UN scandal, the defence!!! The Letter to Brant Jones

whereami

What say you? Is this a legit excuse? Is this balanced and fair? Here is the link- http://www.jehovahsjudgment.co.uk/watchtower-un-ngo/appendix_jonesletter.html

The Letter to Brant Jones
In 2005, one brother named Brant Jones was deceived by apostates into believing that the Watchtower Society was lying about its association with the UN DPI. He wrote to the Society and they replied, but unfortunately it seems this brother was not willing to listen, and became apostate himself. Here is the letter he received. Our comments are inserted in italics. We have also highlighted important parts of the letter in bold.

Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses

September 20, 2005

Dear Brother Jones

We are pleased to reply to your letter of August 14, written subsequent to your letter of June 13, 2005, wherein you express your concerns about the Watch Tower Society’s registration for a few years with the United Nation’s Department of Public Information (DPI) as a “nongovernmental organization” (NGO).

As you know, information was shared with the body of elders of your congregation, in response to a request from your circuit overseer, to be used in clarifying matters pertaining to this registration, since it had come up for discussion during his visit. We now have your letter and frankly, Brother Jones, we are quite disappointed to observe the very critical tone of your letter, especially for one who has been associated with Jehovah’s organization for so many years and who has had opportunity to see how Jehovah has so richly blessed his people. It saddens us to see you begin to draw away from the Christian congregation because you have allowed unfounded doubts to build up in your mind so strongly that you begin to accuse your brothers here at headquarters of unfaithfulness and dishonestly.

Our comments: Notice how in writing to the Society, Jones did not simply enquire about the matter, but made accusations. In other words, he had simply believed the apostates at their word, and had already decided the Society was guilty, even before hearing what the Society had to say.

Your desire that Jehovah’s organization not become involved in the political affairs of this world is certainly commendable. God’s Word recognizes that the whole world lies in the power of Satan. (1 John 5:19) Governments of men have failed terribly, being appropriately pictures as unruly beasts in the Bible, particularly in the books of Daniel and Revelation. Christians cannot become a part of the old world around them, but Jesus recognized that they would still be living in the midst of this world and would have to deal with it in various ways as it exists and until Jehovah takes it away. (John 17:15, 16) Jehovah has allowed human governments to exist to provide a measure of stability in the world. This has permitted Christians to carry on their activities without the burden of complete lawlessness. In his Word, Jehovah gives us wise and discreet advice on how we can live in the world while at the same time not become a part of it. Jesus reflected the proper balance in directing that we pay “Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.” (Matthew 22:21) The apostle Paul referred to human governments as the “superior authorities” at Romans 13:1-7, even stating that “the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God.” He further describes them as “the arrangement of God” and “God”s minister to you for your good.” Paul even tells Christians to pray “concerning kings and all those who are in high station: in order that we may go on leading a calm and quiet life with full godly devotion and seriousness. This is fine and acceptable in the sight of our Savior, God.” —1 Timothy 2:1-3.

Since the United Nations is a major political “authority” in the world today, and “there is no authority except by God,” then we must view this organization as God views it–as a “wild beast” in prophecy, yet as a government like all the others that “stand placed in their relative positions” by Him. All these human governments, including the United Nations, provide human services for which taxes are paid, directly or indirectly, including such things as disease control, agricultural assistance, disaster and famine relief, and many others. Our brothers, especially in economically impoverished lands, benefit from many of these services. Some of our brothers are government employees, even of the United Nations, who provide such human benefits to others without violating their Christian neutrality. Thus, it is not improper or inappropriate to recognize that the United Nations does some commendable things in behalf of the people and to improve conditions on earth, as do other existing governments who are at the same time portrayed in the Bible as ‘beasts’ and part of Satan’s world.

Our comments: I imagine the above two paragraphs fell on deaf ears. The strongest proponents of the conspiracy theory, such as Robert King, believe that the UN is part of a giant evil conspiracy to take over the world and enslave the human race. They believe the Illuminati, the Masons, and other secretive organizations are all behind it. Obviously this sounds funny to normal folk, but to these people, having anything to do with the United Nations whatsoever is like having fleshly intercourse with the Devil.

Hence, these self-righteous and self-appointed guardians of right and wrong are horrified that the Society should view the UN as an authority placed by God. Even more horrifying is the idea that some Witnesses may even work as UN employees, and to say that the UN “does some commendable things” is like apostasy to them. Of course, it’s not apostasy from the Bible, but apostasy from how they think the UN should be viewed – as an evil plot to take over the world, operated by the 666. The Bible, on the other hand, says its a government placed by God and should be respected as such. And to deny that the UN has done some good work, is to be in denial of plain facts and recorded history.

The letter continues...

So, Brother Jones, our zeal for protecting Jehovah’s good name and organization must be kept in balance with what the Scriptures teach Christians as to the attitude they should have toward the governments of this world that Jehovah allows to exist for a time. We cooperate with and benefit from such arrangements. That brings us to your concern. When looked at objectively, we were merely making use of the library maintained by the United Nations as a source of information, particularly as to its activities in the world, as articles were written for our publications. While acknowledging its accomplishments, we also recognize what governments of men, including the United Nations, are unable to do, things that only God’s Kingdom will be able to do for mankind. An example of this balanced Scriptural approach is reflected in the series of articles on human rights that appeared in the November 22, 1998, issue of Awake!

Our comments: These statements about the use of the library is in full accordance with the facts presented in the chapter Following it to the Letter. NGOs associated with the DPI can only do that, and do not have the influence or incorporation to do anything more (especially during the period the Society was registered). The facts bare out that the Society was, indeed, only using the library facilities (which are varied). In fact, DPI association doesn’t permit you to do anything more than that.

Some factual information as to what actually occurred may be helpful to you. Since NGOs that associate with the United Nation’s Department of Public Information (DPI) are clearly informed on the UN’s Web site that “association of NGOs with DPI does not constitute their incorporation into the United Nations system,” we did not join nor became part of the United Nations any more than those who use a city, state, or federal library become part of that branch of government because they register with the library to use their facilities. For example, the Library of Congress is a federal institution of the United States government. Jehovah’s people make use of this facility, going through proper procedure to do so. Of course, as you may understand, “NGO” is merely an acronym referring to any organization that is not part of a government, whether it is associated with the United Nations or not. In this case, therefore, the question really relates to contacts with the UN’s Department of Public Information as an NGO, without presuming that the term “NGO” automatically means becoming part of the UN. Other NGOs associate with various UN agencies and become, as the material you sent states, “partners in ‘the process of deliberation and policy formation’ as well as in ‘the execution of policies.’” That has never been the case with the Watch Tower Society or Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Our comments: Everything the Society says here is correct and in full accord with all the facts. DPI NGOs are not part of the UN, no, not even if they wanted to be. The DPI is the Department of Public Information. All it does is give out information. It cannot do anything else, nor influence any kind of decision making at the UN.

They are correct in saying that a NGO is just an acronym for an organization that is not part of a government. In fact, as we describe in the miscellaneous questions page, there are about 2 million in the USA. Just because something is an “NGO” doesn’t mean it’s part of the United Nations! In fact, the very name implies it is not part of a government.

We can see also that the material he sent to the Society was using the same tired old apostate lie, using rules which apply to ECOSOC NGOs (which influence policy making at the UN) and then claiming – stupidly – that they applied to the Watchtower. Yet we know that the Watchtower has never been an ECOSOC NGO. Apostates just hope you won’t find out. See the chapter Know Your NGOs. The letter continues...

Personnel of our writing staff had been using the United Nations’ library facilities for many years prior to 1991 to access their internationally respected research material available on health, ecological, and social problems for use in our publications. But in 1991, a different person controlling admission refused entry of our researcher to a section of the department where information was dispensed to the media and to which he previously had access. Another employee told him that full access could be gained by registering with the DPI. Although we do not dispute the UN’s current statement that registering as an NGO with the DPI was not required to gan general admission, what actually happened, nevertheless, would understandably need to be take into consideration.

Our comments: Again, this is in full accord with all the facts we could find. There are still apostates ignorantly claiming that the Watchtower was lying because they said they could not gain access to the library. However, as it clearly states here –again– the researcher was trying to access a “section of the department” which was suddenly closed off, perhaps mistakenly, perhaps not.

We certainly would have preferred to use the DPI facilities as in the past without additional paperwork. The application submitted to the DPI that we have on file contains no statements that conflict with our Christian beliefs. And we continued doing the same as we had been doing for years–using their library system and quoting the United Nations or its agencies as a source in our publications. Of course, as we have explained to others who have inquired about this matter, the criteria for association with the DPI, published apart from the application itself, contains some language that we cannot subscribe to, and when we realized this, we withdrew our registration in 2001. We are grateful that this was called to our attention.

Our comments: All these statements are true. The very application form the apostates themselves claimed is the application from 1991 indeed does not contain any “statements that conflict with our Christian beliefs.” Later, of course, the UN separately published criteria for association, which we cannot be sure they received. Thus in 2001 when The Guardian contacted them about it, they withdrew from DPI association.

The following was stated in a letter of October 18, 2001, to Mr. Paul Hoeffel, Chief of the NGO Section of the DPI, in asking that registration of the Watch Tower Society be withdrawn: “Our involvement as an NGO has been limited to obtaining information from your libraries. However, we have decided to withdraw our registration so as to remove any implication that our being recognized by the United Nations as an NGO goes beyond our original purpose or that Jehovah’s Witnesses are involved in activities that are inconsistent with their own teachings.” In that same letter, it was also stated: “Even as we recognize the genuine efforts of the United Nations to resolve the major issues confronting mankind, as a religious tenet Jehovah’s Witnesses have always taught that the final and permanent answer to the formidable problems will come only through the establishment of God’s Kingdom. This does not mean that Jehovah’s Witnesses in any way work to undermine efforts of the United Nations. Our view was clearly set forth on page seven of the October 1, 1995, issue of The Watchtower, a copy of which is enclosed.”

Our comments: More information about the exchange with Paul Hoeffel can be found in the chapter Hail to the Chief.

Any reader of our publications can tell that there has been no change in our view of the UN or what we have published about its role in Bible prophecy over the years since 1991 merely by checking the references citied in current Watch Tower Publications Indexes under the subject “United Nations” and headings and (subheadings) such as “Destruction of Religion.” “Failure” (“Inadequacy of UN”), “Religious Support,” and “Symbolic Representation” (“Disgusting Thing”; “Scarlet-Colored Wild Beast”). Of course, some articles are especially designed for the public on global issues, such as world peace and the rights of children around the world, and cannot be treated properly without considering the role of the UN. Careful readers can see that these articles always tactfully show how, despite all good intentions, the UN is almost helpless to deal with such issues in a meaningful way–thus showing that God’s Kingdom is the real answer to mankind’s problems. Or, to pique curiosity and further discussion, an article may indicate that the UN will soon play a powerful role in the fulfillment of God’s purpose.—Revelation 17:16, 17.

Our comments: Indeed, a close and careful examination of the published articles confirms this. What the Society has published on the UN has not changed, nor before, nor during, nor since the DPI association. All of the published articles show how God’s Kingdom will succeed where the UN will not. See the chapter Awake to Propaganda? for more information.

We are glad to share with you what actually occurred, as well as Bible principles that provide a balanced understanding of the Christian view of the world’s governments, including the United Nations. Clearly there is no basis for concluding from what transpired that the Watch Tower Society (or Jehovah’s Witnesses) has ever joined the United Nations or any other government. No one at headquarters has acted disloyally or deceitfully in handling matters. With hindsight, we recognize that some things could have been done with greater scrutiny. If one is looking for evidence that all of Jehovah’s people, including those at headquarters, are imperfect and may not always consider matters as carefully as they should before acting, despite their best intentions, then we quickly acknowledge that such evidence is not hard to find.

Our comments: Indeed it is a bizarre and extraordinary accusation that the Watchtower could have become “part” of the UN. It is the line of the ignorant fool who doesn't understand what he or she is talking about. We see the Society acknowledges that perhaps they could have been more careful. It is unfortunately that they did not notice the change in DPI requirements which occurred in 2000 before the apostates did. If they had, the apostates would have not been able to lie about it as much.

We trust the above comments will be helpful to you. Certainly there is no basis for the strong assertions that you have made in your letters. It is just such issues based on distorted information that the Adversary, Satan the Devil, is attempting to use in undermining the fail of Jehovah’s people and to cause them to lose confidence in the organization He is using to carry forward true worship in the earth today. (See in this regard the article “Guard Against Deception,” in the February 15, 2004, issue of The Watchtower.) We urge you, Brother Jones, not to fall victim to Satan’s subtle ’machinations.” (Ephesians 6:10-12) Do not let him rob you of the spiritual heritage Jehovah has for those who prove loyal and faithful to him and who continue to love the brotherhood. You have served Jehovah for many years, done much good work in the congregations, and have helped many to come to know Jehovah, including members of your family. What you do now will affect not only your future service to Jehovah but could also have an influence on others, especially on members of your family. So, rather than remain stumbled and disgruntled, perhaps by continuing to dwell on these distorted claims of opposers that only serve to give you a false premise for not returning to happy association with Jehovah’s people, we encourage you to pray earnestly and humbly to Jehovah to help you put matters again in proper perspective. Our prayers are that Jehovah will bless your sincere desire to serve and please him, and to continue walking with his people on the narrow road that leads to everlasting life in his new system.—Matthew 7:13:14.

Our comments: Unfortunately it seems this man and many others have refused to give the brothers the benefit of the doubt. They refuse to look at evidence proving themselves wrong, and are in deep denial about the glaring errors in their own “evidence”.

They have chosen the path of being self-appointed judges of right and wrong, but judges who refuse to weigh up both sides of the argument, and instead are determined and obsessed with finding any shred of evidence to condemn the Society – no matter how flawed or contrived. Many become enraged when presented with the facts, because it threatens their own view and their feeling of being superior and more righteous than Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The letter concludes...

We are sending a copy of this letter to the body of elders so they will know what we have written to you on this matter. We are confident that these brothers, many of whom you know well, love you and want the very best for you. Respond to their loving counsel in the spirit of Galatians 6:1.

We take this occasion to send an expression of our warm Christian love and greetings to you and your family.

Your brothers in Jehovah’s service,

Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Awakened07

As I've said before, I have personally never really looked into this matter, but I just Googled it, and came across a page that should cover most of what the view of 'apostates' are: http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm ("disclaimer": I don't necessarily agree with everything there; I haven't read it all)

I think it's funny how they try to spin this around, though. The Watchtower are the ones who have always drilled into us how bad the UN is, and now suddenly (mostly in the comments by the other JWs, though), the 'apostates' are lambasted for claiming that the JW view of the UN is that it's evil!

-Maybe John should have included something about the scarlet beast actually feeding and otherwise helping small children around it, but them dying anyway? That would kinda have fit into how the beast of UN is evil, but at the same time does good deeds (albeit unsuccessful in the long run according to JWs).

One question remains though; why did they choose to disassociate themselves with the UN just after this was revealed? Actually, that question doesn't remain come to think of it, because it's answered in this letter: they did so because the news was revealed, and they didn't want anyone to think wrongly about their association with the UN.

Well - if there was absolutelynothing wrong or "dubious" or noteworthy about their "membership" (library card access?), then why not simply remain a UN NGO (DPI), and use the Watchtower to - in an article - explain all the things laid out in the letter above? That way they would have officially shown how they were not wrong, and how this all works, and how/why they could continue being a UN NGO. The above letter after all explains how it was all OK in the first place.

All this said, I think I should add that - in general, not necessarily pertaining to this case - as "apostates", it's very important that everything we say or 'reveal' is the absolute truth and current fact, and that we have proof to back it up (not saying we don't here). For instance, I've seen 'apostates' argue with active Witnesses that they sell their literature when they go door-to-door, and this ended a long time ago, at least where I live. Indirectly they may still 'sell' them, but only through contributions. It's important to have the current facts.

Nathan Natas

AK - Jeff

I for one. cannot follow the way this is presented - too many people speaking. Why not let the contents of the letter speak for itself - too hard to follow.

The one 'comment' that I could assume came from the poster - was incorrect. I contacted the UN library personally - they verified, repeatedly, that association as an NGO previous to September 2001 would have no impact on the Watchtower Society's ability to access the library materials - that access is granted by permission, not by NGO membership - and it never was. After 9-11, access to the UN tightened, but NGO's were still not given priviliages of library use that exceeded others.

Unfortunately, the letter they sent [email actually] was stored on a now dead computer, hence lost forever. But a contact to them would surely confirm this is true. The WTS lied. Period.

Jeff

Awakened07

We are glad to share with you what actually occurred, as well as Bible principles that provide a balanced understanding of the Christian view of the world’s governments, including the United Nations. Clearly there is no basis for concluding from what transpired that the Watch Tower Society (or Jehovah’s Witnesses) has ever joined the United Nations or any other government. No one at headquarters has acted disloyally or deceitfully in handling matters. With hindsight, we recognize that some things could have been done with greater scrutiny. If one is looking for evidence that all of Jehovah’s people, including those at headquarters, are imperfect and may not always consider matters as carefully as they should before acting, despite their best intentions, then we quickly acknowledge that such evidence is not hard to find.

Our comments: Indeed it is a bizarre and extraordinary accusation that the Watchtower could have become “part” of the UN. It is the line of the ignorant fool who doesn't understand what he or she is talking about. We see the Society acknowledges that perhaps they could have been more careful. It is unfortunately that they did not notice the change in DPI requirements which occurred in 2000 before the apostates did. If they had, the apostates would have not been able to lie about it as much.

-And seriously: every time my bank changes it's exchange rates, I get a letter in the mail informing me of this. Every time PayPal or any other online entity or web shop that I'm "affiliated" with changes their policy on privacy etc., I get an e-mail informing me of this.

Are they telling me that the United Nations aren't informing their NGO 'affiliates' when there's an important change in the way they are associated with them, and what it implies? Do they not have lawyers over there?

AK - Jeff

Furthermore - Also confirmed by the library director - was that no changes occured as to ability to access the library, or the requirments to be an NGO for many years previous to the Society's affiliation, and did not change during thier affiliation. To claim such is plainly another lie.

Watchtower apologists need to get it straight before laying this bullshit on the carpet.

Jeff

avengers

What the Society has published on the UN has not changed, nor before, nor during, nor since the DPI association

Here we go again on the wordplay.

YOU associated! That's it! YOU admit it.

The Bible states itself: "And the fool speaks many words".?

Not with all the smart reasoning and weaseling and the cunning of putting sentences together will YOU wipe out the fact that YOU the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society associated with DPI which is part of the UN.

Not the fact that YOU "joined" or did not "join" is important. Only nations can join.

Wordplay, wordplay, wordplay Watchtower! Not all the words in the world will cover up YOUR prostitution.

YOU're evil and YOU are the deceiver, homewrecker, murderer, the dishonest one and the backstabber.

You don't care about us whatsoever.

Andy of the very disappointed in the slave class. and to think you were my brothers. What was I thinking??

tula

If someone wrote a letter to wbts today and asked the question about membership in Un as NGO....would they receive such a letter as this as an explanation? Or would they be accused of listening to apostates and questioned as to where they got the info??

oompa

This letter is not from the WT Society. For years any controversial subject question is only answered by writing to the local Elder body, and they will only "talk" to the Brother who wrote the question. They allow no paper trail in these matters because it could easlily be used as ammo by apostates. NEVER would they express "dissapointment" in any written document regarding a Brother.

trust me on this.....oompa

Kenneson

There has been an ongoing debate on this topic at the following link. Come over and read (it's long but worth the effort) and add your comments.

http://www.topix.net/forum/who/jehovahs-witnesses/T9E94JHNQ0D8DS6CT

UN scandal, the defence!!! The Letter to Brant Jones

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