Literature
Jehovahs Witnesses and Persecution in Russia: A Historical Perspective and Modern Reality
Why Can't Jehovah's Witnesses Defend Their Russian Members?
The question of defending Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia raises important questions about prophetic fulfillment and the role of persecution in the spread of the faith.
Defend Them How?
Shall we assemble a special forces team to break them out of the various prisons where they have been sent? Jehovah's Witnesses expect persecution, and indeed imprisonment. Jesus told us specifically that these things would befall us (Matthew 10:22; Revelation 2:10).
Naturally, we do not want to be persecuted or sent to prison, but such is the fulfillment of prophecy and inevitable. Furthermore, imprisonment gives those who are preaching a new territory (Acts 5:41; Matthew 28:19-20).
Russia: A Nation That Doesn't Learn Its Lessons
It seems that Mr. Putin, under the sway of the antichrists of the Russian Orthodox Church, is as big a fool as Stalin was. One simply cannot fight Jehovah's Witnesses.
We pray for our beloved brothers and sisters undergoing persecution in Russia, knowing that their endurance gives a fine witness to the nations and brings glory to God's name.
A Historical Perspective
Dennis on Hitler and Jehovah's Witnesses
Dennis says that Adolf Hitler tried to exterminate the Jehovah's Witnesses along with the Jews, and he failed on both accounts. However, what he doesn't mention is that their leader, Russell, initially agreed with Hitler.
Rutherford's Praise for Hitler
Rutherford, the founder of the Watchtower Society, initially praised Hitler for his stance against Jews. In an attempt to appease Hitler into lifting the ban, Rutherford instigated a Declaration of Facts and sent a Letter to Hitler, discussing the Watchtower's support of the Nazi regime.
Changing Stance
While Russell, the founder of the Watchtower, was a Zionist and sympathetic to Jews as part of modern-day fulfillment of biblical prophecy, Rutherford initially continued such support but changed by the 1930s to a bigoted anti-Semitic stance.
Golden Age (1927)
The Golden Age (1927 Feb 23, p. 343) highlights the Witnesses' growing reputation as a religion of hate, due to the Watchtower Society's tirade of insults against other churches and governments, with the Catholic Church receiving the greatest condemnation.
Vindication - Book II (1932)
In Vindication - Book II (1933, pp. 257-258), the Witnesses' reputation was further damaged. The Catholic Church brought this to the attention of the Nazi government, leading to a petition against the Watchtower Society, which resulted in the Nazi government banning the Watchtower's German operations in 1933.
Enduring Persecution
Despite these historical challenges, the Witnesses continue to face persecution in Russia today. The church's response remains guided by the belief that persecution is part of their mission to spread the Gospel.
Conclusion
Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia is a complex issue rooted in historical and prophetic contexts. The church's commitment to their faith remains unwavering, even in the face of persecution, drawing consistent support and endurance from their members.
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