Imperfection isn't the problem. The problem is accountability.

by AllTimeJeff 43 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

  • bluecanary
    bluecanary
    How many times have I heard the words and actions of JWs excused by imperfection? Too many to count. The last time a JW tried to use this line on me to excuse the actions of others in the congregation, I finally told her, everyone is imperfect, even "worldly" people, but it's only among JWs that the imperfection excuse is expected to make everything OK. I mean, really, if I had a "worldly" person come to my house to fix a pipe, but they screwed things up even more and now my house is flooded and everything is destroyed, would I just say, "that's OK, I know your imperfect, everyone makes mistakes" and not try to get compensated or fitting repairs? No, I would not. So why do JWs expect me to excuse the damage done by those called "brother" and "sister," after all, the damage they and the GB have done have been much worse than any plumber has done.

    Good point! I do believe there are times when it's better to overlook something. But there are other times when someone's "imperfection" is really a problem that could be fixed with a little attention. It all comes down to conscience matters. If it's something that offends our conscience, we'd better overlook it. If it's something that will offend the elders' consciences we'd damn well better fix it!

  • Heaven
    Heaven

    GB = Teflon Men

  • TD
    TD

    Spot on Jeff.

    Despite how much JW's like to claim they're following a 'Biblical pattern,' they're really not.

    The Bible depicts authority in Israel as split between an Executive branch (Judges and Kings) and a Legislative branch. (Prophets, Scribes and Priests) This balance of power is the reason why someone like Nathan could call someone like David to account. Or why someone like Josiah could purge the wayward priests. If all the power had been consolidated with one person or group, there would have been zero accountability

    This type of check and balance continued in the Christain era, which is why someone like Paul could travel to Jerusalem and openly disagree with and correct Peter, James and John, the pillars of the Jerusalem congregation which the JW's claim was actually the Christian governing body. These men did not consider their authority to be absolute.

    This type of accoutability does not exist today because the JW leadership has claimed for itself the office of both King and Priest.

  • yknot
    yknot

    Excellent

  • Billy the Ex-Bethelite
    Billy the Ex-Bethelite

    Well done, Jeff!

    Just thought I'd also throw in this quote from the JW "Bible Encyclopedia":

    *** it-2 p. 1052 Synagogue ***
    Among other respects in which the synagogue served as a precursor of the Christian assemblies are the following: The local synagogues recognized the authority of the Sanhedrin at Jerusalem, even as Christian congregations recognized the authority of the governing body at Jerusalem, as Acts chapter 15 so clearly shows.

    Yeah, no. Not only doesn't Acts 15 show the establishment of a GB, I can't think of a case where the Sanhedrin is endorsed as the model for any Christian GB. Certainly Jesus never endorsed the Sanhedrin as "God's Channel" to be duplicated by Christians.

    Yet, I think we can agree with them that the GB matches the Jewish Sanhedrin. The arrogance, hypocracy, unrighteousness, and wickedness abound in both. Both claim divine authority, are abusive, and are ready to kill anyone that would challenge their authority.

    B the X

  • Scarred for life
    Scarred for life

    I agree with yknot. Excellent thread!

  • AllTimeJeff
    AllTimeJeff

    Billy

    I never recall the JW describing themselves as the Sanhedrin. It's almost as if someone was trying to say "Yes, we are full of shit!" I can't believe they put that in there....

  • White Dove
    White Dove

    So, they are being imperfectly spirit directed? Hmm?

  • White Dove
    White Dove

    Oh, Jehovah would NEVER allow his word to get messed up by imperfect men, would he? NO! He would make sure that the messages given to the GB were ACCURATELY conveyed and relayed, wouldn't he? YES! Because he is a god of order not of disorder.

  • bohm
    bohm

    white dove: or perfectly unspiritually misdirected ;-) .

    Excelent essay jeff! its allways interesting to read what you write! especially the way it deals with "real" witness counter-arguments. i especially like the phrase: "Satan didn't make them stupid, they did that all on their own." :-)

    about the other powers... its amazing to think that they managed to get that one wrong AFTER jesus supposedly had selected them. The holy spirit does move in mysterious ways. like not at all.

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