If we were following a man undoubtedly it would be different with us; undoubtedly one human idea would contradict another and that which was light one or two or six years ago would be regarded as darkness now; But with God there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning, and so it is with truth; any knowledge or light coming from God must be like its author. A new view of truth never can contradict a former truth. "New light" never extinguishes older "light," but adds to it...
(Watch Tower, Feb, 1881, p.3)
It is a serious matter to represent God and Christ in one way, then find that our understanding of the major teachings and fundamental doctrines of the Scriptures was in error, and then after that, to go back to the very doctrines that, by years of study, we had thoroughly determined to be in error. Christians cannot be vacillating-'wishy-washy'-about such fundamental teachings. What confidence can one put in the sincerity or judgment of such persons?
(Watchtower 1976 May 15 p.298)
At times explanations given by Jehovah's visible organization have shown adjustments, seemingly to previous points of view. But this has not actually been the case. This might be compared to what is known in navigational circles as "tacking." By maneuvering the sails the sailors can cause a ship to go from right to left, back and forth, but all the time making progress toward their destination...
(Watchtower 12/1/1981, p. 27)
In the above quote, the Watchtower has explained how we are to view the "adjustments" it has made to its understanding of the truth.
Have there even been adjustments? No, they tell us, "this has not been the case."
However, they then go on to describe a process of adjusting similar to a sailor's method of
tacking into the wind. Why give this example if their contention is that no adjustments have been made?
Evidently they are attempting to say that such "tacking" (which the dictionary defines as "The act of changing from one position or direction to another") is not a process of change or adjustment.
They failed to tell us, however, exactly what it is.
In any event, one thing is clear from the above: the Society is claiming that it has never reversed its view on anything.
At most, it has simply maneuvered its way closer and closer to a full understanding of the truth.
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