Posted by Bibleman [Bibleman] on October 25, 1999 at 06:13:09 {DjTI9F5X/YMSSTtTA17sslyACFuF8c}:
In Reply to: Cult or Sect? posted by Kinsman on October 24, 1999 at 14:20:29:
I find it interesting that both JWs and the Mormons are considered "cults" among the general Christian population. And even in outside circles, however, the Witnesses were always considered influenced and connected with Freemasonry. Their own early Watchtower magazines carried both the "crown and cross" and the "Knights of Templar" emblems. Besides, of course, Russell having a pyramid tombstone near his grave which is also a Freemasonry symbolism.
The link to the quote below shows why JWs are considered a "cult" by some, and there could be some merit to that since the idea of "mind control" has been linked with the witness organization as well.
I don't think the word "cult" is necessarily a bad term. I think the early Christians were sort of cultic. I don't think it's a matter of definition at this point, though, but public perception. They define what the modern concept of "cult" is and in their minds the witnesses appear to them to be a cult. Rutherford declaring in 1917 that Russell himself was the "Faithful Servant" didn't help the early image of this organization as Russellites, but you can't blame the public for that since they were promoting him in that way. Then the dumped him like a hot potato in 1927 claiming "creature worship" as Rutherford continued to take credit for every single book the Society put out.
Anyway, here's the link to quote from outsiders who think the religion was started as a front to Jewish imperialism and Freemasonry.
Russell, Rutherford, Jews and Freemasonry
