BAPTISM:
Watchtower, April 15, 1987, page 13, paragraph 14:
"If one has ‘counted the cost,’ it places one at no disadvantage to make a dedication as a youth. With almost all new Christians, after baptism appreciation deepens. “Getting baptized as a youngster was a protection for me,” explained David. “As I got older, I noticed how some unbaptized teenagers in the congregation felt free of the authority of the elders and as a consequence veered into bad conduct. But I always remembered that I had dedicated my life to God. My life was already taken, so I could not follow such teenagers.”"
Watchtower, July 1, 2006, pages 29-30, paragraph 16:
"Numerous Witnesses around the world feel that their decision to get baptized when they were young helped them greatly. Take as an example a 23-year-old Witness in Western Europe. He recalls that getting baptized at the age of 13 motivated him to be careful not to be swept away by “the desires incidental to youth.” (2 Timothy 2:22) Early on, he set his sights on serving as a full-time minister. Today, he serves happily at a branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Rich blessings await all youths, including you, who choose to serve Jehovah."
Watchtower, June 14, 2011, page 6:
"A Christian mother writes: “Children who are baptized have more reasons to stay away from the bad things of the world. My son, baptized at 15, feels that baptism is a protection. ‘You don’t think about doing something contrary to Jehovah’s law,’ he said. Baptism is a strong motivation for righteousness.”
MARRIAGE:
Watchtower, February 15, 1999, page 5:
“It is very risky to get married too young,” says Nikki, who was 22 when she married. She cautions: “Your feelings, goals, and tastes will continue to change from the time you are in your late teens until you are in your mid-to-late 20’s.” Of course, readiness for marriage cannot be measured by age alone. Nevertheless, marrying when one is not past the youthful stage when sexual feelings are new and especially strong can distort one’s thinking and blind one to potential problems."
Watchtower, April 15, 2008, pages 17-18, paragraph 6:
"Are you young and still unmarried? If so, how should you regard the prospect of marriage? You can avoid much heartache if you wait until you are physically, mentally, and spiritually ready for marriage before you start a romantic relationship with a Christian of the opposite sex. Of course, the Scriptures do not stipulate an age for marriage. However, the Bible does show that you do well to wait until you are past that time in life when sexual feelings are very strong. (1 Cor. 7:36) Why? Because strong sexual impulses can distort good judgment and cause you to make unwise decisions that may result in heartache later."
Watchtower, January 15, 2011, pages 19-20, paragraph 11:
"Although most young people would like to marry eventually, there are good reasons not to rush into marriage. Paul encourages youths to wait at least until they are past “the bloom of youth,” when sexual desires are most powerful. (1 Cor. 7:36) It takes time to understand yourself and acquire the experience in life that is needed to choose a suitable mate. Making a marriage vow is a serious decision, one that should last for life."
According to the Watchtower Society the Jehovah's Witnesses are instilled with a notion that baptism even at a very young age - Teens and even younger - is fine and encouraged, yet marriage at such a young age or even somewhat older (20's) is discouraged.
However, should there not be a correlation between the seriousness of marriage and the maturity needed and that of being baptized?
Well, what example do we have to reflect upon? Should any examples or experiences suffice? Who would be the prime example for anyone stating they are Christian?
Jesus - who all Christians should be striving to imitate as closely as possible - was baptized at the tender age of...
30 years old!
Luke 3:21-23:
"Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized and, as he was praying, the heaven was opened up and the holy spirit in bodily shape like a dove came down upon him, and a voice came out of heaven: “You are my Son, the beloved; I have approved you.” Furthermore, Jesus himself, when he commenced [his work], was about thirty years old"
As any Jehovah's Witness should know, their baptism is even more serious and binding than marriage and devotion to their spouse. Should not the same admonition of not rushing and waiting until one is older and physically, mentally, and spiritually ready, until making such a serious dedication apply? Again, look to the example of Jesus Christ according to the Bible.
From their own literature they relate how 22 years old can be too young for marriage. Is 22 years old (or even younger), not too young for baptism, then?
Why *really* does the Watchtower Society want members to baptize at such an early age? It undisputedly goes against the prime example of Jesus. Something 'less serious' as marriage is discouraged by the organization even into early-to-mid 20's.
Could the Jehovah's Witnesses practice of shunning have influence over this position by the Watchtower Society? How about stronger indoctrination, or fear and guilt? Think about it.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Friday, June 15, 2012
Child Abuse
Recently, the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses managed by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has been found liable in a child abuse case.
What led to this is heavily based on instructions they provide in their own handbooks to the leaders (elders), which they place in charge of the congregation. The following is taken directly from “Shepherd The Flock Of God”, chapter 12 paragraph 18:
"You should immediately call the branch office for direction if you learn of an accusation of child abuse, regardless of the age of the victim now or at the time of the alleged abuse, even if it occurred before the alleged perpetrator’s baptism. The branch office will then give direction based on the circumstances involved in each situation."
Elders are directed: not to call police promptly, not to report the crime through proper legal channels as soon as possible, but to immediately call the branch office.
Consequently, this means the Watchtower Society is in full knowledge of abuse events reported and responsible for the instructions provided to their local representatives (Elders), inclusive of when the directions are to not alert the authorities that a member is molesting children.
The chain of events respecting this recent case is as follows:
-A child had previously come forward to Elders and said she was molested by a member. The matter was kept private and sealed with no action taken because there was no second witness present for that specific abuse (Per Watchtower policy).
-Another child comes forward to Elders and says she was molested by the same member; this is the second child to come forward against the accused. Yet, the Elders (Leader representatives picked by the Watchtower Society) allowed the person to remain in "good standing" before the congregation.
-The pedophile has since changed congregations, and a third child and her parents are unaware of the prior abuses as Elders instructed by the Watchtower Society's Legal Department were directed to not reveal or report anything to the authorities or anyone else. This third child ultimately became a victim to the same person and was sexually molested.
-Finally, after years have passed, the accused member was caught by authorities as being a child molester. The third child abused is the one who pressed forward, first in trying to get the Watchtower Society to change its policy, and when that failed, pursued legal action against them.
As a result of negligence by the Watchtower Society’s picked representatives (Elders), children were molested by the same member without action being taken to stop the pedophile. Furthermore, the Watchtower Society itself did nothing to report the instances to authorities.
When you know that someone is engaging in flagrant illegal activity that is causing harm to others, and you do nothing about it, you could be named as a conspirator. The conspirator here found guilty is the Watchtower Bible Tract Society.
From this one cover up alone, several children were forever scarred. This incident is not an exception either, please do the research.
Protecting the organization and assets of the Watchtower Society always comes first and abused children take no priority over it. Legally, it is wrong. More so, this moral and conscientious stance is disgusting and reprehensible.
Notice this last piece of directions on the matter from the Watchtower Society taken from page 72, paragraph 39 of the same previously mentioned publication:
"If the accused denies the accusation, the investigating elders should try to arrange a meeting with him and the accuser together. (Note: If the accusation involves child sexual abuse and the victim is currently a minor, the elders should contact the branch office before arranging a meeting with the child and the alleged abuser.) If the accuser or the accused is unwilling to meet with the elders or if the accused continues to deny the accusation of a single witness and the wrongdoing is not established, the elders will leave matters in Jehovah's hands."
You read that correctly: Elders will try to bring the abused child and the one who molested them together for a meeting, but if that doesn't work out, or the molester refuses to meet or he just needs to deny the accusation, then "leave matters in Jehovah's hands".
After all there was only one witness present (The child abused) and no one can confirm the abuse took place (As if expecting a 'real' pedophile to molest children in front of other people). This is the actual policies of Jehovah's Witnesses as enforced by the Watchtower Bible Tract Society.
The entire arrangement is utterly and completely wrong and not from a supposedly loving God or a 'one true organization' serving him. Protect the organization - That is *the* chief directive and concern. Child abuse can and will continue to thrive under such conditions and attitudes among Jehovah's Witnesses.
What led to this is heavily based on instructions they provide in their own handbooks to the leaders (elders), which they place in charge of the congregation. The following is taken directly from “Shepherd The Flock Of God”, chapter 12 paragraph 18:
"You should immediately call the branch office for direction if you learn of an accusation of child abuse, regardless of the age of the victim now or at the time of the alleged abuse, even if it occurred before the alleged perpetrator’s baptism. The branch office will then give direction based on the circumstances involved in each situation."
Elders are directed: not to call police promptly, not to report the crime through proper legal channels as soon as possible, but to immediately call the branch office.
Consequently, this means the Watchtower Society is in full knowledge of abuse events reported and responsible for the instructions provided to their local representatives (Elders), inclusive of when the directions are to not alert the authorities that a member is molesting children.
The chain of events respecting this recent case is as follows:
-A child had previously come forward to Elders and said she was molested by a member. The matter was kept private and sealed with no action taken because there was no second witness present for that specific abuse (Per Watchtower policy).
-Another child comes forward to Elders and says she was molested by the same member; this is the second child to come forward against the accused. Yet, the Elders (Leader representatives picked by the Watchtower Society) allowed the person to remain in "good standing" before the congregation.
-The pedophile has since changed congregations, and a third child and her parents are unaware of the prior abuses as Elders instructed by the Watchtower Society's Legal Department were directed to not reveal or report anything to the authorities or anyone else. This third child ultimately became a victim to the same person and was sexually molested.
-Finally, after years have passed, the accused member was caught by authorities as being a child molester. The third child abused is the one who pressed forward, first in trying to get the Watchtower Society to change its policy, and when that failed, pursued legal action against them.
As a result of negligence by the Watchtower Society’s picked representatives (Elders), children were molested by the same member without action being taken to stop the pedophile. Furthermore, the Watchtower Society itself did nothing to report the instances to authorities.
When you know that someone is engaging in flagrant illegal activity that is causing harm to others, and you do nothing about it, you could be named as a conspirator. The conspirator here found guilty is the Watchtower Bible Tract Society.
From this one cover up alone, several children were forever scarred. This incident is not an exception either, please do the research.
Protecting the organization and assets of the Watchtower Society always comes first and abused children take no priority over it. Legally, it is wrong. More so, this moral and conscientious stance is disgusting and reprehensible.
Notice this last piece of directions on the matter from the Watchtower Society taken from page 72, paragraph 39 of the same previously mentioned publication:
"If the accused denies the accusation, the investigating elders should try to arrange a meeting with him and the accuser together. (Note: If the accusation involves child sexual abuse and the victim is currently a minor, the elders should contact the branch office before arranging a meeting with the child and the alleged abuser.) If the accuser or the accused is unwilling to meet with the elders or if the accused continues to deny the accusation of a single witness and the wrongdoing is not established, the elders will leave matters in Jehovah's hands."
You read that correctly: Elders will try to bring the abused child and the one who molested them together for a meeting, but if that doesn't work out, or the molester refuses to meet or he just needs to deny the accusation, then "leave matters in Jehovah's hands".
After all there was only one witness present (The child abused) and no one can confirm the abuse took place (As if expecting a 'real' pedophile to molest children in front of other people). This is the actual policies of Jehovah's Witnesses as enforced by the Watchtower Bible Tract Society.
The entire arrangement is utterly and completely wrong and not from a supposedly loving God or a 'one true organization' serving him. Protect the organization - That is *the* chief directive and concern. Child abuse can and will continue to thrive under such conditions and attitudes among Jehovah's Witnesses.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Revelation Trumpet Blasts
According to 'Revelation - Its Grand Climax At Hand', published by The Watchtower and Bible Tract Society, from the 2006 revision of the original 1988 published book, studied and believed to be "the truth" by Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide, angelic trumpet blasts and their prophetic significance is as follows:
Revelation 8:7
1st Angel Trumpet blown = September 10, 1922 convention in Cedar Point, Ohio.
[Page 134, paragraph 18]
Revelation 8:8, 9
2nd Angel Trumpet blown = August 18-26, 1923 convention in Los Angeles, California.
[Page 134, paragraph 22]
Revelation 8:10, 11
3rd Angel Trumpet blown = July 20-27, 1924 convention in Columbus, Ohio.
[Page 137, paragraph 33]
Revelation 8:12
4th Angel Trumpet blown = August 29, 1925 convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.
[Page 140, paragraph 39]
Revelation 9:1
5th Angel Trumpet blown = September 1-8, 1919 convention in Cedar Point, Ohio.
[Page 143, paragraph 5]
Additionally, led to emphasis of some judgments which brought "first woe" during May 25-31, 1926 convention in London, England.
[Page 147, paragraph 18]
Revelation 9:13, 14
6th Angel Trumpet blown = 1919 release from bondage.
[Page 149, paragraph 4]
Additionally, led to emphasis of some resolutions which brought "second woe" during July 24, 1927 convention in Ontario, Canada.
[Page 149, paragraph 5]
Revelation 11:15
7th Angel Trumpet blown = 1914 when Jehovah enthrones Jesus.
[Page 171, paragraph 2]
Additionally, led to "third woe" highlights at July 30 - August 6, 1928 convention in Detroit, Michigan.
[Page 172, paragraph 5]
Conclusively then, if the above is "the truth", it appears Jesus and John got their angelic trumpeting sequence of events out of order towards the end of the blasts. Nonetheless, it all aligned to advertise some conventions of a group of bible students who would later take on the name of "Jehovah's Witnesses".
The name of those bible students was picked by the second president of the company, J.F. Rutherford, who believed and preached the prophets of old would rise from the grave in 1925 and live in a mansion he had built for them. Meanwhile, he lived in that mansion - calling it Beth Sarim, located in San Diego, California. Furthermore, he purchased a big fancy automobile to drive the prophets around in after they rose from the dead, but used it for himself in the meantime.
Think about it. Supposedly, prophetic trumpet blasts written about thousands of years ago in which is arguably the most sacred and highly revered book of all time by many - The Holy Bible - were blown out of order by angels, but ultimately performed to announce convention events of a publishing company whose president and spiritual leader was involved with and preached about what is mentioned in the previous paragraph.
This is official doctrine, teaching, and beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Revelation 8:7
1st Angel Trumpet blown = September 10, 1922 convention in Cedar Point, Ohio.
[Page 134, paragraph 18]
Revelation 8:8, 9
2nd Angel Trumpet blown = August 18-26, 1923 convention in Los Angeles, California.
[Page 134, paragraph 22]
Revelation 8:10, 11
3rd Angel Trumpet blown = July 20-27, 1924 convention in Columbus, Ohio.
[Page 137, paragraph 33]
Revelation 8:12
4th Angel Trumpet blown = August 29, 1925 convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.
[Page 140, paragraph 39]
Revelation 9:1
5th Angel Trumpet blown = September 1-8, 1919 convention in Cedar Point, Ohio.
[Page 143, paragraph 5]
Additionally, led to emphasis of some judgments which brought "first woe" during May 25-31, 1926 convention in London, England.
[Page 147, paragraph 18]
Revelation 9:13, 14
6th Angel Trumpet blown = 1919 release from bondage.
[Page 149, paragraph 4]
Additionally, led to emphasis of some resolutions which brought "second woe" during July 24, 1927 convention in Ontario, Canada.
[Page 149, paragraph 5]
Revelation 11:15
7th Angel Trumpet blown = 1914 when Jehovah enthrones Jesus.
[Page 171, paragraph 2]
Additionally, led to "third woe" highlights at July 30 - August 6, 1928 convention in Detroit, Michigan.
[Page 172, paragraph 5]
Conclusively then, if the above is "the truth", it appears Jesus and John got their angelic trumpeting sequence of events out of order towards the end of the blasts. Nonetheless, it all aligned to advertise some conventions of a group of bible students who would later take on the name of "Jehovah's Witnesses".
The name of those bible students was picked by the second president of the company, J.F. Rutherford, who believed and preached the prophets of old would rise from the grave in 1925 and live in a mansion he had built for them. Meanwhile, he lived in that mansion - calling it Beth Sarim, located in San Diego, California. Furthermore, he purchased a big fancy automobile to drive the prophets around in after they rose from the dead, but used it for himself in the meantime.
Think about it. Supposedly, prophetic trumpet blasts written about thousands of years ago in which is arguably the most sacred and highly revered book of all time by many - The Holy Bible - were blown out of order by angels, but ultimately performed to announce convention events of a publishing company whose president and spiritual leader was involved with and preached about what is mentioned in the previous paragraph.
This is official doctrine, teaching, and beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Warwick Certainty
The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses know for a certainty that God:
-Does not want you to have even the slightest communication with ex-members, regardless if they are family [Watchtower, April 15, 2012, page 12].
-Gives individuals no salvation or true joy outside their organization [Watchtower, September 15, 1993, page 22].
-Discourages and rather you not pursue a college education [Kingdom Ministry, October 2011].
-Did not provide Jesus Christ as a mediator for all mankind [Worldwide Security Under the 'Prince of Peace', page 10, paragraph 16].
-Wants people, including children and babies to not receive life-saving blood transfusions [Watchtower, June 15, 2000, pages 29-31].
However, the Governing Body admits:
Here is a glance of it:
The above lush, brand-new headquarters housing the Governing Body, the World Headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses, the 'capital' so to speak of the Watchtower Bible Tract Society, will be built and lived upon. The Watchtower Society will proceed, despite not being certain of Jehovah's will and spend millions upon millions of dollars.
Remember, they are certain: You should shun your family, not go to college, but pursue whatever 'spiritual' goals they set in their organization, refuse blood transfusions, Jesus is not your mediator, and there is no true joy or salvation for you outside their organization.
Nevertheless, what of the Great Tribulation? Armageddon is right around the corner, is it not? The Governing Body has an answer to that. Again, Governing Body member Guy Pierce states in the same referenced journal:
Not certain of Jehovah's will for the headquarters of the supposedly only true organization serving him, and having plans interrupted by the Great Tribulation. This comes from Jehovah's only channel of communication that provides the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" [Watchtower, October 1, 1994, page 8]. Does that make sense?
Meanwhile, the 7 million plus members, admonished not to go to college, don't look to improve your life unless in harmony with what the Watchtower Society approves, just serve the organization and obey what they tell you. The Governing Body has everything covered and planned for you, even more so for them.
-Does not want you to have even the slightest communication with ex-members, regardless if they are family [Watchtower, April 15, 2012, page 12].
-Gives individuals no salvation or true joy outside their organization [Watchtower, September 15, 1993, page 22].
-Discourages and rather you not pursue a college education [Kingdom Ministry, October 2011].
-Did not provide Jesus Christ as a mediator for all mankind [Worldwide Security Under the 'Prince of Peace', page 10, paragraph 16].
-Wants people, including children and babies to not receive life-saving blood transfusions [Watchtower, June 15, 2000, pages 29-31].
However, the Governing Body admits:
"Although we are not yet certain of Jehovah’s will regarding Warwick...We are proceeding to develop the site with the intention of relocating the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses there."
[Governing Body member, Guy H. Pierce - Watchtower, August 15, 2012, page 17].
Here is a glance of it:
Remember, they are certain: You should shun your family, not go to college, but pursue whatever 'spiritual' goals they set in their organization, refuse blood transfusions, Jesus is not your mediator, and there is no true joy or salvation for you outside their organization.
Nevertheless, what of the Great Tribulation? Armageddon is right around the corner, is it not? The Governing Body has an answer to that. Again, Governing Body member Guy Pierce states in the same referenced journal:
"If the great tribulation interrupts our plans, that will be wonderful, absolutely wonderful!"
Not certain of Jehovah's will for the headquarters of the supposedly only true organization serving him, and having plans interrupted by the Great Tribulation. This comes from Jehovah's only channel of communication that provides the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" [Watchtower, October 1, 1994, page 8]. Does that make sense?
Meanwhile, the 7 million plus members, admonished not to go to college, don't look to improve your life unless in harmony with what the Watchtower Society approves, just serve the organization and obey what they tell you. The Governing Body has everything covered and planned for you, even more so for them.
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.
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