Please take the time to watch and share the above video. Thank you.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
A Brave Young Woman
Exposing abuse and corruption is never easy, especially when so young:
Please take the time to watch and share the above video. Thank you.
Please take the time to watch and share the above video. Thank you.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
More Donation Money Required
Governing body member Stephen Lett, showcased and utilizing televangelism on the JW Broadcasting site, May 2015 edition, denying 'they' ask for money, moments before he asks (albeit indirectly) for money, makes for an embarrassingly obvious hypocritical liar:
http://tv.jw.org/#video/VODStudio/pub-jwb_201505_1_VIDEO
It's a fine demonstration of being like any other money grabbing religious charlatan, and is truly one of the "spiritual" leaders of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Yes, the Supreme Being of the universe needs your money; give generously and pleasethem Him, indeed. "Listen, Obey, and be Blessed" has never sounded so good to some...Especially for those who are leading the sheep.
http://tv.jw.org/#video/VODStudio/pub-jwb_201505_1_VIDEO
It's a fine demonstration of being like any other money grabbing religious charlatan, and is truly one of the "spiritual" leaders of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Yes, the Supreme Being of the universe needs your money; give generously and please
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
TV.JW.ORG - A Hip And Cuddly Watchtower Rebranding
What can we stream from the net today?
Catholic Broadcasting - http://www.catholictv.com/
Baptist Broadcasting - http://sugarcreek.tv/
Christian Broadcasting - http://www.streamingfaith.com/
Trinity/Christian Broadcasting - http://www.tbn.org/
Mormon Broadcasting - http://www.mormon.org/videos
And now...
Jehovah’s Witnesses Broadcasting - http://tv.jw.org/
As the self-proclaimed 'celestial chariot of God' plays catch up with the other religions of the world, the re-branding and relatively new marketed Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society's religion, distances itself even further from its embarrassing "Watchtower" associated history and pushes forward with its 'JW.ORG' moniker.
Those who have the experience of being a part of the organization in the 1990's and earlier will recall the outright bad-mouthing and demonizing of the internet and broadcast media evangelizing.
However, desperate times call for desperate measures. So, Jehovah's Witnesses, welcome to a modernization, in part, by immersing into the religious multimedia club; as the Society's business leaders try to make the religion appear less antiquated and more mainstream.
Will it work, or will it backfire to an extent? Time will tell. History has shown many will continue to toe the line, regardless of any change the leaders implement and the flip-flopping on many issues.
Additionally, to aid in the Orwellian world the Watchtower Society provides to its sheep regarding its past, they've only made available online, literature from the year 2000 and newer, while having discontinued CD-ROMs containing older Watchtower produced publications filled with hypocrisy and contradictions.
In an age of information though, the opportunity for ignorance to remain and the overlooking of facts occurs less, especially in First World nations, as do tolerance for those who continue to perpetrate a fraud. Nonetheless, the 'social club' aspect of a book publishing company turned real estate money making machine may retain its loyal followers.
Furthermore, the emotional and mental hold, the investment of one's life and resources, may have reached or will reach a tipping point yet.
Catholic Broadcasting - http://www.catholictv.com/
Baptist Broadcasting - http://sugarcreek.tv/
Christian Broadcasting - http://www.streamingfaith.com/
Trinity/Christian Broadcasting - http://www.tbn.org/
Mormon Broadcasting - http://www.mormon.org/videos
And now...
Jehovah’s Witnesses Broadcasting - http://tv.jw.org/
As the self-proclaimed 'celestial chariot of God' plays catch up with the other religions of the world, the re-branding and relatively new marketed Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society's religion, distances itself even further from its embarrassing "Watchtower" associated history and pushes forward with its 'JW.ORG' moniker.
Those who have the experience of being a part of the organization in the 1990's and earlier will recall the outright bad-mouthing and demonizing of the internet and broadcast media evangelizing.
However, desperate times call for desperate measures. So, Jehovah's Witnesses, welcome to a modernization, in part, by immersing into the religious multimedia club; as the Society's business leaders try to make the religion appear less antiquated and more mainstream.
Will it work, or will it backfire to an extent? Time will tell. History has shown many will continue to toe the line, regardless of any change the leaders implement and the flip-flopping on many issues.
Additionally, to aid in the Orwellian world the Watchtower Society provides to its sheep regarding its past, they've only made available online, literature from the year 2000 and newer, while having discontinued CD-ROMs containing older Watchtower produced publications filled with hypocrisy and contradictions.
In an age of information though, the opportunity for ignorance to remain and the overlooking of facts occurs less, especially in First World nations, as do tolerance for those who continue to perpetrate a fraud. Nonetheless, the 'social club' aspect of a book publishing company turned real estate money making machine may retain its loyal followers.
Furthermore, the emotional and mental hold, the investment of one's life and resources, may have reached or will reach a tipping point yet.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
JW.ORG Children Activities
The Watchtower Society knows exactly what they're doing respecting the impression it tries to leave with young ones. Their Governing Body approves publishing children storybooks and/or activities that may deeply and profoundly affect the mind, including decision making abilities.
Who can forget "My Book of Bible Stories" with the picture of the flood, and the mother holding on to her baby about to die a drowning death due to not heeding the warning of going to and remaining inside theWatchtower organization controlled Jehovah's Witnesses ark?
Lot's wife was also a prominent story in that book with a well illustrated picture of her turned into a pillar of salt, situated in a backdrop of fire destruction, while Lot and his daughters who obeyedthe Watchtower Jehovah, and did everything exactly the way the Watchtower Jehovah stated, were saved.
It builds fear as earlier as possible regarding leaving the Watchtower organization. Children see the deaths of the mother and her baby and Lot's wife vividly illustrated which can place in their mind (sub) consciously, "If I leave Jehovah's Witnesses, this will happen to me (at Armageddon)", much stronger than just words on a page.
Some of the latest Watchtower Society's BITE model actions include the following coloring activity geared towards young children on JW.ORG :
It's argumentum ad metum or argumentum in terrorem - an appeal to fear, the fear mongering tactics employed that is par for the course when it comes to...
Behavior control
Information control
Thought control
Emotional control
All for and from the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Who can forget "My Book of Bible Stories" with the picture of the flood, and the mother holding on to her baby about to die a drowning death due to not heeding the warning of going to and remaining inside the
Lot's wife was also a prominent story in that book with a well illustrated picture of her turned into a pillar of salt, situated in a backdrop of fire destruction, while Lot and his daughters who obeyed
It builds fear as earlier as possible regarding leaving the Watchtower organization. Children see the deaths of the mother and her baby and Lot's wife vividly illustrated which can place in their mind (sub) consciously, "If I leave Jehovah's Witnesses, this will happen to me (at Armageddon)", much stronger than just words on a page.
Some of the latest Watchtower Society's BITE model actions include the following coloring activity geared towards young children on JW.ORG :
It's argumentum ad metum or argumentum in terrorem - an appeal to fear, the fear mongering tactics employed that is par for the course when it comes to...
Behavior control
Information control
Thought control
Emotional control
All for and from the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Dogs - Appropriate for Jehovah's Witnesses?
The Watchtower teaches that Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays in part due to a couple of tragedies during two of them, which therefore places them under a negative light in God's eyes.
If such select reasoning from the Bible places birthdays in unfavorable light, how about pets? Specifically, let's consider dogs.
We will see how dogs are often viewed, whom they are associated with and are they appropriate then for Jehovah's Witnesses?
Straight from their 2013 revision of the Bible provided by the Watchtower Society:
Isaiah 56:10 - His watchmen are blind, none of them have taken note. All of them are speechless dogs, unable to bark. They are panting and lying down; they love to slumber.
Psalms 22:16-21 - For dogs surround me; They close in on me like a pack of evildoers, Like a lion they are at my hands and feet. I can count all my bones. They look on and stare at me. They divide my garments among themselves, And they cast lots for my clothing. But you, O Jehovah, do not remain far away. You are my strength; hurry to help me. Save me from the sword, My precious life from the paws of dogs; Save me from the mouth of the lion and the horns of wild bulls; Answer and save me.
Proverbs 26:11 - Like a dog that returns to its vomit, The stupid one repeats his foolishness.
Philippians 3:2 - Look out for the dogs; look out for those who cause injury; look out for those who mutilate the flesh.
Revelation 22:15 - Outside are the dogs and those who practice spiritism and those who are sexually immoral and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices lying.
From their own Bible, dogs are often placed in a negative light with unfavorable connotations and associated with those who are liars, idolaters, murderers, sexually immoral and practice spiritism.
From the Watchtower's own version of the Bible using their reasoning, Jehovah's Witnesses should be more concerned with avoiding or having dogs as pets, if they are drawing any sort of conclusion to avoid birthdays from the Bible.
If such select reasoning from the Bible places birthdays in unfavorable light, how about pets? Specifically, let's consider dogs.
We will see how dogs are often viewed, whom they are associated with and are they appropriate then for Jehovah's Witnesses?
Straight from their 2013 revision of the Bible provided by the Watchtower Society:
Isaiah 56:10 - His watchmen are blind, none of them have taken note. All of them are speechless dogs, unable to bark. They are panting and lying down; they love to slumber.
Psalms 22:16-21 - For dogs surround me; They close in on me like a pack of evildoers, Like a lion they are at my hands and feet. I can count all my bones. They look on and stare at me. They divide my garments among themselves, And they cast lots for my clothing. But you, O Jehovah, do not remain far away. You are my strength; hurry to help me. Save me from the sword, My precious life from the paws of dogs; Save me from the mouth of the lion and the horns of wild bulls; Answer and save me.
Proverbs 26:11 - Like a dog that returns to its vomit, The stupid one repeats his foolishness.
Philippians 3:2 - Look out for the dogs; look out for those who cause injury; look out for those who mutilate the flesh.
Revelation 22:15 - Outside are the dogs and those who practice spiritism and those who are sexually immoral and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices lying.
From their own Bible, dogs are often placed in a negative light with unfavorable connotations and associated with those who are liars, idolaters, murderers, sexually immoral and practice spiritism.
From the Watchtower's own version of the Bible using their reasoning, Jehovah's Witnesses should be more concerned with avoiding or having dogs as pets, if they are drawing any sort of conclusion to avoid birthdays from the Bible.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Real Estate And The New Donation Arrangement
The Watchtower Society's sold properties in recent years include:
360 Furman Street = $205 million
67 Livingston Street = $18.6 million
89 Hicks Street = $14 million
169 Columbia Heights = $50 million
50 Orange Street = $7.1 million
165 Columbia Heights = $4.1 million
161 Columbia Heights = $3 million
183 Columbia Heights = $6.6 million
105 Willow Street = $3.3 million
34 Orange Street = $2.825 million
Bossert Hotel = $81 million
67 Remsen Street = $3.25 million
173 Front Street, 177 Front Street, 200 Water Street = $30.6 million
117 Adams Street, 55 Prospect Street, 175 Pearl Street, 81 Prospect Street, 77 Sands Street, 90 Sands Street = $375 million
TOTAL = $804,375,000 in real estate property sales.
The Watchtower Society has also recently arranged for congregations to survey and collect a form indicating a pledge amount publishers commit to in writing that would be donated monthly, in cooperation with a new donation arrangement.
There have been a few letters sent to the elder bodies concerning this arrangement, including a four pages one, in which only the first page was read to the congregation. The three pages that followed laid the groundwork for the below "adjustments".
In the letter dated May 12, 2014, and shared among the Elder Body alone, it directs:
In part, it stipulates:
1. Each congregation is allowed to keep 2-3 months of operating expenses in the bank.
2. A maximum amount of $5000 per Kingdom Hall in additional reserve.
3. The only other items permitted to be consider and have money set aside is for other already agreed to resolutions such as: The Kingdom Hall Assistance Arrangement, The Traveling Overseer Assistance Arrangement, and now this new arrangement which is completely restructuring finances.
Surplus in the bank is to be sent to the Watchtower Society and not saved by the congregation. This was covered on page 3 from the letter dated March 29, 2014 (Again, only page 1 was read to the congregation):
The Governing Body has referred to the above restructuring of finances towards a so-called "Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction program". They are taking practically all of the congregations' saved and surplus money in addition to setting up (indirect) tithing with its members.
Please, Jehovah's Witnesses - WAKE UP!
360 Furman Street = $205 million
67 Livingston Street = $18.6 million
89 Hicks Street = $14 million
169 Columbia Heights = $50 million
50 Orange Street = $7.1 million
165 Columbia Heights = $4.1 million
161 Columbia Heights = $3 million
183 Columbia Heights = $6.6 million
105 Willow Street = $3.3 million
34 Orange Street = $2.825 million
Bossert Hotel = $81 million
67 Remsen Street = $3.25 million
173 Front Street, 177 Front Street, 200 Water Street = $30.6 million
117 Adams Street, 55 Prospect Street, 175 Pearl Street, 81 Prospect Street, 77 Sands Street, 90 Sands Street = $375 million
TOTAL = $804,375,000 in real estate property sales.
The Watchtower Society has also recently arranged for congregations to survey and collect a form indicating a pledge amount publishers commit to in writing that would be donated monthly, in cooperation with a new donation arrangement.
There have been a few letters sent to the elder bodies concerning this arrangement, including a four pages one, in which only the first page was read to the congregation. The three pages that followed laid the groundwork for the below "adjustments".
In the letter dated May 12, 2014, and shared among the Elder Body alone, it directs:
In part, it stipulates:
1. Each congregation is allowed to keep 2-3 months of operating expenses in the bank.
2. A maximum amount of $5000 per Kingdom Hall in additional reserve.
3. The only other items permitted to be consider and have money set aside is for other already agreed to resolutions such as: The Kingdom Hall Assistance Arrangement, The Traveling Overseer Assistance Arrangement, and now this new arrangement which is completely restructuring finances.
Surplus in the bank is to be sent to the Watchtower Society and not saved by the congregation. This was covered on page 3 from the letter dated March 29, 2014 (Again, only page 1 was read to the congregation):
The Governing Body has referred to the above restructuring of finances towards a so-called "Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction program". They are taking practically all of the congregations' saved and surplus money in addition to setting up (indirect) tithing with its members.
Please, Jehovah's Witnesses - WAKE UP!
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Appointing Power And Responsibility
The following letter dated April 22, 2014 was recently read to all congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses from their Governing Body:
Oddly enough, it has taken decades for Jehovah’s Holy Spirit to reveal to the Governing Body this scriptural precedent of having traveling/circuit overseers perform appointments and deletions of Ministerial Servants and Elders directly for the congregations.
Or is the reason due to what was once viewed as power and control by the Governing Body has become a liability.
Indeed, by placing the responsibility of appointment and deletions into the hands of Circuit Overseers, issues like Elders and Ministerial Servants sexually molesting or even raping children cannot be traced directly back to the Governing Body as the ones responsible for appointing and retaining such individuals within the congregation.
Rather, the finger points and accountability reaches to the height of the Circuit Overseer only; whereas now the Governing Body can once again wash its hands clean of responsibility.
The Governing Body is not only retreating in their previous prominent physical location to a more secluded and isolated area, they are also trying to minimize and reduce their accountability towards congregational issues.
Truly these are spiritual leaders of integrity and self-sacrifice, are they not?
Oddly enough, it has taken decades for Jehovah’s Holy Spirit to reveal to the Governing Body this scriptural precedent of having traveling/circuit overseers perform appointments and deletions of Ministerial Servants and Elders directly for the congregations.
Or is the reason due to what was once viewed as power and control by the Governing Body has become a liability.
Indeed, by placing the responsibility of appointment and deletions into the hands of Circuit Overseers, issues like Elders and Ministerial Servants sexually molesting or even raping children cannot be traced directly back to the Governing Body as the ones responsible for appointing and retaining such individuals within the congregation.
Rather, the finger points and accountability reaches to the height of the Circuit Overseer only; whereas now the Governing Body can once again wash its hands clean of responsibility.
The Governing Body is not only retreating in their previous prominent physical location to a more secluded and isolated area, they are also trying to minimize and reduce their accountability towards congregational issues.
Truly these are spiritual leaders of integrity and self-sacrifice, are they not?
Friday, April 4, 2014
The Gilead Experience
From a friend as an open letter to all...
"I was in the 119th class of Gilead in 2005. From the time I graduated, it was another year or so before I resigned. In that time, all the pieces came together.
JW's are taught and conditioned to respect their visible leaders, even though they pay lip service to Jesus as their leader. I got to see the 'pecking' order, and after I graduated, briefly joined it. My status shot up to an all time high. I was respected, even loved, because I went to Gilead and went to Africa. I thought that would be nice, although when I actually went through it, it really offended me.
Sorry for the above rambling/prelude. The whole point of this is how JW's use and understand the bible. You see, on a very fundamental, foundational level, the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses (GB) don't use the bible the way JW's teach it at the door. I learned at Gilead that for the "mature" ones who "dine on solid spiritual food" (i.e. the highly indoctrinated zealots), the bible is all about "Christs brothers". Please note that when the Watchtower says "Christs brothers" they mean the GB. They mean the leadership. They mean, be obediant to us, or you will be diobediant to Jehovah... and his son, whats his name?? Jesus!
It is little wonder that this is the last thing one learns as they start studying with JW's. It starts with paradise, living forever, Jehovah, Jesus, living a moral life, loving the congregation, replacing your family with the congregation, THEN, after you have developed some level of infatuation with this group and have undergone a sufficient amount of love bombing, you are introduced to the highly doubtable concepts of congregation authority, how Jehovah mysteriously rules through Jesus and this group of men Jesus inspected in 1918 and found them superior to every other Christian group on the planet.
If you buy it, you want in, you get baptized. But remember, you are still new, still a babe, still "immature". All of this is code for: One who is not ready to really study and accept how the leadership of Jehovah's Witnesses use the bible to their own self serving means.
It means you are still a babe to the fact that JW's really teach that practically ALL "faithful" OT charecters from Noah and Abraham through Elijah and Elishah and David to Hezekiah are prophetic of the Presidents of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. The one I refer to the most is as an answer to one of the questions on a Gilead test, Elijah prophetically pointed to Judge Rutherford, Elisha pointed to N H Knorr. That is my favorite, that is when I realized I was mislead. But to be fair, JW's teach that most all of these characters refer to the leadership of Jehovah's Witnesses, the Governing Body. (GB)
"Mature" JW's is a misnomer. It has nothing to do with maturity. That is code for "willingness to believe whatever you are taught, and to follow whatever the GB says, even if they change back and forth on doctrine in a god-dishonering fasion." Mature ones are impatient with the immature for questioning what they are taught. Mature ones become elders, ministerial servants and pioneers more quickly because they blindly obey. To question, esp after any period of time elapsing after baptism, means you are "immature".
Of course, this is all so self serving within the group. Another layer of indoctrination and peer pressure to keep everyone in line. Gilead "taught" me this. I learned that within the GB world view, it is scriptural to be nutty about anything the WT says, but to leave your brother cold and miserable and naked if they disagree with a teaching or doctrine.
I know that there are some who don't and won't believe what I just said. That is their right. There will always be some people who are susceptible to high control groups and cults. But to those who were raised as JW's, to those who for some reason accepted and bought a bill of goods that they found wasn't real, they should know the truth about "the truth". They should know how cynically the bible is used by the leadership of this group to their own ends.
They should know that to the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, the bible isn't about you. It isn't about Jehovah. It isn't about Jesus. Its all about them, the Governing Body, "Christs brothers", the Faithful and Discreet Slave. It's all about them, for them, and it is a sham. They are as prophetic as dead skin. THAT is what I learned at Gilead. THAT is what the bible is all about to the leadership of Jehovah's Witnesses."
"I was in the 119th class of Gilead in 2005. From the time I graduated, it was another year or so before I resigned. In that time, all the pieces came together.
JW's are taught and conditioned to respect their visible leaders, even though they pay lip service to Jesus as their leader. I got to see the 'pecking' order, and after I graduated, briefly joined it. My status shot up to an all time high. I was respected, even loved, because I went to Gilead and went to Africa. I thought that would be nice, although when I actually went through it, it really offended me.
Sorry for the above rambling/prelude. The whole point of this is how JW's use and understand the bible. You see, on a very fundamental, foundational level, the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses (GB) don't use the bible the way JW's teach it at the door. I learned at Gilead that for the "mature" ones who "dine on solid spiritual food" (i.e. the highly indoctrinated zealots), the bible is all about "Christs brothers". Please note that when the Watchtower says "Christs brothers" they mean the GB. They mean the leadership. They mean, be obediant to us, or you will be diobediant to Jehovah... and his son, whats his name?? Jesus!
It is little wonder that this is the last thing one learns as they start studying with JW's. It starts with paradise, living forever, Jehovah, Jesus, living a moral life, loving the congregation, replacing your family with the congregation, THEN, after you have developed some level of infatuation with this group and have undergone a sufficient amount of love bombing, you are introduced to the highly doubtable concepts of congregation authority, how Jehovah mysteriously rules through Jesus and this group of men Jesus inspected in 1918 and found them superior to every other Christian group on the planet.
If you buy it, you want in, you get baptized. But remember, you are still new, still a babe, still "immature". All of this is code for: One who is not ready to really study and accept how the leadership of Jehovah's Witnesses use the bible to their own self serving means.
It means you are still a babe to the fact that JW's really teach that practically ALL "faithful" OT charecters from Noah and Abraham through Elijah and Elishah and David to Hezekiah are prophetic of the Presidents of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. The one I refer to the most is as an answer to one of the questions on a Gilead test, Elijah prophetically pointed to Judge Rutherford, Elisha pointed to N H Knorr. That is my favorite, that is when I realized I was mislead. But to be fair, JW's teach that most all of these characters refer to the leadership of Jehovah's Witnesses, the Governing Body. (GB)
"Mature" JW's is a misnomer. It has nothing to do with maturity. That is code for "willingness to believe whatever you are taught, and to follow whatever the GB says, even if they change back and forth on doctrine in a god-dishonering fasion." Mature ones are impatient with the immature for questioning what they are taught. Mature ones become elders, ministerial servants and pioneers more quickly because they blindly obey. To question, esp after any period of time elapsing after baptism, means you are "immature".
Of course, this is all so self serving within the group. Another layer of indoctrination and peer pressure to keep everyone in line. Gilead "taught" me this. I learned that within the GB world view, it is scriptural to be nutty about anything the WT says, but to leave your brother cold and miserable and naked if they disagree with a teaching or doctrine.
I know that there are some who don't and won't believe what I just said. That is their right. There will always be some people who are susceptible to high control groups and cults. But to those who were raised as JW's, to those who for some reason accepted and bought a bill of goods that they found wasn't real, they should know the truth about "the truth". They should know how cynically the bible is used by the leadership of this group to their own ends.
They should know that to the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, the bible isn't about you. It isn't about Jehovah. It isn't about Jesus. Its all about them, the Governing Body, "Christs brothers", the Faithful and Discreet Slave. It's all about them, for them, and it is a sham. They are as prophetic as dead skin. THAT is what I learned at Gilead. THAT is what the bible is all about to the leadership of Jehovah's Witnesses."
Monday, October 7, 2013
A New Bible - The Revised 2013 New World Translation
A revised, New World Translation Bible has been released to Jehovah's Witnesses, during their Annual General Meeting this year. This 2013 revision is supposed to make for a better, easier reading in a modern English language.
However, there is much more to it than just that. They have catered verses and manipulated others (Even more so than the previous edition) to suit their teachings and agenda.
Some more noteworthy aspects include the complete removal of Mark 16:9-20 and John 7:58 thru 8:11 from the Gospel accounts.
A softer, kinder ‘Father’, Jehovah is presented that does not promote women to be raped or treated like property. For instance, Numbers 31: 17, 18 as presented in the previous revision from 1984 states:
"And now kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has had intercourse with man by lying with a male. And preserve alive for yourselves all the little ones among the women who have not known the act of lying with a male."
In the 2013 Revision it now states:
"Now you should kill every male among the children and kill every woman who has had sexual relations with a man. But you may keep alive all the young girls who have not had sexual relations with a man."
This provides the opportunity for Jehovah's Witnesses to believe and promote that they have a better picture of how loving Jehovah is and only those other (false) religions state from their (false) Bibles that God wanted the virgins to be taken by the men. Their organization has increased light and understanding.
To promote the Watchtower's teaching of Jesus dying on a stake instead of a cross, they have changed the scripture in John 19:6. In the previous 1984 edition, the verse reads:
"However, when the chief priests and the officers saw him, they shouted, saying: "Impale [him]! Impale [him]!" Pilate said to them: "Take him yourselves and impale him, for I do not find any fault in him."
In this new 2013 revision, they changed the scripture to suit their doctrine better:
"However, when the chief priests and the officers saw him, they shouted: "To the stake with him! To the stake with him!" Pilate said to them: "Take him yourselves and execute him, for I do not find any fault in him."
Additional manipulation to verses includes the Watchtower Society replacing previous listings of 'older men' to 'elders' to harmonize with their congregational arrangement.
Further along those lines, the term 'loose conduct' has been replaced with 'brazen conduct', which has been defined to the elders essentially as the going against anything the elder's state or implement.
It provides greater latitude to the body of elders to make judgments as they see fit towards, not just the actions, but also the attitude of a Jehovah's Witness. They have the potential to become more authoritarian and control the congregation better.
The Watchtower Society even managed to slip in their business originating term of 'governing body' into the 2013 revision of the New World Translation under the highlights section for Acts chapter 15, on page 1459:
It marks another change to the Bible to give support to the Watchtower Society ideas and practices towards Jehovah’s Witnesses; specifically, that such a group existed back in the first century and that the current spiritual leaders of the Watchtower Society (A few men who sit at headquarters), are carrying on that legacy.
The Watchtower Society promotes on the surface what may appear to many, if not most Jehovah's Witnesses, just a better and easier to read Bible. The reality is this 2013 revision is one that has been further manipulated from their own prior translation in an appeal to authority to promote their agenda and teaching with little regard to original texts, despite their claims to the contrary.
The leaders of the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses want to control the information and manipulate emotions with this updated Bible, which in turn will impact the follower’s behavior and thinking. All to the praise and honor of the organization...'Praise the Watchtower you people!'
However, there is much more to it than just that. They have catered verses and manipulated others (Even more so than the previous edition) to suit their teachings and agenda.
Some more noteworthy aspects include the complete removal of Mark 16:9-20 and John 7:58 thru 8:11 from the Gospel accounts.
A softer, kinder ‘Father’, Jehovah is presented that does not promote women to be raped or treated like property. For instance, Numbers 31: 17, 18 as presented in the previous revision from 1984 states:
In the 2013 Revision it now states:
This provides the opportunity for Jehovah's Witnesses to believe and promote that they have a better picture of how loving Jehovah is and only those other (false) religions state from their (false) Bibles that God wanted the virgins to be taken by the men. Their organization has increased light and understanding.
To promote the Watchtower's teaching of Jesus dying on a stake instead of a cross, they have changed the scripture in John 19:6. In the previous 1984 edition, the verse reads:
"However, when the chief priests and the officers saw him, they shouted, saying: "Impale [him]! Impale [him]!" Pilate said to them: "Take him yourselves and impale him, for I do not find any fault in him."
In this new 2013 revision, they changed the scripture to suit their doctrine better:
Additional manipulation to verses includes the Watchtower Society replacing previous listings of 'older men' to 'elders' to harmonize with their congregational arrangement.
Further along those lines, the term 'loose conduct' has been replaced with 'brazen conduct', which has been defined to the elders essentially as the going against anything the elder's state or implement.
It provides greater latitude to the body of elders to make judgments as they see fit towards, not just the actions, but also the attitude of a Jehovah's Witness. They have the potential to become more authoritarian and control the congregation better.
The Watchtower Society even managed to slip in their business originating term of 'governing body' into the 2013 revision of the New World Translation under the highlights section for Acts chapter 15, on page 1459:
It marks another change to the Bible to give support to the Watchtower Society ideas and practices towards Jehovah’s Witnesses; specifically, that such a group existed back in the first century and that the current spiritual leaders of the Watchtower Society (A few men who sit at headquarters), are carrying on that legacy.
The Watchtower Society promotes on the surface what may appear to many, if not most Jehovah's Witnesses, just a better and easier to read Bible. The reality is this 2013 revision is one that has been further manipulated from their own prior translation in an appeal to authority to promote their agenda and teaching with little regard to original texts, despite their claims to the contrary.
The leaders of the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses want to control the information and manipulate emotions with this updated Bible, which in turn will impact the follower’s behavior and thinking. All to the praise and honor of the organization...'Praise the Watchtower you people!'
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Errant Beliefs - Part Three
Whether you believe Jehovah’s Witnesses are God’s chosen people, the only ‘true’ Christians, just another religion, a high level control group, or a cult, the fact is conscientiously or not, the practices and methods of Jehovah’s Witnesses incorporate usage of the BITE model found and employed within high level control groups and cults.
The BITE model describes various controls over human behavior, information, thought and emotion.
In a series of postings to this blog, eight points will be briefly highlighted – one per post - concerning errant beliefs in respects to cult and high level control group involvement.
POINT THREE: "He Has The Right To Believe What He Wants To Believe."
Some think they should not interfere due to the above perspective. Truth is, members may seem to be exercising their own free will, but this is an illusion.
When people in a controlled environment are subjected to psychosocial influences - like group conformity or behavior modification techniques - they can be manipulated into accepting a completely different belief system.
For anyone born into a belief system - religious, political or other - there comes a time when they should challenge and test assumptions. This process applies not just to cult members - It is a necessity for all mature, responsible people.
Source: Chapter 5 - "Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs" by Steven Hassan
The BITE model describes various controls over human behavior, information, thought and emotion.
In a series of postings to this blog, eight points will be briefly highlighted – one per post - concerning errant beliefs in respects to cult and high level control group involvement.
POINT THREE: "He Has The Right To Believe What He Wants To Believe."
Some think they should not interfere due to the above perspective. Truth is, members may seem to be exercising their own free will, but this is an illusion.
When people in a controlled environment are subjected to psychosocial influences - like group conformity or behavior modification techniques - they can be manipulated into accepting a completely different belief system.
For anyone born into a belief system - religious, political or other - there comes a time when they should challenge and test assumptions. This process applies not just to cult members - It is a necessity for all mature, responsible people.
Source: Chapter 5 - "Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs" by Steven Hassan
Monday, June 10, 2013
A House Divided
Jehovah's Witnesses, which one is it?
When is the Watchtower Society correct?
"No one should be forced to worship in a way that he finds unacceptable or be made to choose between his beliefs and his family." - Awake July 2009, Page 29.
Or
"Really, what your beloved family member needs to see is your resolute stance to put Jehovah above eveything else - including the family bond." - Watchtower, January 15, 2013, Page 16.
It is impossible to uphold both statements. To try and do so would be hypocritical.
When is the Watchtower Society correct?
"No one should be forced to worship in a way that he finds unacceptable or be made to choose between his beliefs and his family." - Awake July 2009, Page 29.
Or
"Really, what your beloved family member needs to see is your resolute stance to put Jehovah above eveything else - including the family bond." - Watchtower, January 15, 2013, Page 16.
It is impossible to uphold both statements. To try and do so would be hypocritical.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Abandoned and New Teachings
If you have read the July 15, 2013 (Study Edition) Watchtower as a Jehovah's Witness, it means the following to you:
-The Watchtower Society had previously asserted that a Faithful and Discreet Slave Class has been in continual existence since the first century. That has been abandoned.
-CT Russell was a member of the faithful slave and passed on the 'truths' of the Faithful and Discreet Slave into modern times. That has been abandoned.
-The Watchtower Society has always taught that the Faithful and Discreet Slave is all anointed ones on earth. That has been abandoned.
-The Watchtower Society had rejected the idea in the past that the Faithful and Discreet Slave is a small, elite group in the Organization (See March 1, 1981 Watchtower, pp. 24-26). Now, it teaches precisely that idea, and calls what it used to reject as "apostate" thinking, "new light". That is new.
- The Faithful and Discreet Slave is now exclusively the Governing Body (A few men residing at the Brooklyn headquarters). That is new.
-The Watchtower Society used to teach that Jesus came invisibly in 1918 or 1919, inspected the Bible Students, chose them and appointed them over all his belongings. This has been abandoned.
-The Watchtower Society now teaches that Jesus appointed Rutherford as the first Faithful and Discreet Slave member in 1919, and appointing them over all his belongings will not happen until he arrives in the future. That is new.
-The Watchtower Society used to teach that only the anointed were part of the domestics. This has been abandoned.
-The domestics are made up of both the anointed and great crowd. This is new.
Essentially, the Watchtower Society has abandoned core doctrines it has held as absolute truth from God for decades - some close to 100 years - and, without admitting it, is now teaching those doctrines were false, replacing them with new beliefs.
-The Watchtower Society had previously asserted that a Faithful and Discreet Slave Class has been in continual existence since the first century. That has been abandoned.
-CT Russell was a member of the faithful slave and passed on the 'truths' of the Faithful and Discreet Slave into modern times. That has been abandoned.
-The Watchtower Society has always taught that the Faithful and Discreet Slave is all anointed ones on earth. That has been abandoned.
-The Watchtower Society had rejected the idea in the past that the Faithful and Discreet Slave is a small, elite group in the Organization (See March 1, 1981 Watchtower, pp. 24-26). Now, it teaches precisely that idea, and calls what it used to reject as "apostate" thinking, "new light". That is new.
- The Faithful and Discreet Slave is now exclusively the Governing Body (A few men residing at the Brooklyn headquarters). That is new.
-The Watchtower Society used to teach that Jesus came invisibly in 1918 or 1919, inspected the Bible Students, chose them and appointed them over all his belongings. This has been abandoned.
-The Watchtower Society now teaches that Jesus appointed Rutherford as the first Faithful and Discreet Slave member in 1919, and appointing them over all his belongings will not happen until he arrives in the future. That is new.
-The Watchtower Society used to teach that only the anointed were part of the domestics. This has been abandoned.
-The domestics are made up of both the anointed and great crowd. This is new.
Essentially, the Watchtower Society has abandoned core doctrines it has held as absolute truth from God for decades - some close to 100 years - and, without admitting it, is now teaching those doctrines were false, replacing them with new beliefs.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Mormon Discrediting
The Watchtower Society often attacks and attempts to discredit the beliefs and teachings of various religions. In the February 1, 2013 issue of the Watchtower magazine, on page 9, it prints the following point that bothered a Mormon concerning their faith:
"I dug deeper into the teachings of my faith and also consulted with responsible Mormon Church leaders. I was told that the answers to my questions involved mysteries that one day would be solved as the light became brighter".
There could not be a clearer case of the pot calling the kettle black.
Fact is Jehovah's Witnesses are taught the same thing. Indeed, constant "new light" is always coming through the Watchtower Society's primary indoctrination tool the Watchtower magazine.
Perhaps the Watchtower should focus more on the Bible and less on attacking the faith of individuals, especially passages such as:
Matthew 7:3...
"And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?"
[New King James Version]
"I dug deeper into the teachings of my faith and also consulted with responsible Mormon Church leaders. I was told that the answers to my questions involved mysteries that one day would be solved as the light became brighter".
There could not be a clearer case of the pot calling the kettle black.
Fact is Jehovah's Witnesses are taught the same thing. Indeed, constant "new light" is always coming through the Watchtower Society's primary indoctrination tool the Watchtower magazine.
Perhaps the Watchtower should focus more on the Bible and less on attacking the faith of individuals, especially passages such as:
Matthew 7:3...
"And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?"
[New King James Version]
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Errant Beliefs - Part Two
Whether you believe Jehovah’s Witnesses are God’s chosen people, the only ‘true’ Christians, just another religion, a high level control group, or a cult, the fact is conscientiously or not, the practices and methods of Jehovah’s Witnesses incorporate usage of the BITE model found and employed within high level control groups and cults.
The BITE model describes various controls over human behavior, information, thought and emotion.
In a series of postings to this blog, eight points will be briefly highlighted – one per post - concerning errant beliefs in respects to cult and high level control group involvement.
POINT TWO: "He's An Adult, We Have No Right To Interfere."
Many say this about not helping a cult member. However, if a friend or family member questions his right to interfere, remind him that his love gives him the right to be concerned.
If a loved one is under the influence of destructive influence, relatives and friends have the right and the obligation to take steps to undo the process.
Once the cult member has an opportunity to learn about and recognize the features of destructive cults, and meet with former members and critics, he will be in a position to make an informed decision.
Source: Chapter 5 - "Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs" by Steven Hassan
Monday, January 28, 2013
Elders' View Is God's View
This past Sunday's study article in Kingdom Halls had the organization talking out both sides of its mouth again. However, instead of the typical contradiction paragraphs, several articles apart, or even between different publications, this came from paragraph 16 on page 30 of the November 15, 2012 Watchtower magazine:
In other words, "Elders are imperfect men and are not inspired. However, since they say a prayer and ask for God's holy spirit, they are telling you exactly what Jehovah would say on the matter".
Here's a simple flow chart for it:
Jehovah's Witnesses Elders --> "Prays to God on Matter" --> Elders' View = God's View
Note, the paragraph does not say it "will help them reflect" or it "will assist to adjust theirs to a godly view". Rather it "will reflect" God's point of view.
The elders decision is power, control, and unquestionable authority from the sheep. After all it is God's point of view and not a human one...According to the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses.
"In accord with Jehovah's will, Christian elders have been entrusted with the responsibility of handling cases of wrongdoing in the congregation. These brothers do not have the full insight that God does, but they aim to make their decision harmonize with the direction given in God's Word under the guidance of holy spirit. Hence, what they decide in such matters after seeking Jehovah's help in prayer will reflect his point of view"
So elders "do not have the full insight that God does", but when making a decision they "will reflect his point of view".
Here's a simple flow chart for it:
Jehovah's Witnesses Elders --> "Prays to God on Matter" --> Elders' View = God's View
Note, the paragraph does not say it "will help them reflect" or it "will assist to adjust theirs to a godly view". Rather it "will reflect" God's point of view.
The elders decision is power, control, and unquestionable authority from the sheep. After all it is God's point of view and not a human one...According to the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Faithful and Discreet Slave Redefined
For decades, the ‘Faithful and Discreet Slave', at times referred to as the 'faithful and discreet slave class', has been known to Jehovah's Witnesses as comprising of everyone who is anointed with God's spirit. This will now become “old light” for Jehovah’s Witnesses, despite the fact that it was still very much supported by the Watchtower Society for decades and discussed in current magazine articles.
Recent Watchtower magazines have testified:
Watchtower November 1, 2007, page 30, paragraph 12:
"... all of the anointed ones living on earth at any given time constitute 'the faithful and discreet slave' that Jesus said would provide timely 'food' for his 'domestics'."
Even as recent as 2009 it states in June 15th Watchtower pages 22-24 when posed with the question:
"Do all anointed Christians on earth share in providing spiritual food?"
"No. All who are anointed with God’s spirit are part of the faithful and discreet slave class, but those making up the Governing Body oversee the spiritual feeding."
The problem with the above - at least a problem for the Watchtower leaders, known to Jehovah's Witnesses as the group of men who make up the "Governing Body", was seeing the number of Jehovah’s Witnesses claiming to be of the anointed ones on Earth as partakers at their Memorial celebration increasing; along with some becoming vocal about being equal "slaves" to Christ and not some anointed seen as more 'special' or 'blessed' than another especially regarding doctrine and teachings.
Some of the anointed ones actually came together outside of the jurisdiction of the current Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses to try to rectify some of the teachings and issues within the organization.
Consequently, the few men leading the Watchtower Society have taken additional measures to ensure that their word is final and the only word that is unquestionably coming from God. During the 2012 Annual Meeting recently held the "new light" (or new way of interpreting some select scriptural passages) is as follows:
• The Faithful and Discreet Slave was NOT appointed at Pentecost 33 C.E., meaning that there has not been a continuous line of members of the Slave Class on the earth down through the ages. The Slave Class was only appointed for the first time by Christ in 1919.
• The Faithful and Discreet Slave is a small group of anointed brothers during Jesus’ presence serving at Watchtower Headquarters who are directly involved in the preparing and dispensing of spiritual food. The individual members of the Governing Body are not the Faithful and Discreet Slave. They only act as the Faithful and Discreet Slave when they are working as a collective body in making decisions regarding the dispensing of spiritual food.
• The “domestics” of Matthew 24:45 are all those who are fed spiritually by the Governing Body, whether of the anointed or “other sheep”.
• The events described in Matthew 24:46, 47 now refer to Jesus coming during the Great Tribulation and giving the Governing Body their reward in heaven along with the rest of the anointed.
• The “belongings” of Matthew 24:47 refer to all of Christ’s heavenly and earthly interests.
• Despite founding the Watch Tower Society, Charles Taze Russell was not part of the Slave Class because he was not alive and serving at Headquarters when Christ made his selection in 1919.
The above changes are huge to both the history and the fundamental understandings of the organization.
The Faithful and Discreet Slave as decreed by the Watchtower Society is now only the few men who sit on the Governing Body. They are the first and last word - officially - on anything to do with doctrine, teachings and understanding of God and the Bible. No other anointed member has a say or input. Their claim is God has chosen them solely as the Faithful and Discreet Slave.
All other anointed ones now are basically just like the other sheep, but having a heaven reward instead of an earthly one according to Watchtower teachings. This silences and puts a figurative gag on all other members of Jehovah's Witnesses who claim to be of the anointed and tries to provide any input regarding the organization. They are only a ‘Domestic’ and should follow the Governing Body just like the ‘other sheep’ of Jehovah’s Witnesses do. Truly and officially, they are all sheep just following the direction of their leaders on the Governing Body.
As the last point shows, the organization has distanced themselves far from their foundation. They claim Russell was not of the anointed class and the class was merely taking shape in his days. This covers over a number of transgressions and any questioning of the history of the slave from the early days of the Watchtower Society and even prior to that. The Watchtower Society in effect is ignoring (Or selectively ignoring) anything prior to 1919, as it had nothing to do with them or the spiritual leadership of the organization at the time. How this doesn’t contradict and logically flow as Russell was the first president leading and starting the organization will probably be covered in future magazine articles.
In part, it is a cleanup job to re-write or discount unanswered or confusing beginnings of the organization while trying to make it more convincing as to why their teachings and beliefs or so much different now from their humble beginnings, and why such changes are appropriate with the excuse of “new light”.
Sadly many, if not most, Jehovah's Witnesses will probably either ignore or overlook the changes, to say even less about realizing the significance of it. The Watchtower Society leaders continue to tighten their grip and control of the members. Ironically, more than ever, the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses are becoming ‘officially’ more structured like the Catholic Church - oh, the irony. Watchtower Headquarters is the equivalent of the Vatican for Jehovah's Witnesses.
Nevertheless, belief is powerful. It can be surprising what people will swallow when their whole worldview is at stake. For Jehovah’s Witnesses they are indoctrinated to not question or go against the ‘Faithful and Discreet Slave’ – Not to go against the organization or its leaders.
The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses are ensuring the members fully understand you never question them and only their interpretations should be followed. Others claiming to be of the anointed class under Jehovah’s Witnesses do not matter – they are truly just another member being instructed like the rest...
Following the Governing Body means following God - Very sad, but also very true to the worldview of Jehovah's Witnesses; even more so since the leaders have redefined the Faithful and Discreet Slave to their agenda.
Recent Watchtower magazines have testified:
Watchtower November 1, 2007, page 30, paragraph 12:
"... all of the anointed ones living on earth at any given time constitute 'the faithful and discreet slave' that Jesus said would provide timely 'food' for his 'domestics'."
Even as recent as 2009 it states in June 15th Watchtower pages 22-24 when posed with the question:
"Do all anointed Christians on earth share in providing spiritual food?"
"No. All who are anointed with God’s spirit are part of the faithful and discreet slave class, but those making up the Governing Body oversee the spiritual feeding."
The problem with the above - at least a problem for the Watchtower leaders, known to Jehovah's Witnesses as the group of men who make up the "Governing Body", was seeing the number of Jehovah’s Witnesses claiming to be of the anointed ones on Earth as partakers at their Memorial celebration increasing; along with some becoming vocal about being equal "slaves" to Christ and not some anointed seen as more 'special' or 'blessed' than another especially regarding doctrine and teachings.
Some of the anointed ones actually came together outside of the jurisdiction of the current Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses to try to rectify some of the teachings and issues within the organization.
Consequently, the few men leading the Watchtower Society have taken additional measures to ensure that their word is final and the only word that is unquestionably coming from God. During the 2012 Annual Meeting recently held the "new light" (or new way of interpreting some select scriptural passages) is as follows:
• The Faithful and Discreet Slave was NOT appointed at Pentecost 33 C.E., meaning that there has not been a continuous line of members of the Slave Class on the earth down through the ages. The Slave Class was only appointed for the first time by Christ in 1919.
• The Faithful and Discreet Slave is a small group of anointed brothers during Jesus’ presence serving at Watchtower Headquarters who are directly involved in the preparing and dispensing of spiritual food. The individual members of the Governing Body are not the Faithful and Discreet Slave. They only act as the Faithful and Discreet Slave when they are working as a collective body in making decisions regarding the dispensing of spiritual food.
• The “domestics” of Matthew 24:45 are all those who are fed spiritually by the Governing Body, whether of the anointed or “other sheep”.
• The events described in Matthew 24:46, 47 now refer to Jesus coming during the Great Tribulation and giving the Governing Body their reward in heaven along with the rest of the anointed.
• The “belongings” of Matthew 24:47 refer to all of Christ’s heavenly and earthly interests.
• Despite founding the Watch Tower Society, Charles Taze Russell was not part of the Slave Class because he was not alive and serving at Headquarters when Christ made his selection in 1919.
The above changes are huge to both the history and the fundamental understandings of the organization.
The Faithful and Discreet Slave as decreed by the Watchtower Society is now only the few men who sit on the Governing Body. They are the first and last word - officially - on anything to do with doctrine, teachings and understanding of God and the Bible. No other anointed member has a say or input. Their claim is God has chosen them solely as the Faithful and Discreet Slave.
All other anointed ones now are basically just like the other sheep, but having a heaven reward instead of an earthly one according to Watchtower teachings. This silences and puts a figurative gag on all other members of Jehovah's Witnesses who claim to be of the anointed and tries to provide any input regarding the organization. They are only a ‘Domestic’ and should follow the Governing Body just like the ‘other sheep’ of Jehovah’s Witnesses do. Truly and officially, they are all sheep just following the direction of their leaders on the Governing Body.
As the last point shows, the organization has distanced themselves far from their foundation. They claim Russell was not of the anointed class and the class was merely taking shape in his days. This covers over a number of transgressions and any questioning of the history of the slave from the early days of the Watchtower Society and even prior to that. The Watchtower Society in effect is ignoring (Or selectively ignoring) anything prior to 1919, as it had nothing to do with them or the spiritual leadership of the organization at the time. How this doesn’t contradict and logically flow as Russell was the first president leading and starting the organization will probably be covered in future magazine articles.
In part, it is a cleanup job to re-write or discount unanswered or confusing beginnings of the organization while trying to make it more convincing as to why their teachings and beliefs or so much different now from their humble beginnings, and why such changes are appropriate with the excuse of “new light”.
Sadly many, if not most, Jehovah's Witnesses will probably either ignore or overlook the changes, to say even less about realizing the significance of it. The Watchtower Society leaders continue to tighten their grip and control of the members. Ironically, more than ever, the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses are becoming ‘officially’ more structured like the Catholic Church - oh, the irony. Watchtower Headquarters is the equivalent of the Vatican for Jehovah's Witnesses.
Nevertheless, belief is powerful. It can be surprising what people will swallow when their whole worldview is at stake. For Jehovah’s Witnesses they are indoctrinated to not question or go against the ‘Faithful and Discreet Slave’ – Not to go against the organization or its leaders.
The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses are ensuring the members fully understand you never question them and only their interpretations should be followed. Others claiming to be of the anointed class under Jehovah’s Witnesses do not matter – they are truly just another member being instructed like the rest...
Following the Governing Body means following God - Very sad, but also very true to the worldview of Jehovah's Witnesses; even more so since the leaders have redefined the Faithful and Discreet Slave to their agenda.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Fruitage
I just came across some tragic news today. This is absolutely and completely terrible and horribly devastating. My deepest sympathies and warm thoughts to those impacted by this tragedy - Especially to those who were closest affected by it.
I will implore those who think there is some ‘good’ within the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses to please think long and hard about that ‘good’. The ‘good’ is either superficially, fake, phony, counterfeit or/and can be found elsewhere.
If you can honestly say you have personally examined and experienced the thousands of Christian denominations, some of which make the same claims as Jehovah’s Witnesses, then you will know that there is truly nothing special or particularly unique about the organization, despite their propaganda to the contrary.
There is though a ‘bad’, an ‘evil’ that is ever so rampant, practiced as well as supported by its millions of followers by means of the interpretations and teachings of the Watchtower.
This ‘bad’ this ‘evil’ that is not an exception has happen and continues to happen many times over to those who were members is real, is undeniable and shows what is at the core of the Watchtower’s fruitage. It is not love. Any love is trumped and superseded by guilt and fear. An organization that thrives off fear, superficially coated in an artificial love that becomes evident and abundant once a member leaves or is removed from the ranks.
Shunning is by far the most evil, manipulative and abusive device employed by the Watchtower Society and enforced by Jehovah’s Witnesses. It breaks up and divides families along with sometimes driving those impacted to mental instability, chronic depression, and extremely sad in some cases, like Eric Reeder – known to many as Oompa – Suicide.
Oompa, I am so, so sorry your pain and hurt was more than you could bear any longer due to the shunning you experienced…May you finally be resting in peace.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67A0Imd6dng
Keep Yourselves In God's Love (2008), Appendix, How To Treat A Disfellowshipped Person:
"Is strict avoidance really necessary? Yes...Loyal Christian family members do not look for excuses to have dealings with a disfellowshipped relative not living at home...Bible principles on this subject apply equally to those who disassociate themselves from the congregation."
Our Kingdom Ministry, August 2002, Page 4, paragraph 12:
"Benefits of Being Loyal to Jehovah: Cooperating with the Scriptural arrangement to disfellowship and shun unrepentant wrongdoers is beneficial."
Watchtower, July 15, 1961, page 420:
"...in order to hate what is bad a Christian must hate the person with whom the badness is inseparably linked."
Watchtower, November 15, 1952, page 703:
"The law of the land and God’s law through Christ forbid us to kill apostates, even though they be members of our own flesh-and-blood family relationship."
I will implore those who think there is some ‘good’ within the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses to please think long and hard about that ‘good’. The ‘good’ is either superficially, fake, phony, counterfeit or/and can be found elsewhere.
If you can honestly say you have personally examined and experienced the thousands of Christian denominations, some of which make the same claims as Jehovah’s Witnesses, then you will know that there is truly nothing special or particularly unique about the organization, despite their propaganda to the contrary.
There is though a ‘bad’, an ‘evil’ that is ever so rampant, practiced as well as supported by its millions of followers by means of the interpretations and teachings of the Watchtower.
This ‘bad’ this ‘evil’ that is not an exception has happen and continues to happen many times over to those who were members is real, is undeniable and shows what is at the core of the Watchtower’s fruitage. It is not love. Any love is trumped and superseded by guilt and fear. An organization that thrives off fear, superficially coated in an artificial love that becomes evident and abundant once a member leaves or is removed from the ranks.
Shunning is by far the most evil, manipulative and abusive device employed by the Watchtower Society and enforced by Jehovah’s Witnesses. It breaks up and divides families along with sometimes driving those impacted to mental instability, chronic depression, and extremely sad in some cases, like Eric Reeder – known to many as Oompa – Suicide.
Oompa, I am so, so sorry your pain and hurt was more than you could bear any longer due to the shunning you experienced…May you finally be resting in peace.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67A0Imd6dng
Keep Yourselves In God's Love (2008), Appendix, How To Treat A Disfellowshipped Person:
"Is strict avoidance really necessary? Yes...Loyal Christian family members do not look for excuses to have dealings with a disfellowshipped relative not living at home...Bible principles on this subject apply equally to those who disassociate themselves from the congregation."
Our Kingdom Ministry, August 2002, Page 4, paragraph 12:
"Benefits of Being Loyal to Jehovah: Cooperating with the Scriptural arrangement to disfellowship and shun unrepentant wrongdoers is beneficial."
Watchtower, July 15, 1961, page 420:
"...in order to hate what is bad a Christian must hate the person with whom the badness is inseparably linked."
Watchtower, November 15, 1952, page 703:
"The law of the land and God’s law through Christ forbid us to kill apostates, even though they be members of our own flesh-and-blood family relationship."
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Errant Beliefs - Part One
Whether you believe Jehovah’s Witnesses are God’s chosen people, the only ‘true’ Christians, just another religion, a high level control group, or a cult, the fact is conscientiously or not, the practices and methods of Jehovah’s Witnesses incorporate usage of the BITE model found and employed within high level control groups and cults.
The BITE model describes various controls over human behavior, information, thought and emotion.
In a series of postings to this blog, eight points will be briefly highlighted – one per post - concerning errant beliefs in respects to cult and high level control group involvement.
POINT ONE: "Why Should I Do Anything? He Says He's Happy!"
Many people say this regarding not helping a loved one escape a cult. Members of the Heaven's Gate cult each made videotaped farewell statements that explained why they had decided to leave their vehicles-i.e., their bodies- and commit suicide. All of them claimed that they were exercising their own free will, and that they were happy to die.
It is unwise to accept at face value a cult member's words that he is happy. In a cult, happiness is often redefined as sacrifice or suffering. Happiness in Heaven's Gate was overcoming individuality and human nature and suicide was redefined as advancing to the next level. Ingesting fatal pills with applesauce and vodka, and placing plastic bags over their heads was seen as a necessary stage of the metamorphosis. The cult identity was happy to die. But, this cult identity was deliberately concocted to suit someone else’s aims. It does not represent the whole individual. You might tell those who are taken in by the cult identity to look behind the smiling mask. When the member says he is happy, the cult self is doing what it has been taught to do.
Source: Chapter 5 - "Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs" by Steven Hassan.
The BITE model describes various controls over human behavior, information, thought and emotion.
In a series of postings to this blog, eight points will be briefly highlighted – one per post - concerning errant beliefs in respects to cult and high level control group involvement.
POINT ONE: "Why Should I Do Anything? He Says He's Happy!"
Many people say this regarding not helping a loved one escape a cult. Members of the Heaven's Gate cult each made videotaped farewell statements that explained why they had decided to leave their vehicles-i.e., their bodies- and commit suicide. All of them claimed that they were exercising their own free will, and that they were happy to die.
It is unwise to accept at face value a cult member's words that he is happy. In a cult, happiness is often redefined as sacrifice or suffering. Happiness in Heaven's Gate was overcoming individuality and human nature and suicide was redefined as advancing to the next level. Ingesting fatal pills with applesauce and vodka, and placing plastic bags over their heads was seen as a necessary stage of the metamorphosis. The cult identity was happy to die. But, this cult identity was deliberately concocted to suit someone else’s aims. It does not represent the whole individual. You might tell those who are taken in by the cult identity to look behind the smiling mask. When the member says he is happy, the cult self is doing what it has been taught to do.
Source: Chapter 5 - "Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs" by Steven Hassan.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Missing Meetings at the Kingdom Hall
Very often the Watchtower Society along with convinced supportive Elders, Ministerial Servants, Pioneers, and even the ‘average’ publisher cites Hebrews 10:24, 25 for reason as to why members of the organization need to be at the Watchtower Society’s weekly arranged meetings. Quoting from that scripture – direct from The New World Translation – it states:
"And let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as YOU behold the day drawing near."
The verses are extremely familiar to many Jehovah’s Witnesses. What may not be as familiar is the actual meaning and intent.
If one was to do the research, including understanding the context of the verses, it has nothing to do with formal meetings of worship.
What the verses are relaying is Paul’s encouragement to Jewish Christians who were still very zealous for and still felt the need to follow the Old Covenant. They consequently were withdrawing socially from other Christians who came to the realization that they were not under such Law. Paul is simply admonishing adherers of the Old Covenant not to avoid such social gatherings because doing so would result in “forsaking the gathering of ourselves together”.
Conclusively then, the verses are absolutely void of any proof text to support attending and being a part of the Watchtower Society's formal organized sessions of instruction and indoctrination, including their weekly meetings, along with conventions and assemblies of Jehovah's Witnesses.
If anything, the verses are indirectly suggesting something Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught through the Watchtower to be strongly against and avoid; that is to fellowship with Christians who do not believe the same as they do.
"And let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as YOU behold the day drawing near."
The verses are extremely familiar to many Jehovah’s Witnesses. What may not be as familiar is the actual meaning and intent.
If one was to do the research, including understanding the context of the verses, it has nothing to do with formal meetings of worship.
What the verses are relaying is Paul’s encouragement to Jewish Christians who were still very zealous for and still felt the need to follow the Old Covenant. They consequently were withdrawing socially from other Christians who came to the realization that they were not under such Law. Paul is simply admonishing adherers of the Old Covenant not to avoid such social gatherings because doing so would result in “forsaking the gathering of ourselves together”.
Conclusively then, the verses are absolutely void of any proof text to support attending and being a part of the Watchtower Society's formal organized sessions of instruction and indoctrination, including their weekly meetings, along with conventions and assemblies of Jehovah's Witnesses.
If anything, the verses are indirectly suggesting something Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught through the Watchtower to be strongly against and avoid; that is to fellowship with Christians who do not believe the same as they do.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Daniel Flip-Flop Belief
This past Sunday at conventions and Kingdom Halls, Jehovah's Witnesses were instructed through the June 15, 2012, Watchtower. Interestingly, the Watchtower Society went back to an old favorite regarding the statue described in the Bible book of Daniel. Here is what the Watchtower stated as "truth" on page 14, paragraph 11:
"When describing the image, Daniel does not mention the number of toes. Therefore, the number seems no more significant than the fact that the image had multiple arms, hands, fingers, legs, and feet."
So the toes of the statue have no significance or at least that is what Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to believe now. Historically, they have been told:
Watchtower, May 15, 1959, page 313:
"The number ten being a Biblical number symbolizing earthly completeness, the ten toes picture all such coexisting powers and governments."
Watchtower, June 15, 1978, page 13 "Human Governments Crushed by God’s Kingdom":
"There does not appear to be any prophetic significance to the image’s having ten toes. This is a natural human feature, just as the image has two arms, two legs, and so forth."
Watchtower, July 1, 1985 page 31 "Questions From Readers":
"Various views have been expressed about the ten “toes.” But since “ten” is often used in the Bible to signify completeness as to things on earth, the ten “toes” appear logically to represent the entire global system of rulership at the culmination of the days"
To summarize, "ten toes" have:
1959 - Meaning
1978 - No Meaning
1985 - Meaning
2012 - No Meaning
That's clear flip-flopping direction, instruction, and Bible truths coming from the only true organization that God is using to direct His people. Too bad, it seems we have another example of God being confused, because it couldn't possible mean the Watchtower Society running and controlling Jehovah's Witnesses doctrine and teachings just makes this stuff up or haphazardly guesses.
"When describing the image, Daniel does not mention the number of toes. Therefore, the number seems no more significant than the fact that the image had multiple arms, hands, fingers, legs, and feet."
So the toes of the statue have no significance or at least that is what Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to believe now. Historically, they have been told:
Watchtower, May 15, 1959, page 313:
"The number ten being a Biblical number symbolizing earthly completeness, the ten toes picture all such coexisting powers and governments."
Watchtower, June 15, 1978, page 13 "Human Governments Crushed by God’s Kingdom":
"There does not appear to be any prophetic significance to the image’s having ten toes. This is a natural human feature, just as the image has two arms, two legs, and so forth."
Watchtower, July 1, 1985 page 31 "Questions From Readers":
"Various views have been expressed about the ten “toes.” But since “ten” is often used in the Bible to signify completeness as to things on earth, the ten “toes” appear logically to represent the entire global system of rulership at the culmination of the days"
To summarize, "ten toes" have:
1959 - Meaning
1978 - No Meaning
1985 - Meaning
2012 - No Meaning
That's clear flip-flopping direction, instruction, and Bible truths coming from the only true organization that God is using to direct His people. Too bad, it seems we have another example of God being confused, because it couldn't possible mean the Watchtower Society running and controlling Jehovah's Witnesses doctrine and teachings just makes this stuff up or haphazardly guesses.
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