This was such a profound statement on another thread that I think it bears some further thought, esp because the Governing Body tends to put their head in the sand as to how their current teachings and dogma do harm to their sheep. We will come back to current teachings in a minute.
First of all, this is how Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to view their leaders. From the July 1, 2007 WT "Humbly Submitting to Loving Shepherds"
*** w07 4/1 p. 30 par. 17 Humbly Submitting to Loving Shepherds ***
Jehovah God knows that the men he has appointed as overseers are imperfect. Yet, he is using them, and by means of his spirit, he shepherds his people on earth. It is true of the elders—and of us all—that "the power beyond what is normal [is] God’s and not that out of ourselves." (2 Corinthians 4:7) We should therefore thank Jehovah for what he is accomplishing by means of our faithful overseers, and we should show them willing cooperation.
Notice that the emphasis is on how the elders are imperfect. It is fair to say that all religions have the issue of dealing with their leadership's "sins." Of course, when you elevate a person or office, when you make a person higher then others, then this is bound to happen. Greater accountability is in order. It is little wonder then that any scandal in any religion, including JW's, will result in people at least re-examining their faith.
But also note that the clear teaching is that Jehovah is using elders by means of his spirit. Their is no subtle implication here, despite their imperfections, you are being asked to believe and obey because invisibly, it isn't just men running things, but Jehovah through his holy spirit.
Does this also apply to the Governing Body?
The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses claims that they represent the "faithful and discreet slave" class of Matt 24:45-47. Every religion has both their authority structure and dogma, this is how the GB explains theirs. It is telling that this mysterious 'slave class' is not explained again by Jesus, nor is their one reference that shows Jesus expected a group of men would "rule" after he left the scene. Not that this in any way stops the GB from implying that they alone are ruling, by Christ's permission. From the same July 1 2007 WT, another teaching....
12. A fundamental reason for showing proper respect for the faithful slave class is that by so doing, we are in fact showing respect for the Master, Jesus Christ. Paul wrote of the anointed ones: "He that was called when a freeman is a slave of Christ. You were bought with a price." (1 Corinthians 7:22, 23; Ephesians 6:6) Therefore, when we loyally submit to the direction of the faithful slave and its Governing Body, we are submitting to Christ, the slave’s Master. Our showing due respect for the instrument Christ is using to manage his earthly belongings is one way in which we "openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father."—Philippians 2:11.*** w07 4/1 pp. 23-24 Loyal to Christ and His Faithful Slave ***
A Representative Governing Body
10. The faithful slave’s heavy responsibilities would obviously involve much decision making. In the early Christian congregation, the apostles and elders in Jerusalem acted in a representative way, making decisions for the entire Christian congregation. (Acts 15:1, 2) The decisions of this first-century governing body were transmitted to the congregations by means of letters and traveling representatives. The early Christians were happy to receive this clear direction, and their willing cooperation with the governing body promoted peace and unity.—Acts 15:22-31; 16:4, 5; Philippians 2:2.
11 As in early Christian times, a small group of spirit-anointed overseers make up the Governing Body of Christ’s followers on earth today. By means of his "right hand" of applied power, Christ, the Head of the congregation, directs these faithful men as they supervise the Kingdom work. (Revelation 1:16, 20) In his life story, Albert Schroeder, a longtime member of the Governing Body who recently finished his earthly course, wrote: "The Governing Body meets every Wednesday, opening the meeting with prayer and asking for the direction of Jehovah’s spirit. A real effort is made to see that every matter that is handled and every decision that is made is in harmony with God’s Word the Bible." We can have confidence in such faithful anointed Christians. Regarding them in particular, we should heed the apostle Paul’s injunction: "Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over your souls."—Hebrews 13:17.
Showing Due Respect for the Faithful Slave
13 Another Scriptural reason for showing respect for the faithful slave is that anointed Christians on earth are figuratively spoken of as a "temple" that Jehovah inhabits "by spirit." As such, they are "holy." (1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; Ephesians 2:19-22) It is to this holy temple class that Jesus has entrusted his earthly belongings, which means that certain rights and responsibilities within the Christian congregation belong exclusively to this collective slave. For this reason, all in the congregation view it as their sacred duty to follow and uphold the direction coming from the faithful slave and its Governing Body. Indeed, the "other sheep" count it a real privilege to assist the slave class in caring for the Master’s interests.—John 10:16.
There is no middle ground here in these most recent 2007 quotes, which are consistent with similar WT articles on the matter. Not that it should surprise anyone that when the GB writes articles about themselves, they would make their power and authority paramount.
I write this background in context to be fair, because JW's are taught that the GB is appointed by Jesus Christ holy spirit, yet not spirit directed in their statements. In the Jan 15 2001 WT, in an article describing how changes would shortly take place on membership within the Governing Body, we find....
*** w01 1/15 p. 29 How the Governing Body Differs From a Legal Corporation ***
In 1971 the same speaker explained that the members of the Watch Tower Society could not vote in the members of the anointed Governing Body. Why? "Because," he said, "the governing body of the ‘slave’ class is not appointed by any man. It is appointed by . . . Jesus Christ, the Head of the true Christian congregation and the Lord and Master of the ‘faithful and discreet slave’ class." Clearly, then, the members of the Governing Body cannot be voted into office by the membership of any legal corporation.
Thats quite a claim to say that Jesus directly appointed you. That raises some expectations doesn't it? An interested person who studies with JW's are slowly fed the very basics of the JW dogma, and toward the middle to end of the first JW book that is studied (even though JW's call it a "bible study") the authority structure, with the GB and elders is introduced in very basic terms. A couple of scriptures as used above are read, and the claim is made that these are spirit appointed men, spirit led men, chosen by Jesus.
Pretty impressive. And one would expect that the holy spirit, which supposedly is so powerful, would lead these men, though imperfect in their own lives, to make wise decisions, beneficial to their flock, that would reflect the wisdom from above, and that they would get prophecy right. Unless you believe that imperfection is stronger then holy spirit that is....
So why all the changes? In a great essay at freeminds.org entitled "Every Wind of Doctrine" these very real and important observations were made:
Consider the following rhetoric offered by the Watchtower Society: For some years, until 1962, Jehovah's Witnesses held that the superior authorities were Jehovah God and Christ Jesus. However, in line with Proverbs 4:18 light increased, and this view was adjusted which may raise questions in the minds of some. Are we now correct in saying that these authorities are the kings, presidents, prime ministers, mayors, magistrates, and others who wield secular, political power in the world and that we owe them subjection in a relative way? Irenaeus...viewed the superior authorities as "actual human authorities." The context of Paul's words shows that Irenaeus was correct. – The Watchtower, November 1, 1990, page 11. From this, the Watchtower Society would have its members believe that "new light" flashed forth brilliantly in 1962, as God revealed to the leaders of the Watchtower Society that the "superior authorities" or "higher powers" of Romans 13 are actually secular, "worldly" authorities (i.e. earthly governments), rather than being "Jehovah God and Christ Jesus" as the Society had taught prior to 1962. It is noteworthy that this so-called increase of light merely brought the Society's view in line with the position of the mainstream Christian churches (viewed as false religion by Jehovah's Witnesses). Prior to 1962, the Christian clergy was for decades the subject of derision at the hands of Watchtower writers for taking the very view of Romans 13 that the Watchtower Society here adopts.[2] The irony is no doubt lost on the Witnesses. The article goes on to quote from several Bible translations of "Christendom" to support the doctrinal change. What is even more noteworthy for the purposes of this essay is the introduction of the above quotation: "For some years," so says the Society, "until 1962," Watchtower doctrine held that the "superior authorities were Jehovah God and Christ Jesus." The reader is left with the deliberate impression that this was a consistent belief prior to 1962. And this impression accords with the assertion in the December 1, 1981 issue of The Watchtower that even though adjustments have been made "seemingly to previous points of view...this has NOT ACTUALLY BEEN THE CASE." But is what the Watchtower Society implies true? Is it true that Watchtower doctrine on Romans 13 was consistent prior to 1962? Clearly, the new explanation of Romans 13 contradicts the pre-1962 explanation. (This in itself is significant,[3] since beginning in 1962, Jehovah's Witnesses were required to make an about-face on an issue they had carried to the doors as God's truth, in some cases for many years.) Examining the record shows that not only does the 1962 "adjustment" contradict the previous view, but that it is also a reversion to a previously held and previously discarded view. The view that the higher powers of Romans chapter 13 were "Jehovah and Christ Jesus" had been held only since 1929; prior to that time, Watchtower doctrine held the higher powers of Romans 13 to be earthly governments. The very position the Society abandoned and deemed to be doctrinal error in 1929, they heralded as an increase of "light" in 1962! Consider the following statements made by the Watchtower Society in the 1950s:
Timely was the new light of truth on the subject of the "higher powers" published in The Watch Tower for June 1 and June 15, 1929, showing clearly that Jehovah God and Christ Jesus are the true "superior authorities" that must be obeyed. – The Watchtower, June 15, 1955, page 367-368.
When God's witnesses perceived that Jehovah and Christ Jesus were the true "higher powers" to whom Christians must be subject, another heavy and grievous weight was lifted from the shoulders of his people. (Rom 13:1) No longer did corrupt politicians wrongly occupy that position in the minds of God's servants... – The Watchtower, January 1, 1951, page 21. Despite the fact that the 1929 doctrinal shift was presented as "new light of TRUTH", "showing CLEARLY" that the superior authorities were "Jehovah God and Christ Jesus," this is now necessarily considered darkness. Despite the fact that worldly governments - "corrupt politicians" - were said to have "WRONGLY [occupied] that position in the minds of God's servants", the Watchtower Society now says this is the right position for those "corrupt politicians." The Society's stance on Romans 13, then, can be summarized as follows: Prior to 1929:
Higher powers are earthly governments.
1929-1962:
Higher powers are Jehovah God and Christ Jesus.
1962-current:
Higher powers are earthly governments. It should not be overlooked that both the 1929 and 1962 doctrinal changes were said by the Watchtower Society to be resultant of an increasing of "light" - this being the descriptive terminology used by the Watchtower Society to attribute a doctrinal shift to God. What are the ramifications of such a claim? Did Jehovah God reveal error to "His organization" under the guise of "new light of truth"? How absurd; yet the Watchtower Society is on record as claiming just that! "Timely was the new light of truth on the subject of the 'higher powers'...showing clearly that Jehovah God and Christ Jesus are the true 'superior authorities'..."
Other issues include the use of blood fractions. This is still a contradictory and confusing teaching, as the reasons JW's reject blood transfusions is that blood outside of the body is to always be poured out onto the ground as belonging to Jehovah. Yet, it's somehow ok for fractions of this "supposed to be poured out blood" to be harvested, but whole blood cannot be used? Which is it? Both fractions and whole blood come from the same blood that is supposed to be poured out immedietly on the ground if it leaves the body.There can be no medicine from blood fractions without doctors breaking Jehovah's law as taught by the Governing Body. So which is it? And how does this represent spirit directed wisdom from above?
The change in meaning of what constitutes a generation that saw 1914 left tens of thousands of JW's cold. (read all of the November 1, 1994 Watchtower on the subject, including the convoluted and rambling Questions from Readers...) Due to the time prophecy of 1914 and the previous belief that those who saw the events of 1914 would live to see the Governing Body promised and prophesied "great tribulation", it became clear that they were wrong. Yes, wrong. Not spirit led, spirit inspired, just plain wrong. Yet, millions of people built their lives around this prophesy, forgoing college, starting families, living in astute poverty to "preach" to others just how right and spirit led the Governing Body is. The Governing Body taught this for decades, and instead of admitting that they were wrong, they said that this was merely, "new light" on the matter.
You are asked to believe that Jehovah and Jesus, in their wisdom, allowed one of the fundamental teachings of their people to be wrong for decades, and that this doesn't matter, at least they got it right eventually? After only 80 years? How would you explain this when the GB makes the claim as quoted above that they are spirit led and that obeying (and agreeing) with them is the same as obeying and agreeing with Jesus?
Thus, back to the title of this little essay, a simple statement. Who is holding the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses accountable? Especially when they try to back out of their claims of being THE authority figure by saying things like this"
"Jehovah's Witnesses, in their eagerness for Jesus' second coming, have suggested dates that turned out to be incorrect.. Never did they say, 'These are the words of Jehovah.'" {AWAK Mar 22 1993 4}
Yeah. Right. But what if you want to independently investigate on your own some facts about Jehovah's Witnesses, for example, on the internet?
1993 "connecting a computer to an electronic bulletin board [the more modern equivalent being the Internet] can open the way to serious spiritual dangers. Just as an unscrupulous individual can place on a bulletin board a virus - a program designed to corrupt and destroy computer files - apostates, clergymen, and persons seeking to corrupt others morally or otherwise can freely place their poisonous ideas on bulletin boards. Unless a bulletin board, even one labeled 'JW Only,' is properly supervised, with its use being limited to those who are mature, faithful servants of Jehovah, it could expose Christian users to 'bad associations.' (1 Cor. 15:33) The Society has received reports that such so-called private networks have been used not only to speculate regarding spiritual matters but also to give bad advice, spread gossip and false information, plant negative ideas, raise questions and doubts that subvert the faith of some, and disseminate private interpretations of Scripture. On the surface, some information may appear to be Interesting and informative, and yet it may be laced with poisonous elements. Christians look to 'the faithful and discreet slave' for timely spiritual food and for clarifications." {WT Aug 1 1993 17}
How very convenient. Make the actual way to learn about the lies and mistakes of this self appointed prophet a matter of faith and obedience. It is absolutely stunning that Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to go door to door to raise doubts and show anyone who will listen what is wrong with their faith and religion, yet teach that their own membership cannot in any way do the same thing. How stunningly hypocritcal to ban what they ask the public at large to do: Learn about your faith from independent (read: non JW) sources. Why? Because they have so much to hide.
Time and space do not permit me to elaborate on the hypocritical membership of Jehovah's Witnesses in the United Nations as a Non-Governmental Organization. (NGO) But why not google "Jehovahs Witnesses United Nations" and see what you find? Or 1975 and all the lives that were ruined as a result of that failed prophecy? I didn't make this stuff up you know.....
The whole point of this is that accountablility is horribly lacking for the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses. They ask so much, demand obedience, make grand and lofty claims, yet block all attempts which hold them accountable. They claim that negative publicity is all about Satan persecuting them. In reality, it is nothing more then the GB's desperate attempts at hiding or explaining away their stupidity and mistakes. Satan didn't make them stupid, they did that all on their own.
Only you can hold these guys accountable. If it doesn't matter to you that they claim great insight while getting so much wrong, stay with them. If you feel that the claims of prophecy and dogma and obedience should have a higher success rate then what they have shown (what have Jehovah's Witnesses got right ever in prophecy?) then you can do exactly what Jehovah's Witnesses ask other people at their doors to do: Examine your religion to see if these things are really so.
(Acts 17:10-11) 10 Immediately by night the brothers sent both Paul and Silas out to Be·roe´a, and these, upon arriving, went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 Now the latter were more noble-minded than those in Thes·sa·lo·ni´ca, for they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.