thirdwitness,
You are about to find out why I wanted you to answer these questions. You have been far more direct than in other post in response to me on this issue, and I appreciate that. It is a most welcome change. I hope the trend continues, I think we have reached a breakthrough. Now, you and I are discussing something. Which is what a discussion forum is for.
And yet, we are to be in subjection to them and show repect to them and their organizational programs and we are to use them for our benefit.
True. But, as JWs, this does not involve voluntarily joining portions of the government of which we are not required by law to be a part. In fact, doing so is a direct violation of the policy set forth in the OM/OD book. The verse used in the OM/OD book are referring to political entities, and the application to religious entities is by extension using the same paragraph.
I posted the paragraph AND the Scriptures, for your convenience. Did you ignore them? Isaiah 2:4 does NOT refer to religious affiliations. Neither does Revelation 19:17-21.
As a baptized JW, can I join the National Guard during peace-time for college tuition or to gain access to reduced price goods from the military base PX, and then refuse to go to war if called? If not, why? The same exact principles applies to the voluntary joining of the UN/DPI. No distinction, whatsoever. It is a governmental institution, it has some benefits a JW might enjoy, and you might not get called on to publicly support something detestable to God. But you are supporting it, just by voluntarily joining it.
To be recognized as a legal religion, in some countries, the WTS has registered as an NGO. Other religions have also registered. So they are all recognized NGO's of that government. Because other religions have been associated as NGOs of the government does that mean the WTS will be judged by Jehovah just like the rest of them?
When you join an organization you join those who are already part of that organization. If you don't understand that, you have no comprehension at all of what you are talking about. The Watchtower Society was not asked to register as an NGO Associate of the UN/DPI, they were told that if they wanted library access they had to apply to associate their organization to a superior organization in exchange for that figurative "bowl of the red." Many other religions joined the UN/DPI as Non-Governmental Organizations. They did not register, there is no such thing as a registrant/registrar relationship between NGOs and the UN/DPI.
The Watchtower Society IS an NGO. Like I AM caucasian. They have always been and (probably) will always be a non-governmental organization. They did not register with the UN/DPI for any special recognition of status as a religion, they voluntarily applied for membership to the organization. If the organization is disapproved by God (and you have already admitted that it is) and is scheduled for destruction by him (and you have already admitted that it is), then they would NOT be disfellowshipped for this voluntary decision.
Just as I would not be disfellowshipped for joining the National Guard for PX privileges. I would be disassociated. Get your terminology right.
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/11/117658/2085082/post.ashx#2085082
On this post, you will find the quotes from both policy publications that set the standard by which I judged them guilty. Please explain why this should not be applied in this matter.
AuldSoul