Latest WT study article - preparation for upcoming new light?

by truth_about_the_truth 43 Replies latest watchtower bible

TheListener

Silentwatcher, I have to disagree with you on this one. I don't believe the generation change was introduced at the conventions. They may have discussed following Jehovah's chariot and keeping up with the organization but the specific generation change came out in 11/95 WT. It was a big enough deal that bethelites were calling their congregations before the congregations even received their copies.
I suppose if someone had a late enough DC and a bethelite was speaking he could have stated this in one of his talks to be a big shot, but I'm really sure it wasn't part of the planned regular program.
When this article was received everyone was stunned. That is except for some who didn't understand the import of the material.
lucky

Maybe my convention got "lucky" and had a bethelite speaker jumping the gun, but I can clearly remember the talk at the convention announcing the generation change. It was a life changing moment for me (see my previous post in this thread). I can remember exactly where I was sitting in the stadium and that my heart started beating a mile a minute. And I remember that my mom called me after the convention (I lived in a different state) to talk about it with me, because I had mentioned years previously that it was a big issue for me, so there must have been something along those lines at her convention, too.
blondie

I tend to think that the concept did not come out until the WT. I remember how many long-time JWs were stunned by the change in the WT (the others were brain-dead and didn't realize anything had changed). I don't think the article would have the same impact if it had been discussed in the summer convention. I can remember people calling up people and asking them if they had read the WT yet on it.......
I checked the comments after the convention about it and I can't find any mention of it being in the convention talks.
Blondie
blondie

They Assembled as Joyful Praisers
JEHOVAH GOD’S ancient people were commanded to "become nothing but joyful" when they assembled for worship. (Deuteronomy 16:15) The "Joyful Praisers" District Conventions of 1995/96 surely have given Jehovah’s Witnesses good reasons for joy.
Since this series of conventions began, they have built faith. They have also showed how to find joy in a joyless world. Let us consider the convention one day at a time.
‘Praise
Jehovah, You People . . . Be Joyful!’
The above theme of the convention’s first day was based on Psalm 149:1, 2. The discourse "We Have Reason to Cry Out for Joy" examined the application of the prophecy in Isaiah chapter 35. It had a fulfillment in ancient Israel and especially in our day with the restoration of worshipers of Jehovah to prosperity and health in a spiritual paradise. Thus, the conventioners had reason to cry out for joy over what God has purposed for his people in a spiritual paradise and in the forthcoming physical Paradise so near at hand.
The keynote address, "Set Apart as Joyful Praisers Worldwide," answered the question: What sets us apart from this world? It is our united worship of Jehovah. No matter where Jehovah’s Witnesses live on this earth, they speak and teach in agreement. They rejoice, too, in Jehovah’s grand purpose to sanctify his holy name and to vindicate his sovereignty by means of his Kingdom. How, though, does Jehovah help us to have a place in his purpose? He has entrusted us with the truth of his holy Word. God has given us his holy spirit. He has blessed us with a worldwide brotherhood and an arrangement for pure worship. Our international family helps us to serve Jehovah with great joy of heart.
"Keeping Separate and Without Spot From the World" emphasized the need to avoid the spots of partiality and class distinctions. (James 2:5-9) Some may socialize only with those of a similar background or financial status, neglecting fellow Christians who are poor or disadvantaged. Others may tend to favor those who have positions of responsibility in the congregation. They forget that the greatest privilege anyone can have is that of being a Witness of Jehovah. Therefore, we must not allow worldly tendencies to spot us and to disrupt the peace of the congregation.—2 Peter 3:14.
The talk "Am I Prepared to Get Married?" pointed out that many enter marriage hastily. Some get married to escape a difficult situation at home or because their peers are marrying. However, valid reasons for marriage include a mutual desire to pursue theocratic goals, genuine love, a need for companionship and security, and the desire to raise children. Spiritual training is essential in preparation for marriage. Among other things, there is a need to build desirable qualities by putting on the new personality. It is also wise to ascertain whether a prospective mate gives evidence of having a real relationship with Jehovah and deals respectfully with others. Seeking counsel from mature Christians is also wise.—Proverbs 11:14.
This enlightening discussion was followed by one entitled "Parents Who Find Pleasure in Their Children." The birth of a child is usually a time of great rejoicing. However, bearing children also brings great responsibility. (Psalm 127:3) Thus, it is important that children be taught to love Jehovah. Parents can do this by regularly speaking about Jehovah to their children and by applying the principles of his Word in the family.
Day one of the convention ended with a surprise—the release of the new brochure Jehovah’s Witnesses and Education. It clearly explains that Witnesses "encourage their youngsters to work hard and to take seriously the tasks assigned to them at school." This publication also explains the remarkable results of the literacy classes Jehovah’s Witnesses have conducted for many years in Nigeria, Mexico, and other countries. The brochure should help educators to see that we attach great importance to education.
"Always
Offer to God a Sacrifice of Praise"
The foregoing theme of day two was based on Hebrews 13:15. The morning program presented a symposium on "Answering the Call to Praise Jehovah." Age is no barrier to answering this call. Psalm 148:12, 13 urges young men, virgins, old men, and boys to praise Jehovah. Many of Jehovah’s joyful servants have been able to increase their praise. Worldwide, more than 600,000 share in the full-time preaching activity, or pioneer service. More than 15,000 engage in special pioneer work, and upwards of 15,000 are in Bethel service.
"Serving Loyally With Jehovah’s Organization" was a talk that showed that loyalty is vital for God’s servants. To be loyal to Jehovah means to stick to him with devotion so strong that it acts like a powerful adhesive. Loyalty requires that we avoid deliberately violating Bible commands, whether others see us or not. It also requires that we loyally uphold the Bible teachings found in the Watchtower and Awake! magazines as well as all other spiritual food provided by the Watch Tower Society. This talk was followed by the baptism discourse. What joy there was when baptismal candidates gave evidence of their dedication to Jehovah!
The words of Hosea 4:1-3 set the pattern for the afternoon talk "Virtue or Vice—Which Do You Pursue?" Although the world’s view of virtue has deteriorated, Christians must put forth "earnest effort" to pursue moral excellence. (2 Peter 1:5) This begins with how a person thinks. If his thoughts are virtuous, he will speak clean, wholesome, and upbuilding words and will strive to be honest in his dealings with others. Pursuing virtue also involves striving to be understanding and compassionate toward a fellow Christian who is suffering from distress or depression.—1 Thessalonians 5:14.
Another talk, "Guard Against Snares of the Devil," warned Christians against exposing themselves to demonic influences. In the field of treatment for sickness, Christians need to be watchful of techniques, such as hypnotism, that savor of the occult. Otherwise, what individuals do to take care of their physical health is a personal matter.
The second day ended with a joyous surprise—the release of a new pocket-sized publication designed to help honesthearted persons progress quickly to dedication and baptism. This new 192-page book is entitled Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. The Knowledge book presents the truth in an upbuilding way. It does not dwell on disproving false doctrines. Clarity of language and logical development should make it easy to use this book to conduct Bible studies and help people to get a grasp of the heartwarming knowledge of God.
"Exult,
You People, and Be Joyful Forever"
These words from Isaiah 65:18 were the theme of the convention’s third day. The fulfillment of Bible prophecy points to 1914 as the year when this wicked system entered its last days. Hence, the symposium of talks entitled "Joyful Praisers During This System’s Conclusion" held the rapt attention of the audience. The speakers showed how billions are swept along with the greedy and violent spirit of the world. In time, they will come into judgment as part of the world of which Satan is the ruler. Thus, now is the time to make a choice. Which side do we want to be on? Do we want to worship Jehovah and uphold his sovereignty, or are we going to allow Satan to be our ruler by doing the things pleasing to him? All of us should take our stand unequivocally on Jehovah’s side.
The convention’s public discourse, "Praise the King of Eternity!" gave all in attendance solid food for thought. Although the idea of eternity seems beyond the understanding of frail humans, Jehovah fully understands it. "Jehovah is King to time indefinite, even forever," sang the psalmist. (Psalm 10:16) This King of eternity has opened the way for mankind to enjoy life eternal through his Son, Jesus Christ. (John 17:3) "Yes, we sinful humans may attain to everlasting life through divine education and faith in Jesus’ ransom sacrifice," said the speaker.
As the convention drew to a close, those in attendance were built up by the final talk, entitled "Joyfully Praise Jehovah From Day to Day." It was heartening to receive reports of the advancement of the disciple-making work throughout the earth. And conventioners were moved to ‘bless Jehovah all day and praise his name forever.’—Psalm 145:2.
Unspeakable acts of inhumanity rob the world of joy. Nevertheless, individuals with full faith in Jehovah can possess godly joy. As a worldwide brotherhood, Jehovah’s Witnesses can therefore repeat the following words of Psalm 35:27, 28: "Let those cry out joyfully and rejoice who are delighting in my righteousness, and let them say constantly: ‘Let Jehovah be magnified, who takes delight in the peace of his servant.’ And let my own tongue utter in an undertone your righteousness, all day long your praise."
[Pictures on page 7]
Families will benefit from the brochure "Jehovah’s Witnesses and Education"
[Pictures on page 8, 9]
The new book, "Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life," presents Bible truths in an upbuilding way
[Picture on page 9]
Many were baptized in symbol of their dedication to Jehovah
[Picture on page 9]
Conventioners were deeply moved by the drama "Honoring Worthy Ones in Their Older Years"
Forscher

Since I am unaware of any genuine scholar, even of the low status of Freddy Franz, on the GB. I don't look for anything that would be half-way innovative or earth shattering. Those folks are pretty much in the same phase as the old politburo in the Soviet Union during the 80s. Whatever they do, it is going to be self-serving and likely just as cynical as my post.
Of course, they could surprise me. But then, what would really be the chances of that?
Forscher
Lo-ru-hamah

I definitely remember the 1914 generation "new light" being at a convention, before it was in the watchtower. I can remember sitting stunned in my seat at the convention and thinking "ok, this is it, I'm out" (when I was 11 or 12, I had decided that if the society ever changed its tune on that teaching, it was my sign that it was not the truth) while everyone around me didn't even seem to think it was that big a deal.
How funny, Lucky, that is exactly what my dad said.

lucky

According to an article on the Freeminds site - http://www.freeminds.org/history/new1914.htm - there was a "pre-new-light" talk at the '93 convention. I think this is what I'm remembering so clearly.

Excerpt from the Freeminds article:

1993 Convention Talks

Two special talks, "What Will Be The Sign of Your Presence?" and "Tell Us, When Will These Things Be?" were given on Saturday afternoon of their 1993 Divine Teaching District Conventions. These were meant to prepare the way for "new light" on their teaching that we are living in the generation that will see the end of the world, with a view to changing such understanding.

The changes or "clarifications" being made by the Governing Body in 1993 with regards to their understanding of Matthew 24, Luke 21 and Mark 13 were as follows:

1) When Matt. 24:14 says "then the end will come" this initially refers to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., and WAS IN REFERENCE TO THE JEWISH SYSTEM OF WORSHIP. (Previously, they had a hard time applying this "end" to the first century events.) Verse 14 was understood as applying primarily in our day, and not to the end of the Jewish system. But as will be seen, they now leaned towards making more of the passage apply to the first century than was previously acknowledged.

2) The application of Matt. 24:29 which says, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heaven will be shaken" has been changed to a more "realistic" interpretation. (Previously, "immediately after" actually meant almost 2000 years later, meaning that the celestial events did not occur until our day! The celestial events were interpreted to mean the proliferation of rockets, satellites, etc. that made the heavens appear ominous-see WT 3/1/83, p. 27.) But now, the Governing Body is saying that the celestial events had their initial fulfillment during the time of the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., but will also have a greater fulfillment after the start of the great tribulation.

Since the WT recognizes Acts 2:14-21 to be an account similar to Matt. 24:29, they now interpret both in somewhat the same way. Since the events that occurred in Acts surrounding Pentecost did not seem to include "the sun being turned into darkness and the moon into blood," this apparently referred more to the events that occurred a few years later in 70 A.D. (Josephus the Jewish historian records the occurrences of "rain, lightning, and darkness" as accompanying the destruction of Jerusalem.) These signs would occur even more so in the secondary, or contemporary fulfillment of events (in the form of an attack on all other religions during the "great tribulation."

Similarly, Matt. 24:30, 31 is interpreted as occurring after the beginning of the great tribulation. After its beginning (verse 29), the "sign of the Son of man that appears in heaven, the tribes of the earth beating themselves, and the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and glory" will be manifest. (Supposedly "obvious" due to the cataclysmic nature of events that will occur.) No new change here, but a clarification is made with regards to verse 31: The angels are sent forth to gather the chosen (remaining "anointed") ones DURING this time period, and not before! So, technically, the "gathering" of the anointed has not happened yet. The choosing has already occurred (as previously understood), but not the gathering of the "remnant." The point is, verses 29-31 technically apply only during the great tribulation!

garybuss

List the Watch Tower Corporation's problems and I bet changes are predictable.

Free literature isn't working . . . never has. Solution?

Loss of active members. Solution?

Shortage of men to hold jobs. Solution?

Active members lack enthusiasm, urgency. Solution?

Blood medical doctrine is on a collision course with financial loss. Solution?

People are bored. There hasn't been any real change in the present format since Knorr developed the model in the 40's and early 50's. Tuesday bookstudy (boring), two Thursday meetings (boring . . . and long), service (boring), Sunday meetings (boring . . . and long). Repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat. . . . . Solution?

More?
blondie

lucky, those were the "to-te" talks I was talking about. JWs that I knew were truly Bible students, didn't know what the WTS was talking about and where they were going. No one that I knew saw a change coming in the 1914 generation doctrine...some still haven't.
Blondie
truthseeker

Any "new light" is likely to be that the anointed have not been completely sealed, allowing for younger members of the Governing Body.

Latest WT study article - preparation for upcoming new light?

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