There was a library in the back of our Kingdom Hall that contained some very old books that were published in the era of the founders of the International Bible Students / Jehovah’s Witnesses: Charles T. Russell and J. F. Rutherford. I used to love thumbing through them mostly because I loved old books, but secondly some of them were really very odd in nature. I am assuming from what I have heard from others is that these books have been removed from their libraries. You cannot get them online from the Watchtower Organization itself. For good reason I suppose.
I think it is safe to say that many current Jehovah’s Witnesses have no clue about the information or the many prophecies in these old publications and if they do they are told that researching or questioning is an act of disloyalty to Jehovah’s Organization (see The Watchtower, January 15, 1983, pp. 22, 27 and The Watchtower, May 15, 1984, pp. 17-18). But what about what the Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21: “Despise not prophecies. But prove all things: hold fast that which is good”? And what of the Bereans who were careful to make sure that what Paul was telling them stood up to the scriptures? (Acts 17:11) Were they displaying disloyalty to Jehovah or were they actually proving themselves loyal to Him by making sure that what they were being told was in accord to the Bible?
Every preacher should expect his doctrines to be examined in this way, and to be rejected if they are not in accordance with the Word of God. — Barnes Notes on the Bible.
The Bible never states that Paul took affront to the Bereans questioning or told them that they were being disloyal.
As the Watchtower Organization considers themselves to be modern day prophets Watchtower 1972 Apr 1 pp.197-199 ‘They Shall Know that a Prophet Was Among Them’ Wouldn’t it be a wise thing to make sure or to prove to yourself that you are not following a false prophet?
God’s Truth does not change. God’s Truth does not fear examination. Whom do you obey? God or Man?
Some Links to Old Publications:
The Finished Mystery
1876 Bible Examiner
1908 Zion’s Watch Tower
Millennial Dawn
Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Older publications can be purchased: http://watchtowerbooksstore.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=57
Failed Dates (with links to Watctower publications): http://4jehovah.org/jehovahs-witness-prophecy.php
I am confident that our God is big enough to handle any question I may think up. My understanding of God’s truth has evolved over the years, but God’s truth has not.