Chapter Six - 1975–2000

CHAPTER SIX

1975–2000

1975 FADES.
NO paradise.
No fire.
No Armageddon.

But the Watchtower does not stop.
It publishes new counsel.

“Jehovah’s day will come like a thief.”
“Stay alert. Stay faithful.”
“Time is measured by Jehovah, not man.”

Questions arise.
Where is the end?
What about “this generation”?

The Watchtower had said, “The generation that saw 1914 will not pass away before the end.”

But 1914 is far away now.
So the words begin to change.

“Generation means the wicked.”
Then later, it ties the generation to the anointed.
Then later, generation overlaps.

New light becomes the answer.

“Jehovah reveals truth progressively.”
“Old understanding fades as light grows brighter.”
“Truth never fails. Only human expectation does.”

The Watchtower writes, “We must not speculate. We must trust.”

Throughout the 1980s and 90s, There are more publications.
More field service.
More reminders.

“This system is near its end.”
“Do not store up treasures in this world.”
“Serve Jehovah with urgency.”

Blood transfusions remain forbidden.
The publications issue warnings.

“Even fractions are dangerous.”
“Obedience proves loyalty.”
“The faithful will choose death over compromise.”

Shunning becomes clearer.

“Those who leave are enemies.”
“Do not greet them. Do not speak to them.”
“Loyalty to Jehovah means loyalty to the organization.”

The year 2000 arrives.
No end.
The world continues.

The Watchtower does not apologize.
It prints.

“Wait on Jehovah.”
“New light has clarified our understanding.”
“The end is still imminent.”

The presses roll on.
A new century begins.
And with it, a new generation.