Question for current meeting-attenders...

Kudra

Hi,

I am wondering if they still say "Dear Brothers," (as in brothers only, no mention of sisters) when they read letters from the Governing Body.

Also, do they still address the audience at conventions and assemblies as "Brothers, aren't we glad ...blah blah something blah blah".

This would bother me ~5 years ago when I was attending the KH and even then, it was a terribly outdated and chauvinistic way to address a large crowd -it just seems like there would be outright rebellion if the crowd at a convention or Kingdom Hall were to be addressed that way today.

What is the current salutation? ...to willingly ignore over 50% of the audience is just archaic... somehow I wouldn't be surprised if they still did...

Thanks for any information,

-Kudra

blondie

Here is their policy though 28 years ago and 12 years ago. This is pretty much what they still use. The congregations I attended had the rule of saying "Brother (or Sister) Last Name" initially and then referring to then by first name thanking them for their comment, (Thank you, Bob). But then some elders were so strict that even before and after the meetings they never used people's first names.

I currently am active in a union and they call each other brother and sister, and it grates on me every time.

*** km 3/80 p. 3 Question Box ***

What forms of address are recommended for use during congregational meetings?When Jesus taught his followers to pray, he instructed them to address Jehovah as "Our Father." This thought of a spiritual family relationship between all of his followers was further emphasized when he told them "all you are brothers." (Matt. 23:8) Many times the apostles and disciples of Jesus used the term "brother" in a very direct sense. Peter referred to Paul as "our beloved brother Paul" and Paul spoke of "Titus my brother," and "our brother Timothy."—2 Pet. 3:15; 2 Cor. 2:13; Heb. 13:23.

In view of this close spiritual relationship, Jehovah’s Witnesses normally address each other as "brother" and "sister." They generally do this along with the last name during congregational meetings. For the one presiding to use first names can, at times, cause certain problems. If a person were new to our meetings and we were not too well acquainted with him, he could feel we were being overly familiar if we called upon him by his first name since last names are customarily used when people are gathered at Christian meetings.

Whereas, the one presiding could call on very young children by their first name, were he to call older persons by their first name some may view this as a lack of respect. Or take the case of a sister whose husband is not in the truth but comes to a meeting for the first time. How will he feel if he hears his wife called by her first name by another married man in front of the whole congregation?

Such difficulties are resolved if those conducting meetings use last names when calling on individuals to comment. We would not address newly interested persons as "brother" or "sister" since the spiritual relationship of God’s family does not exist in their case. Rather, use the first and last names together or preface the last name with the more formal Mr.,Mrs. or Miss unless there is a reason for making an exception. On the other hand, when a person is approaching dedication and considers himself to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, there may be no objection to prefacing the last name with "brother" or "sister."

When we use "brother" or "sister" during our congregation meetings, it indicates a very blessed relationship, a family relationship under the one Father, Jehovah God. (Eph. 2:19b) It is a bond that is far closer and more precious than any indicated by the use of first names.

*** km 4/96 p. 7 Question Box ***

What is the proper use of the terms "brother" and "sister"?

When used in a literal sense, the terms "brother" and "sister" refer to individuals who have the same parents. This natural relationship usually creates a warm attachment, and the closeness these individuals experience is further enhanced by social, environmental, and emotional ties.

Jesus taught his disciples to address Jehovah in prayer as "Our Father." The use of that expression implies that as Christians, we are all part of a close family circle where we enjoy a rich spiritual relationship. This was further emphasized by Jesus when he told his followers that "all you are brothers."—Matt. 6:9; 23:8.

Because of our close spiritual ties within God’s household, we address one another as "Brother" and "Sister," particularly at congregation meetings. During these spiritual occasions, the one presiding over the meeting recognizes baptized individuals by using the expression "brother" or "sister" followed by the last name of the person being addressed.

What if an unbaptized person wishes to participate in the meetings? When a person has been associated with Jehovah’s people for some time and is approaching dedication, considering himself to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, there would be no objection to prefacing the last name with "Brother" or "Sister." This would especially be true if the individual has become an unbaptized publisher.

On the other hand, interested persons who have only recently begun to attend our meetings have not yet taken the steps that would identify them as part of God’s household. These individuals would not be addressed as "Brother" or "Sister," since the spiritual relationship of God’s family does not exist in their case. So during the meetings, we would address them more formally, using an appropriate title such as "Mr." with their last name.

Using the expressions "brother" and "sister" at our congregation meetings indicates a bond that is far closer and more precious than any indicated by the use of first names. It reminds us of the very blessed relationship we enjoy as a spiritual family under the one Father, Jehovah God. We are also reminded of the deep love and affection we have for one another.—Eph. 2:19; 1 Pet. 3:8.

Kudra

Thanks Blondie, but I was talking about when they address the congregation (or assembly/convention audience) as a WHOLE.

I want to know about when they read a letter to the CONGREGATION - does it just read "Dear Brothers" as the opening salutation?

When I attended, the AUDIENCE was addressed as "Brothers". I want to know about that...

You know- when in a talk at the convention they say: "Brothers, are we not glad..." No mention of sisters whatsoever. It is terrible.

-K

cameo-d

brothers only, no mention of sisters

could it be because the organization has deeper origins as a "Brotherhood"?

"wheels within wheels, secrets within secrets, organizations within organizations"...concealment and decoy.

Most christian religions are patriarchial. However, note that Jesus treated women equally. But in OT women are chattel. True christian teachings are not rooted in the OT.

BonaFide

When we covered this at an elders' meeting a few years ago, the district overseer said that the term "brothers" covers brothers, sisters, children, and people attending.

We took notes and accepted it, no questions asked.

BF

Mickey mouse

Yep, it's still the "brothers" they address. As Blondie so eloquently said recently "you have no point in the WT without a penis".

Kudra

Can you imagine if they opened Congress by saying "Welcome Gentlemen" or "Greetings, Congressmen"??

Lawsuit.

The WTBTS is a great place for insecure males to hang out. Where else would a bunch of losers with no real power, jobs or intellect get to lord it over a group of ~100 people?

-K

Kudra

Thanks for the answers- I got curious about that the other day... no reason, just thinkning of reasons I would tell my friends for why I no longer feel the need to be a JW...

blondie

Starting in the early 80's the WTS starting using the phrase "brothers and sisters" more frequently. I have noticed that the younger the speaker, the more likely he is to verbally include the sisters. I asked about this when I was in high school and was told the same thing by older brothers that "brothers" included sisters. Actually, at one point there was a term "brethren" which I was told meant both men and women, but that term was dropped. But I have yet to find a dictionary that defines it that way. I was told by a jw that an anointed single sister in her congregation always sat in front and when the speaker would say "brothers" and mean both men and women, she would say "and sisters" under her breath, loud enough for the speaker to hear but not the general audience.

loosie

she would say "and sisters" under her breath, loud enough for the speaker to hear but not the general audience.

I love those indepentdent thinking memebers of the 144,000.

Question for current meeting-attenders...

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