Communists and Jehovah’s Witnesses

Prejudice and misunderstanding for long did much to confuse the activities of Jehovah’s witnesses, an international group of Christian ministers, with those of communists. A forthright editorial in the Moline, Illinois, Daily Dispatch, of December 2, 1950, is to be appreciated for its contribution toward bringing to light the truth on the matter. The major part of the editorial named is herewith quoted:

“The sentence of life imprisonment for two members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses sect in East Germany should serve to reassure some Americans about the political pedigree of members of the sect in general. The two sentenced were leaders of a group of Witnesses who refused to pledge loyalty to communism, even under threat of death. So in the upside-down justice of the satellite Red courts, the two leaders were charged with treason and spying for the United States and Great Britain and clapped in jail. Jehovah’s Witnesses have undergone a measure of persecution in the United States, mostly from veterans’ organizations who resent the Witnesses’ refusals to pledge allegiance to the American flag. We also take a dim view of the Witnesses’ slight of our national emblem, but, on the other hand, we have found no justification for the violence and threats of violence against the members of the sect. We have found even less justification for rather carelessly worded labels which various American groups have tried to paste on the Witnesses, including the label ‘Communist’. We believe the conviction of the Witnesses by Communists indicates the impartiality of the sect in rejecting all forms of political nationalism. . . . There may be those in America who feel that jailing Witnesses for life is the proper treatment for them. If those persons abhor communism, they should not want to be identified with Communist practices.”

Announcements

REMAINING FEARLESS TO THE ACCOMPLISHED END

Today fear and anxiety grip nearly all of earth’s inhabitants, as they look ahead to what is coming upon mankind. Foretold in Bible prophecy, the approach of the accomplished end of this present old world is marked with mounting troubles and woes, of kinds and intensity without parallel in human history. For these very days of uncertainty and insecurity Almighty God has decreed that a comforting, confidence-inspiring message be taken to all willing hearers. Support and strength can come only from the true Source: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear.” (Ps. 46:1, 2) To find this refuge, and to learn how to gain this strength, we must study God’s Word, both individually and with others, and then share in announcing Jehovah’s kingdom. Have you prepared to participate in this work during September, by fearlessly making known this good news in your neighborhood, offering the book “Let God Be True” and a 32-page booklet on a contribution of 35 cents? Report your activity as you help others in remaining fearless to the accomplished end.

“NEW WORLD TRANSLATION”

In the field of modern Bibles, none excel the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures. In it is found a rendering that offers the best in a faithful reproduction of the Sacred Scriptures (“New Testament” only). It has the benefits of the latest finds in ancient manuscripts. It includes the advances gained through study of ancient languages. Archaic English is omitted. Instead, use is made of present-day common English, retaining the literal meaning of the original language. This book of 800 pages, bound in attractive green cloth with gold-embossed title, contains an extensive array of marginal cross references, helpful foreword, footnotes and appendix. It is a “must” for your library. Postpaid, $1.50.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES

Week of September 16: The Lord’s Prayer Nears Complete Answer; also, “Let Your Kingdom Come,” ¶1-3.

Week of September 23: “Let Your Kingdom Come,” ¶4-11; also, Daily Bread, Forgiveness, and Deliverance, ¶1-13.

Week of September 30: Daily Bread, Forgiveness, and Deliverance, ¶14-31.