I never really got the point of those resolutions at district conventions. Seemed pretty hokey to me.
Sir82: you have a pm.
District Convention ruminations
by sir82 37 Replies latest jw friends
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tresdecu
Crap, I almost forgot that part about the animals and the cheesy interviews. wtf!? How many talks were in that symposium, like 50. weird. They have to keep em coming quick due to the (our) short attention span and bordem.
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steve2
Until you mentioned the reading of a Proclamation to which the audience is asked to say Aye, I had forgotten about them. Thanks for bringing back these procalmation-based memories. Yes, even back in the 60s and 70s, the audience never heartily endorsed the proclamations - more like a half-hearted "Okay, okay...can we go home now?"
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blondie
They do call them "resolutions." Here was one in 2004.
*** w04 1/15 p. 25 Give God Glory Not Man ***The public discourse was followed by a summary of the Watchtower magazine’s lesson for that week. Then came the final talk, "‘Keep Bearing Much Fruit’ to Jehovah’s Glory." The speaker presented a ten-point resolution for all in attendance to adopt. It centered on various ways that glory can be given to Jehovah, the Creator. A unanimous "Aye" traveled through all the conventions from one end of the earth to the other.
and in 2001
*** w02 4/1 pp. 29-31 Stay Awake, Move Ahead Courageously! ***
ResolutionIn August 2001, special "Teachers of God’s Word" Conventions were held in France and Italy. At those conventions a stirring resolution was presented. Following is the text of that resolution.
"AS JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES, all of us assembled at this ‘Teachers of God’s Word’ Convention have been instructed by teaching that is highly beneficial. The source of this teaching has been clearly identified. The teaching is not of human origin. It comes from the One described by the ancient prophet Isaiah as our ‘Grand Instructor.’ (Isaiah 30:20) Note Jehovah’s reminder as stated at Isaiah 48:17: ‘I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit yourself, the One causing you to tread in the way in which you should walk.’ How does he accomplish this? The primary way is through the most widely translated and circulated book in the world, the Bible, wherein we are told in unequivocal terms: ‘All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial.’—2 Timothy 3:16.
"Today, mankind is in dire need of such beneficial teaching. Why can this be said? In considering the changing, perplexing scene of this world, what do thinking people acknowledge? Simply this: Although millions have been taught by the world’s educational systems, there is a woeful lack of real values and a failure to distinguish between right and wrong. (Isaiah 5:20, 21) Bible illiteracy abounds. While technology provides access to a glut of information through the use of computers, where are the answers to such vital questions as, What is the purpose of life? How are we to understand the events of our time? Is there a solid hope for the future? Will peace and security ever become a reality? Furthermore, on library shelves are found millions of pages in reference works covering virtually every field of human endeavor. Still, mankind repeats mistakes of the past. Crime soars. Diseases once thought to be eradicated recur, while others, such as AIDS, spread alarmingly. Family life disintegrates at a bewildering rate. Pollution ruins the environment. Terrorism and weapons of mass annihilation threaten peace and security. Problems without solutions keep piling up. What is our proper role in helping our fellowman in these critical times? Is there teaching that explains the cause of mankind’s plight and not only shows the way to a better life now but also offers a bright, sure hope for the future?
"Our Scriptural commission is to ‘go and make disciples of people of all the nations, teaching them to observe all the things that Christ commanded.’ (Matthew 28:19, 20) This commission was issued by Jesus Christ following his death and resurrection, when he received all authority in heaven and on earth. It transcends all activity promoted by humans. From God’s standpoint, our commission, which focuses on the spiritual needs of those hungering for righteousness, has first priority. We have sound Scriptural reasons for taking that commission seriously.
"This calls for keeping such activity foremost in our lives. With God’s blessing and help, the work will be done, notwithstanding a host of distracting influences, obstacles, and opposing forces from religious and political elements, designed to impede the progress of this global teaching program. We are confident and have faith that this work will continue to prosper and reach its grand completion. Why can we be so sure? Because the Lord Jesus Christ promised that he would be with us in our God-given ministry right down to the conclusion of this system of things.
"The hour is late for distressed mankind. Our present commission must be fulfilled before the final end comes. Therefore, we, as Jehovah’s Witnesses, resolve that:
"First: As dedicated ministers, we are determined to keep Kingdom interests first in our lives and continue to grow spiritually. To that end, our prayer is in line with the words of Psalm 143:10: ‘Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.’ This calls for being good students, endeavoring to read the Bible daily, engage in personal study and research. To make our advancement manifest to all persons, we will make every reasonable effort to prepare for and benefit fully from theocratic education provided at congregation meetings, at assemblies in the circuit, and at district, national, and international conventions.—1 Timothy 4:15; Hebrews 10:23-25.
"Second: In order to be taught by God, we will feed exclusively at his table and carefully heed the Bible’s warning about misleading teachings of demons. (1 Corinthians 10:21; 1 Timothy 4:1) We will take special precaution to avoid harmful elements, including religious falsehoods, futile reasonings, disgraceful sexual perversions, the plague of pornography, debasing entertainment, and everything that is not in ‘accord with healthful teaching.’ (Romans 1:26, 27; 1 Corinthians 3:20; 1 Timothy 6:3; 2 Timothy 1:13) Out of regard for ‘gifts in men,’ who are qualified to teach what is wholesome, we will genuinely respect their efforts and wholeheartedly cooperate with them in upholding the clean and righteous moral and spiritual standards of God’s Word.—Ephesians 4:7, 8, 11, 12; 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13; Titus 1:9.
"Third: As Christian parents, our wholehearted endeavor will be to instruct our children not only by word but also by example. Our primary concern is to help them from their infancy to ‘learn the holy writings so as to become wise for salvation.’ (2 Timothy 3:15) We will keep close in mind that our bringing them up in the discipline and mental regulating of Jehovah will give them the best opportunity to experience the divine promise that ‘it will go well with them and they may endure a long time on the earth.’—Ephesians 6:1-4.
"Fourth: When anxieties or serious problems are encountered, we will, first of all, ‘make our petitions known to God,’ having the assurance that ‘the peace of God that excels all human thought’ will safeguard us. (Philippians 4:6, 7) Having come under Christ’s yoke, we will find refreshment. Knowing that God cares for us, we will not hesitate to cast our anxieties upon him.—Matthew 11:28-30; 1 Peter 5:6, 7.
"Fifth: In expression of our gratitude to Jehovah for the privilege of being teachers of his Word, we will renew our efforts to ‘handle his word of truth aright’ and ‘fully accomplish our ministry.’ (2 Timothy 2:15; 4:5) Because we are acutely aware of what is involved, our heartfelt desire is to search out deserving ones and cultivate the seed sown. Furthermore, we will enhance our teaching by effectively conducting more home Bible studies. This will bring us more into harmony with God’s will that ‘all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.’—1 Timothy 2:3, 4.
"Sixth: Throughout the past century and into this one, Jehovah’s Witnesses in many lands have experienced various forms of opposition and persecution. But Jehovah has proved to be with us. (Romans 8:31) His infallible Word assures us that ‘no weapon formed against us’ to hinder, slow down, or stop our Kingdom preaching and teaching work will succeed. (Isaiah 54:17) Whether in favorable or in troublesome season, we cannot stop speaking the truth. Our resolve is to fulfill our preaching and teaching commission urgently. (2 Timothy 4:1, 2) Our aim is to share as fully as possible the good news of God’s Kingdom with people of all nations. Thus, they will continue to have opportunity to learn about the provision for gaining everlasting life in a righteous new world. As a united throng of teachers of God’s Word, our determination is to keep on following the example of the Great Teacher, Jesus Christ, and reflecting his godly qualities. All of this we will do to the honor and praise of our Grand Instructor and Life-Giver, Jehovah God.
"All in attendance at this convention who favor the adoption of this resolution, please say AYE!"
When the concluding question of the resolution was put to 160,000 assembled at three conventions in France and 289,000 in the nine locations in Italy, a thunderous "Aye" was shouted in the many languages represented among the delegates.
and in 1999
*** w99 1/15 p. 9 Determined to Follow God’s Way of Life ***Following a summary of the Watchtower study article for the week came the final talk, entitled "Keep On Walking in Jehovah’s Way." In part, it reviewed the main points of the program. The speaker then presented a resolution expressing determination to continue living in God’s way.
The resolution concluded with these stirring words: "We are convinced that living by Scriptural principles, counsel, and admonition makes for the best way of life today and lays a fine foundation for the future, so that we may get a firm hold on the real life. Above all, we make this resolution because we love Jehovah God with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength!" All in attendance affirmed their agreement with a resounding aye!
*** w99 5/15 pp. 19-20 pars. 12-25 Keep On Walking in Jehovah’s Way ***As a public manifestation of this determination, during the 1998/99 "God’s Way of Life" District and International Conventions, the delegates adopted a resolution expressing their heartfelt stand. Following is the text of that resolution.
Resolution
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"We, as Jehovah’s Witnesses assembled at the ‘God’s Way of Life’ Convention, wholeheartedly agree that God’s way is the best way of life. We recognize, however, that the majority of mankind today feel differently. Human society has experimented with numerous concepts, philosophies, and religious ideas on what constitutes the best way of life. An honest look at human history and world conditions today bears out the truthfulness of the divine pronouncement recorded at Jeremiah 10:23: ‘It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.’14
"Every day we see more evidence confirming the truthfulness of those words. For the most part, human society disregards God’s way of life. People pursue what seems right in their own eyes. The results have been tragic—the breakdown of family life, leaving children without guidance; the wholesale pursuit of materialism, ending in emptiness and frustration; the senseless crime and violence, claiming countless victims; the ethnic strife and wars, taking a ghastly toll in human lives; the rampant immorality, fueling an epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases. These are but a few of the multitude of complex problems that interfere with the pursuit of happiness, peace, and security.15
"In view of humankind’s sad plight and the nearness of the ‘war of the great day of God Almighty,’ called Armageddon (Revelation 16:14, 16), we as Jehovah’s Witnesses resolve that:16
"First: We view ourselves as belonging to Jehovah God, having individually dedicated ourselves to him unconditionally, and we shall maintain unshakable faith in Jehovah’s provision of the ransom through his Son, Jesus Christ. We are determined to walk in God’s way of life, serving as his Witnesses and submitting to his sovereignty as expressed through the rulership of Jesus Christ.17
"Second: We will continue to adhere to the high moral and spiritual standards of the Bible. We are determined to refrain from walking as the nations walk in the unprofitableness of their minds. (Ephesians 4:17-19) It is our resolve to remain clean before Jehovah and without spot from this world.—James 1:27.18
"Third: We will hold fast to our Scriptural position as a worldwide Christian brotherhood. We will maintain Christian neutrality among the nations, not allowing ourselves to be caught up in racial, national, or ethnic hatred or divisiveness.19
"Fourth: We who are parents will inculcate God’s way in our children. We will set an example in Christian living, which includes regular Bible reading, family study, and a whole-souled share in the Christian congregation and in the field ministry.20
"Fifth: All of us will strive to cultivate the godly qualities that our Creator exemplifies, and we will endeavor to imitate his personality and his ways, as Jesus did. (Ephesians 5:1) We are resolved to let all our affairs take place with love, thereby identifying ourselves as Christ’s disciples.—John 13:35.21
"Sixth: Without letup we will continue preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom, making disciples, and we will instruct them in God’s way of life and encourage them to receive further training at congregation meetings.—Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20; Hebrews 10:24, 25.22
"Seventh: As individuals and as a religious organization, we will continue to put God’s will first in our lives. Using his Word, the Bible, as our guide, we will not deviate to the right or to the left, thus confirming that God’s way is far superior to the ways of the world. We are determined to pursue God’s way of life—firmly and loyally, now and forever!23
"We make this resolution because we put full confidence in Jehovah’s loving promise that he who does the will of God remains forever. We make this resolution because we are convinced that living by Scriptural principles, counsel, and admonition makes for the best way of life today and lays a fine foundation for the future, so that we may get a firm hold on the real life. (1 Timothy 6:19; 2 Timothy 4:7b, 8) Above all, we make this resolution because we love Jehovah God with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength!24
"All in attendance at this convention who favor the adoption of this resolution, please say AYE!"25
Hundreds of arenas and stadiums around the world reverberated as all in attendance answered with a thunderous "AYE!" Jehovah’s Witnesses have no doubt that they will continue to walk in Jehovah’s way. They have full trust in Jehovah and faith that he will fulfill his promises. They remain loyal to him, no matter what occurs. And they are determined to do his will.2004 discussed on JWD
and 2001
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/scandals/14875/1/WT-Resolution-regarding-UN
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shamus100
Ah... the "paradise" talk.
Re: The woman who wanted to pet a snake in the "new system". Why doesn't that lady grab a non-venomous snake and pet it? Oh wait, she needs Jehover to get over her fear when she's perfect!
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steve2
Thanks Blondie: yes, you're right: They were called "resolutions". As a loyal witness, I remember sitting through their being read out at district conventions and worrying that I could not keep all the information in my head and then being asked to say Aye! Looking back from the present, it all sounds so archaic, sitting through the reading out of an extremely detailed and convoluted message and then being asked to respond with an "Aye" in agreement. ....
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sir82
Re: "resolutions"...they seemed to make a special point not to call this one a "resolution", but instead a "proclamation".
I do recall in other years they did call them "resolutions", which is why this year's statement seemed so odd.
Probably just some higher-up who is hung up on terminology, like the old "vindication" vs. "sanctification" brouhaha from a few years back.
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homeschool
***** The drama was a masterpiece of emotional manipulation - but it was well-written for its purpose. The "worldly" characters were of course extremely broad caricatures of greedy sex-starved drunken louts, but the "good" JW (fleshly) brother was unusual - he was the "good son", yet he really came off as sanctimonious and holier-than-thou. I found it quite unusual to present someone on the "right side" as such an unflattering character.My jw sister told me about this and how there were so many people crying because they have a 'prodigal son' in their own families. I could totally picture my sister being one of those crying, which is precisely why I'm dead set on getting my family out of this cult... They dont need to be crying because of me! I'm FINE!