cantleave: yes, thats the reality about it, the bible as guideline is only in theorie. I remember an elders meeting, where I brought up the point, that a certain case was perhaps not a disfellowshipping offense, since the wording in the scripture does not support this conclusion. After some strange looks, the objection was not even discussed...
want proof that the GB votes on doctrine
by Aussie Oz 18 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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wha happened?
As in any body of elders, members of the Governing Body have to respect the others’ points of view. For example, one may think he has a fine idea. But unless a sufficient number of the other members agree with his suggestion, he just has to put the matter aside. Truly, all of us need humility, for all of us are in subjection.”
Do each of the member simply share holy spirit? If they are "spirit guided" why do they need to vote? Wouldn't they just "know?"
I like how they put it. "Unless a sufficiant number of the other members agree with his suggestion". So do they handle this like congress, making back room deals for a final vote?
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blondie
Do all the elders in a body AGREE intially or even later? Aren't they expected to support the majority decision even if they have the same opinion?
*** w99 6/1 pp. 12-13 par. 16 "Gifts in Men" to Care for Jehovah’s Sheep ***To begin with, they must maintain unity among themselves. If the shepherds are divided, the sheep may suffer neglect. Precious time that could be spent in shepherding the flock may be unnecessarily taken up by lengthy meetings and debates over incidental matters. (1 Timothy 2:8) Elders may not automatically agree on every matter they discuss, for they are men having personalities that may vary widely. Unity does not preclude their having different opinions or even expressing them in a balanced way during an open-minded discussion. Elders preserve their unity by listening respectfully to one another without prejudgment. And as long as no Bible principle is being violated, each should be willing to yield to and support the final decision of the body of elders. A yielding spirit shows that they are guided by the "wisdom from above," which is "peaceable, reasonable."—James 3:17, 18.
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leavingwt
If you know any long-time Bethelites, ask them how the place is run. Ask probing questions.
You'll quickly learn that articles don't magically roll off the printing presses. PEOPLE write the articles. PEOPLE make the decisions.
It's common knowledge (at Bethel) that the Governing Body meets each Wenesday morning. (It's mentioned, publicly, at the Morning Worship table and often during prayers.) When new announcements/decisions are made, it's never conveyed to the Bethel Family as if it's been handed down from Jehovah. The descriptions provided by Ray Franz coincide exactly with what I saw and heard in Brooklyn.
This will not specifically give you independent confirmation of the "votes" question, but it will give you the flavor of how things are done.
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Aussie Oz
like i thought! the in machinery is kept very secret, that wt article would be the closest i guess.
My only other thought would be that as they have several legal corporations, voting is a part of that legal methodology. but that argument is subject to a jw saying 'well of course they have to vote on legal stuff but the holy spirit guides the doctrines'
we need another GB member to get out!
cheers
Oz
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AK - Jeff
Mark me silly, but if you won't accept a former member of the GB as 'proof' nothing will likely suffice.
Jeff
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Aussie Oz
its good enough for me Jeff, but not for people on apostate alert.
Oz
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Black Sheep
I reckon that quote from the December 1 ’93 is pretty damned good. It is better than anything I thought us naughty Apostates could come up with.
Don't you just love it when your favorite nutter puts a bullet in his own foot?
Cheers
Chris
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yesidid
As in any body of elders, members of the Governing Body have to respect the others’ points of view. For example, one may think he has a fine idea. But unless a sufficient number of the other members agree with his suggestion, he just has to put the matter aside. Truly, all of us need humility, for all of us are in subjection.”
I think the wording in the 93 quote is very explicit.
They don’t say “Unless the Holy Spirit agrees”. Or “unless the other members agree”. No, it is “a sufficient number”.
One would not imagine that every time there was a discussion they decided “What will be the sufficient number this time”.
Obviously they have a number or a percentage that must agree. They just don’t say what it is.
y