral sex, within marriage and these were equated with gross sexual immorality. On this basis the conclusion was reached that those engaging in such sex practices were subject to disfellowshiping if unrepentant … A careful further weighing of this matter, however, convinces us that, in view of the absence of clear Scriptural instruction, these are matters for which the married couple themselves must bear the responsibility before God.’

In the past some comments have appeared in this magazine in connection with certain unusual sex practices, such as oral sex, within marriage and these were equated with gross sexual immorality. On this basis the conclusion was reached that those engaging in such sex practices were subject to disfellowshiping if unrepentant. The view was taken that it was within the authority of congregational elders to investigate and act in a judicial capacity regarding such practices in the conjugal relationship. A careful further weighing of this matter, however, convinces us that, in view of the absence of clear Scriptural instruction, these are matters for which the married couple themselves must bear the responsibility before God and that these marital intimacies do not come within the province of the congregational elders to attempt to control nor to take disfellowshiping action with such matters as the sole basis.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”, 15 February 1978, pp. 30-31 Проверено Open source
Intermediate and related statements (1)

15 март 1983

The term is confined to conduct outside the marriage, so that ‘a mate’s enforcing perverted acts … within the marriage would not constitute a Scriptural basis for a divorce’. Practising or openly advocating such acts ‘could even lead to expulsion from the congregation’, now under the separate headings of ‘uncleanness’ and ‘loose conduct’. The Watchtower, 15 март 1983

Обяснението на организацията: The 1978 article says the change ‘expresses a keen sense of responsibility to let the Scriptures rule and to refrain from taking a dogmatic stand where the evidence does not seem to provide sufficient basis’, and that elders should not ‘police’ a member’s marital life. The organisation’s index carries separate entries for the readings of the word rendered ‘fornication’ in 1972, 1974, 1978 and 1983.

Какво следва от документалния запис: This is the plainest acknowledgment of a wrongly imposed rule in the whole corpus: the magazine states what it had taught, states that members were subject to expulsion on that basis, and states that the basis was absent. Four years later the 1983 article removed something as well — the route out of a marriage that the 1974 answer had opened to a wife subjected to such acts against her will. The site should record the fact of the rule, its dates and its withdrawal, in clinical language, and quote no more than is needed.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-marital-1974-porneia-within-marriage · claim-doctrine-marital-1978-rule-withdrawn · claim-doctrine-marital-1983-divorce-ground-removed

Identity and authority Административна процедура Проверено

Congregation elders: elected by members, then abolished, then appointed #

Earlier · 1870s to 1932

Elders and deacons were elected by the vote of the members of each congregation, deliberately, “to get away from the hierarchical structure prevalent in Christendom”.

From the 1870’s to 1932, elders and deacons were voted into office by members of the congregation. In 1932 the elective elders were replaced with a service committee elected by the congregation to assist an appointed service director. During 1938, arrangements were made for the theocratic appointment of all servants in the congregation.

The Watchtower, “Are You Prepared for Survival?”, 15 May 2006, p. 24, par. 13 Проверено Open source

There was the question of who should serve as elders and deacons in the congregations. To get away from the hierarchical structure prevalent in Christendom, it was concluded that these should be elected democratically by the vote of the members of each congregation. But increasing light contained in The Watchtower of September 1 and of October 15, 1932, showed that the Scriptures do not provide for elective elders.

The Watchtower, “Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 22, pars. 6-7 Проверено Open source

Later · 1971 (1972 in one later account)

Each congregation has a body of elders appointed by the Governing Body; members have no vote in who leads them.

There was the question of who should serve as elders and deacons in the congregations. To get away from the hierarchical structure prevalent in Christendom, it was concluded that these should be elected democratically by the vote of the members of each congregation. But increasing light contained in The Watchtower of September 1 and of October 15, 1932, showed that the Scriptures do not provide for elective elders.

The Watchtower, “Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 22, pars. 6-7 Проверено Open source

From the 1870’s to 1932, elders and deacons were voted into office by members of the congregation. In 1932 the elective elders were replaced with a service committee elected by the congregation to assist an appointed service director. During 1938, arrangements were made for the theocratic appointment of all servants in the congregation.

The Watchtower, “Are You Prepared for Survival?”, 15 May 2006, p. 24, par. 13 Проверено Open source
Intermediate and related statements (2)

1932

Elective elders were abolished and replaced by a service committee working under a service director appointed by the Society. The title “elder” was dropped in favour of “company servant” and similar terms. The Watchtower, 1 септември 1983The Watchtower, 15 май 1995

1938

Election ended altogether; all congregation servants were appointed from headquarters. The Watchtower, 15 май 1995The Watchtower, 15 май 2006

Обяснението на организацията: The organisation explains the whole sequence as the fulfilment of Isaiah 60:17 — “Instead of the copper I shall bring in gold” — and notes that the 1932 articles “showed that the Scriptures do not provide for elective elders”, the same Scriptures that had previously been read as requiring election.

Какво следва от документалния запис: Members lost, and have not regained, any say in who exercises authority over them. Since elders now decide judicial matters, including disfellowshipping, the change matters: the men who can remove a person from the congregation are appointed from above and are not accountable to the congregation that they serve.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-chg-elders-elected · claim-doctrine-chg-elders-appointed

Identity and authority Официален обрат в учението Проверено

When did the call to heaven close: 1931, 1935, or not at all? #

Earlier · From 1933

The call to heavenly life was said to have ended in 1931. The twelve hours of the parable of the denarius were read as the twelve years from 1919 to 1931, and those called in 1930 and 1931 were “the last” called.

Hence, especially after 1966 it was believed that the heavenly call ceased in 1935. … Thus, it appears that we cannot set a specific date for when the calling of Christians to the heavenly hope ends.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”, 1 May 2007, pp. 30-31 Проверено Open source

Later · 1 май 2007

The organisation stated that no date can be set for the end of the heavenly calling, and that anyone who begins to partake of the emblems “should not be judged”.

Hence, especially after 1966 it was believed that the heavenly call ceased in 1935. … Thus, it appears that we cannot set a specific date for when the calling of Christians to the heavenly hope ends.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”, 1 May 2007, pp. 30-31 Проверено Open source
Intermediate and related statements (2)

1966

The parable of the denarius was reinterpreted and “it became clear that it had nothing to do with the end of the calling of the anointed”. The closing date moved from 1931 to 1935. The Watchtower, 1 май 2007

1982-1983

The 1935 cut-off was taught as the settled understanding in the magazine and in a congregation study book, with any later anointing treated as a rare replacement for someone who had proved unfaithful. The Watchtower, 15 февруари 1982United in Worship of the Only True God, 1983

Обяснението на организацията: The organisation explains the 2007 change by observing that “some Christians baptized after 1935 have had witness borne to them that they have the heavenly hope”. It does not describe the 1931 or 1935 positions as errors.

Какво следва от документалния запис: For about seventy years a Witness who believed he had been called to heaven after 1935 was, in effect, claiming that an existing member of the anointed had fallen away. The 1982 article warned against such claims at “this late hour”, and said that if a replacement were needed Jehovah would logically choose someone who had been associated with the organisation for many years. The 2007 answer reversed that posture, instructing that such a person “should not be judged” because “the matter is between him and Jehovah”.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-chg-heavenly-call-1931 · claim-doctrine-chg-heavenly-call-1935 · claim-doctrine-chg-heavenly-call-2007-no-date

Identity and authority Официален обрат в учението Проверено

Who is the ‘faithful and discreet slave’? #

Earlier · 15 март 1990

‘The spirit-anointed members of God’s household at any given time collectively make up “the faithful and discreet slave”.’ Individually they are the ‘domestics’.

the spirit-anointed members of God's household at any given time collectively make up “the faithful and discreet slave,” “steward,” or “house manager.” Individually, the members of Jehovah's household are termed “domestics” or “body of attendants.”

The Watchtower, “'The Faithful Slave' and Its Governing Body”, 15 March 1990, pp. 10-14, par. 3 (p. 10) Проверено Open source

the composite sign that Jesus gave his disciples to enable them to recognize the time of his “presence and of the conclusion of the system of things” included the identification of a collective “slave.”

The Watchtower, “Loyal to Christ and His Faithful Slave”, 1 April 2007, pp. 21-25, par. 5 (p. 22) Проверено Open source

Later · 15 юли 2013

The slave ‘is made up of a small group of anointed brothers who are directly involved in preparing and dispensing spiritual food’; Jesus selected them ‘in 1919’; the domestics now include ‘the great crowd of other sheep’.

that slave is made up of a small group of anointed brothers who are directly involved in preparing and dispensing spiritual food during Christ's presence. … In 1919, a time of spiritual revival, Jesus selected capable anointed brothers from among them to be the faithful and discreet slave and appointed them over his domestics.

The Watchtower (study edition), ““Who Really Is the Faithful and Discreet Slave?””, 15 July 2013, pp. 20-25, par. 3 (p. 20); par. 10 (p. 22); pars. 12-13 (p. 23) Проверено Open source
Intermediate and related statements (1)

Online Insight, 2026

The online ‘Insight on the Scriptures’ entry already reflects the 2013 view; it should not be cited as pre-2013 wording. Insight on the Scriptures, vol. 1 (online text), 19 септември 2026

Обяснението на организацията: The 2013 article summarises the former teaching in its own paragraph 3 (‘In the past, our publications have said …’) and presents the new one as clarified understanding.

Какво следва от документалния запис: The body that publishes doctrine is, since 2013, formally identified as the ‘channel’ on which members’ ‘relationship with God’ is said to depend. See the authority section.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-fds-pre-2013-all-anointed · claim-doctrine-fds-2013-governing-body-1919 · claim-doctrine-fds-insight-revised-online

Prophecy Официален обрат в учението Подкрепено

Armageddon: a social revolution, then a war fought by God #

Earlier · Until 1926

Armageddon was expected to be a social revolution — an upheaval among people rather than an act of God.

In 1926 another brilliant flash of light revealed that the war of Armageddon was not to be a social revolution, as Bible Students once thought. Rather, it would be a war in which Jehovah will demonstrate his power so clearly that all people will be convinced that he is God.

The Watchtower, “Part 1—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 18, par. 12 Проверено Open source

Later · 1926

Armageddon became a war in which God demonstrates his power so plainly that everyone will be convinced he is God — the teaching held ever since.

In 1926 another brilliant flash of light revealed that the war of Armageddon was not to be a social revolution, as Bible Students once thought. Rather, it would be a war in which Jehovah will demonstrate his power so clearly that all people will be convinced that he is God.

The Watchtower, “Part 1—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 18, par. 12 Проверено Open source

Обяснението на организацията: The organisation records the change in one sentence of a 1995 retrospective, without naming the publications that had taught the earlier view or the people who had acted on it.

Какво следва от документалния запис: No consequence for members is documented in the sources opened. The change is included because the expectation of an imminent Armageddon has shaped Witness decisions about work, education and family for a century, and the nature of the event itself was redefined once.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-chg-armageddon-nature

Prophecy Официален обрат в учението Подкрепено

Revelation 12: the male child was the papacy, then the Kingdom #

Earlier · Until 1925

Revelation chapter 12 was read as a conflict between pagan Rome and papal Rome, with the male child representing the papacy.

It had been thought that Revelation chapter 12 described a war between pagan Rome and papal Rome, with the male child representing the papacy. But that article showed that Revelation 11:15-18 had a bearing on the meaning of chapter 12, indicating that it relates to the birth of God’s Kingdom.

The Watchtower, “Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 21, par. 2 Проверено Open source

Later · 1 март 1925

The article “Birth of the Nation” in The Watch Tower applied the chapter to the birth of God's Kingdom in heaven, the reading still taught today.

It had been thought that Revelation chapter 12 described a war between pagan Rome and papal Rome, with the male child representing the papacy. But that article showed that Revelation 11:15-18 had a bearing on the meaning of chapter 12, indicating that it relates to the birth of God’s Kingdom.

The Watchtower, “Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 21, par. 2 Проверено Open source

Обяснението на организацията: The organisation calls the 1925 article “a striking flash of light” and notes that its 1917 book The Finished Mystery had borrowed many of its explanations “from various sources” and “served to test the Bible Students’ loyalty to the visible channel”.

Какво следва от документалния запис: No direct consequence for members is recorded. The reassignment matters because the 1914 Kingdom-birth teaching, which underlies the whole modern doctrinal structure, rests in part on a reading of Revelation 12 that replaced an entirely different one in 1925.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-chg-rev12-male-child

Prophecy Официален обрат в учението Проверено

When did Christ’s invisible presence begin: 1874 or 1914? #

Earlier · 1889 to 1929

‘1874 A. D. was the exact date of the beginning of the “Times of Restitution,” and hence of our Lord’s return’ (1889). ‘Since he has been present from 1874’ (1922). ‘The second presence of the Lord Jesus Christ began in 1874 A.D.’ (Prophecy, 1929).

The next chapter will present Bible evidence that 1874 A. D. was the exact date of the beginning of the “Times of Restitution,” and hence of our Lord's return.

Millennial Dawn / Studies in the Scriptures, vol. 2 — The Time Is at Hand, “Study V, closing paragraph (introducing Study VI on 1874)”, 1889, p. 170 Проверено Open scan

Since he has been present from 1874, it follows, from the facts as we now see them, that the period from 1874 to 1914 is the day of preparation.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, “(articles in the 1 November 1922 issue, Vol. XLIII No. 21)”, 1 November 1922, pp. c. 333 (cited by secondary sources; OCR page numbers not legible) Проверено Open scan

Also: Prophecy (book), 1929

Later · By 1943

‘The King’s presence or parousia began in 1914, and then his appearing or epiphaneia at the temple came in 1918.’

The King's presence or parousia began in 1914, and then his appearing or epiphaneia at the temple came in 1918.

“The Truth Shall Make You Free” (book), “Chapter on the manner of the King's coming”, 1943, p. 324 Проверено Open scan
Intermediate and related statements (1)

1993

The organisation’s history: Russell ‘came to be persuaded that Christ’s invisible presence had begun in 1874’; later ‘they also came to understand that it was in the year 1914’. Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (1993), 1993

Обяснението на организацията: Described as growing in accurate knowledge; the 1874 chronology is called ‘flawed’.

Какво следва от документалния запис: The date of the central event in the movement’s prophetic scheme moved by forty years, fifteen years after 1914 had passed.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-presence-1874-taught-1889-1929 · claim-doctrine-presence-1914-by-1943

Prophecy Официален обрат в учението Проверено

Who can survive the great tribulation? #

Earlier · 1 септември 1989

‘Only Jehovah’s Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the “great crowd,” as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system.’

Only Jehovah's Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the “great crowd,” as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil.

The Watchtower, “Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium”, 1 September 1989, pp. 18-22, par. 7 (p. 19) Проверено Open source

Later · май 2024

‘In the past, we said that once the great tribulation begins, no unbelievers will be able to take their stand for Jehovah and survive Armageddon … Should we view the account of the Flood as a prophetic type? The answer is no … there is no direct Scriptural support for doing so.’ Some who see Babylon the Great destroyed may ‘have a change of heart’.

In the past, we said that once the great tribulation begins, no unbelievers will be able to take their stand for Jehovah and survive Armageddon. We came to that conclusion because we understood that the account of the Flood was a prophetic type. … Should we view the account of the Flood as a prophetic type? The answer is no. Why? Because there is no direct Scriptural support for doing so.

The Watchtower (study edition), “What Do We Know About Jehovah's Future Judgments? (Study Article 19)”, May 2024, pp. 8-13, pars. 3-4 (p. 9); par. 12 (p. 11) Проверено Open source

We were thrilled to learn that individuals who died in the Flood of Noah's day, in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and even some who might repent during the great tribulation could benefit from Jehovah's mercy.

JW Broadcasting — 2024 Governing Body Update #2, “2024 Governing Body Update #2 — opening recap of the 2023 annual meeting”, 15 March 2024 Проверено Open source

Обяснението на организацията: The 2024 article describes the earlier view as resting on treating the Flood as a prophetic type, a method it now rejects. Presented as clarified understanding of Jehovah’s mercy.

Какво следва от документалния запис: The earlier teaching that the ‘door closes’ when the tribulation begins is quoted here from the 2024 article’s own summary of the past; the 1989 sentence is the verified earlier statement.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-tribulation-1989-only-witnesses-survive · claim-doctrine-tribulation-2024-reconsidered

Prophecy Официален обрат в учението Проверено

Who is “Gog of Magog”? #

Earlier · 1971 to 2015

Gog of Magog was Satan himself, given that name after being cast out of heaven in 1914, with “the land of Magog” as the region of the earth to which he is confined.

Accordingly, the actual Gog of Magog who fulfills Ezekiel’s prophecy is Satan the Devil after his ouster from heaven, and the land of Magog is his location at the earth in which he is confined, with no freedom or power to leave it and reenter heaven.

“The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah”—How?, “Defeat Awaits Attack by Nations under Gog”, 1971, p. 354, chap. 19, par. 12 Проверено Open source

Gog is “the ruler of this world,” Satan the Devil. He received the name Gog after his ouster from heaven, following the Kingdom’s birth in 1914.

The Watchtower, ““They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah””, 15 September 1988, p. 25, par. 14 Проверено Open source

Later · 15 май 2015

Gog of Magog is not Satan but a coalition of human nations that will attack Jehovah's people; the organisation says it cannot say with certainty whether the “king of the north” will lead it.

For a number of years, our publications have explained that Gog of Magog is the name given to Satan the Devil after his ouster from heaven. … When we compare all these Scriptural references about the final attack on God’s people, it becomes evident that the name Gog of Magog refers, not to Satan, but to a coalition of nations.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”, 15 May 2015, pp. 29-30, pars. 3, 7 Проверено Open source

Обяснението на организацията: The organisation gives its reasoning openly: a spirit creature could not be eaten by birds of prey or given a burial place on earth, and at Revelation 20:8 Satan misleads Gog, so he cannot himself be Gog. It notes that “for a number of years, our publications have explained” the earlier view, without saying that members had been required to teach it.

Какво следва от документалния запис: No disciplinary or medical consequence. The cost here is to the claim of reliability: an identification taught in a study book and in congregation study articles for at least forty-four years was withdrawn on the strength of arguments that were available in the text the whole time.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-chg-gog-satan · claim-doctrine-chg-gog-coalition

Prophecy Официален обрат в учението Проверено

Who is “the king of the north”? #

Earlier · 1960

The king of the north of Daniel 11 was Germany — the “revived German Empire” from 1914, and Nazi Germany during the second world war.

When World War I began in 1914, the ruling power of the revived German Empire was found fulfilling the role of the “king of the north,” whereas the Anglo-American dual world power was fulfilling the opposite role of the “king of the south.”

The Watchtower, “Part 31—“Your Will Be Done on Earth””, 1 February 1960, p. 88, par. 2 Проверено Open source

Later · 2018, published May 2020

The Governing Body identified Russia and its allies as the king of the north, after Russia banned the organisation in 2017.

Note why we can say that today the king of the north is Russia and its allies. … when Nazi Germany filled the role of the king of the north, particularly during the second world war … After World War II when the Soviet Union took on the role of the king of the north … in 2018 the Governing Body identified Russia and its allies as the king of the north.

The Watchtower (Study Edition), “Who Is “the King of the North” Today?”, May 2020, pp. 13-14, pars. 4, 8-9 Проверено Open source
Intermediate and related statements (2)

After 1945

The role passed to the Soviet Union, which “entered into ‘the land of the Decoration’ by persecuting God’s people, exiling them”. The Watchtower (Study Edition), май 2020

1991 to 2018

After the Soviet Union collapsed the publications named no king of the north; the 2020 article says only that “gradually, Russia and its allies emerged” as one. The Watchtower (Study Edition), май 2020

Обяснението на организацията: The organisation now states the test it applies: a government fills the role if it deals directly with Jehovah's Witnesses, acts as their enemy, and competes with the rival king. On that test the identification follows whichever state is currently persecuting Witnesses.

Какво следва от документалния запис: No disciplinary consequence for members, but the pattern matters: the prophecy has been reassigned three times in sixty years, each time to the state then acting against the organisation. Witnesses in Russia have suffered real persecution, including imprisonment; the point here is about the method of interpretation, not about the reality of that persecution.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-chg-king-north-germany · claim-doctrine-chg-king-north-russia

Biblical interpretation Промяна в ударението Подкрепено

“Vindicating God’s name” becomes “sanctifying” it #

Earlier · To the mid-1980s

The publications spoke of the vindication of Jehovah's name; the organisation quotes its own books of 1971, 1973 and 1975 using that wording.

Similarly, for a long time, Witnesses spoke of the vindication of Jehovah’s name. But had Satan called Jehovah’s name into question? … That is why the Watch Tower Society’s recent publications do not speak of Jehovah’s name as being vindicated. They speak of Jehovah’s sovereignty as being vindicated and of his name as being sanctified.

The Watchtower, “Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 25, pars. 17-18 Проверено Open source

Later · From the later 1980s

The publications speak of the sanctification of God's name and the vindication of his sovereignty, on the ground that nobody had ever disputed his right to the name.

Similarly, for a long time, Witnesses spoke of the vindication of Jehovah’s name. But had Satan called Jehovah’s name into question? … That is why the Watch Tower Society’s recent publications do not speak of Jehovah’s name as being vindicated. They speak of Jehovah’s sovereignty as being vindicated and of his name as being sanctified.

The Watchtower, “Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 25, pars. 17-18 Проверено Open source

Обяснението на организацията: The organisation explains the change from the text of the Lord's Prayer, “Let your name be sanctified”, and from Ezekiel. The same article records two other wording changes: “God’s plan” became “God’s purpose”, and “persons of goodwill” became “men whom he approves”.

Какво следва от документалния запис: A change of wording rather than of substance, with no consequence for members. It belongs in a complete inventory because it shows that even the organisation's descriptions of God's central purpose have been revised.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-chg-vindication-wording

Biblical interpretation Официален обрат в учението Проверено

Prophetic “types”: Bible characters as pictures of modern classes #

Earlier · For most of the twentieth century

Individual Bible characters were taught to be prophetic pictures of modern groups: Rahab pictured the great crowd, Jephthah, Job and Rebekah the anointed, Deborah the great crowd, and so on through dozens of accounts.

This “great crowd” was anciently pictured by the Canaanite woman named Rahab in the days of Joshua, the successor of Moses.

The Watchtower, “The Seeking of Peace”, 15 December 1959, p. 748, par. 25 Проверено Open source

Many years ago, our publications stated that such faithful men and women as Deborah, Elihu, Jephthah, Job, Rahab, and Rebekah, as well as many others, were really types, or shadows, of either the anointed or the “great crowd.” … The clearest course is this: Where the Scriptures teach that an individual, an event, or an object is typical of something else, we accept it as such. Otherwise, we ought to be reluctant to assign an antitypical application to a certain person or account if there is no specific Scriptural basis for doing so.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”, 15 March 2015, pp. 17-18, pars. 4, 9 Проверено Open source

Later · 15 март 2015

The method was abandoned. Antitypical applications are now made only where the Bible itself makes them; otherwise the publications decline to assign one.

Many years ago, our publications stated that such faithful men and women as Deborah, Elihu, Jephthah, Job, Rahab, and Rebekah, as well as many others, were really types, or shadows, of either the anointed or the “great crowd.” … The clearest course is this: Where the Scriptures teach that an individual, an event, or an object is typical of something else, we accept it as such. Otherwise, we ought to be reluctant to assign an antitypical application to a certain person or account if there is no specific Scriptural basis for doing so.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”, 15 March 2015, pp. 17-18, pars. 4, 9 Проверено Open source

Обяснението на организацията: The organisation presents this as caution, not correction, and gives an example of the excess it is avoiding — Augustine's reading of the five barley loaves. It does not publish a list of which of its own earlier applications are now withdrawn.

Какво следва от документалния запис: This single change quietly invalidates a large part of what was taught at congregation meetings for decades, including whole books built on typical applications. No member was disciplined over it; but members who had been taught those applications as the meaning of the Bible were given no list of what no longer stands.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-chg-antitypes-earlier · claim-doctrine-chg-antitypes-2015

Biblical interpretation Официален обрат в учението Проверено

The ‘superior authorities’ of Romans 13:1 #

Earlier · 1929 to 1962

The ‘higher powers’ were taught to be ‘primarily the Most High God and his reigning Son Jesus Christ’, not secular rulers, as the organisation’s own 1950 and 2014 publications record.

The conclusions arrived at were published in the June 1 and 15, 1929, issues of The Watchtower in the article, in two parts, entitled “The Higher Powers”. … Romans 13:1-7 has since 1929 been taken by Jehovah's witnesses to be instructions on rendering to God what belongs to God. Why? Because the expression “the higher powers” is now understood to mean primarily the Most High God and his reigning Son Jesus Christ.

The Watchtower, “Subjection to the Higher Powers”, 15 November 1950, pp. 439-448, p. 441 Проверено Open source

Beginning in 1929, however, our publications had also reasoned that the superior authorities of Romans 13:1 were not the secular rulers at all, but Jehovah and Jesus. … The holy spirit guided Christ's followers to just such a view in 1962, when landmark articles on Romans 13:1-7 were published in the November 15 and December 1 issues of The Watchtower.

God's Kingdom Rules! (2014), “Chapter 5 — The King Shines Light on the Kingdom”, 2014, pp. 49-57, par. 23 (p. 56); par. 24 (p. 57) Проверено Open source

Later · 15 ноември 1962

Paul wrote ‘about pagan rulers like Caesar and his governors and kings of individual nations’; the superior authorities ‘have their setting logically in the world outside the congregation’.

Paul wrote to the Christians at Rome, not about Christendom's political rulers, but about pagan rulers like Caesar and his governors and kings of individual nations. … So the “superior authorities” have their setting logically in the world outside the congregation.

The Watchtower, “Subjection to “Superior Authorities”—Why?”, 15 November 1962, pp. 681-690, par. 4 (p. 682); par. 7 (p. 683) Проверено Open source

Обяснението на организацията: God’s Kingdom Rules! (2014): ‘The holy spirit guided Christ’s followers to just such a view in 1962.’

Какво следва от документалния запис: The 1962 view restored, in substance, the reading held before 1929. The original 1929 articles were not opened; the 1929 position is documented from the organisation’s later descriptions.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-superior-authorities-1929-jehovah-christ · claim-doctrine-superior-authorities-1962-governments

Biblical interpretation Официален обрат в учението Подкрепено

The “antitypical Jubilee”: the Millennium, then Pentecost 33 C.E. #

Earlier · Long-held

The Jubilee year of the Law was understood to foreshadow the thousand-year reign of Christ.

It was long understood that this foreshadowed the Thousand Year Reign of Christ. In more recent times, however, it was seen that the antitypical Jubilee actually began at Pentecost 33 C.E., when those receiving the poured-out holy spirit were set free from bondage to the Mosaic Law covenant.

The Watchtower, “Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 24, par. 14 Проверено Open source

Later · 1 януари 1987

The antitypical Jubilee was said to have begun at Pentecost 33 C.E., when anointed Christians were freed from the Mosaic Law.

It was long understood that this foreshadowed the Thousand Year Reign of Christ. In more recent times, however, it was seen that the antitypical Jubilee actually began at Pentecost 33 C.E., when those receiving the poured-out holy spirit were set free from bondage to the Mosaic Law covenant.

The Watchtower, “Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 24, par. 14 Проверено Open source

Обяснението на организацията: Recorded by the organisation as a clarification.

Какво следва от документалния запис: No consequence for members. The change moved a fulfilment by nearly two thousand years.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-chg-jubilee

Biblical interpretation Официален обрат в учението Проверено

The “great crowd” of Revelation 7:9: heaven or earth? #

Earlier · Before 31 May 1935

The great crowd was a secondary heavenly class — anointed Christians who had not been fully faithful, and, on the organisation's later account, church members who would side with Christ at the very end. Their hope was heaven, not earth.

In 1935 a bright flash of light revealed that the great crowd mentioned at Revelation 7:9-17 was not a secondary heavenly class. It had been thought that the ones mentioned in those verses were some of the anointed who had not been fully faithful and so were standing before the throne instead of sitting on thrones reigning as kings and priests with Jesus Christ.

The Watchtower, “Part 1—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 20, par. 18 Проверено Open source

The Bible Students regarded the great crowd as a secondary heavenly class, a group that had knowledge of Bible truth but did little about spreading it.

The Watchtower, “‘Behold! The Great Crowd!’”, 15 May 2001, p. 14 Проверено Open source

Also: God’s Kingdom Rules!, 2014

Later · 31 май 1935

At the Washington, D.C., convention J. F. Rutherford announced that the great crowd is an earthly class with an earthly hope — the “other sheep” of John 10:16. The change was published in The Watchtower of 1 and 15 August 1935 and has stood ever since.

These flashes of prophetic light prepared the ground for the historic discourse on “The Great Multitude,” given May 31, 1935, by the president of the Watch Tower Society, J. F. Rutherford, at the Washington, D.C., convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The Watchtower, “Shedding Forth Light Amidst Earth’s Gloom”, 1 March 1985, p. 14, par. 12 Проверено Open source

In 1935 a bright flash of light revealed that the great crowd mentioned at Revelation 7:9-17 was not a secondary heavenly class. It had been thought that the ones mentioned in those verses were some of the anointed who had not been fully faithful and so were standing before the throne instead of sitting on thrones reigning as kings and priests with Jesus Christ.

The Watchtower, “Part 1—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 20, par. 18 Проверено Open source

Обяснението на организацията: The organisation presents 1935 as “a bright flash of light” rather than a correction, and explains the earlier view as a mistake of logic: “there simply is no such thing as being partially faithful. One is either faithful or unfaithful.”

Какво следва от документалния запис: This is the change that created the two-tier membership that still shapes Witness life: a small anointed class with a heavenly hope, and everyone else with an earthly one. A life story published by the organisation records that after 1935 “most brothers and sisters in our area”, including the writer's two eldest children, stopped partaking of the bread and wine at the Memorial. People who had lived in expectation of heaven were told that their hope was an earthly one.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-chg-great-crowd-pre-1935-heavenly · claim-doctrine-chg-great-crowd-1935-earthly · claim-doctrine-chg-great-crowd-1935-consequence

Biblical interpretation Официален обрат в учението Подкрепено

The cross: a badge of faith, then a pagan symbol #

Earlier · 1891 to the late 1920s

A cross-and-crown emblem appeared on the cover of the Watch Tower magazine from 1891, and members wore cross-and-crown pins as a badge of identity, signifying that faithfulness unto death would bring the crown of life.

For many years, the Bible Students viewed the cross as an acceptable symbol of Christianity. … they proudly wore a cross-and-crown pin as an identifying badge. To them it signified that if they proved faithful to death, they would receive the crown of life. Beginning in 1891, a cross-and-crown symbol appeared on the cover of the Watch Tower.

God’s Kingdom Rules!, “The King Refines His People Spiritually”, 2014, p. 104, chap. 10, par. 12 Проверено Open source

For many years the Bible Students made the cross prominent as a symbol of Christianity. They even had a “cross-and-crown” pin. … The book Riches, published by the Society in 1936, made clear that Jesus Christ was executed, not on a cross, but on an upright pole, or stake.

The Watchtower, “Part 1—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 20, pars. 19-20 Проверено Open source

Later · 1936

The book Riches taught that Jesus was executed not on a cross but on an upright stake, and the cross was classed as pagan and to be viewed “with revulsion”.

For many years the Bible Students made the cross prominent as a symbol of Christianity. They even had a “cross-and-crown” pin. … The book Riches, published by the Society in 1936, made clear that Jesus Christ was executed, not on a cross, but on an upright pole, or stake.

The Watchtower, “Part 1—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 20, pars. 19-20 Проверено Open source

For many years, the Bible Students viewed the cross as an acceptable symbol of Christianity. … they proudly wore a cross-and-crown pin as an identifying badge. To them it signified that if they proved faithful to death, they would receive the crown of life. Beginning in 1891, a cross-and-crown symbol appeared on the cover of the Watch Tower.

God’s Kingdom Rules!, “The King Refines His People Spiritually”, 2014, p. 104, chap. 10, par. 12 Проверено Open source
Intermediate and related statements (2)

1928

At an assembly in Detroit the cross-and-crown pins were “shown to be not only unnecessary but objectionable”. God’s Kingdom Rules!, 2014

1933-1934

Preparation (1933) called the pins idols; The Golden Age of 28 February 1934 called the cross pagan in origin. God’s Kingdom Rules!, 2014

Обяснението на организацията: The organisation records the sequence as “progressive enlightenment” and quotes members recalling that they gave the emblem up willingly. It supports the stake teaching with quotations from lexicons and reference works.

Какво следва от документалния запис: No disciplinary consequence is recorded. The significance is that a symbol worn as the movement's own badge for nearly forty years, and printed on the masthead of its magazine, was reclassified as pagan; and that the organisation's present publications treat the stake teaching as a settled fact.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-chg-cross-symbol · claim-doctrine-chg-cross-stake

Biblical interpretation Официален обрат в учението Проверено

The Great Pyramid as ‘God’s Stone Witness’ #

Earlier · 1891

Thy Kingdom Come devotes a chapter to ‘The Testimony of God’s Stone Witness and Prophet, the Great Pyramid in Egypt’, presenting it as corroborating Bible chronology.

THE TESTIMONY OF GOD'S STONE WITNESS AND PROPHET, THE GREAT PYRAMID IN EGYPT … The Great Pyramid a Storehouse of Truth — Scientific, Historic and Prophetic.

Millennial Dawn / Studies in the Scriptures, vol. 3 — Thy Kingdom Come, “Chapter X — The Testimony of God's Stone Witness and Prophet, the Great Pyramid in Egypt”, 1891, pp. 307 ff. Проверено Open scan

Later · 1 декември 1928

‘There is therefore no justification for applying any of these texts to the pyramid of Gizeh.’ Egypt is read as ‘Satan’s organization’.

There is therefore no justification for applying any of these texts to the pyramid of Gizeh. … It is impossible to fit the literal pyramid of Gizeh to the prophet's description; but the position and condition of the remnant of God exactly fit the prophetic description

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, “The Altar in Egypt (part 2)”, 1 December 1928, pp. 355-362 (issue Vol. XLIX No. 23; quoted passage c. p. 356) Проверено Open scan
Intermediate and related statements (1)

1993

‘For some 35 years, Pastor Russell thought that the Great Pyramid of Gizeh was God’s stone witness … But Jehovah’s Witnesses have abandoned the idea.’ Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (1993), 1993

Обяснението на организацията: The 1957 Watchtower: Egypt ‘was a Devil-ruled pagan country, not a place for divine revelation’.

Какво следва от документалния запис: The often-quoted phrase ‘Satan’s Bible’ is attributed to the 15 November 1928 issue, which has not been opened; it is not used here.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-pyramid-1891-stone-witness · claim-doctrine-pyramid-1928-repudiated

Biblical interpretation Официален обрат в учението Подкрепено

The keys of the Kingdom: two, then three #

Earlier · Until 1979

Peter was said to have received two symbolic keys: one used for the Jews at Pentecost 33 C.E., one for the Gentiles when he preached to Cornelius in 36 C.E.

The Bible Students held that Peter received two keys that opened up the way for people to become Kingdom heirs—one for the Jews, used at Pentecost 33 C.E., and the other for the Gentiles, used first in 36 C.E. when Peter preached to Cornelius. … In time, it was seen that there was a third group involved—the Samaritans.

The Watchtower, “Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 24, par. 12 Проверено Open source

Later · 1 октомври 1979

Three keys: the second was used for the Samaritans, and the third for Cornelius.

The Bible Students held that Peter received two keys that opened up the way for people to become Kingdom heirs—one for the Jews, used at Pentecost 33 C.E., and the other for the Gentiles, used first in 36 C.E. when Peter preached to Cornelius. … In time, it was seen that there was a third group involved—the Samaritans.

The Watchtower, “Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 24, par. 12 Проверено Open source

Обяснението на организацията: Recorded by the organisation among its “small” flashes of light.

Какво следва от документалния запис: No consequence for members. Included for completeness: the point of a full inventory is that small changes are visible alongside large ones.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-chg-keys-of-kingdom

Biblical interpretation Официален обрат в учението Подкрепено

The restoration prophecies: about the Jews, then about the organisation #

Earlier · Until 1932

The restoration prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel were applied to the literal return of Jewish people to Palestine.

In the second volume of Vindication, published by the Watch Tower Society in 1932, a flash of light revealed that the restoration prophecies recorded by Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and other prophets did not apply (as once thought) to the fleshly Jews, who were returning to Palestine in unbelief and with political motivations.

The Watchtower, “Part 1—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, pp. 19-20, par. 16 Проверено Open source

Later · 1932

The book Vindication applied them instead to the organisation's own deliverance and prosperity from 1919 onwards.

In the second volume of Vindication, published by the Watch Tower Society in 1932, a flash of light revealed that the restoration prophecies recorded by Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and other prophets did not apply (as once thought) to the fleshly Jews, who were returning to Palestine in unbelief and with political motivations.

The Watchtower, “Part 1—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, pp. 19-20, par. 16 Проверено Open source

Обяснението на организацията: The organisation's stated reason is that the Jews were returning “in unbelief and with political motivations”.

Какво следва от документалния запис: No consequence for members is documented. The change is significant chiefly because of what replaced the old reading: from 1932 the ancient promises of restoration were read as promises about the organisation itself.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-chg-restoration-prophecies

Biblical interpretation Официален обрат в учението Проверено

The sheep and the goats: when does the judging happen? #

Earlier · Before 1923

The separating of the sheep from the goats was expected during the thousand-year reign of Christ, after the present system ends.

The very next year, bright light shone on the parable of the sheep and the goats. It was seen that this prophecy was to be fulfilled in the present Lord’s day, not in the future during the Millennium as previously thought.

The Watchtower, “Part 1—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 18, par. 11 Проверено Open source

Later · 15 октомври 1995

The judging was moved back into the future. Jesus will pronounce final judgment on the sheep and the goats after the great tribulation has begun; nobody's case is being decided now.

We have long felt that the parable depicted Jesus’ sitting down as King in 1914 and since then making judgments—everlasting life for people proving to be like sheep, permanent death for the goats. But a reconsideration of the parable points to an adjusted understanding of its timing and what it illustrates.

The Watchtower, “How Will You Stand Before the Judgment Seat?”, 15 October 1995, p. 19, par. 4 Проверено Open source

But the time when Jesus will pronounce final judgment on the sheep and the goats depicted in the parable is yet ahead.

The Watchtower, “What Future for the Sheep and the Goats?”, 15 October 1995, p. 27, par. 21 Проверено Open source
Intermediate and related statements (1)

1923 to 1995

The judging was said to be happening in the present: Jesus had sat down as King in 1914 and had been deciding everlasting life or permanent death ever since, according to how people responded to the preaching work. The Watchtower, 15 октомври 1995

Обяснението на организацията: The organisation calls the 1995 position “an adjusted understanding” and “this fresh understanding”, and says it “reinforces the importance of our preaching work and the significance of people’s response”. It gives no account of why the earlier reading had been wrong.

Какво следва от документалния запис: Under the position held from 1923 to 1995, a householder who turned Witnesses away was being judged as a goat there and then, with no future hope. Witnesses preached, and were taught to preach, under that understanding for seventy years. The 1995 change removed that finality without withdrawing anything published under it.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-chg-sheep-goats-millennium · claim-doctrine-chg-sheep-goats-since-1914 · claim-doctrine-chg-sheep-goats-1995-future

Biblical interpretation Официален обрат в учението Подкрепено

The sheepfolds of John 10: two, then three #

Earlier · Until 1984

Jesus was said to have referred to two sheepfolds in John chapter 10.

From another ray of light, it was seen that Jesus referred not to just two but to three sheepfolds. ( John, chapter 10 )

The Watchtower, “Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 24, par. 13 Проверено Open source

Later · 15 февруари 1984

Three sheepfolds: the Jewish fold with John the Baptiser as doorkeeper, the fold of anointed Kingdom heirs, and the fold of the “other sheep”.

From another ray of light, it was seen that Jesus referred not to just two but to three sheepfolds. ( John, chapter 10 )

The Watchtower, “Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 24, par. 13 Проверено Open source

Обяснението на организацията: Recorded by the organisation among its “small” flashes of light.

Какво следва от документалния запис: No consequence for members.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-chg-sheepfolds

Biblical interpretation Промяна в ударението Подкрепено

What the Bible is chiefly about: salvation and the ransom, then sovereignty and the Kingdom #

Earlier · Early decades

God's chief purpose was understood to be the salvation of people, and the most important theme of the Bible to be the ransom.

In time, flashes of light revealed that Jehovah’s chief purpose was, not the salvation of creatures, but the vindication of his sovereignty. The most important theme of the Bible was seen to be, not the ransom, but the Kingdom, for it will vindicate Jehovah’s sovereignty.

The Watchtower, “Part 1—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 20, par. 17 Проверено Open source

Later · From the 1930s

God's chief purpose is the vindication of his sovereignty and the Bible's main theme is the Kingdom; the organisation records that after this change “Dedicated Christians were no longer primarily concerned with their getting to heaven.”

In time, flashes of light revealed that Jehovah’s chief purpose was, not the salvation of creatures, but the vindication of his sovereignty. The most important theme of the Bible was seen to be, not the ransom, but the Kingdom, for it will vindicate Jehovah’s sovereignty.

The Watchtower, “Part 1—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 20, par. 17 Проверено Open source

Обяснението на организацията: The organisation records the change as a flash of light and does not date it precisely.

Какво следва от документалния запис: This is a change of centre of gravity rather than of rule, and no member was disciplined over it. It is worth recording because it explains why later Witness teaching treats loyalty to God's sovereignty — and, in practice, to his organisation — as the governing consideration.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-chg-chief-purpose

Biblical interpretation Официален обрат в учението Проверено

Will the people of Sodom and Gomorrah be resurrected? #

Earlier · 1 June 1952: No

Those destroyed at Sodom and Gomorrah are ‘eternally “cut off”’; ‘by no wresting of scripture can this be made to mean a future resurrection’.

those destroyed by God at Sodom and Gomorrah are eternally “cut off”. … By no wresting of scripture can this be made to mean a future resurrection for slain of the Lord. … If those slain by the Lord at Sodom have no resurrection, then those slain by him at Armageddon will have none, for the former pictures the latter.

The Watchtower, ““Get Out of Her, My People””, 1 June 1952, pp. 333-340, pars. 8-9 (pp. 335-336) Проверено Open source

Later · May 2024: ‘We cannot say for sure’

‘We have said that for such individuals as those in Sodom and Gomorrah, there is no hope of a future resurrection. But further prayerful study has raised the question, Can we really say that with certainty?’ A study note now says ‘at least some’ may be resurrected.

We have said that for such individuals as those in Sodom and Gomorrah, there is no hope of a future resurrection. But further prayerful study has raised the question, Can we really say that with certainty? … Can we say for certain, then, that none of them will rise in the “resurrection of . . . the unrighteous”? No, we cannot say for sure!

The Watchtower (study edition), “Trust in the Merciful “Judge of All the Earth”! (Study Article 18)”, May 2024, pp. 2-7, par. 5 (p. 3); par. 8 (p. 3); par. 15 (p. 6) Проверено Open source

Jesus indicates that at least some of those destroyed at Sodom and Gomorrah may be resurrected

New World Translation Study Bible — study notes, Luke chapter 10, “Study note on Luke 10:12”, 19 September 2026, note on Luke 10:12 Проверено Open source
Intermediate and related statements (2)

1 August 1965: Yes

‘So apparently individuals who used to live in that land will be resurrected.’ The Watchtower, 1 август 1965

1 June 1988: No

‘A recent review of this suggests that these verses need not be taken as statements about the future’ for the people of Sodom; they experienced ‘irreversible destruction’. Restated in 2005. The Watchtower, 1 юни 1988The Watchtower, 15 юли 2005

Обяснението на организацията: The organisation’s own ‘Beliefs Clarified’ index records both the 1988 and the 2024 entries.

Какво следва от документалния запис: Four positions across seventy years: no, yes, no, open. Whether the 1982 and 1988 first printings of two books said ‘yes’ is unverified; the online editions say ‘no’.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-sodom-1952-no-resurrection · claim-doctrine-sodom-1965-resurrection · claim-doctrine-sodom-1988-no-resurrection · claim-doctrine-sodom-2024-cannot-say · claim-doctrine-sodom-books-online-say-no

Daily life Промяна в практиката Проверено

Alternative (civilian) national service #

Earlier · 1 септември 1986

Descriptive statement (1986), not a formal ruling: 'Whether the issue was shedding blood, noncombatant military work, alternative service, or saluting an image such as a national flag, faithful Christians took the position that there was no middle ground.' The formal earlier rule is documented from the organisation's own 1996 and 1998 summaries.

Whether the issue was shedding blood, noncombatant military work, alternative service, or saluting an image such as a national flag, faithful Christians took the position that there was no middle ground.

The Watchtower, “Christian Neutrals in a Bloodstained World”, 1 September 1986, pp. 17-22, par. 16 (p. 20) Проверено Open source

Later · 1 май 1996

A Witness who concludes that civilian service is a ‘good work’ he can perform: ‘That is his decision before Jehovah … continue to regard him as a Christian in good standing.’

That is his decision before Jehovah. Appointed elders and others should fully respect the conscience of the brother and continue to regard him as a Christian in good standing. If, however, a Christian feels that he cannot perform this civilian service, his position should also be respected. He too remains in good standing and should receive loving support.

The Watchtower, “Paying Back Caesar's Things to Caesar”, 1 May 1996, pp. 15-20, par. 21 and footnote a (p. 20) Проверено Open source
Intermediate and related statements (1)

15 август 1998

‘In the past, some Witnesses have suffered for refusing to share in an activity that their conscience now might permit. For example, this might have been their choice years ago as to certain types of civilian service.’ The Watchtower, 15 август 1998

Обяснението на организацията: The ‘Beliefs Clarified’ index dates the change to 1996. The 1996 article’s only footnote points to a general 1964 paragraph about decision-making, not to the rule it replaced.

Какво следва от документалния запис: Some members were imprisoned for refusing civilian service before 1996; the organisation itself acknowledged in 1998 that they ‘suffered’ for a stance their conscience ‘now might permit’. A primary text stating that acceptance was treated as disassociation before 1996 was not located, so that mechanism is not asserted here.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-civilian-service-pre-1996-no-middle-ground · claim-doctrine-civilian-service-1996-conscience · claim-doctrine-civilian-service-1998-suffered · claim-doctrine-civilian-service-1996-footnote

Daily life Насоки за облеклото и външния вид Проверено

Beards, jackets and ties, women’s trousers #

Earlier · 1968 and September 2016

1968: a beard ‘may, in the minds of the majority, classify such a person undesirably with extremists or as rebels against society’. 2016: in some localities beards ‘are not the custom and are not considered acceptable for Christian ministers’.

In recent years in many lands a beard or long hair on a man attracts immediate notice and may, in the minds of the majority, classify such a person undesirably with extremists or as rebels against society. God's ministers want to avoid making any impression that would take attention away from their ministry or hinder anyone from listening to the truth.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers — When Jesus Christ was a man on earth, did he wear a beard?”, 1 May 1968, pp. 286-288, p. 288 Проверено Open source

In some cultures, a neatly trimmed beard may be acceptable and respectable, and it may not detract at all from the Kingdom message. In fact, some appointed brothers have beards. Even so, some brothers might decide not to wear a beard. In other cultures or localities, beards are not the custom and are not considered acceptable for Christian ministers.

The Watchtower (study edition), “Does Your Style of Dress Glorify God?”, September 2016, pp. 17-21, pars. 17-18 (p. 21) Проверено Open source

Later · December 2023 and March 2024

‘Whether a brother wears a beard is a personal decision’ that must not affect appointment as an elder. Sisters ‘may choose to wear slacks’ and brothers ‘may choose not to wear a tie or a jacket’ in the ministry and at meetings.

The Governing Body does not have an issue with brothers wearing beards. Why not? Because the Scriptures do not condemn the wearing of beards. … Thus, whether a brother wears a beard is a personal decision. A brother's qualifications to serve as an elder or ministerial servant are based on his spirituality, not on whether he chooses to wear a beard. … In harmony with Romans 14:4, neither the elders nor any other Christian should feel compelled to judge a brother who chooses to wear a beard.

JW Broadcasting — 2023 Governing Body Update #8, “2023 Governing Body Update #8 (official English subtitles)”, 15 December 2023 Проверено Open source

The Governing Body has decided that sisters may choose to wear slacks when participating in the ministry and when attending Christian meetings, assemblies, and conventions. … In addition, brothers may choose not to wear a tie or a jacket when participating in the ministry and when attending Christian meetings, assemblies, and conventions.

JW Broadcasting — 2024 Governing Body Update #2, “2024 Governing Body Update #2 — announcement on dress (official English subtitles)”, 15 March 2024 Проверено Open source
Intermediate and related statements (1)

3 май 2024

‘Do these adjustments about dress and grooming mean that we are lowering our standards? Not at all! … it’s a recognition that styles change over time.’ JW Broadcasting — 2024 Governing Body Update #3, 3 май 2024

Обяснението на организацията: The 2023 programme frames beards as a matter of grooming custom and notes that the organisation’s art portrayed Jesus clean-shaven for years before 1968.

Какво следва от документалния запис: This is guidance and practice, not doctrine; but the 2016 article said beards were ‘not considered acceptable for Christian ministers’ in some places while also saying there were no ‘detailed lists of regulations’.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-beards-1968-extremists · claim-doctrine-beards-2016-not-acceptable-some-places · claim-doctrine-beards-2023-personal-decision · claim-doctrine-dress-2024-slacks-ties

Daily life Промяна в практиката Проверено

Birthdays: recorded in the Bible Students’ own books #

Earlier · Until the late 1920s

‘In their “Daily Manna” book, Bible Students kept a list of birthdays.’ The practice is recorded by the organisation itself, in a box headed ‘Practices That Have Been Abandoned’.

This holiday was celebrated yearly even by members of the Watch Tower Society’s headquarters staff at the Bethel Home in Brooklyn, New York. … For years, Bible Students wore a cross and crown as a badge of identification, and this symbol was on the front cover of the “Watch Tower” from 1891 to 1931. … In their “Daily Manna” book, Bible Students kept a list of birthdays.

Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom, “Chapter 14: “They Are No Part of the World””, 1993, pp. 199-201, main text p. 199; box ‘Practices That Have Been Abandoned’, pp. 200-201 Проверено Open source

Later · 6 май 1936

‘There are but two such celebrations mentioned in the Scriptures, one of the heathen king Pharaoh of Egypt, in the days of Joseph, and the other of [Herod,] whose birthday cost John the Baptist his life.’ The organisation cites this as the earliest published objection to birthdays.

Yet, the Bible Students did not at the time clearly see the need to stop celebrating Christmas. It continued to be celebrated even by members of the Brooklyn Bethel family. … For many years, the Bible Students viewed the cross as an acceptable symbol of Christianity. … they proudly wore a cross-and-crown pin as an identifying badge. … Beginning in 1891, a cross-and-crown symbol appeared on the cover of the Watch Tower.

God’s Kingdom Rules!, “Chapter 10: The King Refines His People Spiritually”, 2014, pp. 102-105, pars. 8-9, 12-13; boxes on pp. 102 and 105 Проверено Open source

Обяснението на организацията: The 1993 history says the Bible Students abandoned the practice ‘after they quit celebrating Christmas and when they realized that birthday celebrations were giving undue honor to creatures’. Birthdays therefore followed Christmas rather than preceding it.

Какво следва от документалния запис: The order matters: the practice was dropped first and the published argument came afterwards. The Golden Age article the organisation cites appeared roughly a decade after the Bible Students had stopped. The rule has not since changed.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-birthdays-recorded-in-daily-manna · claim-doctrine-holidays-first-objections-dated

Daily life Промяна в ударението Проверено

Chess #

Earlier · 22 март 1973

Awake! quoted a chess player’s book calling the game ‘a play-substitute for the art of war’ and Time magazine saying ‘Chess originated as a war game’, warned that it consumes time and stirs up competition, and closed: ‘What effect does playing chess really have upon one? Is it a wholesome effect?’ It did not say a Witness may not play, and it did not itself call chess a war game.

Then, too, grown-ups may not consider it proper for children to play with war toys, or at games of a military nature. Is it consistent, then, that they play a game noted to be, in the opinion of some, an “intellectualized equivalent of the maneuvers enacted by little boys with toy soldiers”? What effect does playing chess really have upon one? Is it a wholesome effect?

Awake!, “Chess—What Kind of Game Is It?”, 22 March 1973, p. 14 Проверено Open source

Later · 2017

A daily-text entry describes a young Witness on his school chess team; the concern is that ‘weekend chess matches were crowding out my Kingdom service’, not the game. Nothing is said about war.

For example, Henry enjoys playing chess. His school had a tradition of winning the championship, and he wanted to put forth his best effort. But he admitted: “Gradually, loyalty to the school began to take priority over my loyalty to God. Weekend chess matches were crowding out my Kingdom service. So I decided to give up being part of the chess team.”

Examining the Scriptures Daily—2017, “Tuesday, October 3”, 2017, p. 98 Проверено Open source

Обяснението на организацията: No article reconsidering the 1973 piece was located. The change is one of emphasis in what is published, not an announced decision.

Какво следва от документалния запис: Included because the 1973 article is often repeated second-hand as a ban on chess. It was not one. This record is here to show the difference between counsel that leaned hard in one direction and a rule, and to keep the site honest about which is which.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-chess-1973-cautioned · claim-doctrine-chess-2017-ordinary-activity

Daily life Промяна в практиката Проверено

Christmas: kept at headquarters until 1926 #

Earlier · Until December 1926

Christmas was celebrated by the Bible Students worldwide and at the Brooklyn headquarters, where it was “a very festive occasion”. The movement had published the pagan origin of the date as early as 1881 and had not treated it as a reason to stop.

Yet, the Bible Students did not at the time clearly see the need to stop celebrating Christmas. It continued to be celebrated even by members of the Brooklyn Bethel family. After 1926, however, things began to change.

God’s Kingdom Rules!, “The King Refines His People Spiritually”, 2014, p. 102, chap. 10, par. 8 Проверено Open source

Shortly thereafter, a flash of light caused the Bible Students to stop celebrating Christmas. Before that time Christmas had always been celebrated by the Bible Students worldwide, and its celebration at Brooklyn headquarters was a very festive occasion.

The Watchtower, “Part 1—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 19, par. 13 Проверено Open source

Later · From 1927-28

Christmas was taught to dishonour God, and Witnesses have not celebrated it since. Easter, Valentine's Day, birthdays and New Year's Day were ruled out over the following two decades.

Yet, the Bible Students did not at the time clearly see the need to stop celebrating Christmas. It continued to be celebrated even by members of the Brooklyn Bethel family. After 1926, however, things began to change.

God’s Kingdom Rules!, “The King Refines His People Spiritually”, 2014, p. 102, chap. 10, par. 8 Проверено Open source

Shortly thereafter, a flash of light caused the Bible Students to stop celebrating Christmas. Before that time Christmas had always been celebrated by the Bible Students worldwide, and its celebration at Brooklyn headquarters was a very festive occasion.

The Watchtower, “Part 1—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”, 15 May 1995, p. 19, par. 13 Проверено Open source

Обяснението на организацията: The organisation presents the change as obedience to direction from headquarters and quotes members recalling that giving Christmas up was “just like taking a soiled garment off and throwing it away”. It asks readers: “How do I view the direction we receive from headquarters?”

Какво следва от документалния запис: Not celebrating Christmas and birthdays is one of the most visible causes of division between Witnesses and their non-Witness relatives, and one of the commonest sources of difficulty for Witness children at school. The evidence for the change is the organisation's own: the facts that were said to require it in 1927 were published by the movement in 1881 and acted on only forty-six years later.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-chg-christmas-celebrated · claim-doctrine-chg-christmas-forbidden

Daily life Промяна в ударението Проверено

Higher education #

Earlier · 1992 and 2005

1992: ‘no hard-and-fast rules’, but the magazine ‘has placed emphasis on the dangers of higher learning, and justifiably so’. 2005: ‘University and college campuses are notorious for bad behavior’; youths are asked whether they have considered full-time service as a career.

So no hard-and-fast rules should be made either for or against extra education. … This magazine has placed emphasis on the dangers of higher learning, and justifiably so, for much higher education opposes the “healthful teaching” of the Bible.

The Watchtower, “Education With a Purpose”, 1 November 1992, pp. 15-21, par. 14 (p. 19); par. 18 (p. 20) Проверено Open source

University and college campuses are notorious for bad behavior—drug and alcohol abuse, immorality, cheating, hazing, and the list goes on.

The Watchtower, “Parents—What Future Do You Want for Your Children?”, 1 October 2005, pp. 26-31, par. 11 (p. 28); p. 30 Проверено Open source

Later · 22 август 2025

‘While there are dangers involved in pursuing certain forms of education, basically, whether to obtain additional education or not is a matter for personal decision … no Christian—including the elders—should judge a fellow Christian’s personal decision on this matter.’

With this update, we'd like to clarify our understanding: While there are dangers involved in pursuing certain forms of education, basically, whether to obtain additional education or not is a matter for personal decision. … no Christian—including the elders—should judge a fellow Christian's personal decision on this matter.

JW Broadcasting — 2025 Governing Body Update #5, “2025 Governing Body Update #5 (official English subtitles)”, 22 August 2025 Проверено Open source
Intermediate and related statements (1)

Current brochure

‘It is up to the parents to guide their children in making a decision about supplementary education, weighing both the potential benefits and the sacrifices.’ Jehovah's Witnesses and Education (brochure, jw.org), 19 септември 2026

Обяснението на организацията: The 2025 update presents itself as clarifying understanding and still describes full-time service as the best career while warning of dangers.

Какво следва от документалния запис: A change of emphasis and practice rather than doctrine. Claims that members were formally punished for attending university are not evidenced in the primary texts opened.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-education-1992-no-rules-but-dangers · claim-doctrine-education-2005-discouraged · claim-doctrine-education-2025-personal-decision

Daily life Промяна в практиката Подкрепено

Military service: from varied conduct to strict neutrality #

Earlier · 1914 to 1918

‘During the war years, the circumstances into which individual Bible Students were thrust varied. The way they dealt with these situations also varied. Feeling obligated to obey “the powers that be” … some went into the trenches at the front with guns and bayonets.’ Others refused all military service and were imprisoned.

During the war years, the circumstances into which individual Bible Students were thrust varied. The way they dealt with these situations also varied. Feeling obligated to obey “the powers that be,” as they referred to the secular rulers, some went into the trenches at the front with guns and bayonets. … Though Jehovah’s Witnesses quickly discerned some issues that involve a Christian’s relationship to the world, other matters required more time. However, as World War II gathered momentum in Europe, a significant article in The Watchtower of November 1, 1939, helped them to appreciate the meaning of Christian neutrality.

Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom, “Chapter 14: “They Are No Part of the World””, 1993, pp. 191, 193 Проверено Open source

Later · 1 ноември 1939

‘[O]ther matters required more time. However, as World War II gathered momentum in Europe, a significant article in The Watchtower of November 1, 1939, helped them to appreciate the meaning of Christian neutrality.’ The organisation’s index lists ‘1939, neutrality’ among the beliefs clarified.

During the war years, the circumstances into which individual Bible Students were thrust varied. The way they dealt with these situations also varied. Feeling obligated to obey “the powers that be,” as they referred to the secular rulers, some went into the trenches at the front with guns and bayonets. … Though Jehovah’s Witnesses quickly discerned some issues that involve a Christian’s relationship to the world, other matters required more time. However, as World War II gathered momentum in Europe, a significant article in The Watchtower of November 1, 1939, helped them to appreciate the meaning of Christian neutrality.

Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom, “Chapter 14: “They Are No Part of the World””, 1993, pp. 191, 193 Проверено Open source

1935, flag salute: yb75 168-169 … 1936, Jesus did not die on cross: yb75 148-149; ch 27; g36 11/4 72 … 1973, tobacco and other harmful addictives: w73 338-343 … 1978, fornication (porneia) as grounds for divorce: w78 2/15 31-32

Watch Tower Publications Index 1930-1985, “Beliefs Clarified (List by Year)”, 1986 Проверено Open source

Обяснението на организацията: The organisation presents this as a matter that took time to be discerned rather than as a change of teaching, and its histories dwell on those who refused service in the First World War rather than on those who served.

Какво следва от документалния запис: Thousands of Witnesses were imprisoned for neutrality in and after the Second World War, and the site treats that record elsewhere. What this record adds is the date: the position for which they went to prison was settled in 1939, not before. Both sides of this pair rest on one retrospective account, the 1993 history: no pre-1939 publication permitting military service was located, and the article of 1 November 1939 was not opened, because the Watchtower Online Library begins in 1950. This record should not be merged with the separate comparison on alternative civilian service, which concerns 1996.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-neutrality-first-world-war-varied · claim-doctrine-neutrality-1939-settled

Daily life Административна процедура Проверено

Reporting hours in the ministry #

Earlier · Until November 2023

Congregation publishers submitted a detailed monthly field-service report of hours and placements.

We also learned that as of November 2023, Kingdom publishers would no longer be asked to report all their activity in the ministry.

The Watchtower (study edition), “Let Love Motivate You to Keep Preaching! (Study Article 20)”, May 2024, pp. 14-19, par. 1 (p. 14) and footnote a Проверено Open source

Later · ноември 2023

‘As of November 2023, Kingdom publishers would no longer be asked to report all their activity in the ministry.’

We also learned that as of November 2023, Kingdom publishers would no longer be asked to report all their activity in the ministry.

The Watchtower (study edition), “Let Love Motivate You to Keep Preaching! (Study Article 20)”, May 2024, pp. 14-19, par. 1 (p. 14) and footnote a Проверено Open source

At the recent annual meeting, we learned that as of last November, we'd no longer be submitting a detailed field service report. That was a big change, wasn't it?

JW Broadcasting — 2024 Governing Body Update #1, “2024 Governing Body Update #1 (official English subtitles)”, 26 January 2024 Проверено Open source

Обяснението на организацията: Announced at the annual meeting of 7 October 2023 as a simplification.

Какво следва от документалния запис: Administrative; included because the ‘publisher’ statistics used throughout this site depend on what is reported.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-field-service-report-2023

Daily life Промяна в практиката Проверено

Smoking and tobacco #

Earlier · 15 февруари 1969

‘The Bible does not comment directly on the view that God’s servants should have concerning the use of tobacco.’ Witnesses ‘strongly discourage its use, and they view as spiritually immature any Christians who continue to use tobacco’. A user could not be an appointed servant or a pioneer. The answer sets out no provision for expelling a baptised member who continues to smoke.

So Jehovah’s witnesses strongly discourage its use, and they view as spiritually immature any Christians who continue to use tobacco.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”, 15 February 1969, pp. 126-127 Проверено Open source

Later · 1 юни 1973

Nicotine is placed in the category of addictive drugs. Tobacco users no longer qualify for baptism; those already baptised ‘may now be given a reasonable period of time, such as six months, in which to free themselves of the addiction’, and if they will not, ‘they should therefore be removed from the congregation’.

They may now be given a reasonable period of time, such as six months, in which to free themselves of the addiction. … If persons already baptized are not willing to abandon their addiction to damaging and enslaving products, what then? … They should therefore be removed from the congregation due to such conduct unbecoming a Christian.

The Watchtower, “Keeping God’s Congregation Clean in the Time of His Judgment”, 1 June 1973, pp. 340-341, pars. 22, 24 Проверено Open source
Intermediate and related statements (2)

Earlier still: 1935 and 1942

The organisation’s own history records that tobacco users were barred from the headquarters staff and from appointed representative work from 1935, and from all appointed service from 1942. The step taken in 1973 was to apply the rule to every baptised member. Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom, 1993

2014

‘In 1973 a further moral refinement came … Those who refused to give up the misuse of tobacco were to be disfellowshipped.’ The organisation’s index lists the change under ‘1973, tobacco and other harmful addictives’. God’s Kingdom Rules!, 2014Watch Tower Publications Index 1930-1985, 1986

Обяснението на организацията: The organisation presents 1973 as a refinement rather than a reversal: counsel against tobacco, it says, had been appearing since the 1890s, and what changed was the consistency with which it was applied. It classifies the change among ‘beliefs clarified’.

Какво следва от документалния запис: This change ran in the opposite direction from most on this page: a matter the magazine itself said the Bible does not address became a ground for expulsion. The organisation’s own 1997 Yearbook says of Brazil: ‘It is true that some were disfellowshipped, but a number of these finally had a change of mind and heart, quit smoking, and were reinstated.’ No figures are published, there or anywhere else in the material opened. The rule still stands.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-tobacco-1969-discouraged-not-expelled · claim-doctrine-tobacco-1973-disfellowshipping · claim-doctrine-tobacco-1935-1942-appointed-men · claim-doctrine-tobacco-members-expelled

Daily life Промяна в практиката Проверено

Toasting and clinking glasses #

Earlier · ‘For years’

Witnesses avoided toasting ‘because it may have had origins in false religion’.

For years, Jehovah's Witnesses have avoided this practice because it may have had origins in false religion. However, now in most places, toasting or clinking glasses no longer has any religious association. … the Governing Body has concluded that there is no need to make a rule regarding toasting and clinking glasses.

JW Broadcasting — 2025 Governing Body Update #4, “2025 Governing Body Update #4 (official English subtitles)”, 4 July 2025 Проверено Open source

Later · 4 юли 2025

‘The Governing Body has concluded that there is no need to make a rule regarding toasting and clinking glasses.’

For years, Jehovah's Witnesses have avoided this practice because it may have had origins in false religion. However, now in most places, toasting or clinking glasses no longer has any religious association. … the Governing Body has concluded that there is no need to make a rule regarding toasting and clinking glasses.

JW Broadcasting — 2025 Governing Body Update #4, “2025 Governing Body Update #4 (official English subtitles)”, 4 July 2025 Проверено Open source

Обяснението на организацията: Presented as removing an unnecessary rule.

Какво следва от документалния запис: Minor in itself; included as a documented example of a practice rule being withdrawn.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-toasting-2025

Daily life Промяна в практиката Проверено

Voting in political elections #

Earlier · 15 ноември 1950

‘[T]he Christian witnesses conscientiously refrain from taking part in the politics of this world, yes, even from voting … they consider it improper to exercise the democratic vote by which unconsecrated persons are put into worldly political offices.’ Where voting was compulsory they could register and enter the booth, and ‘it is not our responsibility to instruct them what to do with the ballot’.

the Christian witnesses conscientiously refrain from taking part in the politics of this world, yes, even from voting. … they consider it improper to exercise the democratic vote by which unconsecrated persons are put into worldly political offices.

The Watchtower, “Subjection to the Higher Powers”, 15 November 1950, pp. 445-446, pars. 21-24 Проверено Open source

Later · 1 ноември 1999

‘As to whether they will personally vote for someone running in an election, each one of Jehovah’s Witnesses makes a decision based on his Bible-trained conscience.’ ‘What he does in the polling booth is between him and his Creator.’ Of a Christian woman whose unbelieving husband insists she present herself to vote, the answer says: ‘If she obeys her husband and goes to the polling booth, that is her personal decision. No one should criticize her.’

As to whether they will personally vote for someone running in an election, each one of Jehovah’s Witnesses makes a decision based on his Bible-trained conscience and an understanding of his responsibility to God and to the State.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”, 1 November 1999, pp. 28-29 Проверено Open source
Intermediate and related statements (2)

2008

The study book repeats the 1999 position, lists six principles to weigh, and says a Christian ‘may decide to go to the booth if his conscience permits’. “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love”, 2008

2014

‘Jehovah’s Witnesses are not prominent or influential. We do not vote, support political campaigns, or lobby politicians.’ Fifteen years after the change, the corporate description is still that Witnesses do not vote. God’s Kingdom Rules!, 2014

Обяснението на организацията: The 1999 answer does not present itself as a change. It quotes the 1950 article’s compulsory-voting paragraph approvingly and lists five reasons why ‘in many lands Jehovah’s Witnesses make a personal decision not to vote’.

Какво следва от документалния запис: This is a change of published guidance, not of doctrine: the conclusion the publications press for is the same, but it is now framed as the reader’s own decision rather than as what Witnesses do. It is widely said that before 1999 a Witness who voted was expelled or treated as having disassociated himself. No primary text saying so was located, and the site should not assert it. What can be shown is that the 1950 wording called voting improper and the 1999 wording did not.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-voting-1950-improper · claim-doctrine-voting-1999-conscience · claim-doctrine-voting-still-described-as-corporate-practice

Daily life Промяна в практиката Проверено

Working in tobacco: a livelihood becomes a disfellowshipping matter #

Earlier · Before February 1974

Growing, selling or handling tobacco was not treated as a bar to membership. The 1969 answer on tobacco addresses personal use only; The Watchtower of 1 July 1973, as the 1974 instruction describes it, gave examples of Witnesses who had given up tobacco work as a matter of conscience; and the 1974 instruction says the questions about employment were raised after those 1973 articles. No earlier rule was located, and this side of the pair rests on that absence.

So Jehovah’s witnesses strongly discourage its use, and they view as spiritually immature any Christians who continue to use tobacco.

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”, 15 February 1969, pp. 126-127 Проверено Open source

If a dedicated, baptized Christian finds himself working in such an objectionable type of employment, he should arrange within a reasonable time, perhaps three months, to find other employment that would not be out of harmony with the requirements of the Scriptures for Christian living. On the other hand, if after such time period he would decide to remain in the objectionable employment, it would be necessary for the congregation to take action and expel the individual from the congregation.

Kingdom Ministry, “Harmonizing Our Employment with ‘Love of Neighbor’”, February 1974, p. 4 Проверено Open source

Later · февруари 1974

‘If a dedicated, baptized Christian finds himself working in such an objectionable type of employment, he should arrange within a reasonable time, perhaps three months, to find other employment … if after such time period he would decide to remain in the objectionable employment, it would be necessary for the congregation to take action and expel the individual from the congregation.’ Growing tobacco ‘is as objectionable as using tobacco personally’.

If a dedicated, baptized Christian finds himself working in such an objectionable type of employment, he should arrange within a reasonable time, perhaps three months, to find other employment that would not be out of harmony with the requirements of the Scriptures for Christian living. On the other hand, if after such time period he would decide to remain in the objectionable employment, it would be necessary for the congregation to take action and expel the individual from the congregation.

Kingdom Ministry, “Harmonizing Our Employment with ‘Love of Neighbor’”, February 1974, p. 4 Проверено Open source
Intermediate and related statements (1)

1 ноември 2005

‘Certain forms of employment are in clear violation of Bible principles and should be avoided. These include employment connected with gambling, the misuse of blood, and the promoting of tobacco products.’ The rule was still in force thirty-one years later; no later relaxation was located. The Watchtower, 1 ноември 2005

Обяснението на организацията: The 1974 article says that ‘the light of truth is shining brighter’ and that members ‘have always been ready to come in line with the Scriptures and divest themselves of any business or employment found to be out of harmony with Scriptural instructions, even though it may have meant some personal financial loss’. The 1993 history says those in tobacco work ‘were helped to realize that they could not continue to do that and be accepted as Jehovah’s Witnesses’.

Какво следва от документалния запис: This is the clearest documented case of a published rule reaching into a member’s means of living. Tobacco farmers were told to give up a government allotment or go into another business; a shopkeeper who stocked tobacco as a minor line was to dispose of it ‘even though this may result in some financial loss to him’; contracted growers were to take the matter to the elders. The article says expulsion follows if the work continues. The same article names gambling, producing idolatrous objects, work contrary to Isaiah 2:4, ‘producing Christmas products’ and ‘working for and being paid by Babylon the Great’ as other kinds of work that could lead to removal.

Твърдения: claim-doctrine-tobacco-employment-1974 · claim-doctrine-tobacco-employment-still-in-force-2005

Промените по ред

  1. 1 декември 1928
    Промяна Променено

    The Great Pyramid teaching is repudiated

    ‘There is therefore no justification for applying any of these texts to the pyramid of Gizeh’, ending a teaching held since 1891. The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, 1 декември 1928

    Отвори доказателствата
    Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

    The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, “The Altar in Egypt (part 2)”

    1 декември 1928 · pp.355-362 (issue Vol. XLIX No. 23; quoted passage c. p. 356) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

    “There is therefore no justification for applying any of these texts to the pyramid of Gizeh. … It is impossible to fit the literal pyramid of Gizeh to the prophet's description; but the position and condition of the remnant of God exactly fit the prophetic description”

    Сканиран оригинал

    Свързани твърдения: claim-doctrine-pyramid-1928-repudiated

    #
  2. 1929
    Публикувано правило Забранено

    The Golden Age against vaccination

    ‘The practice of vaccination is a crime, an outrage and a delusion’ (reprinted article); vaccinations ‘pollute the blood stream with their filthy pus’. The Golden Age, 1 май 1929The Golden Age, 13 ноември 1929

    Отвори доказателствата
    Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

    The Golden Age, “Vaccination (by Dr. H. R. Rickards, reprinted from The Quest)”

    1 май 1929 · pp.502-503 · H. R. Rickards (reprint) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society (Golden Age Publishing)

    “Thinking people would rather have smallpox than vaccination, because the latter sows the seed of syphilis, cancers, eczema, erysipelas, scrofula, consumption, even leprosy and many other loathsome affections. Hence the practice of vaccination is a crime, an outrage and a delusion.”

    Сканиран оригинал

    Свързани твърдения: claim-doctrine-vaccination-1929-crime-delusion

    #
  3. 1943
    Промяна Променено

    Christ’s presence dated to 1914 rather than 1874

    ‘The King’s presence or parousia began in 1914.’ “The Truth Shall Make You Free” (book), 1943

    Отвори доказателствата

    Свързани твърдения: claim-doctrine-presence-1914-by-1943

    #
  4. 15 декември 1952
    Промяна Лично решение

    Vaccination becomes a personal matter

    Vaccination ‘does not appear to us to be in violation of the everlasting covenant made with Noah’. The Watchtower, 15 декември 1952

    Отвори доказателствата
    Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

    The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers (Is vaccination a violation of God's law forbidding the taking of blood into the system?)”

    15 декември 1952 · p.764 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

    “The matter of vaccination is one for the individual that has to face it to decide for himself. … it does not appear to us to be in violation of the everlasting covenant made with Noah, as set down in Genesis 9:4, nor contrary to God's related commandment at Leviticus 17:10-14. Most certainly it cannot reasonably or Scripturally be argued and proved that, by being vaccinated, the inoculated person is either eating or drinking blood”

    Официален източник

    Свързани твърдения: claim-doctrine-vaccination-1952-reversal

    #
  5. 15 ноември 1962
    Промяна Променено

    ‘Superior authorities’ are secular governments again

    Reversing the 1929 view that Romans 13:1 referred to Jehovah and Jesus. The Watchtower, 15 ноември 1962

    Отвори доказателствата
    Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

    The Watchtower, “Subjection to “Superior Authorities”—Why?”

    15 ноември 1962 · pp.681-690 · par. 4 (p. 682); par. 7 (p. 683) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

    “Paul wrote to the Christians at Rome, not about Christendom's political rulers, but about pagan rulers like Caesar and his governors and kings of individual nations. … So the “superior authorities” have their setting logically in the world outside the congregation.”

    Официален източник

    Свързани твърдения: claim-doctrine-superior-authorities-1962-governments

    #
  6. 15 ноември 1967
    Публикувано правило Забранено

    Organ transplants described as ‘cannibalistic’

    Those who accept transplants are ‘living off the flesh of another human’. The Watchtower, 15 ноември 1967

    Отвори доказателствата
    Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

    The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers (donating one's body for research / accepting transplanted organs)”

    15 ноември 1967 · pp.702-704 · p. 702 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

    “Those who submit to such operations are thus living off the flesh of another human. That is cannibalistic. However, in allowing man to eat animal flesh Jehovah God did not grant permission for humans to try to perpetuate their lives by cannibalistically taking into their bodies human flesh, whether chewed or in the form of whole organs or body parts taken from others.”

    Официален източник

    Свързани твърдения: claim-doctrine-transplants-1967-cannibalistic

    #
  7. 15 март 1980
    Промяна Лично решение

    Organ transplants become ‘a matter for personal decision’

    A judicial committee ‘would not take disciplinary action if someone accepted an organ transplant’. The Watchtower, 15 март 1980

    Отвори доказателствата

    Свързани твърдения: claim-doctrine-transplants-1980-personal-decision

    #
  8. 15 септември 1981
    Публикувано правило Забранено

    Not even ‘Hello’ to a disfellowshipped person

    ‘Would we want to take that first step with a disfellowshiped person?’ The Watchtower, 15 септември 1981

    Отвори доказателствата
    Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

    The Watchtower, “Disfellowshiping—How to View It”

    15 септември 1981 · pp.20-26 · par. 21 (p. 24); par. 23 (p. 25) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

    “And we all know from our experience over the years that a simple “Hello” to someone can be the first step that develops into a conversation and maybe even a friendship. Would we want to take that first step with a disfellowshiped person?”

    Официален източник

    Свързани твърдения: claim-doctrine-shunning-1981-no-hello

    #
  9. 1 юни 1988
    Промяна Променено

    Sodom and Gomorrah: no resurrection (again)

    Reversing the 1965 ‘yes’, which had reversed the 1952 ‘no’. The Watchtower, 1 юни 1988

    Отвори доказателствата
    Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

    The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers — Do Jesus' words at Matthew 11:24 mean that those whom Jehovah destroyed by fire in Sodom and Gomorrah will be resurrected?”

    1 юни 1988 · pp.30-31 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

    “A recent review of this suggests that these verses need not be taken as statements about the future for the people of Sodom/Gomorrah … irreversible destruction.”

    Официален източник

    Свързани твърдения: claim-doctrine-sodom-1988-no-resurrection

    #
  10. 1 май 1996
    Промяна Лично решение

    Civilian service becomes a decision ‘before Jehovah’

    A Witness who accepts civilian service ‘remains in good standing’. In 1998 the organisation acknowledged that some had ‘suffered’ under the earlier stance. The Watchtower, 1 май 1996The Watchtower, 15 август 1998

    Отвори доказателствата
    Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

    The Watchtower, “Paying Back Caesar's Things to Caesar”

    1 май 1996 · pp.15-20 · par. 21 and footnote a (p. 20) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

    “That is his decision before Jehovah. Appointed elders and others should fully respect the conscience of the brother and continue to regard him as a Christian in good standing. If, however, a Christian feels that he cannot perform this civilian service, his position should also be respected. He too remains in good standing and should receive loving support.”

    Официален източник

    Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

    The Watchtower, “Strengthening Our Confidence in God's Righteousness”

    15 август 1998 · pp.15-20 · par. 6 (p. 17) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

    “In the past, some Witnesses have suffered for refusing to share in an activity that their conscience now might permit. For example, this might have been their choice years ago as to certain types of civilian service.”

    Официален източник

    Свързани твърдения: claim-doctrine-civilian-service-1996-conscience, claim-doctrine-civilian-service-1998-suffered

    #
  11. 15 юли 2013
    Промяна Променено

    The ‘faithful and discreet slave’ redefined as the Governing Body

    From all anointed Christians collectively to ‘a small group of anointed brothers’ appointed in 1919. The Watchtower (study edition), 15 юли 2013

    Отвори доказателствата
    Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

    The Watchtower (study edition), ““Who Really Is the Faithful and Discreet Slave?””

    15 юли 2013 · pp.20-25 · par. 3 (p. 20); par. 10 (p. 22); pars. 12-13 (p. 23) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

    “that slave is made up of a small group of anointed brothers who are directly involved in preparing and dispensing spiritual food during Christ's presence. … In 1919, a time of spiritual revival, Jesus selected capable anointed brothers from among them to be the faithful and discreet slave and appointed them over his domestics.”

    Официален източник

    Свързани твърдения: claim-doctrine-fds-2013-governing-body-1919

    #
  12. 15 декември 2023
    Промяна Лично решение

    Beards become ‘a personal decision’

    Reversing 2016 guidance that beards were ‘not considered acceptable for Christian ministers’ in some places. JW Broadcasting — 2023 Governing Body Update #8, 15 декември 2023

    Отвори доказателствата
    Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

    JW Broadcasting — 2023 Governing Body Update #8, “2023 Governing Body Update #8 (official English subtitles)”

    15 декември 2023 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

    “The Governing Body does not have an issue with brothers wearing beards. Why not? Because the Scriptures do not condemn the wearing of beards. … Thus, whether a brother wears a beard is a personal decision. A brother's qualifications to serve as an elder or ministerial servant are based on his spirituality, not on whether he chooses to wear a beard. … In harmony with Romans 14:4, neither the elders nor any other Christian should feel compelled to judge a brother who chooses to wear a beard.”

    Официален източник Сканиран оригинал

    Свързани твърдения: claim-doctrine-beards-2023-personal-decision

    #
  13. 15 март 2024
    Промяна Променено

    A ‘simple greeting’ to removed persons permitted; terminology changed

    ‘In the past, we would not greet such a person.’ ‘Disfellowshipped’ becomes ‘removed from the congregation’ from August 2024. JW Broadcasting — 2024 Governing Body Update #2, 15 март 2024The Watchtower (study edition), август 2024

    Отвори доказателствата
    Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

    JW Broadcasting — 2024 Governing Body Update #2, “2024 Governing Body Update #2 (official English subtitles)”

    15 март 2024 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

    “Under our current arrangement, we don't say a greeting to individuals who've been removed from the congregation. However, the Governing Body has decided that publishers can use their Bible-trained conscience to decide whether to give a simple greeting and welcome a disfellowshipped individual who attends a congregation meeting.”

    Официален източник Сканиран оригинал

    Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

    The Watchtower (study edition), “Help for Those Who Are Removed From the Congregation (Study Article 35)”

    август 2024 · pp.26-31 · par. 14 (pp. 30-31); footnote b (p. 31) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

    “In the past, we would not greet such a person. Here again, each Christian needs to use his Bible-trained conscience in this matter. Some may feel comfortable with greeting or welcoming the person to the meeting. However, we would not have an extended conversation or socialize with the individual.”

    Официален източник

    Свързани твърдения: claim-doctrine-shunning-2024-greeting-permitted, claim-doctrine-shunning-2024-terminology

    #
  14. май 2024
    Промяна Променено

    Survival of the tribulation and Sodom’s resurrection reconsidered

    The Flood is no longer a ‘prophetic type’; some may respond after the tribulation begins; of Sodom, ‘we cannot say for sure’. The Watchtower (study edition), май 2024The Watchtower (study edition), май 2024

    Отвори доказателствата
    Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

    The Watchtower (study edition), “What Do We Know About Jehovah's Future Judgments? (Study Article 19)”

    май 2024 · pp.8-13 · pars. 3-4 (p. 9); par. 12 (p. 11) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

    “In the past, we said that once the great tribulation begins, no unbelievers will be able to take their stand for Jehovah and survive Armageddon. We came to that conclusion because we understood that the account of the Flood was a prophetic type. … Should we view the account of the Flood as a prophetic type? The answer is no. Why? Because there is no direct Scriptural support for doing so.”

    Официален източник

    Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

    The Watchtower (study edition), “Trust in the Merciful “Judge of All the Earth”! (Study Article 18)”

    май 2024 · pp.2-7 · par. 5 (p. 3); par. 8 (p. 3); par. 15 (p. 6) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

    “We have said that for such individuals as those in Sodom and Gomorrah, there is no hope of a future resurrection. But further prayerful study has raised the question, Can we really say that with certainty? … Can we say for certain, then, that none of them will rise in the “resurrection of . . . the unrighteous”? No, we cannot say for sure!”

    Официален източник

    Свързани твърдения: claim-doctrine-tribulation-2024-reconsidered, claim-doctrine-sodom-2024-cannot-say

    #
  15. 22 август 2025
    Промяна Лично решение

    Additional education ‘a matter for personal decision’

    ‘No Christian—including the elders—should judge a fellow Christian’s personal decision on this matter.’ JW Broadcasting — 2025 Governing Body Update #5, 22 август 2025

    Отвори доказателствата
    Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

    JW Broadcasting — 2025 Governing Body Update #5, “2025 Governing Body Update #5 (official English subtitles)”

    22 август 2025 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

    “With this update, we'd like to clarify our understanding: While there are dangers involved in pursuing certain forms of education, basically, whether to obtain additional education or not is a matter for personal decision. … no Christian—including the elders—should judge a fellow Christian's personal decision on this matter.”

    Официален източник Сканиран оригинал

    Свързани твърдения: claim-doctrine-education-2025-personal-decision

    #

Често срещани отговори, съпоставени с изданията

“These are clarifications, not reversals.”
Sometimes the organisation’s own wording concedes a reversal: ‘In the past, we said … The answer is no’ (2024, on survival of the tribulation); ‘In the past, we would not greet such a person’ (2024). Some questions moved back and forth (Sodom and Gomorrah: no, yes, no, open). The organisation’s framing is shown with each pair so that readers can compare it with the sequence. The Watchtower (study edition), май 2024 The Watchtower (study edition), август 2024
“Nobody was hurt; these were matters of conscience.”
Not for every item. In 1998 the organisation acknowledged that some ‘suffered for refusing to share in an activity that their conscience now might permit’ (civilian service). Transplants were described as cannibalism for thirteen years. The Watchtower, 15 август 1998 The Watchtower, 15 ноември 1967
“The Governing Body never claimed infallibility.”
True of the 2017 wording, and it is quoted here. The 1981 article said adjustments served ‘as a test of loyalty’, and the 1983 articles in the authority section labelled the argument that past adjustments show ‘we have to make up our own mind on what to believe’ as ‘independent thinking’ and ‘an evidence of pride’. The Watchtower, 1 декември 1981
“Critics misquote.”
Some do. Several commonly repeated citations are inexact, and we say so: the ‘filthy pus’ vaccination line is in the 13 November 1929 Golden Age, not 1 May; the ‘tacking’ article is 1 December 1981, not 15 December; the 1952 Sodom paragraphs are on pages 335 to 336. We cite pages from the library’s own page markers. The Golden Age, 13 ноември 1929
Независима констатация · 19 септември 2026 Проверено

Several commonly repeated citations are inexact: the 'filthy pus' vaccination line is in The Golden Age of 13 November 1929 (p. 107), not 1 May 1929 p. 502; the 'tacking' article is in The Watchtower of 1 December 1981; and the 1952 Sodom paragraphs fall on pp. 335-336 by the library's page markers. The Golden Age, 13 ноември 1929The Golden Age, 1 май 1929The Watchtower, 1 декември 1981The Watchtower, 1 юни 1952

Покажи доказателствата (4 източника)
Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Golden Age, “Health”

13 ноември 1929 · pp.106-107 (the sentence on p. 107) · H. W. Newcomb · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society (Golden Age Publishing)

“Avoid serum inoculations and vaccinations, as they pollute the blood stream with their filthy pus.”

A signed contribution by H. W. Newcomb, beginning on page 106 and listed in the issue contents under “Science and Invention”. The Golden Age was a general-interest magazine that carried signed articles by outside contributors alongside its own editorial matter, so this sentence is the contributor’s, not a statement of the organisation’s position. Four lines above it in the same contents list is an item advising readers to avoid aluminium cooking utensils.

Сканиран оригинал

Бележка за произхода и проверката

Бележка за достоверността. Scan opened; the sentence is on printed page 107, whose own running head reads "NOVEMBER 13, 1929 - THE GOLDEN AGE - 107". The by-line was confirmed from the article heading on page 106 and the issue contents list.

Произход на сканираното копие. Internet Archive item 'golden-age-1929' (OCR text searched).

Notes. Two common miscitations: the sentence is often given as The Golden Age of 1 May 1929 p. 502, which is the wrong issue; and it is usually quoted without "and vaccinations", which is in the printed text. It is also commonly presented as the magazine's own voice when it carries a by-line.

Отворено на. 19 септември 2026 · Идентификатор на източника. src-g-1929-1113-vaccination-filthy-pus

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Golden Age, “Vaccination (by Dr. H. R. Rickards, reprinted from The Quest)”

1 май 1929 · pp.502-503 · H. R. Rickards (reprint) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society (Golden Age Publishing)

“Thinking people would rather have smallpox than vaccination, because the latter sows the seed of syphilis, cancers, eczema, erysipelas, scrofula, consumption, even leprosy and many other loathsome affections. Hence the practice of vaccination is a crime, an outrage and a delusion.”

A reprinted anti-vaccination article appearing in the 1 May 1929 issue (issue contents list 'VACCINATION'); the page-502 marker precedes it and the 'May 1, 1929' running head follows within the article.

Сканиран оригинал

Бележка за произхода и проверката

Бележка за достоверността. Scan OCR opened; wording, issue date and page position confirmed from page markers in the OCR.

Произход на сканираното копие. Internet Archive item 'golden-age-1929' (bound volume of The Golden Age 1929; uploader-contributed scan; OCR text file 'Golden Age 1929_djvu.txt' downloaded and searched).

Notes. This is what actually appears at g 1929 5/1 p. 502. The 'filthy pus' sentence widely attributed to this page is in the 13 Nov 1929 issue (see the 13 November 1929 record).

Отворено на. 19 септември 2026 · Идентификатор на източника. src-g-1929-0501-vaccination-crime

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “The Path of the Righteous Does Keep Getting Brighter”

1 декември 1981 · pp.26-31 · par. 2 (p. 27); par. 19 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“At times explanations given by Jehovah's visible organization have shown adjustments, seemingly to previous points of view. But this has not actually been the case. This might be compared to what is known in navigational circles as “tacking.” By maneuvering the sails the sailors can cause a ship to go from right to left, back and forth, but all the time making progress toward their destination in spite of contrary winds.”

Par. 19: 'such development of understanding, involving “tacking” as it were, has often served as a test of loyalty for those associated with the “faithful and discreet slave.”'

Официален източник

Бележка за произхода и проверката

Бележка за достоверността. Opened on wol.jw.org; wording confirmed; p. 27 from page marker. NOTE: the brief cited w1981 12/15 pp. 27-31; the article is in the 1 Dec 1981 issue.

Потвърдено от. src-jworg-faq-doctrine-changes

Notes. Organisation's explanation of change.

Отворено на. 19 септември 2026 · Идентификатор на източника. src-w-1981-1201-path-righteous-tacking

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, ““Get Out of Her, My People””

1 юни 1952 · pp.333-340 · pars. 8-9 (pp. 335-336) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“those destroyed by God at Sodom and Gomorrah are eternally “cut off”. … By no wresting of scripture can this be made to mean a future resurrection for slain of the Lord. … If those slain by the Lord at Sodom have no resurrection, then those slain by him at Armageddon will have none, for the former pictures the latter.”

Argues from Jude 7 and 2 Peter 2 that Sodom's destruction was final and that it pictures Armageddon.

Официален източник

Бележка за произхода и проверката

Бележка за достоверността. Opened on wol.jw.org; wording confirmed; the page markers place pars. 8-9 on p. 336 (the brief's 'p. 338' is not what the markers show).

Потвърдено от. src-w-1965-0801-qfr-sodom

Отворено на. 19 септември 2026 · Идентификатор на източника. src-w-1952-0601-get-out-of-her-sodom

Страница на твърдението Поправка или актуализация

Непроверено: използва се само с посочване на произхода или изобщо не се използва

Изречението за ваксинацията и завета с Ной в Златният век от 4 февруари 1931 г. (широко цитирано; броят не е отварян, затова е означено като „подкрепено“ и в картата за ваксинацията е показано само като съобщено); изразът „Библията на Сатана“ в Стражева кула от 15 ноември 1928 г. (не е отварян); статиите за „висшестоящите власти“ от юни 1929 г. (не са отваряни; позицията от 1929 г. е документирана по собствените по-късни описания на организацията); както и дали в първите тиражи от 1982 и 1988 г. на две книги се е казвало, че жителите на Содом ще бъдат възкресени (онлайн изданията казват, че не).

Източници, цитирани на тази страница

Show all 118 sources, in date order

Each opens a full record with links, provenance and a confidence note.

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

Millennial Dawn / Studies in the Scriptures, vol. 2 — The Time Is at Hand, “Study V, closing paragraph (introducing Study VI on 1874)”

1889 · p.170 · C. T. Russell · Tower Publishing Co. / Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“The next chapter will present Bible evidence that 1874 A. D. was the exact date of the beginning of the “Times of Restitution,” and hence of our Lord's return.”

Сканиран оригинал

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

Millennial Dawn / Studies in the Scriptures, vol. 3 — Thy Kingdom Come, “Chapter X — The Testimony of God's Stone Witness and Prophet, the Great Pyramid in Egypt”

1891 · pp.307 ff. · C. T. Russell · Tower Publishing Co.

“THE TESTIMONY OF GOD'S STONE WITNESS AND PROPHET, THE GREAT PYRAMID IN EGYPT … The Great Pyramid a Storehouse of Truth — Scientific, Historic and Prophetic.”

Сканиран оригинал

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, “(articles in the 1 November 1922 issue, Vol. XLIII No. 21)”

1 ноември 1922 · pp.c. 333 (cited by secondary sources; OCR page numbers not legible) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Since he has been present from 1874, it follows, from the facts as we now see them, that the period from 1874 to 1914 is the day of preparation.”

Сканиран оригинал

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, “The Altar in Egypt (part 2)”

1 декември 1928 · pp.355-362 (issue Vol. XLIX No. 23; quoted passage c. p. 356) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“There is therefore no justification for applying any of these texts to the pyramid of Gizeh. … It is impossible to fit the literal pyramid of Gizeh to the prophet's description; but the position and condition of the remnant of God exactly fit the prophetic description”

Сканиран оригинал

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Golden Age, “Vaccination (by Dr. H. R. Rickards, reprinted from The Quest)”

1 май 1929 · pp.502-503 · H. R. Rickards (reprint) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society (Golden Age Publishing)

“Thinking people would rather have smallpox than vaccination, because the latter sows the seed of syphilis, cancers, eczema, erysipelas, scrofula, consumption, even leprosy and many other loathsome affections. Hence the practice of vaccination is a crime, an outrage and a delusion.”

Сканиран оригинал

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Непроверено

The Golden Age, “(article not identified)”

4 февруари 1931 · p.293 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society (Golden Age Publishing)

No online copy located.

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Subjection to the Higher Powers”

15 ноември 1950 · pp.439-448 · p. 441 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“The conclusions arrived at were published in the June 1 and 15, 1929, issues of The Watchtower in the article, in two parts, entitled “The Higher Powers”. … Romans 13:1-7 has since 1929 been taken by Jehovah's witnesses to be instructions on rendering to God what belongs to God. Why? Because the expression “the higher powers” is now understood to mean primarily the Most High God and his reigning Son Jesus Christ.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Subjection to the Higher Powers”

15 ноември 1950 · pp.445-446 · pars. 21-24 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“the Christian witnesses conscientiously refrain from taking part in the politics of this world, yes, even from voting. … they consider it improper to exercise the democratic vote by which unconsecrated persons are put into worldly political offices.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, ““Get Out of Her, My People””

1 юни 1952 · pp.333-340 · pars. 8-9 (pp. 335-336) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“those destroyed by God at Sodom and Gomorrah are eternally “cut off”. … By no wresting of scripture can this be made to mean a future resurrection for slain of the Lord. … If those slain by the Lord at Sodom have no resurrection, then those slain by him at Armageddon will have none, for the former pictures the latter.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers (Is vaccination a violation of God's law forbidding the taking of blood into the system?)”

15 декември 1952 · p.764 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“The matter of vaccination is one for the individual that has to face it to decide for himself. … it does not appear to us to be in violation of the everlasting covenant made with Noah, as set down in Genesis 9:4, nor contrary to God's related commandment at Leviticus 17:10-14. Most certainly it cannot reasonably or Scripturally be argued and proved that, by being vaccinated, the inoculated person is either eating or drinking blood”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Part 31—“Your Will Be Done on Earth””

1 февруари 1960 · p.88 · par. 2 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“When World War I began in 1914, the ruling power of the revived German Empire was found fulfilling the role of the “king of the north,” whereas the Anglo-American dual world power was fulfilling the opposite role of the “king of the south.””

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Subjection to “Superior Authorities”—Why?”

15 ноември 1962 · pp.681-690 · par. 4 (p. 682); par. 7 (p. 683) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Paul wrote to the Christians at Rome, not about Christendom's political rulers, but about pagan rulers like Caesar and his governors and kings of individual nations. … So the “superior authorities” have their setting logically in the world outside the congregation.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers — does Jude 7 bar the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah from a resurrection?”

1 август 1965 · p.479 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“So apparently individuals who used to live in that land will be resurrected.—Rev. 20:12, 13. … apparently it was not the people but the cities themselves that were everlastingly destroyed.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Подкрепено

Awake!, “(vaccination item)”

22 август 1965 · p.20 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“The question as to whether you and your children should be vaccinated is something for personal decision.”

No online copy located.

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers (donating one's body for research / accepting transplanted organs)”

15 ноември 1967 · pp.702-704 · p. 702 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Those who submit to such operations are thus living off the flesh of another human. That is cannibalistic. However, in allowing man to eat animal flesh Jehovah God did not grant permission for humans to try to perpetuate their lives by cannibalistically taking into their bodies human flesh, whether chewed or in the form of whole organs or body parts taken from others.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers — When Jesus Christ was a man on earth, did he wear a beard?”

1 май 1968 · pp.286-288 · p. 288 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“In recent years in many lands a beard or long hair on a man attracts immediate notice and may, in the minds of the majority, classify such a person undesirably with extremists or as rebels against society. God's ministers want to avoid making any impression that would take attention away from their ministry or hinder anyone from listening to the truth.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

“The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah”—How?, “Defeat Awaits Attack by Nations under Gog”

1971 · p.354 · chap. 19, par. 12 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Accordingly, the actual Gog of Magog who fulfills Ezekiel’s prophecy is Satan the Devil after his ouster from heaven, and the land of Magog is his location at the earth in which he is confined, with no freedom or power to leave it and reenter heaven.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”

15 декември 1972 · p.768 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“any married person who goes outside the marriage bond and engages in immoral sexual relations, whether with someone of the opposite sex or someone of the same sex, whether natural or unnatural and perverted, is guilty of committing por·neiʹa or “fornication” in the Bible sense.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

Awake!, “Chess—What Kind of Game Is It?”

22 март 1973 · p.14 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Then, too, grown-ups may not consider it proper for children to play with war toys, or at games of a military nature. Is it consistent, then, that they play a game noted to be, in the opinion of some, an “intellectualized equivalent of the maneuvers enacted by little boys with toy soldiers”? What effect does playing chess really have upon one? Is it a wholesome effect?”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Keeping God’s Congregation Clean in the Time of His Judgment”

1 юни 1973 · pp.340-341 · pars. 22, 24 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“They may now be given a reasonable period of time, such as six months, in which to free themselves of the addiction. … If persons already baptized are not willing to abandon their addiction to damaging and enslaving products, what then? … They should therefore be removed from the congregation due to such conduct unbecoming a Christian.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

Kingdom Ministry, “Harmonizing Our Employment with ‘Love of Neighbor’”

февруари 1974 · p.4 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“If a dedicated, baptized Christian finds himself working in such an objectionable type of employment, he should arrange within a reasonable time, perhaps three months, to find other employment that would not be out of harmony with the requirements of the Scriptures for Christian living. On the other hand, if after such time period he would decide to remain in the objectionable employment, it would be necessary for the congregation to take action and expel the individual from the congregation.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”

15 ноември 1974 · pp.703-704 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“That por·neiʹa can rightly be considered as including perversions within the marriage arrangement is seen in that the man who forces his wife to have unnatural sex relations with him in effect “prostitutes” or “debauches” her. … If, on the other hand, the lewd practices were engaged in by mutual consent, neither mate would have a basis for claiming por·neiʹa as a Scriptural ground for divorce. … Such a case, if brought to the attention of elders in the congregation, would be handled like any other serious wrongdoing.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”

15 февруари 1978 · pp.30-31 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“In the past some comments have appeared in this magazine in connection with certain unusual sex practices, such as oral sex, within marriage and these were equated with gross sexual immorality. On this basis the conclusion was reached that those engaging in such sex practices were subject to disfellowshiping if unrepentant. The view was taken that it was within the authority of congregational elders to investigate and act in a judicial capacity regarding such practices in the conjugal relationship. A careful further weighing of this matter, however, convinces us that, in view of the absence of clear Scriptural instruction, these are matters for which the married couple themselves must bear the responsibility before God and that these marital intimacies do not come within the province of the congregational elders to attempt to control nor to take disfellowshiping action with such matters as the sole basis.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Disfellowshiping—How to View It”

15 септември 1981 · pp.20-26 · par. 21 (p. 24); par. 23 (p. 25) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“And we all know from our experience over the years that a simple “Hello” to someone can be the first step that develops into a conversation and maybe even a friendship. Would we want to take that first step with a disfellowshiped person?”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “If a Relative Is Disfellowshiped . . .”

15 септември 1981 · pp.26-31 · par. 19 (p. 29) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Christians related to such a disfellowshiped person living outside the home should strive to avoid needless association, even keeping business dealings to a minimum.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, ““What Prevents Me from Getting Baptized?””

15 февруари 1982 · p.30 · par. 15 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“When we consider how Jehovah has been dealing with his people during the ‘harvest period,’ it seems evident that the heavenly calling in general was completed about the year 1935, when the hope of the “great crowd” of Revelation 7:9-17 was properly understood to be an earthly one.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

Awake!, “Jehovah's Witnesses—The Surgical/Ethical Challenge”

22 юни 1982 · pp.25-27 · Watchtower Bible and Tract Society Medical and Research Departments (reprint from JAMA 27 Nov 1981, 246(21):2471-2472) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Techniques for intraoperative collection or hemodilution that involve blood storage are objectionable to them.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

United in Worship of the Only True God, “‘I Make a Covenant With You for a Kingdom’”

1983 · p.112 · par. 6 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“When we consider what has actually occurred, it seems evident that the heavenly calling in general was completed by about the year 1935 C.E., when the earthly hope of the “great crowd” was clearly discerned.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Honor Godly Marriage!”

15 март 1983 · p.31 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Thus, a mate’s enforcing perverted acts, such as oral or anal sex, within the marriage would not constitute a Scriptural basis for a divorce that would free either for remarriage. … However, if it becomes known that a member of the congregation is practicing or openly advocating perverted sex relations within the marriage bond, that one certainly would not be irreprehensible, and so would not be acceptable for special privileges … Such practice and advocacy could even lead to expulsion from the congregation.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “‘Remember Those Taking the Lead Among You’”

1 септември 1983 · p.22 · par. 6 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Then in 1932 the elective elders who were to have cooperated with the service “director” were replaced by a service committee of mature brothers filling various service positions in the congregation but still elected by the congregation.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Shedding Forth Light Amidst Earth’s Gloom”

1 март 1985 · p.14 · par. 12 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“These flashes of prophetic light prepared the ground for the historic discourse on “The Great Multitude,” given May 31, 1935, by the president of the Watch Tower Society, J. F. Rutherford, at the Washington, D.C., convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

Watch Tower Publications Index 1930-1985, “Beliefs Clarified (List by Year)”

1986 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“1935, flag salute: yb75 168-169 … 1936, Jesus did not die on cross: yb75 148-149; ch 27; g36 11/4 72 … 1973, tobacco and other harmful addictives: w73 338-343 … 1978, fornication (porneia) as grounds for divorce: w78 2/15 31-32”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Christian Neutrals in a Bloodstained World”

1 септември 1986 · pp.17-22 · par. 16 (p. 20) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Whether the issue was shedding blood, noncombatant military work, alternative service, or saluting an image such as a national flag, faithful Christians took the position that there was no middle ground.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers — Do Jesus' words at Matthew 11:24 mean that those whom Jehovah destroyed by fire in Sodom and Gomorrah will be resurrected?”

1 юни 1988 · pp.30-31 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“A recent review of this suggests that these verses need not be taken as statements about the future for the people of Sodom/Gomorrah … irreversible destruction.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium”

1 септември 1989 · pp.18-22 · par. 7 (p. 19) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Only Jehovah's Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the “great crowd,” as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “'The Faithful Slave' and Its Governing Body”

15 март 1990 · pp.10-14 · par. 3 (p. 10) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“the spirit-anointed members of God's household at any given time collectively make up “the faithful and discreet slave,” “steward,” or “house manager.” Individually, the members of Jehovah's household are termed “domestics” or “body of attendants.””

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Education With a Purpose”

1 ноември 1992 · pp.15-21 · par. 14 (p. 19); par. 18 (p. 20) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“So no hard-and-fast rules should be made either for or against extra education. … This magazine has placed emphasis on the dangers of higher learning, and justifiably so, for much higher education opposes the “healthful teaching” of the Bible.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (1993), “Chapter 10 — Growing in Accurate Knowledge of the Truth”

1993 · pp.120-148 · p. 133; p. 137; p. 148 (footnote) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“From Mr. Barbour, editor of that publication, Russell also came to be persuaded that Christ's invisible presence had begun in 1874. … They also came to understand that it was in the year 1914 that Christ's invisible presence had begun”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (1993), “Chapter 14 — “They Are No Part of the World””

1993 · pp.188-201 · p. 201 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“For some 35 years, Pastor Russell thought that the Great Pyramid of Gizeh was God's stone witness, corroborating Biblical time periods. (Isa. 19:19) But Jehovah's Witnesses have abandoned the idea that an Egyptian pyramid has anything to do with true worship. (See “Watchtower” issues of November 15 and December 1, 1928)”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom, “Chapter 14: “They Are No Part of the World””

1993 · pp.199-201 · main text p. 199; box ‘Practices That Have Been Abandoned’, pp. 200-201 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“This holiday was celebrated yearly even by members of the Watch Tower Society’s headquarters staff at the Bethel Home in Brooklyn, New York. … For years, Bible Students wore a cross and crown as a badge of identification, and this symbol was on the front cover of the “Watch Tower” from 1891 to 1931. … In their “Daily Manna” book, Bible Students kept a list of birthdays.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom, “Chapter 14: “They Are No Part of the World””

1993 · pp.191, 193 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“During the war years, the circumstances into which individual Bible Students were thrust varied. The way they dealt with these situations also varied. Feeling obligated to obey “the powers that be,” as they referred to the secular rulers, some went into the trenches at the front with guns and bayonets. … Though Jehovah’s Witnesses quickly discerned some issues that involve a Christian’s relationship to the world, other matters required more time. However, as World War II gathered momentum in Europe, a significant article in The Watchtower of November 1, 1939, helped them to appreciate the meaning of Christian neutrality.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom, “Chapter 13: Recognized by Our Conduct”

1993 · p.181 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“As a further forward step in consistent application of that Bible counsel, none who were still smoking were accepted for baptism from 1973 onward. During the following months, those who were actively involved in tobacco production or in promoting the sale of tobacco were helped to realize that they could not continue to do that and be accepted as Jehovah’s Witnesses.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”

15 май 1995 · p.22 · pars. 6-7 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“There was the question of who should serve as elders and deacons in the congregations. To get away from the hierarchical structure prevalent in Christendom, it was concluded that these should be elected democratically by the vote of the members of each congregation. But increasing light contained in The Watchtower of September 1 and of October 15, 1932, showed that the Scriptures do not provide for elective elders.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Part 1—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”

15 май 1995 · p.18 · par. 12 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“In 1926 another brilliant flash of light revealed that the war of Armageddon was not to be a social revolution, as Bible Students once thought. Rather, it would be a war in which Jehovah will demonstrate his power so clearly that all people will be convinced that he is God.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”

15 май 1995 · p.21 · par. 2 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“It had been thought that Revelation chapter 12 described a war between pagan Rome and papal Rome, with the male child representing the papacy. But that article showed that Revelation 11:15-18 had a bearing on the meaning of chapter 12, indicating that it relates to the birth of God’s Kingdom.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”

15 май 1995 · p.25 · pars. 17-18 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Similarly, for a long time, Witnesses spoke of the vindication of Jehovah’s name. But had Satan called Jehovah’s name into question? … That is why the Watch Tower Society’s recent publications do not speak of Jehovah’s name as being vindicated. They speak of Jehovah’s sovereignty as being vindicated and of his name as being sanctified.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”

15 май 1995 · p.24 · par. 14 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“It was long understood that this foreshadowed the Thousand Year Reign of Christ. In more recent times, however, it was seen that the antitypical Jubilee actually began at Pentecost 33 C.E., when those receiving the poured-out holy spirit were set free from bondage to the Mosaic Law covenant.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Part 1—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”

15 май 1995 · p.20 · par. 18 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“In 1935 a bright flash of light revealed that the great crowd mentioned at Revelation 7:9-17 was not a secondary heavenly class. It had been thought that the ones mentioned in those verses were some of the anointed who had not been fully faithful and so were standing before the throne instead of sitting on thrones reigning as kings and priests with Jesus Christ.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Part 1—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”

15 май 1995 · p.20 · pars. 19-20 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“For many years the Bible Students made the cross prominent as a symbol of Christianity. They even had a “cross-and-crown” pin. … The book Riches, published by the Society in 1936, made clear that Jesus Christ was executed, not on a cross, but on an upright pole, or stake.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Part 2—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”

15 май 1995 · p.24 · par. 12 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“The Bible Students held that Peter received two keys that opened up the way for people to become Kingdom heirs—one for the Jews, used at Pentecost 33 C.E., and the other for the Gentiles, used first in 36 C.E. when Peter preached to Cornelius. … In time, it was seen that there was a third group involved—the Samaritans.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Part 1—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”

15 май 1995 · pp.19-20 · par. 16 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“In the second volume of Vindication, published by the Watch Tower Society in 1932, a flash of light revealed that the restoration prophecies recorded by Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and other prophets did not apply (as once thought) to the fleshly Jews, who were returning to Palestine in unbelief and with political motivations.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Part 1—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”

15 май 1995 · p.18 · par. 11 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“The very next year, bright light shone on the parable of the sheep and the goats. It was seen that this prophecy was to be fulfilled in the present Lord’s day, not in the future during the Millennium as previously thought.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Part 1—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”

15 май 1995 · p.20 · par. 17 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“In time, flashes of light revealed that Jehovah’s chief purpose was, not the salvation of creatures, but the vindication of his sovereignty. The most important theme of the Bible was seen to be, not the ransom, but the Kingdom, for it will vindicate Jehovah’s sovereignty.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Part 1—Flashes of Light—Great and Small”

15 май 1995 · p.19 · par. 13 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Shortly thereafter, a flash of light caused the Bible Students to stop celebrating Christmas. Before that time Christmas had always been celebrated by the Bible Students worldwide, and its celebration at Brooklyn headquarters was a very festive occasion.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “How Will You Stand Before the Judgment Seat?”

15 октомври 1995 · p.19 · par. 4 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“We have long felt that the parable depicted Jesus’ sitting down as King in 1914 and since then making judgments—everlasting life for people proving to be like sheep, permanent death for the goats. But a reconsideration of the parable points to an adjusted understanding of its timing and what it illustrates.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Paying Back Caesar's Things to Caesar”

1 май 1996 · pp.15-20 · par. 21 and footnote a (p. 20) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“That is his decision before Jehovah. Appointed elders and others should fully respect the conscience of the brother and continue to regard him as a Christian in good standing. If, however, a Christian feels that he cannot perform this civilian service, his position should also be respected. He too remains in good standing and should receive loving support.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Strengthening Our Confidence in God's Righteousness”

15 август 1998 · pp.15-20 · par. 6 (p. 17) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“In the past, some Witnesses have suffered for refusing to share in an activity that their conscience now might permit. For example, this might have been their choice years ago as to certain types of civilian service.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”

1 ноември 1999 · pp.28-29 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“As to whether they will personally vote for someone running in an election, each one of Jehovah’s Witnesses makes a decision based on his Bible-trained conscience and an understanding of his responsibility to God and to the State.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers (will Solomon be resurrected?)”

15 юли 2005 · p.31 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Among these would be the first human pair, Adam and Eve, the betrayer Judas Iscariot, and certain ones who died when God executed judgment upon them, such as the people in Noah's day and the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”

1 ноември 2005 · p.31 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“However, certain forms of employment are in clear violation of Bible principles and should be avoided. These include employment connected with gambling, the misuse of blood, and the promoting of tobacco products.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Are You Prepared for Survival?”

15 май 2006 · p.24 · par. 13 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“From the 1870’s to 1932, elders and deacons were voted into office by members of the congregation. In 1932 the elective elders were replaced with a service committee elected by the congregation to assist an appointed service director. During 1938, arrangements were made for the theocratic appointment of all servants in the congregation.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Loyal to Christ and His Faithful Slave”

1 април 2007 · pp.21-25 · par. 5 (p. 22) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“the composite sign that Jesus gave his disciples to enable them to recognize the time of his “presence and of the conclusion of the system of things” included the identification of a collective “slave.””

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

“Keep Yourselves in God’s Love”, “Flag Salute, Voting, and Civilian Service”

2008 · p.213 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Remembering that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego went as far as the plain of Dura, a Christian, under similar circumstances, may decide to go to the booth if his conscience permits.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower (study edition), ““Who Really Is the Faithful and Discreet Slave?””

15 юли 2013 · pp.20-25 · par. 3 (p. 20); par. 10 (p. 22); pars. 12-13 (p. 23) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“that slave is made up of a small group of anointed brothers who are directly involved in preparing and dispensing spiritual food during Christ's presence. … In 1919, a time of spiritual revival, Jesus selected capable anointed brothers from among them to be the faithful and discreet slave and appointed them over his domestics.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

God's Kingdom Rules! (2014), “Chapter 5 — The King Shines Light on the Kingdom”

2014 · pp.49-57 · par. 23 (p. 56); par. 24 (p. 57) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Beginning in 1929, however, our publications had also reasoned that the superior authorities of Romans 13:1 were not the secular rulers at all, but Jehovah and Jesus. … The holy spirit guided Christ's followers to just such a view in 1962, when landmark articles on Romans 13:1-7 were published in the November 15 and December 1 issues of The Watchtower.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

God’s Kingdom Rules!, “The Kingdom Is Born in Heaven”

2014 · chap. 2, footnote c · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“We will see in Chapter 5 that prior to 1935, it was thought that the “great multitude,” as described at Revelation 7:9, 10 in the King James Version, would include countless members of the churches of Christendom and that they would be made a secondary heavenly class as a reward for siding with Christ at the very end.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

God’s Kingdom Rules!, “The King Refines His People Spiritually”

2014 · p.104 · chap. 10, par. 12 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“For many years, the Bible Students viewed the cross as an acceptable symbol of Christianity. … they proudly wore a cross-and-crown pin as an identifying badge. To them it signified that if they proved faithful to death, they would receive the crown of life. Beginning in 1891, a cross-and-crown symbol appeared on the cover of the Watch Tower.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

God’s Kingdom Rules!, “Chapter 10: The King Refines His People Spiritually”

2014 · pp.102-105 · pars. 8-9, 12-13; boxes on pp. 102 and 105 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Yet, the Bible Students did not at the time clearly see the need to stop celebrating Christmas. It continued to be celebrated even by members of the Brooklyn Bethel family. … For many years, the Bible Students viewed the cross as an acceptable symbol of Christianity. … they proudly wore a cross-and-crown pin as an identifying badge. … Beginning in 1891, a cross-and-crown symbol appeared on the cover of the Watch Tower.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

God’s Kingdom Rules!, “The King Refines His People Spiritually”

2014 · p.102 · chap. 10, par. 8 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Yet, the Bible Students did not at the time clearly see the need to stop celebrating Christmas. It continued to be celebrated even by members of the Brooklyn Bethel family. After 1926, however, things began to change.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

God’s Kingdom Rules!, “Chapter 11: Moral Refinements—Reflecting God’s Holiness”

2014 · pp.111-112 · par. 13 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“In 1973 a further moral refinement came. The Watchtower of June 1 explained that no Witness of Jehovah could remain in good standing in the congregation while carrying on this death-dealing, defiling, and unloving practice. Those who refused to give up the misuse of tobacco were to be disfellowshipped.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”

15 март 2015 · pp.17-18 · pars. 4, 9 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Many years ago, our publications stated that such faithful men and women as Deborah, Elihu, Jephthah, Job, Rahab, and Rebekah, as well as many others, were really types, or shadows, of either the anointed or the “great crowd.” … The clearest course is this: Where the Scriptures teach that an individual, an event, or an object is typical of something else, we accept it as such. Otherwise, we ought to be reluctant to assign an antitypical application to a certain person or account if there is no specific Scriptural basis for doing so.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower, “Questions From Readers”

15 май 2015 · pp.29-30 · pars. 3, 7 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“For a number of years, our publications have explained that Gog of Magog is the name given to Satan the Devil after his ouster from heaven. … When we compare all these Scriptural references about the final attack on God’s people, it becomes evident that the name Gog of Magog refers, not to Satan, but to a coalition of nations.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower (study edition), “Does Your Style of Dress Glorify God?”

септември 2016 · pp.17-21 · pars. 17-18 (p. 21) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“In some cultures, a neatly trimmed beard may be acceptable and respectable, and it may not detract at all from the Kingdom message. In fact, some appointed brothers have beards. Even so, some brothers might decide not to wear a beard. In other cultures or localities, beards are not the custom and are not considered acceptable for Christian ministers.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

Examining the Scriptures Daily—2017, “Tuesday, October 3”

2017 · p.98 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“For example, Henry enjoys playing chess. His school had a tradition of winning the championship, and he wanted to put forth his best effort. But he admitted: “Gradually, loyalty to the school began to take priority over my loyalty to God. Weekend chess matches were crowding out my Kingdom service. So I decided to give up being part of the chess team.””

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower (Study Edition), “Who Is “the King of the North” Today?”

май 2020 · pp.13-14 · pars. 4, 8-9 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Note why we can say that today the king of the north is Russia and its allies. … when Nazi Germany filled the role of the king of the north, particularly during the second world war … After World War II when the Soviet Union took on the role of the king of the north … in 2018 the Governing Body identified Russia and its allies as the king of the north.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

JW Broadcasting — 2023 Governing Body Update #8, “2023 Governing Body Update #8 (official English subtitles)”

15 декември 2023 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“The Governing Body does not have an issue with brothers wearing beards. Why not? Because the Scriptures do not condemn the wearing of beards. … Thus, whether a brother wears a beard is a personal decision. A brother's qualifications to serve as an elder or ministerial servant are based on his spirituality, not on whether he chooses to wear a beard. … In harmony with Romans 14:4, neither the elders nor any other Christian should feel compelled to judge a brother who chooses to wear a beard.”

Официален източник Сканиран оригинал

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

JW Broadcasting — 2024 Governing Body Update #1, “2024 Governing Body Update #1 (official English subtitles)”

26 януари 2024 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“At the recent annual meeting, we learned that as of last November, we'd no longer be submitting a detailed field service report. That was a big change, wasn't it?”

Официален източник Сканиран оригинал

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

JW Broadcasting — 2024 Governing Body Update #2, “2024 Governing Body Update #2 (official English subtitles)”

15 март 2024 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Under our current arrangement, we don't say a greeting to individuals who've been removed from the congregation. However, the Governing Body has decided that publishers can use their Bible-trained conscience to decide whether to give a simple greeting and welcome a disfellowshipped individual who attends a congregation meeting.”

Официален източник Сканиран оригинал

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

JW Broadcasting — 2024 Governing Body Update #2, “2024 Governing Body Update #2 — opening recap of the 2023 annual meeting”

15 март 2024 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“We were thrilled to learn that individuals who died in the Flood of Noah's day, in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and even some who might repent during the great tribulation could benefit from Jehovah's mercy.”

Официален източник Сканиран оригинал

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

JW Broadcasting — 2024 Governing Body Update #2, “2024 Governing Body Update #2 — announcement on dress (official English subtitles)”

15 март 2024 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“The Governing Body has decided that sisters may choose to wear slacks when participating in the ministry and when attending Christian meetings, assemblies, and conventions. … In addition, brothers may choose not to wear a tie or a jacket when participating in the ministry and when attending Christian meetings, assemblies, and conventions.”

Официален източник Сканиран оригинал

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower (study edition), “What Do We Know About Jehovah's Future Judgments? (Study Article 19)”

май 2024 · pp.8-13 · pars. 3-4 (p. 9); par. 12 (p. 11) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“In the past, we said that once the great tribulation begins, no unbelievers will be able to take their stand for Jehovah and survive Armageddon. We came to that conclusion because we understood that the account of the Flood was a prophetic type. … Should we view the account of the Flood as a prophetic type? The answer is no. Why? Because there is no direct Scriptural support for doing so.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower (study edition), “Trust in the Merciful “Judge of All the Earth”! (Study Article 18)”

май 2024 · pp.2-7 · par. 5 (p. 3); par. 8 (p. 3); par. 15 (p. 6) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“We have said that for such individuals as those in Sodom and Gomorrah, there is no hope of a future resurrection. But further prayerful study has raised the question, Can we really say that with certainty? … Can we say for certain, then, that none of them will rise in the “resurrection of . . . the unrighteous”? No, we cannot say for sure!”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower (study edition), “Let Love Motivate You to Keep Preaching! (Study Article 20)”

май 2024 · pp.14-19 · par. 1 (p. 14) and footnote a · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“We also learned that as of November 2023, Kingdom publishers would no longer be asked to report all their activity in the ministry.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

JW Broadcasting — 2024 Governing Body Update #3, “2024 Governing Body Update #3 (official English subtitles)”

3 май 2024 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“Do these adjustments about dress and grooming mean that we are lowering our standards? Not at all! … it's a recognition that styles change over time and that what's considered acceptable, dignified dress for certain occasions also changes over time.”

Официален източник Сканиран оригинал

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

The Watchtower (study edition), “Help for Those Who Are Removed From the Congregation (Study Article 35)”

август 2024 · pp.26-31 · par. 14 (pp. 30-31); footnote b (p. 31) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“In the past, we would not greet such a person. Here again, each Christian needs to use his Bible-trained conscience in this matter. Some may feel comfortable with greeting or welcoming the person to the meeting. However, we would not have an extended conversation or socialize with the individual.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

JW Broadcasting — 2025 Governing Body Update #4, “2025 Governing Body Update #4 (official English subtitles)”

4 юли 2025 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“For years, Jehovah's Witnesses have avoided this practice because it may have had origins in false religion. However, now in most places, toasting or clinking glasses no longer has any religious association. … the Governing Body has concluded that there is no need to make a rule regarding toasting and clinking glasses.”

Официален източник Сканиран оригинал

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

JW Broadcasting — 2025 Governing Body Update #5, “2025 Governing Body Update #5 (official English subtitles)”

22 август 2025 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“With this update, we'd like to clarify our understanding: While there are dangers involved in pursuing certain forms of education, basically, whether to obtain additional education or not is a matter for personal decision. … no Christian—including the elders—should judge a fellow Christian's personal decision on this matter.”

Официален източник Сканиран оригинал

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

JW.org News, “2026 Governing Body Update #2”

20 март 2026 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania

“Christians are not under the Mosaic Law. However, we obey the apostolic command to ‘abstain from blood.’ Furthermore, the Bible does not comment on the use of a person’s own blood in medical and surgical care. Therefore, like other choices about health care, each Christian must make his own decision about the use of his own blood in all medical and surgical care.”

Официален източник Сканиран оригинал

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

JW.org Global News (press release), “Jehovah’s Witnesses: Each Witness Now Decides Whether to Accept or Donate Main Blood Components”

18 септември 2026 · Office of Public Information, Jehovah’s Witnesses (Paul Gillies quoted) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania

“The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses announced on Friday that the decision to accept red cells, white cells, plasma or platelets from another person's blood is a matter of personal conscience. Likewise, each Witness must decide whether or not to donate blood for the clearly expressed purpose of providing components or fractions for use by another person. … The long-standing refusal of whole-blood transfusions on religious grounds, a core teaching based on the command to 'abstain from blood' (Acts 15:20), is unchanged.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

JW.org (Questions From Readers), “How Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Show Respect for Life?”

18 септември 2026 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania

“After further prayerful consideration, the Governing Body has decided that this same principle applies to the four primary components of whole blood—red cells, white cells, plasma, and platelets—that are derived from another person’s blood. Therefore, each Christian must make his own personal decision about the use of these four primary components in all medical and surgical care.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

Organized to Do Jehovah's Will (online text), “Chapter 14 — Maintaining the Peace and Cleanness of the Congregation”

19 септември 2026 · pp.141-156 · par. 29 (p. 151); par. 33 (p. 153) · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“This will alert faithful ones in the congregation to stop associating with that person.—1 Cor. 5:11. … Such a person is treated in the same way as a disfellowshipped person.”

Официален източник

Първоизточник – издание на Свидетелите Проверено

Jehovah's Witnesses and Education (brochure, jw.org), “How Jehovah's Witnesses View Education — 'What About Supplementary Education?'”

19 септември 2026 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“it is up to the parents to guide their children in making a decision about supplementary education, weighing both the potential benefits and the sacrifices that such additional studies would entail.”

Официален източник

Something here wrong, unclear, or missing? Предложете поправка на тази страница. Corrections are checked against the original source and logged publicly.

Back to top