The Watchtower, September 1, 1969
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The Watchtower — September 1, 1969
Source: jw.org
Contents
The Beauty of Compassion
Rich Blessings Poured Out at “Peace on Earth” International Assemblies
A World Without Faith
Faith and Determination Needed to Please Jehovah
Christians Should Lead Honest Lives
Time to Watch Oneself and One’s Teaching
Do You Remember?
Branch Servants Attend Special Program
Questions From Readers
Announcements
The Beauty of Compassion
The Beauty of Compassion
AMONG the things that contribute to the joy of living is beauty. And there are various kinds of beauty. There is beauty that appeals to the senses, such as beautiful sights and sounds. There is also beauty that appeals to the intellect, such as beautiful literature. But among the most beautiful things in life are those having a moral beauty.
A moral beauty? Yes, the beauty that appeals to the best in us, to our consciences, to our ideals. Deeds that are unselfish, that are self-sacrificing, are truly beautiful. And in particular is the showing of compassion a beautiful thing.
What is this beautiful quality of compassion? According to the Oxford Dictionary, compassion is “the feeling or emotion, when a person is moved by the suffering or distress of another, and by the desire to relieve it.” In other words, compassion comes to the aid of those needing help, either physically or spiritually, or those wanting forgiveness.
How far removed some people are today from showing compassion! For example, the New York Times, March 18, 1969, reported on page one, “Bound Youth Burned to Death: 19 Seized.” This was the way one motorcycle gang wreaked vengeance on the leader of a rival gang. The same newspaper, April 2, told of a man stringing up an eighteen-month-old baby in a bathroom and lashing her with a buckled belt, the child being the baby of the woman with whom he was living. Cut loose, she was allowed to fall to the floor, where she was allowed to lie with a broken arm for two days. People far removed from compassion are also far removed from God. How so?
Because compassion is one of God’s qualities, even as the Bible repeatedly shows. It was “in the compassion of Jehovah” that angelic messengers hurried Lot and his family out of the doomed cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. (Gen. 19:16, 17) Throughout its history Jehovah God showed the nation of Israel compassion, even as we read: “Jehovah the God of their forefathers kept sending against them by means of his messengers, sending again and again, because he felt compassion for his people and for his dwelling.” And regarding those who faithfully serve him today he says: “I will show compassion upon them, just as a man shows compassion upon his son who is serving him.”—2 Chron. 36:15; Mal. 3:17.
Jesus Christ, the Son of Jehovah God, appreciated the value and need of showing compassion, as can be seen by both his words and his actions. He contrasted the compassionate father of the prodigal son with the older brother, who failed to show compassion. He also contrasted the good Samaritan who showed compassion for the man beaten, robbed and left half dead on the highway, with the priest and Levite who ignored the victim, showing no compassion.—Luke 10:30-33; 15:20, 27-32, RS.
And Jesus practiced what he preached. In fact, it might be said that his entire earthly ministry was devoted to showing compassion to the spiritually and physically needy and suffering. Thus we read that, “when he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” They needed spiritual help and he gave it to them by teaching them. And how often he showed compassion for their physical needs, curing the sick, feeding the multitudes and even raising the dead, restoring loved ones.—Matt. 9:36; 11:28-30; 14:14; 15:32; 20:34; Mark 1:41; Luke 7:13, RS.
How can you show compassion? One way is by coming to the help of those who may have had some mishap. For example, a young woman slipped and fell on a busy sidewalk in Brooklyn not long ago. She was struggling to get up but was ignored until a Christian couple came along who asked, “Would you want us to help you?” She replied, “I’d appreciate it very much if you would.” As they helped her up the couple noticed that her one arm was in a cast. She had previously broken her wrist. No wonder she had difficulty in getting back on her feet!
Another way you can show compassion is by being forgiving. Jesus highlighted this in his parable about the slave who had been forgiven a large debt but who refused to forgive a small debt that another slave owed him. The unforgiving slave was thrown into prison until he should pay back all he owed. Applying this principle, Jesus said: “In like manner my heavenly Father will also deal with you if you do not forgive each one his brother from your hearts.” In keeping with this parable is the counsel of the apostle Paul: “Become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave you.”—Matt. 18:23-35; Eph. 4:32.
Christian ministers have a unique privilege of showing compassion by bringing to those hungering and thirsting for righteousness the good news of God’s kingdom. Just as it was during the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, there are many today who are like sheep without a shepherd.—Matt. 24:14.
What will help you to show compassion? A number of qualities. One is humility. As a result of exercising this quality you will not feel above those needing help. Another quality is contentment. It keeps you from being too busy to help needy ones. Still another quality is empathy. To the extent that you are able to put yourself in another’s shoes, you will be able to show compassion. And most important of all is love, unselfish love of neighbor, even as Jesus showed in his parable of the Good Samaritan. Fitting here are the words of the apostle John: “Whoever has this world’s means for supporting life and beholds his brother having need and yet shuts the door of his tender compassions upon him, in what way does the love of God remain in him?”—1 John 3:17.
Yes, unselfish, principled love in particular will help you to manifest the beautiful quality of compassion.
Rich Blessings Poured Out at “Peace on Earth” International Assemblies
Rich Blessings Poured Out at “Peace on Earth” International Assemblies
AFTER the grand dedication of Jehovah’s glorious temple in 1027 B.C.E., the Israelites returned to their homes, “joyful and feeling good at heart over the goodness that Jehovah had performed” toward them. How well those words describe the way Jehovah’s witnesses felt in the summer of 1969 as they returned home from their “Peace on Earth” International Assemblies! (2 Chron. 7:10) Hundreds of thousands of them, from over a hundred lands, had gathered for week-long Christian assemblies in eight key cities in North America, and the memories of what took place warmed their hearts.
“This assembly marks a milestone in the history of Jehovah’s witnesses!” declared one conventioner. “It was outstanding for the way it built a wall of defense against encroachment by the world’s worsening immorality!” said another. “Greatly exceeded expectations!” “Jehovah has truly opened the windows of heaven and poured out an overflowing blessing,” said yet others.
Those blessings did not end with the close of the North American assemblies, however. Two days after the assembly concluded in Chicago, another “Peace on Earth” assembly opened in London, England, to be followed by assemblies in Denmark, France, Germany, Italy and lands around the Pacific.
SIX PRINTED RELEASES
Foremost among the rich blessings received at the assemblies held in the United States and Canada were six printed releases in the English language. There was, first of all, the 192-page pocket-size, beautifully bound book Is the Bible Really the Word of God? In a masterful way it presents proof that the Bible is indeed God’s Word. This is something that all of Jehovah’s witnesses strongly believe, and they were delighted to get this new book to use in aiding others to have such faith.
Then came a 32-page brochure that gave a report on each portion of the program of the assembly for the first two days.
The following day, Aid to Bible Understanding was released. Consisting of 544 large pages, it covers Biblical subjects from “Aaron” to “Exodus” in a way loyal to the Bible’s divine inspiration. What a help it will be in Bible research!
Toward the end of the assembly week, announcement of the publication of The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures came as a most pleasant surprise to the delegates. This volume enables Christians to determine the accuracy of any translation of the Greek Scriptures and to get the real sense of the Greek text, even though they may not be familiar with Greek. How so? In that it shows in its left-hand column the actual Greek Bible text, and then under each Greek word the basic English equivalent. In the right-hand column appears a revision of the New World Translation.
Greatly delighting all conventioners also was the new study book “Then Is Finished the Mystery of God.” Beautifully bound in a vermilion red, 384 pages in length, it explains the first thirteen chapters of Revelation. Among the many subjects it covers are the apostle John’s vision of God, the blowing of the seven trumpets and the birth of the Messianic kingdom of God. One reader, describing it, said: “Gripping! Moves quickly; is clear and to the point!”
On the final day, after the public lecture, “The Approaching Peace of a Thousand Years,” the last convention brochure was released, containing the complete public talk, the Declaration adopted the day before, as well as summaries of the remaining portions of the assembly program.
In New York the assembly included sessions in seventeen languages for the convenience of delegates from many parts of the globe, and in several other cities both Spanish and English programs were arranged. In connection with the Spanish assemblies a new songbook and the publication Is the Bible Really the Word of God? were released in Spanish. At New York before the convention began at Yankee Stadium there were also released songbooks in the Danish, Dutch, German, Italian and Swedish languages, and one in French was released during the assembly week.
What a rich blessing it is to have all these new publications to build up our faith and to equip us to preach God’s Word to others!
MUCH PRACTICAL INSTRUCTION
The program itself, from beginning to end, was filled with blessings from Jehovah. Many of the discourses had heightened interest by reason of demonstrations that illustrated and drove home the points being made. Fine practical instruction was given Christians as to their conduct and family life. Discussed at length also were proper Christian worship and how Christians can improve their ministry.
Almost daily some of this counsel was presented in the form of dramas, both Biblical and modern. These brought the Bible to life and showed how its lessons apply to our day. A Buffalo woman, who enjoyed the dramas from her own front porch, said: “I had always heard the story about Jonah . . . but this is the first time the Bible story meant anything to me.”
COUNSEL ON CHRISTIAN WORSHIP
That they might enjoy to the full the rich blessings of the convention program, the opening talks called upon all to make the best possible use of their time by paying close attention. Stressed also was the need to come before Jehovah with the right mental attitude, with thanksgiving. The speaker invited all to read aloud the first few verses of Psalm 95, and in conclusion voiced their appreciation by saying: “We thank you, Jehovah, with all our heart”!
Counsel on Christian worship included many of the reasons why Christians should attend meetings regularly. Stressed also were the need of fully preparing for congregation meetings and of entering into them wholeheartedly.
To hear about the role music plays in Christian worship was also a rich blessing. As the program showed, music looms up prominently in the Bible; God’s ancient people excelled in music. Music is truly a gift, and the best way to use it is to praise Jehovah. We want to sing from the heart and pay close attention to the words, for Jehovah listens to our singing even as he listens to our prayers.
All conventioners also greatly enjoyed the fine counsel given on prayer. Christians should never be too busy to pray. For that to occur would be to neglect, yes, to offend God. Christians should “in connection with everything give thanks.” That includes the little things, they were admonished. (1 Thess. 5:17, 18) Doing this will help us to appreciate how many blessings we really do have. In conclusion the speaker at Yankee Stadium urged: “Be too busy for immorality. Be too busy for the world. Be too busy for Satan the Devil. But never, no never, be too busy to pray to Jehovah God.”
THE BLESSING OF A PEACEFUL ORGANIZATION
There is no doubt about peace being a blessing, and especially conducive to peace was the counsel given at these assemblies to show respect to all duly constituted authority. “Satan is the real cause for the disrespect for authority today. Is that the view we want?” conventioners were asked. Certainly not! In God’s arrangement all are in subjection except Jehovah himself. (1 Cor. 11:3) This is a beneficial arrangement. The Bible drama “Show Respect for Jehovah’s Appointments,” based on the Bible accounts of David and King Saul, Nabal and Abigail, stressed this point. Showing respect to all proper authority has brought peace, happiness and prosperity to God’s people.
Equally conducive to peace was the counsel given to those in authority in the Christian organization. The traveling representatives of the Watch Tower Society were counseled in particular to show consideration, kindness and empathy in dealing with appointed servants in the congregations; congregation servants were counseled not to lean on their own understanding but to make sure of all things by going to God’s Word. And ministerial servants were counseled to work harmoniously as a team, to serve as complements to their overseers and to take the lead in the ministry, at all times maintaining a high level of spirituality.
THE BRIGHT LIGHT SHINES BRIGHTER
Included in the rich blessings poured out at these assemblies was the shining of increased light upon God’s Word. (Prov. 4:18) The keynote address, “Acquaint Yourself with God and Keep Peace,” gave all attentive listeners a better appreciation of Jehovah’s awesome majesty as seen from the visions of Jehovah as had by Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel and others.
Similarly enlightening was the talk “With All That You Acquire, Acquire Understanding.” It showed that to get understanding we must have the right attitude, certainly not that of a mule. (Ps. 32:8, 9) Knowledge is basic and means, simply, familiarity with facts, but wisdom makes us put knowledge to work in a way that produces good results. Understanding gives insight, considers the why’s and wherefore’s. Early in this talk the speaker announced the release of Aid to Bible Understanding.
The discourse “Peace with God amid the ‘Great Tribulation’” shed light on Bible prophecy and led to much discussion among the conventioners. It showed how completely Matthew 24:3-22 had a miniature application in apostolic times. Reasons were given showing why the now-approaching “great tribulation” first begins with the destruction of Babylon the Great and ends with Armageddon. It will be “cut short,” the speaker showed, in that it will take place in a comparatively short period of time.
Clearer understanding of Bible truths and principles was furnished by the talk “The Writing of Correct Words of Truth.” Appropriately, it was in the middle of this talk that the Kingdom Interlinear Translation, which puts emphasis on the meaning of the words in the Bible text, was introduced.
The discourse “Final Woes to Enemies of Peace with God” was a meaty one, based on Revelation chapters 8 through 11. It discussed the significance of the blowing of each of the seven symbolic trumpets there spoken of. Among other things it showed that the 200 million symbolic horses mentioned at Revelation 9:16 refer to the printed literature used in pouring out figurative plagues upon Christendom and the world’s radical elements. This serves to plague them by telling them of the fiery destruction sure to come upon them.
At the conclusion of this lecture came one of the highlights of the entire assembly when a powerful Declaration was read and adopted by all present. “Peace with the Creator of heaven and earth, by means of his long-promised kingdom of his Messiah—this is what we hold to be the key to an enduring peace for all the world of mankind,” it was declared. “When we keep our peace with God, we can never be at war with our neighbors who are fellow creatures of God.” In this Declaration Jehovah’s witnesses made it plain that they have no connection of any kind with the religions of Christendom, which have repeatedly fomented war, and that the judgments of God are against Christendom and will soon be executed upon her. Furthermore, the Witnesses proclaimed their total neutrality regarding all political controversies and made it known that they put their trust wholly in God’s kingdom, to which they loyally give their unqualified allegiance, and that they will never let up preaching it for a witness to all the nations until their end comes.
IMPROVING ONE’S CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
All true Christians are greatly concerned about performing their ministry in the best possible manner. It therefore was another rich blessing for them to receive much fine counsel on how they can improve their ministry. For those about to become ordained ministers of Jehovah God there was the discourse on baptism. What a thrill it was to see 12,894 at these assemblies in North America stand up and present themselves for water immersion! The candidates for baptism were told that it was a happy time to be living in spite of worsening world conditions. Why? Because it is still not too late to gain God’s goodwill and the resultant everlasting life by becoming a whole-souled servant of Jehovah God.—Prov. 8:35.
Doing God’s will, conventioners were told, includes ‘ministering in a fine manner.’ Paramount is having the right motive, loving gratitude to Jehovah and love for our neighbor. Important also are right conduct, not attracting attention by loud or immodest dress, and use of neat, businesslike equipment. ‘Does your Bible appear desirable to the householder or is it a discredit to the ministry?’ asked the speaker. He urged them to be fine representatives of Jehovah God.
The full-time pioneer ministry was also greatly encouraged. Fathers of families are serving as pioneers and so are some who are as old as eighty-two years. High-school students were advised to learn a practical trade or craft, such as stenography, painting or carpentry, so they will be able to support themselves as pioneers. As one young pioneer put it: “Pioneering makes it possible to work at something you can put your heart into.” Any who could pioneer but were not were counseled to consider Jesus’ words: “Stop storing up for yourselves treasures upon the earth . . . Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom.”—Matt. 6:19, 33.
Those in the full-time ministry were encouraged to endure in it. But what about secular work to support oneself? As a speaker at Atlanta put it: “Don’t be choosy about the kind of secular work you accept. Paul did not consider sewing tents beneath his dignity despite his legal abilities.”
And those not able to enter the full-time pioneer ministry were urged to enlarge their privileges of service. How? By serving where the need is greater; by vacation pioneering; by devoting a full day to field service at least once a month; by making good use of evening hours. Admonished one speaker: “Do not put modern conveniences and personal comfort ahead of preaching God’s kingdom. We don’t need all those modern gadgets to serve Jehovah, do we? Reanalyze your schedule . . . If you have $3,000 in the bank and you aim for $6,000, you may make it. But in doing so you may loosen your grip on eternal life.”
Deeply impressed upon all ministers also was that “there is work yet to be done,” and that the time in which to do it is reduced. All should, therefore, want to take full advantage of the remaining time, and work hard, also skillfully, as a result of having attended this assembly.
THE ASSEMBLY HIGHLIGHT
The principal highlight of the “Peace on Earth” International Assemblies was the public lecture, “The Approaching Peace of a Thousand Years.” Not only Jehovah’s witnesses, but tens of thousands of the public flocked to the assembly sites to hear this important discourse. A total of 492,310 in the eight assembly cities packed out the available facilities, and most of them were on hand well before the appointed hour. They heard a forceful presentation of the Scriptural hope of peace for the earth. How greatly the audience appreciated it was apparent from their interrupting time and again to applaud. After describing present threats to world peace, the speaker noted that in spite of these threats world peace is certain because God, who cannot lie, has promised it. It will not come through human instrumentalities but through God’s promised Prince of Peace.—Isa. 9:6, 7.
That this peace is near is indicated, not only by world conditions, which fulfill Bible prophecy, but also by the fact that six thousand years of mankind’s history is soon to end. It was pointed out that, in ancient Israel, a sabbath day was enjoyed after six days of toil; also that the thousand-year reign of Christ is merely a day from God’s viewpoint. “In order for the Lord Jesus Christ to be ‘Lord even of the sabbath day,’” the speaker declared, “his thousand-year reign would have to be the seventh in a series of thousand-year periods or millenniums.” (Matt. 12:8, AV) That time is near at hand!
In conclusion he told his listeners: “Jehovah’s Christian witnesses are joyfully preparing for the approaching peace of a thousand years. All who yearn to enjoy that foretold ‘peace on earth for men whom [God] favours’ are heartily invited to join them in getting ready for the blessed millennium of peace.”
”CONTINUE TO LIVE PEACEABLY”
This was the theme of the closing remarks, taken from 2 Corinthians 13:11. “This assembly has caused us to think on many subjects; it should have a peaceful effect upon us. Jehovah, the God of love and peace, is certainly in our midst. As a result of this assembly we can all do a little ‘readjusting’ in our lives,” N. H. Knorr, president of the Watch Tower Society, said.
Then after a review of the highlights of the assembly he told of the great progress being made. The number of Kingdom publishers reached 1,322,001 in April, including 132,121 in full-time service; 1,218,315 home Bible studies were being conducted; 2,714,810 attended the Memorial. He reported on the vast quantities of Bible literature being produced and distributed, and on new branch offices and homes built last year and projected for construction this year. He also gave information regarding the location of next year’s district assemblies.
“What an opportunity all of us have to show our heartfelt love. We have work to do; let us get at it together as we openly declare God’s kingdom by Jesus Christ and live together in peace,” he urged. With an appropriate song and prayer the assembly came to a close.
“PEOPLE ON THE OUTSIDE” ALSO GET BLESSINGS
Many “people on the outside” had opportunity to enjoy assembly blessings by reason of the fact that the delegates to these “Peace on Earth” assemblies endeavored to conduct themselves in harmony with Bible principles. In some places the press took note of this. (1 Tim. 3:7) Thus the Rockland County Journal-News, July 12, 1969, stated: “In a time when violence and civil disorder are openly practiced, . . . the ‘Peace on Earth’ assembly theme will help impress upon the minds of people that true Christianity does exist and that persons of all nations, colors . . . can live and work peacefully with a common objective.”
And the Atlanta, Georgia, Constitution, July 14, 1969, quoted an official of the city’s hotel and motel association as saying: “Our association said that this is the finest group of people it has ever had in town because they are free from problems. These people are well behaved, satisfied, pleasant and happy.” And an Atlanta transportation official stated: “In all the 25 years I have spent in this business, I have never had anything like this group of people to work with . . . patient and courteous, and they are always smiling.”
At these assemblies the crowds were far beyond what was anticipated. Some of the stadiums were crowded beyond capacity, but the delegates were grateful to be present. From 114 different lands they came, more than 6,000 from Europe alone, and thousands more from Central and South America, from Africa and Asia. These assemblies provided many opportunities for Christians to meet old friends and make new ones, as well as to join with thousands from all lands, in song and prayer. They were, indeed, a living example of the peace that men of all nations can enjoy right here on earth when they draw close to Jehovah God!
[Picture on page 517]
Delegates from India examine new publication with Brother Knorr at Buffalo assembly
[Picture on page 518]
F. W. Franz speaking about “The Approaching Peace” to 56,703 in Atlanta Stadium
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492,310 in North America heard the public talk “The Approaching Peace of a Thousand Years”; crowd at Yankee Stadium shown here
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Bible dramas were prominent on the program; this one depicts Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son
[Picture on page 521]
Despite rain, conventioners remained to hear the program
[Pictures on page 522]
N. H. Knorr displaying newly released book “Then Is Finished the Mystery of God”
F. W. Franz releasing “The Kingdom Interlinear Translation” in New York
[Picture on page 523]
12,894 were baptized at the assemblies in North America
A World Without Faith
A World Without Faith
“Faith is not a possession of all people.”—2 Thess. 3:2.
1. Who think world conditions have changed, and how can they prove it?
WHAT changes in half a century! The young generation may think conditions have always been as they are today, a world without faith in God, but senior citizens know better. Older members of society are well aware of the stupendous changes that have occurred in their lifetimes; and, whether their children’s children believe them or not, the historical facts prove that conditions have progressively gone from bad to worse. Turn the pages of history back half a century, if you will, and compare world conditions then with current times, and you will see why so many persons today have little or no faith in God or his Word the Bible.
2. What were some things that occurred in the wake of World War I?
2 Fifty years ago World War I had just concluded. History books call it World War One, for it was the first time in man’s history that there had been a global war. All the major nations at that time engaged in the most horrible war ever fought until then. Hundreds of thousands died on the battlefields, and millions of others were wounded. In the aftermath of that wholesale slaughter, millions starved to death. Tens of millions more died of pestilence and disease. All told, it was a terrible experience, and the world has never been the same since.
3. Describe political developments in both the East and the West following the first world war.
3 As the survivors staggered to their feet still reeling from the combined effects of war, famine and pestilence, they had a different outlook on life. The monarchies of Europe were practically all gone. A ‘red bear’ called “Communism” had raised itself up in eastern Europe to capture the imagination of many, and as it gained strength, it threatened to overrun the rest of the world. A “League of Nations” came into being in the West, and with leading clergymen hailing the birth of it as the “political expression of the Kingdom of God on earth,” millions began putting faith in it as man’s only hope for peace.
4. How were hopes for peace soon shattered, leading to what conflict?
4 The prospects for true peace and prosperity, however, soon faded in the minds of thinking people, for dictators began regimenting the people and nationalism again became the battle cry of strong nations. Armament factories around the world were soon pressed into full production, stocking arsenals with new and more lethal weapons; all too soon mankind found itself embroiled in another global conflict. World War II, the cold statistics prove, was nearly four times greater in mobilization, in costs and in consequences than World War I! With two such carnages befalling the same generation within a twenty-five year period, is it any surprise that many persons’ faith grew weak?
5. Describe the economic revolution ushered in by World War I.
5 In addition to these faith-weakening political and military developments following World War I, there was also an economic revolution that had a tremendous impact on man’s former way of life. As the nations started to rebuild industrially and technologically around new discoveries, the masses of mankind found themselves being bombarded with the high-pressure salesmanship of materialism, designed to sell them on the idea that man can create for himself a leisure world of carefree comfort and pleasure. Millions bought this philosophy and began worshiping the god of materialism. Even those people who tried to hold on to their former godly values and ideals found themselves being swept along with the great tide of commercialism. Cities took on new growth, and as more and more people moved in off the farms to fill jobs in commerce and industry, the difficult problems that city life creates were multiplied. Instead of building up hope and faith, many times these factors produced economic friction, agitation and even open warfare between labor and management, along with discontent, unrest, distrust, and other painful consequences.
6. What developments in the field of transportation caused some to lose faith?
6 Changes in two other fields have also been responsible for bringing people into closer contact with one another—transportation and communication—which in themselves can be a blessing to mankind, but which are so often contributing factors toward atheism. Someone proved that the Atlantic Ocean could be spanned nonstop on a solo flight, and soon commercial airlines were expanding travel in all directions. Conventional propeller-driven planes were replaced by jet-powered types, which, with their higher speeds, had the effect timewise of shrinking the size of the globe. Many boastful, high-minded persons look upon these developments in smug arrogance. To them the promised supersonic commercial liners of the future and the experiments in probing outer space are mere stepping-stones in man’s conquest of the universe—proof to them that there is no God.
7. Ironically, how have improvements in communication systems been used to destroy faith in God?
7 Startling changes also have occurred in the realm of communication. Radio grew from infancy to full stature in a matter of decades, only to take a secondary place to the more powerful medium of television. Both radio and television have been deadly weapons in the hands of the propagandists and specialists in mass psychology, who have molded the minds of millions in their faithless “No-God” doctrine.
CHANGES IN RELIGIOUS STANDARDS
8. Were children born after World War I given the same training as their parents, and what moral changes did this produce?
8 The past fifty years have also seen great changes in morals, virtues and religious thinking. During the furious ‘20’s and the depressive ‘30’s of this century, many long-standing religious standards suffered revolutionary changes, leaving indelible and permanent marks on society in general. The moral norms prevailing before World War I became a thing of the past. A new crop of babies arrived, many of whom were born out of wedlock to parents who had thrown off prewar moral restraints. During the formative years these postwar children were trained and schooled by parents and educators who themselves were cultivating new, and indeed, strange concepts, concepts that were watered and fed by the philosophic preachments of a hypocritical clergy who openly denied belief in God and the Bible.
9. (a) When the League of Nations failed to keep the peace, what was the result? (b) Tell what soon followed after World War II.
9 As soon as these children began reaching the draft age for military service they were thrown into the flames of World War II. Alas! these young adults found themselves in the midst of another global struggle, one which Christendom’s “messianic” child, the League of Nations, proved helpless to prevent in spite of all its religio-political backers. Emerging from this second world conflict, they witnessed the old League of Nations being revived and rechristened the “United Nations,” and many of them felt this new instrument would bring eternal peace to the troubled world. At the same time this young generation of active adults furnished the technologists and manpower for perfecting and stockpiling hydrogen bombs of such terrifying power as to make the atom bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki seem by comparison like homemade firecrackers.
10, 11. (a) Describe the image of the young generation of a quarter of a century ago. (b) As for the youth today, what kind of image do many of them create?
10 Such then was the image of the young generation of a quarter of a century ago. Many were devoid of all faith, if not because of indoctrination by their parents and educators, then by their own shocking experiences before and during World War II. Here was a generation of young adults with little moral fiber, for the most part, who in the wake of the war began cohabiting, often illicitly, and bringing forth still another generation of babies. And it is these youngsters who, today in 1969, are reaching young adulthood.
11 Among these youths are found the explosive elements on the college campuses, the provocative protesters, the experimenting addicts, sex maniacs and young thugs of the 1960’s. This delinquent element lives only for “kicks” and thrills, takes no notice of what is coming, and cares less toward where this system of things is headed. Pity mankind when this godless breed attempts to seize the reins of government!
12. (a) What strange ideas do many of this young generation have about religion and morality? (b) In turn, how has this affected their cultural sense of taste?
12 Ask them and their parents, please, what they think of religion. “God is dead,” they say. To them the old conservative way of life is dead. They have new ideas. “Heaven” to them is the fleeting moment of sensual pleasure, which, perhaps, they enjoy under the hallucinatory influence of marijuana, LSD, or something worse. This is the age of violence! The age of rebellion, rebellion against anything and everything that has a semblance of law and order. This is a time when more and more people are cultivating a distorted and warped sense of what is decent, clean, upright, just, pure and true. This is the “beat” generation that throws restraint to the wind, and in its place cultivates a love for filth—a social group that is infiltrating society, that despises everything that is godly and beautiful in art and music, and in life itself.
WHY THE CHANGES?
13. Name some reasons sometimes advanced for these drastic changes in the matter of faith?
13 Many reasons are advanced for these drastic changes in the matter of faith during the last fifty years: technical advances that have created a materialistic world; industrial changes that have moved large segments of the population into cities; radical changes in the educational systems; corruption in governments; breakdown in law-enforcement and judicial establishments; social changes in family circles, home environment and neighborhoods; plus many other changes that have occurred since grandfather got out of his World War I uniform.
14. How do we know these developments are not the real causes for there being a world without faith?
14 However, it should be recognized that these environmental changes in themselves are only contributing factors, not primary causes. Many people today still have strong faith in God, even though changing their way of life (few persons in countries like the United States still ride in the horsedrawn buggy). This fact is proof that the industrial, technological, educational, social and environmental changes are not in themselves the prime causes for the lack of faith.
15. Who, then, is chiefly responsible for this world’s lack of faith?
15 If an accusing finger is to be leveled at the greatest single cause for the breakdown in faith, it would point directly and unmistakably at “the god of this system of things,” Satan the Devil, and his world empire of false religion, in which the official clergy class of Christendom play the leading role. (2 Cor. 4:4; John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 1 John 5:19) No other single group of men bear such a heavy responsibility for this world’s sad state of affairs.
16. (a) But what objection is raised in this regard? (b) How may the objection be answered?
16 Such a forthright statement as this is bound to raise a quick protest from those who jump to conclusions before calmly considering the evidence. A protester may query: “How can the pious clergy be held responsible for the attitudes and misconduct of Godless nonchurchgoers, atheistic scientists and agnostic politicians, or for the immorality of the ‘hippies,’ all of whom are beyond the voice and reach of the pulpit?” In reply, let the historical facts answer. The forefathers of the Bolsheviks were members of the Russian Orthodox Church, even as the foreparents of Communist party members in France and Italy were children of Roman Catholicism. Similarly, the majority of parents and grandparents of the current Godless teenagers and young adults were churchgoing members of Christendom’s flocks in their day, and still are in many instances. It is an old adage: adult delinquency breeds juvenile delinquency, and not the other way around. The child’s course is greatly influenced by what he sees and hears in the home and school, even as the vine’s direction of growth depends on its bent and training when young.
17. What kind of a record did Christendom’s clergy make for themselves during World War I, and with what consequences?
17 How can the clergy of Christendom expect their parishioners to have faith in God when they themselves in their sermons display such a lack of faith? It is no secret, the pulpits of Christendom during World War I were used as recruiting stations for that bloodletting orgy.a What would the returning soldiery of that struggle think of God after observing the battlefield conduct of their chaplains, men who claimed to be God’s servants and ministers? What would those disillusioned people tell their children about the God Christendom claimed to worship? Their children were bound to have less faith in God than their parents had when they were young.
18. How could the clergy have prevented a global war thirty years ago?
18 Then came World War II, a war that could not have been fought without the cooperation of Christendom’s leading clergymen. If Hitler, Mussolini and Franco had not been greatly assisted by the concordats and secret deals made with the Vatican, and if the Catholic bishops of Germany had excommunicated Hitler and his Catholic henchmen instead of supporting their war machine, there would have been no global war at the time.b Clergy support of that war was not one-sided either; Christendom’s pulpits on all sides joined the struggle and urged their parishioners to do the same.
19. Have the clergy inspired faith in Jehovah since World War II?
19 And what about the past twenty-four years since World War II ended? Have we seen any reversal in the faith-destroying sermons from Christendom’s pulpits? To the contrary! Openly and freely the clergy deny belief in the Bible’s inspiration. The Garden of Eden and the events of the Noachian flood, they say, are folklore. The virgin birth of Jesus and the ransom sacrifice of Christ to them are mere myths. Many clergymen, like the proverbial fool, parrot that “there is no God” for ‘he is dead.’ (Ps. 14:1, AV) What hypocrisy on their part, then, even to claim to be ministers of religion!
20. (a) According to Jesus, what miserable condition does the world of mankind find itself in? Why? (b) But what caused the highly educated clergy to become so blind?
20 How true the words of Jesus: “Blind guides is what they are.” “If, then,” Jesus continued, “a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” (Matt. 15:14) And what a miserable pit of darkness and despair all those are in who have followed these blind religious leaders! It is understandable how great masses of the common, often illiterate, people are led into the wrong way by following their leaders in blind trust. But how could such educated, intellectual leaders themselves be so blind as to stumble into the quagmire of darkness in which they find themselves? Certainly it would take a power far superior to theirs. Explaining how this comes about, and why both the clergy and their followers are in such mental darkness, the apostle Paul says: “The god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.”—2 Cor. 4:4.
21. What unseen forces are leading this faithless world, and where are they headed?
21 It is, then, Satan the Devil, “the god of this system of things,” who has blinded Christendom’s religious leaders, and he has accomplished this by and through his hordes of invisible demonic forces who are leading this wicked system toward Armageddon, the battle of God Almighty. Given a vision of this in advance, the apostle John describes this state of affairs, saying: “And I saw three unclean inspired expressions that looked like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the wild beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. They are, in fact, expressions inspired by demons and perform signs, and they go forth to the kings of the entire inhabited earth, to gather them together to the war of the great day of God the Almighty. And they gathered them together to the place that is called in Hebrew Har–Magedon.”—Rev. 16:13, 14, 16.
LAST DAYS OF A FAITHLESS WORLD
22, 23. (a) What evidence is there that we are living in the “time of the end”? (b) Describe what occurred in heaven that had a direct bearing on earthwide conditions today.
22 The prime reason for this great increase in Godlessness and lack of faith during this Twentieth Century is due to the very special time in which we are living. It is the “time of the end.” It is the time when the Devil and his demons have been cast out of heaven down to the vicinity of the earth, a time when this wicked one is bent on doing everything possible to destroy all belief in Jehovah and his precious promises. Bible chronology and the historical facts combine to show beyond a question of doubt that since the outbreak of World War I in 1914 this world has been in its time of the end. The book of Revelation, chapter twelve, verses seven to twelve, describes what took place in the invisible heavens, which event resulted in the conditions so manifest in the earth since 1914 as follows:
23 “And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels battled with the dragon, and the dragon and its angels battled but it did not prevail, neither was a place found for them any longer in heaven. So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him.”—Rev. 12:7-9.
24. In contrast with the rejoicing in the heavens, what conditions prevail on the earth, and why?
24 With Satan’s ouster it would, of course, mean a time of great rejoicing in the heavenly realm, even as the vision foretold: “And I heard a loud voice in heaven say: ‘Now have come to pass the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ, because the accuser of our brothers has been hurled down, who accuses them day and night before our God! . . . On this account be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them!’” But what about the world of mankind living here on the earth, down to which the Devil and his demons were hurled? For them, the prophecy says, it would be an altogether different matter: “Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time.”—Rev. 12:10-12.
25. How do we know not all people lack faith in God?
25 The Bible, therefore, gives sound reasons why the world today is without faith in Jehovah God. However, when the Scripture says “faith is not a possession of all people,” it implies that some people would possess faith. Furthermore, the apostle continues, saying: “But the Lord is faithful, and he will make you firm and keep you from the wicked one.” (2 Thess. 3:2, 3) How the Lord does this, and what is required on your part to be made strong in faith, are some of the important matters discussed in the following article.
[Footnotes]
After World War I, the Rev. George Willis Cooke, in an article published in the Chicago Unity, declared: “The attitude of the churches in this country, and in even greater degree in the other countries, has not been such as to inspire faith in their sincerity. To a very large extent they have abandoned Christianity for patriotism. They have been committed to a brutal revengeful, and savage lust for war and all the worst that war demands. . . . The most cruel, heartless, and revengeful demands made in behalf of war have come from Christian pulpits on both sides.”—See The Watch Tower, 1919, page 356.
The Detroit Free Press, August 6, 1919, in speaking of the responsibility of the clergy for World War I, said: “They joined the most rampageous of our jingoist and war-at-any-price patriots in arousing the belligerent passions of the people . . . Nearly all of them could be brevetted for distinguished service in boosting the human slaughtering game . . . Indeed the ministers in all the belligerent countries engendered so much passion and violence that it might be called their war.”
On December 7, 1941, the same day Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese axis partner of Hitler and Mussolini, the New York Times, under headline “‘War Prayer’ for Reich” and subhead “Catholic Bishops at Fulda Ask Blessing and Victory,” published the following:
“FULDA, Germany, Dec. 6—The Conference of German Catholic Bishops assembled in Fulda has recommended the introduction of a special ‘war prayer’ which is to be read at the beginning and end of all divine services.
“The prayer implores Providence to bless German arms with victory and grant protection to the lives and health of all soldiers. The Bishops further instructed Catholic clergy to keep and remember in a special Sunday sermon at least once a month German soldiers ‘on land, on sea and in the air.’
“The German Catholic clergy, while strongly objecting to certain aspects of Nazi racial policy, has always taken care to emphasize the duty of every Catholic to his country as loyal Germans in the present war.”
[Picture on page 526]
The philosophy of materialism, along with changes in transportation and communication, has induced millions to accept the faithless “No-God” doctrine
Faith and Determination Needed to Please Jehovah
Faith and Determination Needed to Please Jehovah
“Without faith it is impossible to please . . . God.”—Heb. 11:6.
1. In what respect are all normal babies born equal?
WHEN it comes to faith, all babies are born equal. All are without faith. Equal too are all newborn infants in their state of complete faithlessness, in that all have the same mental capacity, if normal, for developing faith later in life. The seed of faith must first be planted, then watered, nourished and cultivated, if it is to grow and flourish. This explains why some acquire faith at an early age, others later in life, while still others die of old age as faithless as the day they were born.
2. What resemblance does faith have with other treasures?
2 In certain respects faith may be likened to a treasure, for indeed it is of precious value. It is not, however, a hand-me-down inheritance from one’s parents, but is a treasure one individually accumulates throughout his lifetime, and is in proportion to the effort one puts forth to increase it. And as with other treasures, it can easily be lost or destroyed if not carefully guarded and protected.
3, 4. (a) How do the dictionaries define faith? (b) Upon what authority should your faith be based?
3 How then would you define or describe faith? What is this mental quality that all normal persons have an equal ability of acquiring, this substance that must be cultivated, this treasure that is precious beyond monetary comparison, this sacred possession that can be lost or destroyed, this spiritual condition of the heart that is required of all who will receive everlasting life?
4 Dictionaries define faith as the mental acceptance of a proposition as true, based on the authority of another, rather than upon one’s own knowledge, reasoning or experience. Thus one may be said to have faith in Jehovah God, faith in his Son Jesus Christ, and faith in God’s Holy Word the Bible. The child that has faith at first rests such on what its parents and others teach it. Later, the child learns that its parents and teachers are not always right, and so it seeks higher authority upon which to base its faith. Indeed, if anyone is to have a strong unshakable faith it must be founded on that which is higher than human authority.
5. (a) What is the apostle Paul’s definition of faith? (b) Explain how the Greek word hy·poʹsta·sis fittingly describes faith.
5 The apostle Paul defined faith as “the assured expectation [Gr., hy·poʹsta·sis] of things hoped for, the evident demonstration [Gr., eʹleg·khos] of realities though not beheld.” (Heb. 11:1) Jehovah has made many promises of things yet to occur. One may hope that such things will come to pass, but such expression may only be a whimsical wish, not real faith. Faith is more than just an expectation. It is expectation that is assured to such a degree that it is able to support, uphold and guarantee that what is hoped for will become a reality. This is the meaning of hy·poʹsta·sis, a word common in ancient papyrus business documents in reference to guarantees placed on the transactions.
6. Show how faith may also be defined by the Greek word eʹleg·khos.
6 Or stated in another way, faith is “the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld.” The human eye at present sees no evidence of global paradisaic conditions here on earth. However, those with faith that such will shortly be a reality, have proof or evidence that can be demonstrated (eʹleg·khos) to back up their belief in such a promised global paradise soon to come. So with them it is not just a childish wish, a hypothetical or philosophical dream. The evidence these with faith have is so powerful that it is able to refute what appears to be to the contrary. It brings to light and makes evident what is not openly discerned. It is able to stand the pressure of antagonists and the test of skeptical cross-examination, for it cannot successfully be overthrown or proved wrong.
7. How does one commentator view the apostle’s definition of faith?
7 Commenting on this first verse, chapter eleven, of Hebrews 11:1, Marcus Dods says: “Substantially the words [hy·poʹsta·sis and eʹleg·khos] mean that faith gives to things future, which as yet are only hoped for, all the reality of actual present existence; and irresistibly convinces us of the reality of things unseen and brings us into their presence.”—The Expositor’s Greek Testament, Vol. IV, page 352.
8, 9. (a) For what special reason is there a lack of faith on the part of many today? (b) Nevertheless, what divine direction is given for mankind?
8 But “faith is not a possession of all people,” as the facts presented in the previous article amply prove. (2 Thess. 3:2) Especially is this so since the historic year 1914. The prime reason, the last book of the Bible says, is because Satan and his demons have been cast out of heaven down to the vicinity of the earth. (Rev. 12:10-12) However, in this “time of the end” Jehovah does not abandon mankind to these Satanic forces without providing divine direction for the right course to follow. Two chapters farther on in this series of visions in Revelation, John says:
9 “And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, and he had everlasting good news to declare as glad tidings to those who dwell on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people, saying in a loud voice: ‘Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of the judgment by him has arrived, and so worship the One who made the heaven and the earth and sea and fountains of waters.’”—Rev. 14:6, 7.
10. How does a great crowd, in response to this angelic proclamation, demonstrate their faith?
10 The book of Revelation also assures us there would be a “great crowd” out of all these national groups who would respond to this proclamation of good news. These would prove they had faith in God by fearing and worshiping him, even amid a world without faith. We read: “And, look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb . . . And they keep on crying with a loud voice, saying: ‘Salvation we owe to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb.’”—Rev. 7:9, 10.
11, 12. Rather than cold statistics, what does the increase in those demonstrating faith during the past 50 years show?
11 The historical facts of this Twentieth Century show that especially since the proclamation of the good news of God’s kingdom from and after the year 1919 the number of faithful praisers of Jehovah has multiplied many times over. This phenomenal increase is graphically portrayed in the following tabulation.
1918 3,868
1928 23,988
1938 47,143
1948 230,532
1958 717,088
1968 1,155,826
12 These are not the cold statistical figures of a lifeless computer. To the contrary, this growth from a few thousand Kingdom publishers in 1918 to a monthly average well over one million in 1968 is a historic drama throbbing with great emotion and action. Just think of the faith and determination displayed by each one of this great crowd as they separated themselves from this old world, dedicated their lives to Jehovah, and then joined in publishing the Kingdom message in spite of the violence and persecution that came upon them as a consequence!
WHERE ARE THE 200,000?
13. But what other figures are of special concern to us?
13 Notwithstanding these impressive figures, there are other sobering facts that must not be overlooked. The increase of Kingdom publishers for the past twenty service years (1949 to 1968) was over 925,000, from 230,532 to 1,155,826. But in the same period there were 1,262,187 new ones baptized in symbol of their dedication to Jehovah. This difference between the number of those baptized and the total of those regularly reporting as publishers is 336,893. If we allow a generous 1 percent as replacements each year, based on the annual number reporting, there would be a total of more than 137,000 during those twenty years who faithfully finished their course in death. (Rev. 2:10) This then leaves an enormous figure of over 199,000 unaccounted for, nearly 200,000 who professed to have had enough faith in God that they dedicated their lives to his service, but who somewhere along the line lost their faith and quit preaching.
14, 15. (a) Though we are concerned, why are we not surprised that many would fall away from the faith? Why do such ones fall away?
14 It should not surprise us, however, bombarded as we are by a worldwide barrage of demon-inspired propaganda, to find the faith of some destroyed. That such casualties would occur, the Scripture warns: “The inspired utterance says definitely that in later periods of time some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired utterances and teachings of demons.”—1 Tim. 4:1.
15 To “fall away from the faith” means that such ones once had the faith. And for what reason did they fall away? Because of listening to, giving heed to, “paying attention to” the misleading inspired utterances and teachings of the demons. These casualties may be divided into two general classes.
16. Cite some of the reasons, as illustrated in Jesus’ parable, why some lost their faith.
16 First, there are those who were comparatively new in the truth. These may have made a hasty dedication, based upon a rather limited amount of knowledge, and then, for any one of a number of reasons, quickly fell away. As Jesus’ illustration shows, the seeds of faith were gulped down by birds because the heart was too hard for them to take root. Or the faith of some may have wilted when the first hot breeze of opposition hit them. Or, perhaps, thorns of anxiety and deceptive materialism sprang up in their lives and choked out what little faith they had.—Matt. 13:3-9, 18-23.
17. For what reasons did another class abandon their faith?
17 The second class of casualties, the records show, were not newborn babes as it were, but were fully mature in the truth with an active record of five, ten or twenty and more years. These also fell away for a number of reasons. Some were disfellowshiped for moral wrongdoing, while others became high-minded, self-opinionated, and, joining forces with the “evil slave” class or the “man of lawlessness” class, they rebelled against the Lord and his organization and began smiting their brothers.—1 Cor. 5:1, 11-13; Matt. 24:45-51; 2 Thess. 2:3, 4.
18. How does Jehovah view those who are unfaithful to their vows?
18 Regardless of the causes for the falling away, Jehovah is not pleased with those who make vows and then break them. It does not matter whether they break their vows in the first or the twentieth year. Better, Jehovah says, not to make vows of dedication than to make such solemn commitments and then prove unfaithful. “This is the word that Jehovah has commanded: In case a man makes a vow to Jehovah . . . he must not violate his word. According to all that has gone out of his mouth he should do.” “Whenever you vow a vow to God, do not hesitate to pay it, for there is no delight in the stupid ones. What you vow, pay. . . . Do not allow your mouth to cause your flesh to sin, neither say before the angel that it was a mistake. . . . Fear the true God.” (Num. 30:1, 2; Eccl. 5:4-7) The apostle Paul in Romans 1:31, 32 goes so far as to say that those who willfully, deliberately play false to their commitments to Jehovah are deserving of death. Of a truth, it is not the quitters but those that have faith and determination to stick to their vow of dedication who are pleasing to Jehovah!
HOW TO BUILD FAITH AND DETERMINATION
19. Upon what must faith be built?
19 First of all, you need knowledge. In addition to doctrinal knowledge of salvation, which, of course, is very important, you need knowledge of the snares and pitfalls that cause one to break faith in Jehovah and turn away from the truth.
20. Who is our greatest opponent, yet how may we protect ourselves against him?
20 Know this, your adversary is the Devil, and he has a mighty organization bent on destroying all faith in God. The whole world lies under the power of the Devil. He is the god of this system of things. (1 John 5:19; 2 Cor. 4:4; John 14:30; Eph. 2:2) “Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone,” Peter says. That “someone” is someone like you, someone devoted to Jehovah, someone in relationship with Jehovah. So listen closely to what Peter says in the next verse: “But take your stand against him [the Devil], solid in the faith, knowing that the same things in the way of sufferings are being accomplished in the entire association of your brothers in the world.” (1 Pet. 5:8, 9) You are therefore not alone in your stand against the Devil and his demons. Remember, for every 200,000 that may quit there are a million of your faithful brothers that are standing solid in the faith, determined that nothing the Devil and his world organization do will cause them to turn tail and run! “This is the conquest that has conquered the world, our faith.”—1 John 5:4.
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