Chapter Five - 1945–1975

CHAPTER FIVE

1945–1975

THE WAR ENDS.
The Watchtower presses do not.

A new message spreads.

“The final work is underway.”
“This generation will not pass away.”
“Armageddon is near.”

A new teaching is printed.
It concerns blood.

The Watchtower says, “God forbids blood.”
“No blood transfusions. Not whole. Not part.”
“To take blood is to reject Jehovah.”

Hospital Liaison Committees are formed.
The publications are clear.

“Better to die than disobey.”
“Faithful ones will stand firm.”

Meanwhile, attention shifts toward 1975.

A new timeline appears.

They write, “From Adam’s creation to now is nearly 6,000 years.”
“1975 may mark the end of man’s time.”
“The seventh thousand years belongs to God.”

1966, a book is released.
Life Everlasting In Freedom of the Sons of God

It says, “The year 1975 could begin Christ’s thousand-year reign.”

Magazines echo it.

“Only a short time remains.”
“Stay awake. The system ends soon.”
“Do not delay.”

Witnesses sell homes, quit jobs, and preach full-time.
Pioneers increase.
The Watchtower encourages:

“Now is not the time to seek worldly security.”
“Time left is short.”

1975 arrives.

Armageddon does not.

A quiet shift follows.

The Watchtower prints, “Some misunderstood.”
“We never said for sure.”
“The faithful will continue waiting.”

No hiccups.
Just new light.

“The end is near.”
“Remain loyal.”
“Jehovah’s timing is perfect.”

The presses continue.
A new century approaches.
The generation ages.
And the doctrine must shift again.