Does the WT follow the teachings of CT Russell on Bible Studies? Part 1

The short answer—Absolutely!

I recently corresponded with a JW on the topic, “Do JW’s study the Bible or do they study WT publications?”

Among other things, I sent him the following quote from Charles Taze Russell, the first president and founder of the JW’s. Mr. Russell wrote a series of books called, ‘Studies in Scriptures.’ About these “Studies” the WT states:

“Furthermore, not only do we find that people cannot see the divine plan in studying the Bible by itself, but we see, also, that if anyone lays the 'Scripture Studies' aside, even after he has used them, after he has become familiar with them, after he has read them for ten years - if he then lays them aside and ignores them and goes to the Bible alone, though he has understood his Bible for ten years, our experience shows that within two years he goes into darkness. On the other hand, if he had merely read the 'Scripture Studies' with their references, and had not read a page of the Bible, as such, he would be in the light at the end of the two years, because he would have the light of the Scriptures." (“Zion’s Watchtower”—later renamed “The Watchtower,” Sep. 15, 1910, p. 298.)

To summarize the above: If you read nothing but the WT ‘Studies’ you will be in the ‘light’ (truth). If you read only the Bible, you will be in 'darkness' (error).

The JW wrote:

"About Mr. Russell’s reference works; I personally don’t know any Witness of Jehovah God who has studied any of his works. Have not even seen the reference work you make reference to. So any debate on that is dead."

I wrote back:

You may not know anybody who has read Mr. Russell’s works but it seems the WTBTS has read his works or if they haven’t they hold the same exact views. For example, the quote I sent you shows that Mr. Russell believes if you read the Bible by itself you will be in darkness. However, if you read his “Scripture Studies” (a WT publication) you will have the truth. What does the WT say?

"From time to time, there have arisen from among the ranks of Jehovah's people those, who, like the original Satan, have adopted an independent, faultfinding attitude...They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such ‘Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching 100 years ago..." WT, August 15, 1981.

The above quote is saying you cannot read the Bible by itself or you will be in darkness. Sounds exactly like Mr. Russell.

In addition, the above WT quote is saying if you read the Bible, either alone or in a small group at home, then you are like Satan. Is this freedom of thought? Is this how Christ works in the church?

Also, what are the apostate doctrines spoken of in the above quote? Would that be the Trinity, the deity of Christ, the physical resurrection of Christ, all things the WT organization denies. So, if you read the Bible by itself, reading it for what it says, without the WT guiding you, you will adopt these doctrines. Interesting.

If reading the Bible all by itself causes you to be in darkness, how can you be in the ‘light’ according to the WT?

The answer to this will be in; "Does the WT follow the teachings of CT Russell on Bible Studies? Part 2" which is here.