Lynn
Back in November ALL JW received an internal Memo called the "Kingdom Ministry" yes Doris has a copy smile
It dealt with the "PROPER VIEW OF THE INTERNET"
In all my years as a JW I have never seen an Internal Memo this long- one that had 36 paragraphs- most are 10-15 paragraphs only
This one is the longest on record
When you have a religion that tells it's ADULT members what to do with their Time and Internet is truly a high control group
The WT is involved in ever aspect of the life of a JW
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USE OF THE INTERNET - BE ALERT TO THE DANGERS
1. Jehovah's people enjoy wholesome association with one another.
They enjoy sharing experiences from the field ministry and
appreciate hearing about events that occur in connection with
Jehovah's Witnesses and the Kingdom work around the globe. They like
to be informed about anything outstanding that may happen to our
brothers, such as a crisis or a natural disaster, and they want to
know if there is something they can do to help. Such interest shows
the unity of the brotherhood, proving that we do indeed love one
another. -John 13: 34,35;
2. Today, we hear about world events quickly. Radio and television
broadcasts give live coverage of events in full detail to audiences
all over the globe. The telephone also makes it possible to
communicate immediately with people around the world. In
communications a recent phenomenon that is taking the world by storm
is the Internet. -See Awake! July 22, 1997.
3. The invention of the telephone opened the way to fast personal
communication world-wide. Although the telephone is very useful,
caution is needed in the way it is employed, as it can be a tool for
improper association or activities, and overuse of the telephone can
be expensive. Television and radio have potential in the field of
education. Sadly, though, much of the programming is morally
corrupt, and attention to it is a waste of time. Wisdom dictates
that we be very selective in the use of television and radio.
4. The Internet enables one to communicate inexpensively with
millions of others throughout the world, and it opens the door to
vast amounts of information. (Awake! Jan 8, 1998) The indiscriminate
use of the Internet, however, can expose a person to great spiritual
danger and moral dangers. How is this so?
5. Many are concerned about readily available information that shows
how to build weapons, including bombs. Industry complains about the
amount of time workers waste using the internet. Much has been
stated in our publications about the obvious spiritual dangers
encountered on the Internet. Numerous Web Sites present violent and
pornographic material that is entirely unsuitable for Christians.
(Ps 119: 37) In addition to these dangers, there is a more insidious
danger that Jehovah's Witnesses in particular need to be on guard
against. What is this danger?
6. Would you invite a stranger into your home without first finding
out who he is? What if there was no way to find out? Would you allow
such a stranger to be alone with your children? This is an
indisputable possibility on the Internet.
7. Electronic mail can be sent to and received from people you do not
know. The same is true when you converse electronically in a forum
or in a chat room. Participants may at times claim to be Jehovah's
Witnesses, but often they are not. Someone may claim to a youth when
he or she is not. Or a person may even falsely claim to be of a
certain gender.
8. Information passed on to you may come in the form of experiences
or comments about our beliefs. This information is passed on to
others who, in turn pass it on to still others. The information is
generally not verifiable and may be untrue. The comments may be a
cover for spreading apostate reasoning. -2 Thess 2: 1-3;
9. With this danger in mind, if you use the Internet, ask yourself:
'What do I use it for? Is there a possibility that I could be harmed
spiritually by how I am using it? Could I be contributing to the
spiritual injury of others?
Lynn-- Now after going over all the formalities in the 9 paragraphs above ----they now focus on the entire purpose of this Internal MEMO to discourage JW from setting up or reading ANY SITES THAT DEAL WITH JW , but only to use the Official "Watchtower.org"
site
10. WEB SITES OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES: Consider, for example, some
Internet sites set up by individuals who claim to be Jehovah's
Witnesses. They invite you to visit their web sites to read
experiences posted by others who claim to be Witnesses. You are
encouraged to share you thoughts and views about the Society's
literature. Some give recommendations about presentations that could
be used in the field ministry. These site offer chat rooms for
individuals to connect to, allowing live communication with others,
similar to talking on the telephone. They often point you to other
sites where you can have online association with Jehovah's
Witnesses around the world. But can you tell for certain that these
contacts have not been planted by apostates?
11. Having association via the Internet may not be consistent with
the recommendation found at Eph 5: 15-17. The apostle Paul wrote:
Keep strict watch that how YOU walk is not as unwise but as wise
[persons], buying out the opportune time for yourselves, because
the days are wicked. On this account cease becoming unreasonable,
but go on perceiving what the will of Jehovah is."
12. The Christian congregation is the theocratic means through which
we are fed spiritually by "the faithful and discreet slave"
(Matt 24: 45-47) Within God's organization, we find direction and
protection to keep us separate from the world as well as motivation
to keep busy in the work of the Lord. (1 Cor 15: 58) The Psalmist
indicated that he experienced joy and a feeling of security among
God's congregated people. (Ps 27: 4,5; Ps 55: 14; Ps 122: 1) The
congregation also provides spiritual support and assistance for
those associated with it. Therein, you can find a group of loving,
concerned, and caring friends - people you personally know they are
ready and willing to help and comfort others in time of distress.
(2 Cor 7: 5-7) Congregation members are protected by the Scriptural
provision for disfellowshipping those who sin unrepentantly or who
promote apostate thinking. ( 1 Cor 5: 9-13; Titus 3: 10,11) Can we
expect to find these same loving arrangements when associating with
others via the Internet?
13. It has become apparent that the opposite is true. Some Web sites
are clearly vehicles for apostate propaganda. (Ahem, H20) Such Web sites
may
claim otherwise, and those who sponsor a site may give a detailed
explanation to affirm that they truly are Jehovah's Witnesses. They
may even request information from you in order to verify 'you' are
one of Jehovah's Witnesses.
14. Jehovah wants to to exercise discernment. Why? Because he knows
that it will safeguard you from various dangers. Pr 2: 10-19
opens by saying: "When wisdom enters into your heart and knowledge
itself becomes pleasant to your very soul, thinking ability itself
will keep guard over you, discernment itself will safeguard you from
what? From such things as "the bad way" those leaving upright paths,
and people who are immoral and devious in their general course.
15. When we go to the Kingdom Hall, there is no question that we are
with our brothers. We know them. No one requires authentication of
this because the brotherly love manifested make it obvious. We are
not personally required to provide credentials to prove that we are
one of Jehovah's Witnesses. It is here that we find true interchange
of encouragement that Paul spoke about at Heb 10: 24,25; Web sites
that encourage on-line association cannot be depended on to provide
this. Having in mind the words of Ps 26: 4,5; can alert us to
dangers that could easily be encountered when using Web sites on the
Internet.
16. There are no limits or checks on the kind of information that is
maintained by and accessible to Internet users. Often, children and
teenagers are easy targets of crime and exploitation in this
environment. Children are trusting, curious, and anxious to explore
the relatively new world of cyberspace. Parents therefore need to
supervise their children and give them sound Scriptural guidance
about using the Internet, just as they would guide them in their
choice of music or movies. 1 Cor 15: 33.
17. Sadly, some who were once our brothers and sisters have had to be
disfellowshipped because of association that started be meeting
worldly individuals in chat rooms on the Internet and eventually led
to immorality. In shocked disbelief, elders have written that some
actually left their husbands or wives to pursue a relationship that
began on the Internet. (2 Tim 3: 6) Other individual have disowned
the truth because of believing information provided by apostates.
(1 Tim 4: 1,2;) Given these very serious dangers, does it not seem
reasonable to be cautious about becoming involved in chat sessions
on the Internet? Certainly, exercising the wisdom, knowledge,
thinking ability, and discernment spoken of at Pr 2: 10-10 should
safeguard us in this.
18. Noticeably, there have been a number of individuals who have
created Web sites ostensibly to preach the good news. Many of these
sites are sponsored by indiscrete brothers. Other sites may be
sponsored by apostates who wish to lure unsuspecting ones.
(2 John 9-11) Commenting on whether there is a need for our brothers
to creates such Web sites, "Our Kingdom Ministry" November 1997,
page 3, stated: "There is no need for any individual to prepare
Internet pages about Jehovah's Witnesses, our activities, or our
beliefs. Our official site (www.watchtower.org) presents accurate
information for any who want it"
19. STUDY AIDS via the INTERNET? Some have felt they are rendering a
service to the brothers by posting researched information in
connection with various theocratic activities. For example, a person
may do research based on a public talk outline and then post this,
thinking that such information will benefit those who need to
prepare the same outline. Others will post all the Scriptures for an
upcoming Watchtower study or provide source material for the
Theocratic Ministry School or the Congregation Book study. Some may
offer suggestions for field ministry presentations. Are such really
helpful?
20. The publications provided by Jehovah's organization stimulate our minds with up-building thoughts and train us "to distinguish both
right and wrong" (Heb 5: 14) Can we say that this is achieved if
others do our research for us?
21. The Beroeans were spoken of as "more noble-minded than those in
Thessalonica" Why? Because "they received the word with the greatest
eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to
whether these things where so" (Acts 17: 11) Although Paul and Silas
preached to them, they could not make the truth their own without
becoming personally involved.
22. Using another person's research for a talk or for other meeting
preparation really defeats the purpose of personal study. Is it not
your desire to build up your own personal faith in God's Word? Based
on personal conviction, you can then make public expression of your
faith-in your talks, in comments at the meetings, and in the field
ministry. (Rom 10: 10) Using another person's research does not fit
the description given at Pr 2: 4,5; to personally "keep seeking and
searching for the very knowledge of God as for his treasures".
23. For example, when looking up scriptures in your own copy of the
Bible, you can briefly review the context of each scripture. You can
"trace all things with accuracy" as did Luke when he wrote his
Gospel. (Luke 1: 3) The extra effort will also help you to be
skillful in looking up scriptures in the ministry and when giving
talks. Many have stated that they are impressed with Jehovah's
Witnesses because they know how to use their Bibles. The only way
that this can apply to us is if we make it a practice personally to
look up scriptures in our own Bibles.
Lynn one of the most important guilt tripping tricks the wt uses is to make it's members feel that they are WASTING THEIR TIME if they are engaging in anything not related to doing WT work- meeting, field service, reading their books, etc. notice how they play this trick on jw
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24. USING OUR TIME WISELY: Another consideration in this regard has
to do with the amount of time spent creating, reading, and
responding to information posted on the Internet. Ps 90: 12,
encourages us to pray: "Show us just how to count our days in such a
way that we may bring a heart of wisdom in" Paul stated: "The time
left is reduced" (1 Cor 7: 29) And further: "Really, then, as long
as we have time favourable for it, let us work what is good toward
all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith"
Gal 6: 10;
25. Such counsel highlights the need for us to be judicious in the
use of our time. How much more profitable it is to spend time
reading God's Word! (Ps 1: 1,2;) That is the best association we can
have. (2 Tim 3: 16,17) Parents, are you teaching your children the
value of using their time wisely in Kingdom pursuits? (Ecc 12: 1)
Time spent in personal and family Bible study, meeting attendance,
and field ministry far outweighs time spent browsing the Internet,
expecting to gain benefits.
26. In this regard, it is the course of wisdom to focus our attention
on spiritual matters and on those things relevant and essential to
our lives as Christians. This calls for the making of well-
considered choices respecting the information that merits our time
and thoughts. As Christians, that which is relevant to our lives is
summed up by Christ, who said: "Keep on, then, seeking first the
kingdom and his righteousness, and all these [other] things will be
added to YOU." (Matt 6: 33) Are you not happiest when your life is
filled with Kingdom pursuits rather than any other activity?
27 INTERNET E-MAIL: Although sharing personal experiences or thoughts
among family members or friends who live far apart is appropriate,
is it really loving to pass these on to others who may not know your
family or friends? Or should these be posted on a Web page for just
anyone to read? Are these personal messages to be copied and sent
indiscriminately to people whom you may or may not know? Likewise,
if you receive from others that were clearly not intended for you,
is it loving to pass them on to still to others?
28. What if the experience you pass on is not accurate? Would this
not be sharing in perpetuating an untruth? (Pr 12: 19; Pr 21: 28;
Pr 30: 8; Col 3: 9) Certainly, keeping strict watch that how[we]
walk is not as unwise but as wise persons" would move us to consider
this. (Eph 5: 15) How happy we are that the 'Yearbook' the
Watchtower' and Awake! are filled with verifiable experiences that
encourage us and motivate us to keep walking in "the way"!
Isa 30: 20,21;
29. There is also another danger: The apostle Paul said concerning
some: "They also learn to be unoccupied, gadding about to the
houses; yes, not only unoccupied, but also gossipers and meddlers in
other people affairs talking of things they ought not" (1 Tim 5: 13)
This agues against spending time and effort passing on frivolous
information to our brothers.
30. Think, too, of the amount of time that it takes to keep up with a
large quantity of E-Mail. Interestingly, the book Data Smog
stated: "As one spends more and more time online, e-mail quickly
changes from being a stimulating novelty to a time-consuming burden
with dozens of messages to read and answer every day from
colleagues, friends, family, ... and unsolicited sales pitches"
Further, it states: "Many electronic glutizens have picked up the
very bad habit of forwarding every entertaining nugget they receive
jokes, urban myths, electronic chain letters, and more - to everyone
on their electronic address book".
31. This has been evident in the E-mail circulated among many of the
brothers - such items as jokes or humorous stories on our beliefs;
illustrations from various talks heard at assemblies, conventions,
or at the Kingdom Hall; experiences from the field ministry; and so
forth - things that seem innocent enough. Most routinely forward
such E-mail without checking the source, making it difficult to know
who really is the originator, which ought to make one wonder if the
information is really true. Pr 22: 20,21;
32. Such often - frivolous messages are not the kind of healthful
words that Paul had in mind when he wrote to Timothy, saying: "Keep
holding 'the pattern of healthful words' that you heard from me with
the faith and love that are in connection with Christ Jesus"
(2 Tim 1: 13) The "pure language" of Scriptural truth has "the
pattern of healthful words" based mainly on the Bible's theme of the
vindication of Jehovah's Sovereignty by means of the Kingdom.
(Zeph 3: 9) We should make every effort to devote all our available
time and energy to support this vindication of Jehovah's
Sovereignty.
33. Since we are deep in the time of the end of this system of
things, this is not time to let our guard down. The Bible warns us
"Keep YOUR senses, be watchful. YOUR adversary, the Devil, walks
about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour [someone]". (1 Pet 5: 8)
It further states: "Put on the complete suit of armor from God that
YOU may be able to stand firm against the machinations of the Devil;
(Eph 6 11
34. If misused, the Internet can be a means by which Satan
overreaches those who are seduced by its power. Although it may have limited usefulness, there is danger if it is not viewed with
caution. Parents especially need to be concerned about their
children's use of the Internet.
35. Keeping a balanced view of the Internet is a protection. We
appreciate the timely reminder by Paul: Let .. those making use of
the world [be] as those not using it to the full; for the scene of
the world is changing" (1 Cor 7: 29-31) Having these things in mind
will help keep us and our families from becoming distracted by all
the world has to offer, including what is available on the Internet.
36. It is imperative that we stay close to our brothers in the
congregation and use the remaining time wisely, thus making
ourselves available for the advancing Kingdom interests. As this
system nears its finish, let us "no longer go on walking just as the
nations also walk in the unprofitableness of their minds" but let us
"go on perceiving what the will of Jehovah is" Eph 4: 17; Eph 5: 17;
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