Jehovahs Witnesses and Pastor Russell

When I first started researching the origins of the Jehovahs Witnesses I was astounded by the amount of information on the web concerning the Bible Students and Pastor Russell.  I had always been taught that the Bible Students had turned into the group called Jehovahs Witnesses.  Not So.  In fact Pastor Russell had always been against turning his group into a large organization.  That seems to be a serious problem for many sincere groups at first.  They grown larger and then someone wants to take over and rule and make rules for everyone to follow etc. 

There is a group of people called the Friends of Jehovahs Witnesses that still have information about CT Russell and his original intentions available online.  They are Christian and seem to be open, caring, and loving individuals.  The information they provide is nothing like the story we heard about them from the JW Org. 

To me it is funny because as an 8-9 year old child sitting in the room with the  adults back in the 70's (they did not know i was listening)  i overheard them talking about the Bible Students in very hushed tones.  And when I would ask about it i was told to mind my own business.  Even back then the Bible Students must have been trying to alert the Jehovahs Witnesses that all was not as it seemed.

I am not saying that the Bible Students have all the answers either but they do seem to be open and honest and more accepting.  I really like that they have opened and sustain homes for their elderly members.  This to me is what we are supposed to be doing.  Not trying to get our elderly to sign over their homes and land to the Organization instead of leaving it to their family members who may or may not be Jehovahs Witnesses.  

It is very eye-opening when you compare what CT Russell preached versus what "Judge" Rutherford preached.  Not the same at all.  Why would a loving brother want to be called the "Judge"?!  That to me explains exactly why the Organization today is so heavy handed when "judging" their members.  Do not judge lest you be judged.  Also, if you have not done so already, look up Beth Sarim.  This was a house the Judge had built for himself that was a 10 bedroom mansion in CA from funds given by Jehovahs Witnesses and it was during the depression.  Today, many Jehovahs Witnesses are sincere but just ill-informed.  But, as for the Judge I really question what his motives were when I research his life-style back then. 

Be Informed.  Educate yourself.  Only then can you know the right path. 
Peace