I was at the one day assembly at the weekend - We are the Clay, Jehovah is the Potter.
This was the first assembly I have been at as a "thinking" person.
One of the talks mentioned how the world can "prime" our minds. He said - People just follow what they hear, do not question it, believe anything.
And I thought - hmm, I am surrounded by people like that!!
A young sister I know was up for baptism - when she stood up to say yes to the couple of questions I just wanted to shout "dont do it".
But I think I would have been huckled out the door.
Its amazing - she is a lovely lass but her meeting attendance is poor, yet she was still approved for baptism!!
Also another talk mentioned how the media can affect our faith. He mentioned a few newspaper articles that apparently had mis-qouted the society.
It was noticable that he did not mention articles about the UN & the NGO status nor the child abuse case recently in London.
The speaker said this - "The media is an instrument of Satan. He manipulates. He distorts. He promulgates lie after lie through international media".
Many in the audience nodding there heads in approval. Oh dear.
The bethel speaker mentioned how many are simply leaving the organisation.(A remarkable admission)
Apparently those leaving have this attitude = "Your not going to tell me what to do anymore!"
They now reside in the "darkness" outside according to him.
A quick review of all the other main points -
(1) Buying a new mobile phone every 6 months is wrong and shows a lack of contentment.
(2) Higher education got battered again.
(3) Internet = danger.
(4) Pioneering is the best thing you can do.
(5) Their are no excuses to slow down spiritually.
(6) Someone who Swears in private is living a double life.
The Scotsman