I haven’t seen any specific comments on the latest “JW only” Watchtower (June 15 th ) so I offer the following brief notes to support what I perceive to be an increasing trend on obeying the FDS & stressing the publications.
Things From Which we Must Free
Par 11: “True Christians … have an obligation to warn members of Babylon the Great. One way they do this is by distributing bibles & related literature published by the FDS.” My comments: This phrase is being using all the more instead of “preaching the good news”. It strips down the activity to the essential task - that of placing more literature.
Qualities We Must Pursue
Par 10: After quoting Rom 10:17 - “To attain & maintain strong faith , a Christian must keep mediating on the precious truths found in God’s word. The FDS has provided many fine publications. Three exceptional books are The Greatest Man who ever lived , Learn from the Great Teacher & Come be my follower.” …The Slave class also arranges for meetings , assemblies & conventions.” WTS puts its own publications on a par with the bible.
Par 16: “We must retain God’s word , keeping it alive in our hearts & minds. The NWT - an accurate , easy-to-read translation- available in more & more languages has made it convenient & possible to do so.”
Was this not possible before the NWT? Stress on the WTS “house” bible.
Accept Jehovah’s Authority
Too many references to list - ironically the article describes cong elders as imperfect & fallible but neglects to state the same about the FDS. Usual references to Diotrophes , Jn 6:66 (where else do we go) , haughty & prideful attitudes , spirit of independence etc etc.