Light, New Light, Old Light Chris Barhorst Sidney, OH Contributing Writer In discussing doctrine with a Jehovah's Witness, it is highly probable the terms "Old Light" and "New Light" will be brought up. This is especially true when discussing failed prophecies or doctrinal changes made by the Watchtower Society. This concept is based on Proverbs 4:18 which states, "But the path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established," (NEW WORLD TRANSLATION, Watchtower Society). The Watchtower Society sets forth the idea, that as time goes on, the light, or understanding of Scripture, gets brighter or clearer. Thus, when prophecies fail, or doctrinal changes are made, the Society simply excuses it away as New Light. But is New Light always new? The history of Jehovah's Witness theological flip-flopping with reference to Romans 13 is an outstanding example of one way in which the Watchtower perpetuates fraud against their own people. In discussing the superior authorities of Romans Chapter 13, under the heading, "Identifying the Superior Authorities," the "Watchtower" magazine stated, "For some years, until 1962, Jehovah's Witnesses held that the superior authorities were Jehovah God and Christ Jesus. "However, in line with Proverbs 4:18 light increased, and this view was adjusted which may raise questions in the minds of some. Are we now correct in saying that these authorities are the kings, presidents, prime ministers, mayors, magistrates, and others who wield secular, political power in the world and that we owe them subjection in a relative way?" (1 November 1990, p.11). The next paragraph answers the question when it states, "Irenaues himself, though, viewed the superior authorities as 'actual human authorities.' The context of Paul's words show that Irenaeus was correct," (Ibid). Notice the phrase "until 1962." This leaves the impression that up until 1962 the Society had taught exclusively the doctrine that the superior authorities of Romans Chapter 13 were Jehovah God and Christ Jesus with the one change occurring in 1962, in view of the New Light. However, a review of Watchtower history reveals that the so- called New Light which broke forth in 1962, was not so new after all. "In 1929 the clear light broke forth. That year the Watchtower published the Scriptural exposition of Romans Chapter 13. It showed Jehovah God and Christ Jesus, rather than worldly rulers and governors, are 'The Higher Power' and that Christian souls must 'obey God rather than men...'" (THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE, p.312). Previous to the clear light of 1929, the current view of the superior authorities (of Romans 13) was held. (See STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, Vol. 1, p.266). Hence, the original interpretation of Romans 13 held that the superior authorities were human rulers. Then in 1929, New Light was given which explained the superior authorities were actually Jehovah and Jesus. Finally, in 1962, more New Light (or perhaps a resurgence of Old Light) broke forth to show the superior authorities to be, in actuality, human rulers! In revealing this change in doctrine, the Watchtower Organization seems reluctant to reveal all of its history. Is the Watchtower Society really bringing forth "New Light" or is someone at the Watchtower simply playing with the light switch? * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Copied with permission from the Watchman Expositor. * * For a free subscription to this monthly newspaper * * write the Watchman Fellowship office nearest you: * * * * W A T C H M A N F E L L O W S H I P, I N C. * * P.O. Box 13251 P.O. Box 19416 P.O. Box 7681 * * Arlington, TX 76094 Birmingham, AL 35219 Columbus, GA 31908 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ÉÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͵ CHRISTIAN BBS ABBA II ÆÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ» º º º Where Christians find Fellowship, Information and Resources, º º and where non-Christians find honest, reasonable answers to º º their questions about what (and why) Christians believe. º º º º ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ Providing High-Quality, Christian Files ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ º º º º þ Up-To-Date Christian News þ Bible Studies & Discussions º º þ Abba II's Christian Magazine þ Ministry Newsletters º º þ Active Message Area þ On-Line Christian Directory º º þ Specializing in Apologetics þ Christian Events Calendar º º º º ³ Immediate Access - No Ratios ³ º ÈÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͵ 619-487-7746 - up to 14,400 baud ÆÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍͼ ³ 619-487-6391 - up to 2,400 baud ³ -------------------------------------------- file: /pub/resources/text/apl/jw: jw-085.txt .