COGNAC This is what I posted on another thread regarding the recording of meetings etc.
My husband, HOBOKEN, has recorded everything from our shepherding calls to his judicial and appeal. He has already put some of the recordings up on the forum. The elders in our old cong. are aware of this and actually had a meeting to discuss what they were going to do about it. They finally decided to leave it alone as it would only bring him the 'attention' he's craving.
I think what they were really saying was, that if they make a fuss about it, then it will only bring unwanted attention on THEM and their organization. They don't want involved in any controversy and so will distance themselves from it, even if they are not happy with it.
The elders from the shepherding calls are fully aware that they are on the internet for everyone to hear. We recorded everything to let people see how they are not really interested in helping you or answering your questions, but to find out from you first and foremost if you believe that God is only using them. They want to know if you've kept your views to yourself, if you've read any books that criticize them and they want to find out if you fit the description of 'apostate'. People should be made aware of how they conduct their business when someone questions 'the faith', or disagrees with certain teachings. I strongly feel it is in the public interest to do so. They humiliate people, control them, and punish them unjustly for thinking for themselves and not agreeing entirely with them on everything they teach, preach and stand for.
HOBOKENS recording of his JUDICIAL COMMITTEE will be going up sometime this week and I'm sure it will be an eyeopener for anyone listening. His own brother testifies against him in this meeting.
At the APPEAL COMMITTEE, there are three elders, three circuit overseers, and two witnesses (his brother and local elder who was 'shepherding' us).
That is EIGHT elders in total. My husband had to try and defend himself, alone, with no witnesses or representatives. He was also asked beforehand about recording equipment to which he denied. He lied, but the fact is, how could someone believe that scenarios like this existed unless you were able to provide proof of it. What kind of JUDICIAL system do they really have. They are extremely secretative and extremely unfair. Hoboken had no chance against this kind of situation. This is why they need to be exposed ! They must be ! The more people who do it the better? What can they do. They don't want Jehovah's name or the image of their organizaton to be associated with anything negative. That's the bottom line.
Why did he deny being an apostate according to the society's definition of apostate?
Because the society's definition of an apostate isn't that which the Bible describes. True apostasy is denying God, Christ and the teachings of Christ, none of which Matt had or has done.
The society's definition of apostasy is only defined through their publications ---- Its denying THEM and THEIR teachings. That defines you as an apostate in THEIR eyes.
WT 8/1/1980 ".....an apostate....thinks he knows better than his fellow Christians, better also than the Faithful and Discreet Slave, through whom he has learned the best part, if not all that he knows about Jehovah God and his purposes."
At the outset of the JC the Elder mentioned the 'alleged' charge of apostasy and tried to determine whether Matt was 'spreading' or 'teaching' any views that were contrary to the VIEWS OF JWS. The Elder also defined this is what apostasy is IN THE SOCIETY'S EYES.
They will go hell for leather to remove anyone who no longer accepts their teachings.........They are viewed as 'dangerous' and 'unclean'.
WT 3/15/1986..."Why is reading apostate publications similar to reading pornographic literature?"....I THINK THAT SAYS IT ALL !