Rev. Father Maximiadis

The Emergence.

From the beginning of the 20th century, the homosexual and lesbian communities shared common interests. They were advocating for society’s acceptance of lesbian, homosexual (or “gay”), bisexual and transgender people (LGBT). On 18th December 1967, militant homosexual activists, were involved is violent disturbance with the police, at the Black Cat Tavern, Los Angeles in the United States (US). Eighteen months later, on the 28th June 1969, homosexual men and women staged violent demonstrations, against the police, at the Stonewall Inn, Greenwich Village, New York; which lasted the whole weekend. Although US’s Black Cat Tavern and Stonewall Inn, have been credited as the catalysts of homosexual uprisings against police, they are predated by 289-years. Gay and transgender people fought off the police at Molly House Tavern (a venue where gay and cross-dressing males could rendezvous) in London; in 1725. Subsequent to the Stonewall riots, a new group was formed – by homosexual and lesbian activists – in the following weeks; calling itself the ‘Gay Liberation Front’ (GLF). Employing the word “gay,” was a stratagem to cosmetically gloss over the unfavourable ‘homosexual’ and ‘homophile,’ descriptions; to win gradual public acceptance.

Blurring the Boundaries.

This new insurrectionary and countercultural force (‘Pussy Riot’), is determined to break down the universally accepted societal structures. For example, the institution of marriage, and the family unit; to name a few. Similarly, the GLF believe that heterosexuality needed to be demolished and reconstructed to accommodate homosexuality into social acceptance. Blurring the boundaries between the traditional biological family – which it believes is an anachronistic cultural residue from centuries past – for the preferred homosexual and lesbian cohabitants. The top of its agenda included unbridled sexual liberation and the eradication of existing gender roles. It rejects the dichotomy of the heterosexual and homosexual modes of expression. The GLF brand migrated across the Atlantic to Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Bartholomaios I (Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαῖος Α’), Ecumenical Patriarch, of Constantinople, has made the position of the Orthodox Church quite clear. He stated that: “the cohabitation between two people of the same sex is unknown reprehensible … [and that these are new] inventions,” ‘and has to do with a life full of sins’. He called on the Estonian Government not to legalise same-sex marriages. The Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, Kirill I (Кирилл A’), stated that same-sex marriage is “a very dangerous sign of the Apocalypse”. (New York Times, 11 August 2013).

Anarchistic, Autonomist, Trotskyist, Punk Feminists.

The Russian punk group Pussy Riot members: Maria Alyokhina, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Yekaterina Samusevich et al., are the epitomisation of radical gender feminists. The group was established in August 2011, for the sole purpose to campaign toward their nation’s leader, President Vladimir Putin (whom they regard as a “dictator”). Moreover, his supposed link with the head of the Russian Orthodox Church; Patriarch Kirill. They are outspoken supporters of lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. Conservative Russians perceive Pussy Riot’s stance on the LGBT as a negative influence. The Levada poll in 2010, reported 74% of Russians view homosexuality as a “moral perversion” or “mental illness”. The group is anti-authoritarian, and part of the global movement against capitalism, laws that restrict abortions; and women’s rights. They are an indubitable self-confessed punk feminists, anarchists, autonomists and Trotskyists, who engage in disorderly and disruptive demonstrations.

Mocking Christianity’s Chief Symbol – the Cross.

On 21 February 2012, they became a cause célèbre, by engaging in an unbridled disruptive guerrilla activity, in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour (Храм Христа Спасителя); in Moscow. In front of the Royal Doors of the Holy Iconostasis, they played their guitars and boisterously pranced provocatively. They bellowed derogatory slogans against their nation’s leader, President Putin and were calling the Virgin Mary to become a feminist while irreverently making signs of the cross (signum crucis); and scornful kowtows. Their blasphemous behaviour – wittingly defiling a sacred place – was undoubtedly beyond the pale of decency, particularly in one of Moscow’s most Sacred Cathedrals. Their outrageous antics is now on youtube.

On 3 March 2012, two members of the group, Alyokhina and Tolokonnikova, were arrested and charged with “hooliganism motivated by religious hatred,” under the Criminal Code (Article 213).In the Russian Federation, Article 213 carries a maximum 7-years custodial sentence. Samusevich was arrested 13-days later (two other members of the group, were reported to have left the country, to avoid being apprehended). Samusevich was held in custody until she and her co-offenders, stood trial beginning late July and finishing on the 17 August. They were convicted, as charged, and were given a custodial sentence of two years. Samusevich made an appeal application and had her sentence suspended and released on 10 October; under a probation order.

Appeals from Popular Culture.

During their prison term, high profile entertainers viz: Paul McCartney, Björk Guðmundsdóttir, and controversial Madonna Louise Ciccone et al. demanded the release of the women. These entertainers showed no consideration of the cultural complexities of Russian and Western society. The Pussy Riot members distanced themselves from offers of assistance, from Western performers, e.g., Ciccone, who invited the group to sing with her. They refused; saying: “… the only performances we’ll participate in are illegal ones … we refuse to perform as part of the capitalist system”.

The Lure of the Greenbacks and Red Carpets.

However, after having served 21-months of their sentence, the State Duma granted amnesty for their release on 23 December 2013; after which the lure of the capitalist West soon followed. They instantly metamorphosed from former criminals into punk celebrities appearing on the red carpet walks across the continental United States. Notwithstanding their earlier refusal to accept an invitation to perform with Ciccone, both Tolokonnikova and Alyokhina did an abrupt opportunistic turnaround. They accepted the “capitalist” invitation; by Ciccone to perform in the 2014 Amnesty concert in New York.

Bundestag’s Double Standards, and the Russian Judicial system.

Others who petitioned support for the women were the 120 members of the German Bundestag, who described the ‘proceedings against the women as disproportionate and draconian’. It would appear that the Bundestag has demonstrated a double standard towards the Russian judiciary. If the women had committed the same offence in Germany, they would have been in breach of Germany’s criminal laws codified in Article 166, §11, par. 3 of the Strafgesetzbuch, for having committed “blasphemy”. Moreover, “disturb[ing] the public peace, [and] a church established in Germany,” and if convicted, would have been “fined or imprisoned for up to three years”. The “proceedings,” in either Germany or Russia would not be so “disproportionate and draconian,” considering the women were given access to natural justice under the Russian judicial system. The Russian judicial system is identical to German law.

Britain’s Kerry McCarthy’s blind eye to British Law.

Britain’s Shadow Foreign Minister for Human Rights, Kerry McCarthy, also supported the group, describing the Russian court proceedings as “surreal”. Perhaps McCarthy ought to look close to home, by comparing British judicial proceedings with those of Russia. For example, the case concerning controversial Peter Tatchell, lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) activist. Tatchell mounted a pulpit during the Easter sermon, officiated by George Carey, Archbishop of Canterbury – while the congregants shouted: “Get out, get out!”. Tatchell denounced the archbishop for what he [Tatchell] considered, his “opposition to legal equality for LGBT people”. Tatchell was convicted under Section 2 of The Ecclesiastical Courts Jurisdiction Act 1860 (23 24 Vict c 32), which prohibits “riotous, violent or indecent behaviour in any church building or burial ground”. He was fined £18.60 plus court costs. At the end of the trial, Tatchell said he was “staggered” learning of the existence of the 1860 law, which provided special protection to the church. Would Kerry McCarthy consider the Peter Tatchell court proceedings “surreal” for his “riotous, indecent behaviour in a church”?

Hooliganism is not a Crime, providing it’s Not in Your Backyard.

Amnesty International (AI) considered the conviction as “a bitter blow for freedom of expression,” and called the convicted women, “prisoners of conscience”. Moreover, demanded their immediate release, stating: “Hooliganism does not justify the imprisonment and is not a legal reaction to peaceful political demonstrations”. Amnesty International in describing the convicted women, as “prisoners of conscience,” is misleading. These women were unmistakably charged and convicted, by a Moscow court for: “hooliganism motivated by religious hatred,” under Russia’s Criminal Code (Article 213). They received a custodial sentence of two years. The self-confessed unapologetic anarchists and radical gender feminists exercised their “freedom,” in disruptive guerrilla activity; in a sacred space. A sacred space set aside for worshippers, who should not be denied their freedom of expression, by outrageous punk-feminists engaging in activity that was beyond the pale of “peaceful political demonstrations”.

Mireille Mathieu, the multi-lingual nouvelle chanson artist, said on the Parisian based On’est pas couché talk-show, “… the Pussy Riot had committed a sacrilege in the church by having a political demonstration against President Putin. As a woman artist and a Christian, I beg the indulgence of these three girls”. Subsequent to the programme, Mathieu’s lawyer sued the television station for defamation, for editing out the latter part of her statement, and accusing her of being a “tool of President Putin”.

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill said: “After such blasphemy, one should not be allowed to simply carry on”. [sic] “Pope Benedict XVI expressed his solidarity with that position of the Russian Orthodox Church. He expressed his surprise with respect to the reaction of some of the media on these events” [sic] said the press notice. (Michael Day, Milan, 18 October 2012) President Putin said the group had “undermined the moral foundations [of the nation], and got what they asked for”. The overall public opinion was unsympathetic to the women. One survey suggested that approximately 46% of Russians considered the penalty appropriate. After having served 21-months of their sentence, Alyokhina and Tolokonnikova, were granted an amnesty, by the State Duma, and released on the 23 December 2013.

Conclusion.

Radical Feminism, as well as the New Age Movement, are bent on eradicating the Christian Church’s institutions; whom they consider are restricting their freedom of “choice”. They rigorously campaign for the demolition of the time-honoured moral frameworks instead of “choice” as a hedonistic moral marker, a common symptom of the ‘me generation’. Moral frameworks have faithfully served as the unifying factors of society. Notwithstanding, the multiple layers of social responsibilities, free individual “choice” or collective cohesion; whether the outcome will be good or bad, will become apparent after the dust settles.

~ Finis ~

καὶ εἶπεν ὁ θεός ποιήσωμεν ἄνθρωπον κατ’ εἰκόνα ἡμετέραν καὶ καθ’ ὁμοίωσιν καὶ ἀρχέτωσαν τῶν ἰχθύων τῆς θαλάσσης καὶ τῶν πετεινῶν τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ τῶν κτηνῶν καὶ πάσης τῆς γῆς καὶ πάντων τῶν ἑρπετῶν τῶν ἑρπόντων ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς καὶ ἐποίησεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν ἄνθρωπον κατ’ εἰκόνα θεοῦ ἐποίησεν αὐτόν ἄρσεν καὶ θῆλυ ἐποίησεν αὐτούς καὶ ηὐλόγησεν αὐτοὺς ὁ θεὸς λέγων αὐξάνεσθε καὶ πληθύνεσθε καὶ πληρώσατε τὴν γῆν καὶ κατακυριεύσατε αὐτῆς καὶ ἄρχετε τῶν ἰχθύων τῆς θαλάσσης καὶ τῶν πετεινῶν τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ πάντων τῶν κτηνῶν καὶ πάσης τῆς γῆς καὶ πάντων τῶν ἑρπετῶν τῶν ἑρπόντων ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς. Γενεσις. 1:26-28.

Septuaginta (LXX)

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Genesis, 1:26-28. NIV

Gay and lesbian lobby groups have staged well financed and organized campaigns, to successfully influence politicians to legalize same-sex marriages; in many countries around the world. This is tantamount to the gay and lesbian minority imposing their views on the majority to legitimatize their deviate lifestyle.

Marriage is the formal union of a man and a woman to become husband and wife. The natural anatomical (and physiological) structures, of the male and female, dictates the purpose naturally intended for the procreation and continuation of the human race. Same-sex couples chose to play ‘father’ and ‘mother’ roles in a deviate lifestyle (homosexual) from the natural physiological mode (heterosexual); out of perspective of natural laws.

Furthermore, the assumed right, of same-sex couples, to child-adoption is a gross exploitation of children; for self-serving sex/gender political propaganda; to establish their gay and lesbian attitudes in the mind-set of the majority.

Father Maximiadis.

Love is not taking the other for granted.

Love is not assuming to totally know the other.

Love is learning of the other, day by day, as if the other were a stranger.

Love is the exclusion of the egocentric pronouns: ‘I,’ ‘me,’ and ‘mine’ from its vocabulary.

Love is the inclusion of the altruistic pronouns: ‘us,’ ‘we,’ and ‘ours’ in its vocabulary.

Love in not betraying the other by marital infidelity.

Love is not hurting the other, either by word or deed.

Love is acknowledging what has been done cannot be undone and, that injuries cannot be erased by the word ‘sorry’.

Love has the capacity and strength (ἀρετή) to forgive, as well as the common sense (κοινὴ αἲσθησις) not to forget.

Love is acknowledging that: wounds from deeds heal but wounds from injurious words – even a single syllable – may linger for many years.

Love means love of God for humankind, or humankind for God. (ἀγάπη).

Love means brotherly love (φιλία).

Love means familial love (στοργή).

Love means the ‘desire,’ or aesthetic aspirations of love (ερως), differentiating it from the lecherous or salacious lusts of the flesh (πορνογράφος).

Love is evasive of specific language.

Love has its own language in the archetypes.

Love’s archetypes are non-specific symbols.

PS

French composer and lyricist, Michel Emer, had an interesting perspective about love, which he wrote about in his song, “L’amour ne s’explique pas! I include it below (in part):

“L’amour ne s’explique pas! C’est une chose comme ça! Qui vient on ne sait d’où Et vous prend tout à coup”.

“Love can’t be explained. It comes, just like that, from where no one knows and suddenly it takes hold”.

Burning Books is the Precursor to Burning Human Beings, and Apathy is the Assurance to Guaranteeing its Perpetuance.

Rev. Father Maximiadis

Martin Luther (1483-1546), one of the influential figures in the Protestant Reformation Schism as well as an anti-Semite, suggested, “setting alight Jewish Prayer Books and Synagogues”. (‘Von den Jüden und iren Lügen,’ published in 1543). Luther’s suggestions were adopted 400-years later by the Nazi Party, which begun the state-sanctioned discrimination of the Jewish people (Nazi convention, Nürnberg, 15 September 1935). Germany outlawed the Nazi Party subsequent to the closure of World War II.

The Nazis began the Reichspogromnacht [‘Night of Broken Glass’] on 9-10 November 1938 throughout Germany and Austria. A night of violence against the Jews, their Synagogues and burning of their Prayer Books. Christian Johann Heinrich Heine (1797-1856), German poet, essayist and literary critic, wrote, “Where they have burned books, they will end in burning human beings”. (‘Almansor: A Tragedy’, published in 1823). Between 1941-1945, The German Nazi regime conducted the systematic slaughter of 6-million Jews which became known as the ‘Holocaust’ ὁλόκαυστος holókaustos (or השואה, HaShoah).

Books that are read are more often not understood. Teachers, similar to books, are heard, but more often inattentively. Until generations learn the mistakes of past generations, the past mistakes will be the assurance to guaranteeing its perpetuance.

George Santayana (1863-1952), essayist, philosopher and poet wrote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”. (‘The Life of Reason’ (1905)).

The New Age Movement’s ploy is attempting to destabilise the Christian Church and its teachings and traditions. The Church has – during the past 2000-year period – survived times of wars, plagues, famine, and persecution. Many Christians were martyred between the 1st and 21st cc. The Orthodox and Roman Catholic church sanctioned the canonisation of approximately 217 martyrs. The first was Stephen, and the last Tsar Nikolai Aleksandrovich Romanov II, and his family. New Age advocates are practised obscurantists, regarding the Church’s historical background. Moreover, the significant contributions it has made in the formation of Western civilisation, e.g., acting as a protecting stockade for continental Europe, against the marauding Mohammedans, consequently, saving Europe from Islamic conquest.

The arguably enduring legacy of Byzantine religious ceremonies, art, education, and architecture; foremost was the great Hagia Sophia (Ἁγία Σοφία) in Constantinople. The continuing preservation, study and dissemination of sacred, and classical text, into continental Europe, leading into the fledgling Renaissance (circa 14th c.). And the Justinian compilation of law [i.e., the Digesta, Codex, and Institutions, and later the Corpus iuris civilis,  circa 534 c.] from which the West viz: Continental Europe, Africa, South America, and to a lesser extent England, North America adopted for their legal systems. These, amongst many other things, are taken for granted today, are the undeniable inheritances from a highly developed Christian culture, rather than a pagan world.

The Church – from the perspective of historical principals – is both an organic and spiritual entity, with an undeniable apostolic continuity; from the primitive Church in Jerusalem. New Age advocates prefer to focus on unimportant errors and faults, to gloss over the significant contributions the Church has made over the centuries, by inconsequential questions and opinions.

Father Maximiadis.

Rev. Father A. Maximiadis

The Inquisition spread from Continental Europe to the Americas. A numerous number of Jewish Qedoshim (קְדֹשִׁים, i.e. “holy ones”) died at the hands of the Inquisitors throughout Continental Europe, and England between 1232 and 1834. Notwithstanding Papal bulls issued by Popes Clement VI (1342-52), Boniface IX (1389-1404), and Pope Nicholas V (1447-55) ‘denouncing the activities of the Inquisitors,’ the Inquisitors ignored their decrees.

The Inquisition was the socially accepted solutions, at that time, to deal with the anarchy and heresy that were creating havoc in both church and state. For example, Donatism, Priscillianism; in the 4th and 5th centuries, and the Catharist (Albigenses) in the 12th and 13th cents. These disruptive forces were curbed to assure national unity and security. Whether or not some judicial practices were, in some isolated cases, excessive, e.g., Tomas de Torquemada (1420-98), they were the accepted judicial procedures of the state in those centuries. Some state-approved practices of this century will be viewed censoriously in the centuries ahead. However, these court proceedings – whether we approve or not – have to be considered in the context of the accepted societal norms of the period. The Inquisition was paramount in protecting the church, state, and culture, which eventually influenced the formation of Western civilisation; a civilisation of which many of its benefits are enjoyed today.

~ Finis ~

 

Gratuitous violence and destruction, – i.e., so-called ‘blood sport,’ recreational hunting, Spanish bullfights et cetera – of what God has made; are at variance with Biblical principals.

Gratuitous violence and destruction, – i.e., so-called ‘blood sport,’ recreational hunting, Spanish bullfights et cetera – of what God has made; are at variance with the three great monothestic world religions, and the major Indian religions.

Judaism:

Judaism has been recognized for its humane treatment of animals dating back to  antiquity.

καὶ ἐποίησεν ὁ θεὸς τὰ θηρία τῆς γῆς κατὰ γένος (α) … καὶ εἶδεν ὁ θεὸς ὅτι καλά (β).

(בְּרֵאשִׁית / Γενεσις. 1:25. Septuaginta (LXX)

And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind (a) And God saw that it was good (b).

(Genesis, 1:25. NKJV)

If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it.

(Sh’mot 23:5)

The theme of the suffering of living creatures (Tza’ar ba’alei chayim) was further affirmed as a Biblical directive (Bava Metzia 32b) in Rabbinic Judaism.

Christian:

Oὐχὶ δύο στρουθία ἀσσαρίου πωλεῖται; καὶ ἓν ἐξ αὐτῶν οὐ πεσεῖται ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν ἄνευ τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν.

Ματθαῖον 10:29. Nestle Greek NT. 1904.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. 

Matthew 10:29. NIV.

Saint Thomas Aquinas suggested that ‘empathy to animals ought to be practised as an offset against cruelty to fellow humans’.(vide: Singer, Peter. “Animals” in Honderich, T. (ed.). The Oxford Companion to Philosophy, Oxford University Press, 1995.))

Islam:

Islam condones killing of animals, albeit it doesn’t permit nonessential killing, or gratuitous cruelty. Islam’s stance on cruelty is quite clear:

“If you must kill, kill without torture.”

vide: Masri, Al-Hafiz Basheer Ahmad. Islamic Concern for Animals. Athene Trust, 1987, cited in Ryder, Richard D. Animal Revolution: Changing Attitudes towards Speciesism. Berg, 2000, p. 23.

Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism:

The term Ahiṃsā is defined as ‘doing no harm or injury to man or animal’. It is a shared moral standard between Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. Violation of this tenet has – according to Hindu belief – karmic repercussion. 

वाङ्-मनः-कर्म-दण्डैर् भूतानाम् अद्रोही 

One who does not injure others with words, thoughts or acts is named Adrohi. 

Dharmasutra 2.6.23

(vide: Dr. Shiva Bajpai (2011), The History of India. Himalayan Academy Publications, Hawaii. pp. 8,98) 

These four merciless men, appear to have a deficit masculine personality disorder, or are brazen sadists with great panache for slaughtering animals. Evidently, they are relishing their moment of cruelty, void of even an ounce of empathy. They would do the Marquis de Sade proud. They are beyond disgusting!

Father Maximiadis.

Rev. Father A Maximiadis.

In former times, the family idiots were sent off to the church, evidently, nowadays, they are sent off to a career in politics.

Rev. Father A Maximiadis. 

Australia’s Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Abbot and his Foreign Affairs Minister, Ms. Julie Bishop, through their tackless and naïve communication with Indonesia’s President JoKo Widodo and Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, have proven themselves as the indubitable international hobbledehoys. Their point of disagreement, with Widodo and Marsudi, concerns the ongoing saga of the two Australian drug traffickers, Messrs Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, awaiting execution in Indonesia. Both Abbot and Bishop are an embarrassment at home and, perhaps a laughingstock abroad, amongst the heads of state, across Southeastern Asia, and from Moscow to Pretoria and Ottawa to Buenos Aires.

Abbot and Bishop’s recent bilateral diplomatic quarrels, with Widodo and Marsudi, were naïve, tackless and lacked diplomatic diplomacy. Abbot’s attempt to bribe Widodo to change Indonesia’s laws asserting: “Let’s not forget that a few years ago when Indonesia was struck by the Indian Ocean tsunami Australia sent $1 billion worth of assistance, we sent a contingent of our armed forces to help in Indonesia with humanitarian relief”. That was one billion dollars with hooks. And his transparent empty threats: “We will be letting Indonesia know in absolutely unambiguous terms that we feel grievously let down,” and “I would say to the Indonesia people and the government, we in Australia are always there to help you and we hope that you might reciprocate in this way at this time”. Is this a case of, ‘beware of Australian politicians bearing gifts,’ or ‘facio ut facias’ (I do so that you may do). Perhaps Abbot perceives himself as the ‘foremost figure’ amongst the Asian-Pacific leaders, while others in the region, might view him as the ‘bully-boy’.

Julie Bishop, put forward a plan to Marsudi, for a ‘prisoner exchange deal,’ or an offer to ‘cover costs of the two Australian drug traffickers continuing life imprisonment; if a stay of execution were granted. Marsudi rejected a ‘prisoner exchange’ arrangement: “Let me reiterate that there is no legal basis within the Indonesian law that would allow for such exchange to take place,” in a letter dated 8 March. These suggestions were tackless and ludicrous as well as being a further example of Australian politicians riding roughshod over other heads of state in the region. Surely Bishop, a graduate in laws, ought to have understood that Indonesian laws are not negotiable.

These are clear examples of Abbot and Bishops’ eroding Australia-Indonesia relations, through their irresponsible, reckless diplomacy, and disrespect for Indonesia’s laws and sovereignty; particularly regarding capital punishment. In other South East Asian countries who execute drug traffickers viz., Vietnam with approximately 673 awaiting execution, and Singapore where, from between 2004 and 2010, thirty-eight were hanged; 12 of whom were foreigners. In Malaysia, there are hundreds of drug traffickers, still on death row, although very few have been hanged recently. Where are Abbot and Bishop’s protests for these people waiting for the tap on their shoulder, or perhaps they consider their lives of a less value than Australians?

Twenty-nine years ago Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke described Malaysia’s hanging of drug traffickers Kevin Barlow and Brian Chambers as “barbaric,” subsequently effecting a ten-year chill in Australian-Malaysian relations. Several years ago, Pauline Hanson, a fishmonger – from Ipswich, Queensland – turned politician, who delivered her controversial maiden speech (10 September 1996) to the House, caused a controversy because of its criticisms and, unmitigated attacks against Aboriginals, and xenophobic criticisms against multiculturalism and immigration; subsequently unleashing media turmoil in Australia and across Southeastern Asia. How an ignorant xenophobic fishmonger can leap across a fish and chip counter into politics is anyone’s guess.

Tony Abbot’s pre-election ‘promises,’ (cris de cœur to the low-income families, the homeless, sick, struggling students, disabled, and the aged) solely to win centre of power, subsequently became ‘broken promises’ soon after winning office. For example, the disabled, sick and elderly et al., were to be taxed or benefits withdrawn. The increase in the price of pharmaceuticals and, the introduction of co-payments for GP visits. He is the penultimate, unscrupulous deceiver.

These convicted criminals, drug smugglers, are not on Nusakambangan island, for having suddenly found God, [Only after receiving the death sentence] and metamorphosing into a “priest,” artist, role models; and campaigners for penal reforms. They are there for the crimes they were found guilty by the Indonesian judiciary. Their lust for wealth caused the deaths of untold young Australians. [During my active years I had the harrowing experiences of burying victims who died from drugs supplied by the likes of the Chans and Sukumarans] Abbot, Bishop, and the Bleeding-hearts, conduct vigils on the steps of Parliament House, and across Australia, begging mercy, forgiveness and humanity for these traffickers of misery and death; whilst the memory of their victims lie forgotten in their graves. Only those without empathy misplace their sympathies for perpetrators rather than their unfortunate victims. The 4th Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad (محضير بن محمد), in response to: ‘no one has the right to take another’s life,’ replied “You should tell that to the drug traffickers”.

Rev. Father A. Maximiadis.

Translated from the English by Ms. Regula Ranch.

Einleitung

Dies ist ein Bericht über versuchte Aktivitäten, um Frauen in der “Sexindustrie” zu helfen. Die Versuche sind vor knapp zwei Jahrzehnten unternommen worden. Konventionelle Medizin und illegale Drogen waren an der Tagesordnung im Gewerbe (i.). Ein spezialisierter Service, der den Frauen kurzes Aufatmen ermöglichte, wo sich Frauen wieder finden konnten, war dringend nötig. Es wurde eine Stelle mit dem Namen ‘The Sanctuary’ (das Heiligtum) geschaffen.

Das tiefer liegende Konzept hierzu geht auf jüdische und christliche Quellen zurück…”Planung für das Wohlergehen… Um eine Zukunft und eine Hoffnung zu geben” (Jer, 29:11) (ii.), und das Gleichnis des Mannes, der unter die Räuber gefallen ist (Lukas, 10:30) (iii.) und dann die Geschichte von der Frau, die beim Ehebruch erwischt worden ist” (Johannes, 7:53-8:11) (iv.).

Die Beratungsstelle begann vor 17 Jahren bevor die Aktionsgruppe der Prostituierten (November 1978) und das australische Kollektiv der Prostituierten (1984) gegründet worden sind und bevor der Neave Report (Dezember 1985) herauskam. Damals gab es keine Stelle um den Bedürfnissen der Frauen entgegenzukommen; es gab auch keine gute Literatur, die das Thema Prostitution behandelte. In der Frauenbewegung war Prostitution damals kein Thema. Die Beratungsstelle hatte demzufolge kein fundiertes Wissen und keine Erfahrung. Aus praktischen Gründen wurde das Zentrum dort etabliert, nicht in einer konservativ anonymen Lokalität.

Geoffrey Francis Lamb (der Autor dieses Schreibens nimmt keine Rücksicht über die Anonymität von Personen, die in den Medien tätig sind) (v.), der von den Medien als “Bordellkönig” (vi.) bezeichnet wurde, unterzeichnete einen Vertrag mit dem Autor dieser Schrift. Im Februar 1977 wurde eine Beratungsstelle für Prostituierte gegründet.

Folgende Aktivitäten wurden von der Beratungsstelle angeboten: Beratung von Frauen, die als Prostituierte arbeiteten, im Speziellen derjenigen Frauen, die abhängig waren von verschriebenen und illegalen Drogen. Dazu kam die Absicht, früheren Angestellten beizustehen auf ihrer Suche nach konventionellen Arbeitsmöglichkeiten. Die Beratungsstelle verlangte totale Autonomie. Dies wurde von der Mehrheit der Arbeiterinnen und Bordellbesitzer befürwortet.

 

Die Bordelle der Innenstadt von Melbourne, von Frankston bis Brunswick und von Clayton bis Footscray wurden häufig vom Autor besucht. Diese Bezirke vertraten ungefähr 200 Bordelle und 50 Hausdienste und umfassten ca. 2000 Frauen. (dies ist die höchste Zahl pro Einwohner in der Welt (vii.)). Der Autor ermöglichte priesterliche Aktivitäten für Bordelle in Sydney und Adelaide.

ZENTRUM DER AUSSPRACHE

Eine Zeitschrift mit dem Titel ‘Parlour Weekly’ wurde am 10 Juni 1977 das erstemal herausgegeben. Sie war für die Frauen in der “Sexindustrie” gedacht und zirkulierte in Sydney und später in Adelaide.

Ein Teil war mit Ratschlägen, Briefen und Artikeln von den Frauen gefüllt, ein anderer enthielt Informationen. Die Bordellbesitzer waren einverstanden nicht in offiziellen Zeitungen zu werben. In dieser Zeitschrift konnten sie sich kostenlos bekanntmachen und für Sexarbeiterinnen werben. Die Rubrik für die Gesundheit enthielt z.B., folgende Themen: Drogen und das Gesetz, Brust-selbstuntersuchung.

Diese Informationen wurden vom ‘Police Life’, vom Gesundheits – Lernzentrum, von der Gesellschaft für Krebsbekämpfung von Victoria und von dem Nationalen Komitee der Drogenabhängigkeit geliefert. Manchmal zitierten die Medien Artikel aus dem ‘Parlour Weekly’ (viii.), es kam auch vor, dass Artikel in sozialen Studien in Melbourne zitiert wurden. Man kann annehmen, dass das ‘Parlour Weekly’ die erste Veröffentlichung dieser Art war, die Auflage betrug 300. Wegen ungenügender Unterstützung hörte die Publikation des ‘Parlour Weekly’ am 16. Juni 1978 auf.

Ein Gesundheitsprogramm unter dem Namen ‘Ideenaustausch’ wurde am 6. November 1977 angefangen. Der erste Sprecher, Dr. Peter Rennie vom Viktorianischen Gesundheitsdepartement präsentierte ein Informationsgespräch und einen Farbfilm über Geschichte, Vorkommen, Ablauf, Diagnose, Behandlung und Vorbeugen von Syphilis und Gonorrhea.

‘DAS HEILIGTUM, EIN ORT DES VERTRAUENS’

In einem leeren Bordell in der Nicholsonstrasse 91 wurde im Februar 1978 ein Zentrum eingerichtet. Das Ziel war spirituelle, soziale, pflegeorientierte und andere Organisationen zu vereinen, deren Anliegen es war, sich für die Frauen der Strasse und der Bordelle einzusetzen. Das Zentrum wurde als ‘Das Heiligtum’ bekannt und wurde von zwei Priestern (Römisch-katholisch und anglikanisch), einem besuchenden Arzt und einem Sozialarbeiter unterstützt (ix.). Es bekam keinerlei finanzielle Unterstützung. Die Leistungen waren kostenlos, es überlebte von der Hand zum Mund. Frauen in Sydney, Melbourne und Adelaide erkannten ‘das Heiligtum’ als Ort des Vertrauens; es wurde zu einem Ort für sie.

‘Das Heiligtum’ konnte fünf Frauen beherbergen und zusätzlich eine Mutter mit Kind; dann hatte es eine Notunterkunft für eine Frau mit zwei Kindern. Während sieben Monaten wurden insgesamt 30 Frauen und einige Kleinkinder beherbergt. Die Aufnahme geschah durch direkten Kundenkontakt und durch Überweisungen von der Polizei (x.) und den Sozialabteilungen von zwei öffentlichen Spitälern. (Royal Melbourne, Alfred Spitäler). Es wurden folgende zusätzliche Dienste offeriert: Gegenwart eines Sozialarbeiters beim Verhör, falls dies von den Frauen und der Polizei erwünscht war; gerichtliche Überweisungen, Begleitung der Angeklagten während der Gerichtsprozeduren, und die Unterbreitung von Voruntersuchungsberichten (xi.) (xii.).

REAKTION DER PRESSE

Das Heiligtum war ein Modell das wert war zu kopieren, es war auch wert, Theorie und Nachforschung zu entwickeln. Andere Agenturen, Medizinstudenten, Krankenschwestern und Sozialarbeiter zeigten Interesse. Zwei Sozialarbeiter unternahmen eine Untersuchungsstudie für das Sozialarbeitsdepartement der Universität von Melbourne. Das Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Swinburn University of Technology und das Phillip Institute of Technology baten ‘das Heiligtum’ über seine Arbeit zu reden.

Eine Einladung fand statt für die Teilnahme bei den einleitenden Diskussionen mit dem General- Oberstaatsanwalt für ausstehende Gesetze (xiii.).

8 Jahre später verlangte das Komitee des Katholischen Frauenbundes von Victoria Ideen für eine Untersuchung über die Prostitution der Jahre 1983 und 1984.

Manchmal zog das Zentrum kritische oder vernichtende Medienberichte an, im Speziellen waren es der Herald, die Peter Couchman Show (ATV, Kanal 10) und ‘This Day Tonight’ (ABC, Kanal 2) (xiv.).

“STRIPTEASE TÄNZERINNEN, PSYCHEDELIKUM, TRINKGELAGE”

‘Parlour Weekly’ , 30 July, 1978.

Eine zusätzliche Aktivität vom Zentrum war es, den Festtag der heiligen Maria Magdalene zu feiern (xv.). Man wollte damit positive Freizeitbeschäftigung erforschen und fördern: Selbstwert, Grunbedürfnisse, Machtkontrolle, zukünftige Pläne, Dies half zusätzlich unproduktive Tendenzen in der “Industrie” aufzuklären. Am 23 Juli 1978 fand das Fest statt. Einige Bordelle, die mitmachten, waren an diesem Tag geschlossen, andere hatten reduzierten Betrieb, damit die Arbeiterinnen teilnehmen konnten. Während der Feier gab es Gebete, eine Lesung, eine Musikgruppe (Paul Maddigan and the Humans). Strip-tease Tänzerinnen, eine psychadelische Light-show und Erfrischungen. Das Ereignis zog fast 100 Menschen an, darunter waren drei bekannte Mitglieder von der Vice Squad. Diese waren von den Frauen eingeladen.

“DIE BULLEN ÜBERFALLEN DAS HEILIGTUM”

‘Melbourne Truth’, 12/8/1978.

Fünf Detektive mit Untersuchungsausweisen (xvi.) stürmten am 3. August 1978 ‘das Heiligtum’. Dies geschah nachdem das ‘Gas Light – Bordell’ in Richmond bombardiert worden war. Zwei Frauen, die indessen verstorben sind, waren zu der Zeit in Obhut (Eine litt unter chronischen körperlichen Entzugserscheinungen) (xvii.). Sie waren durch den Streifzug traumatisiert worden, im speziellen waren es aggressive Körperuntersuchungen. Die Detekive versuchten Zutritt zu den vertraulichen Unterlagen des Autors zu erlangen. Als Folge verloren die Frauen das Zutrauen zum Zentrum als Ort der Sicherheit, der Zuflucht und des Schutzes. Es kamen auch feindliche Reaktionen von der “Industrie” selbst. Ein paar Bordellbesitzer, die Vergeltung gegenüber früheren Mitarbeiterinnen suchten, drohten, ‘das Heiligtum’ zu schliessen, falls jenen Arbeiterinnen Dienste angeboten würden (xviii.).

Als Folge wurde die Zeitschrift ‘Parlour Weekly’ verboten, und dem Autor wurde untersagt, eine Anzahl von Bordellen zu besuchen. Es wurde in ‘das Heiligtum’ eingebrochen und es wurden Kugeln durch die Decke unter dem Office gefeuert; zum Glück blieben diese im Fussboden stecken.

Dieses Ereignis hatte eine Diskussion unter verschiedenen Bordellbesitzern zur Folge. Dem Autor wurde bekanntgegeben, dass die Liegenschaft nicht mehr lange zur Verfügung sein werde (xix.). Diese und andere Umstände waren verantwortlich dafür, dass ‘das Heiligtum’ am 8. September 1978 geschlossen wurde.

DIE AUSWIRKUNG

Vier Tage später wurde die 23-jährige Susan Cairns im Gebäude tot aufgefunden (xx.). Laut der Untersuchung vom 23. März 1979 ist sie an einer Überdosis von einer Mixtur von Drogen gestorben, unter anderen waren es Diphenhydramine, Methadon, Methaqualone und Oxazepam (xxi.).

“EIN GESUNDHEITSZENTRUM, DAS FÜR DIE BEDÜRFNISSE VON PROSTITUIERTEN EINGERICHTET IST, SOLLTE ZUR VERFÜGUNG GESTELLT WERDEN.”

The Catholic Women’s League (Victoria).

Das sozial Untersuchungskomitee des Katholischen Frauenbundes offerierte folgende Empfehlungen.

“Ein näheres und besseres Beziehungsfeld zwischen freiwilligen Organisationen und Sozialarbeitern sollte gefördert werden.

“In der Innenstadt sollte es Orte geben, wo sich Strassenprostituierte und andere Prostituierte während beschränkter Zeit von ihrer Arbeit erholen können.

“Es sollte ausserhalb der Strassenumgebung Orte geben, wo Prostituierte ihren Bedürfnissen nachgehen können.

“Die Kirchenorganisationen sollten als Teil ihrer Missionsarbeit für die Armen sich Gedanken machen über die Probleme der Prostituieren.

“Programme, die im Interesse der Prostituierten sind, sollten entworfen und zur Verfügung gestellt werden, z. B. über die Gesundheit, Drogen und über Möglichkeiten, die das Leben erleichtern.

“Ein Gesundheitszentrum, das für die Bedürfnisse von Prostituierten eingerichtet ist, sollte in Gegenden wo Prostituierte sich aufhalten, zur Verfügung gestellt werden.

“Schulungs – und Gesundheitsprogramme sollten in den Aussenquartieren und den ländlichen Gegenden gefördert und zur Verfügung gestellt werden.

“Es sollten mehr Betten vorhanden sein für die Pflege und für Entziehungskuren von Prostituierten, die von einer Drogenabhägigkeit wegkommen wollen (xxii.).

“WER SICH NICHT AN DIE VERGANGENHEIT ERINNERN KANN, IST DAZU VERDAMMT, SIE ZU WIEDERHOLEN”.

George Santayana.

Die Geschichte hat immer wieder gezeigt, dass das Regulieren der Prostitution erbärmlich versagt hat. Ellis nennt fünf klassische Umstände, die zum Versagen führen: Rotterdam, New York, Cincinnati, Rom und Dänemark (xxiii.).

Der Autor möchte herausfinden, ob die australische Erfahrung eine Ausnahme zu den Erfahrungen von Übersee darstellt. Die Frauen selber, das menschliche Gesicht der Prostitution sollte im Zentrum jeder Diskussion über Prostitution sein und nicht die profittreibende Sexindustrie oder die politisch inspirierte Gesetzgebung.

Der Autor hofft, diese Broschüre werde Interesse erwerben und Diskussionen anregen, vielleicht von einer “Hirtenperspektive” (vida infra). Vielleicht gibt es Möglichkeiten eine spezialisierte Agentur zu etablieren, die eine breite Auswahl von Diensten offeriert um folgende Probleme zu beleuchten: Selbstbewusstsein, Überleben, Kinderpflege, Verhaltensmuster, Drogengebrauch und Drogenmissbrauch, Verhältnisse der Menschen unter sich und ungeborene Kinder.

Τὸ ἠσθενηκὸς οὐκ ἐνισχύσατε καὶ τὸ κακῶς ἔχον οὐκ ἐσωματοποιήσατε καὶ τὸ συντετριμμένον οὐ κατεδήσατε καὶ τὸ πλανώμενον οὐκ ἐπεστρέψατε καὶ τὸ ἀπολωλὸς οὐκ ἐζητήσατε καὶ τὸ ἰσχυρὸν κατειργάσασθε μόχθῳ. Καὶ διεσπάρη τὰ πρόβατά μου διὰ τὸ μὴ εἶναι ποιμένας καὶ ἐγενήθη εἰς κατάβρωμα πᾶσι τοῖς θηρίοις τοῦ ἀγροῦ

Ιεζέκιηλ, xxxiv:4,5. LXX

Der Schwachen wartet ihr nicht, und die Kranken heilt ihr nicht, das Verwundete verbindet ihr nicht, das Verirrte holt ihr nicht und das Verlorene sucht ihr nicht; sondern streng und hart herrscht ihr sie.

Und meine Schafe waren zerstreut, als sie keinen Hirten hatten und sind allen wilden Tieren zur Speise geworden.

Hesekiel. xxxiv: 4, 5

~ ANERKENNUNGEN ~

Das Zentrum war nicht das Werk eines Einzelnen, es war das Werk vieler. Ich bin den zahlreichen Menschen und Organisationen, die zur Einrichtung und zur Durchführung der Arbeit im Zentrum beigetragen haben zu tiefem Dank verpflichtet.

Ohne ihre Unterstützung wäre das Zentrum nicht möglich gewesen. Ich möchte mich besonders bei den Frauen selber bedanken, ich fühle mich geehrt, sie zu kennen und sie zu meinen Freunden zu zählen; ganz speziellen Dank an “Tracy”, die all ihre Stunden zwischen ihrer “Kundenarbeit” damit verbrachte, Artikel für das ‘Parlour Weekly’ zu schreiben.

Folgende Frauen sind ebenfalls in dankbarer Erinnerung: Diana, Vanda, Lorraine, Susan und ‘Sky’. Mein Dank geht auch an folgende Personen und Institutionen:-

Die anglikanischen und römisch-katholischen Priester für ihren weisen Rat und ihre ihre Leitung. Den grosszügigen Herrn Dr. J. M. Cohen für seine freiwilligen Besuche, seine Diagnosen und weiterführenden Behandlungen im ‘Heiligtum’.

Margaret Dee (sie ist die Sekretärin der Gesellschaft zur Auflösung des Prostitutionsgesetzes in N.S.W.) für ihre Beiträge ‘Quills Quims’ im ‘Parlour Weekly’. Das Viktorianische Gesundheitsdepartment für die fortwährende Versorgung von Literatur zur Verteilung an Ärzte und für Projektoren und Filme für das Programm ‘Ideenaustausch’. An das ‘Police Life’ für die Zustellung und die Verteilung von Literatur über legale Drogen. An das GTV Kanal 9 und den ‘Wards Air Express Service’, die Kosten für interstaatliche Reisen deckten.

Speziellen dank an Geoffrey Frances Lamb, ohne seine Mitwirkung wäre das Zentrum nicht möglich gewesen. Geoff hatte persönliches Interesse für das Zentrum, er informierte sich täglich über die Weiterentwicklung und gab zu jeder Tagesoder Nachtzeit Auskunft, wenn er um Rat gefragt wurde. Bei den Frauen, die in seinen Bordellen arbeiteten und überhaupt in der Industrie war Geoff eine beliebte Person; ich fühle mich geehrt, den mitfühlenden Geoff zu kennen und ich schätze seine Freundschaft. Ich hoffe, Geoff bleibe in Erinnerung für seine enthusiastische Zusammenarbeit und seine Mitwirkung im Zentrum und nicht als die berüchtigte Person, wie sie die Medien portraitiert. Shakespeare machte einen Punkt in diesem Sinn, als er Antony die folgenden Worte sagen liess: “Das Schlechte, das die Menschheit tut, lebt über ihren Tod; das Gute ist oft mit ihren Knochen begraben”. (Julius Cäsar, Akt 3, Scene 2.).

Ich bin der römisch-katholischen Nonne von den Brigittine Sisters zu Dank verpflichtet. Sie übernahm die aufwendige Aufgabe für die Kirchenorganisationen alle Dokumentationen vorzubereiten, damit diese sie der Viktorianischen Regierung unterbreiten konnten.

Vielen Dank auch an Regula Ranch für die Übersetzung in die deutsche Sprache: Ein misslungener Versuch für das Wohlergehen von Prostituierten und für das Korrigieren der zweiten englischen Ausgabe und für die Vorschläge welche eine dritte Ausgabe notwendig machten; vielen Dank.

Ich bin auch meiner Frau, Lolita, zu Dank verpflichtet, sie verbrachte unzählige Stunden allein zu Hause, sie trug die finanziellen Bürden mit und scheute keine Zeit, wenn die Frauen, die jemanden zum Reden brauchten, telefonierten. Ich bedanke mich für die fortwährende Unterstützung, die Ermunterung und die Liebe speziell während der Zeiten, als ich im ‘heissen Sitz’ war und mir ‘die Finger verb rannte’.

 

 

 

 

~ BIBLIOGRAFIE ~

1. Die Öffentlichkeit assoziiert unter Drogen vor allem die illegalen drogen, z.B. Heroin und Cannabis. Die Medien verbreiten verdrehte Anschauungen, weil ihre Methoden, Neuigkeiten zu sammeln und weiterzuleiten ungenügend sind. Von 100’000 Todesfällen, die zwischen 1977 und 1987 durch Drogen verursacht worden waren, starben 2.4% auf Grund von Missbrauch von Opiaten und Barbituraten, 23% wegen Alkoholmissbrauch und 73.9% wegen Tabakmissbrauch. (Statistik über Drogenmissbrauch in Australien, 1988. Commonwealth Department of Community Services and Health, 1988. Seite 35.). Rev. Father A. Maximiadis.
2. Bibel NASB, The Lockman Foundation, Syndics of the Cambridge University Press, New York. 1960. Seite 826.
3. Ibid , Seite 81.
4. Ibid , Seite 116.V
5. Geoffrey Lamb war Direktor von zwei Kompanien, T.D.C. Investments und Golden Mile. Er besass und kontrollierte 23 Bordelle und hatte ein monatliches Einkommen von ca A$56000.
6. The Age , 28.10.1987.
7. The Bulletin , 6.2.1979.
8. The Age , 28.10.1987.
9. The Age , 17.10.1978.
10. Ibid , 17.10.1978.
11. Truth , 8.10.1977.
12. Herald , 18.8.1978.
13. Profitieren von der Prostitution oder ihrer Organisation ist klar verurteilt worden in der Resolution, die von den Vereinten Nationen 1951 angeommen worden war. Die UN haben die Prostitution nicht verdammt, aber jene die sie organisieren und davon profitieren. Der Autor hofft, dass die australische Erfahrung der internationalen Konvention nicht zuwiderhandelt.
14. Die Diskussionen in der Gemeinschaft konnten sich damals nur auf wenig Information und Verständnis berufen, wenn es um die Arbeit von Frauen ging, die sich in Prostitution engagierten.
15. Dies soll nicht verwechselt werden mit dem Gleichnis der ‘Frau, die beim Ehebruch erwischt worden war’ (Johannes 7.53-8.11). Dieses Gleichnis ist in den frühesten griechischen, syrischen, koptischen und lateinischen Schriften nicht enthalten. Das Feiern des Festtages für Maria Magdalena war unter den Frauen, die im Feld der Prostitution tätig waren bekannt als eine wichtige westlich- romantische Tradition.
16. Die fünf Detektive waren nicht von der Vice Squad. Manchmal besuchten Mitglieder der Vice Squad ‘das Heiligtum’, weil sie Mitleid hatten für die Frauen, die dort in der Obhut waren.
17. Truth, 9,12.8.1978.
18. Laut einer Vereinbarung, die im Februar 1977 unterzeichnet worden war, hatten die Aktivitäten des Zentrums den Status der “totalen Autonomie”.
19. Truth, 7.10.1978.
20. Ibid, 7.10.1978.
21. Sunday Observer, 20.4.1980.
22. Submission to The Inquiry into Prostitution 1983,1984. pp.21,22. The Social Questions Committee, Catholic Women’s League, Victoria.
23. Ellis. Studies in The Psychology of Sex, Random House, New York. 1905. Vol. II, Chap. 3, pp. 250-52.
24. Jessup,C.P. ( Act. Ch.Supdt. ) Victoria Police. Ref:10-6-002795, 28.2.1996.
25. Batten,M. ( Act. Senr. Lbr. ) National Library of Australia. Ref: P: 22/1/3b, 27.8.1997.

~ ANHANG ~

Alle Ausgaben des ‘Parlour Weekly’ wurden von der Viktorianischen Polizei geborgt (11. November 1986): Im Falle Crown gegen Higgins, Strang und Glare als Folge einer Untersuchung der inneren Untersuchungsabteilung (Operation “Cobra”), mit einer Zusicherung, erdass sie zur ückerstattet würden.

Das Verhör von Higgins wurde am 25. März 1993 abgeschlossen. Es folgten eine Anzahl Korrespondenzen zwischen dem Februar 1990 und dem Juli 1995 mit der Anfrage, das Material zur ückzugeben. Die Kopien von einigen Originalen wurden zurückgegeben. Die Originalkopien des ‘Parlour Weekly’ wurden während des Gerichtverfahrens “verlegt” (xxiv.), (verkompliziert und herausgeschoben).

Die Kopien bestanden aus 11 Ausgaben, dann gab es 54 lose Seiten:- Vol.1, No.1, 24/6/1977; Vol.1, No.3, 8/7/1977; Vol.1, No.4, 15/7/1977; Vol.1, No.6, 19/8/1977; Vol.1, No.7, 2/9/1977; Vol.1,No.8,23/9/1977; Vol.1, No.11, 21/11/1977; Vol.1, No.12 (zwei Seiten), 23/12/1977; Vol.1, No.13 ( eine Seite ), 4/3/1978; Vol.1, No.14, 20/5/1978; Vol.1, No.15, 16/6/1978. Und 54 lose Seiten.

Das Material dieser überlebenden Ausgaben können als rar und einmalig bezeichnet werden. Sie und die erste Ausgabe dieses Schreibens sind in den australischen Serien der Nationalbibliothek von Australien in Canberra ACT enthalten (xxv.).

A FAILED MISSION FOR PROSTITUTES. Copyright © 1994, 1997 by George G. Amad. All rights reserved. No part of this pamphlet or the’Parlour Weekly’ may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission. Inquiry should be made to Hannigans Lawyers, Solicitors Attorneys, 92 Centre Street, Casino NSW Australia 2470.

EIN MISSLUNGENER VERSUCH FÜR DAS WOHLERGEHEN VON PROSTITUIERTEN. Translation Copyright © 1997 by Regula Ranch. All rights reserved. No part of this pamphlet may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission. Inquiry should be made to Hannigans Lawyers, Solicitors Attorneys, 92 Centre Street, Casino NSW Australia 2470.

BOOERIE CREEK, NSW. (1st éd.) MARCH 1994.

GREEN PIGEON, NSW. (2nd éd. incl. Appendix.) OCTOBER 1997.

GREEN PIGEON, NSW. (3rd éd. Revised incl. Ger. transl.) DECEMBER 1997.

~ Finis ~

Rev. Father A. Maximiadis

This article first appeared on this website in the ‘Forum’ section in May 2007. It has been transferred to the ‘Articles’ section and assigned the above title. The original subject matter and typographical layout has, for the most part, remained unaltered, except a few very necessary deletions. Moreover, additions for the purposes of clarification; to render the article more readable for visitors.

The American cult, who call themselves the “Jehovah’s Witnesses,” have made assertions that deserve responses. This article is written to address a few of their assertions, one of which is their denial of ‘Saint Peter’s Episcopacy at Rome’.

Firstly, this article will clarify the reason this cult will not be called the “Jehovah’s Witnesses”. This so-called name is a Renaissance, sit venia verbo, a bastardization of the consonants of the Shem ha-Meforash (‘Tetragrammaton’). Moreover, the vowels of ‘Adonai’ (‘ó κύριος’) in the Massoretic Text. The Jews, the faithful custodians of the Torah, withdrew the use of the Shem ha-Meforash from secular use; in the postexilic period in 300BC. To ensure that the sacred name would not be profaned. It was reserved solely for use by the Temple High Priests during the Day of Atonement.

Secondly, the “Jehovah’s Witnesses”, notwithstanding this sacred 2,300-year observances of Judaism, label God with a 16th-century counterfeit name, and claim it as God’s real personal name. Labelling God with a counterfeit name is tantamount to pronouncing the Tetragrammaton itself, if that were at all possible and is sheer blasphemy! No mere mortal can give a personal name to the Omnipotent God. Only God Himself has the divine privilege to do that, and to had revealed it; if He had wished to do so. This cult ought to have adopted the appropriate name after their founder Charles Taze Russell (1852-1916): “Charlie’s Witnesses”. For further information read: ‘Names of God in Judaism’ at Wikipedia.

The Origin of The ‘Russellites’.

The ‘Russellites’ were founded, in the early 1870s, by Russell (February 16, 1852 – October 31, 1916), (a Pittsburgh haberdasher), popularly known as “Pastor” Russell. At first his cult was known as the ‘Russellites’ and later designated, ‘The International Bible Students Association’. Moreover, in 1931 (v.i.) the “Jehovah’s Witnesses”. The activities, of the Russellites, are int al. principally printing and door-to-door distribution, of religious publications by voluntary proselyters. These activities are controlled and directed by three United States-based corporations. The ‘Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania,’ the ‘Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society Incorporated, of New York’; and the ‘International Bible Students Association’. These corporations were first under the directorship of Russell (sq. 1916). Also, then his successors: “Judge” Joseph Franklin Rutherford (1869 – 1942), under whom the cult transformed into an absolute autocracy. Nathan Homer Knorr (April 23, 1905 – June 8, 1977). Knorr oversaw the cult’s translation (of sorts) of the Bible, “New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (1984)”. Frederick William Franz (September 12, 1893 – December 22, 1992). Followed by Milton George Henschel (August 9, 1920 – March 22, 2003), and Don A. Adams (1925 (age 89–90)).

“μακάριοι οἱ εἰρηνοποιοί, ὅτι αὐτοὶ υἱοὶ θεοϋ κληθήσονται”.

Μαθθαῖος, v:9. GNT.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God”.

Matthew, v:9. NKJV.

The Russellites have a notorious reputation for their antagonism towards the Christian Church, its orthodoxy, and its clergy. This interminable stance is sustained by vitriolic, condemnatory propaganda against the Churches, and disseminated in their numerous publications.

Views on Worship.

The following pronouncement (v.i.), is a self-revealing case in point of the cult’s idiosyncratic loathing. It condemns “Christendom (for) having “…forsaken God’s clean worship …”, (and allegedly) becoming part of “… Satan’s wicked organization that oppresses the people…” and supposedly having “… failed to show concern for the poor…”. (brackets mine) (Watch Tower, sine nomine, 1 December, 1951, pp. 732-33).

“…oh wicked Christendom why have you forsaken God’s clean worship? Why have you joined forces and become part of Satan’s wicked organization that oppress the people? Why have you failed to show concern for the poor as Jehovah commands?”

The above pronouncement is flamboyantly arrogant, judgemental, and absent of even a soupçon of rationality.

“Μὴ κρίνετε, ἵνα μὴ κριθῆτε ἐν ᾧ γὰρ κρίματι κρίνετε κριθήσεσθε, καὶ ἐν ᾧ μέτρῳ μετρεῖτε μετρηθήσεται ὑμῖν”.

Μαθθαῖος, vii:1,2. GNT.

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge,you will be judged; and with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you”.

Matthew, vii:1,2. NKJV.

Do the Russellites really expect its readership to believe that Christendom’s meagrely 2,000-year liturgio-hermeneutic tradition is ‘part of Satan’s wicked organization?’ From the Russellites’ vast 81-year reservoir of knowledge, where, when, and how, in their opinion, did Christendom allegedly ‘forsake God’s clean worship?’ And the historical source from where their founder, Mr Russell, and his successors; obtain their moral authority to make such Judgements?

Φαρισαῖε τυφλέΦαρισαῖε τυφλέ, καθάρισον πρῶτον τὸ ἐντὸς τοῡ ποτηρίου, ἵνα γένηται καὶ τὸ ἐκτὸς αὐτοῦ καθαρόν. Οὐαὶ ὑμῖν, γραμματεῖς καὶ Φαρισαῖοι ὑποκριταί, ὅτι παρομοιάζετε τάφοις κεκονιαμένοις, οἵτινες ἔξωθεν μὲν Φαίνονται ὡραῑοι, ἔσωθεν δὲ γέμουσιν ὀστέων νεκρῶν καὶ πάσης ἀκαθαρσίας.

Μαθθαῖος, xxiii:26,27. GNT.

“Blind Pharisee “Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.

Matthew, xxiii:26,27. NKJV.

Judicial Practises, Then and Now.

The Russellites’ suggestion that Christendom “oppresses the people” is, in my opinion, a historically distorted and misplaced notion with absolutely no relevance to the church today. The religious, social, and political mores today are entirely different from those predating the early 19th century. The Russellites are attempting to vilify the church by superimposing their distorted views of the historical past onto the historical present. The historical circumstances are not as simple as the Russellites would have its readership believe, i.e., “Freedom of religious expression was stifled”. (‘Mankind’s Search for God’, sine nomine, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, New York 1990, p.282). The cult luxuriates in denigrating others who, in the past, allegedly “oppress the people” without looking at their repressive practises in the present.

The actual circumstances qu., the historic past, was faced with threatening forces that were bent on destroying the church and all the established institutions of contemporary society. These crucial events occurred during the late Dark Ages, the latter part of the Mediaeval period; and most of the Renaissance. Anarchy and heresy were creating havoc in both church and state. For example, Donatism and Priscillianism; in the 4th and 5th centuries. The Catharist (Albigenses) 12th and 13th centuries. And the disruptive forces that gave cause for the so-called “Spanish Inquisition” from 1479 to 1808 (and reintroduced, six years later, in 1814 to 1834). These are the facts of the historical past that the Russellites omitted from their pronouncement of the historical present.

These disruptive forces were curbed to assure national unity and security, and ecclesiastical protection of souls under its care. Some judicial practices were in some isolated cases excessive, e.g., Tomas de Torquemada (1420-98). They were the accepted legal procedures of the state in those centuries. Some state approved practises of this time will be viewed censoriously in the centuries ahead. However, these procedures, whether we approve or not, have to be considered in the context of the accepted societal norms of the period.

Christian Philanthropic Activities.

The Christian church has, since the early centuries, demonstrated a generous philanthropic spirit organized for serving the spiritual and temporal needs of orphans, sick, poor, and the aged. The social work of the Salvation Army, an evangelistic and social work organization was founded by William Booth (1829-1912) in London’s East End in 1865 And from 1880 spread to mainland Europe, United States, Australia; et al. In the United Kingdom alone, their full time Officers, with 70,000 volunteers, are mcauleydelivering numerous welfare services daily to thousands of the needy.

Numerous religious orders and congregations of the Roman Catholic Church has, for many centuries, tirelessly made incalculable contributions to social service; amongst a great diversity of other works. For example, the Sisters of Mercy, a non-cloistered order of nuns, founded by Mother Catherine Elizabeth McAuley (1787-1841) in Dublin; 1831. At present order numbers 13,629 nuns, who operate scores of hospitals, orphanages, schools, and colleges.

Numerous congregations of the Daughters of Charity (founded in Paris by Vincent de Paul (1580-1600) [canonized in 1737 by Pope Clement XII]. And Louise de Marillac (1591-1660) [canonized in 1934 by Pope Pius XI]; in 1633)), numbering 27,000 nuns, dedicated to education, nursing, care of the aged; and the poor. The Russellites have accumulated vast wealth over the past 81-years. Prime real estate with modern buildings to house offices, factories, and staff residences; in the United States, England, South Africa, Spain, New Zealand, et alibi. They hypocritically accuse the Churches of “… fail(ing) (brackets mine) to show concern for the poor” (op. cit. p. 733). While they direct their financial resources towards worldwide expansionary activities of “witnessing” (their euphemism for ‘converting’). Or rather ‘poaching’ the faithful from other jurisdictions in 64 countries (Mankind’s Search for God, sine nomine, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, New York, Inc. 1990. p. 361), to accumulate even further wealth.

Their pronouncement condemning Christendom for ‘failing to show concern for the poor’ is unadulterated hypocrisy at its worst. From the vast wealth accumulated, from the Russellites’ multinational corporations, how much have they contributed towards relieving the afflicted? How many (if any) orphanages, hospitals, schools, shelters for the poor, foundling homes, have they established?

Πορεύεσθε ἀπ’ ἐμοῦΠορεύεσθε ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ [οἱ] κατηραμένοι εἰς τὸ πῡρ τὸ αἰώνιον τὸ ἡτοιμασμένον τῷ διαβόλῳ καὶ τοῖς ἀγγέλοις αὐτοῦ. Ἐπείνασα γὰρ καὶ οὐκ ἐδώκατέ μοι φαγεῖν, ἐδίψησα καὶ οὐκ ἐποτίσατέ με, ξένος ἤμην καὶ οὐ συνηγάγετέ με, γυμνὸς καὶ οὐ φυλακῇ καὶ οὐκ ἐπεσκέψασθέ με.

Μαθθαῖος, xxv:41b-43. GNT

“…’Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: ‘for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; ‘I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me'”.

Matthew, xxv:41b-43. NKJV

Anti-Christians in Christian Clothes.

Are the Russellites entitled to refer to themselves as Christians? They have appropriated the Holy Bible and sacrilegiously interpolated it with their perversions. They have hijacked the Christian agenda and corrupted it with ancient heresies. They either ignore or vilify the Historical Traditions of the Christian Church. They encroach on other’s ecclesiastic territories with total disregard for church membership, ethnicity, and traditions. They conduct worldwide aggressive, and coercive ‘poaching’ activities, to colonize, and metamorphose, the unquestioning into a ‘theological’ culture of middle-America. They are in practise tyrannical and unrepresentative of the principals of the Christian Church, and the principals upon which their parent nation, the United States of America; was founded. They have assumed the sole monopoly on ‘truth’. They have put themselves forward as the “true religion”, and regard all others as “Satan’s world empire of the false religion”. (op. cit. p. 370). Are these the characteristics of a Christian church?

“ὁ μὴ ὢν μετ᾿ ἐμοϋ κατ᾿ ἐμοϋ ἐστιν, καὶ ὁ μὴ συνάγων μετ᾿ ἐμοϋ σκορπίζει”.

Μαθθαῖος, xiii:30. GNT.

“He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with me scatters abroad”.

Matthew, xii:30. NKJV.

The Russellites unequivocally state, “Christendom… (has become)… part of Satan’s wicked organization” (brackets mine) (Watch Tower, sine nomine, 1 December, 1951, pp. 732-33); without providing, even a soupçon; of sound evidential support. The Russellites, by their admission (vs.) define themselves as an ‘anti-Christian’ organization.

Sect or Cult?

Ought the Russellites be referred to as a ‘sect?’ or ‘cult?’ Broadly speaking, ‘cult’ automatically suggests itself due to the extreme separatist stance from orthodoxy. Moreover, exponent of the teachings of the ‘millennialist’ mélange of so-called “churches”. Namely, the Seventh Day Adventists, Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints, Worldwide Church of God, and the British Israel Movement. The Russellites make an assertion int. al., that the Holy Roman Catholic Apostolic Church has no claim to apostolic succession. These opinions are based upon Holy Scripture, the Patristics.

The Questian of St. Peter’s ‘Episcopacy at Rome’.

The Russellites make the following assertion regarding Saint Peter’s Episcopacy at Rome:

“The Catholic Church claims that Jesus built his church on Peter, who, they say, was the first of an unbroken line of Bishops of Rome, and Peter’s successors” … “There is not even any absolute proof that Peter was ever in Rome”.

‘Mankind’s Search for God’, sine nomine, Watch Tower Bible Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 1990, p. 268.

The above assertion exemplifies a naïvety and uncultivated comprehension of hermeneutics, and a conspicuous absence of evidential support. St. Peter’s status of the primacy of honour as first and equal to the Apostles, and their episcopal repetition (‘apostolic succession’); is unmistakably attested in sq. ‘Petrine texts,’

“κἀγὼ δέ σοι λέγω ὅτι σὺ εῗ Πέτρος, καὶ ἐπὶ ταύτῃ τῇ πέτρᾳ οἰκοδομήσω μου τὴν ἐκκλησίαν καὶ πύλαι ᾅδου οὐ κατισχύσουσιν αὐτῆς”.

Μαθθαῖος, xvi:18 GNT.

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”

Matthew. Xvi, 18. NKJV (cf. Luke xxii, 32; John xxi, 15-17).

This Matthaean account is quite clear: Firstly, Jesus names Simon bar-Jona ‘Peter’ (‘rock’), upon whom, viz., ‘rock’ (πέτρᾳ fem. n. of Πέτρος), that Jesus “will build” (implying a later date (vide: Acts ii: 2-4)) His Church on St. Peter equally with the other Apostles (vide: Matthew, xviii:18). Secondly, Jesus assures Peter that “the gates of Hades (ᾅδου = ‘Sheol’) will not prevail against it (q.e., ἐκκλησίαν (‘church’))”, and it is to endure “…to the end of the age” (ἕως τὴν συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος). Moreover, will continue to do so (Matthew, xxviii:20b), as it can be historically demonstrated to had done so; for the past 2000-years. Therefore, the Russellites’ assumption, ut supra, reveals a jejune inaptitude in ecclesiastic history.

Lexicological Deception: The Rock and the Stone.

Furthermore, the Russellites put forward the following question accompanied with ripostes of sorts.

“Who was the rock that Jesus indicated at Matthew xvi:18, Peter or Jesus? The context shows that the point of the discussion was the identification of Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God”, as Peter himself confessed. Logically, therefore, Jesus himself would be that solid rock foundation of the church, not Peter, who would later deny Christ three times. – Matthew 26:33-35, 69-75.” (op.cit. p. 268).

[Underline mine to indicate one of the Russellites’ favourite words, viz. “logic”.]

The question and ripostes are, sit venia verbo, ‘garbled’, and ‘contextually’ confused. Evidently, the Russellites’ forte lies in semantic bickering from lexicons and dictionaries. Rather than arguing “logically” from original hermeneutic and patristic sources. Quite clearly, Jesus founded His Church on St. Peter (Matthew, xvi:18a) near the Graeco-Roman city of Caesarea Philippi (Matt. xvi:13). Where He asks St. Peter, the following question: “But who do you say that I am?” (Matt. xvi:15b). Secondly, St. Peter responds to Jesus’ with his Confession: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. xvi:16b). “Σὺ εἶ ὁ Χριστὸς ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ ζῶντος” (Μαθθαῖος, xvi:16b GNT)). St. Peter has vocalized the collective faith, in the presence of his fellow Apostles (Matt.xvi:13). Thirdly, it is through this faith in, “Christ, the Son of the living God”, the Church was to be Founded (cf. Acts. ii:1-13) on St. Peter (e.q., ‘rock’), first among equals with his fellow Apostles as the first Bishop of Rome [Ancient episcopal catalogues name St. Peter second after St. Linus].

Notwithstanding Matthew, xvi:18a et al., the cult contradict the apparent meaning of Jesus’ words: “you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church”. The meaning of the text could not be any clearer, either in Greek or English. Therefore, it does not follow “logically” that “Jesus himself would be that solid rock foundation of the church, not Peter” (op. cit. p. 268). This incoherent assumption is apparently based on the Russellites’ misconceptions of the contexts of: “rock” (‘πέτρᾳ’) (Matt. xvi:18a 18a), “living stone” (‘λίθον ζῶντα’) (1 Peter, ii:4, 5), “cornerstone” (‘ἀκρογωνιαίου’) (Ephesians ii:20), and “chief cornerstone” (‘λίθον ἀκρογωνιαϊον ἐκλεκτὸν’) (1 Peter, ii:6).

A contextual analyses of these words in the above sources, et alibi, demonstrate beyond doubt that ‘rock’ (‘πέτρᾳ’) is quite different from ‘stone’ (‘λιθον’). [vide: ‘Theologisches Begriffslexikon zum Neuen Testament’, vol. iii, Brown, C. (ed.), Eng. transl. 1978. pp. 383.3(a)-84.(b), et cf. p.393.2(a)]. The former context is indicative of ‘whom’ Jesus is to build His Church, viz. St. Peter and his fellow Apostles, whereas the latter ‘λιθον’ unmistakably signifies “Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone” (‘ἀκρογωνιαίου αὐτοῦ Χριστοῦ Ιησοῦ’) (Ephesians, ii:20b). “Logically, therefore,” Jesus Himself (the ‘chief cornerstone’), ‘moulds’ and ‘directs’ the Church which He founded upon St. Peter (‘πετρα’) and his fellow Apostles.

Misappropriation of Sacred Text.

The Russellites, in their inimitable modus operandi, attempt to frustrate the discussion by importing St. Peter’s ‘denial’ (Mark, xiv:30,68,70) into the Petrine text discussion (v.s.). This indicates the cult’s inability to provide exegetical evidence to argue against the, historically verifiable, succession of the Roman Catholic (and Graeco-Russian Orthodox) Bishops succeeding St. Peter and the Apostles.

St. Peter’s ‘denial’ Mk . xiv:30,68,70 speaks of temporary ‘unfaithfulness’ to Jesus. “Logically, therefore”, this Marcan material has no analogical relationship with the Petrine text (vs.). Therefore, the cult’s misappropriation of Sacred Text, to promote their brand of ‘Adventism’, is Machiavellian and hermeneutically dishonest. Moreover, its continuous deprecation of the Holy and Apostolic See (Cathedra) of Rome (op. cit. pp. 268-72); is morally reprehensible.

The Question of St. Peter’s Residentiary at Rome.

The Russellite’s assumption is suggesting, “There is not even any absolute proof that Peter was ever in Rome” is unreasoned and suppositional. The evidence becomes apparent by chronologically juxtaposing the New Testament (NT) texts internally, exempli gratia: in John xxi:18 – 19 the location of St. Peter’s martyrdom is described to be the place “where you do not wish to go” (“ὅπου οὐ θέλεις”), and in Acts, xii:17 the obscure “place” (‘τόπον’) where St. Peter “went” (‘ἐπορεύθη’) Acts, xii:17. Although these two samples are silent as to the precise place, they do not constitute sufficient grounds for the cult to disregard St. Peter’s residentiary at Rome.

The conspicuous exclusion of specific details of St. Peter’s residentiary, and martyrdom (64 – 5 AD), in the imperial capital, is due to the metaphoric nuances employed by the writers. The exclusion was to secure the uninterrupted growth of the fledgling Church, and security of its members, during the Neronian persecutions; following the fire of Rome in 64. These persecutions occurred intermittently, in the capital, and possibly elsewhere in the Empire; until c. 150. This repressive ambience was, of course, contemporaneous with the writers and their contemporaries, who would have been familiar with these metaphoric nuances, throughout the 86-year period. For example, the author of the Apokalipsis cryptically referred to Rome as “Babylon” (‘Βαβυλὼν’) (xiv:8), and to Nero as “the number of the beast … 666” (‘τὸν ἀριθμὸν τοῦ θηρίου’) (xiii:18), [vide: D. R. Hillers, Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research, 170 (1963) p. 65].

Although early evidence in the NT sources are, prima facie, not forthright in providing “absolute proof,” there are sufficient indicia in the external literature, e.g., the Epistles of the four following Patristics, v.i., substantiating St. Peter’s residentiary at Rome. The first example is that of St. Clement (fl. circa 96), the third Bishop of Rome after St. Peter, who, in his Epistle to the Church at Corinth; wrote,

Peter, through unrighteous envy, endured not one or two, but numerous labours; and when he had at length suffered martyrdom, departed to the place of glory due to him”.

1 Clement: chap. v, (cf. chap. Vi).

Second is St. Ignatius (circa 35 – c. 107), the third Bishop of Antioch, in his Epistle to the congregation at Rome,

“Rather entice the wild beasts, that they may become my tomb, and may leave nothing of my body; so that when I have fallen asleep [in death], I may not be found troublesome to any one. Then shall I be a true disciple of Jesus Christ when the world shall not see so much as my body. Entreat the Lord for me, that these instruments I may be found a sacrifice to God. I do not, as Peter and Paul, issue commandments unto you.”

Ignatius, Rom. iv:3b.

Thirdly, St. Gaius’ (circa. 280), twenty-ninth Bishop of Rome after St. Peter, made reference to: ‘ta tropea ton apostolon,

“I can point out the trophies of the apostles. For if you are willing to go to the Vatican or to the Ostian Way you will find the trophies of those who founded the church”.

Eusebius, Historia Ecclesiastica II. xxv.vii.

And fourthly, St. Irenaeus (circa 130 – c. 200) Bishop of Lyons, who wrote,

“…that tradition derived from the apostles, of the very great, the very ancient, and universally known Church founded and organized at Rome by the two most glorious apostles, Peter and Paul; as also [by pointing out] the faith preached to men, which comes down to our time by means of the succession of the bishops”.

‘Irenaeus Against Heresies’, bk.iii,chap.iii:2b.

The examples given above suffice to demonstrate the profound inaptitude, of the cult’s basic understanding of Christian text, and its willful perversions of Sacred Scripture, and vigorous denigration of the most fundamental Christological and soteriological Teachings, and Tradition, passed down from the Apostles and Patristics; by the time-honoured ancient Church.

“ὁ δὲ Ἱησοῦς ἢρξατο λέγειν αὐτοῖς, Βλέπετε μή τις ὑμᾶς πλανήσῃ πολλοὶ ἐλεύσονται ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου λέγοντες ὅτι Εγώ εἰμι, καὶ πολλοὺς πλανήσουσιν”.

Μᾶρκος, xiii:5,6. Greek New Testament.

“Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He’, and will deceive many.”

Mark, xiii:5,6. NKJV.

Anti-Christian Propaganda.

The Russellites vigorously publish and disseminate abusive and hostile propaganda against all institutional religion, viz., The Protestant Churches, The Anglo-Catholic Church, The Holy Orthodox Catholic Apostolic Church; and particularly against the Holy Roman Catholic Apostolic Church.

C. T. Rutherford: “Religion is Against God”

The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, Cross, F.L. (Ed. in Ch.) et al. (2nd ed.), 1974. p. 729.

The cult is, by its admission, opposed to ‘religion,’ and, therefore, forfeit the right to describe their organization as “religious”, or their society as a “Christian” organization. They rebuke even the most fundamental doctrines of the Christian Church, verbi gratia the physical Resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts, ii:22-36, 1 Peter, i:3), which they believe,

“…the man Jesus is dead, forever dead”

‘Studies in the Scriptures’, Russell , C. T. vol. v, p.454).

The visible manifestation of the Parousia , (Matthew, xxiv:30. Apocalypse, i:7), which they reject as they believe ‘He has already returned (“invisibly”) in 1914’ (‘The Truth Shall Make You Free,’ sine nomine, et anno). The Trinitarian dogma, because they believe “…Satan is the originator of the trinity doctrine” (‘Let God Be True,’ sine nomine, rev. ed. 1952, p.101) – non obst., seq., overwhelming evidential triadic parallelisms in the Pauline sources: I Cor. ii:7 – 16; vi:11; xii: 4 – 6; II Cor. i:21 – 22; xiii:14, et cetera. Moreover, they have revived the 4th-century heresy of Arianism (condemned at Nicaea in 325), which rebukes the ‘Deity of Jesus Christ ‘ (John, i:1, Colossians, ii:9).

“…καὶ ἑν πλεονεξίᾳ πλαστοῖς λόγοις ὑμᾶς ἐμπορεύσονται…”

2 Πέτρος, ii:2. GNT.

And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.

2 Peter, ii:2 . NKJV

‘Tower’ of lies, and Deception.

‘The Watchtower,’ is considered to be,

‘The prophet of God’

‘The Watchtower’, sine nomine, 1 April, 1972, p.197).

‘The Watchtower’ publication has a notoriously impudent reputation of avoiding historical data, and exegeses. The cult’s proselytizing propaganda is illusory, superficial and anti-intellectual. Recently it has included numerous paradisiacal multiracial illustrations, presumedly to neutralize some of the cult’s past apartheid practises. This is sheer rhetoric. When are Afro-Americans, Hispanics et al., expected to appear in the upper echelons of the cult’s autocracy? It promotes apocalypticalism and is unashamedly belligerent towards Christology and soteriology. It is unscrupulously Machiavellian in its mendacious analogies, and contextual misquotes from hermeneutical and other sources. Its pseudo-scholarship appeals to the susceptible, unquestioning; and particularly the disenchanted members of society. Outré writings under anonymity (presumably to avoid accountability), and fabrication in misquoting, and partially quoting from other author’s intellectual property – and the Sacred Scriptures! – is morally reprehensible. Avoidance of the overt conventions (practised in bona fide literary circles) is gross discourtesy. Including essential details of others’ material – viz., author’s name, journal or book title, et cetera is de rigueur.

“ἀπὸ τῶν καρπῶν αὐτῶν ἐπιγνώσεσθε”.

Μαθθαῖος, vii:16. GNT.

“You will know them by their fruits”.

Matthew, vii:16. NKJV.

The Lucrative Russell Empire.

In 1896, Russell founded the ‘Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society’, as well as other commercially lucrative enterprises. These companies were conducted through some subsidiaries. Russell was the principal recipient of approximately 99% of the wealth that stemmed from these subsidiaries through a single anchor company of which he held almost 100% shares. Russell, and his wife Maria F. Russell, née Ackley, directed these enterprises jointly until their separation in 1897. A certain unpleasant, matter, int. al., was dealt with, at law, over a 12-year period. Mrs Russell obtained a dissolution of their marriage (1909), and a handsome settlement of $6,036.

Προσέχετε ἀπὸ τῶν ψευδοπροφητῶν, οἵτινες ἔρχονται πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐν ἐνδύμασιν προβάτων, ἔσωθεν δέ εἰσιν λύκοι ἅρπαγες.

Μαθθαῖος, vii:15. GNT

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

Matthew, vii:15. NKJV.

The Penultimate Heresiarch.

Approximately 6,000,000 people worldwide obsequiously relegate their spiritual destinies to the anti-Christian legacy of the indubitable heresiarch, the unlettered Charles Taze Russell, described on public record as a “perjurer,” and soi-disant “pastor,” ‘scholar,’ and ‘theologian’.

Russell elevates the status of his ‘Scripture Studies’ above the Canon of Sacred Scripture,

“If the six volumes of ‘Scripture Studies’ are practically the Bible, topically arranged with Bible proof texts given, we might not improperly name the volumes ‘The Bible in an Arranged Form.’ That is to say, they are not mere comments on the Bible, but they are practically the Bible itself furthermore, not only do we find that people cannot see the divine plan in studying the Bible by itself, but we see, also, that if anyone lays the ‘Scripture Studies’ aside, even after he has used them, after he has become familiar with them, after he has read them for ten years – if he then lays them aside and ignores them and goes to the Bible alone he has understood his Bible for ten years, our experience shows that within two years, he goes into darkness. On the other hand, if he had merely read the ‘Scripture Studies’ with their references and had not read a page of the Bible as such, he would be in the light at the end of two years, because he would have the light of the Scriptures”. [sic]

‘The Watch Tower’, 15 September, 1910, p. 298.

“Prophet” of Irrational Beliefs (Astrology, and Failed Prophecies).

Russell is elevated to the status of a “prophet” seven months following his demise,

“Truly there lived among us in these last days a Prophet of the Lord; and although now he has passed from human sight, his works remain an enduring witness to his wisdom and his faithfulness!”

‘The Watch Tower’, Rutherford, J. F. 1 June 1917.)

“Works remain(ing) an enduring witness to his wisdom and his faithfulness” [brackets mine] include his teachings of the irrational ‘science’ of astrology. He tought that the influence of “Uranus and Jupiter” (presumedly referring to the conjunction (0º) in 9º.30′.00″ Aquarius on 4 March 1914) would set “… man free to work out his own salvation” (v.i.). “Uranus” and “Jupiter” who are “setting man free”, no mention of God!

“When Uranus and Jupiter meet in the humane sign of Aquarius in 1914, the long promised era will have made a fair start in the work of setting man free to work out his own salvation, and will insure the ultimate realisation of dreams and ideals of all poets and sages in history”.

Watchtower’, Russell , C. T. 15 June, 1922. cf. ‘Studies in the Scriptures’, vol. iii, p.327, ‘The Golden Age,’ sine nomine , September, 1924.

The ‘Watchtower’ vacillates in its theological positions. In 1914 (q. v.) astrology was published in the ‘Watchtower’ as an accepted theological component of its teachings. 81-years later it is rejected because it “…lead(s) to demon harassment or even possession by wicked spirits” [brackets mine] (v.i.).

“The practice of spiritism can lead to demon harassment or even possession by wicked spirits. Therefore, God lovingly, warns us not to get envolved in any spiritistic practices. (Deuteronomy xviii:14; Galatians 5:19-21) … One popular form of spiritism is divination – attempting to find out about the future or the unknown with the help of spirits. Some forms of divination are astrology …”.

Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life’, sine nomine, Watchtower Bible Tract Society, New York, Inc. 1995, p.112)

This raises the questions as to whether or not the ‘Watchtower Bible and Tract Society’ was under “… demon harassment or even possession by wicked spirits”; in 1914? Moreover, 80-years from now on, which of the current teachings, will be considered as ‘demon possessed?’ Notwithstanding Russell’s failure as a founder of a “religious” society, his followers have continued adhering to his guileful directives for the past 101-years. Their “Prophet” failed in his predictions of the second Advent of Christ in 1874, and ‘end of the world’ in 1914. Their “Prophet’s” integrity failed dismally in his “Miracle Wheat” libel suit against ‘The Brooklyn Daily Eagle’ for $100,000 damages; 1 January 1913. Their “Prophet” failed by his premeditated ‘perjury’ under oath in the matter concerning: ‘Russell vs. Ross’, at the High Court session, Ontario (17 March 1913).

Corruption of The Holy Bible.

The Russellites promote loathsome propaganda against that which they profess to be. They denigrate the ancient Churches of Christendom. They corrupt the Holy Bible, deny, or falsify historical facts, to promote their heresies, and quote from Holy Scripture – to lure the impressionable – as the Devil attempted with Jesus during the Second Temptation (Matthew, iv:6).

The colporteurs of Russellism are proselytizing (or poaching) the unwary from the Christian Church to the heretical beliefs of Arianism. They disseminate pseudo-spiritual, and anti-ecclesiastical propaganda, and aid and abet in fragmenting Christ’s Church. Russellism is a doctrine of hate. It’s assertion that “Christendom” is part of “… Satan’s wicked organization” (v.s) is not compatible with Jesus’ comments on love, or the Church He founded.

Αγαπήσεις κύριον τὸν θεόν σου ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ καρδίᾳ σου καὶ ἑν ὅλῃ τῇ ψυχῇ σου καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ διανοίᾳ σου αὕτη ἐστὶν ἡ μεγάλη καὶ πρώτη ἐντολή. δευτέρα δε ὁμοία αὑτῇ, ̍̓̓̓Αγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν. ἐν ταύταις ταῖς δυσὶν ἐντολαῖς ὅλος ὁ νόμος κρέμαται καὶ οί προφῆται.

Μαθθαῖος, xxii:37-40. GNT.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew, xxii:37-40. NKJV.

“Ὦ οἱ ποιμένες οἱ διασκορπίζοντες καὶ ἀπολλύοντες τὰ πρόβατα τῆς νομῆς μου”.

Ιερεμίας, xxiii:1 LXX.

“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” says the Lord”.

Jeremiah, xxiii:1. NKJV.

~ Finis ~

Copyright © 2001 by Daniel. S. Maximiadis.

Further reading:

Two very authoritative books on the cults are listed below: Graeme Webber’s ‘a WOLF among the SHEEP’, KeyStone PRESS, Tomerong NSW, Australia, and Walter R. Martin’s ‘The Kingdom of the Cults’, Bethany House Publishers, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

 

Graeme Webber’s book: ‘a WOLF among the SHEEP’ was the catalyst that exposed the entire activities of cult leader William Kamm who, for decades, indulged in sexual exploitation of children as well as unscrupulous financial manipulations; whilst church leaders and federal and state governments stood by with no effective action. Webber’s highly influential book was the sole primary source for the TV Channel 9 network’s ‘A Current Affair’ (ACA) programme that aired on 22 August 2010. ‘A WOLF among the SHEEP’ makes compelling reading, but more importantly, serves as an across-the-board crucial tool, providing a schema of the criminal mind and activities of iniquitous cult figures. And paedophiles like Kamm. ‘A WOLF among the SHEEP’ is strongly recommended for those genuinely concerned about the proliferation of the cults.

Walter R. Martin’s ‘The Kingdom of the Cults’, was first published in 1965 and has since been revised. Martin’s book focuses upon the active cultic expansionism and has served as a leading reference source.