I agree with Mrs Fiorini above. I think they do believe. They justify everything in their minds. They are all victims just like we all were at one time. For them it is too painful to admit the deep dark truth that its all a hoax. They are not as brave as many of us. We did what we had to do to live a more authentic life. They are cowards and convince themselves over and over that its "the truth". That way they keep their friends and family and go along pretending. They believe that they believe.
What % of WT Society Higher Ups Really Believe what the WT Teaches ?
by flipper 48 Replies latest jw friends
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jwfacts
Most JW's that I have spoken to about it know there are a lot of questionable teachings. However, the standard justification for remaining JWs is that there is nothing better, "where else would I go?".
I think it is the same with the GB, they do not agree on doctrine as Franz showed, so must be realistic that Jehovah does not direct what they teach, but still think it is the best organization.
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compound complex
"In 1975, Knorr made a remarkable and candid statement to the Governing Body, which confirmed his growing disillusionment until his death two years later: ["]'"There are some things I know --- I know that Jehovah is God, that Christ Jesus is his Son, that he gave his life as a ransom for us, that there is a resurrection. OTHER THINGS I'M NOT SO CERTAIN ABOUT. 1914 --- I DON'T KNOW. WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT 1914 FOR A LONG TIME. WE MAY BE RIGHT AND I HOPE WE ARE."'["] Was this comment directed at his "oracle," Fred Franz, after the disappointing failure of the 1975 prophecy? And yet, not knowing if the date of 1914 was correct or not, Knorr went along with the absolutes taught by the Watch Tower Society about 1914 and everything else: that all their teachings are firmly "based on scripture," "in truth," and agreeing to the disfellowshipping of anyone who questions 1914, or any other constantly changing belief. [Mouthy and how many others?]
"Those whose beliefs were grounded in Scripture, who protected their faith with God's Word, including the words of Jesus, who resisted dogma change by Franz's whims, were condemned as "apostates," "evil servants," and a host of other derogatory adjectives. In doing so Franz and Knorr were faithfully following another practice of J.F. Rutherford." --- THE FOUR PRESIDENTS OF THE WATCH TOWER SOCIETY (JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES), Edmond C. Gruss, Editor, p. 39.
www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/beliefs/126663/1/Knorr-on-1914-I-dont-know-Mouthy-Alert
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BurnTheShips
Huh?
Knorr?
This is news to me!
BTS
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stillajwexelder
Homerovah said --- Whose to say, but one thing is for sure they know exactly whats putting food in their mouths and cover over their heads and affording them an expandable amount of power over 7 million people. Now thats a gig that many a man has dreamed of in a life time !
Hopscotch said -- Why would they want to leave now. They have a fantastic lifestyle. He and his wife fly all over the country (USA) giving talks at conventions and assemblies, memorial talks and the like. They are treated like movie stars in a way. They travel so much they get enough frequent flyer points each year to have a free airfare back to Australia every year, where JWs climb over the top of each other to pamper them, give them handouts and tell them how wonderful they are. Where else would they get that kind of prominence and adoration?
ABSOLUTELY SO - NO WAY WILL THEY ROCK THE BOAT
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yadda yadda 2
I think the great majority of those at the top believe it all hook line and sinker, as complete captives of their own concept. That's how they made it to the top. You can't get to the top of anything and stay at the top for very long while experiencing cognitive dissonance that comes from lots of doubts. I'd say perhaps about 20% at the most may have some vague doubts about some of the teachings/policies. But the % should be growing with each passing year.
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wobble
I agree Yaddie, but to have that kind of Cognitive Dissonance is a strain,hence the relief those of us who have left feel.
It is also against scripture, Paul asked "What fellowship does light have with darkness" etc. In other words,even if only 1% of the teachings were dodgy,it would NOT be The Truth.
Love
Wobble
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WTWizard
I think most of those in the Filthful and Disgraceful Slavebugger class are actually atheists (otherwise, wouldn't they be afraid of tampering with the Bible?). They are pretending to believe that Jehovah is going to do something, and even now are busy preparing for what to do when their prophesies go bust.
And I think they all knew that 1975 was going to be a bust, even back in 1969 when they put out the Asleep! article advising people to put off their lives and slave for the Washtowel Babble and Crap Slaveholdery. True, they knew that the balloon would come due in 1976, but they were preparing even in 1969 for that. They would just tell the regular members that they put too much stock in the 1975 date and that most who leave were actually doing so for materialistic reasons (even in 1969).
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Olin Moyles Ghost
If the question is what percentage of WT leaders believe every current JW doctrine--then, I would say very few. But if the question is what percentage believe that the Governing Body is God's channel of communication and the only means of salvation--then I would say 100% or very close to it.
Any studious JW is going to have some unresolved questions and issues with WT teachings. A classic example is the teaching that you must be a JW to survive Armageddon. Very few JWs (among those to whom I've spoken about this matter) really believe that God is going to kill billions of Chinese and Arabs at Armageddon. Rather, they are content to "wait on Jehovah" and "trust in his mercy," etc. So, while such JWs don't necessarily agree with this specific teaching, they do believe in the more important teaching that the WT/GB is God's representative on earth and the only means for salvation.
As someone once stated on this board (I think it was V)--JWs don't believe in anything. And that's 100% true. They have put their faith and allegiance in nine men in New York. Doctrines can change; rules can change; but as long as the JW believes that salvation only comes through the WT society, he is on the "right track."
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minimus
Great question!
I think some cling to believing their own lie. Others realize most is a scam. Most believe in "Jehovah" so "wait on Him" so they just stay.