Undergraduate Review
Volume 1 | Issue 1
Article 6
1986
Terminal Visions: Apocalyptic Thought of
Jehovah's Witnesses and the Stelle Group
Daniel Gray '86
Illinois Wesleyan University
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: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/rev/vol1/iss1/6
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Gray '86: Terminal Visions: Apocalyptic Thought of Jehovah's Witnesses and
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 i
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.
Terminal Visions:
Apocalyptic Thought
of Jehovah's Witnesses
and the Stelle Group
Daniel Gray
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 (
24
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1
Visions:
Thought
Witnesses
ffe Group
Gray
Undergraduate Review, Vol. 1, Iss. 1 [1986], Art. 6
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,
25
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2
I
Gray '86: Terminal Visions: Apocalyptic Thought of Jehovah's Witnesses and
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
26
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3
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
l
I
Undergraduate Review, Vol. 1, Iss. 1 [1986], Art. 6
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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Gray '86: Terminal Visions: Apocalyptic Thought of Jehovah's Witnesses and
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
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,
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5
) 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 JudeaLe 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,
Undergraduate Review, Vol. 1, Iss. 1 [1986], Art. 6
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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Gray '86: Terminal Visions: Apocalyptic Thought of Jehovah's Witnesses and
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
30
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. 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. TI­
doctrine 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 ,
I
7
,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
Undergraduate Review, Vol. 1, Iss. 1 [1986], Art. 6
. 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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Gray '86: Terminal Visions: Apocalyptic Thought of Jehovah's Witnesses and
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 perso­
is 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
32
Published by Digital Commons @ IWU, 1986
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 timeReview,
as apprehended
by Witness
beliefs. Christ
Undergraduate
Vol. 1, Iss. 1 [1986],
Art. 6
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
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10
Gray '86: Terminal Visions: Apocalyptic Thought of Jehovah's Witnesses and
Organizational Structure
The Organizational Structure
of Jehovah's Witnesses
JERe
Jesl
~~Faithfr.
Governing Body
Slave" C
GOVl
;-L-L---L.....L-.1.....o~,
",
/
6 b b '0
2:J 6
D ~
2;
~OWC;Ci[1;rnno' ~0'
cJ' L6 D
66
Chainnan's
Committee
r-------L....z...-_---, \
"
'"'
Watchtower Society
\
,
,
of New York
\ , '
/
ffi
.---~__..;tL..'" ,
,
'
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
\\
....--C-o-n-gr-'e'-ga-t-io-n----.
Publishers
t---L--,
~
34
Published by Digital Commons @ IWU, 1986
Teac
CODJJ
es
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.
,
Writing
Committee
11
Undergraduate Review, Vol. 1, Iss. 1 [1986], Art. 6
Apocalypse Delayed
l Structure
tal Structure
Witnesses
JEHOVAH GOD
Jesus Christ
"Faithful and Discreet
Slave" Class,Matt. 24:45,47
GOVERNING BODY
~.~ t~,
~// \~~
\ ,',
I\
, ,
I1Ima
,
50ciety
ork
'
Chainnan's
Committee
\ COffi"}ittees'
5r~scr6
\
b\
J
rs
Service
Committee
Publishing
Committee
Personnel
Committee
,
~oDLJD
TS
Teaching
Committee
\ , '
l
t
Writing
Committee
\
\
6
Solid lines indicate the ordinary
lines of communication within
the organizational structure of
Jehovah's Witnesses; broken
lines indicate more uncommon,
but sanctioned, means of
\ commUnication.
\
:J\\
EJB
The Watchtower's idealized view of the theocratic government
of Jehovah's Witnesses
(from The Watchtower, 1 January 1977, 16)
STRUCTURE OF JEHOVAH'S
STRUCTURE OF ROMAN
CATHOLIC CHURCH
~TNESSGOVERNMENT
The Pope of Rome
The College of Cardinals
The Papal Curia
The Vatican
Archbishops
Bishops
Priests
Deacons
Regular Orders
The Catholic laity
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
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12
Gray '86: Terminal Visions: Apocalyptic Thought of Jehovah's Witnesses and
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.
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 monthly­
congregational service meetings ar:
techniques. 50
There are currently about 2,700
34,500 congregations around the V'
adherents. There has continued t()
36
Published by Digital Commons @ IWU, 1986
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
. 44
they are dedicated 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.
Undergraduate
Review,which
Vol. 1, Iss.
1 [1986],
Art. 6 answers for
4) Appreciation
for a religion
claims
ultimate
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
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14
Gray '86: Terminal Visions: Apocalyptic Thought of Jehovah's Witnesses and
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
Published by Digital Commons @ IWU, 1986
38
15
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 ha­
and thus advance with d­
7, 000 years before the pr­
gets 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
ides of headquarters and the
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
T
Undergraduate
Review,
Iss. 1 [1986],
Art. 6
ideals and philosophy
expressed
inVol.
the1,book
The Ultimate
Frontier by
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
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16
Gray '86: Terminal Visions: Apocalyptic Thought of Jehovah's Witnesses and
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
t
. ~
,I
.~
40
Published by Digital Commons @ IWU, 1986
17
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
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
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
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
t
J
.1
OJ
Undergraduate
Review,
1, Iss. 1space.
[1986], Art.
6 will subject earth
arrayed in practically
a straight
lineVol.
across
This
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
formed upon "The Great Isle of the West" which will arise out of the
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."
If someone has a complaint, they realize that they are responsible for
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
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18
Gray '86: Terminal Visions: Apocalyptic Thought of Jehovah's Witnesses and
B
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 open­
minded 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.
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 FrontieLang, Andrew. "The Politics of ArmaLippy, 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
42
Published by Digital Commons @ IWU, 1986
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 open­
ople 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.
Undergraduate Review, Vol. 1, Iss. 1 [1986], Art. 6
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 of Jehovah'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
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20
Gray '86: Terminal Visions: Apocalyptic Thought of Jehovah's Witnesses and
Notes
I
24
Lippy, pp. 48, 50, 52
25
Bergoffen, p. 33.
Eric S. Rabkin, Martin H. Greenberg and Joseph D. Olander, eds., The End of the
World (Carbondale and Edwardsvil1e: Southern Illinois University Press, 1983).
26
1975 Yearbook of the Jehovah's Witne..
Society of Pennsylvania, 1974), pp.
Erling Jorsted, The Politics of Doomsday (Nashville and New York: Abingdon Press,
1980).
27
James M. Penton., Apocalypse Dela:
Toronto Press, 1983), p. 3.
Lois P. Zamora, ed., The Apocalyptic Vision in America (Bowling Green University
Popular Press, 1982).
Frederick A. Kreuziger, Apocalypse and Science Fiction (Chico, CA: Scholars Press,
1982).
28
Penton, pp. 196-201.
29
Penton, pp. 172-173.
2
Andrew Lang, "The Politics of Armageddon," Convergance, (Fall 1985), p. 16.
30
Penton, pp. 160, 231.
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
6
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.
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.
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.
8
Zamora, p. 2.
41
Penton, pp. 211-214.
9
Leon Morris, Apocalyptic (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1972), pp. 19, 20.
42
Penton, pp. 245-250.
Penton, p. 155.
10
Morris, p. 32.
43
11
Zamora, p. 2.
44
Penton, pp. 104-108.
12
Morris, pp. 23, 25-26.
45
Penton, pp. 271-273.
13
Wm. A. Beardslees in Morris, p. 25.
46
Penton, p. 280.
14
Zamora, p. 5. Morris, p. 34.
47
Penton, pp. 260, 280.
15
Morris, p. 32.
48
Penton, pp. 154, 206.
16
Kreuziger, p. 2.
49
Penton, p. 279.
17
Morris, p. 59.
50
Penton, pp. 231-232.
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.
51
Penton, pp. 7, 302. 1975 Yearbook,
52
Penton, p. 306.
53
Eklal Kueshana, The Ultimate Fran­
25-26.
19
Morris, p. 47.
20
Zamora, pp. 3, 4.
54
Kueshana, pp. 265, 270.
21
Bergoffen, pp. 16, 21.
55
Kueshana, p. 282.
Z2
Morris, pp. 42, 43.
56
Kueshana, p. 43.
23
Kreuziger, pp. 138, 183-184.
57
Kueshana, p. 47.
58
Kueshana, p. 131.
44
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21
Undergraduate Review, Vol. 1, Iss. 1 [1986], Art. 6
Notes
24
Lippy, pp. 48, 50, 52
25
Bergoffen, p. 33.
:and Joseph D. Olander, eds., The End of the
: Southern Illinois University Press, 1983).
26
1975 Yearbook of the Jelwvah's Witnesses (New York: Watchtower Bible and Tract
Society of Pennsylvania, 1974), pp. 35, 36.
y (Nashville and New York: Abingdon Press,
27
James M. Penton., Apocalypse Delayed (Toronto, Buffalo, London: University of
Toronto Press, 1983), p. 3.
dScience Fiction (Chico, CA: Scholars Press,
28
Penton, pp. 196-201.
29
Penton, pp. 172-173.
lision in America (Bowling Green University
:eddon," Convergance, (Fall 1985), p. 16.
30
Penton, pp. 160, 231.
31
Penton, pp. 169.
ld: The Social Context of American
J2
lyptic Vision in America, ed. by Lois P. Zamora
'ress, 1982), pp. 37, 39.
1975 Yearbook, pp. 72-74.
33
Penton, pp. 218-219.
34
Penton, pp. 91-96.
35
Penton, pp. 179-180.
: Vision in American Popular Culture," in The
Lois P. Zamora (Bowling Green University
36
Penton, p. 187.
lmsday," in The End of the World, ed. by Eric S.
loseph D. Olander (Carbondale and
ersity Press, 1983), p. 73.
37
Penton, p. 190.
38
Penton, p. 181.
n The End of the World, ed. by Eric S. Rabkin,
Olander (Carbondale and Edwardsville:
39
Penton, p. 5.
40
Penton, pp. 127-130.
41
Penton, pp. 211-214.
42
Penton, pp. 245-250.
rdmans Publishing Co., 1972), pp. 19, 20.
.1eaning of History," in The Apocalyptic Vision in
ling Green University Popular Press, 1982), pp.
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, 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.
58
Kueshana, p. 131.
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Gray '86: Terminal Visions: Apocalyptic Thought of Jehovah's Witnesses and
59
Kueshana, pp. 22-23, 26, 42-43, 47, 61, 63, 66, 73, 129, 130, 132, 133, 282.
60
Kueshana, p. 283.
61
Interview with Robert Frothingham, 15 year member of the Stelle Group, April 15,
1986.
From Midd
to Holmes
The Joumey
0
a
The Life of 1
limy
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
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23