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.
Showing posts with label organization. Show all posts
Showing posts with label organization. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
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:
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.
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.
Friday, April 13, 2012
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":
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:
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Hypocritical Arrangement
Having an arguably unequivocal history of bashing and outright slandering of other religions and other religious organizations, with an intent of showing how evil and wicked or misleading those organizations are to people, the following articles are no exception:
Awake! December 8, 1973 issue on page 29, under ‘Watching the World’:
“Church Money
Some religious organizations are going to new ends to acquire money. The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Buffalo, New York, now accepts credit cards, not just cash donations. One finance committee member says: “A church can’t survive on 50-cent [cash] donations.” Credit-card donations are up to $30. Admission is now being charged visitors to London’s thirteenth-century Salisbury Cathedral. A London Observer article calls this “a last-ditch attempt to find a way of meeting the desperate need for funds.””
Watchtower November 1, 1975 issue on page 651, under ‘Insight on the News’:
“Pray Now, Pay Later
The phrase “pray now, pay later” appeared in a headline of the Philadelphia “Inquirer” in reporting on a church experiment due to go into effect shortly. A group of ten U.S. religions, including some major Lutheran, Episcopal, Methodist and Baptist denominations, have decided to try church collections by credit card. The experiment, sponsored by the National Council of Churches, will encourage participating church members to authorize credit-card transfers of a specified contribution to their church each month. The idea, a Council spokesman says, is that “this will provide the local church with regular income whether or not the local congregation is in attendance,” especially in “off-seasons,” like summer vacation time. The report on the experiment says that those joining the program will be “giving unto business what belongs to business—a profit.” How so? “Participating banks will charge 65 cents a transaction, and the credit card companies will take off 3 percent of every donation.” Obviously someone benefits, but how much spiritual benefit is the modern churchgoer getting?
Awake! August 8, 2003 issue on page 29, under ‘Watching the World’:
Plastic Card Donations
“A growing number of Canadian churches” are adopting “modern banking practices, introducing bank cards and credit cards as convenient ways for parishioners to make collection-plate donations,” says the Vancouver Sun newspaper. Debit machines have been placed in church halls along with “donation envelopes with options for automatic account withdrawal and credit card payment.” Individuals simply swipe their card, key in the amount they wish to donate, and then put a copy of the receipt in the collection plate. As one pastor stated: “A cashless society is where society is going. Why not the church?” A church treasurer joked: “You get air-miles on your card, plus you go to heaven for donations. Just think of it as double reward points.”
Some may see the Watchtower Society being completely in the right and justified in pointing out what can be perceived as the obvious. Money comes first for those religious organizations that install debit/credit machines. The financial well-being of the members is not important, just as long as that religious organization obtains funding the most important goal is being met.
What we really have is not only the bashing and the passive aggressive style of the Watchtower Society shining through once again, but the reaching of all-new levels of hypocrisy.
The following letter dated August 25, 2011 has been sent and read to all congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses in the United States:
"TO ALL CONGREGATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES
Re: Donations at circuit events by debit or credit card
Dear Brothers:
At Deuteronomy 16:15, Jehovah commanded those celebrating the festival of booths: “You must become nothing but joyful.” Similarly, circuit assemblies and special assembly days are always joyous occasions because of Jehovah’s abundant blessing. In view of this, many show appreciation by making voluntary contributions at the assembly.
As in previous years, voluntary contributions can be placed in the contribution boxes either in cash or by check made payable to the circuit. However, a new arrangement for making donations by debit or credit card has been approved for congregations that hold their circuit events in Assembly Halls. Locations for making debit or credit card donations will be announced at the assembly.
We pray Jehovah’s rich blessing on your preparations to attend the circuit assembly and special assembly day programs for the 2012 service year.
Your brothers,
Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses"
Unsurprisingly, the Watchtower Society has hypocritically went forth to have machines installed to process credit/debit cards of members. The organization is trying to ensure it receives donations, regardless of the consequences to publishers who will be ‘inclined’ to donate despite their financial circumstances.
In fairness, let's view possible supporting ideas of the arrangement:
-Don’t have cash on hand to drop in the ‘voluntary’ contribution boxes? No problem. Just swipe your credit card! Jehovah will be pleased. It shows your loyalty and devotion to him and his organization. Your sacrifice, support and ultimate praise to Jehovah will be rewarded!
-Has that emotional…”encouraging” talk at the assembly stirred you to action and you don’t have money on hand to drop towards ‘Jehovah’s’ organization? Just swipe that card!
-Contribute with credit now! The end is just around the corner…Don’t worry about the bills or years of debt…This system will be long gone soon but you will have stored up 'treasure in heaven'.
-Can you not afford to donate by credit card to the Worldwide Work at this time of the end?
-Satan’s system would have you believe you cannot afford to donate by credit card. Don’t let that discourage you! Donate and run the race for life with endurance to the end.
Knowing how the Watchtower Society twist scripture to fit their purposes at times, they could even try something like this…
All true Christians should be able to rightly claim “we have no credit to ourselves.” – 1 Corinthians 8:8.
Bash other religions, call them evil, of Satan’s system or whatever else, but as soon as the Watchtower Society implements or practices the same, Jehovah’s Witnesses are a blessed people with a loving arrangement.
Truth is Jehovah’s Witnesses are a victimized, brain-washed people, inside a hypocritical organization. The organization will continue to show its true colors with the passing of time. The book and magazine publishing company at its foundation has moved to real estate for money and outright, unapologetic taking of funds. It’s hungering to survive and trying to hold back the curtain.
However, the members need to look behind the curtain and see what is really going on around them. What the Watchtower blatantly stated of other religious organizations can easily and evidently be applied to them:
“…a last-ditch attempt to find a way of meeting the desperate need for funds.”
“…giving unto business what belongs to business—a profit.”
“Obviously someone benefits, but how much spiritual benefit is the modern [kingdom hall] goer getting?”
“You get air-miles on your card, plus you [survive Armageddon] for donations. Just think of it as double reward points.”
Hypocrisy, money and greed...Welcome to the Watchtower Society, the organization behind, running and controlling, Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Awake! December 8, 1973 issue on page 29, under ‘Watching the World’:
“Church Money
Some religious organizations are going to new ends to acquire money. The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Buffalo, New York, now accepts credit cards, not just cash donations. One finance committee member says: “A church can’t survive on 50-cent [cash] donations.” Credit-card donations are up to $30. Admission is now being charged visitors to London’s thirteenth-century Salisbury Cathedral. A London Observer article calls this “a last-ditch attempt to find a way of meeting the desperate need for funds.””
Watchtower November 1, 1975 issue on page 651, under ‘Insight on the News’:
“Pray Now, Pay Later
The phrase “pray now, pay later” appeared in a headline of the Philadelphia “Inquirer” in reporting on a church experiment due to go into effect shortly. A group of ten U.S. religions, including some major Lutheran, Episcopal, Methodist and Baptist denominations, have decided to try church collections by credit card. The experiment, sponsored by the National Council of Churches, will encourage participating church members to authorize credit-card transfers of a specified contribution to their church each month. The idea, a Council spokesman says, is that “this will provide the local church with regular income whether or not the local congregation is in attendance,” especially in “off-seasons,” like summer vacation time. The report on the experiment says that those joining the program will be “giving unto business what belongs to business—a profit.” How so? “Participating banks will charge 65 cents a transaction, and the credit card companies will take off 3 percent of every donation.” Obviously someone benefits, but how much spiritual benefit is the modern churchgoer getting?
Awake! August 8, 2003 issue on page 29, under ‘Watching the World’:
Plastic Card Donations
“A growing number of Canadian churches” are adopting “modern banking practices, introducing bank cards and credit cards as convenient ways for parishioners to make collection-plate donations,” says the Vancouver Sun newspaper. Debit machines have been placed in church halls along with “donation envelopes with options for automatic account withdrawal and credit card payment.” Individuals simply swipe their card, key in the amount they wish to donate, and then put a copy of the receipt in the collection plate. As one pastor stated: “A cashless society is where society is going. Why not the church?” A church treasurer joked: “You get air-miles on your card, plus you go to heaven for donations. Just think of it as double reward points.”
Some may see the Watchtower Society being completely in the right and justified in pointing out what can be perceived as the obvious. Money comes first for those religious organizations that install debit/credit machines. The financial well-being of the members is not important, just as long as that religious organization obtains funding the most important goal is being met.
What we really have is not only the bashing and the passive aggressive style of the Watchtower Society shining through once again, but the reaching of all-new levels of hypocrisy.
The following letter dated August 25, 2011 has been sent and read to all congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses in the United States:
Re: Donations at circuit events by debit or credit card
Dear Brothers:
At Deuteronomy 16:15, Jehovah commanded those celebrating the festival of booths: “You must become nothing but joyful.” Similarly, circuit assemblies and special assembly days are always joyous occasions because of Jehovah’s abundant blessing. In view of this, many show appreciation by making voluntary contributions at the assembly.
As in previous years, voluntary contributions can be placed in the contribution boxes either in cash or by check made payable to the circuit. However, a new arrangement for making donations by debit or credit card has been approved for congregations that hold their circuit events in Assembly Halls. Locations for making debit or credit card donations will be announced at the assembly.
We pray Jehovah’s rich blessing on your preparations to attend the circuit assembly and special assembly day programs for the 2012 service year.
Your brothers,
Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses"
Unsurprisingly, the Watchtower Society has hypocritically went forth to have machines installed to process credit/debit cards of members. The organization is trying to ensure it receives donations, regardless of the consequences to publishers who will be ‘inclined’ to donate despite their financial circumstances.
In fairness, let's view possible supporting ideas of the arrangement:
-Don’t have cash on hand to drop in the ‘voluntary’ contribution boxes? No problem. Just swipe your credit card! Jehovah will be pleased. It shows your loyalty and devotion to him and his organization. Your sacrifice, support and ultimate praise to Jehovah will be rewarded!
-Has that emotional…”encouraging” talk at the assembly stirred you to action and you don’t have money on hand to drop towards ‘Jehovah’s’ organization? Just swipe that card!
-Contribute with credit now! The end is just around the corner…Don’t worry about the bills or years of debt…This system will be long gone soon but you will have stored up 'treasure in heaven'.
-Can you not afford to donate by credit card to the Worldwide Work at this time of the end?
-Satan’s system would have you believe you cannot afford to donate by credit card. Don’t let that discourage you! Donate and run the race for life with endurance to the end.
Knowing how the Watchtower Society twist scripture to fit their purposes at times, they could even try something like this…
All true Christians should be able to rightly claim “we have no credit to ourselves.” – 1 Corinthians 8:8.
Bash other religions, call them evil, of Satan’s system or whatever else, but as soon as the Watchtower Society implements or practices the same, Jehovah’s Witnesses are a blessed people with a loving arrangement.
Truth is Jehovah’s Witnesses are a victimized, brain-washed people, inside a hypocritical organization. The organization will continue to show its true colors with the passing of time. The book and magazine publishing company at its foundation has moved to real estate for money and outright, unapologetic taking of funds. It’s hungering to survive and trying to hold back the curtain.
However, the members need to look behind the curtain and see what is really going on around them. What the Watchtower blatantly stated of other religious organizations can easily and evidently be applied to them:
“…a last-ditch attempt to find a way of meeting the desperate need for funds.”
“…giving unto business what belongs to business—a profit.”
“Obviously someone benefits, but how much spiritual benefit is the modern [kingdom hall] goer getting?”
“You get air-miles on your card, plus you [survive Armageddon] for donations. Just think of it as double reward points.”
Hypocrisy, money and greed...Welcome to the Watchtower Society, the organization behind, running and controlling, Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Trust And Beyond
It is written in the Bible at Psalms 143:6:
"Do not put YOUR trust in nobles, Nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs."
However, the February 15, 2009, Watchtower on page 27, in paragraph 11, it admonishes:
"Since Jehovah God and Jesus Christ completely trust the faithful and discreet slave, should we not do the same? After all, the slave has shown itself to be faithful in doing its assigned work."
Do Jehovah God and Jesus Christ "completely trust", "the sons of earthling man", or is the Watchtower Society both lying and providing directives that go against the scriptures?
Additionally, the Bible provides the following instructions in 1 Corinthians 4:6:
"Now, brothers, these things I have transferred so as to apply to myself and Apol′los for YOUR good, that in our case YOU may learn the [rule]: “Do not go beyond the things that are written,” in order that YOU may not be puffed up individually in favor of the one against the other."
What application are Jehovah's Witnesses provided in harmony with the above verse? The April 15, 2008, Watchtower on page 7 states the following:
"When it comes to valueless words, elders too learn an important lesson. Whenever they are called upon to give counsel, they bear in mind their limitations and do not presume to offer counsel solely from their own personal store of knowledge. They should always point to what the Bible says. A sound rule is found in the words of the apostle Paul: “Do not go beyond the things that are written.” (1 Cor. 4:6) Elders do not go beyond the things that are written in the Bible. And by extension, they do not go beyond the Bible-based counsel written in the publications of the faithful and discreet slave."
Essentially, the instruction from the organization are for Elders to not go beyond what is written in the Bible, but the faithful and discreet slave can and does go beyond what is written. Elders should follow what the Bible states and through the Watchtower's interpretation of a so-called "extension" follow what their faithful and discreet slave direct.
Again, the Bible is clear in its statement, but the Watchtower Society brandishes its unique spin on the matter which is in fact going contrary to the Bible; indeed, going "beyond the things that are written".
The motivation and reasoning for both points is obvious. The Watchtower Society wants Jehovah Witnesses to feel, think, and believe that they are the ones with a so-called 'truth' which needs to be followed. This is despite their indoctrination going against what the Bible plainly provides should be avoided and not performed. It includes following and applying everything in their publications, especially the Watchtower magazine.
A primary way the organization wields its power and control over its members effectively is by having the person's trust and the ability for them to obey and carry-out whatever instructions the leaders provide. The Bible highlights the wrong, but the organization does it anyway, twisting scripture while reinforcing loyalty and allegiance to them.
Nothing supersedes the Watchtower Society and its directives; not friends, not family, not love, and not the Bible. The organization always comes first.
"Do not put YOUR trust in nobles, Nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs."
However, the February 15, 2009, Watchtower on page 27, in paragraph 11, it admonishes:
"Since Jehovah God and Jesus Christ completely trust the faithful and discreet slave, should we not do the same? After all, the slave has shown itself to be faithful in doing its assigned work."
Do Jehovah God and Jesus Christ "completely trust", "the sons of earthling man", or is the Watchtower Society both lying and providing directives that go against the scriptures?
Additionally, the Bible provides the following instructions in 1 Corinthians 4:6:
"Now, brothers, these things I have transferred so as to apply to myself and Apol′los for YOUR good, that in our case YOU may learn the [rule]: “Do not go beyond the things that are written,” in order that YOU may not be puffed up individually in favor of the one against the other."
What application are Jehovah's Witnesses provided in harmony with the above verse? The April 15, 2008, Watchtower on page 7 states the following:
"When it comes to valueless words, elders too learn an important lesson. Whenever they are called upon to give counsel, they bear in mind their limitations and do not presume to offer counsel solely from their own personal store of knowledge. They should always point to what the Bible says. A sound rule is found in the words of the apostle Paul: “Do not go beyond the things that are written.” (1 Cor. 4:6) Elders do not go beyond the things that are written in the Bible. And by extension, they do not go beyond the Bible-based counsel written in the publications of the faithful and discreet slave."
Essentially, the instruction from the organization are for Elders to not go beyond what is written in the Bible, but the faithful and discreet slave can and does go beyond what is written. Elders should follow what the Bible states and through the Watchtower's interpretation of a so-called "extension" follow what their faithful and discreet slave direct.
Again, the Bible is clear in its statement, but the Watchtower Society brandishes its unique spin on the matter which is in fact going contrary to the Bible; indeed, going "beyond the things that are written".
The motivation and reasoning for both points is obvious. The Watchtower Society wants Jehovah Witnesses to feel, think, and believe that they are the ones with a so-called 'truth' which needs to be followed. This is despite their indoctrination going against what the Bible plainly provides should be avoided and not performed. It includes following and applying everything in their publications, especially the Watchtower magazine.
A primary way the organization wields its power and control over its members effectively is by having the person's trust and the ability for them to obey and carry-out whatever instructions the leaders provide. The Bible highlights the wrong, but the organization does it anyway, twisting scripture while reinforcing loyalty and allegiance to them.
Nothing supersedes the Watchtower Society and its directives; not friends, not family, not love, and not the Bible. The organization always comes first.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Mother
Jehovah's Witnesses are conditioned continuously not to question or disobey the organization. This kind of absolute obedience is something a parent may expect from their children. In fact, the Watchtower Society has painted themselves in that light to Jehovah's Witnesses.
"If we are to walk in the light of truth we must recognize not only Jehovah God as our Father but his organization as our mother," [Watchtower, May 1, 1957, page 274].
That kind of psychological conditioning of the members to be obedient, submissive children and in need of the organization continues throughout the years with similar articles. The November 15, 2009 Watchtower magazine in fact states on page 13, in paragraph 5:
"By word or action, may we never challenge the channel of communication that Jehovah is using today."
Indeed, "mother" has continuously led many of her unchallenging children with much behavioral conditioning, understanding, and twisted reasoning...
"Thus the Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible," [Watchtower, October 1, 1967, page 587].
"We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the 'faithful and discreet slave' organization," [Watchtower, February 15, 1981].
"All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" can become known only through Jehovah's channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave," [Watchtower, October 1, 1994, page 8].
This is one of the many problems with the so-called Governing Body concept of the Watchtower Society. Not only does the organization condition the members to see them as their mother, they also seek to take over Christ's role as mediator.
The Watchtower of November 15, 1979, page 26, made this comment:
"What, then, is Christ’s role in this program of salvation? Paul proceeds to say: “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men [not, all men], a man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all.”—1 Tim. 2:5, 6."
The insertion "[not, all men]" is the Watchtower Society blatantly changing the meaning of the Bible and what it states. The scripture does not contain a "[not, all men]" statement, but the Watchtower Society included it since once again they want the members to see them as being the mediator for humans to God.
This point was stressed again in their publication, 'Worldwide Security Under the "Prince of Peace"' on page 10, paragraph 16:
“Likewise, the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ, is not the Mediator between Jehovah God and all mankind. He is the Mediator between his heavenly Father, Jehovah God, and the nation of spiritual Israel, which is limited to only 144,000 members.”
Furthermore, all of the 144,000 do not share in dispensing 'truths from God', but only a select few who call themselves the Governing Body that claims to be of a so-called 'faithful and discreet slave class'. They decide what Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to believe as truth and when it will be told to them.
Per Our Kingdom Ministry from September 2002, page 8, paragraph 5, under 'Avoid the Pursuit of "Valueless Things"' it states:
"Bear in mind that our heavenly Father has an appointed channel of communication, “the faithful and discreet slave.” That “slave” has the responsibility to determine what information is made available to the household of faith, as well as “the proper time” for it to be dispensed."
What and when Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to believe something as 'the truth' is all thanks to their "mother", the organization controlled by the Watchtower Society. The majority of Jehovah's Witnesses are told they don't even have Christ as their Mediator; rather, the organization fulfills that role as well. Jehovah's Witnesses are victims of a power hungry and abusive parent. They need to exit such a relationship, and leave the toxic mother seeking her own interest first.
"If we are to walk in the light of truth we must recognize not only Jehovah God as our Father but his organization as our mother," [Watchtower, May 1, 1957, page 274].
That kind of psychological conditioning of the members to be obedient, submissive children and in need of the organization continues throughout the years with similar articles. The November 15, 2009 Watchtower magazine in fact states on page 13, in paragraph 5:
"By word or action, may we never challenge the channel of communication that Jehovah is using today."
Indeed, "mother" has continuously led many of her unchallenging children with much behavioral conditioning, understanding, and twisted reasoning...
"Thus the Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible," [Watchtower, October 1, 1967, page 587].
"We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the 'faithful and discreet slave' organization," [Watchtower, February 15, 1981].
"All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" can become known only through Jehovah's channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave," [Watchtower, October 1, 1994, page 8].
This is one of the many problems with the so-called Governing Body concept of the Watchtower Society. Not only does the organization condition the members to see them as their mother, they also seek to take over Christ's role as mediator.
The Watchtower of November 15, 1979, page 26, made this comment:
"What, then, is Christ’s role in this program of salvation? Paul proceeds to say: “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men [not, all men], a man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all.”—1 Tim. 2:5, 6."
The insertion "[not, all men]" is the Watchtower Society blatantly changing the meaning of the Bible and what it states. The scripture does not contain a "[not, all men]" statement, but the Watchtower Society included it since once again they want the members to see them as being the mediator for humans to God.
This point was stressed again in their publication, 'Worldwide Security Under the "Prince of Peace"' on page 10, paragraph 16:
“Likewise, the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ, is not the Mediator between Jehovah God and all mankind. He is the Mediator between his heavenly Father, Jehovah God, and the nation of spiritual Israel, which is limited to only 144,000 members.”
Furthermore, all of the 144,000 do not share in dispensing 'truths from God', but only a select few who call themselves the Governing Body that claims to be of a so-called 'faithful and discreet slave class'. They decide what Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to believe as truth and when it will be told to them.
Per Our Kingdom Ministry from September 2002, page 8, paragraph 5, under 'Avoid the Pursuit of "Valueless Things"' it states:
"Bear in mind that our heavenly Father has an appointed channel of communication, “the faithful and discreet slave.” That “slave” has the responsibility to determine what information is made available to the household of faith, as well as “the proper time” for it to be dispensed."
What and when Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to believe something as 'the truth' is all thanks to their "mother", the organization controlled by the Watchtower Society. The majority of Jehovah's Witnesses are told they don't even have Christ as their Mediator; rather, the organization fulfills that role as well. Jehovah's Witnesses are victims of a power hungry and abusive parent. They need to exit such a relationship, and leave the toxic mother seeking her own interest first.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Thank The Adventist
It never ceases to amaze, the double talk or speaking out of both sides of their mouth you will find so prevalent among the literature, reasoning of doctrine, and information when looking into the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Take for instance, the Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses from 1975 on pages 34-35, under 'Part 1 - 'United States of America':
"By his own later admission, he had been “shaken in faith regarding many long-accepted doctrines” and had fallen “a ready prey to the logic of infidelity.” But tonight he is attracted by some singing. He enters a dusty, dingy hall. His object? In his own words, “to see if the handful who met there had anything more sensible to offer than the creeds of the great churches.”
The young man sat and listened. Jonas Wendell, a Second Adventist, delivered the sermon. “His Scripture exposition was not entirely clear,” our listener later remarked. But it did something. He had to admit: “It was sufficient, under God, to reestablish my wavering faith in the Divine inspiration of the Bible, and to show that the records of the Apostles and the Prophets are indissolubly linked. What I heard sent me to my Bible to study with more zeal and care than ever before.”
The inquisitive young man was Charles Taze Russell."
Interestingly, you will note that it was listening to an Adventist sermon which reestablished the faith of the ultimate founder of the organization known today as Jehovah's Witnesses. Do you think such a recommendation should be provided by Jehovah's Witnesses today to (re)establish one's faith in the Bible? Should an individual attend and listen to other religious sermons, such as an Adventist to help a person study the Bible 'with more zeal and care than ever before'?
Obviously, such a notion or thought by a member of the Watchtower Society would be borderline if not direct so-called 'interfaith' and possibly considered 'apostate' by the organization. So what is the logical and non-contradicting reasoning as to why it is seen as acceptable to have walked the path that Charles Taze Russell took, but not by other individual members who are known today as Jehovah's Witnesses?
This goes hand in hand with another point. Does God work through an organization or specific individual persons? Asking a Jehovah's Witnesses today, in harmony with the indoctrination they receive; in no uncertain terms stipulate that being a member and follower of the organization is a requirement by God. That is the only way to receive 'truth'.
Watchtower, January 15, 1997, page 22, paragraphs 21:
“We must serve Jehovah with his spirit-directed organization."
Watchtower, January 15, 2010, pages 28-32, paragraph 15:
"Each of us would do well to ask himself: 'Do I fully recognize the responsibilities that I should shoulder within the Christian congregation? Am I properly supporting Jehovah's way of governing? Am I proud to be a subject of Jehovah's ruling Kingdom? Am I determined to continue telling others about God's Kingdom to the extent that I reasonably can?' As a group, we willingly submit ourselves to the direction given by the Governing Body and cooperate with the appointed elders in the congregations. In such ways, we demonstrate our acceptance of God's way of ruling."
Our Kingdom Ministry, September 2007, page 3, Question Box:
"Does the "faithful and discreet slave" endorse independent groups of Witnesses who meet together to engage in Scriptural research or debate?
No, it does not."
Watchtower, August 15, 1981, page 29, paragraph 14:"They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such ‘Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching 100 years ago..."
The problem presented compounds itself when, depending on the publication and time you reference Jehovah's Witnesses publications, you will receive different and contradicitng statements on the matter at hand.
For example, the Watchtower magazine from January 15, 1975 on pages 46 & 47, as well as the publication 'You Can Live Forever' on page 193, stress that it was always a group, a close unified group or family not scattered individuals that God was refining. However, if one was to reference the Watchtower from July 15, 1960 on page 435 or the 'Proclaimers' book on page 44, it stipulates that God was refining and working through scattered individuals.
So which one is it, has God always directed truth through individuals, as in the case of Charles Taze Russell and even directing one's faith through other religious organizations, or is it always a group and never with an individual? If for a time God worked with an individual and 'now' only works with an organization, when and why did the change take place? What is the logical explanation and reasoning? What is the stipulation, exact moment or occasion when God stopped working through one man like Charles Taze Russell, who started a movement in which a result of it is the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses; and instead, feeds 'truth' and provides 'truth' only through an organization where one must be a part of?
Does God work only through an organization where the Bible cannot be understood or interpreted by individuals, regardless of the amount of Bible reading they perform, as indicated in the October 1, 1994, Watchtower on page 8, and in the publication 'You Can Live Forever' on page 193?
Is it through an individual, such as Charles Taze Russell, the ability is given to comprehend and interpret scripture? Does God work truly like he did, allegedly though Russell, to restore truth which was lost for centuries? The publication 'Jehovah's Witnesses In The Divine Plan', on page 17, states about Charles Taze Russell:
"He revived the great truths...He was permitted to understand it…The promise of the Lord was fulfilled in him.”
Remember, without Russell there is no religion of Jehovah's Witnesses as it is known today. Additionally, there was no 'Governing Body' as it exists today within the Watchtower Society until the mid-1970's. Shortly after the whole 1975 fiasco it obtained the power and control it wields today. Prior to that, it was the Watchtower Society president who exercised complete control of doctrines, publications and activities of the organization. Nevertheless, asking the question again, does God work through individuals or an organization, one thing is for sure...
Jehovah's Witnesses need to thank the Adventist for reestablishing the faith of Charles Taze Russell. Thanks to the Adventist for restoring Russell's faith in the Bible. The 'truth' is thanks to the Adventist for providing a catalyst to the man who would be the beginnings and leader of an offshoot religion which is known today as Jehovah's Witnesses.
Take for instance, the Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses from 1975 on pages 34-35, under 'Part 1 - 'United States of America':
"By his own later admission, he had been “shaken in faith regarding many long-accepted doctrines” and had fallen “a ready prey to the logic of infidelity.” But tonight he is attracted by some singing. He enters a dusty, dingy hall. His object? In his own words, “to see if the handful who met there had anything more sensible to offer than the creeds of the great churches.”
The young man sat and listened. Jonas Wendell, a Second Adventist, delivered the sermon. “His Scripture exposition was not entirely clear,” our listener later remarked. But it did something. He had to admit: “It was sufficient, under God, to reestablish my wavering faith in the Divine inspiration of the Bible, and to show that the records of the Apostles and the Prophets are indissolubly linked. What I heard sent me to my Bible to study with more zeal and care than ever before.”
The inquisitive young man was Charles Taze Russell."
Interestingly, you will note that it was listening to an Adventist sermon which reestablished the faith of the ultimate founder of the organization known today as Jehovah's Witnesses. Do you think such a recommendation should be provided by Jehovah's Witnesses today to (re)establish one's faith in the Bible? Should an individual attend and listen to other religious sermons, such as an Adventist to help a person study the Bible 'with more zeal and care than ever before'?
Obviously, such a notion or thought by a member of the Watchtower Society would be borderline if not direct so-called 'interfaith' and possibly considered 'apostate' by the organization. So what is the logical and non-contradicting reasoning as to why it is seen as acceptable to have walked the path that Charles Taze Russell took, but not by other individual members who are known today as Jehovah's Witnesses?
This goes hand in hand with another point. Does God work through an organization or specific individual persons? Asking a Jehovah's Witnesses today, in harmony with the indoctrination they receive; in no uncertain terms stipulate that being a member and follower of the organization is a requirement by God. That is the only way to receive 'truth'.
Watchtower, January 15, 1997, page 22, paragraphs 21:
“We must serve Jehovah with his spirit-directed organization."
Watchtower, January 15, 2010, pages 28-32, paragraph 15:
"Each of us would do well to ask himself: 'Do I fully recognize the responsibilities that I should shoulder within the Christian congregation? Am I properly supporting Jehovah's way of governing? Am I proud to be a subject of Jehovah's ruling Kingdom? Am I determined to continue telling others about God's Kingdom to the extent that I reasonably can?' As a group, we willingly submit ourselves to the direction given by the Governing Body and cooperate with the appointed elders in the congregations. In such ways, we demonstrate our acceptance of God's way of ruling."
Our Kingdom Ministry, September 2007, page 3, Question Box:
"Does the "faithful and discreet slave" endorse independent groups of Witnesses who meet together to engage in Scriptural research or debate?
No, it does not."
Watchtower, August 15, 1981, page 29, paragraph 14:"They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such ‘Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching 100 years ago..."
The problem presented compounds itself when, depending on the publication and time you reference Jehovah's Witnesses publications, you will receive different and contradicitng statements on the matter at hand.
For example, the Watchtower magazine from January 15, 1975 on pages 46 & 47, as well as the publication 'You Can Live Forever' on page 193, stress that it was always a group, a close unified group or family not scattered individuals that God was refining. However, if one was to reference the Watchtower from July 15, 1960 on page 435 or the 'Proclaimers' book on page 44, it stipulates that God was refining and working through scattered individuals.
So which one is it, has God always directed truth through individuals, as in the case of Charles Taze Russell and even directing one's faith through other religious organizations, or is it always a group and never with an individual? If for a time God worked with an individual and 'now' only works with an organization, when and why did the change take place? What is the logical explanation and reasoning? What is the stipulation, exact moment or occasion when God stopped working through one man like Charles Taze Russell, who started a movement in which a result of it is the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses; and instead, feeds 'truth' and provides 'truth' only through an organization where one must be a part of?
Does God work only through an organization where the Bible cannot be understood or interpreted by individuals, regardless of the amount of Bible reading they perform, as indicated in the October 1, 1994, Watchtower on page 8, and in the publication 'You Can Live Forever' on page 193?
Is it through an individual, such as Charles Taze Russell, the ability is given to comprehend and interpret scripture? Does God work truly like he did, allegedly though Russell, to restore truth which was lost for centuries? The publication 'Jehovah's Witnesses In The Divine Plan', on page 17, states about Charles Taze Russell:
"He revived the great truths...He was permitted to understand it…The promise of the Lord was fulfilled in him.”
Remember, without Russell there is no religion of Jehovah's Witnesses as it is known today. Additionally, there was no 'Governing Body' as it exists today within the Watchtower Society until the mid-1970's. Shortly after the whole 1975 fiasco it obtained the power and control it wields today. Prior to that, it was the Watchtower Society president who exercised complete control of doctrines, publications and activities of the organization. Nevertheless, asking the question again, does God work through individuals or an organization, one thing is for sure...
Jehovah's Witnesses need to thank the Adventist for reestablishing the faith of Charles Taze Russell. Thanks to the Adventist for restoring Russell's faith in the Bible. The 'truth' is thanks to the Adventist for providing a catalyst to the man who would be the beginnings and leader of an offshoot religion which is known today as Jehovah's Witnesses.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Organ Transplants
In a ‘Questions from Readers’ section in The Watchtower, August 1, 1961 the question about organ transplants is answered:
"Is there anything in the Bible against giving one’s eyes (after death) to be transplanted to some living person?—L. C., United States.
The question of placing one’s body or parts of one’s body at the disposal of men of science or doctors at one’s death for purposes of scientific experimentation or replacement in others is frowned upon by certain religious bodies. However, it does not seem that any Scriptural principle or law is involved. It therefore is something that each individual must decide for himself. If he is satisfied in his own mind and conscience that this is a proper thing to do, then he can make such provision, and no one else should criticize him for doing so. On the other hand, no one should be criticized for refusing to enter into any such agreement."
The Watchtower Society had no objections at first to organ transplants. Indeed, there is no scriptural principle or law involved. However, the Society changed its tune just a few years later in 1967. Take note of this Watchtower from November 15, 1967 in its ‘Questions from Readers’ section:
"Is there any Scriptural objection to donating one's body for use in medical research or to accepting organs for transplant from such a source?-W. L., U.S.A.
. . . When there is a diseased or defective organ, the usual way health is restored is by taking in nutrients. The body uses the food eaten to repair or heal the organ, gradually replacing the cells. When men of science conclude that this normal process will no longer work and they suggest removing the organ and replacing it directly with an organ from another human, this is simply a shortcut. Those who submit to such operations are thus living off the flesh of another human. That is cannibalistic. However, in allowing man to eat animal flesh Jehovah God did not grant permission for humans to try to perpetuate their lives by cannibalistically taking into their bodies human flesh, whether chewed or in the form of whole organs or body parts taken from others."
Somehow the Watchtower Society has formed an opinion based upon their interpretation of scriptures that since God did not specifically grant permission for organ transplants they should no longer be permitted. They have also labeled such a procedure as “cannibalistic”.
It is shocking to most people to reason in such a way. If asked, many would reason that organ transplants are not cannibalistic. However, in a little over 6 years the Watchtower Society has turned a personal decision into cannibalism for Jehovah’s Witnesses. And Jehovah’s Witnesses would have to obey. After all such information is coming from God’s spirit-directed organization. At this point, Jehovah’s Witnesses are essentially being instructed they should rather die or be crippled than accept an organ transplant.
For the Watchtower Society, it has always been of prime importance to give Jehovah’s Witnesses the idea that rules or decision really benefit them. The Watchtower Society will use propaganda on Jehovah Witnesses to convince and firmly believed that organ transplants are evil and bad for them. For instance, notice the Watchtower comments from September 1, 1975:
"A peculiar factor sometimes noted is a so-called ‘personality transplant.’ That is, the recipient in some cases has seemed to adopt certain personality factors of the person from whom the organ came. One young promiscuous woman who received a kidney from her older, conservative, well-behaved sister, at first seemed very upset. Then she began imitating her sister in much of her conduct. Another patient claimed to receive a changed outlook on life after his kidney transplant. Following a transplant, one mild-tempered man became aggressive like the donor. The problem may be largely or wholly mental. But it is of interest, at least, that the Bible links the kidneys closely with human emotions." (p. 519)
The magazine is being used as a vehicle for driving Jehovah’s Witnesses to believe that when it comes to the matter of organ transplants the benefit is virtually zero and the risks are huge. This makes it easier for Jehovah’s Witnesses to accept such “God-given” directions. Since they have now also placed in the minds of its followers the notion that if you obtain for instance a kidney transplants it will manipulate your emotions. It will make you someone you are not.
The Watchtower Society did not just stop with the kidney transplants. They also provided instructions that will scare Jehovah’s Witnesses with a change to the literal heart. Similar to the notion that a kidney is linked to the literal emotional makeup of an individual, the heart would now be linked with the literal thinking faculties of a person. While it is true the Bible mentions the heart as a seat for our desires, people will understand this symbolically, realizing that desires and thoughts reside in our brain.
Nonetheless, the Watchtower from March 1, 1971 provided this:
"Most psychiatrists and psychologists tend to over categorize the mind and allow for little if any influence from the fleshly heart, looking upon the word "heart" merely as a figure of speech apart from its use in identifying the organ that pumps our blood. . . . The heart is a marvelously designed muscular pump, but, more significantly, our emotional and motivating capacities are built within it. Love, hate, desire (good and bad), preference for one thing over another, ambition, fear-in effect, all that serves to motivate us in relationship to our affections and desires springs from the heart." (p.134)
In the same article, the Watchtower Society admonishes that people who accepted donor hearts lost their personalities, and more than suggested that people who received a heart transplant were really without 'heart':
"These patients have donor-supplied pumps for their blood, but do they now have all the factors needed to say they have a "heart"? One thing is sure, in losing their own hearts, they have had taken away from them the capacities of "heart" built up in them over the years and which contributed to making them who they were as to personality."
Any individual with even a little understanding of science or medicine would know the ridiculousness of these teachings. Again, this is from God’s spirit-directed organization. What it illustrates is the danger of allowing men with such shallow reasoning based on unfounded science along with a twisted interpretation of scriptures to decide life and death matters for millions of Jehovah Witnesses.
Consequently, the advice the Watchtower Society gave on day-to-day situations based on its literal understanding of heart and mind was sometimes unintentionally humorous:
"To illustrate, suppose the time comes when you must make a decision on buying a new suit or dress. First, the mind is confronted with certain facts. Perhaps older clothes are getting past their usefulness or there is a need for a change for some good reason. The heart comes very much into the picture too, as there is a desire at heart to look presentable. Heart and mind are in agreement that a new dress or suit be obtained. The mind now collects information on prices, quality, styles, and so forth, so that when you go shopping you have a pretty good idea which suit or dress should be purchased. But when you arrive at the store, there in the window is quite an eye-catcher, just waiting for the impulse buyer. It is not really practical for you; it involves much more money; it is rather extreme in styling; but how it tantalizes the heart! "It’s the heart’s delight!" Now what will be done? What decision will be made? Will it be a practical, reasoned-out one, or one according to this new desire of the heart? If you are not very careful, the heart will overwhelm the mind." – From the Watchtower, March 1, 1971, page 140.
Such reasoning would persist and be indoctrinated into Jehovah’s Witnesses for years. Not only just in the Watchtower, but in the Awake! magazine as well. From page 23 of the March 22, 1974 Awake! magazine it states the following:
"Today much is also made of the transplanting of various organs—kidneys, hearts, lungs and livers. . . Because of what I have reason to believe is the Creator’s view of organ transplants, I have serious reservations as to their Scriptural propriety."
Exaggerated accounts of the dangers of organ transplants were also provided in the “Watching the World” feature found in the magazine:
"More Transplant Complications …
Recently it was reported that the incidence of cancer is 100 times greater among organ-transplant recipients than among the general population. However, the frequency of brain tumors is ‘about 1,000 times greater,’ according to Dr. Wolff M. Kirsch, of the University of Colorado Medical Center. The prolonged immunosuppressive therapy to prevent rejection of the new organ frequently entangles the patient ‘in a snare of pathological processes,’ he says. Prospects for helping such patients are considered ‘bleak.’" – From Awake! February 22, 1974, page 31.
After a 13 year run, the ban placed on organ transplants by the Watchtower Society was lifted for Jehovah’s Witnesses. A reason was never provided or explained. The Watchtower Society simply went back to their teaching from 1961:
"Should congregation action be taken if a baptized Christian accepts a human organ transplant, such as of a cornea or a kidney?
Regarding the transplantation of human tissue or bone from one human to another, this is a matter for conscientious decision by each one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Some Christians might feel that taking into their bodies any tissue or body part from another human is cannibalistic. . . . Other sincere Christians today may feel that the Bible does not definitely rule out medical transplants of human organs. . . . It may be argued, too, that organ transplants are different from cannibalism since the "donor" is not killed to supply food." – From the Watchtower, March 15, 1980, page 31.
“Those who submit to such operations are thus living off the flesh of another human. That is cannibalistic.” - From the Watchtower, November 15, 1967.
How were Jehovah’s Witnesses supposed to feel with such direction? When individual Jehovah’s Witnesses risked their lives they did it because they were ordered to do so under threat of being disfellowshipped, believing the Watchtower Society spoke for God. It begs the question, did Jehovah God change his mind on these matters, or was the Watchtower Society simply wrong? Why would God have his chosen organization take a stand on an issue, change it, and flip back to the original stance again?
1961 = Organ Transplants = Conscience choice.
1967 = Organ Transplants = Cannibalistic.
1980 = Organ Transplants = Conscience choice.
Since, the Watchtower Society has changed its stance, so would now information contained in the Watchtower magazine when the topic was brought to the fore. Notice this article from the Watchtower September 1, 1984 on pages 3-7:
"What are we to understand, then, by the word ‘heart’?...What an amazing number of different functions and capabilities are ascribed to the heart! Do all of these reside in the literal heart? That could hardly be so... in nearly a thousand other references to ‘heart’ in the Bible, ‘heart’ is obviously used in a figurative sense… obviously, a distinction must be drawn between the heart organ and the figurative heart."
Hypocritically enough, looking at the Watchtower from June 1, 1986, on page 15 it states:
"The ancient Egyptians believed that the physical heart was the seat of intelligence and the emotions. They also thought that it had a will of its own. The Babylonians said that the heart housed the intellect as well as love. The Greek philosopher Aristotle taught that it was the seat of the senses and the domain of the soul. But as time passed and knowledge increased, these views were discarded. Finally the heart became known for what it is, a pump to circulate the blood throughout the body."
The article did not mention that the Watchtower Society had taught the same as the ancients Egyptians not too long ago:
“The heart is a marvelously designed muscular pump, but, more significantly, our emotional and motivating capacities are built within it.” – From the Watchtower, March 1, 1971.
Any Jehovah’s Witness who did not recall the organ transplant prohibition would probably never find out. New individuals coming into the organization may never come across such information regarding the Watchtower Society’s past teaching on the matter. Any who supposedly “compromised” with regards to organ transplants were disfellowshipped and, according to the Watchtower Society, were “cannibalistic” when the ban was in effect. What shocking unreasonable beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses will be done away with in the future; blood transfusions perhaps? Time will tell.
"Is there anything in the Bible against giving one’s eyes (after death) to be transplanted to some living person?—L. C., United States.
The question of placing one’s body or parts of one’s body at the disposal of men of science or doctors at one’s death for purposes of scientific experimentation or replacement in others is frowned upon by certain religious bodies. However, it does not seem that any Scriptural principle or law is involved. It therefore is something that each individual must decide for himself. If he is satisfied in his own mind and conscience that this is a proper thing to do, then he can make such provision, and no one else should criticize him for doing so. On the other hand, no one should be criticized for refusing to enter into any such agreement."
The Watchtower Society had no objections at first to organ transplants. Indeed, there is no scriptural principle or law involved. However, the Society changed its tune just a few years later in 1967. Take note of this Watchtower from November 15, 1967 in its ‘Questions from Readers’ section:
"Is there any Scriptural objection to donating one's body for use in medical research or to accepting organs for transplant from such a source?-W. L., U.S.A.
. . . When there is a diseased or defective organ, the usual way health is restored is by taking in nutrients. The body uses the food eaten to repair or heal the organ, gradually replacing the cells. When men of science conclude that this normal process will no longer work and they suggest removing the organ and replacing it directly with an organ from another human, this is simply a shortcut. Those who submit to such operations are thus living off the flesh of another human. That is cannibalistic. However, in allowing man to eat animal flesh Jehovah God did not grant permission for humans to try to perpetuate their lives by cannibalistically taking into their bodies human flesh, whether chewed or in the form of whole organs or body parts taken from others."
Somehow the Watchtower Society has formed an opinion based upon their interpretation of scriptures that since God did not specifically grant permission for organ transplants they should no longer be permitted. They have also labeled such a procedure as “cannibalistic”.
It is shocking to most people to reason in such a way. If asked, many would reason that organ transplants are not cannibalistic. However, in a little over 6 years the Watchtower Society has turned a personal decision into cannibalism for Jehovah’s Witnesses. And Jehovah’s Witnesses would have to obey. After all such information is coming from God’s spirit-directed organization. At this point, Jehovah’s Witnesses are essentially being instructed they should rather die or be crippled than accept an organ transplant.
For the Watchtower Society, it has always been of prime importance to give Jehovah’s Witnesses the idea that rules or decision really benefit them. The Watchtower Society will use propaganda on Jehovah Witnesses to convince and firmly believed that organ transplants are evil and bad for them. For instance, notice the Watchtower comments from September 1, 1975:
"A peculiar factor sometimes noted is a so-called ‘personality transplant.’ That is, the recipient in some cases has seemed to adopt certain personality factors of the person from whom the organ came. One young promiscuous woman who received a kidney from her older, conservative, well-behaved sister, at first seemed very upset. Then she began imitating her sister in much of her conduct. Another patient claimed to receive a changed outlook on life after his kidney transplant. Following a transplant, one mild-tempered man became aggressive like the donor. The problem may be largely or wholly mental. But it is of interest, at least, that the Bible links the kidneys closely with human emotions." (p. 519)
The magazine is being used as a vehicle for driving Jehovah’s Witnesses to believe that when it comes to the matter of organ transplants the benefit is virtually zero and the risks are huge. This makes it easier for Jehovah’s Witnesses to accept such “God-given” directions. Since they have now also placed in the minds of its followers the notion that if you obtain for instance a kidney transplants it will manipulate your emotions. It will make you someone you are not.
The Watchtower Society did not just stop with the kidney transplants. They also provided instructions that will scare Jehovah’s Witnesses with a change to the literal heart. Similar to the notion that a kidney is linked to the literal emotional makeup of an individual, the heart would now be linked with the literal thinking faculties of a person. While it is true the Bible mentions the heart as a seat for our desires, people will understand this symbolically, realizing that desires and thoughts reside in our brain.
Nonetheless, the Watchtower from March 1, 1971 provided this:
"Most psychiatrists and psychologists tend to over categorize the mind and allow for little if any influence from the fleshly heart, looking upon the word "heart" merely as a figure of speech apart from its use in identifying the organ that pumps our blood. . . . The heart is a marvelously designed muscular pump, but, more significantly, our emotional and motivating capacities are built within it. Love, hate, desire (good and bad), preference for one thing over another, ambition, fear-in effect, all that serves to motivate us in relationship to our affections and desires springs from the heart." (p.134)
In the same article, the Watchtower Society admonishes that people who accepted donor hearts lost their personalities, and more than suggested that people who received a heart transplant were really without 'heart':
"These patients have donor-supplied pumps for their blood, but do they now have all the factors needed to say they have a "heart"? One thing is sure, in losing their own hearts, they have had taken away from them the capacities of "heart" built up in them over the years and which contributed to making them who they were as to personality."
Any individual with even a little understanding of science or medicine would know the ridiculousness of these teachings. Again, this is from God’s spirit-directed organization. What it illustrates is the danger of allowing men with such shallow reasoning based on unfounded science along with a twisted interpretation of scriptures to decide life and death matters for millions of Jehovah Witnesses.
Consequently, the advice the Watchtower Society gave on day-to-day situations based on its literal understanding of heart and mind was sometimes unintentionally humorous:
"To illustrate, suppose the time comes when you must make a decision on buying a new suit or dress. First, the mind is confronted with certain facts. Perhaps older clothes are getting past their usefulness or there is a need for a change for some good reason. The heart comes very much into the picture too, as there is a desire at heart to look presentable. Heart and mind are in agreement that a new dress or suit be obtained. The mind now collects information on prices, quality, styles, and so forth, so that when you go shopping you have a pretty good idea which suit or dress should be purchased. But when you arrive at the store, there in the window is quite an eye-catcher, just waiting for the impulse buyer. It is not really practical for you; it involves much more money; it is rather extreme in styling; but how it tantalizes the heart! "It’s the heart’s delight!" Now what will be done? What decision will be made? Will it be a practical, reasoned-out one, or one according to this new desire of the heart? If you are not very careful, the heart will overwhelm the mind." – From the Watchtower, March 1, 1971, page 140.
Such reasoning would persist and be indoctrinated into Jehovah’s Witnesses for years. Not only just in the Watchtower, but in the Awake! magazine as well. From page 23 of the March 22, 1974 Awake! magazine it states the following:
"Today much is also made of the transplanting of various organs—kidneys, hearts, lungs and livers. . . Because of what I have reason to believe is the Creator’s view of organ transplants, I have serious reservations as to their Scriptural propriety."
Exaggerated accounts of the dangers of organ transplants were also provided in the “Watching the World” feature found in the magazine:
"More Transplant Complications …
Recently it was reported that the incidence of cancer is 100 times greater among organ-transplant recipients than among the general population. However, the frequency of brain tumors is ‘about 1,000 times greater,’ according to Dr. Wolff M. Kirsch, of the University of Colorado Medical Center. The prolonged immunosuppressive therapy to prevent rejection of the new organ frequently entangles the patient ‘in a snare of pathological processes,’ he says. Prospects for helping such patients are considered ‘bleak.’" – From Awake! February 22, 1974, page 31.
After a 13 year run, the ban placed on organ transplants by the Watchtower Society was lifted for Jehovah’s Witnesses. A reason was never provided or explained. The Watchtower Society simply went back to their teaching from 1961:
"Should congregation action be taken if a baptized Christian accepts a human organ transplant, such as of a cornea or a kidney?
Regarding the transplantation of human tissue or bone from one human to another, this is a matter for conscientious decision by each one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Some Christians might feel that taking into their bodies any tissue or body part from another human is cannibalistic. . . . Other sincere Christians today may feel that the Bible does not definitely rule out medical transplants of human organs. . . . It may be argued, too, that organ transplants are different from cannibalism since the "donor" is not killed to supply food." – From the Watchtower, March 15, 1980, page 31.
“Those who submit to such operations are thus living off the flesh of another human. That is cannibalistic.” - From the Watchtower, November 15, 1967.
How were Jehovah’s Witnesses supposed to feel with such direction? When individual Jehovah’s Witnesses risked their lives they did it because they were ordered to do so under threat of being disfellowshipped, believing the Watchtower Society spoke for God. It begs the question, did Jehovah God change his mind on these matters, or was the Watchtower Society simply wrong? Why would God have his chosen organization take a stand on an issue, change it, and flip back to the original stance again?
1961 = Organ Transplants = Conscience choice.
1967 = Organ Transplants = Cannibalistic.
1980 = Organ Transplants = Conscience choice.
Since, the Watchtower Society has changed its stance, so would now information contained in the Watchtower magazine when the topic was brought to the fore. Notice this article from the Watchtower September 1, 1984 on pages 3-7:
"What are we to understand, then, by the word ‘heart’?...What an amazing number of different functions and capabilities are ascribed to the heart! Do all of these reside in the literal heart? That could hardly be so... in nearly a thousand other references to ‘heart’ in the Bible, ‘heart’ is obviously used in a figurative sense… obviously, a distinction must be drawn between the heart organ and the figurative heart."
Hypocritically enough, looking at the Watchtower from June 1, 1986, on page 15 it states:
"The ancient Egyptians believed that the physical heart was the seat of intelligence and the emotions. They also thought that it had a will of its own. The Babylonians said that the heart housed the intellect as well as love. The Greek philosopher Aristotle taught that it was the seat of the senses and the domain of the soul. But as time passed and knowledge increased, these views were discarded. Finally the heart became known for what it is, a pump to circulate the blood throughout the body."
The article did not mention that the Watchtower Society had taught the same as the ancients Egyptians not too long ago:
“The heart is a marvelously designed muscular pump, but, more significantly, our emotional and motivating capacities are built within it.” – From the Watchtower, March 1, 1971.
Any Jehovah’s Witness who did not recall the organ transplant prohibition would probably never find out. New individuals coming into the organization may never come across such information regarding the Watchtower Society’s past teaching on the matter. Any who supposedly “compromised” with regards to organ transplants were disfellowshipped and, according to the Watchtower Society, were “cannibalistic” when the ban was in effect. What shocking unreasonable beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses will be done away with in the future; blood transfusions perhaps? Time will tell.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Watchtower Society Needed For Salvation?
Throughout the years the Watchtower Society has an evolving view of the need for an organization and its necessity in order for one to obtain salvation...
Watchtower October 1883:
"For these same reasons that Jesus did not organize congregations while present with his disciples in the Jewish harvest, we do not consider expedient or necessary organizations even simple and unsectarian as those established by the apostles." [p. 536]
The above is 100% true. Jesus did not organize congregation with his disciples. After Jesus left, the apostles took it upon themselves to form congregations. However, there is no requirement or necessity directed in the scriptures to have them as a means of salvation.
Watchtower December 12, 1894:
"A visible organization is out of harmony with God's divine plan." [p. 1743]
Watchtower September 15, 1895:
"Beware of organization ... it is wholly unnecessary." [p. 1866]
Faith does not require a visible organization [Hebrews 11:1] nor is it necessary for salvation. While at the same token belonging to an organization or congregation is not wrong in itself, the priority and need for it is not linked to salvation in any way.
Watchtower September 1, 1954:
"The Bible is organization-minded and it cannot be fully understood without our having the theocratic organization in mind." [p. 549]
Here we see the complete change and tone from the Watchtower Society in viewing organizations from its early day’s stance. Specifically, its organization is now needed to understand the Bible. If so, did God not allow people to understand the Bible prior to the existence of the Watchtower Society? The truth of the matter is the scriptures did not change, and the scriptures make it clear that God's Spirit is what helps Christians to understand. No where is an organization mentioned or even suggested. All Christians are free to interpret Scripture by the leading of God's Spirit. [John 16:13; 1 John 2:27]
Watchtower January 1, 1960:
"A Christian must always be part of Jehovah's visible organization." [p. 19]
There is no scriptural backing or support for such a notion. In the example of The Ethiopian Eunuch, once he was baptized, becoming a Christian, the scriptures state God’s spirit caught Philip away and the Ethiopian Eunuch went along his way [Acts 8:39]. If belonging to an organization is so vital would not here be a fine opportunity to emphasize such? Not only does the Bible not make mention of the Eunuch belonging to or joining some organization he was actually left alone. What it does indicate is he went away rejoicing.
Watchtower January 15, 1971:
"Can it be stated flatly that only baptized Witnesses of Jehovah will survive Armageddon? Yes, with a few exceptions." [p. 63]
This of course is gearing people for what would be the great failed prophecy of the Watchtower Society for the end to come in 1975. The Watchtower Society had already made mentioned in several articles and publications prior to 1971 (And continued to do so thereafter) that 1975 was the year in which the end would come. This was to reinforce fear in the minds and hearts of people that they must belong to the Watchtower Society by being one of Jehovah's Witnesses in order to be saved.
Interestingly, the Watchtower Society throws in "a few exceptions". It does not make any mention of what those few exception entail.
Watchtower February 15, 1979:
"Of those living at the time of Armageddon, only Jehovah's Witnesses will be saved" [p. 30]
It has been several years since the great failed prophesy of 1975. There were those Jehovah's Witnesses who saw the Watchtower Society as a false prophet and as a result was able to break themselves free from the organization. However, there were also loyal ones to the organization who remained including new recruits. The Watchtower Society knew then and it still knows now one of their strongest tools for keeping members is keeping in front of the eyes of its followers the notion that one must be a Jehovah's Witnesses to stand a chance of survival at Armageddon.
Watchtower November 15, 1981:
"Any person who wants to survive into God's righteous new order urgently needs to come into a right relationship with [Jehovah's] earthly organization now... come to Jehovah's organization for salvation .." [p. 16-7, 21]
Our Kingdom Ministry November 1990:
"…identifying themselves with Jehovah's organization is essential to their salvation." [p. 1]
Here is more reinforcement of the notion that one must be a Jehovah's Witness to be saved. According to the Watchtower Society it's urgent and essential to be a Jehovah's Witness. The Watchtower Society also comes up with new ways to instill in the minds of its followers the importance of their organization calling itself Jehovah's earthly organization. There was no mention by Jesus of any earthly organization. If one is so important, why did Jesus not explain explicitly to his disciples about the requirement and forming of an earthly organization?
Watchtower November 1, 1990:
"We cannot take part in any modern version of idolatry - be it worshipful gestures toward an image or symbol or the imputing of salvation to a person or an organization." [p. 26]
Oddly enough, the Watchtower Society appeared to be taken a 180 degree turn back to no need of an organization for salvation. Although, this could have the meaning and application that the Watchtower Society is referring to every organization but their organization. Similar to the Watchtower Society writing poorly and providing negative information about other religions, but Jehovah's Witnesses are instructed not to read anything critical or negative about them.
Watchtower September 15, 1993:
"But if we were to draw away from Jehovah's organization, there would be no place else to go for salvation and true joy" [p. 22]
Once again salvation is only obtained from "Jehovah's Organization" as referred to by the Watchtower Society in describing Jehovah's Witnesses. They take it a step further in stating there is "no place else to go"; not only for salvation but true joy as well. Joy as well as all other fruits of God’s Spirit is not organization dependent [Galatians 5:22-25]
It's a sad state but a fact of the dogma Jehovah's Witnesses are fed regarding their salvation is in some twisted interpretation interwoven with an organization. The scriptures are clear that Jesus alone and faith in Him is the only requirement for salvation. If an organization is so vital and critical for salvation why did Jesus not mention it in any scripture? [John 5:39-40; 10:28-29; 14:6; Acts 4:12].
While the Watchtower Society tries to place itself as mediator between people and God, the scriptures make it clear that it is Jesus alone who serves as Mediator [1 Timothy 2:5-6]. Whether an individual makes the choice to belong to a group of fellow believers be it formal inside some sort of building or informally outside of one or not is secondary when a person realizes that it is God who will lead them. God will assist us and lead us into relationships with others where we can learn and grow by both observing the good and bad while also providing us the opportunity to offer encouragement by means of the way in which we express our faith.
Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that they need to depend on the Watchtower Society as their channel of communication with God. The Bible indicates that Christians place their personal relationship with God ahead of anything else; this includes membership to any organization. The Watchtower Society, despite its teachings is not needed for salvation. The scriptures teach Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life [John 14:6]; not an organization.
Watchtower October 1883:
"For these same reasons that Jesus did not organize congregations while present with his disciples in the Jewish harvest, we do not consider expedient or necessary organizations even simple and unsectarian as those established by the apostles." [p. 536]
The above is 100% true. Jesus did not organize congregation with his disciples. After Jesus left, the apostles took it upon themselves to form congregations. However, there is no requirement or necessity directed in the scriptures to have them as a means of salvation.
Watchtower December 12, 1894:
"A visible organization is out of harmony with God's divine plan." [p. 1743]
Watchtower September 15, 1895:
"Beware of organization ... it is wholly unnecessary." [p. 1866]
Faith does not require a visible organization [Hebrews 11:1] nor is it necessary for salvation. While at the same token belonging to an organization or congregation is not wrong in itself, the priority and need for it is not linked to salvation in any way.
Watchtower September 1, 1954:
"The Bible is organization-minded and it cannot be fully understood without our having the theocratic organization in mind." [p. 549]
Here we see the complete change and tone from the Watchtower Society in viewing organizations from its early day’s stance. Specifically, its organization is now needed to understand the Bible. If so, did God not allow people to understand the Bible prior to the existence of the Watchtower Society? The truth of the matter is the scriptures did not change, and the scriptures make it clear that God's Spirit is what helps Christians to understand. No where is an organization mentioned or even suggested. All Christians are free to interpret Scripture by the leading of God's Spirit. [John 16:13; 1 John 2:27]
Watchtower January 1, 1960:
"A Christian must always be part of Jehovah's visible organization." [p. 19]
There is no scriptural backing or support for such a notion. In the example of The Ethiopian Eunuch, once he was baptized, becoming a Christian, the scriptures state God’s spirit caught Philip away and the Ethiopian Eunuch went along his way [Acts 8:39]. If belonging to an organization is so vital would not here be a fine opportunity to emphasize such? Not only does the Bible not make mention of the Eunuch belonging to or joining some organization he was actually left alone. What it does indicate is he went away rejoicing.
Watchtower January 15, 1971:
"Can it be stated flatly that only baptized Witnesses of Jehovah will survive Armageddon? Yes, with a few exceptions." [p. 63]
This of course is gearing people for what would be the great failed prophecy of the Watchtower Society for the end to come in 1975. The Watchtower Society had already made mentioned in several articles and publications prior to 1971 (And continued to do so thereafter) that 1975 was the year in which the end would come. This was to reinforce fear in the minds and hearts of people that they must belong to the Watchtower Society by being one of Jehovah's Witnesses in order to be saved.
Interestingly, the Watchtower Society throws in "a few exceptions". It does not make any mention of what those few exception entail.
Watchtower February 15, 1979:
"Of those living at the time of Armageddon, only Jehovah's Witnesses will be saved" [p. 30]
It has been several years since the great failed prophesy of 1975. There were those Jehovah's Witnesses who saw the Watchtower Society as a false prophet and as a result was able to break themselves free from the organization. However, there were also loyal ones to the organization who remained including new recruits. The Watchtower Society knew then and it still knows now one of their strongest tools for keeping members is keeping in front of the eyes of its followers the notion that one must be a Jehovah's Witnesses to stand a chance of survival at Armageddon.
Watchtower November 15, 1981:
"Any person who wants to survive into God's righteous new order urgently needs to come into a right relationship with [Jehovah's] earthly organization now... come to Jehovah's organization for salvation .." [p. 16-7, 21]
Our Kingdom Ministry November 1990:
"…identifying themselves with Jehovah's organization is essential to their salvation." [p. 1]
Here is more reinforcement of the notion that one must be a Jehovah's Witness to be saved. According to the Watchtower Society it's urgent and essential to be a Jehovah's Witness. The Watchtower Society also comes up with new ways to instill in the minds of its followers the importance of their organization calling itself Jehovah's earthly organization. There was no mention by Jesus of any earthly organization. If one is so important, why did Jesus not explain explicitly to his disciples about the requirement and forming of an earthly organization?
Watchtower November 1, 1990:
"We cannot take part in any modern version of idolatry - be it worshipful gestures toward an image or symbol or the imputing of salvation to a person or an organization." [p. 26]
Oddly enough, the Watchtower Society appeared to be taken a 180 degree turn back to no need of an organization for salvation. Although, this could have the meaning and application that the Watchtower Society is referring to every organization but their organization. Similar to the Watchtower Society writing poorly and providing negative information about other religions, but Jehovah's Witnesses are instructed not to read anything critical or negative about them.
Watchtower September 15, 1993:
"But if we were to draw away from Jehovah's organization, there would be no place else to go for salvation and true joy" [p. 22]
Once again salvation is only obtained from "Jehovah's Organization" as referred to by the Watchtower Society in describing Jehovah's Witnesses. They take it a step further in stating there is "no place else to go"; not only for salvation but true joy as well. Joy as well as all other fruits of God’s Spirit is not organization dependent [Galatians 5:22-25]
It's a sad state but a fact of the dogma Jehovah's Witnesses are fed regarding their salvation is in some twisted interpretation interwoven with an organization. The scriptures are clear that Jesus alone and faith in Him is the only requirement for salvation. If an organization is so vital and critical for salvation why did Jesus not mention it in any scripture? [John 5:39-40; 10:28-29; 14:6; Acts 4:12].
While the Watchtower Society tries to place itself as mediator between people and God, the scriptures make it clear that it is Jesus alone who serves as Mediator [1 Timothy 2:5-6]. Whether an individual makes the choice to belong to a group of fellow believers be it formal inside some sort of building or informally outside of one or not is secondary when a person realizes that it is God who will lead them. God will assist us and lead us into relationships with others where we can learn and grow by both observing the good and bad while also providing us the opportunity to offer encouragement by means of the way in which we express our faith.
Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that they need to depend on the Watchtower Society as their channel of communication with God. The Bible indicates that Christians place their personal relationship with God ahead of anything else; this includes membership to any organization. The Watchtower Society, despite its teachings is not needed for salvation. The scriptures teach Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life [John 14:6]; not an organization.
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