Posted by Thanks! [Bibleman] on November 04, 1999 at 09:43:21 {yxewwqp4aAMRXA6xmpscslyACFuF8c}:
In Reply to: *BTG-RUTHERFORD-JEWS LINK posted by Beaver on November 04, 1999 at 06:04:18:
Thanks, Beaver!
I did look at that SNAKEY laurel around the cross and crown! That's it! Three Freemasonry symbolisms on the same cover certainly is no coincidence. The "ourborus" (? sp) with the snake eating it's tail is very Freemasonry. One would think this was an adaptation of that concept hidden in the form of a reef. After all, they couldn't really show the actual snake!
So thanks, Beaver! That DEFINITELY was something new! And "eye-opener!" Those pagans! (smile).
This is too much, isn't it?
Here this so-called "true religion" not only get beat up because of poor prophecies, wrong dates and misinterpretation of scripture, but now this total paganism, mysteries cult religion foundation, right on the front page of the Watchtower!
With that on the cover, why wouldn't a Freemason who could easily understand these symbolisms not think the witness organization was at least Freemasonry-friendly? How could they not?
Know what I think? I think that Russell and the others were Freemasonry-literate and non-practicing Masons who found their own brand of Freemasonry in a new religion fronted by the Bible Students. They are not really formal Freemasons but their own version of Witness Masons, which makes them "Slave-masons" since the WTS is so oppressive. I think that's part of the scenario.
Russell and Rutherford learned the ways of the Freemasons and then applied their own version to the witness organization. Maybe Russell was starting his own new branch of Freemasonry with the Bible Students.
We'll have to keep an eye on this. Thanks for the reef double-take! I hadn't noticed that!
You have a very nice day, Beaver. I hope it's sunny where you are!
(Those pagans! Unbelievable!)
Cheers,
Bibleman