I never read the 60's version, but I can tell you the 80's one has better, more poetic language than the 2013 edition. They are all tools to manipulate people into a dangerous cult, a for-profit corporation formerly dedicated to sell magazines and other publications; now they operate on the real estate market; disguised as a wholesome religion.

I would sincerely advice everyone to step away from anything related to the JW unless to get yourself informed on their origins and practices. There are many useful websites for that.

Source: I've been what some call a PIMO since a few months ago (Physically In, Mentally Out); baptized in 2009 and an elder since 2021. Getting out of this organization is harder and more painful than you would think: They teach that when someone renounces, that person is an apostate (a renegade from God), crazy and most likely possessed by the devil.

Be careful.

>>24966383
They're all shit. JW's claim that the crucifix was actually a pole instead of a cross even though there's literally a staurogram in many early New Testament manuscripts. For instance, in Luke 14:27, the JW's translate 'cross' as 'torture stake', even though the word in the original manuscripts literally uses a staurogram.

>>24967365
Where do these JW conspiracy theories come from? My grandmother has been one her entire life and at various times in my life I've gone to their meetings/conventions and it is never described the way I see people describe it online. Its a pretty standard church going experience as far as I've experienced and the only difference that ive observed is that they take their Christianity very seriously. There are a few details they disagree with from other Christians but otherwise its the exact same bible and spirituality

>>24967546
Its not in the attending, its in the trying to leave. Even with the proselytizing JWs dont demand too much more from their members than the average seriously-practiced evangelical congregation.
Over the pulpit shunning for excommunicated/disfellowshipped members is extreme for a modern church.

>>24967546
>There are a few details they disagree with from other Christians but otherwise its the exact same bible and spirituality
This is not accurate

They differ in major areas theologically from Christianity. And if you disagree they refer to Christians in the sense of catholics/Protestants as "Christendom" in a derogatory way

Differences in belief include
>Christ is not God, he is a created being, and actually Michael the archangel
>God's grace is referred to as an undeserved kindness and must be maintained through works. You can never be sure you have done enough to maintain your salvation
>Christ began ruling invisibly over the earth in 1914. This is also when Satan was cast out of heaven iirc
>Russell the founder is essentially God's chosen vessel. Everyone prior was wrong. He had the true message God wanted shared
>hell does not exist. People not forgiven by jehovah ill be whiped out come judgement day

Also have random stuff like
>Christ died on a stake not a cross

And while they've laxed it some if you leave the faith you are to be shunned by all including family

t. Married to an ex JW. Read crisis of Conscience as well

>>24967546
>its the exact same bible and spirituality
Their translation is edited to shove arianism into the bible so they can show retards "Look! Even the Bible says Jesus is merely a creation!"