Posted by Bibleman [Bibleman] on November 11, 1999 at 02:50:51 {mJnjjpluA6MRXA6xmpscslyACFuF8c}:
In Reply to: ****Mormon/JW Similarities posted by Lobo on November 10, 1999 at 15:33:26:
Hi.
You missed the point. You can claim a "conspiracy" theory kook in isolation, but not now that we know the WTS uses the Mormons to secure their webpage.
See, that's the difference. It's a kooky theory when there is no other substantiation, but it becomes an "investigation" or possibility when you have an absolute link.
For instance, one "kooky" quote claimed that Russell was a Jew and a Freemason. We could just dismiss that as some kooky quote if there was no proof.
But then when you find a seeing-eye pyramid on Russell's grave and we found out indeed he was Jewish, then you can't just dismiss it as kooky theory any more. It is reasonable suspicion.
So the link between Mormons and JWs on other levels and in other areas adds credance to something that one might have easily dismissed as conspiracy.
So you can dismiss something as a kooky conspiracy theory IF there is no corroborating or suspicious evidence. But once you have that actual evidence, it ceases being a mere kooky theory. You have to now prove it is NOT true. We are no longer in a position to wave off this connection between the two now.
Do you see what I'm saying?
In other words, some say "Ha! There is absolutely no proof that Russell was a Freemason."
Great. I can buy that and won't pay any attention to any such claims, IF, there was nothing to suggest that.
But...Here we have the Watchtower with two symbols of Freemasonry on it's cover and the "Studies of the Scriptures" with the winged disk, also related to Freemasonry, and Russell heavily involved in mixing pyramidology with Bible prophecy, also quite centered in mystery religion cultic doctrine. Plus that pyramid on his grave.
So NOW when somebody says that, its definitely a consideration. You can't just dismiss it as an idle, unconnected theory now. So at this point, one just has to wait and see what else comes in to make it clearer.
Many times truth follows the rumor.
Cheers,
Bibleman