The Truth Behind Watchtower’s Acquisition of Johannes Greber’s Publications

One of the persistent themes in the discourse surrounding religious organizations like the Watchtower mission revolves around the accuracy and authenticity of their translations and theories. A notable aspect of this controversy is the acquisition and use of texts by Johannes Greber, a former Catholic priest, who wrote on spiritual communication and the New Testament. This article aims to provide a detailed and unbiased examination of why the Watchtower did seek out and use Greber’s works, and why this action was taken.

The Background: The Watchtower's Quarries

The Watchtower organization, often known as Jehovah's Witnesses, has a history of using various translations and interpretations to support their beliefs. In 1983, the publication of certain translations by the religious figure Johannes Greber prompted a detailed analysis by the organization. Greber, a former priest, had published several works, including 'Communicating with the Spirit World,' which played a crucial role in his theological writings.

Why the Interest in Greber's Works?

In April of 1983, the magazine The Watchtower explicitly mentioned in its pages the reason for their interest in Greber's translations. The key reason was the use of his version to support certain biblical passages, notably Matthew 27:52-53 and John 1:1. These passages are significant in the context of the Watchtower's interpretation of Jesus as a divine being from heaven. The interest in Greber's translation stemmed from his unique approach to biblical interpretation, which was heavily influenced by his interactions with a medium.

Greber's Rationale

According to Greber, his wife, a medium, would often communicate with what he referred to as "God's Spirit World" to receive insights and divine guidance for his translations. This belief in communicating directly with spiritual entities was not foreign to Greber, but it was precisely this factor that the Watchtower deemed inappropriate. As stated in the foreword to Greber's 1980 edition of the New Testament, he relied on this unconventional method to elucidate difficult biblical passages. However, the Watchtower did not consider this approach to be appropriate, especially given the warning against seers and diviners in Deuteronomy 18:10-12.

Scholarly Integrity

The Watchtower upheld the scholarly integrity of their translations and relied on a sound scholarly base. The New World Translation, as used by the organization, drew its authority from rigorous academic scholarship, not from personal or medium-communicated interpretations. Thus, the decision to discontinue use of Greber's translations did not stem from a lack of valuable information but rather from a disagreement with his unorthodox methods. This move ensured that the biblical texts were accurate and reliable.

Accusations Revisited

In recent times, there have been several critics of the Jehovah's Witnesses, including individuals like James MagIllsculty, who have published a series of articles questioning the organization's practices and beliefs. However, these critics often spare no effort in scrutinizing the organization. The reasons for such actions are varied, but the most common include a desire to challenge established belief systems, to uncover what they perceive as inaccuracies, and to advance their own philosophical or religious agendas.

James MagIllsculty: A Close Examination

James MagIllsculty, for example, claims to have been a former member of the Jehovah's Witnesses and an elder. Despite his supposed knowledge of the organization, his criticisms often seem based on myth and misunderstanding. This raises questions about the authenticity of his claims and the motives behind his writings. It is noteworthy that his articles consistently include the same 'questions' and criticisms, suggesting a pattern rather than a genuine quest for truth.

Why These Criticisms?

For critics like James MagIllsculty, there may be several reasons for targeting Jehovah's Witnesses. These could include a desire for notoriety, a contest for adherents, or a genuine interest in religious reform. Regardless of the motive, it is essential to separate fact from speculation and to rely on accurate, well-researched information when forming opinions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Watchtower's interest in and use of Greber's translations were part of a broader effort to ensure the accuracy and integrity of their biblical interpretations. The organization’s decision to discontinue use of these translations was based on a principled approach to scholarly and religious authenticity. Criticism, both within and outside the organization, is a natural part of any religious movement. However, for these criticisms to be meaningful, they must be grounded in truth and genuine scholarship.

Keywords: Watchtower, Johannes Greber, New World Translation