Aren't we all responsible for the success of the Watchtower Society?

by RULES & REGULATIONS 24 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

• 

  RULES & REGULATIONS

  Raymond Franz was a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses from 1971 until May 22, 1980, and served at the organization's world headquarters for fifteen years, from 1965 until 1980. Franz wrote and edited two detailed books which relate his personal experiences with the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society and fellow members of the Jehovah's Witness organization.

  After reading Ray Franz's books,I held him and his fellow members responsible for all the false teachings. I also wasn't forgiving any of them even if they found out that it wasn't the ''truth'' and left the organization.Now I changed my mind.

  Aren't we all responsible one way or another for the success(6 million strong and counting) of the WTS when we: donated money....got baptized....preached the ''good news''....brought in our family into the organization....signed up for the Ministry School....became Elders,Ministerial Servants?
• 

  leftbelow

  Its one of the great regrets of my life that I conducted studies and led people to get baptized in this org. that I gave talks that encourged people to be more active in this org.
• 

  Zico

  We're all victims, and we all did what we thought was right.
  
  Even Ray. And Ray's books have helped so many people.
• 

  sweet pea

  Maybe, but we can all be responsible for its demise, by taking a stand against it.
• 

  llbh

  Up to a poin,t however we were decieved, not deceiving therefore. .

  We did not participate in any cover ups either.

  So our role in the success of the wts is small thier role in ruining the lives of many people is great as is their culpability
• 

  megaflower

  perhaps we all have a measure of accountability for the WTS success. However, it is all perpetrated on lies by the WTS. We fell victims to the fabricated lies and half truths. I hope we all can have a part in the demise of this evil cult.
• 

  Maddie

  Only before the fact.

  Maddie
• 

  BreakingAway

  Yes, I suppose we all have a measure of responsibility in this area.BUT the truly important thing is, what do we do AFTER we learn it's no longer the truth ? To be fooled is one thing.To intentionally disseminate false, even harmful, information to others is another thing all together.

  The Society is fond of using the illustration of poison.You know, the one about the one drop of poison in a glass of water.Would you still drink it is the question they ask.It's supposed to represent false religious teachings.Well, one could ask the question: If you wouldn't drink it would you give it to someone else ?

  This is the point I was making before.The GB members have access to the "truth about the truth".They know what goes on behind the scenes.They know the truth behind the scandals.They know about the abuse, the ever changing policies and "predictions" that cause serious harm to the adherents of such beliefs.And yet they enforce such beliefs and guidelines with an iron fist.What ever happened to: "Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin." (James 4:17) If the "spiritual leaders" aren't having their own crisis of conscience they should be.
• 

  Mickey mouse

  I agree with BreakingAway, we are only responsible once we see through the deception. This is something I am struggling with at the moment. I just couldn't be responsible for bringing someone else into this organization. Then there are my children. Arrrggggghhhh! It's just an impossible position to be in. One way or another my family are in for a world of hurt.
• 

  steve2

  I think it is a sign of maturity to take responsibility for all that we have done in our lives, and that includes our respective contributions to maintaining and promoting the teachings of the Watchtower Society. Once I realised I did not believe it anymore, I began the slow and difficult process of disengagement, aware that I was caught between my obligations to others, inlcuding JW family members and my need to be true to my beliefs. I emerged a sadder and wiser man, overwhelmed at times by the implications of my decision but at peace with my conscience. I also recall something a wise acquaintance once shared with me: A sense of repsonsibility about your role in the past can be paralyzing or it can be liberating and sometimes it can be both.