Comments You Will Not Hear at the 3-25-07 WT Study (Husband Headship)

While the WTS uses the scripture above which says Christ, all JWs know that means WTS/FDS/GB = Christ. JWs who do not obey the WTS/FDS/GB considered Christ’s representatives on earth cannot be obeying Jesus.

The WTS also teaches in theory that if a man/husband tells a woman/wife to do something that goes against Christ’s teaching, she is to obey Christ. Of course, if the man beats the crap out of her that is good in God’s eyes.

The picture on page 14, shows a husband "counseling" his wife using the Bible with his arm around his shoulder. I can count on one finger the number of JW husbands I knew that "counseled" their wives this way.

Husband:

Honey, Brother PO told me that his wife is concerned about the length of your skirts. I know that last month she said they were too short but now with them flapping around your ankles they are too long. You know that I want to be appointed an MS and have been waiting ten years to finally qualify. I wouldn’t like to think that I would be passed over because your skirts are too long. I know there is no specific bible scripture but we must be careful not to stumble anyone.

*** w73 3/1 p. 140 par. 27 Rights or Duties—Which? ***

There are no specific rules set out in the Bible, as, for instance, how long one’s hair should be, or the length of a skirt

. But the inspired apostle does set forth good guidelines that enable the sincere, dedicated Christian, and the congregation, to know when a style or custom is appropriate, proper. He says: "Does not natureitself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him; but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? Because her hair is given her instead of a headdress."—1 Cor. 11:14, 15.

Wife:

Honey, it says here that nature teaches us how long one’s hair is and my hair is short. Am I sinning then?

Husband:

Honey, well Sister PO has short hair so it must be okay.

Remember this article is just theory that is being presented. What goes on behind closed doors is much different.

START OF ARTICLE

Q1, 2) (a) How might the success of a husband be measured? (b) Why is it vital to recognize that marriage is of divine origin?

1) How would you measure the success of a husband? By his mental or physical abilities? By his ability to make money? Or is it especially by the loving and kind way he treats his wife and children? As to the latter measurement, many husbands rate poorly, for they are governed by the spirit of the world and by human standards. Why? Largely because of their failure to recognize and apply the guidance of the Originator of marriage--the One who "proceeded to build the rib that he had taken from the man into a woman and to bring her to the man."-Genesis 2:21-24.

by the loving and kind way he treats his wife and children? As to the latter measurement, many husbands rate poorly, for they are governed by the spirit of the world and by human standards.

And this includes the JW men at the KH. Men are taught that women are secondary members of the congregation and children might rank third if at all.

I can remember many JW wives coming to my husband for help in dealing with the verbal and physical abuse of their JW husbands.

The husband would say the wife was lying but the children would confirm the abuse and their own abuse. The other elders would put the responsibility to "solve" the problem back on the women and children, being told that if they were better Christians, their husband and father would not be provoked to be abusive!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And be told not to say anything to others in the congregation or be punished.

My husband never supported that view and instead counseled the husband……….and when the wife and children left, he would support their position, to protect themselves.

2) Jesus Christ confirmed this Bible account of the divine origin of marriage, saying to critics of his day: "Did you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female and said, `For this reason a man will leave his father and his mother and will stick to his wife, and the two will be one flesh'? So that they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has yoked together [in marriage] let no man put apart." (Matthew 19:4-6) The fact is that the key to realizing a successful marriage is to recognize that marriage is of divine origin and that success is dependent on applying the instruction found in God's Word, the Bible.

One flesh

One flesh with the brothers, elders, CO, DO, all who take precedence over the wife.

Why did God allow polygamy then?

Marriage is of divine origin

But God’s ideas can only be understood through the WTS/FDS/GB

Success is dependent on applying the instruction found in God’s Word

But interpreted by the WTS/FDS/GB

*** w94 10/1 p. 8 The Bible—A Book Meant to Be Understood ***

All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" can become known only through Jehovah’s channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave.—John 6:68.

A Key to a Husband's Success

Q3, 4) (a) What makes Jesus knowledgeable about marriage? (b) Who is Jesus' figurative wife, and how should husbands treat their wives?

3) An aid to success as a husband is studying what Jesus said and applying what He did. His knowledge on the subject is profound, for he was present at the creation of the first human pair as well as at their marriage. Jehovah God said to him: "Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness." (Genesis 1:26) Yes, God was speaking to the One whom He created before anyone or anything else and who "came to be beside him as a master worker." (Proverbs 8:22-30) This One is "the firstborn of all creation." He is "the beginning of the creation by God," existing even before the creation of the material universe. -Colossians 1:15; Revelation 3:14.

Studying what Jesus said and applying what He did

I wonder how many of his friends and family he yelled at and hit?

Does the WTS provide current material teaching their members directly, specifically, and expansively about Christ? This is the first year that "Jesus" or "Christ" appears in a district convention title.

What is the purpose of all the explanation about Jesus in regard to creation? Are husbands creators or even assistant creators? Jesus was never married and even later is only talked about being married symbolically to his followers showing their secondary position in relation to himself.

4) Jesus is called "the Lamb of God," and he is figuratively depicted as a husband. An angel once said: "Come here, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife." (John 1:29; Revelation 21:9) Who, then, is that bride, or wife? "The Lamb's wife" is made up of Christ's faithful spirit-anointed followers, who will share with him in his heavenly rulership. (Revelation 14:1, 3) Therefore, the way that Jesus treated his disciples when he was with them on earth provides a model for husbands as to how to treat their wives.

Therefore, the way that Jesus treated his disciples (men and women) when he was with them on earth provides a model for husbands

Q5) For whom does Jesus serve as a model?

5) True, Jesus is presented in the Bible as an example for all his followers, as we read: "Christ suffered for you, leaving you a model for you to follow his steps closely." (1 Peter 2: 21) Yet, he is, in particular, a model for men. The Bible says: "The head of every man is the Christ; in turn the head of a woman is the man; in turn the head of the Christ is God." (1 Corinthians 11:3) Since Christ is man's head, husbands need to copy his example. Hence, the headship principle must be applied if the family is to find success and happiness. To this end, husbands need to deal with their wives in the loving way that Jesus deals with his figurative wife, his anointed disciples.

How to Face Marital Challenges

6) How should husbands dwell with their wives?

6) In today's troubled world, husbands especially need to imitate Jesus' example of patience, love, and firmness in upholding righteous principles. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) With regard to the model Jesus left, we read in the Bible: "You husbands, continue dwelling in like manner with [your wives] according to knowledge." (1 Peter 3:7) Yes, husbands need to face marital challenges in a knowledgeable manner, just as Jesus faced difficulties. He suffered greater trials than has any other human, but he was aware that Satan, his demons, and this evil world were responsible for them. (John 14:30; Ephesians 6:12) Jesus was never surprised by trials, so neither should marriage mates be surprised when they experience "tribulation in their flesh." The Bible warns that those who marry can expect to have such tribulation.-1 Corinthians 7:28.

Today’s trouble world

— Yes this world is wicked, wicked, wicked and only JWs are good husbands, right!?! A case of demonizing everyone who is not a JW.

Notice how the WTS "edits" 1 Peter 3:7:

(1 Peter 3:7) YOU husbands, continue dwelling in like manner with them according to knowledge, assigning them honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one, since YOU are also heirs with them of the undeserved favor of life, in order for YOUR prayers not to be hindered.

Jesus faced difficulties. He suffered greater trials than has any other human, but he was aware that Satan, his demons, and this evil world were responsible for them.

Jesus was specifically targeted by Satan according to the Bible. Are all JW human husbands specifically targeted by Satan or is it their own human choices?

Married people can expect to have tribulation from Satan…………That explains it then…the devil made the husband do it.

[Picture on page 14] Why should husbands study examples of how Jesus treated women?

Q7, 8) (a) What is involved in dwelling with wives according to knowledge? (b) Why do wives deserve to receive honor?

7) Husbands, the Bible says, should dwell with their wives "according to knowledge, assigning them honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one." (1 Peter 3:7) Rather than harshly dominating his wife, as the Bible foretold that men would commonly do, a husband who wins God's approval will honor her. (Genesis 3:16) He will want to treat her as a prized possession, never using his greater physical strength to hurt her. Instead, he will consider her feelings, always treating her with respect and dignity.

Weaker vessel, the feminine one

How does the WTS interpret this "weakness"?

Weaker mentally, emotionally, spiritually, fragile or delicate………..(I guess men have never had a baby or several babies)

*** w06 5/15 p. 32 The Value of "a Weaker Vessel" ***

The Greek noun rendered "honor" means "price, value, . . . respect." Thus, a Christian husband is to treat his wife with tenderness, showing her due consideration as a delicate, precious vessel. This is not demeaning at all. As an example, consider the Tiffany lotus lamp. This exquisitely fine lamp can indeed be considered delicate. Does the lamp’s fragile nature diminish its value? Far from it! In 1997 the original Tiffany lotus lamp sold at an auction for 2.8 million dollars! Its delicate makeup served to enhance its value, not diminish it.

*** w05 3/1 p. 17 par. 8 Wise Guidance for Married Couples ***

Peter did not mean that women are weaker than men intellectually or spiritually.

In what way, then, are women ‘weaker vessels’? Perhaps Peter was referring to the fact that, on average, women are smaller and have less physical strength than men. In addition, in our imperfect state, the wonderful privilege of bearing children exacts a physical toll. Women of childbearing age may be subject to physical discomforts on a regular basis. They certainly need special care and consideration when experiencing such discomforts or enduring the exhausting trials of being pregnant and giving birth

*** w83 6/1 pp. 19-20 par. 13 Husbands, Show Self-Sacrificing Love ***

You must have knowledge of your wife’s emotional makeup, which is basically why she is considered the weaker vessel. A wifemustsensethatsheislovedandcherishedbyherhusband. Without this one ingredient—despite what material goods she has—she will feel inadequate.

*** w60 12/1 p. 719 par. 26 Married Believers Called to Peace and Salvation ***

If a husband honors his wife as a physically weaker vessel because of being a feminine vessel, he will handle her with care and tenderness, that she may be of continuous valuable usefulness to him. He will not want to crack her or break her to pieces and destroy her precious helpfulness to him.

Treat her as a prized possession

Yes the bible teaches that a woman is property, owned by the husband, like a cow or a vase.

Never using his greater physical strength to hurt her

But can he use his greater physical strength to spank his children, hurting them? Does "hit" = "spank"? Can a husband spank his wife?

Treating her with respect

Have you ever heard that WTS adage that men are to be respected and women are to be loved?

8) Why should husbands properly assign honor to their wives? The Bible answers: "Since you are also heirs with them of the undeserved favor of life, in order for your prayers not to be hindered." (1 Peter 3:7) Husbands need to appreciate that Jehovah does not look at a man who worships Him as in any way superior to a woman who does so. Women who are counted worthy of God's approval will share with men the same reward of everlasting life--many even enjoying life in heaven, where "there is neither male nor female." (Galatians 3:28) So husbands need to remember that it is a person's faithfulness that makes him precious to God. It is not whether a person is a male or a female, a husband or a wife, or even a child.-1 Corinthians 4:2.

Husbands need to appreciate that Jehovah does not look at a man who worships Him as in any way superior to a woman who does so. Women who are counted worthy of God's approval will share with men the same reward of everlasting life--many even enjoying life in heaven

Yet, women are treated as secondary on earth by JW men not even being able to keep the congregation accounts, handle the microphones, take attendance, not even timing the talks for the overseer although I have seen unbaptized boys accorded the "privilege."

Q9) (a) According to Peter, for what reason should husbands honor their wives? (b) How did Jesus show honor to women?

9) The necessity of a husband's treating his wife with honor is emphasized by the apostle Peter's concluding words, "in or der for your prayers not to be hindered." How dangerous such a hindrance could be! It could even lead to a husband's prayers being blocked, as happened to some neglectful servants of God in the past. (Lamentations 3:43, 44) Wisely, Christian men--both married and those considering marriage--will study the dignified way in which Jesus treated women. He welcomed them into the group accompanying him in his ministry, and he treated them with kindness and respect. On one occasion, Jesus even revealed a most startling truth to women first, telling them to inform the men about it! -Matthew 28:1, 8-10; Luke 8:1-3.

Husband’s prayers being blocked

— so when the elders know a brother is hitting his wife, is he allowed to pray for the congregation?

Christian men

— only JWs

He welcomed them into the group accompanying him in his ministry

— so are we soon to see elders going in the ministry with their wives or children instead of taking off in a car with other elders?

Treated them with respect

— Yes, women are to be treated with respect too, not just "love."

WTS official vows though only use the words "love" and "cherish," not "respect."

*** w03 7/1 p. 4 How to Develop Genuine Love ***

If you are a husband, do you esteem, or set a high value on, your wife and treat her with honor and respect? If you are a wife, are you loving and supportive of your husband? The Bible says that husband and wife should love and respect each other.

Jesus even revealed a most startling truth to women first

— many elders interpret that as telling their wives confidential matters of the congregation

[Picture on page 15] When his disciples were tired, Jesus showed consideration

Example Especially for Husbands

Q10, 11) (a) Why do husbands especially need to study Jesus' example? (b) How should husbands show love for their wives?

10)The Bible, as noted earlier, compares a husband's relationship with his wife to that of Christ with his "bride," which is his congregation of anointed followers. The Bible says: "A husband is head of his wife as the Christ also is head of the congregation." (Ephesians 5:23) These words should encourage husbands to examine the type of headship, or leadership, that Jesus provided for his followers. Only by making this examination will husbands be properly able to follow Jesus' example and provide for their wives direction, love, and care, as Jesus did for his congregation.

These words should encourage husbands to examine the type of headship, or leadership, that Jesus provided for his followers

So what parts of the Bible should be examined—OT or NT?

11) "Husbands, continue loving your wives," the Bible urges Christians, "just as the Christ also loved the congregation and delivered up himself for it." (Ephesians 5:25) In the preceding chapter of Ephesians, "the congregation" is called "the body of the Christ." This symbolic body has many members of both genders, all of whom contribute to the body's functioning effectively. Jesus, of course, is "the head of the body, the congregation."-Ephesians 4:12; Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 12:12,13, 27.

Delivered up himself for it

How many husbands give up their football/baseball/basketball/hockey watching time for their wives? They say they will die for their wife, but don’t ask them to give up any time in their lives for their wives.

What is all this talk about many members—a wife is just one person not many trying to "function effectively" like Sybil.

Christ is the head, "the congregation" is "the body of Christ", and both were once taught to be THE CHRIST
.

Q12) How did Jesus demonstrate love for his figurative body?

12) Jesus demonstrated love for his figurative body, "the congregation," particularly by the caring manner in which he served the interests of those who would become its members. When his disciples were tired, for example, he said: "Come ... privately into a lonely place and rest up a bit." (Mark 6:31) Describing Jesus' activity only hours before his execution, one of his apostles wrote: "Jesus, having loved his own [that is, members of his figurative body] ..., loved them to the end." (John 13:1) What a fine example Jesus provided of how husbands are to treat their wives!

His figurative body, "the congregation

"— only the 144,000 anointed JWs

Tired..rest up a bit

— as JW men leave their children in the care of their wives at the conventions/assemblies as they go off to do more important things

Q13) How are husbands admonished to love their wives?

13) Continuing to draw upon the example that Jesus set for husbands, the apostle Paul admonished them: "Husbands ought to be loving their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself, for no man ever hated his own flesh; but he feeds and cherishes it, as the Christ also does the congregation." Paul added: "Let each one of you individually so love his wife as he does himself."-Ephesians 5: 28, 29, 33.

Loving their wives as their own bodies

— I wonder how many men hit themselves with fists and words?

Feeds and cherishes it

— I can remember an elder telling me about being at an elders school and they all laughed at how good it was that there were no women present.

[Picture on page 16] Husbands should counsel their wives with kind, well-chosen words

Q14) How does a husband treat his imperfect physical body, and what does this indicate about how he should treat his wife?

14) Think about Paul's words. Does a sane man ever intentionally injure his own body? When a man stubs his toe, does he beat it because it made him stumble? Of course not! Does a husband humiliate himself before his friends or gossip about his own shortcomings? No! Why, then, would he give his wife a tongue-lashing, or worse, if she made a mistake? Husbands should consider not just their own interests but those of their wives. -1 Corinthians 10:24; 13:5.

Intentionally injure his own body

— what do elders do when they find out that an elder, MS, or baptized brother is hitting his wife and/or children?

Humiliate himself before his friends

— what do JW men do when they are alone amongst other men…talk about the "ball and chain," complain saying that they couldn’t help hitting their wife because she is such a nag?

Q15) (a) What did Jesus do when his disciples demonstrated human weakness? (b) What lessons might be drawn from his example?

15) Consider how Jesus manifested concern for his disciples on the night before his death, when they showed human weakness. Despite his repeated request that they pray, they fell asleep three times in the garden of Gethsemane. Suddenly, armed men surrounded them. Jesus asked the men: "Whom are you looking for?" When they replied: "Jesus the Nazarene," he answered: "I am he." Knowing that `the hour had come' for his death, he said: "If, therefore, it is I you are looking for, let these go." Jesus never failed to consider the welfare of his disciples-part of his figurative bride-and he made a way out for them. By studying how Jesus treated his disciples, husbands will find many principles that they can apply as to how they should treat their wives. John 18:1-9; Mark 14:34-37, 41.

When they showed human weakness

— so husbands don’t show human weakness?

Repeated request…they fell asleep

— did Jesus yell at them?

By studying…find many principles

— so what are they?

How many times do husbands play the "imperfection" card (probably practicing for the day they become elders)?

Jesus' Love Not Sentimental

Q16) How did Jesus feel about Martha, yet how did he correct her?

16) The Bible says: "Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus," who often received him as a guest in their home. (John 11: 5) Yet, Jesus did not hold back from counseling Martha when she gave undue attention to a meal that she was preparing, thus limiting her time to receive spiritual instruction from him. He said: "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and disturbed about many things. A few things, though, are needed, or just one." (Luke 10:41, 42) No doubt his evident affection for Martha made it easy for her to accept his counsel. Similarly, husbands should treat their wives in a kind, loving manner, using well-chosen words. Yet, when correction is needed, it is appropriate to speak up as did Jesus.

Jesus did not back from counseling Martha

— it might be noted that Martha did not have a husband.

No doubt

— the WTS adds to the Bible.

Was Jesus speaking to her as a husband or a friend? Would Jesus have counseled her if she had been married and her husband was there?

Q17, 18) (a) How did Peter rebuke Jesus, and why did Peter need to be corrected? (b) What responsibility does a husband have?

17) On another occasion, Jesus explained to his apostles that he must go to Jerusalem, where he would be persecuted by "the older men and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised up." At this Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, saying: "Be kind to yourself, Lord; you will not have this destiny at all." Clearly, Peter's view had been blurred by sentimentality. Correction was in order. So Jesus said to him: "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, because you think, not God's thoughts, but those of men."-Matthew 16:21-23.

Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him

— a friend talking to a friend

Blurred by sentimentality

— the WTS says that this is an "impulsive emotion."

18) Jesus had just stated the divine will--namely, that he would suffer many things and be killed. (Psalm 16:10; Isaiah 53:12) So Peter was wrong to begin rebuking Jesus. Yes, Peter needed firm correction, as we all do at times. As the family head, the husband has the authority and responsibility to correct family members, including his wife. While firmness may be needed, this correction should be given in a kind, loving manner. So just as Jesus helped Peter to put matters in proper perspective, husbands at times may need to do the same for their wives. For example, a husband may need to point out in a kind manner why some adjustment is needed if her dress or use of jewelry or cosmetics begins to stray from the modest pattern recommended in the Scriptures.-1 Peter 3: 3-5.

Correct family members…wife...firmness

— how often should a husband have to correct an adult woman with the same level if not higher spirituality than he has?

Proper perspective…dress…jewelry…cosmetics

— who helps husbands have the "proper" perspective.

*** bh chap. 14 p. 138 par. 12 How to Make Your Family Life Happy ***

Whether her husband is a fellow believer or not, a wife is not showing disrespect if she tactfully expresses an opinion that differs from his. Her viewpoint may be correct, and the whole family could benefit if he listened to her. Although Abraham did not agree when his wife, Sarah, recommended a practical solution to a certain household problem, God told him: "Listen to her voice." (Genesis 21:9-12)

This shows that men outside the marriage do not have headship over the wife.

Good for Husbands to Be Patient

Q19, 20) (a) What problem developed among Jesus' apostles, and how did Jesus address it? (b) How successful were Jesus' efforts?

19) If there is a fault that needs attention, husbands should not necessarily expect that their sincere efforts to correct it will meet with immediate success. It took ongoing efforts by Jesus to adjust the attitudes of his apostles. For example, a rivalry developed among them that manifested itself again toward the end of Jesus' ministry. They argued about who among them seemed to be the greatest. (Mark 9:33-37; 10:35-45) Not long after the second of such occasions, Jesus arranged to celebrate privately his last Passover with them. On that occasion, not one of them took the initiative to do the customary menial service of washing the dusty feet of the others. Jesus did it. Then he said: "I set the pattern for you." John 13:2-15.

Fault that needs attention..not necessarily expect…immediate success

Did Jesus say: "I’ve told you this a thousand times; when are you going to get it; you are like a bunch of stupid women."

20) Husbands who exercise a humble attitude like that of Jesus will likely have the cooperation and support of their wives. But patience is needed. Later that very Passover night, the apostles argued again regarding which one of them seemed to be the greatest. (Luke 22:24) Changes in attitudes and conduct often take time and are gradual. Yet, how rewarding when positive results are realized, as they were among the apostles!

Husbands…humble attitude

— does the WTS really show a humble attitude toward women?

Q21) In the face of challenges today, what are husbands urged to remember and to do?

21) Today, marriage is facing greater challenges than ever before. Many no longer take their marriage vows seriously. Hence, husbands, reflect on the origin of marriage. Remember that marriage is of divine origin, conceived and instituted by our loving God, Jehovah. He provided his Son, Jesus, not only as our Ransomer--our Savior-but also as a model for husbands to imitate.-Matthew 20: 28; John 3:29; 1 Peter 2:21.

Many no longer take their marriage vows seriously—

and that’s just for starters in the JW congregations? How many divorces have you seen in the last ten years? Among my contemporaries more than 50% are divorced.

The WTS teaches that Jesus is only mediator for the 144,000 anointed—

what about ransomer or savior?

How Would You Answer?

- Why is it important that we recognize the origin of marriage?

- In what ways are husbands encouraged to love their wives?

- What examples of Jesus' treatment of his disciples illustrate how a husband should exercise Christlike headship?

Concluding Comments

Next week’s installment deals with wives and the week after, children.

In what ways are women subject to men in the congregation other than their husbands? To whom?

Are men encouraged to say with abusive wives in the WTS publications? To what level of abuse should women endure before they leave their husband? How much abuse can children be subject to before their parent(s) are reported to the authorities? Should only the elders be responsible for reporting abuse?

It is now officially spring. The snow is almost gone although it could still snow yet. We are cleaning out the basement and finding a home for those things that are still treasures but no longer used. We are clearing the walls for painting and wow does it need it.

Thanks everyone for the tips on the orchids and the perennials. I am making a list and will be going on a buying spree after I get back from Texas.

Love, Blondie

Santisimo

I find it very strange that the WTS wants their men to follow the example of Jesus who was never married. Not to mention that the GB members are also not married. Jesus was never the head of the congregation because he was dead before one ever formed. At no time in the Bible does Jesus ever show what an example of a husband should be. He practically shunned his mother and he didn't show any care for any woman in particular. So where is this example that the WTS keeps talking about. As it is, doesn't the WTS DISCOURAGE having children in this world? What kind of example is that?

nvrgnbk

Thanks Blondie!

WT opinion of women makes me.

Nvr

Chameleon

Thank you, Blondie.

What-A-Coincidence

thanks for the post!

moomanchu

Thanks for the review, another article.

Women who are counted worthy of God's approval will share with men the same reward of everlasting life--many even enjoying life in heaven, where "there is neither male nor female."

There is a couple in my area (U.S.PA) where the wife is annointed and the husband is not, Jean H.

Thinking about the craziness of that hurts my head.

Gill

Women who are counted worthy of God's approval will share with men the same reward of everlasting life--many even enjoying life in heaven, where "there is neither male nor female."

Wow! Women have to be 'counted worthy of God's approval' whereas men automatically qualify just for having a 'dinger'.

I 'love' the WTBTS! What used to make me cry, now has me sitting laughing!!

LaniB

Thanks for the rundown Blondie, it's very informative.

Tired..rest up a bit—as JW men leave their children in the care of their wives at the conventions/assemblies as they go off to do more important things

I have to say this was very familiar. I was in a congregation for a while and the PO's wife had terminal cancer and was wheelchair bound. He'd turn up, park her chair and then disappear. He'd come back and sit with her during the meeting and disappear afterwards for "important elder business" not returning until time to go home when he'd pick her up. Quite often I'd look over and find her sitting by herself so I'd go over to chat, she always looked so lonely and would say things like "I'm such a burden to him" or "he could be at Bethel if it wasn't for me". I use to think what a wonderful marriage that was that his own wife felt like she was a burden, what kind of happiness she had in her final years. A real fine way of showing love.

She died a year later. He remarried in within 6 months and moved to Bethel.

jgnat

My husband never supported that view and instead counseled the husband……….and when the wife and children left, he would support their position, to protect themselves.

You have a first class man, there blondie. You did a great job picking him out.

This shows that men outside the marriage do not have headship over the wife.

So true, the Witness elders keep forgetting they have no claim of headship over me. I see this attitude with so many JW's, even my own husband. I've told him over and over, "I've made my vows to YOU, not those men. They have no headship over me. What we work out is just between us, and is nobody else's business."

Did Jesus say: "I’ve told you this a thousand times; when are you going to get it; you are like a bunch of stupid women."

I've witnessed that sort of verbal abuse from a Witness husband more than once. It's like, the family has the icing, the sweet exterior, but the core is hard and mean. Like styrofoam.

Blondie, you have the life and the culture of real life Witnesses down to a "T". They may deny abuse all they want. They may claim they are the "happiest people on earth" all they want. They may claim superior marriage and family life all they want. They may write all the "sweetness and light" articles they want. The truth is, life for women and children in the society is marginal and miserable. Excepting the few fine examples like your husband. The society never appreciated or valued your contribution, that is for sure. Their loss, this board's gain.

blondie

Thanks everyone for your comments and support. May those who situation means they still must attend have the strength to survive the next 3 weeks.

Just some observations by me:

Not to mention that the GB members are also not married.

Actually I think more were married than not married. Russell, Rutherford (pre GB days), Knorr, Henschel, Ray Franz, Dan Sydlik, Barr, Jaracz. etc.

Gill, I don’t get the same idea. "God’s approval" was necessary for both men and women, "the holy spirit" bearing witness with their spirit. Men had to have more than a penis to be selected as part of the anointed. I think what JW men have to remember is that gender is not a qualification to be of the anointed, Mary, Martha, Mary (Jesus mother) and many other female Christians had to the hope of being anointed. They were there at Pentecost 33 C.E. and received the holy spirit along with the men. Philip's 4 daughters had the gift of prophecy from the holy spirit. The WTS has a tendency to talk about of both sides of their mouth by saying women qualified to rule in heaven but then should be quiet and meek while on earth all having the same abilities.

Thanks, jgnat. I certainly have lived the WT life as a woman and watched how capable women were treated. As a single sister in the WTS, I would often have to show my ring finger to certain brothers and remind them that their ring was not on my finger.

Blondie

Comments You Will Not Hear at the 3-25-07 WT Study (Husband Headship)

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