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.

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.

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."

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

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.

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.

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

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 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".

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

Baptism And Marriage

BAPTISM:

Watchtower, April 15, 1987, page 13, paragraph 14:
"If one has ‘counted the cost,’ it places one at no disadvantage to make a dedication as a youth. With almost all new Christians, after baptism appreciation deepens. “Getting baptized as a youngster was a protection for me,” explained David. “As I got older, I noticed how some unbaptized teenagers in the congregation felt free of the authority of the elders and as a consequence veered into bad conduct. But I always remembered that I had dedicated my life to God. My life was already taken, so I could not follow such teenagers.”"


Watchtower, July 1, 2006, pages 29-30, paragraph 16:
"Numerous Witnesses around the world feel that their decision to get baptized when they were young helped them greatly. Take as an example a 23-year-old Witness in Western Europe. He recalls that getting baptized at the age of 13 motivated him to be careful not to be swept away by “the desires incidental to youth.” (2 Timothy 2:22) Early on, he set his sights on serving as a full-time minister. Today, he serves happily at a branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Rich blessings await all youths, including you, who choose to serve Jehovah."


Watchtower, June 14, 2011, page 6:
"A Christian mother writes: “Children who are baptized have more reasons to stay away from the bad things of the world. My son, baptized at 15, feels that baptism is a protection. ‘You don’t think about doing something contrary to Jehovah’s law,’ he said. Baptism is a strong motivation for righteousness.”


MARRIAGE:

Watchtower, February 15, 1999, page 5:
“It is very risky to get married too young,” says Nikki, who was 22 when she married. She cautions: “Your feelings, goals, and tastes will continue to change from the time you are in your late teens until you are in your mid-to-late 20’s.” Of course, readiness for marriage cannot be measured by age alone. Nevertheless, marrying when one is not past the youthful stage when sexual feelings are new and especially strong can distort one’s thinking and blind one to potential problems."


Watchtower, April 15, 2008, pages 17-18, paragraph 6:
"Are you young and still unmarried? If so, how should you regard the prospect of marriage? You can avoid much heartache if you wait until you are physically, mentally, and spiritually ready for marriage before you start a romantic relationship with a Christian of the opposite sex. Of course, the Scriptures do not stipulate an age for marriage. However, the Bible does show that you do well to wait until you are past that time in life when sexual feelings are very strong. (1 Cor. 7:36) Why? Because strong sexual impulses can distort good judgment and cause you to make unwise decisions that may result in heartache later."


Watchtower, January 15, 2011, pages 19-20, paragraph 11:
"Although most young people would like to marry eventually, there are good reasons not to rush into marriage. Paul encourages youths to wait at least until they are past “the bloom of youth,” when sexual desires are most powerful. (1 Cor. 7:36) It takes time to understand yourself and acquire the experience in life that is needed to choose a suitable mate. Making a marriage vow is a serious decision, one that should last for life."


According to the Watchtower Society the Jehovah's Witnesses are instilled with a notion that baptism even at a very young age - Teens and even younger - is fine and encouraged, yet marriage at such a young age or even somewhat older (20's) is discouraged.

However, should there not be a correlation between the seriousness of marriage and the maturity needed and that of being baptized?

Well, what example do we have to reflect upon? Should any examples or experiences suffice?  Who would be the prime example for anyone stating they are Christian?

Jesus - who all Christians should be striving to imitate as closely as possible - was baptized at the tender age of...

30 years old!

Luke 3:21-23:
"Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized and, as he was praying, the heaven was opened up and the holy spirit in bodily shape like a dove came down upon him, and a voice came out of heaven: “You are my Son, the beloved; I have approved you.” Furthermore, Jesus himself, when he commenced [his work], was about thirty years old"


As any Jehovah's Witness should know, their baptism is even more serious and binding than marriage and devotion to their spouse. Should not the same admonition of not rushing and waiting until one is older and physically, mentally, and spiritually ready, until making such a serious dedication apply? Again, look to the example of Jesus Christ according to the Bible.

From their own literature they relate how 22 years old can be too young for marriage.  Is 22 years old (or even younger), not too young for baptism, then?

Why *really* does the Watchtower Society want members to baptize at such an early age? It undisputedly goes against the prime example of Jesus. Something 'less serious' as marriage is discouraged by the organization even into early-to-mid 20's.

Could the Jehovah's Witnesses practice of shunning have influence over this position by the Watchtower Society? How about stronger indoctrination, or fear and guilt? Think about it.

Child Abuse

Recently, the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses managed by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has been found liable in a child abuse case.

What led to this is heavily based on instructions they provide in their own handbooks to the leaders (elders), which they place in charge of the congregation.  The following is taken directly from “Shepherd The Flock Of God”, chapter 12 paragraph 18:
 

 
"You should immediately call the branch office for direction if you learn of an accusation of child abuse, regardless of the age of the victim now or at the time of the alleged abuse, even if it occurred before the alleged perpetrator’s baptism. The branch office will then give direction based on the circumstances involved in each situation."


Elders are directed: not to call police promptly, not to report the crime through proper legal channels as soon as possible, but to immediately call the branch office.

Consequently, this means the Watchtower Society is in full knowledge of abuse events reported and responsible for the instructions provided to their local representatives (Elders), inclusive of  when the directions are to not alert the authorities that a member is molesting children.

The chain of events respecting this recent case is as follows:

-A child had previously come forward to Elders and said she was molested by a member. The matter was kept private and sealed with no action taken because there was no second witness present for that specific abuse (Per Watchtower policy).

-Another child comes forward to Elders and says she was molested by the same member; this is the second child to come forward against the accused. Yet, the Elders (Leader representatives picked by the Watchtower Society) allowed the person to remain in "good standing" before the congregation.

-The pedophile has since changed congregations, and a third child and her parents are unaware of the prior abuses as Elders instructed by the Watchtower Society's Legal Department were directed to not reveal or report anything to the authorities or anyone else. This third child ultimately became a victim to the same person and was sexually molested.

-Finally, after years have passed, the accused member was caught by authorities as being a child molester. The third child abused is the one who pressed forward, first in trying to get the Watchtower Society to change its policy, and when that failed, pursued legal action against them.


As a result of negligence by the Watchtower Society’s picked representatives (Elders), children were molested by the same member without action being taken to stop the pedophile.  Furthermore, the Watchtower Society itself did nothing to report the instances to authorities.

When you know that someone is engaging in flagrant illegal activity that is causing harm to others, and you do nothing about it, you could be named as a conspirator. The conspirator here found guilty is the Watchtower Bible Tract Society.

From this one cover up alone, several children were forever scarred.  This incident is not an exception either, please do the research.

Protecting the organization and assets of the Watchtower Society always comes first and abused children take no priority over it.  Legally, it is wrong.  More so, this moral and conscientious stance is disgusting and reprehensible. 

Notice this last piece of directions on the matter from the Watchtower Society taken from page 72, paragraph 39 of the same previously mentioned publication:

"If the accused denies the accusation, the investigating elders should try to arrange a meeting with him and the accuser together. (Note: If the accusation involves child sexual abuse and the victim is currently a minor, the elders should contact the branch office before arranging a meeting with the child and the alleged abuser.)  If the accuser or the accused is unwilling to meet with the elders or if the accused continues to deny the accusation of a single witness and the wrongdoing is not established, the elders will leave matters in Jehovah's hands."


You read that correctly:  Elders will try to bring the abused child and the one who molested them together for a meeting, but if that doesn't work out, or the molester refuses to meet or he just needs to deny the accusation, then "leave matters in Jehovah's hands". 

After all there was only one witness present (The child abused) and no one can confirm the abuse took place (As if expecting a 'real' pedophile to molest children in front of other people).  This is the actual policies of Jehovah's Witnesses as enforced by the Watchtower Bible Tract Society.

The entire arrangement is utterly and completely wrong and not from a supposedly loving God or a 'one true organization' serving him.  Protect the organization - That is *the* chief directive and concern.  Child abuse can and will continue to thrive under such conditions and attitudes among Jehovah's Witnesses.

Revelation Trumpet Blasts

According to 'Revelation - Its Grand Climax At Hand', published by The Watchtower and Bible Tract Society, from the 2006 revision of the original 1988 published book, studied and believed to be "the truth" by Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide, angelic trumpet blasts and their prophetic significance is as follows:


Revelation 8:7
1st Angel Trumpet blown = September 10, 1922 convention in Cedar Point, Ohio.
[Page 134, paragraph 18]

Revelation 8:8, 9
2nd Angel Trumpet blown = August 18-26, 1923 convention in Los Angeles, California.
[Page 134, paragraph 22]

Revelation 8:10, 11
3rd Angel Trumpet blown = July 20-27, 1924 convention in Columbus, Ohio.
[Page 137, paragraph 33]

Revelation 8:12
4th Angel Trumpet blown = August 29, 1925 convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.
[Page 140, paragraph 39]

Revelation 9:1
5th Angel Trumpet blown = September 1-8, 1919 convention in Cedar Point, Ohio.
[Page 143, paragraph 5]
Additionally, led to emphasis of some judgments which brought "first woe" during May 25-31, 1926 convention in London, England.
[Page 147, paragraph 18]

Revelation 9:13, 14
6th Angel Trumpet blown = 1919 release from bondage.
[Page 149, paragraph 4]
Additionally, led to emphasis of some resolutions which brought "second woe" during July 24, 1927 convention in Ontario, Canada.
[Page 149, paragraph 5]

Revelation 11:15
7th Angel Trumpet blown = 1914 when Jehovah enthrones Jesus.
[Page 171, paragraph 2]
Additionally, led to "third woe" highlights at July 30 - August 6, 1928 convention in Detroit, Michigan.
[Page 172, paragraph 5]


Conclusively then, if the above is "the truth", it appears Jesus and John got their angelic trumpeting sequence of events out of order towards the end of the blasts. Nonetheless, it all aligned to advertise some conventions of a group of bible students who would later take on the name of "Jehovah's Witnesses".

The name of those bible students was picked by the second president of the company, J.F. Rutherford, who believed and preached the prophets of old would rise from the grave in 1925 and live in a mansion he had built for them. Meanwhile, he lived in that mansion - calling it Beth Sarim, located in San Diego, California. Furthermore, he purchased a big fancy automobile to drive the prophets around in after they rose from the dead, but used it for himself in the meantime.

Think about it. Supposedly, prophetic trumpet blasts written about thousands of years ago in which is arguably the most sacred and highly revered book of all time by many - The Holy Bible - were blown out of order by angels, but ultimately performed to announce convention events of a publishing company whose president and spiritual leader was involved with and preached about what is mentioned in the previous paragraph.

This is official doctrine, teaching, and beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Domestic Violence

Training and lessons taught from the primary teaching tool and study journal the Watchtower magazine, brought to light both a very disturbing and very disgusting occurrence in the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It specifically came from what Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide were studying and reviewing this past Sunday in their Kingdom Halls.


The February 15, 2012 edition of the Watchtower magazine, page 29, paragraph 12 states the following:

“Selma recalls a lesson she learned from the Witnesses who studied with her. “On one particular day,” says Selma, “I didn’t want to have a Bible study. The night before, Steve had hit me as I tried to prove a point, and I was feeling sad and sorry for myself. After I told the sister what had happened and how I felt, she asked me to read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. As I did, I began to reason, ‘Steve never does any of these loving things for me.’ But the sister made me think differently by asking, ‘How many of those acts of love do you show toward your husband?’ My answer was, ‘None, for he is so difficult to love with.’ The sister softly said, ‘Selma, who is trying to be a Christian here? You or Steve?’ Realizing that I needed to adjust my thinking, I prayed to Jehovah to help me be more loving toward Steve. Slowly, things started to change.” After 17 years, Steve accepted the truth.”

Where to even begin? An abused wife is helped to appreciate through her study with a Jehovah’s Witness that she needs to adjust her thinking and be more Christian towards her husband who hits her. The reason for this is to help also recruit her husband into the organization - which only took 17 years.

See, the problem the Watchtower is helping its members appreciate, is not with the husband hitting his wife, but her need to pray to Jehovah to adjust her thinking and the need to be more loving towards her abusive husband.

From the leaders of Jehovah’s Witnesses, supposedly directed by, and the mouthpiece of, the Almighty himself, feeling sad and sorry for her situation, isn’t the course Selma should be on. She should not be thinking or acting as if her husband didn’t deserve more love. See the whole thing is actually Selma’s fault.

The Watchtower and that counsel from them is sound because look at the fine fruitage and reward - 17 years later her husband, apparently in the right for hitting her, came into the Watchtower Society.  Either that, or at least he accepted their interpretations in which the organization, using loaded language (Common in cults and high level control groups), calls “the truth”.

For the Watchtower Society the safety and wellness of Selma is not the goal or consideration.  Being hit by your husband, even for years is fine – you just make sure you are a loving Christian towards him and get him to accept the teachings, practices, and interpretations that Jehovah’s Witnesses should wholeheartedly embrace, as commissioned by their ‘governing body’ leadership.

The above should come as no surprise, when the organization has such a history of similar directions and guidance.  It's the same religion that teaches these things regarding rape:


October 15, 1980, Watchtower on page 7:

“She told him that if he touched her she would scream as he had never heard anyone scream before. She explained that if she did not she would ruin her relationship with Jehovah God and the Christian congregation….A Christian woman is under obligation to resist, for the issue of obedience to God’s law to ‘flee from fornication’ is involved.”



Additionally, the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses sanctions this:


Awake! February 22, 1984 edition:

"Treat Him Respectfully – The intended victim should remember that the rapist is a human. No doubt there are circumstances in his life that have precipitated his behavior. So although a woman should not cower in fear and permit a rapist to intimidate her, at the same time she should treat him understandingly as a fellow human."


A girl or woman who does not scream while being raped is fornicating and she should treat her rapist with respect.  A women needs to be more loving to her abusive husband and change her thinking on the matter, realizing that she isn't being Christian enough.

Those are the well-documented teachings and directives from the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses.  There are more articles on the aforementioned subjects than just the ones highlighted above - Admonishing and providing the same instructions coming from what the organization claims is the only true Christian religion.  It is indeed shocking and appalling.

Do you have family or friends a part of or looking to study with Jehovah’s Witnesses? Well, this is some of the “spiritual food” they can look forward to receiving from the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society’s literature.

God help the young girls, women, and all who embrace and believe this to be the one true organization and what God wants them to do. If they find themselves in an abusive relationship, they may very well die there, following the teachings and council provided by the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Family Rejection

The Watchtower Society on one hand instills a strong directive about Jehovah's Witnesses rejecting former members, even if the person is their own flesh and blood.  On the other hand, they state members "endure extreme rejection" and are being "forsaken", when a non-Jehovah's Witness does likewise to a member of their organization.

From the July 15, 2012, Watchtower, page 24, in the article, "Of Whom Shall I Be In Dread?" under the sub-heading "Trust In God's Help":

"However, many today have had to endure extreme rejection by their family. Yet, many thus forsaken have found help and protection in the warmth of the Christian congregation."

The same organization, utilizing the same journal, just a few months prior in the April 15, 2012 issue, page 12, in the article, "Betrayal - An Ominous Sign Of Times!" under the sub-heading "Remain Loyal To Jehovah", admonished the following:

"However, because he did not receive even the slightest communication from any of his family, the burning desire to be with them became one motivating factor in his restoring his relationship with Jehovah. Think of that if you are ever tempted to violate God’s command not to associate with your disfellowshipped relatives."

So straight from the teaching tools of the organization, they acknowledge the damage done by rejection, but promote Jehovah's Witnesses to reject their own family if that individual is no longer a member of the organization. Consequently, the Watchtower Society completely ignores the untold numbers of broken homes and families that have been decimated by their interpretation of the bible.

A welcoming sanctuary is how the organization paints itself for those whose families take drastic action towards individuals who are members of the Jehovah's Witnesses religion, and overlooks that in many cases Watchtower doctrine and practices cause family break-ups, rather than being a solution for them.

They freely accuse families of forsaking their loved ones, without acknowledging that they encourage family members to forsake one another when it suits their agenda, even having the audacity to state it is "God's command".

Furthermore, what the organization is admonishing in the Watchtower article quoted above from April 15, 2012, is undeniably to carry out emotional blackmail.

It is another example of how Jehovah's Witnesses have hypocrisy instilled into their teachings, beliefs, and practices.

Disloyal, lack of love, no natural affection...You could be reading from 2 Timothy chapter 3, or you could be learning how Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to act towards family who do not agree with the Watchtower. It’s family rejection courtesy of the Watchtower Society.

Ignorance Is Bliss

The October 2011 Kingdom Ministry, under the article "Are You Learning All You Can From Jehovah?" poses the following question in paragraph 4:

"Are we encouraging young ones, who are often steered by school teachers and others to pursue the world's higher education, to set spiritual goals instead and pursue the highest education-divine education?"

Note: "...spiritual goals..." = Goals set by the Watch Tower Bible Tract Society that involves their interpretation, application, and perceived implication of biblical verses per their translation of the Bible.

The organization indoctrinates members towards “encouraging” children essentially to follow what the Watchtower says they should have as goals. In effect, do whatever the organization tells you to do.

Nonetheless, this is one of numerous occasions the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses is discouraged from pursuing education. Take another example, from the Awake! May 22, 1969 issue page 15:

"If you are a young person, you also need to face the fact that you will never grow old in this present system of things. Why not? Because all the evidence in fulfillment of Bible prophecy indicates that this corrupt system is due to end in a few years. Of the generation that observed the beginning of the 'last days' in 1914, Jesus foretold: ‘This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.'

Therefore, as a young person, you will never fulfill any career that this system offers. If you are in high school and thinking about a college education, it means at least four, perhaps even six or right more years to graduate into a specialized career.  But where will this system of things be by that time.  It will be well on the way towards its finish, if not actually gone!"


Over 40 years ago the Watchtower Society claimed young people will never grow old and never fulfill any career 'this system' offers.

Some things never change and ignorance is bliss.  The Watchtower Society still discourages and does not want young ones to pursue education. The organization loves information control, and pursing education aids in breaking that control.

Knowledge is power, and an uneducated people are easier to control. Educate yourself and empower yourself, don't fall prey to a few men running and enforcing their interpretation of a so-called Christian life.

Practicing And Preaching

The July 2009 Awake! magazine on page 29 states the following:

"No one should be forced to worship in a way that he finds unacceptable or be made to choose between his belief and his family."

Jehovah's Witnesses, including their spiritual leaders and publishers who canvass areas with the Watchtower Bible Tract Society’s printed Watchtower and Awake! magazines should be practicing what they preach. Anything less is hypocritical.

Remembering Harold Camping

By now it's hard to come across anyone with access to news media that has not heard of Harold Camping and Family Radio Worldwide. His bold prediction of a rapture to occur on May 21, 2011, did not pan out per his eager expectation and prediction. Naturally, he has an excuse - It was invisible.

Nonetheless, this is not the first time Harold Camping made such a prophecy.

Notice these statements:

"After 1925 expect shortly Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob.. No doubt many boys and girls who read this book will live to see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Daniel, and those other men of old come forth in the glory of their better resurrection, of perfect in mind and body. It will not take long for Christ to appoint them to their post of honor and authority as his earthly representatives. The world and all the present conveniences will seem strange to them at first, but they will soon become accustomed to the new methods. They may have some amusing experiences at first; for they never saw telephones, radios, automobiles, electric lights, aeroplanes, steam engines, and many other things so familiar to us."


Whoops...That was not Harold Camping, but the man God was using to lead his people back in 1924, according to the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses. Joseph Rutherford, the Watchtower Society's second president, who at the time was *the* faithful slave, providing spiritual food to God's only channel on the earth. The quote can be found in the publication, "The Way To Paradise" - published in 1924, on pages 224-6.

Remember, in 1924 you were to "expect shortly" after 1925, the ancient prophets and other men of the Bible to be resurrected!

What Harold Camping really proclaimed is the following:

"If you are a young person, you also need to face the fact that you will never grow old in this present system of things. Why not? Because all the evidence in fulfillment of Bible prophecy indicates that this corrupt system is due to end in a few years."


No wait, that was from the Governing Body endorsed mouthpiece of God's faithful and discreet slave class per Jehovah's Witnesses. Not Harold Camping but the leaders of Jehovah's Witnesses in the May 22, 1969 Awake! magazine, page 15 where such prophecy and "good news" was found.

Remember, in 1969 you would never grow old as a young person as the "corrupt system is due to end in a few years"!

This quote, definitely was Harold Camping:

"Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world's end."


Wow, sorry...It looks like that was the Governing Body mouthpiece of the Faithful and Discreet Slave again. Jehovah's Witnesses spiritual food found in the May 1974 Kingdom Ministry, page 3.

Remember, in 1974 selling your home and property was encouraged and commended because the rest of the days left could be spent preaching "the wicked world's end"!

Finally, we have found another prediction by Harold Camping:

"The apostle Paul was spearheading the Christian missionary activity. He was also laying a foundation for a work that would be completed in our 20th century."


Yikes, that was again the leaders of Jehovah's Witnesses in the Watchtower magazine, this time January 1, 1989 on page 12. That little prophecy was so embarrassingly recent that you need the original magazine to find it. The Watchtower Society changed the quote in their publish Bound Volume and CD-ROM of the Watchtower, where "20th century" was changed to "day"; a very obvious cover up.

Remember, in 2000 or earlier, before January 1, 2001 the preaching work should have ended!

Harold Camping, spiritual leader of Family Radio Worldwide and the Governing Body of the Watchtower Society, spiritual leader of Jehovah's Witnesses…It really is hard to tell the two apart, so very similar. It makes you wonder what the similarities are between their followers as well.