Thanks for all the great observations and comments ! I'll respond individually to you.
HEATHEN- I'm sure there are lots of anointed out there who make up their own beliefs. Buy profusely claim that they don't. And still claim to follow the WT society just to protect themselves.
I QUIT- It is amazing since the days of Russell and Rutherford how this organization tries to manipulate it's numbers of anointed and manipulate it's members to believe it.
WTWIZARD- I think that for years the WT society has deceived it's members by playing with and manipulating the numbers of the anointed. They act like they have an accurate handle on everything that has happened through the centuries like you said.
PASSWORD PROTECTED- The governing body is all about CONTROL. Even if everybody partook of the emblems - they would still be about CONTROL. And they would lie and deceive members to hang onto that control of them.
TRUTHSETSONEFREE- Exactly. The GB has always claimed they get input from the " worldwide anointed " but they really DON'T do that. In this article they actually come out and admit that. So they were lying to us all those years. No great surprise.
SIR 82- Exactly. Now since many more will claim to be of the anointed - in time - we will really see an " ambitious path " taken by all these GB wannabees . The WT society has really started down a slippery slope here.
YKNOT- I agree. This is a desperate attempt or a gut shot in my opinion also. They are trying to control even more so. Even controlling all the anointed more outwardly.
DOUBTING BRO- Very true. I do think the GB is concerned about charismatic newly anointed people breaking off and forming their own groups. That's why they emphasized " only the GB " dispenses out information.
ISAAC AUSTIN- The GB is really going down a dangerous slippery slope here on this one - a road they don't want to travel - but they have to now as the numbers of people partaking are increasing. They themselves have let the cows out of the barn by saying that 1935 was NOT the end of the sealing or gathering of the anointed . So - Because they have shot themselves in the foot they are backpedaling now saying " not to judge any partakers ". AND - The GB wants to control all the members including all the anointed around the earth. Only the GB makes the rules. Period.
AWAKE & WATCHING- I agree. Just pass the wine and let's all drink ! Makes a lot less problems !
QUIRKY- Let's eat, drink, and be merry ! Exactly.
UNDERCOVER- It's all about control and power to the governing body. You and I both know this. And deceiving the rank and file witnesses to retain that power. For years the governing body claimed they got insight from all over the earth from various anointed who helped them with information to dispense in their literature. Now- with this article we are finding out it was all a big lie ! The information was always coming from the writing committee basically ( even non-anointed ) or just the 12 old geezers on the GB. And most of the rank and file witnesses will eat this up at the WT studies - and not even notice the difference. Poor saps.
JEFF T- I agree with you the WT society HAS painted themselves into a corner here. And they are trying to justify why there are more partaking - while at the same time sending a message to newly anointed that they don't have the same power as the GB . Making it up as they go along - like you said.
IKNOWALL558- Very true. By this article the GB will consolidate their power and let any up and coming newbie anointed that " we are the faithful steward- you are not. We make the rules, you don't. "
SPOOK- It would make things much more simple if families would just celebrate the damned lord's evening meal at home. Do it in a personal way - instead of all the powermongers thinking they were of the anointed.
DOGPATCH- Very true what you say. The WT society is power hungry and this WT article proves that point precisely. They want it known to rank and file members that only the GB is in control of doctrine and teachings. I hope what you say is true - that there are lots of lurking elders out there who are disagreeing with the WT society and are waiting for some proper time to form an uprising. I can hardly wait. Your take might very well come true - the Jehovah's Witnesses may fraction off and divide into different beliefs like the Mormon's did in their cult. It will definitely be interesting to observe. I hope it comes sooner than later.
YADDA YADDA 2- Very true that this is a consolidation of power - a stance taken by the governing body to make rank and file members see that ONLY THEY have the authority to dictate God's laws to their members. I thought in comparing themselves to Bible writers it was the epitome of arrogance and conceit.
WASANELDERONCE- I always felt these were just men controlling men actually. I never put them on a pedestal. We should have all known the GB was lying when they claimed they get constant input from the anointed around the earth and use that information to dispense to the rank and file members . Such con artists
