by compound complex 27 Replies latest watchtower bible
He doesn't expect JWs to stay in the Borg and wait on God...his example is proof of that.
I am not in any way critisizing Raymond Franz but Blondie said the above. However, Isn't it true though that he did not leave the org but was basically spyed upon by the GB and dismissed from Bethel, then disfellowshipped for eating with his boss? Who's to say how long he would have been "technically" a JW while still having feelings that the org is wrong.
XBEHERE
I think that Ray Franz sincerely thought that changes could be made in the organization. He had done extensive research for the Society when working on the Aid to Bible Understanding book. It was from this endeavor that he began discussing the results of his research with a few close Bethel associates. As I understand it, there was a brief window of opportunity at Bethel for this type of open discussions and exchange of ideas. Some Bethelites even took the opportunity of privately studying the Bible using the library's commentaries and Bible translations.
However, when the Governing Body became aware of this trend, it interpreted it as a threat to its own authority. And it reacted by conducting a "witch hunt" to rid itself of these "apostates." The paranoia spread as the Watchtower articles warned of the perceived danger of people reading the Bible for themselves and reaching conclusions that differed from the Society.
Ray Franz was a victim of his own confidence in trusting that the Governing Body would gladly accept serious Bible research even if it meant some changes of doctrine. He was further shocked by the treatment that he received from those he considered his Christian brothers. But the dismissal of Ray and other brothers at Bethel was a tagic loss for the Watchtower Society from which it has never recovered.
I think that Ray Franz sincerely thought that changes could be made in the organization.
Pahpa this is what I meant by technically in while disagreeing with the WTS. My point was people think he championed the great apostasy and left the org but in reality he was thrown out! I guess he eventually would've left on his own but he did not leave he was DF. Some who post here have had much more dramatic exits. I read both Ray's books and his low key exit from Bethel fits with the humble, quiet, non resentful attitude he showed in the books.
I realize that he was asked to leave (but not df'd) and then later after eating with a da'd JW was considered df'd. Interestingly, his wife was at that same dinner and was not df'd. But all he had to do was say that he was wrong to have associated with the da'd JW (a backdated policy for his situation) and followed the rules for being reinstated and he could still be in. It's hard to know what is in a man's heart and mind unless you have at least talked with him. Reading his books is not enough. Though by the time his books were written, I doubt he was espousing staying with the WTS and waiting on "Jehovah" as the writing of these books indicate; it was hardly waiting for Godot when he wrote his books.
Blondie
Who cares what Ray Franz thinks? Think for yourselves people! or should I say sheeple??
I have spoken to Ray many times I find him a very kind and humble man.We do not agree on doctrine.But that does not mean we do not have a great respect for each other He did get $10.000 when he was opted out. ME ZILCH!!!!! not fair.!!!! But I am sure that money went to writing his books which have led MANY to leave slavery to the WT .In my book I care what Ray thinks only because he is a friend but I dont have to believe as he does.....Thank God for FREEDOM!!!!
bw, I am not suggesting that anyone think like Ray Franz or like you. But we can read what you write and he writes, but I doubt we can judge what is in your heart or mind from that.
Blondie
Right on Blondie well said
Dear Friends,
Thank you for opening up avenues that I had never thought to travel down. No - it is not possible to truly "know" the author merely by the written word. From my reading Ray Franz' books I had a vague notion where he was at such and such a time in his thinking and subsequent actions. However, the forward march away from autocracy does not proceed in a straight line: the harried refugee is diverted by roadside dangers and distractions while he deliberates over where the true path might actually lie. Is there a definable destination? What is his motivation? What emotions dominate and steer him?
My inadvertently leaving out a few qualifying words of clarification in the opening thread has caused this discussion to take a turn and, as a consequence, has made me examine how we react when "caught in the middle" - in this case, our wanting to believe that we cannot have been wrong about something so important, yet our experiencing the sickening dread that we have been lied to. Sooner or later, we are compelled to take some form of action.
Leaving the Watch Tower is an emotionally wrenching experience.
Thank you again,
Compound-Complex
yes, read that book. Years ago, the YMCA in my neiborhood was affiliated with the Catholic Church..
