Phil Benson's Disassociation Letter
Governing
Body of Jehovah's Witnesses
Watchtower Bible & Tract Society, Inc.
25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201
October 25, 1999
SUBJECT:
My disassociation from Watchtower Society.
Truth sets me free. (John 8:32)
ADDRESSED TO:
Milton G. Henschel, Albert D. Schroeder, Carey
W. Barber, Theodore Jaracz, Karl F. Klein, John E. Barber, Lyman A. Swingle,
Daniel Sydlik, Garet Losch, Samuel Herd, Guy Pierce, Steve Lett and David Splane.
(Copies sent to each member.)
May you read this letter with an open mind. Consider
how the issues have effected me and others. Also, I hope that your love of truth
will move you to think deeply about these matters. These things should concern
any truth-seeking Christian. The vindication of Jehovah's name will prevail and
set things right. Listen to Paul's counsel: "Let God be found true.."
(Rom. 3:4)
With soul-searching and prayer, I have conducted an
investigation of the Society's activities and teachings, both past and present.
I have looked into information (for the most part) that is written in the Watchtower
and its publications. To my dismay, I found that the Society has a history of
temporary theories and speculations, along with calculations, chronologies and
predictions that are supported in strange ways. The greatest disappointment is
in the long list of dates predicting various events that did not come to pass.
How could all this be I wondered when you assert that you are
"spirit-directed" and God's only "channel of communication."
Just to "come now and let us reason together," produced many
unanswered questions as to why these things were given as truths in Jehovah's
name. (2 Cor. 10:5) (References on request)
Anyone would reason that if this was God's channel of
communication it would be able to withstand critical investigation. It failed.
My letters of concern to you have never been answered. The local elders scream
“apostate” if you question them about the organization. Even though chapter
one of "The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life" says “to examine what is taught by any religious organization with which we
may be associated." “Where would I go?" was not the right question for me to
ask. But like Peter I should ask "WHOM shall we (I) go away to?"
"For you have the sayings of everlasting life." Jehovah's mediator
Jesus is helping many now to find the way of truth. It's not a man-made
organization of controls, but Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the
life ... no man comes to the father except by me." My faith is in his way.
A light yoke. Trusting that Jehovah can do all things through His son Jesus
without an idolized organization. You might say "did we not do powerful
works in your name?" Jesus does not know you, you have put your own ideas
ahead of Jehovah. Prophets?? (Deut. 18:22)
I have had many pleasant moments as publisher,
pioneer, missionary, Bethelite, overseer, etc. In my forty years of service, my
conscience has questioned many things. This is not a light decision. And I do
not accept your definition of "apostate.” I am not forsaking my faith in
God. I am not denying Jesus Christ or Jehovah. To forsake the Watchtower Society
is not apostasy to my God Jehovah. It's your opinion. Please correct your ways.
(Luke 6:37, 38)
I will love Jehovah with all my heart and give love
to my neighbors. Living by faith and trusting in Jehovah's will. Telling the
good news about Jesus. (Joshua 24:15, John 4:24)
Sincerely,