Non sequitur
Latin for "It doesn't follow" e.g., Our nation will prevail because God is great. But nearly every nation pretends this to be true; the German formulation was "Gott mit uns".
Watchtower Growth indicates Jehovah's blessing
"[Jehovah] is dealing with people as a group in an organizational way ... The growth of the organization and its spiritual prosperity today is visible proof of the truthfulness of this. Watchtower 1964 May 1 p.285
"The growth of our printing facilities since 1920 is another indication of Jehovah's blessing on his organization." Watchtower 1964 Jul 15 p.447
"While Satan's organization crumbles, the organization of Jehovah prospers marvelously under his protection and guidance. Those who symbolize their dedication to Jehovah by water baptism are increasing rapidly year by year" Watchtower 1971 Sep 15 p.562
It does not follow that growth indicates God's blessing. There are literally millions of growing corporations that have nothing to do with God. There are also thousands of religious groups that are increasing in numbers. If growth indicates blessing, then what does the greater growth rate of Pentecostals over the last 100 years indicate? What is indicated by the declining number of Witness baptisms over the last decade?
"Holy spirit empowers us to declare the good news. What else could explain how the good news has been preached earth wide?" Examining the Scriptures Daily 2012 May 6
The preaching certainly is not earth wide, as billions have never seen Jehovah's Witnesses, and if it can only be explained by holy spirit, what accounts for other religions with even more impressive growth, such as Catholics.
Pagan Practices
The Watchtower dismisses numerous Christian teachings as being of pagan influence.
"Thus the willingness to compromise that allowed the entry of pagan doctrines also allowed unchristian immorality, cruelty, oppression, and so forth. ... They also avoid the syncretism that occurred hundreds of years ago, which brought hellfire, the immortal soul, the Trinity, images, the cross and other pagan beliefs into Christendoms system of worship." Awake 1983 Aug 22 p.19
Regarding doctrine, the Watchtower invokes the argument of paganism when discussing Hellfire, the Soul, Trinity and Cross. Though pagan similarities may be found, it does not follow that these teachings were adopted in order to emulate the pagans. In fact, all of these doctrines find support in the Bible and the Scriptures are the ongoing basis of these doctrine, not any ancient pagan links.
From the 1920's, Rutherford (and then Knorr) started to forbid Witnesses from engaging in many common practices and holidays on the basis of pagan origins. This included flag salutes, use of the cross, birthdays, Christmas, Easter, throwing confetti and clinking glasses.
Customs - "Interestingly, most of the popular customs that have survived till today are of a religious nature. Since we have already seen that worldly religion has turned aside from the Bibles standard of pure worship, it should not surprise us to find that many of their customs are based on pagan religious practices." The Truth that Leads to Eternal Life tr p.140
Church Garb and teachings - "In spite of this clear admonition, apostate Christians of the second century took on the trappings of the pagan Roman religion. They moved away from their pure Biblical origins and instead clothed themselves with pagan Roman garb and titles and became imbued with Greek philosophy. Mankind's Search for God p.263
Birthdays - "However, there is no indication in the Scriptures that faithful worshipers of Jehovah ever indulged in the pagan practice of annually celebrating birthdays." it-1 p.319
Birthday Cake - "What about the birthday cake? It appears to be related to the Greek goddess Artemis, whose birthday was celebrated with moon-shaped honey cakes topped with candles." sh p.70
Toasting - "But is that all there is to toasting? Why do the toasters raise their glasses, or lift their mugs and clink them together? Is it in imitation of some custom? ... If a Christian is going to make a request for divine blessing on another, then an appropriate way to do that is through heartfelt prayer to God, not by following traditions based on pagan worship that Jehovah abhors." Watchtower 1968 Jan 1 p.31
Wedding Practices - "Since there are so many traditional practices, should a Christian try to avoid all the wedding customs of his area? Not necessarily. ... In many lands it is common to throw rice at the bride and groom. What is the point of the custom? Some peoples believe the rice is food to keep evil influences away from the bride and groom. Some say it assures the couple fertility." Watchtower 1969 Jan 15 p.58
This is an illogical argument because almost every object, practice and philosophy can be traced back to pagan origins or usage. Even the Watchtower logo links back to Pagan origins. Hence, the Watchtower has no choice but to be inconsistent in choosing when to forbid a practice on grounds of paganism. For instance, the pagan practice of wearing a wedding ring is allowed.
"Christians do not attach any symbolic meaning to a wedding ring ..." Watchtower 1969 Jan 15 p.59
The Watchtower has given the following wise but contradictory advice when allowing the pagan pinata.
"When considering whether to include a piñata at a social gathering, Christians should be sensitive to the consciences of others. (1 Corinthians 10:31-33) A main concern is, not what the practice meant hundreds of years ago, but how it is viewed today in your area. Understandably, opinions may vary from one place to another. Hence, it is wise to avoid turning such matters into big issues." Awake! 2003 Sep 22 pp.23-24