Jehovah’s Witnesses, a group widely regarded as heretical by orthodox Christian standards, have a history marked by doctrinal errors and speculative theology. Among their many theological missteps was the early claim that God’s throne might be located within the physical universe, specifically in the Pleiades star cluster. This idea, rooted in the Watch Tower Society’s early publications, has since been quietly dropped as the organization retreated from its more absurd speculations. This article examines this particular folly, showcasing how their teachings have often veered far from biblical truth.

Early Speculations: God’s Throne in the Pleiades

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, under the leadership of Charles Taze Russell, Jehovah’s Witnesses (then known as Bible Students) ventured into speculative and misguided theology. Russell, whose interpretations were far removed from orthodox Christianity, posited in his work “Studies in the Scriptures,” Volume 3, “Thy Kingdom Come” (1915 edition), that:

“Alcyone, the central one of the renowned Pleiadic stars, would naturally be the first one considered as the probable location of the divine residence. And when we remember that from this central point the Almighty governs the universe, it gives a still greater exaltation of the divine character.”

This baseless assertion was more a product of Russell’s overactive imagination and desire to merge contemporary science with his religious ideas than anything rooted in Scripture. It exemplifies the speculative nature of early Watch Tower teachings—teachings that have since been recognized as theological errors even within their own organization.

The Continued Narrative: “The Golden Age” and the Pleiades

The speculative idea that God’s throne might be in the Pleiades was further propagated in “The Golden Age,” a publication that would later evolve into “Awake!” magazine. The October 16, 1929 issue stated:

“It has been suggested that the Pleiades is the location of the throne of God, and that it is from this region that Jehovah governs the universe.”

This repetition of earlier speculation shows how deeply such erroneous ideas had taken root within the organization. It also highlights the dangerous tendency of Jehovah’s Witnesses to elevate unbiblical ideas to the level of doctrine, leading their followers further away from true Christian teaching.

The Slow Retreat: J.F. Rutherford’s Role

As leadership passed to J.F. Rutherford, the second president of the Watch Tower Society, there was a noticeable, albeit slow, retreat from this speculative theology. In his book “Reconciliation” (1928), Rutherford referenced the Pleiades, but with a hint of hesitation:

“The constellation of the Pleiades is considered by some as a possible location of the throne of Jehovah God. However, whether this is so or not, we know from the Bible that the heavens declare the glory of God.”

This statement marked the beginning of a retreat from the more fantastical elements of Russell’s teachings. Nevertheless, Rutherford’s reluctance to fully denounce the idea reveals the organization’s continued struggle with doctrinal errors and the persistence of unbiblical speculation.

Abandoning the Error: A Necessary Correction

By the mid-20th century, Jehovah’s Witnesses had finally abandoned the notion of God’s throne being physically located within the universe. This shift away from such speculative theology was a necessary correction, as the organization sought to distance itself from its more egregious errors. However, the damage had already been done—many followers had been led astray by these earlier teachings, which had no foundation in biblical truth.

This abandonment of the Pleiades speculation is a clear example of the Watch Tower Society’s long history of doctrinal errors. Their initial willingness to entertain such ideas demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of God’s nature and a tendency to rely on human speculation rather than divine revelation.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Error

The early teaching that God’s throne might be located in the Pleiades stands as a testament to the theological folly of Jehovah’s Witnesses. While the organization has since moved away from this particular error, their history remains riddled with teachings that deviate from orthodox Christianity. The abandonment of this speculative idea highlights the Watch Tower Society’s ongoing struggle with doctrinal accuracy and their continued failure to align with biblical truth. As such, Jehovah’s Witnesses remain a group whose teachings should be approached with caution, as they continue to lead their followers down a path far removed from the gospel of Jesus Christ.