Many Witnesses are very much into technicalities. If the question asked doesn't conform to the language commonly used by the Society or JW's, then Witnesses often feel justified (I have witnessed various examples over the years) in 'playing dumb', evading the question or outright providing contrasting information since this is not technically lying. In this example, because the courtroom would be considered a hostile environment to this witness and a witness only needs to answer directly asked questions, he wouldn't be compelled to offer clarifying information.
I'm not familiar with the 'Custody' document discussed in the first video, but I suspect that it might be a custody brochure or other such name?? Because the lawyer asking the questions might not be familiar with WT speak, jargon or terminology, then he didn't ask the correct technical question so the Elder may have felt justified in not answering, denying knowledge of the document and otherwise not offering additional information. If the lawyer had asked about a 'Custody brochure' instead of a custody packet or book, the witness might have had to acknowledged the existence of this 'brochure' if in fact, that is how it is referred to by the Society.
Another example of technicalities in wording is the typical Witness response that JW's do not "shun" when questioned by non-JW's about shunning. Because JW's refer to the practice as "Disfellowshipping", the word shunning is foreign to them and feel truthful in their denial that they 'shun'.
The word 'Secret' in this case has somewhat of a double meaning. Although I might know that the book exists, the existence of the book is not a secret but because I'm not permitted to view the contents of the book as the Elders consider it to be 'confidential' information, the contents contained therein is a secret to me.
In a religion that promotes itself as treating all members on an equal basis as 'brothers', should not all brothers have equal information available to them? This book, as Wasanelder Once pointed out, is an instruction manual. I can understand not providing copies to all members of the congregation, but I DO believe that a copy should be included in every K-H library as reference material, freely accessible to any congregation member wishing to review it.
As already stated, the fact that there are only certain people allowed access to this book, is clearly a means of information control. Where is the Biblical example that justifies this practice? What procedural information needs to be withheld from r&f members of GOD'S supposed true organization especially when God already provided an instruction manual freely available to all who want to read and follow it- the Bible?
Wasanelder Once said:
Does the fact that some, if not most elders, do not take the time to read and apply what it says make it the source of some secret plot to set people up?
Don't forget, these Elders view the W/T as God's truly chosen Organization and JW's as God's people. Information provided by the W/T Organization is viewed as coming from God himself. Elders are considered to be directly appointed by God. As such, all Elders entrusted with participation in a Judicial Committee, have a serious responsibility as Sheppard's of God's Flock and Judges over the worthiness and repentance of others. These Elders need to be intimately familiar with all policies, procedures and guidelines related to that responsibility and be prepared to apply and live by those policies. Anything less would be shirking their responsibilities and doing a disservice to the Congregation and to God.
mraimondi said:
... although those notes could be personal, and it would make sense if they shouldnt be read.
I understand that the margin note information, is supplementary and updated information provided by the W/T Org. verbally at the Elders School or Meetings. The notes are hand written by each individual Elder. Again, what information in an instruction manual would be personal, confidential or otherwise shouldn't be read by others?
Since the margin note info is supplementary information to an instruction manual, shouldn't the pages be able to be updated (ie: binder form) and the information be provided in printed format directly from the Society? I was lead to believe that all JW teachings are consistent and uniform throughout the earth. If information is not provided equally for all Elder books in circulation, how can new Elders have the same information as long term Elders? How can this instruction manual be followed and applied consistently by Elders at any given time when the books may not be updated consistently? Interpretation of the verbal informantion provided, could also be understood or written inconsistantly from Elder to Elder.
mraimondi said:
the pioneer book was supposed to be a "privelege" to those who pioneer, we were told not to lend it out, but that we should show others in order to encourage them to do the same.
I'm not saying that you or the people within your Cong treated it this way, but some could interpret this not as encouragement, but a flaunting of 'I'm privileged and have something you don't have. If you don't Pioneer, you're not good enough to have one'.
mraimondi said:
Again, my experience seems to be quite different than the people here.
You were 'fortunate' that your experience was positive. Too bad what you experienced is the exception and not the rule. It would be easy for both extremes to criticize and discard the experiences of the other only because the other experience was a direct contrast to their own.
I think many of us see differences in Elder Bodies from Congregation to Congregation and from Elder to Elder. Some Elders display the best of intensions and genuinely only desire to help others, while too many like the power and prestige the position offers and use it to their own advantage. Some Elders have stronger leadership qualities while others prefer to follow along. Often, the entire 'atmosphere' of the Elder body is determined by one or two stronger personality types while others follow their lead and try not to make waves.
Perhaps in your case, the Elders with the best intensions had a strong influence over the remaining Elders in the body. Perhaps in many other congregations, the oposite is true.
