By now it's hard to come across anyone with access to news media that has not heard of Harold Camping and Family Radio Worldwide. His bold prediction of a rapture to occur on May 21, 2011, did not pan out per his eager expectation and prediction. Naturally, he has an excuse - It was invisible.
Nonetheless, this is not the first time Harold Camping made such a prophecy.
Notice these statements:
"After 1925 expect shortly Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob.. No doubt many boys and girls who read this book will live to see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Daniel, and those other men of old come forth in the glory of their better resurrection, of perfect in mind and body. It will not take long for Christ to appoint them to their post of honor and authority as his earthly representatives. The world and all the present conveniences will seem strange to them at first, but they will soon become accustomed to the new methods. They may have some amusing experiences at first; for they never saw telephones, radios, automobiles, electric lights, aeroplanes, steam engines, and many other things so familiar to us."
Whoops...That was not Harold Camping, but the man God was using to lead his people back in 1924, according to the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses. Joseph Rutherford, the Watchtower Society's second president, who at the time was *the* faithful slave, providing spiritual food to God's only channel on the earth. The quote can be found in the publication, "The Way To Paradise" - published in 1924, on pages 224-6.
Remember, in 1924 you were to "expect shortly" after 1925, the ancient prophets and other men of the Bible to be resurrected!
What Harold Camping really proclaimed is the following:
"If you are a young person, you also need to face the fact that you will never grow old in this present system of things. Why not? Because all the evidence in fulfillment of Bible prophecy indicates that this corrupt system is due to end in a few years."
No wait, that was from the Governing Body endorsed mouthpiece of God's faithful and discreet slave class per Jehovah's Witnesses. Not Harold Camping but the leaders of Jehovah's Witnesses in the May 22, 1969 Awake! magazine, page 15 where such prophecy and "good news" was found.
Remember, in 1969 you would never grow old as a young person as the "corrupt system is due to end in a few years"!
This quote, definitely was Harold Camping:
"Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world's end."
Wow, sorry...It looks like that was the Governing Body mouthpiece of the Faithful and Discreet Slave again. Jehovah's Witnesses spiritual food found in the May 1974 Kingdom Ministry, page 3.
Remember, in 1974 selling your home and property was encouraged and commended because the rest of the days left could be spent preaching "the wicked world's end"!
Finally, we have found another prediction by Harold Camping:
"The apostle Paul was spearheading the Christian missionary activity. He was also laying a foundation for a work that would be completed in our 20th century."
Yikes, that was again the leaders of Jehovah's Witnesses in the Watchtower magazine, this time January 1, 1989 on page 12. That little prophecy was so embarrassingly recent that you need the original magazine to find it. The Watchtower Society changed the quote in their publish Bound Volume and CD-ROM of the Watchtower, where "20th century" was changed to "day"; a very obvious cover up.
Remember, in 2000 or earlier, before January 1, 2001 the preaching work should have ended!
Harold Camping, spiritual leader of Family Radio Worldwide and the Governing Body of the Watchtower Society, spiritual leader of Jehovah's Witnesses…It really is hard to tell the two apart, so very similar. It makes you wonder what the similarities are between their followers as well.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
A Matter Of Trust
Taken from the March 15, 2011, Watchtower, pages 12-16, this past Sunday's study article for Jehovah's Witnesses, "Trust In Jehovah As the End Draws Near", does not take long in providing the intellectual dishonesty typically found within the Watchtower Bible Tract Society publications.
Straight out of the gate, in paragraph 1, the following is stated:
"WE LIVE in a world where millions no longer know whom or what to trust, perhaps because they have been hurt or disappointed too many times. What a contrast to Jehovah’s servants! Guided by godly wisdom, they know better than to place their trust in this world or its “nobles.” (Ps. 146:3) Rather, they place their lives and their future in Jehovah’s hands, knowing that he loves them and that he always fulfills his Word. —Rom. 3:4; 8:38, 39."
The section highlighted in red is what we will briefly focus on. The statement: "Guided by godly wisdom, they know better than to place their trust in this world or its “nobles.”". The organization then goes to quote Psalms 146:3 as the supporting scripture to that statement.
Let's take a look at Psalms 146:3 - even taken from the Watchtower Society's version of the Bible, The New World Translation:
"Do not put YOUR trust in nobles, Nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs."
Indeed, the verse does mention not to put your trust in nobles. However, the Watchtower Society is conveniently avoiding and hypocritically goes against the rest of the verse. A person should also not put their trust "in the son of earthling man". This would include the men making up the governing body of Jehovah's Witnesses. As the verse finishes, "to whom no salvation belongs."
Going against the Bible - even their own 'trusted' translation, the Watchtower Bible Tract Society has made these remarks from their ""Bearing Thorough Witness" About God's Kingdom" publication, in chapter 13, on page 103 paragraph 9, under the heading "There Had Occurred No Little Dissension":
"When serious issues arise today, let us imitate the fine example of the believers in Antioch by trusting God’s organization and its Governing Body of anointed Christians, who represent “the faithful and discreet slave.”
Additionally, the February 15, 2009, Watchtower on page 27, in paragraph 11 states:
"Since Jehovah God and Jesus Christ completely trust the faithful and discreet slave, should we not do the same?"
The above is just a couple of many examples, where Jehovah's Witnesses are encouraged, admonished and even informed their very life, their eternal life is dependent upon their trust as well as loyalty to the organization, especially its governing body. The Watchtower Society is so brazan and haughty that it claims even Jehovah and Jesus completely trust their governing body.
If the Watchtower was being truly honest in its writings and the well understood teachings and principles of Jehovah's Witnesses, paragraph 1 from Sunday's study article would read more like this:
"WE LIVE in a world where millions no longer know whom or what to trust, perhaps because they have been hurt or disappointed too many times. What a contrast to Jehovah’s servants! Guided by godly wisdom as interpreted by the governing body of the Watchtower Bible Tract Society, they know better than to place their trust in this world or its “nobles.” They do trust the men making up the Governing Body though, and refuse to be disobedient. Rather, they place their lives and their future in the organization that claims to be the only one directed by Jehovah’s hands, knowing that he loves them and that he always fulfills his Word."
The above would be a more honest statement to what exactly is instilled into the reasoning and practices of the organization. The article would be more appropriately entitled:
"Trust In Us As The End Draws Near”
Or...
"Trust In The Governing Body As The End Draws Near"
Or even...
"Trust In What The Governing Body Says Comes From Jehovah As the End Draws Near"
Believing the intent or the notion that complete trust in Jehovah and not as the scripture states, "the sons of earthling man" is what the Watchtower Bible Tract Society wants is foolish. They want you to trust them and their governing body. Listen, apply and obey all they say and write...Especially from their prime indoctrinating journal, The Watchtower.
Straight out of the gate, in paragraph 1, the following is stated:
"WE LIVE in a world where millions no longer know whom or what to trust, perhaps because they have been hurt or disappointed too many times. What a contrast to Jehovah’s servants! Guided by godly wisdom, they know better than to place their trust in this world or its “nobles.” (Ps. 146:3) Rather, they place their lives and their future in Jehovah’s hands, knowing that he loves them and that he always fulfills his Word. —Rom. 3:4; 8:38, 39."
The section highlighted in red is what we will briefly focus on. The statement: "Guided by godly wisdom, they know better than to place their trust in this world or its “nobles.”". The organization then goes to quote Psalms 146:3 as the supporting scripture to that statement.
Let's take a look at Psalms 146:3 - even taken from the Watchtower Society's version of the Bible, The New World Translation:
"Do not put YOUR trust in nobles, Nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs."
Indeed, the verse does mention not to put your trust in nobles. However, the Watchtower Society is conveniently avoiding and hypocritically goes against the rest of the verse. A person should also not put their trust "in the son of earthling man". This would include the men making up the governing body of Jehovah's Witnesses. As the verse finishes, "to whom no salvation belongs."
Going against the Bible - even their own 'trusted' translation, the Watchtower Bible Tract Society has made these remarks from their ""Bearing Thorough Witness" About God's Kingdom" publication, in chapter 13, on page 103 paragraph 9, under the heading "There Had Occurred No Little Dissension":
"When serious issues arise today, let us imitate the fine example of the believers in Antioch by trusting God’s organization and its Governing Body of anointed Christians, who represent “the faithful and discreet slave.”
Additionally, the February 15, 2009, Watchtower on page 27, in paragraph 11 states:
"Since Jehovah God and Jesus Christ completely trust the faithful and discreet slave, should we not do the same?"
The above is just a couple of many examples, where Jehovah's Witnesses are encouraged, admonished and even informed their very life, their eternal life is dependent upon their trust as well as loyalty to the organization, especially its governing body. The Watchtower Society is so brazan and haughty that it claims even Jehovah and Jesus completely trust their governing body.
If the Watchtower was being truly honest in its writings and the well understood teachings and principles of Jehovah's Witnesses, paragraph 1 from Sunday's study article would read more like this:
"WE LIVE in a world where millions no longer know whom or what to trust, perhaps because they have been hurt or disappointed too many times. What a contrast to Jehovah’s servants! Guided by godly wisdom as interpreted by the governing body of the Watchtower Bible Tract Society, they know better than to place their trust in this world or its “nobles.” They do trust the men making up the Governing Body though, and refuse to be disobedient. Rather, they place their lives and their future in the organization that claims to be the only one directed by Jehovah’s hands, knowing that he loves them and that he always fulfills his Word."
The above would be a more honest statement to what exactly is instilled into the reasoning and practices of the organization. The article would be more appropriately entitled:
"Trust In Us As The End Draws Near”
Or...
"Trust In The Governing Body As The End Draws Near"
Or even...
"Trust In What The Governing Body Says Comes From Jehovah As the End Draws Near"
Believing the intent or the notion that complete trust in Jehovah and not as the scripture states, "the sons of earthling man" is what the Watchtower Bible Tract Society wants is foolish. They want you to trust them and their governing body. Listen, apply and obey all they say and write...Especially from their prime indoctrinating journal, The Watchtower.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The Generation That Will Not Pass Away
The history of teachings from the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses contain many false prophecies. What we have below is a sterling example:
The Watchtower snapshot cover above has been modified to include the name as well as birth year and death of those whose hope was probably to never die in this so-called "system of things".
The notion of stating the generation will not pass away is reminiscent of Genesis 3:4:
"At this the serpent said to the woman: “YOU positively will not die"".
The verse is similar to the prophecy regarding the genereration alive in 1914 that the Watchtower Society claimed God promised. That promise was declared inside the Awake! magazine cover all the way through the October 22, 1995 edition. It was finally changed in the November 8, 1995 issue of the journel:
Quote: "Most important, this magazine builds confidence in the Creator's promise of a peaceful and secure new world before the generation that saw the events of 1914 passes away."
The Watchtower Society continues to hold carrots out to Jehovah's Witnesses down to this day. It's a way to control, manipulate, and keep their members in check.
The notion of stating the generation will not pass away is reminiscent of Genesis 3:4:
"At this the serpent said to the woman: “YOU positively will not die"".
The verse is similar to the prophecy regarding the genereration alive in 1914 that the Watchtower Society claimed God promised. That promise was declared inside the Awake! magazine cover all the way through the October 22, 1995 edition. It was finally changed in the November 8, 1995 issue of the journel:
Quote: "Most important, this magazine builds confidence in the Creator's promise of a peaceful and secure new world before the generation that saw the events of 1914 passes away."
The Watchtower Society continues to hold carrots out to Jehovah's Witnesses down to this day. It's a way to control, manipulate, and keep their members in check.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Recognizing And Avoiding
Is it a cult?
The Top Ten Signs the 'Group' You've Joined is Not What it Seems:
• The leader and group are always correct and anything the leader does can be justified.
• Questions, suggestions, or critical inquiry are forbidden.
• Members incessantly scramble with cramped schedules and activities full of largely meaningless work based on the leader's agenda
• Followers are meant to believe that they are never good enough.
• Required dependency upon the leader and group for even the most basic problem-solving.
• Reporting on members for disobedient actions or thoughts is mandated and rewarded.
• Monetary, sexual, or servile labor is expected to gain promotion.
• The 'outside' world -- often including family and friends -- is presented as rife with impending catastrophe, evil, and temptations.
• Recruitment of new members is designed to be purposefully upbeat and vague about the actual operations of the leader and group.
• Former members are shunned and perceived as hostile.
If curious about what the Watchtower Society tries and often successfully accomplishes, the above sums it up nicely for many of the 7 million members. Make no mistake about it, the Watchtower Bible Tract Society hits nearly every tick box with scary accuracy. Knowledge is power and key.
Credit and thanks to:
What Is A Cult? Recognizing And Avoiding Unhealthy Groups
Click here to read the entire article.
The Top Ten Signs the 'Group' You've Joined is Not What it Seems:
• The leader and group are always correct and anything the leader does can be justified.
• Questions, suggestions, or critical inquiry are forbidden.
• Members incessantly scramble with cramped schedules and activities full of largely meaningless work based on the leader's agenda
• Followers are meant to believe that they are never good enough.
• Required dependency upon the leader and group for even the most basic problem-solving.
• Reporting on members for disobedient actions or thoughts is mandated and rewarded.
• Monetary, sexual, or servile labor is expected to gain promotion.
• The 'outside' world -- often including family and friends -- is presented as rife with impending catastrophe, evil, and temptations.
• Recruitment of new members is designed to be purposefully upbeat and vague about the actual operations of the leader and group.
• Former members are shunned and perceived as hostile.
If curious about what the Watchtower Society tries and often successfully accomplishes, the above sums it up nicely for many of the 7 million members. Make no mistake about it, the Watchtower Bible Tract Society hits nearly every tick box with scary accuracy. Knowledge is power and key.
Credit and thanks to:
What Is A Cult? Recognizing And Avoiding Unhealthy Groups
Click here to read the entire article.
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, March 8, 2011
The Perfect Leader
The May 15, 2011, Watchtower emphasizes who Jehovah's Witnesses are instructed to follow. While the section under discussion falls within the article entitled, "Following Christ, the Perfect Leader", make no mistake about it; the Watchtower Society is once again brow beating submission and obedience of its leaders.
Note the bottom of the first column continuing over to the second on page 27:
""The path of the righteous one is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established," states Proverbs 4:18. Yes, Jesus' leadership is progressive, not stagnant. Another way to cooperate with Christ's "brothers" is to have a positive attitude toward any refinements in our understanding of Scriptural truths as published by "the faithful and discreet slave."--Matt. 24:45
We also demonstrate our submission to Christ's "brothers" by cooperating with the appointed overseers in the Christian congregation. The apostle Paul said: "Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over your souls." (Heb. 13:17)"
The Watchtower Society in the above quoted section, helps to exemplify how one can cherry pick certain verses from the bible and place their own spin or interpretation for it to mean something more than what the context provides.
For decades now, the Watchtower Bible Tract Society has loved utilizing Proverbs 4:18 to help justify and explain away their false prophesies and flip-flops in doctrine. When an individual reads Proverbs chapter 4 in its entirety, it is plain to see it refers to a father giving advice to his son respecting life. There is no intent or greater fulfillment of a modern day publishing company's justification or explanation of their changing or correcting doctrine. However, the members of Jehovah's Witnesses by far and wide believe it to be so, thanks in part to the indoctrination they receive via the Watchtower.
So, with a supposed 'scriptural backing', the organization pushes further its agenda and brings Jesus into the picture. It has placed the believer in the fortified Watchtower led position of whatever the organization is currently directing is biblical. This is and has been often referred to by the organization and its members as 'current truth' or 'new light'. The extra twist is the perception that this 'current truth' is the direction of Jesus not men.
Nonetheless, the true motive and deliverance of point from the section comes with the final statement of the paragraph; which is to have a positive attitude to whatever the Watchtower says in its publications. They coat it with their typical twist on Matthew 24:45, where the organization interprets Jesus illustration of a faithful and discreet slave, equating to a business derived term of 'governing body', specifically the men who control and manage the beliefs and doctrines of the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses today.
What the organization fails to do and reasonably explain is how that one verse and one part of one of Jesus' illustrations and parables has a modern day fulfillment, while others do not. Who decides which ones and which parts have a modern day or 'greater' fulfillment, and which ones are just illustrations or parables with no additional meaning outside of a lesson being taught or a teaching point emphasized? The fact of the matter is that many of the Watchtower Society’s teachings and beliefs are based upon picking and choosing selective verses and deciding what, if any, modern day application they want to make of it.
Hysterically enough, it was just a few months ago in the September 15, 2010, Watchtower within the article "Your Leader Is One, The Christ", where the Society makes the fictitious claim that: "Jehovah's Witnesses recognize no human as their leader".
However, in the next paragraph from the May 15, 2011 article, a person demonstrates their submission by cooperating with those who oversee and lead Kingdom Halls of Jehovah's Witnesses, which Jehovah's Witnesses believe to be the "Christian congregation", followed up with quoting Hebrews 13:17 which mentions those who take the lead.
So let's summarize the spiritual truths and wholesome spiritual food Jehovah's Witnesses are being served here:
1. The Bible justifies and explains the Watchtower's flip-flops in doctrine, false teachings, including some at times, complete changes and understanding of belief for Jehovah's Witnesses.
2. The 'changes' by the Watchtower Society are just like Jesus' leadership, "progressive" [The Watchtower is never wrong or lied]. Further, if there were no 'changes' we would all be stagnant and not like Jesus.
3. Following Jesus includes not only following and obeying any direction given by the Watchtower Society and its leaders, but being positive about it as well.
4. One should be obedient, submissive, and cooperative to the organization.
The above are main points and intents of the article. Throwing Jesus around and into the mix is done to reinforce their alleged authority and right the organization has to practice and teach whatever it decides to the members. The Watchtower Society is enforcing both its power and control over the members, and quite frankly, it works. Cults work. Really effective cults build a perfect leader in the mind of its members.
The leader of Jehovah's Witnesses, their 'Faithful and Discreet Slave', the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, while understood to be made up of men who make mistakes, the point is moot, as they can say and teach whatever, and it forges and becomes the beliefs of the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses, made up of 7 million plus followers. The men who make up that body, for all intents and purposes are "perfect" for what matters most here, their (current) teachings, doctrines, and beliefs.
What the leaders of Jehovah's Witnesses teach, mostly through the Watchtower, becomes fact and unquestionable in the minds of the members; regardless of change and understanding. Such teachings and beliefs as: organ transplants, specific resurrections, superior authorities, rape, blood fractions/transfusions, voting, separating "sheep" and "goats", and the ever popular and ever changing, "this generation", along with others, have underwent changes, some being a complete 180 degree change in belief, which the majority of the members accept.
That is reason alone for why family and friends can carry out such inhumane directives as shunning as well as isolating associations and ties from the rest of humankind, while fortifying the bounds amongst themselves. It has taking place throughout the history of man and Jehovah's Witnesses are carrying on the tradition…The tradition of following a perfect leader.
Note the bottom of the first column continuing over to the second on page 27:
""The path of the righteous one is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established," states Proverbs 4:18. Yes, Jesus' leadership is progressive, not stagnant. Another way to cooperate with Christ's "brothers" is to have a positive attitude toward any refinements in our understanding of Scriptural truths as published by "the faithful and discreet slave."--Matt. 24:45
We also demonstrate our submission to Christ's "brothers" by cooperating with the appointed overseers in the Christian congregation. The apostle Paul said: "Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over your souls." (Heb. 13:17)"
The Watchtower Society in the above quoted section, helps to exemplify how one can cherry pick certain verses from the bible and place their own spin or interpretation for it to mean something more than what the context provides.
For decades now, the Watchtower Bible Tract Society has loved utilizing Proverbs 4:18 to help justify and explain away their false prophesies and flip-flops in doctrine. When an individual reads Proverbs chapter 4 in its entirety, it is plain to see it refers to a father giving advice to his son respecting life. There is no intent or greater fulfillment of a modern day publishing company's justification or explanation of their changing or correcting doctrine. However, the members of Jehovah's Witnesses by far and wide believe it to be so, thanks in part to the indoctrination they receive via the Watchtower.
So, with a supposed 'scriptural backing', the organization pushes further its agenda and brings Jesus into the picture. It has placed the believer in the fortified Watchtower led position of whatever the organization is currently directing is biblical. This is and has been often referred to by the organization and its members as 'current truth' or 'new light'. The extra twist is the perception that this 'current truth' is the direction of Jesus not men.
Nonetheless, the true motive and deliverance of point from the section comes with the final statement of the paragraph; which is to have a positive attitude to whatever the Watchtower says in its publications. They coat it with their typical twist on Matthew 24:45, where the organization interprets Jesus illustration of a faithful and discreet slave, equating to a business derived term of 'governing body', specifically the men who control and manage the beliefs and doctrines of the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses today.
What the organization fails to do and reasonably explain is how that one verse and one part of one of Jesus' illustrations and parables has a modern day fulfillment, while others do not. Who decides which ones and which parts have a modern day or 'greater' fulfillment, and which ones are just illustrations or parables with no additional meaning outside of a lesson being taught or a teaching point emphasized? The fact of the matter is that many of the Watchtower Society’s teachings and beliefs are based upon picking and choosing selective verses and deciding what, if any, modern day application they want to make of it.
Hysterically enough, it was just a few months ago in the September 15, 2010, Watchtower within the article "Your Leader Is One, The Christ", where the Society makes the fictitious claim that: "Jehovah's Witnesses recognize no human as their leader".
However, in the next paragraph from the May 15, 2011 article, a person demonstrates their submission by cooperating with those who oversee and lead Kingdom Halls of Jehovah's Witnesses, which Jehovah's Witnesses believe to be the "Christian congregation", followed up with quoting Hebrews 13:17 which mentions those who take the lead.
So let's summarize the spiritual truths and wholesome spiritual food Jehovah's Witnesses are being served here:
1. The Bible justifies and explains the Watchtower's flip-flops in doctrine, false teachings, including some at times, complete changes and understanding of belief for Jehovah's Witnesses.
2. The 'changes' by the Watchtower Society are just like Jesus' leadership, "progressive" [The Watchtower is never wrong or lied]. Further, if there were no 'changes' we would all be stagnant and not like Jesus.
3. Following Jesus includes not only following and obeying any direction given by the Watchtower Society and its leaders, but being positive about it as well.
4. One should be obedient, submissive, and cooperative to the organization.
The above are main points and intents of the article. Throwing Jesus around and into the mix is done to reinforce their alleged authority and right the organization has to practice and teach whatever it decides to the members. The Watchtower Society is enforcing both its power and control over the members, and quite frankly, it works. Cults work. Really effective cults build a perfect leader in the mind of its members.
The leader of Jehovah's Witnesses, their 'Faithful and Discreet Slave', the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, while understood to be made up of men who make mistakes, the point is moot, as they can say and teach whatever, and it forges and becomes the beliefs of the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses, made up of 7 million plus followers. The men who make up that body, for all intents and purposes are "perfect" for what matters most here, their (current) teachings, doctrines, and beliefs.
What the leaders of Jehovah's Witnesses teach, mostly through the Watchtower, becomes fact and unquestionable in the minds of the members; regardless of change and understanding. Such teachings and beliefs as: organ transplants, specific resurrections, superior authorities, rape, blood fractions/transfusions, voting, separating "sheep" and "goats", and the ever popular and ever changing, "this generation", along with others, have underwent changes, some being a complete 180 degree change in belief, which the majority of the members accept.
That is reason alone for why family and friends can carry out such inhumane directives as shunning as well as isolating associations and ties from the rest of humankind, while fortifying the bounds amongst themselves. It has taking place throughout the history of man and Jehovah's Witnesses are carrying on the tradition…The tradition of following a perfect leader.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Like The Demons
Recently, the Watchtower Society has in a not so subtle way attempt to indoctrinate Jehovah's Witnesses with the understanding of those who have either disassociated themselves or were disfellowshipped from their organization are like the demons. How did they do this?
The study article "Do You Hate Lawlessness?" starting on page 28 of the February 15, 2011, Watchtower magazine is the avenue used by the Society to channel this kind of thinking.
Focusing later in the article, specifically paragraph 16, the Watchtower Society paints a picture for the reader of a sister in the congregation whose son had "unrepentantly chose to practice lawlessness". The article continues in paragraphs 17 and 18 stating the following:
"What advice would you have given this sister? An elder helped her to realize that Jehovah understood the pain she felt. The brother invited her to think about the pain Jehovah must have experienced when some of his angelic sons rebelled. The elder reasoned with her that even though Jehovah knows how painful such a circumstance can be, he requires that unrepentant sinners be disfellowshipped. She took the reminders to heart and loyally upheld the disfellowshipping arrangement. Such loyalty makes Jehovah's heart glad.
If you face a similar situation, please remember that Jehovah sympathizes with you. By cutting off contact with the disfellowshipped or disassociated one, you are showing that you hate the attitudes and actions that led to that outcome. However, you are also showing that you love the wrongdoer enough to do what is best for him or her. Your loyalty to Jehovah may increase the likelihood that the disciplined one will repent and return to Jehovah."
There's a lot of twisted and subliminal messaging going on throughout these two paragraphs (to say the least about the entire article), but we're going to focus on a few key points.
Notice the use of the illustration of Jehovah's angelic sons who rebelled in paragraph 17. They are known to the members as being now called demons who follow and are led by Satan. The writer has planted the analogy of the "unrepentant sinner" to be the equivalent of the demons. The paragraph of course links an unrepentant sinner as one who was disfellowshipped from their organization.
Paragraph 17 tightens the grip of loyalty to the organization by admonishing the member to follow a so-called "disfellowshipping arrangement". Obedience to the leaders is furthered with the ingrained notion and implication that loyalty to the Watchtower Society's instructions and rules makes God's heart glad, ending the paragraph.
Nevertheless, the Watchtower Society is not through making their points and tightening their control. In the next paragraph, 18, they first play the emotional card with an empathetic "Jehovah sympathizes" remark. Then, they lay the heavy "cutting off contact" directive while bridging both a disfellowshipped individual as well as a disassociated person in the same sentence.
What "lawless" or "unrepentant" sin would a disassociated individual be guilty of? In many instances, that would be disagreeing with Watchtower Society leaders and/or interpretations. You cannot question or challenge their so-called 'faithful and discreet slave class'. They don't state that though; as the old saying goes, 'the devil is in the details'. Nonetheless, the harsh directive is followed up with further emotional manipulation that it is actually an act of love to cut off contact with a loved one.
Finally, the writer dangles a carrot at the end of paragraph 18. A notion is instilled to the member that if they follow all they've been told by the Watchtower Society - "loyalty to Jehovah" - it will likely increase the chance of a person coming back to the organization. The actuality of the statement is: If you behave according to our directives, you may find yourself in a situation where you can speak to your family again with the organization's (Or better believed by the member as being 'God's') approval.
Behavioral control and emotional manipulation with a twisted and sick thought control process respecting the instructions and interpretations of the Watchtower Society are what God desires and it demonstrates love. Does that make sense?
One of the main intents is to ensure membership and have information control that a current member will not discuss or receive anything in word or writing that may cause a Jehovah's Witness to think or take action against the Watchtower Society.
When you have an organization enforcing: Behavioral control, Information control, Thought control, and Emotional manipulation...you have the B.I.T.E. model, and you have a cult.
Cults love for you to believe their leaders are the only chosen ones, they have the only and true channel to God, and everyone else is evil, wicked, or of the devil. This is exemplified in the case of Jehovah's Witnesses, where disfellowshipped and disassociated persons from their organization are painted as being like the demons, and contact with them should be cut off.
The study article "Do You Hate Lawlessness?" starting on page 28 of the February 15, 2011, Watchtower magazine is the avenue used by the Society to channel this kind of thinking.
Focusing later in the article, specifically paragraph 16, the Watchtower Society paints a picture for the reader of a sister in the congregation whose son had "unrepentantly chose to practice lawlessness". The article continues in paragraphs 17 and 18 stating the following:
"What advice would you have given this sister? An elder helped her to realize that Jehovah understood the pain she felt. The brother invited her to think about the pain Jehovah must have experienced when some of his angelic sons rebelled. The elder reasoned with her that even though Jehovah knows how painful such a circumstance can be, he requires that unrepentant sinners be disfellowshipped. She took the reminders to heart and loyally upheld the disfellowshipping arrangement. Such loyalty makes Jehovah's heart glad.
If you face a similar situation, please remember that Jehovah sympathizes with you. By cutting off contact with the disfellowshipped or disassociated one, you are showing that you hate the attitudes and actions that led to that outcome. However, you are also showing that you love the wrongdoer enough to do what is best for him or her. Your loyalty to Jehovah may increase the likelihood that the disciplined one will repent and return to Jehovah."
There's a lot of twisted and subliminal messaging going on throughout these two paragraphs (to say the least about the entire article), but we're going to focus on a few key points.
Notice the use of the illustration of Jehovah's angelic sons who rebelled in paragraph 17. They are known to the members as being now called demons who follow and are led by Satan. The writer has planted the analogy of the "unrepentant sinner" to be the equivalent of the demons. The paragraph of course links an unrepentant sinner as one who was disfellowshipped from their organization.
Paragraph 17 tightens the grip of loyalty to the organization by admonishing the member to follow a so-called "disfellowshipping arrangement". Obedience to the leaders is furthered with the ingrained notion and implication that loyalty to the Watchtower Society's instructions and rules makes God's heart glad, ending the paragraph.
Nevertheless, the Watchtower Society is not through making their points and tightening their control. In the next paragraph, 18, they first play the emotional card with an empathetic "Jehovah sympathizes" remark. Then, they lay the heavy "cutting off contact" directive while bridging both a disfellowshipped individual as well as a disassociated person in the same sentence.
What "lawless" or "unrepentant" sin would a disassociated individual be guilty of? In many instances, that would be disagreeing with Watchtower Society leaders and/or interpretations. You cannot question or challenge their so-called 'faithful and discreet slave class'. They don't state that though; as the old saying goes, 'the devil is in the details'. Nonetheless, the harsh directive is followed up with further emotional manipulation that it is actually an act of love to cut off contact with a loved one.
Finally, the writer dangles a carrot at the end of paragraph 18. A notion is instilled to the member that if they follow all they've been told by the Watchtower Society - "loyalty to Jehovah" - it will likely increase the chance of a person coming back to the organization. The actuality of the statement is: If you behave according to our directives, you may find yourself in a situation where you can speak to your family again with the organization's (Or better believed by the member as being 'God's') approval.
Behavioral control and emotional manipulation with a twisted and sick thought control process respecting the instructions and interpretations of the Watchtower Society are what God desires and it demonstrates love. Does that make sense?
One of the main intents is to ensure membership and have information control that a current member will not discuss or receive anything in word or writing that may cause a Jehovah's Witness to think or take action against the Watchtower Society.
When you have an organization enforcing: Behavioral control, Information control, Thought control, and Emotional manipulation...you have the B.I.T.E. model, and you have a cult.
Cults love for you to believe their leaders are the only chosen ones, they have the only and true channel to God, and everyone else is evil, wicked, or of the devil. This is exemplified in the case of Jehovah's Witnesses, where disfellowshipped and disassociated persons from their organization are painted as being like the demons, and contact with them should be cut off.
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