by nicolaou 24 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
"We cannot take part in any modern version of idolatry-be it worshipful gestures toward an image or symbol or the imputing of salvation to a person or an organization." The Watchtower, 11/1/1990, p. 26
and from the very same month and year . . .
"identifying themselves with Jehovahs organization is essential to their salvation." Our Kingdom Ministry, 11/1990, p. 1
Nic'
Definition of impute: attribute to, or credit it to.
identifying themselves with Jehovahs organization is essential to their salvation
Good lord, how is that not an "imputing of salvation"?
This is also useful:
“But if we were to draw away from Jehovah’s organization, there would be no place else to go for salvation and true joy. (Compare John 6:66-69.)” (WT 15. Sept. 1993, p.22)
This is good.
bttt
StAnn
"Jehovah's organization"
I challenge you to find a definition for "jehovah's organization" in any of the literature.
What is it? Where is it physically located? Is it registered as a corporation or any other legal entity? Who is it? Who all is considered to be a member?
The WTS loves to use vague nebulous terminology when describing such things. They do this so that the elders, COs and DOs can change the definition based on who they are dealing with and what the circumstances are.
Doublethink!
Definition: Doublethink. The power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one's mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them....To tell deliberate lies while genuinely believing in them, to forget any fact that has become inconvenient, and then, when it becomes necessary again, to draw it back from oblivion for just so long as it is needed, to deny the existence of objective reality and all the while to take account of the reality which one denies — all this is indispensably necessary. Even in using the word doublethink it is necessary to exercise doublethink. For by using the word one admits that one is tampering with reality; by a fresh act of doublethink one erases this knowledge; and so on indefinitely, with the lie always one leap ahead of the truth
Both contradictory statements are from the same month and year!
What do you suppose happened to anyone who pointed out the contradiction? Especially if they did during a meeting?
Do not conclude that there are different roads, or ways, that you can follow to gain life in God's new system. There is only one. There was just one ark that survived the Flood, not a number of boats. And there will be only one organization—God's visible organization — that will survive the fast-approaching "great tribulation." It is simply not true that all religions lead to the same goal... You must be part of Jehovah's organization, doing God's will, in order to receive his blessing of everlasting life...
The above is vague for sure, but this one is a LITTLE more clear with things. This was the closest I found Elsewhere. (thanks to blondie here)
Jehovah uses this organization because it is meek and teachable and is not set and bound in its viewpoints. It is an organization that looks to Jehovah for guidance and direction and watches his maneuvering of matters on the world scene and the outworking of events that fulfill prophecy and it lines up its views in accord with these things. It is willing to change and keep up with the developing conditions, to keep up with the light as the light is revealed brighter and brighter. That is why Jehovah can use this organization, and certainly the facts show that he has been using it and is continuing to use it. He is bringing the increase. He is using this organization to preach the good news of the established Kingdom in all the inhabited earth. Prophecies are being fulfilled upon this group. We are counseled to remain close to the organization, for even if the organization does have views that are later changed, our safety lies in remaining within the organization and changing with it when the light increases and new truths are discerned.
No other organization has shown this flexibility to alter its views, to keep up with the changing times, to be alert to the increased light that comes from Jehovah from the temple, for other groups are bound by their centuries-old creeds. Rather than a stumbling stone, the Society's readiness to alter its views when necessary should be a source of comfort and encouragement, an assurance that there will be continual advancement and increase in learning, an ever-brightening light as we approach closer to the perfect day with its noonday brightness. A false religion may have some truth in it, but it never gets rid of its many falsehoods and the truth it does have continues to be contaminated. With Jehovah's organization the beliefs can be established from the Bible, and when some erroneous view does creep in it is soon ferreted out and discarded.
lurk3r
Showed my jw those quotes, too old. So where's the new light? only the sounds of crickets chirrping, then the old light still stands, time to change the subject.
I love Big Brother! I love Big Brother! I LOVE BIG BROTHER!
1984 by George Orwell.
I highly recommend that everyone here read it if they have not already done so. I would also suggest that we offer that book to JWs. Maybe they will accept a non "apostate" book. The parallels between that book and the JWs will cause them a lot of cognitive dissonance.
