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.
Friday, March 25, 2011
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.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The ONLY Religion Teaching The Truth
The statement that ONLY Jehovah's Witnesses are teaching the truth is an extraordinary claim. Such a claim would require extraordinary evidence. I firmly believed that ONLY Jehovah's Witnesses are teaching the truth, and thus in general, only Jehovah's Witnesses would be saved at Armageddon. In my self-confidence, I had failed to consider sobering truths:
• There are over 10,000 religions in the world.
• When given a pen and paper, I could not identify the correct names of even 50 religions.
• I couldn't explain the complete belief system of any other religion in the world, other than Jehovah's Witnesses.
• For the thousands of religions of which I knew nothing about, not even it's name - how could I possibly classify that religion as false?
• The idea of a "one and only true religion" was suggested to me by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, not the Bible.
• Other groups that teach their religion is the only church which teaches "the truth" include the following: Mormons, Worldwide Church of God, Unification Church, and many others. Members of these other groups are taught to detest all other religions. Members are taught that all other religions are false, and under the control of Satan. These members are taught that God will only save their church.
• I was proclaiming other religions as promoters of lies and false prophecies, when in fact my own religion had likely promoted more false prophecies than any other church in the world. Every time a prophecy was created by Watchtower Society leaders, it was printed in millions of books, and Witnesses spent over a billion hours each year distributing these books and teaching these false prophecies.
• I believed that other religions were blood guilty for teaching lies and false doctrines. I had failed to consider how God views my religion, which had aggressively spread more false information than any other religion, insisting that people must accept it or else be destroyed by God.
• I was forbidden by the organization to read literature produced by any other religion. How could I ever accurately know what other religions taught? Many of the senior members who write the Watchtower magazine have been Jehovah's Witnesses their entire lives, thus they have never read other religious literature either. Therefore, there is no possible way that they can know the truth of whether other religions teach truth or lies.
• If other churches speak things that aren't true, I classified them as "Babylon the Great", false prophets, disgusting and blood guilty organizations, and deserving of God's wrath. When my religion spoke false prophecies and spread false information, I was supposed to consider it to be acceptable. It was simply "over eagerness" on the part of some brothers, or it was considered "old light".
Eventually, I had to admit that I was completely ignorant on the subject of religion. The only thing I knew about religion was information that I obtained from the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. And their stance was, and still is: "All other religions are false, and ours is the only true one". One thing that really helped me was when I discovered Deuteronomy 18: 21-22:
"And in case you should say in your heart: “How shall we know the word that Jehovah has not spoken?” When the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or come true, that is the word that Jehovah did not speak. With presumptuousness the prophet spoke it. You must not get frightened at him.’"
I was delighted to find out that all those false prophecies I had spread to others had NOTHING to do with God. I was simply promoting the literature of a large religious organization based in Brooklyn. If God was behind this religion, all the prophecies and predictions would have been fulfilled, exactly as predicted. If God was not behind it, then all the prophecies would fail.
What does the evidence show? All the prophecies have failed.
• There are over 10,000 religions in the world.
• When given a pen and paper, I could not identify the correct names of even 50 religions.
• I couldn't explain the complete belief system of any other religion in the world, other than Jehovah's Witnesses.
• For the thousands of religions of which I knew nothing about, not even it's name - how could I possibly classify that religion as false?
• The idea of a "one and only true religion" was suggested to me by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, not the Bible.
• Other groups that teach their religion is the only church which teaches "the truth" include the following: Mormons, Worldwide Church of God, Unification Church, and many others. Members of these other groups are taught to detest all other religions. Members are taught that all other religions are false, and under the control of Satan. These members are taught that God will only save their church.
• I was proclaiming other religions as promoters of lies and false prophecies, when in fact my own religion had likely promoted more false prophecies than any other church in the world. Every time a prophecy was created by Watchtower Society leaders, it was printed in millions of books, and Witnesses spent over a billion hours each year distributing these books and teaching these false prophecies.
• I believed that other religions were blood guilty for teaching lies and false doctrines. I had failed to consider how God views my religion, which had aggressively spread more false information than any other religion, insisting that people must accept it or else be destroyed by God.
• I was forbidden by the organization to read literature produced by any other religion. How could I ever accurately know what other religions taught? Many of the senior members who write the Watchtower magazine have been Jehovah's Witnesses their entire lives, thus they have never read other religious literature either. Therefore, there is no possible way that they can know the truth of whether other religions teach truth or lies.
• If other churches speak things that aren't true, I classified them as "Babylon the Great", false prophets, disgusting and blood guilty organizations, and deserving of God's wrath. When my religion spoke false prophecies and spread false information, I was supposed to consider it to be acceptable. It was simply "over eagerness" on the part of some brothers, or it was considered "old light".
Eventually, I had to admit that I was completely ignorant on the subject of religion. The only thing I knew about religion was information that I obtained from the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. And their stance was, and still is: "All other religions are false, and ours is the only true one". One thing that really helped me was when I discovered Deuteronomy 18: 21-22:
"And in case you should say in your heart: “How shall we know the word that Jehovah has not spoken?” When the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or come true, that is the word that Jehovah did not speak. With presumptuousness the prophet spoke it. You must not get frightened at him.’"
I was delighted to find out that all those false prophecies I had spread to others had NOTHING to do with God. I was simply promoting the literature of a large religious organization based in Brooklyn. If God was behind this religion, all the prophecies and predictions would have been fulfilled, exactly as predicted. If God was not behind it, then all the prophecies would fail.
What does the evidence show? All the prophecies have failed.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The Lead Lie
Jehovah's Witnesses were taught this past Sunday from the September 15, 2010, Watchtower study article found on pages 21-25, entitled, "Your Leader Is One, The Christ". Right out of the gate, paragraph 1 states:
"CHRISTENDOM’S churches have human leaders, such as the pope of Rome, the patriarchs and metropolitans of the Eastern Orthodox churches, and the heads of other religions. Jehovah’s Witnesses recognize no human as their leader. They are not disciples or followers of any man. This is in line with Jehovah’s prophetic utterance concerning his Son: “Look! As a witness to the national groups I have given him, as a leader and commander to the national groups.” (Isa. 55:4) The international congregation of anointed Christians and their “other sheep” companions want no leader other than the one Jehovah has given them. (John 10:16) They subscribe to Jesus’ statement: “Your Leader is one, the Christ.” —Matt. 23:10."
In typical Watchtower fashion, the organization bashes other religions while trying to convince the reader how different they are in the way they arrange and conduct themselves as a group. The claim that Jehovah's Witnesses recognize no human as their leader is at best a game of semantics, at worst a flat out lie.
The organization applies the following scriptures heavily:
Hebrews 13:7 - Remember those who are taking the lead among YOU, who have spoken the word of God to YOU, and as YOU contemplate how [their] conduct turns out imitate [their] faith.
Hebrews 13:17 - Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among YOU and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over YOUR souls as those who will render an account; that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to YOU.
Hebrews 13:24 - Give my greetings to all those who are taking the lead among YOU and to all the holy ones. Those in Italy send YOU their greetings.
The Watchtower Society utilizes its own interpretation and implementation of the above writings.
Below is the hierarchy and organizational structure/power found within the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses, starting with its top leaders down to the lowest title:
I. Governing Body
II. Traveling Overseers:
A. Zone/Branch Overseers
B. District Overseers
C. Circuit Overseers
D. City Overseers [Optional]
III. Congregations:
A. Elders
1. Coordinator of the Body of Elders (Previously called Presiding Overseer)
2. Service Overseer
3. Congregation Secretary
4. Other roles [I.E. Watchtower Conductor]
B. Ministerial Servants
C. Baptized Publishers
D. Unbaptized Publishers
E. Students
F. Associates
Note that the highest level a female within the organization can achieve is Baptized Publisher.
The chain of power and authority from least to greatest after that...
Ministerial Servant --> Elder --> [Optional] City Overseer --> Circuit Overseer --> District Overseer --> Zone/Branch Overseer --> Governing Body
...Can only be held by a male. Females do not hold such positions within the organization.
The emphasis and stress of leadership and being obedient to Jehovah's Witnesses human leaders is clear within even current Watchtower articles. For example:
Watchtower, January 15, 2008, page 26, paragraph 6:
"In a symbolic way, Christians with an earthly hope today walk behind the anointed slave class and its Governing Body, following their leadership."
Watchtower, May 15, 2008, page 29:
"The Head, Jesus Christ, supplies the body members with what is needed for good cooperation, coordination, and spiritual nourishment. (Eph. 4:15, 16; Col. 2:19) In such respects, the Governing Body is organized to take the lead as Jehovah directs them by holy spirit."
Watchtower, February 15, 2009, page 28, paragraph 17:
"The members of the Governing Body are experienced, spirit-anointed elders. They in particular can be described as “those who are taking the lead” among us. (Heb. 13:7)"
Watchtower, November 15, 2009, page 14, paragraph 5:
"We need to guard against developing a spirit of independence. By word or action, may we never challenge the channel of communication that Jehovah is using today. (Num. 16:1-3) On the contrary, we should cherish our privilege to cooperate with the slave class. And should we not strive to be obedient and submissive to those taking the lead in our local congregation?"
As for Jesus Christ, the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses states the majority of the members do not even have Jesus as their mediator:
"Likewise, the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ, is not the Mediator between Jehovah God and all mankind. He is the Mediator between his heavenly Father, Jehovah God, and the nation of spiritual Israel, which is limited to only 144,000 members.”
Straight from the Watchtower Society, Governing Body endorsed, publication studied and taught by Jehovah's Witnesses, "Worldwide Security Under the Prince of Peace". The above teaching came directly from page 10, paragraph 16.
Make no mistake about it, Jehovah's Witnesses have plenty of human leaders. Their publications can try to indoctrinate otherwise and play with semantics, but they are encouraging a game of lies and hypocrisy.
"CHRISTENDOM’S churches have human leaders, such as the pope of Rome, the patriarchs and metropolitans of the Eastern Orthodox churches, and the heads of other religions. Jehovah’s Witnesses recognize no human as their leader. They are not disciples or followers of any man. This is in line with Jehovah’s prophetic utterance concerning his Son: “Look! As a witness to the national groups I have given him, as a leader and commander to the national groups.” (Isa. 55:4) The international congregation of anointed Christians and their “other sheep” companions want no leader other than the one Jehovah has given them. (John 10:16) They subscribe to Jesus’ statement: “Your Leader is one, the Christ.” —Matt. 23:10."
In typical Watchtower fashion, the organization bashes other religions while trying to convince the reader how different they are in the way they arrange and conduct themselves as a group. The claim that Jehovah's Witnesses recognize no human as their leader is at best a game of semantics, at worst a flat out lie.
The organization applies the following scriptures heavily:
Hebrews 13:7 - Remember those who are taking the lead among YOU, who have spoken the word of God to YOU, and as YOU contemplate how [their] conduct turns out imitate [their] faith.
Hebrews 13:17 - Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among YOU and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over YOUR souls as those who will render an account; that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to YOU.
Hebrews 13:24 - Give my greetings to all those who are taking the lead among YOU and to all the holy ones. Those in Italy send YOU their greetings.
The Watchtower Society utilizes its own interpretation and implementation of the above writings.
Below is the hierarchy and organizational structure/power found within the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses, starting with its top leaders down to the lowest title:
I. Governing Body
II. Traveling Overseers:
A. Zone/Branch Overseers
B. District Overseers
C. Circuit Overseers
D. City Overseers [Optional]
III. Congregations:
A. Elders
1. Coordinator of the Body of Elders (Previously called Presiding Overseer)
2. Service Overseer
3. Congregation Secretary
4. Other roles [I.E. Watchtower Conductor]
B. Ministerial Servants
C. Baptized Publishers
D. Unbaptized Publishers
E. Students
F. Associates
Note that the highest level a female within the organization can achieve is Baptized Publisher.
The chain of power and authority from least to greatest after that...
Ministerial Servant --> Elder --> [Optional] City Overseer --> Circuit Overseer --> District Overseer --> Zone/Branch Overseer --> Governing Body
...Can only be held by a male. Females do not hold such positions within the organization.
The emphasis and stress of leadership and being obedient to Jehovah's Witnesses human leaders is clear within even current Watchtower articles. For example:
Watchtower, January 15, 2008, page 26, paragraph 6:
"In a symbolic way, Christians with an earthly hope today walk behind the anointed slave class and its Governing Body, following their leadership."
Watchtower, May 15, 2008, page 29:
"The Head, Jesus Christ, supplies the body members with what is needed for good cooperation, coordination, and spiritual nourishment. (Eph. 4:15, 16; Col. 2:19) In such respects, the Governing Body is organized to take the lead as Jehovah directs them by holy spirit."
Watchtower, February 15, 2009, page 28, paragraph 17:
"The members of the Governing Body are experienced, spirit-anointed elders. They in particular can be described as “those who are taking the lead” among us. (Heb. 13:7)"
Watchtower, November 15, 2009, page 14, paragraph 5:
"We need to guard against developing a spirit of independence. By word or action, may we never challenge the channel of communication that Jehovah is using today. (Num. 16:1-3) On the contrary, we should cherish our privilege to cooperate with the slave class. And should we not strive to be obedient and submissive to those taking the lead in our local congregation?"
As for Jesus Christ, the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses states the majority of the members do not even have Jesus as their mediator:
"Likewise, the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ, is not the Mediator between Jehovah God and all mankind. He is the Mediator between his heavenly Father, Jehovah God, and the nation of spiritual Israel, which is limited to only 144,000 members.”
Straight from the Watchtower Society, Governing Body endorsed, publication studied and taught by Jehovah's Witnesses, "Worldwide Security Under the Prince of Peace". The above teaching came directly from page 10, paragraph 16.
Make no mistake about it, Jehovah's Witnesses have plenty of human leaders. Their publications can try to indoctrinate otherwise and play with semantics, but they are encouraging a game of lies and hypocrisy.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sins of the Elders
The new elder's manual, Shepherd the Flock of God, provided by the Watchtower Society, makes a few disturbing statements in just a couple of paragraphs. Notice what is highlighted on page 38, paragraphs 19 and 20, respecting the past sins of an elder:
Paragraph 19 states:
"If it comes to light or an appointed brother confesses that he has committed a disfellowshipping offense years in the past: The body of elders may determine he can continue to serve if the following is true: The immorality or other serious wrongdoing occurred more than a few years ago, and he is genuinely repentant, recognizing that he should have come forward immediately when he sinned. (Perhaps he has even confesses to his sin, seeking help with his guilty conscience.) He has been serving faithfully for many years, has evidence of God's blessing, and has the respect of the congregation."
So if an elder has a serious sin, one worthy of being disfellowshipped and does not mention it, waits some years, and then confesses; the congregation will never be the wiser, as long as the other elder's believe that elder is sincere in his relatively recent display of repentance and regret. It will be like the sin never occurred and the man would remain an elder over Jehovah's Witnesses. He can continue to serve as an elder - No consequences are experienced.
Surely, they must draw a line at something as detestable as child abuse, no? Paragraph 20 informs:
"If the sin occurred before he was appointed as an elder or a ministerial servant, the elders will need to take into consideration the fact that he should have mentioned this possible impediment to his being qualified when elders interviewed him just prior to announcing his appointment. Moreover, the nature of the sin may reflect greatly on his qualifications to serve. For example, the sin may involve past child abuse, and this would likely disqualify him for many years."
According to the organization, and the directives elder's are provided, a gross sin, one worthy of disfellowshipping, only serves as a possible impediment for the man to be appointed. In fact, the Watchtower Society states that even if it involved past child abuse it would only likely disqualify a man. It may reflect greatly on his qualifications to serve.
In fully understanding the consequence of this 'spiritual direction', let's paint a scenario.
A child abuser has been 'appointed' to an elder and has been one for many years. Finally, he comes forward and states he used to abuse children. The admonition is that he would likely be disqualified but not definitely as an elder; the same applies for any so-called brothers reaching out for ministerial servant or wanting to become an elder. Although abusing children in the past, but stating he has not done so for many years; that individual is not definitely disqualified or will never serve, only likely.
How would you like that individual to remain an elder? What if that elder is going door to door or whatever else with your child, brother, sister, niece, nephew, or any other family member? You'll never know, and there is nothing coming from the hierarchy of the organization stopping it. The so-called ‘appointment’ and keeping that man in such a position was made by a bunch of local men, who believe they are being guided by holy spirit with the nonsense spewed from the Watch Tower Bible Tract Society.
So keep that sin a secret, brothers! Wait several years, and in the meantime do works that prove how repentant you are and build a sterling reputation. Convince the congregation you are a fine character and an asset to the congregation. This will show "evidence" of "God's blessing" and you will likely be absolved of any consequence of that sin...Even past child abuse is possibly permissible...
Sickening to think the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses claims to be the only true religion composed of the only true Christians. It's more like a place where a devious and sneaky man's dream can come true. If you're a male, you just have to play the game.
Paragraph 19 states:
"If it comes to light or an appointed brother confesses that he has committed a disfellowshipping offense years in the past: The body of elders may determine he can continue to serve if the following is true: The immorality or other serious wrongdoing occurred more than a few years ago, and he is genuinely repentant, recognizing that he should have come forward immediately when he sinned. (Perhaps he has even confesses to his sin, seeking help with his guilty conscience.) He has been serving faithfully for many years, has evidence of God's blessing, and has the respect of the congregation."
So if an elder has a serious sin, one worthy of being disfellowshipped and does not mention it, waits some years, and then confesses; the congregation will never be the wiser, as long as the other elder's believe that elder is sincere in his relatively recent display of repentance and regret. It will be like the sin never occurred and the man would remain an elder over Jehovah's Witnesses. He can continue to serve as an elder - No consequences are experienced.
Surely, they must draw a line at something as detestable as child abuse, no? Paragraph 20 informs:
"If the sin occurred before he was appointed as an elder or a ministerial servant, the elders will need to take into consideration the fact that he should have mentioned this possible impediment to his being qualified when elders interviewed him just prior to announcing his appointment. Moreover, the nature of the sin may reflect greatly on his qualifications to serve. For example, the sin may involve past child abuse, and this would likely disqualify him for many years."
According to the organization, and the directives elder's are provided, a gross sin, one worthy of disfellowshipping, only serves as a possible impediment for the man to be appointed. In fact, the Watchtower Society states that even if it involved past child abuse it would only likely disqualify a man. It may reflect greatly on his qualifications to serve.
In fully understanding the consequence of this 'spiritual direction', let's paint a scenario.
A child abuser has been 'appointed' to an elder and has been one for many years. Finally, he comes forward and states he used to abuse children. The admonition is that he would likely be disqualified but not definitely as an elder; the same applies for any so-called brothers reaching out for ministerial servant or wanting to become an elder. Although abusing children in the past, but stating he has not done so for many years; that individual is not definitely disqualified or will never serve, only likely.
How would you like that individual to remain an elder? What if that elder is going door to door or whatever else with your child, brother, sister, niece, nephew, or any other family member? You'll never know, and there is nothing coming from the hierarchy of the organization stopping it. The so-called ‘appointment’ and keeping that man in such a position was made by a bunch of local men, who believe they are being guided by holy spirit with the nonsense spewed from the Watch Tower Bible Tract Society.
So keep that sin a secret, brothers! Wait several years, and in the meantime do works that prove how repentant you are and build a sterling reputation. Convince the congregation you are a fine character and an asset to the congregation. This will show "evidence" of "God's blessing" and you will likely be absolved of any consequence of that sin...Even past child abuse is possibly permissible...
Sickening to think the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses claims to be the only true religion composed of the only true Christians. It's more like a place where a devious and sneaky man's dream can come true. If you're a male, you just have to play the game.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Sisters and Shepherding
The newly released 'Elder's only' manual 'Shepherding the Flock of God', has been followed up with a letter addressed to the Body of Elders, dated October 7, 2010. It highlights the respective view of women by the organization's leaders.
The letter states regarding having the book spiral bound:
"There is no objection if an elder personally spiral binds or laminates his own textbook or does so for elders. If he has another baptized brother who is not an elder do the work for him, the elder must watch while the work is being done. Outside companies, unbelievers, or sisters are not permitted to do this work. The material in the book is confidential, and confidentiality must be preserved."
So, if a member is a baptized male of the organization, it's permitted for the individual to do the work of spiral binding the book. However, if it is a baptized female she is not allowed to do so. Sisters - inclusive of all women who make up Jehovah's Witnesses - are classified with "outside companies" and "unbelievers" when it comes to trust and confidentiality according to the leaders of the organization.
Jehovah's Witnesses leaders, the good old boys of Bethel, whether it's Brooklyn or Patterson, lay the law once again.
Is it no surprise the organization stated that females who were raped are guilty of fornication if they did not yell or scream out while being attacked? See the Watchtower from January 15, 1964, page 64; and the Awake! from March 8, 1974, page 14.
For added insult to the organization’s “sisters”, the February 22, 1984 Awake! magazine admonishes women to treat their rapist respectfully.
This is not good and wholesome spiritual food that Jehovah’s Witnesses are fed, but sickening, twisted and demoralizing instructions...Especially so, if you are a female and one of the organization's so-called "sisters".
The letter states regarding having the book spiral bound:
"There is no objection if an elder personally spiral binds or laminates his own textbook or does so for elders. If he has another baptized brother who is not an elder do the work for him, the elder must watch while the work is being done. Outside companies, unbelievers, or sisters are not permitted to do this work. The material in the book is confidential, and confidentiality must be preserved."
So, if a member is a baptized male of the organization, it's permitted for the individual to do the work of spiral binding the book. However, if it is a baptized female she is not allowed to do so. Sisters - inclusive of all women who make up Jehovah's Witnesses - are classified with "outside companies" and "unbelievers" when it comes to trust and confidentiality according to the leaders of the organization.
Jehovah's Witnesses leaders, the good old boys of Bethel, whether it's Brooklyn or Patterson, lay the law once again.
Is it no surprise the organization stated that females who were raped are guilty of fornication if they did not yell or scream out while being attacked? See the Watchtower from January 15, 1964, page 64; and the Awake! from March 8, 1974, page 14.
For added insult to the organization’s “sisters”, the February 22, 1984 Awake! magazine admonishes women to treat their rapist respectfully.
This is not good and wholesome spiritual food that Jehovah’s Witnesses are fed, but sickening, twisted and demoralizing instructions...Especially so, if you are a female and one of the organization's so-called "sisters".
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