.A few facts about this thread:
1) Jehovah's Witnesses have clergy. This is shown by Watchtower lawyers who have demanded that elders be given clerical privilege. Also, the Society's representatives have used "discounts for clergy" whenever possible. Some of these clergy are paid clergy - as with C.O.s and D.O.'s. They are compensated in various ways AND Branch workers in other countries may be subject to forced pension/social welfare payments - which can only happen if compensation exists.
2) The NW translation has some good points but inserting Jehovah in the Greek text is not acceptable. It is not accurate and years ago, Goodspeed refused to endorse it for this reason.
3) Jehovah's Witnesses have a degree of camaraderie but it is increasingly superficial as the Society cuts branches, Bethelites, subscriptions, magazines, literature, printing and other expenses as Witnesses decline to donate. The Society is also hard pressed to come up with enough men to become elders as male Witnesses avoid "reaching out". Any claim about "love" needs to be balanced against these hard realities. In particular, the Watchtower Society's layoffs of long term Bethelites in the worst job market in 50 years was especially cruel and uncaring.
metatron
...OUTLAW