by Scott77 15 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
As for the "vow of poverty", this is interesting, indeed! Thanks for the info, Leaving. It makes perfect sense, I just never knew of such a thing.
You're welcome.
It is my understanding that Circuit Overseers in the United States also sign a Vow of Poverty.
In general, during the first week at Bethel, new folks SIGN AWAY most of their Constitutional Rights.
Don't even get me started about Bethel sorting the mail and screening it for you.
Rules on top of rules.
wow when I was there it was $17 and you could request another $17 for travel.
that was 1978
As we learn about some of the things we thought we knew it is often so interesting is it not. I knew that circuit overseers took the oath and I thought that it was so "majestic" on their part, so spiritual. And now I see it is/was once again all about the filthy lucre. Ah well, just as long as the r&f have a proper view of materialism.
They also avoid tax implications by calling the money a "reimbursement" for personal expenses. It is not payment for services rendered- otherwise it is severly below the state and federal minimum wage.
The legal department has a tax preparation group that prepares the taxes for all bethelites every year. That way, no one slips and calls the reimbursement income. The only income that is reported is from "G" jobs. (side work picked up by bethelites to give them some additional income)
I was at Bethel 5 yrs. On my annual Social Security Statement, it shows for my years 1970- 1973, it lists "Your Taxed Social Security Earnings" and lists the amounts. I went in July 1969 so I worked secularly for 6 mos prior on that year. So on this statement it does use the word "earnings". I tried to copy & paste here as I have it scanned in my computer but can't seem to get in on here. I could send a email to someone with "attachment" if they think they could get it on here for me.
Bttt...
