Dec 15th & Jan 15 Watchtowers - change of thought?

by dozy 27 Replies latest watchtower bible

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  slimboyfat

  I predict in another 2 years the WTS will be VASTLY different from when I bcame a JDub in the early 1980s

  Is that because you think they have already changed a lot, or because you expect change to accelerate tremendously in the next couple of years? The biggest change between the 1980s and now I would say is that in the 1980s Witnesses were absolutely positive the end was coming within the lifetime of the generation that saw 1914. Now they frankly don't have a clue when the end is supposed to be coming. Despite repeated attempts in the literature and from the platform to maintain Armageddon is still coming any minute, the fact that the end has effectively been pushed off indefinitely by the "generation" change in 1995 has had a profound psychological effect on outlook of Witnesses generally.
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  insearchoftruth

  stilla,

  More authoritarian or more mainstream???

  Having never been a jw, I do not know the history, but when I look at the mags/pubs I can see some softening in the public editions, but the insider editions are definitely seeming to be more hardline....
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  passwordprotected

  The WTS years ago started teaching that good works were on a par with the preaching work. But when people choose to keep their gardens tidy or visit the sick rather than meet the ministry group, they quickly changed their tune again.
  
  I agree that the study edition of the WT is becoming more hardline. A nod and a wink to the life of Jesus (as a great teacher and not God incarnate) may appease some of the JWs, but it doesn't change their claim of divine appointment, doesn't change their shutting up the kingdom of the heavens (great crowd on earth etc) or Jesus' restricted role as mediator.
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  watson

  "Integrity-keepers respond in what way to organizational changes and doctrinal refinements?"

  Refinements?? So subtle.
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  hamsterbait

  The nod in the direction of "Good Works", is most likely to guilt the R&F into giving to the recently evicted beth hell ites.

  Also any witless who has seen the criticism for not mentioning jesus or promoting good works, will look at their koolaid edition and say it is unfounded.

  HB
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  Gladring

  Looking through the WTs in the last 6 months it seems more and more like they are reading "apostate" material and stuffing in short responses to it. Any JW on the ground would be clueless, to any apostate it is obvious. But to any JW still in that has dipped briefly into apostate material or who has been talking to one recently (I'm thinking some of our relatives) they will say "Oh you know the other day you said the name Jehovah shouldn't be in the bible? Well there was this great article and . . ." They are desperately trying to plug leaky docrine.
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  cameo-d

  They use the expression "worldwide brotherhood" & similar

  You probably think that means JWs worldwide because you have been geared to think that way, but this term "worldwide brotherhood" is becoming an interfaith term....which means "anyone who calls on the name of God during the Last Days" no matter what religion.

  Also the "good works" and "counting your time" go hand in hand with the new political "mandatory volunteering agenda". This has been in the news as recently as yesterday (again). It seems that under the new pres. everyone, from students to elderly will be required to perform mandatory service voluntary "good works" delegated within their community. This will be orchastrated and you will be told what to do. It will not be anything of your own thinking or initiative.

  The "good works" comes into play to support the new political policies.
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  stillajwexelder

  What I meant was there have been a huge number of changes and I predict many more
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  blondie

  But they do mention "spirit anointed Christians" "the Israel of God" a "royal priesthood" and the "new covenant" and makes a distinction of a group going to heaven and a group only on earth. As well as mentioning a "secondary part of Abraham's seed" on pages 13-15.
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  Xavier1

  hello, in the past the organisation has already change something. juste before 1975 they tried to be more kind people. it'spossible that's same today.

  i need a scan of these two WT if it is possible.

  many thanks for your help and best regards from Switzerland (Geneva)

  Jean-Pierre exXavier