Greetings Everyone:
Since it seems the cats out of the bag on the book study being eliminated from small groups at homes, I feel it ok to discuss the "WHY" of the Society's actions on this manner. Many seem to be confused as to why the WT would eliminate another evening of busywork. Some see it as a loosening of the riens on the WT's part to let the congregation breathe.....I see it as the complete opposite....I see it as another control tactic, one that has been in the works for a while.
Here is my opinion. Over the last several years, books have been getting smaller, soft-cover, pamphlet size. Everyone knows of the now infamous September '07 Our Kingdom Ministry box with the small paragraph pretty much banning all independent research of the Bible, other translations, the original Greek & Hebrew, etc with the exception of WatchTower publications. In other words, we the WTBS speak for God, and therefore you other sheep need not worry with the minor details or questions that you may have concerning our slanted Bible or failed logic....hand over all thought processes to us. Period.
Now.....what do we hear on here time, after time, after time about ideas being spoken openly about during the small home book studies? I can't even begin to count how many times I've heard on here about people that have asked questions at their book studies in order to make others think about the WTBS failed logic, prophecies, flip-flops, etc. This is especially true since the "revisions" of the absolutely looney Revalation: It's Grand Climax Book. I mean, can you imagine what questions must be being asked just from the changes to that book at studies?
You see, in short, the home book studies were not a completely controlled environment.....you could still relax in someone's home, study your text, and then pretty openly ask questions that maybe you'd NEVER ask openly in a Kingdom Hall setting, and this would encourage open discussion and of course - THINKING - something that the WTBS is scared to death you'll do for yourself. So, how do we eliminate this leak in the controlled system? Plug the leak - eliminate home book studies and incorporate it into a completely controlled environment - the local Kingdom Hall. How many people are likely to ask open questions there? Not many. Also, with all the Elder's there at one time, if someone does ask "red flag, dissident questions" Elder's are there to witness it and ask you into the back room right after. This is "streamlining" of the Theocratic Order at its finest.
These changes also coincide with what Garret Douche...I mean, Losch, has been caught saying in his various talks about Theocratic Organizational skills and also plays right into the special meetings for PO's and Elder's at Patterson this year. Get them all up there to see who all is on board (or not) with the new arrangement and control tactics.
People, this is some scary $hit. Can't you all see it yet? This isn't more freedom; it's more control and putting more of a watchful eye over everyone. No more somewhat safe environment to discuss or ask questions.....just come to the KH for your book study now and keep your opinions to yourselves.....only thing you have to do is read what you underlined in the book....no more research outside of the WTBS's publications..... If we aren't seeing 1984 developing in front of our eyes, I don't know what.
Regards,
Wing Commander