terminal visions: apocalyptic thought of jehovah's

Undergraduate Review Undergraduate Review

Volume 1 Issue 1 Article 6

1986

Terminal Visions: Apocalyptic Thought of Jehovah's Witnesses Terminal Visions: Apocalyptic Thought of Jehovah's Witnesses

and the Stelle Group and the Stelle Group

Daniel Gray '86 Illinois Wesleyan University

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Recommended Citation Gray '86, Daniel (1986) "Terminal Visions: Apocalyptic Thought of Jehovah's Witnesses and the Stelle Group," Undergraduate Review: Vol. 1 : Iss. 1 , Article 6. Available at: https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/rev/vol1/iss1/6

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Terminal Visions: Apocalyptic Thought of

Jehovah's Witnesses and the Stelle Group

Daniel Gray

TheS

Turning and turing in the wide The

falcon cannot hear the fal

Things fall apart; the centre Cl Mere anarchy is loosed upon ~

The blood-dimmed tide

is loos The

ceremony of innocence is

The best lack conviction,

whi] Are

full of passionate intensit)

Surely some revelation is at ha Surely the Second Coming is

The Second Coming! Hardly

l

When a vast image out of SpiT Troubles my sight: somewhere

A shape with lion body and tl A gaze blank and pitiless as th

Is moving its

slow thighs, whil Reel shawdows of the indignar

The darkness drops again; but That

twenty centuries of ston) Were vexed to nightmare

by a And

what rough beast, its hOl

Slouches towards Bethleham t.

Please don't dominate the wra If you got nothing new to say. If

you please, go back up the 1

This train's got to run today.

Apocalyptic thought, belief the American experience from

moment. Apocalyptic is infuse culture. In differing degrees it creeds of almost every church, "mainline" churches (Presbyte Methodist, etc.) apocalyptic t·

fundamentalist organizations (

1

Gray '86: Terminal Visions: Apocalyptic Thought of Jehovah's Witnesses and

Published by Digital Commons @ IWU, 1986

Visions: Thought

Witnesses ffe Group

Gray

The Second Coming

Turning and turing in the widening gyre The

falcon cannot hear the falconer;

Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,

The blood-dimmed tide

is loosed, and everywhere The

ceremony of innocence is drowned;

The best lack conviction, while

the worst Are

full of passionate intensity.

Surely some revelation is at hand; Surely the Second Coming is at hand.

The Second Coming! Hardly are those words

out When

a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi Troubles my sight: somewhere in the sands of the desert

A shape with lion body and the head of a man, A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,

Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it

Reel shawdows of the indignant desert birds.

The darkness drops again; but now I know That

twenty centuries of stony sleep

Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle, And

what rough beast, its hour come round at last,

Slouches towards Bethleham to be born?

WB. Yeats

Please don't dominate the wrath Jack If you got nothing new to say.

If you please, go back up the track This

train's got to run today. "New Speedway Boogie"

The Grateful Dead

Apocalyptic thought, belief and action have been an integral part of the

American experience from Columbus' landing right up to this very moment. Apocalyptic

is infused into many facets of American life and culture. In differing degrees it plays sorne part in the teachings and

creeds of almost every church, domination and sect. In many of the "mainline" churches (Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, United

Methodist, etc.) apocalyptic tends to receive little attention. More fundamentalist organizations (Assemblies of God, Latter Day Saints,

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Undergraduate Review, Vol. 1, Iss. 1 [1986], Art. 6


26

Jehovah's Witnesses, etc.) often focus and dwell upon apocalyptic concerns including Armageddon, Doom's Day and the Millenium.

Not to be dominated

by religious groups, apocalyptic has played huge roles in American literature, film, television and politics. 1 A two and a

half page article in the Fall 1985 issue of Convergance, entitled "The Politics of Armageddon," describes statements, public and private, of President Ronald Reagan that "mirror the Armageddon theology of Jerry Falwell and his allies in the New Christian Right. "2 The author of

this article stresses that Reagan was saying similar things during his first term as Governor of California, indicating that Reagan is not making

comments of this nature for use as a political tool but that he is "one of millions of Americans who read the Bible as a sourcebook for

predictions of global conflict." Upon reaching the coast of South America, Columbus quoted

passages from Revelation and Isaiah which speak of "a new heaven and a new earth," and wrote to the sponsors of his voyage, "I deeply feel within me that there, where I have said, lies the Terrestrial Paradise.,,3

Millenialism, belief in the second coming and thousand year reign of Christ, was very strong among the Puritans who viewed their

Massachusetts settlement as a "city on a hill."4 Inherent in American culture from the start, apocalyptic has found expression in popular religious treatments like Hal Lindsey's The Late Great Planet Earth, but

also has received a great deal of secular attention in popular entertainment. John Wiley Nelson, author and minister, describes the prominence of apocalyptic and prophetic themes in recent American films and television shows. Analyses of Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica,

the Western in general, On the Beach, and Dr. Strangelove (to name only a few) leads him to the belief that entertainment of this type is

merely an expression of an "onslaught of fear, anxiety, paranoia and technological guilt."s Nelson then identifies three reasons for this

"onslaught." 1) Apocalyptic is as American as the hotdog. 2) After the civil rights movement, the burning of the cities, the assassinations, the

birth of the drug culture, the Vietnam War and Watergate, who wouldn't feel anxious, paranoid and Quilty? 3) A growing sense that only radical, in-breaking action can successfully resolve problems today.

The End of the World is a compilation of

essays which treat the use of apocalyptic themes in science fiction. A major characteristic of science fiction apocalyptic is that "the end of the world is seldom the end."

The cataclysm

is always followed by a new creation.6 And in the eyes of science fiction there will always be a cataclysm. "The twentieth century has trained us to expect catastrophes. "7

Though manifest in many aspects of life and culture, apocalyptic is rooted in the Bible. This paper will identify the source of apocalyptic

and then attempt a descriptio major features are. I will then Jehovah's Witnesses and the ~

a widespread, well-known, 11 congregations across the cour Group is small, mostly unknc

(one in Illinois and one

in T~ in the last 23 years. This expl

and histories of each group, ~ and prophecies concerning d

The words apocalypse and apokalupsis,

which means to \ (of or relating to the end of t is

concerned with revealing i present age, the

Day of Judgr refers to either a group of wri

or to the idea and concepts t no

concensus among Bible S(

means and there is no agreed difficult to define "apocalypt considered apocalyptic is ver

which could not be known 0

higher, non-human source is the

end of time, the entranc heaven, explanation of natu! the Messiah, and the charac

Normally these are presentee "some hero of the faith

of p:: The

general form of apoa

tradition during the one hur prophetic ideals of the Hebr dominating empires of Persi:

The establishment of a

com Yahweh seefi.led less and leSE

supplant the prophets, insis change or break history. " TI righteous will survive the re

on the earthly destinies of r

behavior as they attempt to

people. The prophet perceive_ Apocalyptic emphasizes fut their current suffering with

3



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lnd dwell upon apocalyptic n's Day

and the Millenium. ups, apocalyptic has played huge

'ision and politics.

1 A two and a .f

Convergance, entitled "The

~ments, public and private,

of he Annageddon theology of

:hristian Right. "2 The author of lng

similar things during his first ing that Reagan

is not making litical tool but that he is "one of

lie as a sourcebook for

nerica, Columbus quoted ich speak

of "a new heaven and :of his voyage, "I deeply feel , lies the Terrestrial Paradise."3

n.g and thousand year reign

of :ans

who viewed their I hill."4 Inherent in American :>und

expression in popular "he Late Great Planet Earth, but

attention in popular n.or and minister, describes

the IC

themes in recent American Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, nd Dr. Strangelove

(to name entertainment of this type

is f fear, anxiety, paranoia and

cities three reasons for this

can as the hotdog. 2) After the

le cities, the assassinations, the Var

and Watergate, who lty? 3} A growing sense that cessfully

resolve problems today. of

essays which treat the use of , major characteristic of science

Ie world

is seldom the end." ~w

creation.

6 And in the eyes ::ataclysm. "The twentieth •phes."7

ife and culture, apocalyptic

is ltify

the source of apocalyptic

and then attempt a description of what apocalyptic is and what its major features are. I will then explore the apocalyptic facets of the

Jehovah's Witnesses and the Stelle Group. The Jehovah's Witnesses are a widespread, well-known, 115 year old Christian sect with

congregations across the country and around the world. The Stelle Group is small, mostly unknown organization with two communities

(one in Illinois and

one in Texas) which have been started from scratch in the last 23 years. This exploration will involve a brief description and histories of each group, paying particular attention to teachings

and prophecies concerning

the end of the world.

The

words apocalypse and apocalyptic come from

the Greek word apokalupsis,

which means to uncover or to reveal, and are eschatological

(of or relating to the end of the world) in nature. Apocalyptic literature is

concerned with revealing information relating to the final days of the

present age, the Day of Judgment, and the age to follow. 8 Apocalyptic refers to either a group of writings which possess certain characteristics

or to the idea and concepts typical of this kind of literature. There is no concensus among Bible scholars as to what the term apocalyptic

means and there is no agreed-upon list of apocalyptic books, making it difficult to define "apocalyptic literature."9 The variety of topics usually

considered apocalyptic is very wide but the subjects are always those which could not be known of or discovered naturally; revelation from a

higher, non-human source is always necessary. Topics addressed include the

end of time, the entrance of the Kingdom of God, secrets of

heaven, explanation of natural phenomena, history of the creation, the

Messiah, and the characters and deeds of both good and bad angels.

Normally these are presented as having been a special revelation to "some hero of the faith of past days".10

The general form of apocalypse developed from the Judaic prophetic tradition during the one hundred years or so preceding Christ. The prophetic ideals of the Hebrews and their political realities (the

dominating empires of Persia, Greece and Rome) were not meshing. The

establishment of a community based on a special relationship with

Yahweh seen:J.ed less and less likely. The apocalyptic writers began to supplant the prophets, insisting that there must soon be "a radical

change or break history." The present age must end, and only the righteous will survive the revolution of the end times. Prophecy focused

on the earthly destinies

of men and women and on their specific behavior as they attempt to fulfill their appointed role as God's chosen

people. The prophet perceives the future as arising out of the present . Apocalyptic emphasizes future events and encourages people to endure their current suffering with the assurance of a blessed future life. The

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apocalypticist sees the future breaking into the present, not being constructed out of it. 11

According to G. E. Ladd, apocalyptic literature is the product of three main factors. 1) The emergence of the "Righteous Remnant." Whenever people found themselves in a minority group, faithfully serving God but with little prospect of the whole nation adopting their

perspective, there was a tendency to hold that the Righteous Remnant prophecies were fulfilled in them. 2) The problem of evil. 3) The

ending of prophecy. Apocalyptic was never prevalent when life was easy and straightforward, it was called forth by the circumstances of the

day. With its emphasis

on God's final and perfect solution it made life livable under intolerable conditions.12 '~pocalyptic was a Judea

Christian world-view which located the believer in a minority community and gave his life meaning by relating it to the end, soon to

come, which would reverse his present status. The key to the interpretation of apocalyptic has usually been seen in the restlessness with the imperfection of the present and its quest for a new and total

solution to the human problem."13 A feature of much apocalyptic is the use of a cryptic language and strange symbolism, which makes the message unintelligible to the

modem reader, or anyone outside the group for whom the writing was intended.14 It is very difficult to interpret in detail because it belongs

within a sect or party. It is esoteric, its meaning to be kept secret until the

last days, which always tum out to be in the apocalypticist's own

time. IS The question to be asked of apocalyptic is not, "What the hell was the

writer really trying to say behind and amid all that imagery and

symbolism?" It is rather, "What did the readers (the people) hope for that

could only be expressed in such outlandish use of images and

symbols?"16 The

apocalypticists were concerned by the problem of why the

righteous should be called upon to endure very harsh suffering and persecution.17 They concluded that the goodness of God lies in his

bringing a speedy end to the evils of history and the imminent beginning of the Messianic Age. Characteristics of apocalyptic thinking

include that: 1) history is teleological (exhibiting or relating to design or

purpose), 2) the teleology of history is moral,

3) the evils of history are necessary preludes to the realization of the moral end of history,

4) this world will be cataclysmically destroyed before the new world begins,

5) we are living at the critical period of historical transfonnation,

6) only the moral person I 7) human choices have n<

but they do effect the i

come.

IS

A glaring theme is apocal)l vs.

future salvation, evil vs. I

God, etc. 19 Human history i~ forces, both personal and cos

the world;

the evil powers wi be overcome by the direct in

forces implies that history is cosmic struggle time will cea eternity and the faithful will

Apocalyptic tradition recc a limited time in which hum history is not deterministic.

but needs humans, whose

ch conditions which allow the 1

to reward moral behavior by people must choose whether about when the End would 1

their own perspective) and t apocalypticists put their emI that God

would prevail. 22 H

apocalyptic is not immediate politics." Apocalyptic is a re

back from immediate involv about story." Apocalyptic is

meaning of current political way

through the present sufi

that will "devolve

from the What

types of people, or kinds of literary expectatior: movements almost

always: ] Have established clear bour: the world as essentially evil

members which hail from aI unsettled masses. In times c movements create a "lively industrialization furnished c groups

as the Seventh-Day same milieu also set the sta:

apocalyptic vision which he

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) the present, not being constructed

:ic literature is the product of of the "Righteous Remnant." ·a minority group, faithfully

:the whole nation adopting their old that the Righteous Remnant be

problem of evil. 3) The

lever prevalent when life was forth by the circumstances of the

md perfect solution it made life '~pocalyptic was

a Judea-Le believer in a minority by

relating it to the end, soon to •

status. The key to the Iy

been seen in the restlessness n.d its quest for a new and total

: use of a cryptic language and

lessage unintelligible to

the ~oup for

whom the writing was

ret in detail because it belongs meaning to be kept secret until

be in the apocalypticist's own

xalyptic is not, "What the hell

ld and amid all

that imagery and ~

readers (the people) hope for Itlandish

use of images and

by

the problem

of why the ure very harsh suffering and

~ goodness of God lies

in his story and the imminent lCteristics of apocalyptic thinking

: or relating to design or

preludes to the realization of the

·destroyed before the new world

d of historical transfonnation,

6) only the moral person has a place in the new world, 7) human choices have no effect on the processes of history per se,

but they do effect

the individual's own situation in the world to come. 18

A glaring theme is apocalyptic is dualistic thinking-present suffering vs. future salvation, evil vs. good, evil spirits vs. good spirits, Satan vs. God, etc.19 Human history is seen as a dialectic between two opposing

forces, both personal and cosmic in character, which vie for control of the

world; the evil powers which are currently in dominance will soon

be overcome by the direct intervention of God. This dualism of ethical forces implies that history is "radically discontinuous." After the final

cosmic struggle time will cease, "heaven and earth will become one for eternity and the faithful will enter the holy city. "20

Apocalyptic tradition recognizes the existence of history, but only as a limited time in which human change is possible. But God's control of

history is not deterministic. "He sets the teleological course of history but

needs humans, whose choices he doesn't control, to create the

conditions which allow the teleological processes to occur. He promises to reward moral behavior by implementing the Messianic Age, but people must choose whether or not to be moral."21 Though details

about when the End would be (though never too far in the future from their own perspective) and how it would come about differ, all the

apocalypticists put their emphasis on the next world and on their faith that God

would prevail. 22 History does not interpret itself. Therefore,

apocalyptic is not immediately concerned with "plain history and real politics." Apocalyptic is a re-telling of events. It takes another step

back from immediate involvement and response and becomes "story about story." Apocalyptic is the cosmic, universal interpretation of the

meaning of current political and historical happenings. It points the way

through the present suffering and total chaos toward those things

that will "devolve from

the mighty works of God. "23

What types of people, or groups, have tended

to array behind these kinds of literary expectations of time, history and God? Apocalyptic

movements almost always: 1) Have had a charismatic leader (s), 2) Have established clear boundaries between truth and falsehood and see

the world as essentially evil territory to be avoided at all costs, 3) Have members which hail from among the sociologically and psychologically

unsettled masses. In times of unusual social stress apocalyptic movements create a "lively sense of group identity." "Urbanization and

industrialization furnished a social context for the emergence of such groups as the Seventh-Day Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses. The

same milieu also set the stage for refining other variants of the apocalyptic vision which helped to assure the place of hope for a 'new

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heaven and a new earth' within mainstream protestantism. "24 Converts to the new religions are concerned about their personal, physical and moral survival

and because of this are very negatively oriented toward the

established society which is "sunk in materialism and headed

for disaster. "25 This brief summary of the tradition of apocalyptic is drawn from and

is descriptive of very old religious traditions, which began to develop

during the first century B.c. Two thousand years later the conditions

which made this type of movement possible still exist and still find receptive personalities and mindsets willing to embrace and perpetuate

even the extremes of the apocalyptic lifestyle. The organization known as the

Jehovah's Witnesses provides an excellent contemporary example of

the degree to which apocalyptic can thrive in American culture. In

1869, at the age of seventeen, Charles Taze Russell, heard a

sermon by an Advent Christian preacher that restored his faith in the Bible. He did not become a Second Adventist, but gathered a few

friends to meet weekly for systematic Bible study. "We came to recognize," wrote Russell, "the difference between our Lord as 'the man

who gave himself,' and as the Lord who would come again, a spirit being. We saw that spirit-beings can be present, and yet invisible to

men.... we felt greatly grieved at the error of the Second Adventists, who were expecting Christ in the flesh ... "26 To counteract these

erroneous teachings Russell wrote and published at his own expense, in 1873, 50,000 copies of "The Object and Manner of the Lord's Return,"

the first publication of what would later be known

as the Jehovah's Witnesses. Throughout the history of the Witnesses there has been a very confusing number of leadership associations made and dissolved, due usually to disagreements in theology, prophecy and prediction. My

discussion of the history and organization of Jehovah's Witnesses will therefore be very simple and existent only to the extent necessary to

understand some of their teachings. The

motivating factor behind the Jehovah's Witnesses development

as a sect (a religious movement alienated from

the world, which stresses that

it alone possesses the truth) and their insistence on remaining one

has been their millenarian eschatology. No major Christian movement has been so insistent on prophesying the end of the world in such

definite ways or such specific dates. They have consistently looked to specific dates-1874, 1878, 1881, 1910, 1914, 1918, 1920, 1925, 1975

and others -as having specific eschatological significance. 27 Russell originally believed that 1874 would mark the beginning of Christ's

"invisible presence," that 1878 and then 1881 would see the "change" of members of the church from fleshly bodies to spiritual bodies, and

that 1910 would be the beginning

of global troubles leading to the end

. of the world. When propheci "spiritualized," or abandoned

All of this prediction and

scripture and involved, comr study, based upon examples

t month and day) are assigned

beginning of the existence oj Nebuchadnezzar, baptism of also given significance: 1914

beginning of the end times; the

birth of the New Nation

6,000 years of human exister earth will be completed; 291,

will be restored to mankind.: Jehovah's Witnesses hold t

the sixty six books of the stal as the

only scripture, but rna

truthful than others. They hI only one that is completely (

Bible was conducted by a cOl Bible "scholars. "29 Througho

plethora of Bible study aids, explain the Bible

to its mem' these Watchtower printings t

importance of the Bible and Witnesses were expected to I

but only 197 pages of the Btl status of tradition and became

were to be understood. 30

"The Watchtower Society it has held to a particular po

speculation or otherwise. TIdoctrine in question was un1

that Watchtower leaders are

light. "31 For years "God's pe·

the end of the Gentile

Time: when the faithful would be =

1914 receded further into th identify that date as "the be

In 1975 an attempt was I'I Witness community on a

IlL

hope that the Society's Ger surrounding 1914 would be ,

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,tream protestantism. "24 Converts )ut their personal, physical and

very negatively oriented toward

in materialism and headed

of apocalyptic is drawn from and

itions, which began to develop JSalld

years later the conditions

lssible still exist and still find

'illing to embrace and perpetuate ifestyle.

The organization known I excellent contemporary example

'\ thrive in American culture.

narles Taze Russell, heard a ler that restored his faith in the

.dventist, but gathered a few 3ible study. "We came to

lce between our Lord as 'the man 10 would come again, a spirit e present, and yet invisible to error of the Second Adventists,

l ... "26 To counteract these published at his own expense, in

ld Manner of the Lord's Return," er

be known as the Jehovah's

the Witnesses there has been a 5SOciations

made and dissolved, gy, prophecy and prediction. My

ion of Jehovah's Witnesses will mly to the extent necessary to

~hovah's

Witnesses development ted

from the world, which stresses

heir insistence on remaining one r.

No major Christian movement he end of the world in such ley have consistently looked to

, 1914, 1918, 1920, 1925, 1975 logical significance. 27 Russell Irk

the beginning of Christ's

en 1881 would see

the "change" bodies to spiritual bodies, and .obal troubles leading to the end

. of the world. When prophecies failed they had to be re-interpreted, "spiritualized," or abandoned.

All of this prediction and "prophecy" is based upon in-depth study of scripture and involved, complicated chronologies developed from this study, based upon examples from the past. Specific dates (often to the

month and day) are assigned to historic biblical

events--creation, the beginning of the existence of Israel, the fall of Jerusalem to

Nebuchadnezzar, baptism of Christ, etc. Recent and future dates are also given significance: 1914 as the end of the Gentile Times and the

beginning of the end times; 1918 as the fall of Babylon the Great and the birth of the

New Nation of Jehovah's Witnesses; 1975 as the end of

6,000 years of human existence; 2875 as when the restitution of the earth

will be completed; 2914 as the date when dominion of the earth

will be restored to mankind. 28 Jehovah's Witnesses hold that "all scripture is of God." They accept

the sixty six books

of the standard Protestant Old and New Testaments as the

only scripture, but maintain that some translations are more

truthful than others. They hold that the New World Translation is the only one that is completely error-free. Translation of the New World Bible was conducted by a committee composed of Watchtower Society

Bible "scholars. "29 Throughout its history the Society has published a plethora of Bible study aids, commentaries and other materials to

explain the Bible to its members. Due to the emphasis placed upon these Watchtower printings there has occurred an inversion of

importance of the Bible and the "supplementary teachings." In 1981 Witnesses were expected to read 3,178 pages of Watchtower literature,

but only 197 pages of the Bible. Russell's teachings quickly attained the status of tradition and became the only medium by which the scriptures

were to be understood. 30 "The

Watchtower Society had been extremely doctrinaire whenever it has held to a particular position, whether relating to prophetic speculation or otherwise.

Then, later, when it became obvious that the doctrine in question was untenable, it would retreat to the assertion

that Watchtower leaders are

not infallible and must progress with the light. "31 For years "God's people" had anticipated October 1, 1914, as

the end

of the Gentile Times, the end of all things and the moment when the faithful would be lifted off the earth heavenward. As October

1914 receded further into the past, members

of the society began to identify that date as "the beginning ofthe end.,,32

In 1975 an attempt was made to get the governing body to set the Witness community on a more open, less dogmatic course. There was

hope that the Society's Gentile Times chronology and the teaching surrounding 1914 would be ditched, or at least re-examined. The

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closest they came to abandoning that teaching was a proposal to shift the

date from 1914 to 1957; from the generation that saw World War I

to the generation that witnessed Sputnik and the beginning of the Space Age. 33 The latest spectacular date that has come and gone

without fireworks is 1975, the end of 6,000 years of human history and the

probable beginning of the millenium. The "Stay alive till '75"

campaign proved to be a lot of hype, and caused serious chaos within the

power structure of the society and the falling away of many who

were weak in the faith. 34 The preceding examples are enough to give us a taste of the doctrinal integrity that has been practiced throughout the

entire history of the Watchtower Society. It would be unfair to assert that the

leadership conciously engages in deceptions. The type of

person that reaches the upper tiers of leadership in the society is thoroughly steeped in millenial thinking and really believes that God will work in the ways they have distilled from the scriptures-the inspired

word of God. Jehovah's Witnesses have always accepted and believed the traditional Christian concept of the linear progression of history.

History began with the fall of Adam and Eve in Eden. Jehovah destroyed the first world of man and wicked angels by flooding them

out. He smiled upon Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and gave their descendants a divine law to live by. However, the law only made Israel's

innate sinfulness more apparent. Jesus Christ was sent to die in order to ransom Israel and humankind in general from sin and death. At that

point God revealed his will for

men and the way in which they could be saved. At the same time Christ began to choose a "church class of

144,000 spiritual Israelites from among all sorts

of men and women." This

"little flock", "bride of Christ," etc. eventually will receive a

heavenly resurrection to reign and rule with Jesus as king-priests for 1000 years. Except for the people who have been "wilfully wicked" the dead will be ressurected during the 1000-year reign of Christ and given

the opportunity to learn God's will

and then accept or reject it. Those living during the end times will either pass through Armageddon, into a

new earth which will eventually become an Eden-like paradise, or will be completely destroyed by God's wrath. The dead who are resurrected

will be raised to that paradise. At the end of the 1000 years Satan and his demon hordes will be released to deceive the nations. Then Satan,

his spirit comrades and those men and women that joined him in rebellion will be destroyed by the fire of God's wrath. Those left

alive will be declared justified and granted the loving reward of everlasting life. 35

This brief outline of the entire history of the world has appeared in Watchtower publications since 1884. We'll now take a glimpse at some

of the

details

of the end time a: has been resurrected in spirit al

midst of his enemies and prepa: brought about by the sinfulness Satan. Eventually Christ shall. 20:3 and destroy all wicked del:

serve as king-priests over mank. paradise earth during his 1000-

The human soul

is the persois the human

soul that dies. T}

"life force" present in both mer spirits are in no sense conscioll

hellfire or purgatory. Hell is sir: individuals can be resurrected I

Gehenna and the lake of fire rc; not

indicate eternal torment, 1:

die because Adam and Eve's wi perfection, and imperfect bein~

raised up to make God's will kr people of the last days another

accept it. 38 In its formative years the

W~ sense that it believed that othe

Protestants, were part of the c~ But as time passed Russell and

had a special role. He

was the 24:45-47 who was to provide ". faith. Though he originally ass

teachings of, clergymen of varL grew more negative towards, al pastors and priests. In 1919 Jud president of the Society, began

world in which business, gover Devil's chief instruments." He

had sided with Satan in opposi

Christian Witnesses. The Cat~

disfavor, with Protestant and J. were all depicted as deliberatel

"Religion is a Snare and a Rad The formal organizational st

Jehovah's Witnesses are govern government of God on earth. I

hierarchial. The structure of rr mirrors the organization of the

9



eaching was a proposal to shift ~neration

that saw World War I

lik and the beginning

of the te that has come and gone ,000 years of human history and

m. The "Stay alive till '75" nd

caused serious chaos within the falling

away of many who .g

examples are enough to give us

as been practiced throughout

the tv. It

would be unfair to assert in deceptions.

The type of ~adership

in the society is

19 and really believes

that God d from the scriptures-the inspired

.epted and believed the lear progression of history.

1d Eve in Eden. Jehovah

ieked angels by flooding them

and Jacob and gave their )wever,

the law only made Israel's

Christ was sent to die in order to al from sin and death. At that

.d the

way in which they could be to

choose a "church class of

all sorts of men and women." :c.

eventually will receive a with

Jesus as king-priests for have been "wilfully wicked" the

10-year reign of Christ

and given I then accept or reject it. Those pass

through Armageddon, into a Ie an Eden-like paradise, or will 1. The

dead who are resurrected ~nd of the 1000 years

Satan and ~ceive

the nations. Then Satan,

women that joined him in ,f

God's wrath. Those left Ited the loving reward

of

ry of the world has appeared in le'll now take a glimpse at some

of the

details of the

end time as apprehended by Witness beliefs. Christ has been resurrected in spirit and is now invisibly present, ruling in the

midst of his enemies and preparing for Armageddon, which will be brought about by the sinfulness and folly of mankind, influenced by

Satan. Eventually Christ shall cast Satan into the abyss of Revelation 20:3 and destroy all wicked demons and men. He and his church will

serve as king-priests over mankind to bring them to perfection on a paradise earth during his 1000-year reign. 36

The human soul

is the person himlher self. When the person dies it is the human

soul that dies. The soul is not eternal. The spirit is the

"life force" present in both men and animals, so when people die their spirits are in no sense conscious. Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in

hellfire or purgatory. Hell is simply man's common grave from which individuals can be resurrected to either a heavenly or an earthly life.

Gehenna and

the lake of fire referred to by Jesus and in Revelation do not

indicate eternal torment, but the second death---eternal. Humans

die because Adam and Eve's willful sinning caused them to lose perfection, and imperfect beings die. 37 Jehovah's Witnesses have been

raised up to make God's will known before Armageddon-to give people of the last days another opportunity to know God's will and accept it. 38

In its formative years the Witness movement was fairly 'liberal' in the sense that it believed that other Christians, particularly some of the

Protestants, were part of the church of Christ and could gain salvation. But as time passed Russell and his followers became convinced that he

had a special role.

He was the special servant referred to in Matthew 24:45-47 who was to provide "meat in due season" for the household of

faith. Though he originally associated with, and borrowed from the teachings of, clergymen of various denominations, Russell gradually

grew more negative towards, and critical of, other churches, their pastors and priests. In 1919 Judge Rutherford, Russell's successor as

president of the Society, began a campaign of condemnation of the world in which business, government and religion "were labelled as the

Devil's chief instruments." He claimed that the clergy of all religions had

sided with Satan in opposition to the Lord, his Christ and his

Christian Witnesses. The Catholic church was seen with the greatest disfavor, with Protestant and Jewish clergy faring little better. They

were all depicted as deliberately misleading the children of God. "Religion is a Snare and a Racket."40 .

The formal organizational structure,

the theocracy, by which Jehovah's Witnesses are governed is very important. To them it is the

government of God on earth. In this case theocratic can be defined as hierarchial. The structure of the Witness government almost exactly

mirrors the organization of the Roman Catholic Church (see charts).

33

10



34

Organizational Structure

The Organizational Structure of Jehovah's Witnesses

Governing Body

;-L-L---L.....L-.1.....o~,

", r-------L....z...-_---, \ " '"'

/ Watchtower Society \ , ,

/ of New York \,'

cJ'L6 D D ~ 6 b ffi

2;esb '0

6 6 ~OWC;Ci[1;rnno' ~0'2:J 6 .---~__..;tL..'" Solid lines indicate the ordinaty

, lines of communication within

, the organizational structure of Jehovah's Wimesses; broken

, lines indicate more uncommon,

'

but sanction~d,

means

of commUnication.,,

\\ ....--C-o-n-gr-'e'-ga-t-io-n----. t---L--,

Publishers ~

JERe Jesl

~~Faithfr.

Slave" C

GOVl

Chainnan's Writing Teac Committee Committee CODJJ

The Watchtower's idea

of

(from The Wi

STRUCTURE OF ROMAl" CATHOLIC CHURCH

The Pope of Rome The

College of Cardinals The Papal Curia The

Vatican Archbishops Bishops Priests Deacons Regular Orders The

Catholic laity

11



l Structure

tal Structure Witnesses

~.~ t~,I1Ima , '

\ ,',50ciety I \ , , ork \,'l \ COffi"}ittees' ,

~oDLJD 5r~scr6 6

Solid lines indicate the ordinary t \ lines of communication within b\ TS \ the organizational structure of

Jehovah's Witnesses; broken \ lines indicate more uncommon, but sanctioned, means of

\rs commUnication.J\

:J\\ EJB

Apocalypse Delayed

JEHOVAH GOD

Jesus Christ

"Faithful and Discreet Slave" Class,Matt. 24:45,47

GOVERNING BODY

~// \~~ WritingChainnan's

CommitteeCommittee Teaching Service Publishing Personnel

Committee Committee Committee Committee

The Watchtower's idealized view of the theocratic government

of Jehovah's Witnesses

(from The Watchtower, 1 January 1977, 16)

STRUCTURE OF ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

The Pope of Rome The

College of Cardinals The Papal Curia The

Vatican Archbishops Bishops Priests Deacons Regular Orders The

Catholic laity

STRUCTURE OF JEHOVAH'S ~TNESSGOVERNMENT

The President of the Watch Tower Society The

Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses The Committee Structure of the Governing Body The

Brooklyn Bethel District Overseers Circuit Overseers Elders Ministerial Services Pioneers The

Jehovah's Witness community

35

12



The theocracy is a bureaucracy of which the president, until 1971, was a complete spiritual autocrat. After 1971, what is known as the governing

body came into existence reducing the role of the president to that of "first among equals."41 The society exercises great control over the

Witness community through 1) the preaching work, and 2) the system of judicial committees. It is difficult for an ordinary Witness to

challenge the authority of an elder in his congregation, a circuit overseer or especially any aspect of the national leadership. 42 "Jehovah's

Witnesses are, if anything, twentieth century sectarian Puritans with many of the same taboos and social attitudes as seventeenth century

English and New England forbears, along with more than a touch of Victorian pietism."43 For years the society has had a very negative attitude toward anyone who has wanted to study the Jehovah's Witnesses in depth. The society has a policy of discouraging individual Witnesses from publishing anything relating to their faith. If something needs to be published, the society will do it. Watchtower officials have an idealized history of the movement, created by suppressing or distorting

unflattering historical facts, to which they are dedicated to preserving. 44 The

society has been anti-intellectual since the early days. Russell

instructed members not to send children to universities, college or high school. Though Knorr, the third president, raised the educational levels

up to

the point of stressing the importance of basic education, it has never been believed that higher education was necessary for the training

of preachers and evangelists. Circuit overseers and elders have often preached against higher education and made life unpleasant for any Witness students who insisted on attending a university. 45

There are no prohibitions against any foods (except those containing blood) or any beverages, no peculiar dress styles and no absolute

prohibitions against most forms of entertainment for members of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Yet every Witness feels constantly alienated from the world by the many things he must not do and the many others that

he should not do. A Witness may not serve in the military, work for another religious organization, hold an elected public office, produce, sell or consume tobacco, stand for the national anthem, salute the flag,

use hallucinogens, celebrate

hoidays, engage in improper sexual relations, etc. 46 So why does anyone became a Witness? Some reasons

given include:

1) Disillusionment with chaotic political, social and economic conditions throughout much of the world.

2) Strong feelings of disillusionment with the religious groups with which they were formerly associated in both the Christian and

non-Christian worlds. 3) Admiration for both Witness moral values and behavior.

36

4) Appreciation for a religion, mankind's ultimate question

5) An equal appreciation for a which the life of the individ

Consequently most Witnesses tene own community as decadent and (

and military crisis

is seen as anoth to its end and is beyond repair. TIl

themselves (except for preaching, system of things. "47

Since the present evil world is F any thing except the preaching we

exert time and energy on building charitable institutions. "The preac

is seen

as the 'touchstone' of their etre.

"48The governing body has pl~

through a work, through preaching. that both the

apocalypse and the e therefore to Witnesses in general" is not the grave"-it is

rather to pI

by reading Watchtower literature a

Since almost the very beginning use of

the printed word has been IT

over 53,500,000 Bibles, books and 460,072,000 copies of Awake! and

much evidence to the contrary, \V:; believe that it is an effective mean

rate, the literature is a major sourc considered a most important factOl and is the basic means of inculcati

ordinary Jehovah's Witnesses. The the

view of James Penton, the Wat:

written articles, especially when d. But it often repeats in tiresome fas

have been printed again and again rather low grade version of Reader'_

hammers on the themes of sociall: Kingdom Ministry is

a dull monthlycongregational service meetings

ar: techniques. 50

There are currently about

2,700 34,500 congregations around the V'

adherents. There has continued t()

13



ch the president, until 1971, was a l,

what is known as the governing

~ role of the president to

that of ~rcises

great control over the

eaching work, and 2) the system )r

an ordinary Witness to his congregation, a circuit ~

national leadership.42 "Jehovah's

century sectarian Puritans with titudes as seventeenth century ong

with more than a touch of

:iety has had a very negative ~

to study the Jehovah's Witnesses :liscouraging individual Witnesses heir faith. If something needs to latchtower officials have an

eated by suppressing or distorting . 44they are dedicate d to preservmg.

l since the early days. Russell ren to universities, college or high ident, raised the educational levels tance of basic education, it has ation was necessary for the training overseers

and elders have often d made life unpleasant for any . . 45

~nding a UniVersity. my foods

(except those containing dress styles and

no absolute tertainment for members of the

5S feels constantly alienated from t not do and the many others that

serve in the military, work for m elected public office, produce, e national anthem, salute the flag, engage in improper sexual

became a Witness? Some reasons

olitical, social and economic fthe

world. ~nt with the religious groups with

:iated in both the Christian and

loral values and behavior.

4) Appreciation for a religion which claims ultimate answers for mankind's ultimate questions.

5) An equal appreciation for a social and organizational structure in which the life of the individual can become eternally meaningful.

Consequently most Witnesses tend to think of society outside their own community as decadent and corrupt. Every political, economic

and military crisis is seen as another sign that the world is fast coming to its end and is beyond repair. This means that they must keep to

themselves (except for preaching work); apart from Satan's "doomed system of things. "47

Since the present evil world is passing away there is little time for any thing except the preaching work. It makes no sense to them to

exert time and energy on building schools, hospitals, or any other charitable institutions. "The preaching work of the Jehovah's Witnesses

is seen

as the 'touchstone' of their lives, central to their very raison d' etre."48The governing body has placed a great deal of stress on salvation

through a work, through preaching. The Watchtower society still teaches that both

the apocalypse and the dawning of a new age are at hand,

therefore to Wimesses in general "life is real; life is earnest; and its goal is not the grave"-it is rather to praise Jehovah and vindicate his name by

reading Watchtower literature and placing it at doors. 49 .

Since almost the very beginning of the Witness movement, extenSive use of the printed word has been made. In 1983 alone they distributed

over 53,500,000 Bibles, books and booklets around the world plus over 460,072,000 copies of Awake! and Watchtower magazines. In spite of

much evidence to the contrary, Watch Tower leaders continue to believe that it is an effective means of spreading their message. At any

rate, the literature is a major source of income for the society, is considered a most important factor in door~to~door preaching work,

and is the basic means of inculcating ideas into the heads and hearts of ordinary Jehovah's Wimesses. The quality of the literature varies. In

the view of James Penton, the Watchtower has some reasonably well~ written articles, especially when dealing with moral or social issues.

But it often repeats in tiresome fashion old doctrines or themes which have been printed again and again since World War I. Awake! is "a

rather low grade version of Reader's Digest, is dated, pedestrian and hammers on the themes of social breakdown and moral decay." Our

Kingdom Ministry is a dull monthly bulletin outlining weekly congregational service meetings and repetitively discusses proselytizing

techniques. 50

There are currently about 2,700,000 Jehovah's Witnesses comprising 34,500 congregations around the world, plus several million more

adherents. There has continued to be a growth in numbers, but the

37

14



turnover rate has been very high. Policies of headquarters and the governing body has led to the loss of many intellectuals and the

defection of many of the movements formerly most loyal and able members. 51 "In effect, then, while it is always dangerous to predict the

future, it is reasonable to believe that while in the short term Jehovah's Witnesses will maintain their 'unworldly' sectarian style, eventually they will be forced to come to terms with the world which today they would like so much to see destroyed. That is, unless mankind as a

whole is overtaken by that great apocalypse or battle of Armageddon which not only Jehovah's Witnesses but many others as well see as a

real possibility during the last years of the twentieth century. "52

For the sake of recognizing the diversity of the American apocalyptic experience, we will also take a brief glance at the Stelle Group whose

approach to apocalypse contrasts sharply with the Jehovah's Witnesses, but also parallels some of the basic underlying themes. The purpose of

life is "Ultimate advancement to the pinnacle of existence-to be one with God! You cannot become one with God until you are His equal in

knowledge of everything. God has provided the means and intermediate steps to do so. It is the very meaning of our presence here. God created

us in order to glorify Him in the greatest

way imaginable, which is to elevate ourselves to his very level. 1153

The Stelle Group

was founded March 5, 1963, as not.for-profit religious/educational corporation to provide a way for people to

consciously work toward the goal mentioned above. In January of 1970 the Stelle Group bought 240 acres of land about 60 miles south of

Chicago and began construction of a community, Stelle, lllinois, which it is hoped will eventually mushroom in growth. 54 Stelle is

different from other intentional communities in that it pursues a balanced, holistic upgrading of all aspects of living, which includes the conscious evolution of economics, politics, social structure, art,

asthetics, education, health, technology, spiritual and psychological growth, commerce, construction, agriculture and futuristic undertakings. Its people are practical enough to use anything that has

proven workable in improving their lives and the environment of their community. It is an ongoing community of people working to establish a culture that transcends the mediocrity of mass-man. 55 The Stelle

Group provides an organization for persons to achieve the greatness intended of human beings. But there are no recruiting drives or evangelism efforts, it is seen as far more appropriate that the people

who are naturally ready for the great work should actively seek a place there by their own volition.

The formation of the Stelle Group and the building and continued

existence of the Stelle community were inspired and guided by the

38

ideals and philosophy

ext: Eklal Kueshana, pen nam

explanation of the organi man's position therein. T telling of Richard's contal Brotherhoods. Through tl

nature of man and what i advancement, assuring so

world as it currently exist some of the main points (

Over a million years ag Individually each human through the course of tho of existence, to gain coml

existence-the physical,

I

this goal the Ego is knoW! to helping other Egos att~

Master, the whole life wa

existence. Those beings 0

those on that level progre where they become one \\

It should only take one attain

Mastership, but dUi

the Egos on Earth have

ta

only a very small percent~

Egos are supposed to

be ~

the members of one plane

other Egos on other plam

Egos that have become

~ years ago to destroy the e:

society that develops will advancement. In this wa!

goal of perfection will haand thus advance with d

7, 000 years before the

prgets on 'the right track to just a few lifetimes; but f

the path. "56 There are twelve degre

first degree requires spirit body, controlled clairvo',i

a long record of good wo profession and a burning

15



T ides of headquarters and the ideals and philosophy expressed in the book The Ultimate Frontier by

many

intellectuals and the formerly most loyal and able is always

dangerous to predict the while in the short term Jehovah's

dIy' sectarian style, eventually with the world which today they

That is, unless mankind as a

alypse or battle of Armageddon lut

many others as well see as a

f the twentieth century. "52

~rsity of the American apocalyptic :lance at the Stelle Group whose -ply

with the Jehovah's Witnesses, lderlying themes.

The purpose of pinnacle of existence-to be one

ith God until you are His equal in ovided the means and intermediate of our presence here. God created

test way imaginable, which is to

rch 5, 1963, as

not-for-profit

lrovide a

way for people to \tioned above. In January of 1970

land about 60 miles south of community, Stelle, lllinois,

hroom in growth. 54 Stelle is nunities in that it pursues a

>ects of living, which includes

the ,litics, sodal structure, art,

Jgy, spiritual and psychological

iculture and futuristic enough to

use anything that has ives

and the environment of their

lity of people working to establish 'ity

of mass-man. 55 The Stelle

~rsons to achieve

the greatness are no recruiting drives or

lre appropriate

that the people work

should actively seek a place

and the building and continued :re inspired and guided

by the

Eklal Kueshana, pen name of Richard Kieninger. This book is an explanation of the organization and the workings of the universe and

man's position therein. The book takes the form of an autobiography telling of Richard's contacts with an organization known as the

Brotherhoods. Through these contacts Richard was instructed in the nature of man and what is being done to promote mankind's

advancement, assuring some amount of preparation for the end of the world as it currently exists. What follows is a very brief summary of

some of the main points of this philosophy. Over a million years ago the current human life-wave was created.

Individually each human is called an Ego. The goal of an Ego is, through the course of thousands of incarnations on the physical plane

of existence, to gain complete knowledge

of the first four planes of existence-the

physical, etheric, astral and mental. Upon attaining

this goal the Ego is known as a Master and then dedicates all his energy to helping other Egos attain Mastership. After everyone has become a

Master, the whole life wave advances to the fifth, or angelic plane of existence. Those beings on the angelic progress to the archangelic, and

those on that level progress to the seventh level; the celestial plane where they become one with God.

lt should only take

one million years for all Egos in a life wave to attain Mastership, but due to a number of factors and evil influences,

the Egos on Earth have taken one million ten thousand years so far and only a very small percentage have made good progress. Although, all

Egos are supposed to be Masters before progression

to the fifth plane, the

members of one planet are not allowed to delay indefinitely all the

other Egos on other planets in

the universe. With this in mind, those Egos that

have become Masters, developed a plan several thousand years ago to destroy

the earth and remake it, so that the culture and society that develops will be conducive to spiritual and Egoic

advancement. In this way, Egos who have been working toward the goal of perfection will have a better chance of attaining Mastership,

and thus advance with

the rest of the life wave. There are only about 7,000 years before the progression of the life waves, but once an Ego

gets on 'the right track toward Mastership, they can make the grade in just a few lifetimes; but the world today is not conducive to starting on

the path.

"56 There are twelve degrees of advancement toward Mastership. The

first degree requires spiritual and emotional balance, control over one's body, controlled clairvoyant ability, a cheerful and willing personality,

a long record of good works, a high level of skill in at least one trade or profession and a burning desire to be a Brother and work diligently for

39

16



40

the advancement of mankind. Degrees one through seven indicate the degree of control over oneself and one's environment. Attainment of

the seventh degree means

that the Ego no longer must function on the physical plane, and is known as an Adept. The twelfth degree is Master and indicates a complete understanding of everything possible on the

first four planes of existence; a high proficiency in at least 144 trades, arts, and professions; and that one is perfectly free from hate, fear,

envy, lust, and pride. Those Egos who have already attained Adeptship or Mastership have

organized into twelve Brotherhoods dedicated to aiding the rest of mankind in their advancement. Five of the Brotherhoods are composed only of Masters who function strictly on the mental plane. The other

seven are composed of Masters, Adepts and other advanced human Egos

who have been carefully selected for special attention and instruction so

that they may also be elevated to Adeptship. A Brotherhood will never interfere in the affairs of a nation and will not operate in the environment of any individual without expressed

invitation to do so, and then only if the person has done his very best to help himself and can go no further without aid. Students of the

Brotherhoods have included Moses, Socrates, Jesus, John the Baptist, Buddha, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin.

The Great Pyramid of Gizah

was built under the supervision of the Brotherhoods in order to record in stone the plan for the evolution of a superior society. The dates and events foretold in the pyramid were accurately predicted, usually to the minute, and the Brotherhoods have

adhered to this established timetable. However, with the advent of the Aquarian Age in August of 1953, the period of the pyramid's prophecies

came to a close. However, Chapter 16 of Revelation foretells the nature of the final years of the twentieth century. In The Ultimate

Frontier Armageddon and Doom's Day are two distinct occurrences. Armageddon "is a series of wars, or more exactly one war with pauses, which began in 1914 and will grow more destructive and vicious as this

century draws to its close. Armageddon's violent culmination will take place about a year before the tum of the century. It is a major

instrument of the Judgment."s7 Doom's Day will be the result of natural geological transformation.

The Earth's crust

is continually in the process of rising and falling, becoming alternately ocean and continent producing the stratified

layers of rock that are easily observed in mountainous areas. The crust is

currently out of equilibrium; the continental arches are ripe for buckling, and the ice caps are unbalanced.

The trigger for the great seismic re-shifting of the Earth's surface will come from an outside

source. On May 5, 2000 A. D., the planets of the solar system will be

arrayed in practically a straight to enough gravitational distort

Armageddon and Doom's D: in heart will be spared; the car,

Less than one

tenth of the war year 2001. Those who survive 1

their convictions and civilizad Kingdom of God. After Octob t formed upon "The Great Isle a

.~ Pacific Ocean. The Brotherh()( civilization was scheduled arou

Kieninger was given the task 0

major preliminary step for this the

Chicago area for the traini Kingdom of God. This

commu Though

given the guidance together

by the highest ideals I been faced with the same diffi<

struggles, schisms, economic u slower growth than expected. 1

group gathered in Chicago; de' directed by Kieninger's wife; st

land; constructed a woodworki Stelle. There were a number 0

leadership styles, whether or n wife gained a large amount of I husband exiled from the comIT

and she voluntarily quit the gr concentrate on establishing an

leadership at Stelle was vested necessary for a person to be a I

Stelle. Now anyone who wish. It is

a group of people who I responsibility for their own

liV' thought and talk among the rr

concerned with daily living b\ would have them do unto you,I

H someone has a complaint, t

.~ working to correct the situatic improvement and personal re~

There are about

100 people: reside in surrounding towns, &.

another couple of hundred pe

17



-5 one through seven indicate the :'s

environment. Attainment of

) no longer must function on the lept. The twelfth degree is Master

Ig of everything possible

on the 'Oficiency

in at least 144 trades,

lerfectly free from hate, fear,

,ed

Adeptship or Mastership have :dicated to aiding

the rest of )f

the Brotherhoods are composed >n the mental plane.

The other s and other advanced human

for special attention and

evated to Adeptship. A

e affairs of a nation and will not jvidual without expressed le person has done his very best without aid. Students of the

)Crates, Jesus,

John the Baptist, Ijamin Franklin. ilt under the supervision of the

ne the plan for

the evolution of a foretold in the pyramid were nute, and the Brotherhoods have

However, with the advent of the period of the pyramid's prophecies of Revelation foretells the

th century. In

The Ultimate are two distinct occurrences.

)re exactly one war with pauses, re

destructive and vicious as this

n's violent culmination will take

le century. It is a major

:ural geological transformation. process of rising and falling, :lent producing the stratified

.n mountainous areas.

The crust ltinental arches are ripe for

tced. The trigger for

the great :e

will come from an outside

mets of the solar system will be

arrayed in practically a straight line across space. This will subject earth to enough gravitational distortion to tip the balance. 58

Armageddon and Doom's Day are the Judgment. Those who are pure in heart will be spared; the careless and thoughtless will be removed.

Less than one

tenth of the world's population will be alive to see the year 2001. Those who survive these two catastrophes and can retain

their convictions and civilization to rebuild the world will comprise the Kingdom of God. After October, 2001 A. D., the kingdom will be t

formed upon "The Great Isle of the West" which will arise out of the J Pacific Ocean. The Brotherhood's plan for maintaining the best of

civilization was scheduled around the date of Doom's Day. Richard Kieninger was given the task of establishing the Kingdom of God. The

major preliminary step for this was the founding of a community near the

Chicago area for the training of perspective candidates for the

Kingdom of God. This community is Stelle. 59

Though given the guidance of the great Brotherhoods and brought together by the highest ideals known to mankind, the Stelle Group has

been faced with the same difficulties as any other group--power struggles, schisms, economic uncertainty, and a rockier and much

slower growth than expected. Under the direction of Kieninger, the group gathered in Chicago; developed a school for the children,

directed by Kieninger's wife; started Stelle Woodworking; bought farm land; constructed a woodworking factory and houses on the site of

Stelle. There were a number of schisms over democratic and oligarchic leadership styles, whether or not to permit drug use, etc. Kieninger's

wife gained a large amount of power and succeeded in getting her husband exiled from the community. In 1975 he was allowed to return

and she voluntarily quit the group. Kieninger then began to concentrate on establishing another community in Texas. The

leadership at Stelle was vested in a chairman. Until 1981 it was necessary for a person to be a member of the Stelle Group to reside in

Stelle. Now anyone who wishes to may live there. 60

It is a group of people who have come together to recognize responsibility for their own lives. There is a degree of apocalyptic thought and talk among the members, but the majority are mostly

concerned with daily living by the rules of "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" and "what you sow, so shall you reap." .1

If someone has a complaint, they realize that they are responsible for

OJ working to correct

the situation. Great emphasis is placed on personal improvement and personal responsibility. 61

There are about 100 people who live in Stelle,

another 30 or 40 who reside in surrounding towns, 40 or 50 in the Dallas, Texas, area, and

another couple

of hundred people across the country who support the

41

18



group. Though minuscule compared to the size of the Jehovah's Witnessess, Stelle provides a good comparison to them in regard to the forms that American apocalyptic expression is currently taking. Though

they both fulfill all seven characteristics of apocalyptic thinking noted early in this paper, the differences are quite striking. The Witnesses are

a more widespread organization with congregations in many locations. Stelle is a residential community mostly withdrawn from the

predominant culture and society, but they tend to be more openminded and accepting of other people and do not insist on a conformity

of thought to be a resident of their project. Jehovah's Witnesses eschatology is more strictly Judeo-Christian in background, contains

lots of questionable applications of scripture and numerous unfulfilled prophecies. Stelle's philosophy draws from many traditions but seems to

make a great deal more sense than the Jehovah's Witnesses. The dates that

have been predicted are yet to come, but preparation for the end

requires a refining of one's whole life, but The Ultimate Frontier allows for more incarnations in the future to perfect oneself~ompared to the

Witnesses' one life in which to find the truth. This paper does not claim to reach any conclusions regarding the

validity of apocalyptic, but merely to identify some of its characteristics and

current manifestations. Its persuasiveness and influence is quite

widespread, and in this day and age of earthquakes, terrorism, and reprisal, and the constant threat of nuclear annihilation, its influence

and message need to be taken into consideration.

42

B

Bergoffen, Debra. "The Apocalyptic America.

Ed. Lois P. Zamora. Bow

Jorstad, Erling. The Pohtics of Doomsd: New York: Abingdon Press, 1970.

Kreuziger, Frederick A. Apocalypse an: Secular Soteriologies. Chico, CA: S

Kueshana, Eklal. The Ultimate Frontie-

Lang, Andrew. "The Politics of Arma-

Lippy, Charles H. "Waiting for the Er Religion." In The Apocalyptic VisiOl'

University Popular Press, 1982.

Morris, Leon. Apocalyptic. Wm. B. Ee

Nelson, John Wiley. "The Apocalypti Apocalyptic Vision in America. Ed. L Press, 1982.

Penton, James M. Apocalypse Delayed: Buffalo, London: University of Ton

Plank, Robert. "The Lone Survivor." : Martin H.

Greenberg, Joseph D. C

Southern Illinois Univetsity

Press,

Rabkin, Eric S. "Introduction: Why D Eric S. Rabkin, Martin H. Greenbe Edwardsville, IL: Southern Illinois -

Wagar, Warren W "Roundtrips to Do<r Rabkin, Martin H. Greenberg, and.

Edwardsville, IL: Southern Illinois'

Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Witnesses. New York: Watchtower B

Zamora, Lois P., ed. The Apocalyptic W and Culture.

Bowling Green Univer

19



red to the size of the Jehovah's :I

comparison to them in regard to the

expression is currently taking. Though ~ristics of

apocalyptic thinking noted s

are quite striking. The Witnesses are 'ith congregations in many locations. mostly withdrawn from the

but they tend to be more openople and do not insist on a conformity r project. Jehovah's Witnesses Christian in background, contains

f scripture and numerous unfulfilled iWS from many traditions but seems to L the Jehovah's Witnesses. The dates J come, but preparation for the end !ife,

but The Ultimate Frontier allows

~ to perfect oneself--eompared to

the d the truth.

lch any conclusions regarding the

to identify some of its characteristics

'Suasiveness and influence

is quite e of earthquakes, terrorism, and

f nuclear annihilation, its influence consideration.

Biblography

Bergoffen, Debra. "The Apocalyptic Meaning of History." In The Apocalyptic Vision in America. Ed. Lois P.

Zamora. Bowling Green University Popular Press, 1982.

Jorstad, Erling. The Politics of Doomsday: Fundamentalists of the Far Right. Nashvil1e &

New York: Abingdon Press, 1970.

Kreuziger, Frederick A. Apocalypse and Science Fiction: A Dialectic of Religious and Secular Soteriologies. Chico, CA: Scholars Press, 1982.

Kueshana, Eklal. The Ultimate Frontier. 6th ed. Quinlan, TX: The Stel1e Group, 1984.

Lang, Andrew. "The Politics of Armageddon." Convergance, Fall 1985, pp. 3, 12, 16.

Lippy,

Charles H. "Waiting for the End:

The Social Context of American Apocalyptic Religion." In The Apocalyptic Vision in America. Ed. Lois P. Zamora. Bowling Green

Universiry Popular Press, 1982.

Morris, Leon. Apocalyptic. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1972.

Nelson, John Wiley. "The Apocalyptic Vision in American Popular Culture." In The Apocalyptic Vision in America. Ed.

Lois P. Zamora. Bowling Green University Popular

Press, 1982.

Penton, James M. Apocalypse Delayed: The Story ofJehovah's Witnesses. Toronto, Buffalo, London: Universiry of Toronto Press, 1985.

Plank, Robert. "The Lone Survivor." In The End of the World. Ed. Eric S. Rabkin, Martin H. Greenberg, Joseph D. Olander. Carbondale and Edwardsville, IL:

Southern Illinois University Press, 1983.

Rabkin, Eric S. "Introduction: Why Destroy the World?" In The End of the World. Ed. Eric S. Rabkin, Martin H. Greenberg, and Joseph D. Olander. Carbondale and

Edwardsville, IL: Southern Illinois Universiry Press, 1983.

Wagar, Warren W. "Roundtrips to Doomsday." In The End of the World. Ed. Eric S. Rabkin, Martin H. Greenberg, and Joseph D. Olander. Carbondale and

Edwardsville, IL: Southern Illinois Universiry Press, 1983.

Watchtower Bible and Tract Sociery of Pennsylvania. 1975 Yearbook and Jehovah's Witnesses.

New York: Watchtower Bible and Tract Sociery of Pennsylvania, 1974.

Zamora, Lois P., ed. The Apocalyptic Vision in America: Interdisciplinary Essays on Myth and Culture. Bowling Green Universiry Popular Press, 1982.

43

20



Notes I Lois P. Zamora, ed., The Apocalyptic Vision in America (Bowling Green University

Popular Press, 1982).

Eric S. Rabkin, Martin H. Greenberg and Joseph D. Olander, eds., The End of the World (Carbondale and Edwardsvil1e: Southern Illinois University Press, 1983).

Erling Jorsted, The Politics of Doomsday (Nashville and New York: Abingdon Press, 1980).

Frederick A. Kreuziger, Apocalypse and Science Fiction (Chico, CA: Scholars Press, 1982).

2 Andrew Lang, "The Politics of Armageddon," Convergance, (Fall 1985), p. 16.

3 Zamora, p. 1.

4 Charles H. Lippy, "Waiting for the End: The Social Context of American Apocalyptic Religion," in The Apocalyptic Vision in America, ed. by Lois P. Zamora

(Bowling Green University Popular Press, 1982), pp. 37, 39.

5 John Wiley Nelson, "The Apocalyptic Vision in American Popular Culture," in The Apocalyptic Vision in America,

ed. by Lois P. Zamora (Bowling Green University

Popular Press, 1982), p. 179.

6 W. Warren Wagar, "Roundtrips to Doomsday," in The End of the World, ed. by Eric S. Rabkin, Martin H. Greenberg, and Joseph D. Olander (Carbondale and Edwardsville: Southern Illinois University Press, 1983), p. 73.

7 Robert Plank, "The Lone Survivor," in The End of the World, ed. by Eric S. Rabkin, Martin H. Greenberg, and Joseph S. Olander (Carbondale and Edwardsville: Southern Illinois Press, 1983), p. 45.

8 Zamora, p. 2.

9 Leon Morris, Apocalyptic (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1972), pp. 19, 20.

10 Morris, p. 32.

11

Zamora, p.

2.

12

Morris, pp.

23, 25-26.

13

Wm. A. Beardslees in Morris, p.

25.

14

Zamora,

p. 5. Morris, p. 34.

15

Morris,

p. 32.

16 Kreuziger, p. 2.

17

Morris, p. 59. 18 Debra Bergoffen, "The Apocalyptic Meaning of History," in The Apocalyptic Vision in

America, ed.

by Lois P. Zamora (Bowling Green University Popular Press, 1982), pp. 25, 29-30.

19

Morris,

p. 47.

20 Zamora, pp. 3, 4.

21

Bergoffen, pp.

16, 21.

Z2

Morris, pp. 42, 43. 23 Kreuziger, pp. 138, 183-184.

44

24

Lippy, pp. 48, 50,

52

25 Bergoffen, p. 33.

26 1975 Yearbook of the Jehovah's Witne.. Society of Pennsylvania, 1974), pp.

27

James

M. Penton., Apocalypse Dela: Toronto Press, 1983), p. 3.

28 Penton, pp. 196-201.

29 Penton, pp. 172-173.

30

Penton, pp.

160, 231.

31

Penton, pp.

169.

32 1975 Yearbook,

pp.

72-74.

33

Penton, pp.

218-219.

34

Penton, pp. 91-96. 35 Penton, pp. 179-180.

36

Penton, p.

187.

37 Penton, p. 190.

38

Penton, p.

181.

39

Penton,

p. 5.

40

Penton, pp. 127-130. 41

Penton, pp.

211-214.

42 Penton, pp. 245-250.

43 Penton, p. 155.

44

Penton, pp. 104-108. 45

Penton, pp. 271-273. 46

Penton, p. 280. 47

Penton, pp. 260,

280.

48 Penton, pp. 154, 206.

49

Penton, p. 279. 50 Penton, pp. 231-232.

51

Penton, pp.

7, 302. 1975 Yearbook,

52

Penton, p. 306. 53

Eklal Kueshana,

The Ultimate Fran25-26.

54

Kueshana, pp. 265,

270.

55

Kueshana, p. 282. 56 Kueshana, p. 43.

57 Kueshana, p. 47.

58 Kueshana, p. 131.

21



Notes lision in America (Bowling Green University

:and Joseph D. Olander, eds., The End of the : Southern Illinois University Press, 1983).

y (Nashville and New York: Abingdon Press,

dScience Fiction (Chico, CA: Scholars Press,

:eddon," Convergance, (Fall 1985), p. 16.

ld:

The Social Context of American

lyptic Vision in America, ed.

by Lois P. Zamora 'ress,

1982), pp. 37, 39.

: Vision in American Popular Culture," in The

Lois P. Zamora (Bowling Green University

lmsday," in

The End of the World, ed. by Eric S. loseph D.

Olander (Carbondale and ersity

Press, 1983), p. 73.

n The End of the World, ed. by Eric S. Rabkin, Olander (Carbondale and Edwardsville:

rdmans

Publishing Co., 1972), pp.

19, 20.

.1eaning of History," in The Apocalyptic Vision in ling Green University Popular Press, 1982), pp.

24 Lippy, pp. 48, 50, 52

25 Bergoffen, p. 33.

26 1975 Yearbook of the Jelwvah's Witnesses (New York: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 1974), pp. 35, 36.

27 James M. Penton., Apocalypse Delayed (Toronto, Buffalo, London: University of Toronto Press, 1983), p. 3.

28 Penton, pp. 196-201.

29 Penton, pp. 172-173.

30

Penton, pp.

160, 231.

31

Penton, pp.

169.

J2 1975 Yearbook,

pp. 72-74. 33 Penton, pp. 218-219.

34


36

Penton, p.

187.

37 Penton, p. 190.

38

Penton, p.

181.

39

Penton, p. 5. 40

Penton, pp. 127-130. 41

Penton, pp.

211-214.

42 Penton, pp. 245-250.

43 Penton, p. 155.

44


46

Penton, p. 280. 47

Penton, pp. 260,

280.

48 Penton, pp. 154, 206.

49

Penton, p. 279. 50

Penton, pp. 231-232. 51

Penton, pp.

7, 302. 1975 Yearbook, p. 3.

52 Penton, p. 306.

53

Eklal Kueshana,

The Ultimare Frontier, (Quinlan, TX: The Stelle Group 1984) pp.25-26. ' ,

54

Kueshana, pp. 265, 270. 55 Kueshana, p. 282.

56

Kueshana, p. 43. 57 Kueshana, p. 47.


45 22



59 Kueshana, pp. 22-23, 26, 42-43, 47, 61, 63, 66, 73, 129, 130, 132, 133, 282.


61

Interview with Robert Frothingham,

15 year member of the Stelle Group, April 15, 1986.

Dan Gray - is from West Lafayette, Indiana, where he attended West Lafayette High School. Dan studied History and Religion and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History in May 1987. Dan intends to go

to seminary in

the fall of 1987.

46

From Midd to Holmes

The Joumey 0

a The Life of 1

limy

23



terminal visions: apocalyptic thought of jehovah's

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