Whether you believe Jehovah’s Witnesses are God’s chosen people, the only ‘true’ Christians, just another religion, a high level control group, or a cult, the fact is conscientiously or not, the practices and methods of Jehovah’s Witnesses incorporate usage of the BITE model found and employed within high level control groups and cults.
The BITE model describes various controls over human behavior, information, thought and emotion.
In a series of postings to this blog, eight points will be briefly highlighted – one per post - concerning errant beliefs in respects to cult and high level control group involvement.
POINT ONE: "Why Should I Do Anything? He Says He's Happy!"
Many people say this regarding not helping a loved one escape a cult. Members of the Heaven's Gate cult each made videotaped farewell statements that explained why they had decided to leave their vehicles-i.e., their bodies- and commit suicide. All of them claimed that they were exercising their own free will, and that they were happy to die.
It is unwise to accept at face value a cult member's words that he is happy. In a cult, happiness is often redefined as sacrifice or suffering. Happiness in Heaven's Gate was overcoming individuality and human nature and suicide was redefined as advancing to the next level. Ingesting fatal pills with applesauce and vodka, and placing plastic bags over their heads was seen as a necessary stage of the metamorphosis. The cult identity was happy to die. But, this cult identity was deliberately concocted to suit someone else’s aims. It does not represent the whole individual. You might tell those who are taken in by the cult identity to look behind the smiling mask. When the member says he is happy, the cult self is doing what it has been taught to do.
Source: Chapter 5 - "Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs" by Steven Hassan.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Friday, August 17, 2012
Missing Meetings at the Kingdom Hall
Very often the Watchtower Society along with convinced supportive Elders, Ministerial Servants, Pioneers, and even the ‘average’ publisher cites Hebrews 10:24, 25 for reason as to why members of the organization need to be at the Watchtower Society’s weekly arranged meetings. Quoting from that scripture – direct from The New World Translation – it states:
"And let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as YOU behold the day drawing near."
The verses are extremely familiar to many Jehovah’s Witnesses. What may not be as familiar is the actual meaning and intent.
If one was to do the research, including understanding the context of the verses, it has nothing to do with formal meetings of worship.
What the verses are relaying is Paul’s encouragement to Jewish Christians who were still very zealous for and still felt the need to follow the Old Covenant. They consequently were withdrawing socially from other Christians who came to the realization that they were not under such Law. Paul is simply admonishing adherers of the Old Covenant not to avoid such social gatherings because doing so would result in “forsaking the gathering of ourselves together”.
Conclusively then, the verses are absolutely void of any proof text to support attending and being a part of the Watchtower Society's formal organized sessions of instruction and indoctrination, including their weekly meetings, along with conventions and assemblies of Jehovah's Witnesses.
If anything, the verses are indirectly suggesting something Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught through the Watchtower to be strongly against and avoid; that is to fellowship with Christians who do not believe the same as they do.
"And let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as YOU behold the day drawing near."
The verses are extremely familiar to many Jehovah’s Witnesses. What may not be as familiar is the actual meaning and intent.
If one was to do the research, including understanding the context of the verses, it has nothing to do with formal meetings of worship.
What the verses are relaying is Paul’s encouragement to Jewish Christians who were still very zealous for and still felt the need to follow the Old Covenant. They consequently were withdrawing socially from other Christians who came to the realization that they were not under such Law. Paul is simply admonishing adherers of the Old Covenant not to avoid such social gatherings because doing so would result in “forsaking the gathering of ourselves together”.
Conclusively then, the verses are absolutely void of any proof text to support attending and being a part of the Watchtower Society's formal organized sessions of instruction and indoctrination, including their weekly meetings, along with conventions and assemblies of Jehovah's Witnesses.
If anything, the verses are indirectly suggesting something Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught through the Watchtower to be strongly against and avoid; that is to fellowship with Christians who do not believe the same as they do.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Daniel Flip-Flop Belief
This past Sunday at conventions and Kingdom Halls, Jehovah's Witnesses were instructed through the June 15, 2012, Watchtower. Interestingly, the Watchtower Society went back to an old favorite regarding the statue described in the Bible book of Daniel. Here is what the Watchtower stated as "truth" on page 14, paragraph 11:
"When describing the image, Daniel does not mention the number of toes. Therefore, the number seems no more significant than the fact that the image had multiple arms, hands, fingers, legs, and feet."
So the toes of the statue have no significance or at least that is what Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to believe now. Historically, they have been told:
Watchtower, May 15, 1959, page 313:
"The number ten being a Biblical number symbolizing earthly completeness, the ten toes picture all such coexisting powers and governments."
Watchtower, June 15, 1978, page 13 "Human Governments Crushed by God’s Kingdom":
"There does not appear to be any prophetic significance to the image’s having ten toes. This is a natural human feature, just as the image has two arms, two legs, and so forth."
Watchtower, July 1, 1985 page 31 "Questions From Readers":
"Various views have been expressed about the ten “toes.” But since “ten” is often used in the Bible to signify completeness as to things on earth, the ten “toes” appear logically to represent the entire global system of rulership at the culmination of the days"
To summarize, "ten toes" have:
1959 - Meaning
1978 - No Meaning
1985 - Meaning
2012 - No Meaning
That's clear flip-flopping direction, instruction, and Bible truths coming from the only true organization that God is using to direct His people. Too bad, it seems we have another example of God being confused, because it couldn't possible mean the Watchtower Society running and controlling Jehovah's Witnesses doctrine and teachings just makes this stuff up or haphazardly guesses.
"When describing the image, Daniel does not mention the number of toes. Therefore, the number seems no more significant than the fact that the image had multiple arms, hands, fingers, legs, and feet."
So the toes of the statue have no significance or at least that is what Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to believe now. Historically, they have been told:
Watchtower, May 15, 1959, page 313:
"The number ten being a Biblical number symbolizing earthly completeness, the ten toes picture all such coexisting powers and governments."
Watchtower, June 15, 1978, page 13 "Human Governments Crushed by God’s Kingdom":
"There does not appear to be any prophetic significance to the image’s having ten toes. This is a natural human feature, just as the image has two arms, two legs, and so forth."
Watchtower, July 1, 1985 page 31 "Questions From Readers":
"Various views have been expressed about the ten “toes.” But since “ten” is often used in the Bible to signify completeness as to things on earth, the ten “toes” appear logically to represent the entire global system of rulership at the culmination of the days"
To summarize, "ten toes" have:
1959 - Meaning
1978 - No Meaning
1985 - Meaning
2012 - No Meaning
That's clear flip-flopping direction, instruction, and Bible truths coming from the only true organization that God is using to direct His people. Too bad, it seems we have another example of God being confused, because it couldn't possible mean the Watchtower Society running and controlling Jehovah's Witnesses doctrine and teachings just makes this stuff up or haphazardly guesses.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Past Focus
At times what a Jehovah's Witness may state when facts about the organization's past are brought to the forefront include:
"You are so focused on the past that you can't see the blessings in front of your eyes."
Without even approaching or deconstructing "the blessings" aspect, there are major issues with the reasonableness of such a claim or others similar to it.
The entire religion constantly refers to the past in both the Watchtower Study and as examples for them. What the comment is really implying is to stop looking at a specific issue or better yet, anything negative about the organization from the past.
So how far back should we look? What are the start and end points of where reflection in the past about the organization is appropriate? Which things do we include or leave out?
Would not an honest look and objective view include their entire past and all things both pro and con Jehovah's Witnesses?
Additionally, ask how that comment is not applicable to any other religious organization. Cannot any member of any religion make the same exact statement? It does not make that religion any better or 'truer' than another.
It is selective attention to the past or-and living in an Orwellian world. If trying to reason with an individual with a selective past focus, you are going to have a hard (and probably wasted) time doing so.
In fact, it may be better to keep in mind this biblical directive in reference to such an attitude and mindset:
Matthew 7:6
"Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls before swine..."
"You are so focused on the past that you can't see the blessings in front of your eyes."
Without even approaching or deconstructing "the blessings" aspect, there are major issues with the reasonableness of such a claim or others similar to it.
The entire religion constantly refers to the past in both the Watchtower Study and as examples for them. What the comment is really implying is to stop looking at a specific issue or better yet, anything negative about the organization from the past.
So how far back should we look? What are the start and end points of where reflection in the past about the organization is appropriate? Which things do we include or leave out?
Would not an honest look and objective view include their entire past and all things both pro and con Jehovah's Witnesses?
Additionally, ask how that comment is not applicable to any other religious organization. Cannot any member of any religion make the same exact statement? It does not make that religion any better or 'truer' than another.
It is selective attention to the past or-and living in an Orwellian world. If trying to reason with an individual with a selective past focus, you are going to have a hard (and probably wasted) time doing so.
In fact, it may be better to keep in mind this biblical directive in reference to such an attitude and mindset:
Matthew 7:6
"Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls before swine..."
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Baptism And Marriage
BAPTISM:
Watchtower, April 15, 1987, page 13, paragraph 14:
"If one has ‘counted the cost,’ it places one at no disadvantage to make a dedication as a youth. With almost all new Christians, after baptism appreciation deepens. “Getting baptized as a youngster was a protection for me,” explained David. “As I got older, I noticed how some unbaptized teenagers in the congregation felt free of the authority of the elders and as a consequence veered into bad conduct. But I always remembered that I had dedicated my life to God. My life was already taken, so I could not follow such teenagers.”"
Watchtower, July 1, 2006, pages 29-30, paragraph 16:
"Numerous Witnesses around the world feel that their decision to get baptized when they were young helped them greatly. Take as an example a 23-year-old Witness in Western Europe. He recalls that getting baptized at the age of 13 motivated him to be careful not to be swept away by “the desires incidental to youth.” (2 Timothy 2:22) Early on, he set his sights on serving as a full-time minister. Today, he serves happily at a branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Rich blessings await all youths, including you, who choose to serve Jehovah."
Watchtower, June 14, 2011, page 6:
"A Christian mother writes: “Children who are baptized have more reasons to stay away from the bad things of the world. My son, baptized at 15, feels that baptism is a protection. ‘You don’t think about doing something contrary to Jehovah’s law,’ he said. Baptism is a strong motivation for righteousness.”
MARRIAGE:
Watchtower, February 15, 1999, page 5:
“It is very risky to get married too young,” says Nikki, who was 22 when she married. She cautions: “Your feelings, goals, and tastes will continue to change from the time you are in your late teens until you are in your mid-to-late 20’s.” Of course, readiness for marriage cannot be measured by age alone. Nevertheless, marrying when one is not past the youthful stage when sexual feelings are new and especially strong can distort one’s thinking and blind one to potential problems."
Watchtower, April 15, 2008, pages 17-18, paragraph 6:
"Are you young and still unmarried? If so, how should you regard the prospect of marriage? You can avoid much heartache if you wait until you are physically, mentally, and spiritually ready for marriage before you start a romantic relationship with a Christian of the opposite sex. Of course, the Scriptures do not stipulate an age for marriage. However, the Bible does show that you do well to wait until you are past that time in life when sexual feelings are very strong. (1 Cor. 7:36) Why? Because strong sexual impulses can distort good judgment and cause you to make unwise decisions that may result in heartache later."
Watchtower, January 15, 2011, pages 19-20, paragraph 11:
"Although most young people would like to marry eventually, there are good reasons not to rush into marriage. Paul encourages youths to wait at least until they are past “the bloom of youth,” when sexual desires are most powerful. (1 Cor. 7:36) It takes time to understand yourself and acquire the experience in life that is needed to choose a suitable mate. Making a marriage vow is a serious decision, one that should last for life."
According to the Watchtower Society the Jehovah's Witnesses are instilled with a notion that baptism even at a very young age - Teens and even younger - is fine and encouraged, yet marriage at such a young age or even somewhat older (20's) is discouraged.
However, should there not be a correlation between the seriousness of marriage and the maturity needed and that of being baptized?
Well, what example do we have to reflect upon? Should any examples or experiences suffice? Who would be the prime example for anyone stating they are Christian?
Jesus - who all Christians should be striving to imitate as closely as possible - was baptized at the tender age of...
30 years old!
Luke 3:21-23:
"Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized and, as he was praying, the heaven was opened up and the holy spirit in bodily shape like a dove came down upon him, and a voice came out of heaven: “You are my Son, the beloved; I have approved you.” Furthermore, Jesus himself, when he commenced [his work], was about thirty years old"
As any Jehovah's Witness should know, their baptism is even more serious and binding than marriage and devotion to their spouse. Should not the same admonition of not rushing and waiting until one is older and physically, mentally, and spiritually ready, until making such a serious dedication apply? Again, look to the example of Jesus Christ according to the Bible.
From their own literature they relate how 22 years old can be too young for marriage. Is 22 years old (or even younger), not too young for baptism, then?
Why *really* does the Watchtower Society want members to baptize at such an early age? It undisputedly goes against the prime example of Jesus. Something 'less serious' as marriage is discouraged by the organization even into early-to-mid 20's.
Could the Jehovah's Witnesses practice of shunning have influence over this position by the Watchtower Society? How about stronger indoctrination, or fear and guilt? Think about it.
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.
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.
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