The thief on the cross !?

[BARNEY BRIGHT]

It was not meant as a insult my friend if you received it as such, my apologies. We are much more alike than you can imagine I am a Bible Student (what many Jehovah's Witnesses refer to as the "evil slave class"), so we're accustom to similar remarks (persecutions as you like to call them) coming from our JW friends.

I personally believe that the Witnesses are closer to the truth than are the rest of the professing church (Catholics and Protestants), nevertheless there are distinctive doctrinal differences between the beliefs of Bible Students and Jehovah's Witnesses.

I try to get along with everyone without making such remarks and when it comes to judging I let Jehovah God and his ony begotten Son do the judging and I do my best to keep a civil tongue. Will we disagree yes but I do my best to disagree without the insults.

 

[Truth7t7]

Tut tut. Why do you have to be rude and hurtful about it?

Have you never been aware that not all of us are young ...and some of us cannot see as clearly as you can anymore. Count yourself lucky, maybe one day your eyesight and hearing will go too.

And , MANY of us many find size 4 font almost impossible to read.

Not intended to hurt anyone as you claim Grace, will you continue to portray me in a light that I'm not?

I simply put various fonts up with a question, and your going to make false claims I'm trying to hurt Amadeus with original intent?

100% "Bearing False Witness"!​

Jesus Christ Is My Lord And Savior.

Can You Read That Grace?

 

[Helen]

Not intended to hurt anyone as you claim Grace, will you continue to portray me in a light that I'm not?

I simply put various fonts up with a question, and your going to make false claims I'm trying to hurt Amadeus with original intent?

100% "Bearing False Witness"!​

Jesus Christ Is My Lord And Savior.

Can You Read That Grace?

Well, it nice to see you are a man of integrity .
My mother taught us kids that if someone perceives something as an offence...then, to that person, perception is their reality.
Therefore we kids learned to apologies even when what we said was not meant to be hurtful.
I think that had something to do with the words of Jesus.

Your post to Amadeus showed no graciousness toward him at all.
Try reading it again for yourself.


Just saying.

 

[Harvest 1874]

My research finds that the "Bible Student" movement stems from Charles Taze Russel, and Jehovah's witnesses?

Your research is only half right, the Bible Student movement did stem from Pastor Russell (as well as a few other contemporaries of the time), but NOT from the Jehovah's Witnesses. Bible Students were around long before the JW's emerged, the Jehovah's Witness movement stems from the teachings of Judge Rutherford (although they do still retain some of the Pastor's original teachings), however as an organization the Jehovah's Witnesses were not founded until 1931.

 

[Phoneman777]

Your research is only half right, the Bible Student movement did stem from Pastor Russell (as well as a few other contemporaries of the time), but NOT from the Jehovah's Witnesses. Bible Students were around long before the JW's emerged, the Jehovah's Witness movement stems from the teachings of Judge Rutherford (although they do still retain some of the Pastor's original teachings), however as an organization the Jehovah's Witnesses were not founded until 1931.

Why did Russell asked to be dressed in a toga on his deathbed, which is the preferred method of Freemasons? And why do so many of JW beliefs and interpretations match that of Masonry?

 

[Truth7t7]

Amadeus:

(Size-7) Have you ever been told, your font size makes your post's difficult to read?

(Size-6) Have you ever been told, your font size makes your post's difficult to read?

(Size-5) Have you ever been told, your font size makes your post's difficult to read?

(Size-4) Have you ever been told, your font size makes your post's difficult to read?

To Amadeus & The Forum

I had no I'll intent of harming, insulting, Amadeus with the attached post, my concern for the large font being hard to read was genuine, and not intended to cause harm.

For those who see this otherwise I will apoligize, however my intent wasn't to cause harm, insult, Amadeus or anybody.

In Love

 

[Truth7t7]

Why did Russell asked to be dressed in a toga on his deathbed, which is the preferred method of Freemasons? And why do so many of JW beliefs and interpretations match that of Masonry?

Charles Taze Russel Was A Freemason, and his 1914 prediction of the return of Jesus Christ Was based upon numerology using the Egyptian Pyramids, with Egyptology being a big teaching in freemasonry.

Russel Is Buried Under The Freemasons Pyramid, With The Sun Burst Cap Stone.

When you click on the burial site link you will see Russel's grave stone that reads "The Laodicean Messenger"?

When you read Revelation 3:14-19 below, you find the Laodicean church was wretched, miserable, naked, lukewarm, and God was going to Spue this church out of his mouth, as he called it to repent?

Why would any Christian want to put "The Laodicean Messenger" on his grave stone?

Charles Taze Russell (1852-1916) - Find A Grave Memorial
Find a Grave › ... › United Cemetery

Founder of the Watch Tower Society which became the Jehovah's Witnesses in 1931. ... Virtual Flowers have been disabled because of abuse. ... Allegheny County.

Burial: United Cemetery Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA

Death: 31 Oct 1916 (aged 64) Pampa, Gray County, Texas, USA

Revelation 3:14-19KJV
14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Wikipedia: Charles Taze Russell (February 16, 1852 – October 31, 1916), or Pastor Russell, was an American Christian restorationist minister from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and founder of what is now known as the Bible Student movement.[1][2] After his death, Jehovah's Witnesses and numerous independent Bible Student groups developed from this base.

Pyramidology. Following views first taught by Christian writers such as John Taylor, Charles Piazzi Smyth and Joseph Seiss, Russell believed that the Great Pyramid of Giza was built by the Hebrews (associated to the Hyksos) under God’s direction, but to be understood only in our day. He adopted and used Seiss's phrase, referring to it as "the Bible in stone". He believed that certain biblical texts, including Isaiah 19:19–20 and others, prophesied a future understanding of the Great Pyramid. He believed that the various ascending and descending passages represented the fall of man, the provision of the Mosaic Law, the death of Christ, the exultation of the saints in heaven, etc. Calculations were made using the pattern of an inch per year. Dates such as 1874, 1914, and 1948 were purported to have been found through the study of this monument

 

[brakelite]

and then bypassing the Trinitarian rant

One doesn't have to believe in any Trinitarian creed or theory to accept the divinity of Christ...in fact since rejecting the trinity I am more convinced that Christ is God than ever.

 

[Harvest 1874]

One doesn't have to believe in any Trinitarian creed or theory to accept the divinity of Christ...in fact since rejecting the trinity I am more convinced that Christ is God than ever.

We don't deny the divinity of Christ either, however he was not a divine being until after his having been highly exalted and given the divine nature (Immortality), and this did not take place until after his faithful completion of the work the Father had him do for the sake of the world. Prior to his human existence he was a mortal (spirit) being, howbeit higher than all others, but not on the same plane of being as the Father.

I'm sorry to hear that you are returning to the error you once escaped, but alas the Lord said it would be so, many lacking a proper love for the truth, would believe the lie, (errors, falsehoods).

 

[twinc]

We don't deny the divinity of Christ either, however he was not a divine being until after his having been highly exalted and given the divine nature (Immortality), and this did not take place until after his faithful completion of the work the Father had him do for the sake of the world. Prior to his human existence he was a mortal (spirit) being, howbeit higher than all others, but not on the same plane of being as the Father.

I'm sorry to hear that you are returning to the error you once escaped, but alas the Lord said it would be so, many lacking a proper love for the truth, would believe the lie, (errors, falsehoods).

imho this sadly includes you from what you have written in opposition to John 1:1-3 etc - twinc

 

[brakelite]

We don't deny the divinity of Christ either, however he was not a divine being until after his having been highly exalted and given the divine nature (Immortality), and this did not take place until after his faithful completion of the work the Father had him do for the sake of the world. Prior to his human existence he was a mortal (spirit) being, howbeit higher than all others, but not on the same plane of being as the Father.

I'm sorry to hear that you are returning to the error you once escaped, but alas the Lord said it would be so, many lacking a proper love for the truth, would believe the lie, (errors, falsehoods).

―Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? Hebrews 1:4-5
Angels have a superior nature to that of humanity (Hebrews 2:7, 2:9, 2:16, 2 Peter 2:11). Paul is saying here that Christ‘s nature, in His pre-existence, is far superior to that of the angels. This was not referring to Christ‘s human nature during the incarnation. That was fallen human nature (Romans 8:3, Hebrews 2:16). Christ‘s pre-existent nature is divine. His attributes are those of deity. This was His inheritance as a son. The attributes of the angels are not those of deity. Angels are created. They did not receive their nature as an inheritance.

 

[Truth7t7]

We don't deny the divinity of Christ either, however he was not a divine being until after his having been highly exalted and given the divine nature (Immortality), and this did not take place until after his faithful completion of the work the Father had him do for the sake of the world. Prior to his human existence he was a mortal (spirit) being, howbeit higher than all others, but not on the same plane of being as the Father.

I'm sorry to hear that you are returning to the error you once escaped, but alas the Lord said it would be so, many lacking a proper love for the truth, would believe the lie, (errors, falsehoods).

Jesus Christ Was And Is God.

John 1:1-4KJV
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

 

[amadeus]

To Amadeus & The Forum

I had no I'll intent of harming, insulting, Amadeus with the attached post, my concern for the large font being hard to read was genuine, and not intended to cause harm.

For those who see this otherwise I will apoligize, however my intent wasn't to cause harm, insult, Amadeus or anybody.

In Love

Thank for your kind words. No apology was needed, but I do none the less accept your good intentions.

I have been criticized on this before more than once and each time I changed the way I did it to conform to someone's suggestion only to find that someone else had a problem with the way I did it.

So then now I try to post it in my own way so that it is most easily seen and understood by me and anyone with similar vision to my own. Obviously as I had previously determined someone is likely to be unhappy no matter what I do or say. Even Jesus who always did things exactly right was criticized. I am not Jesus, but I do the best that I can.

 

[Harvest 1874]

Why did Russell asked to be dressed in a toga on his deathbed, which is the preferred method of Freemasons? And why do so many of JW beliefs and interpretations match that of Masonry?

Pastor Russell reason for putting on the toga had nothing to do when the Freemasons, nor was he ever a member (We will address that false accusation more later).

Pastor Russell traveled and preached to the people throughout the world. He was elected Pastor of many congregations both at home and abroad. These he visited at regular intervals, to encourage and comfort and help them. During the past few years his sermons have not only been heard from the platform, but have been published in approximately four thousand papers; and in practically every home of the United States and Canada Pastor Russell is known.

The following excerpt taking from oration given following the death of Pastor Russell in 1916 it was given by none other than J.F. Rutherford the very individual who would not long after take over the organization and discard with most if not all of what Pastor Russell taught.

HIS DYING HOURS

“A few weeks ago he started on a trip to the Pacific Coast, preaching every evening, and traveling throughout the remainder of the night and of the day. His last sermon he preached to the Congregation at Los Angeles; and being too weak to stand, he sat throughout the discourse. He left Los Angeles Sunday evening on his return to Brooklyn, and rapidly grew weaker. Seven hours before his death, addressing his traveling companion, Brother Menta Sturgeon, he said, "Make me a Roman toga." Using the bed sheets, Brother Sturgeon made a toga, which Brother Russell put on himself.

Note here it was not a Freemasons toga, nor did he make any request to have it put on after he died, instead he put it on himself. Thus confirming right from the start that the information you presented is second hand, and false.

He stood erect for a moment, and then lying down on the couch in his Pullman drawing room, closed his eyes, thus in symbolic language speaking of death. A great deal of the Bible is written in symbolic language, and it was quite appropriate that he should speak his last message in symbols. It is interesting here to know what a Roman toga symbolizes: Augustus' Poet Laureate, said, "It is by the toga that the royal nation is recognized." The word toga means a covering garment (white robe). It was the official robe of higher magistrates, priests and of persons discharging vows, and was worn on special occasions, such as celebrating a triumph.

We are reminded of the last experiences of the Apostle Paul, who traveled with his beloved companion Timothy, whom he called his son--not a natural son, but, as St. Paul stated, he had begotten this young man in the spirit. Likewise Pastor Russell begot Brother Sturgeon in the spirit, in that he brought Brother Sturgeon to knowledge of the Divine Plan. Shortly before St. Paul's death he wrote, "I am now ready to be offered up, and the time of my departure is at hand; I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, shall give me at that Day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." (2 Tim 4:6-8)

Our dear Brother Russell not only loved the appearing of the Lord Jesus, but above all men on the earth he declared the presence of the Master. Brother Russell was a very modest man and never exalted himself. It was exceedingly difficult to get him to speak of himself. He chose, therefore, a symbol which we could afterwards interpret to speak practically the same thing spoken by the Apostle Paul. By wearing the toga Brother Russell in effect said, "I have fought the good fight; I have triumphed and shall be received as a member of the Royal Family of Heaven." What a wonderful example and inspiration for the other members of the Body of Christ this side the veil to earnestly strive to receive the approval of the Lord!

Of course you are free to believe whatever nonsense you wish which you read off the internet, but understand most of these come from opponents of the Pastor and the truths he taught, unable to refute the words they attack the man.

 

[Phoneman777]

One doesn't have to believe in any Trinitarian creed or theory to accept the divinity of Christ...in fact since rejecting the trinity I am more convinced that Christ is God than ever.

The Divine Jesus Christ existed from eternity past and will do so until eternity future, but now forever bound in the tenement of the flesh with ties to His human family that He died to save which can never be broken. I heard a pastor once say that if you try to understand it, you'll lose your mind, but if you refuse to believe it, you'll lose your soul.

 

[Phoneman777]

Pastor Russell reason for putting on the toga had nothing to do when the Freemasons, nor was he ever a member (We will address that false accusation more later).

Pastor Russell traveled and preached to the people throughout the world. He was elected Pastor of many congregations both at home and abroad. These he visited at regular intervals, to encourage and comfort and help them. During the past few years his sermons have not only been heard from the platform, but have been published in approximately four thousand papers; and in practically every home of the United States and Canada Pastor Russell is known.

The following excerpt taking from oration given following the death of Pastor Russell in 1916 it was given by none other than J.F. Rutherford the very individual who would not long after take over the organization and discard with most if not all of what Pastor Russell taught.

HIS DYING HOURS

“A few weeks ago he started on a trip to the Pacific Coast, preaching every evening, and traveling throughout the remainder of the night and of the day. His last sermon he preached to the Congregation at Los Angeles; and being too weak to stand, he sat throughout the discourse. He left Los Angeles Sunday evening on his return to Brooklyn, and rapidly grew weaker. Seven hours before his death, addressing his traveling companion, Brother Menta Sturgeon, he said, "Make me a Roman toga." Using the bed sheets, Brother Sturgeon made a toga, which Brother Russell put on himself.

Note here it was not a Freemasons toga, nor did he make any request to have it put on after he died, instead he put it on himself. Thus confirming right from the start that the information you presented is second hand, and false.

He stood erect for a moment, and then lying down on the couch in his Pullman drawing room, closed his eyes, thus in symbolic language speaking of death. A great deal of the Bible is written in symbolic language, and it was quite appropriate that he should speak his last message in symbols. It is interesting here to know what a Roman toga symbolizes: Augustus' Poet Laureate, said, "It is by the toga that the royal nation is recognized." The word toga means a covering garment (white robe). It was the official robe of higher magistrates, priests and of persons discharging vows, and was worn on special occasions, such as celebrating a triumph.

We are reminded of the last experiences of the Apostle Paul, who traveled with his beloved companion Timothy, whom he called his son--not a natural son, but, as St. Paul stated, he had begotten this young man in the spirit. Likewise Pastor Russell begot Brother Sturgeon in the spirit, in that he brought Brother Sturgeon to knowledge of the Divine Plan. Shortly before St. Paul's death he wrote, "I am now ready to be offered up, and the time of my departure is at hand; I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, shall give me at that Day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." (2 Tim 4:6-8)

Our dear Brother Russell not only loved the appearing of the Lord Jesus, but above all men on the earth he declared the presence of the Master. Brother Russell was a very modest man and never exalted himself. It was exceedingly difficult to get him to speak of himself. He chose, therefore, a symbol which we could afterwards interpret to speak practically the same thing spoken by the Apostle Paul. By wearing the toga Brother Russell in effect said, "I have fought the good fight; I have triumphed and shall be received as a member of the Royal Family of Heaven." What a wonderful example and inspiration for the other members of the Body of Christ this side the veil to earnestly strive to receive the approval of the Lord!

Of course you are free to believe whatever nonsense you wish which you read off the internet, but understand most of these come from opponents of the Pastor and the truths he taught, unable to refute the words they attack the man.

I know that Russell taught that Jesus was a created being - which isn't Biblical. He wsa self existent and with the Father from eternity past and will be unto eternity future, except now bound in the tenement of the flesh.

 

[Harvest 1874]

I know that Russell taught that Jesus was a created being - which isn't Biblical. He wsa self existent and with the Father from eternity past and will be unto eternity future, except now bound in the tenement of the flesh.

Actually the scriptures stated that he was a created being, and we attempted to present them to you a while back on another post I believe, but yet you still refused to see it even directly from the Word of God, there's not much more that one can do, so we'll leave it at that. It is evident you are a believer in the Trinity.

 

[Harvest 1874]

Charles Taze Russel Was A Freemason, and his 1914 prediction of the return of Jesus Christ Was based upon numerology using the Egyptian Pyramids, with Egyptology being a big teaching in freemasonry.

You do realize that you only make yourself look foolish when you continually quote erroneous information taken from the internet. Most of the information found on the internet in regards to Pastor Russell is second hand information and is suspect at best. It’s always preferable to go directly to the source if at all possible. What information there is comes from three primary sources, the first and most abundant source (likewise the most unreliable) are detractors, these are generally composed of the clergy and others aligned with orthodoxy who never liked Pastor Russell’s teachings in the first place primarily because it contradicted what they taught and exposed many of the long cherished errors held by the professing church. Not able to adequately refute the truth, they turned to personal attacks upon the man himself, his character and against any who follow his teachings. Personally I think what agitated them the most (in his day) was his notoriety and the fact that the common people in the multitudes clamored to hear him preach, simple truth is they were jealous.

The Second most leading source of information (likewise not very reliable) comes by way of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Witnesses desiring to give their organization some since of history like to claim Pastor Russell as their founder even though they don’t actually follow his teachings. It should be recalled that the majority of the accepted (?) orthodox churches were founded prior to the 1800’s that is with the exception of the Witnesses who were founded in 1931. Claiming Pastor Russell as their founder gives them this history they so earnestly seek.

The Third source and the most reliable are Bible Student web sites, as the majority of Bible Students still adhere to the original teachings of the Pastor and retain a more accurate account of the history of the movement they are in a better position to present the truth about the Pastor.

Right from the get-go your information is false, Pastor Russell was never a Freemason nor did he ever predict the return of the Lord in 1914 (that’s a belief held by Jehovah’s Witnesses), Pastor Russell did not predict the Lord’s return at all, he came to the realization of the Lord’s presence (after the fact) through his studies of the scriptures and the particular signs which the Lord said would denote his return. This he deduce from the scriptures (NOT the Great Pyramid) it was 1874 not 1914. 1914 according to the scriptures marks the end of the “Times of the Gentiles”, but that’s another subject altogether.

The date of the Lord’s return (not the hour, which the scripture state no man knew), but the year is deduce by a comparisons of various prophecies upon the subject, much too lengthy to go into here. Besides without a proper understanding of the OBJECT and the MANNER of our Lord’s return many would just stumble over the prophecies evidencing his return.

As for the Great Pyramid, although it’s true that the date of our Lord’s return is pointed out in the Great Pyramid as are many other significant prophecies, nevertheless this is not how the Pastor deduce the time of the return of our Lord, as stated that came from the scriptures alone.

Pastor Russell once suggested that the purpose of the Great Pyramid having been built was “to confirm (or collaborate) the faith of his people at the end of the Gospel Age.” This of course implies that one’s faith has already been fully established upon the divine revelation, the written testimony. The collaborative testimony which we receive from the Great Pyramid is NOT meant to be a substitute or replacement for our faith in the Word of God; it is simply a confirmation or witness to it. That is to those able to receive its testimony.

I will address the Freemasonry issue next.

 

[Harvest 1874]

Charles Taze Russel Was A Freemason, and his 1914 prediction of the return of Jesus Christ Was based upon numerology using the Egyptian Pyramids, with Egyptology being a big teaching in freemasonry.

Let us now address this false claim that the Pastor was a Freemason. First for those unfamiliar with what or who the Freemasons are,

“The Masonic Order is an international organization with a long history going back to at least the twelfth century. It was originally connected with the art of building and adopted certain secretive and religious elements. It is generally thought of today as a fraternal and philanthropic organization, strongly supporting public education and various civic and charitable projects.

It is not a religion but has deeply religious over tones incorporated in its rites and ceremonies. These represent a blending of concepts from major world religions. There has been a long history of mutual hostility between the Masonic Order and the Roman Catholic Church, with repeated official pronouncements against it from the Vatican. Relations have improved somewhat in recent years, and there has been some cooperation in mutual endeavors. But the Catholic Church and some Protestant denominations for bid or discourage Masonic affiliation.

The secrecy of Masonic ceremonies has given rise to fear and suspicion in various lands, and through the years accusations have been spread that the Masons practice magic, engage in evil and worship the Devil (Hollywood lends support to this accusation with their constant portrayal of the organization as such, it’s a shame most people can’t distinguish between reality and television). Though these charges are wholly unsubstantiated, the supposed connection still lingers in the minds of some people.

Thus it becomes clear why critics of Pastor Russell would endeavor falsely to link him to Freemasonry.

Let us now examine Pastor Russell’s own statements regarding affiliations with any secret societies and or organizations. The first is taken from the Studies in the Scriptures series in which he wrote:

“Is it right for [the New Creation] to be members of [various orders and] societies?

We answer that while Church associations are purely religious, and labor and beneficial organizations in general are purely secular; there are still other orders which combine the religious and the secular features. As we understand the matter, for instance, the Free Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, etc., perform certain rites and ceremonies of a religious kind … We admonish the New Creation to have nothing whatever to do with any of these semi-religious societies, clubs, orders, churches; but to ‘Come out from amongst them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean thing.’ (2 Cor. 6:17)”

Even earlier he had expressed his overall disapproval of such secret, semi-religious societies:

“So far as we can judge, there is a certain amount of [simulated] worship or mummery connected with the rites of this order [Free Masonry] and some others, which the members do not comprehend, but which, in many cases, serves to satisfy the cravings of the natural mind for worship, and thus hinders it from seeking the worship of God in spirit and in truth—through Christ, the only appointed Mediator and Grand Master.

“In proportion as such societies consume valuable time in foolish, senseless rites and ceremonies, and in substituting … words and symbols which have no meaning to them, for the [true] worship … in that proportion these societies are grievous evils …

“Wherever oaths of secrecy are demanded, it is safe for God’s people to touch not, taste not, handle not … the Apostle James cautions against all binding oaths, such as many Secret Societies demand … (James 5:12)”

 

[Harvest 1874]

Charles Taze Russel Was A Freemason, and his 1914 prediction of the return of Jesus Christ Was based upon numerology using the Egyptian Pyramids, with Egyptology being a big teaching in freemasonry.

You state: Russel is buried under the Freemasons Pyramid, With the Sun Burst Cap Stone.

In Reply, this is not the Freemasons Pyramid; it has nothing to do with them, nor was Pastor Russell buried under it, get your facts straight. Oh and by the way where is this so-called sun-burst cap stone you mentioned, yes there’s a cap-stone, but no, no sun-burst, your vain attempts to connect this grave marker with one of the symbols of Freemasonry is ludicrous. The only items on the pyramid are an inscription “Watchtower Bible & Tract Society” an open bible, and the cross and the crown symbol none of which have anything to do with Freemasonry. As illustrated in the picture below.

In an attempt to build a case on the alleged usage of questionable forms of pyramidology* in the Pastor’s over all ministry (a false accusation) an opponent of the Pastor and the Bible Students cites the fact that a seven-foot-tall stone pyramid was used in the Society’s Rosemont Cemetery near Pittsburgh to mark the location of burial plots for members of the Bethel staff, including Pastor Russell, he writes:

“Why a pyramid? Because much of the Society’s teaching focused on ‘The Testimony of God’s Stone Witness and Prophet, the Great Pyramid in Egypt,’ title of

Chapter Ten, Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. III, 1890, page. 313.” Then at a later date this same individual stressed that this same chapter had sixty-three pages of material, in which the Pastor used “Egyptian pyramidology to foretell future events.”

The first allegation seems like the old adage of “making a mountain out of a mole hill.” If one were convinced that God had used the Pyramid in a remarkable way to symbolize His plan of the ages and had specifically identified it as such in His Word (the pillar of witness referred to in Isaiah 19:19, 20), would it be improper or occultist to have a reminder of such erected as an identifying marker of a section of a grave yard? It should also be pointed out that on each face of this marker pyramid there was a large replica of an open Bible, with the obvious intent of depicting how the Pyramid reflected and confirmed its teachings.

In similar style, a stone pyramid with a cross and crown sculptured on its front face may be seen in the Preston Road Cemetery in Yeovil, England. It evidently marks the grave of a Bible Student and his wife, and clearly states its significance on the face to the left of its frontage: “This model of the Great Pyramid of Egypt in symbol illustrates the glorious purpose of God to shortly through Christ restore edenic blessings.” Thus it emphasizes that the Pyramid is viewed as God’s witness in stone reflecting the grand message of the Bible and has nothing what so ever to do with the occult.

As for the second assertion that the pyramid was used to foretell future events, even I had to laugh at that one, this guy was obviously ignorant.

The Great Pyramid definitely was not used to predict the date for the Second Coming of Christ or to foretell any other events. All of the dates that it set forth coincided directly with known events in the six thousand year Bible chronology or dovetailed completely with it. Thus there were no surprises or additional revelations to be found in its measurements as applicable to prophetic events—just the realization that it precisely corroborated the accuracy of the written revelation, the Bible.

We will not waste time here disputing the various claims of those who dabble in superstition and occultism with regards to the so-called mystical powers of the Pyramid as there are plenty enough books and websites to be found to satisfy the curiosity of all who choose to be deceived in this direction, however we will say that no one thing has cause so much damage and or discredit to the testimony of the Great Pyramid as has this particular movement instigated no doubt by the Adversary.

*Pyramidology: The study of pyramids, but from a supernatural or new-age perspective, rather than the historical or archaeological viewpoint. The pastor did not study the pyramid from this perspective as he was against anything akin to occultism. His viewpoint was purely from a Biblical perspective alone.