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Doctrine changes · Claim record

In December 1981 The Watchtower likened adjusted explanations to 'tacking' by a sailing ship and said such adjustments 'seemingly to previous points of view' had 'not actually been the case', adding that they 'often served as a test of loyalty'.

Claim ID claim-doctrine-org-explanation-tackingConcerns 1 December 1981Organisation's explanation
Organisation's explanation · 1 December 1981 Verified

In December 1981 The Watchtower likened adjusted explanations to 'tacking' by a sailing ship and said such adjustments 'seemingly to previous points of view' had 'not actually been the case', adding that they 'often served as a test of loyalty'. The Watchtower, 1 December 1981

Show the evidence (1 source)
Primary JW publication Verified

The Watchtower, “The Path of the Righteous Does Keep Getting Brighter”

1 December 1981 · pp.26-31 · par. 2 (p. 27); par. 19 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

“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 in spite of contrary winds.”

Par. 19: 'such development of understanding, involving “tacking” as it were, has often served as a test of loyalty for those associated with the “faithful and discreet slave.”'

Official source

Provenance and verification note

Confidence note. Opened on wol.jw.org; wording confirmed; p. 27 from page marker. NOTE: the brief cited w1981 12/15 pp. 27-31; the article is in the 1 Dec 1981 issue.

Corroborated by. src-jworg-faq-doctrine-changes

Notes. Organisation's explanation of change.

Accessed. 19 September 2026 · Source ID. src-w-1981-1201-path-righteous-tacking

Claim page

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