OUTLAW- Very true what you say. I heard that they warned our board to not post links to the textbook. In actuality I feel the WT society may be MORE concerned about rank and file JW members gaining access to the elders textbook than it getting out online anyway. But the only way JW's will get access to the book IS online ! LOL ! It's so ironic . The more the GB tries to plug holes on the sinking ship, the more holes appear ! The leaders of the WT society are getting a very thorough lesson that they can't hide ANYTHING anymore. And yes on the huge world scene- they really don't matter.
GLTIREBITER- I see the comparison to big companies and how they try to have " secret manuals " as well. However there IS information in the Elders textbook which most ordinary JW's no nothing about. Like bringing an eyewitness with you to your JC if you are accused of a sin. Elders NEVER inform a person of that right if they are charged with a sin . It's in the elders book- but NOT the WT magazine or Kingdom Ministry. Elders are taught by the WT society to keep an " upper hand " on ANY information access for witnesses so they can maintain ultimate control over members.
WTWIZARD- Good points you make. This information is EXTREMELY demeaning to JW women, or ANY women for that matter. I think the GB and WT society is thinking that they'll just order witnesses to NOT look at apostate websites on the internet and this will prevent JW's from SEEING any of the Elders textbook. However ANY witness sitting on the fence and having doubts wILL check out apostate websites anyway. So like I mentioned, it's like the WT society is trying to plug holes in a leaking ship. Won't work.
MEANGIRL- You are welcome . I want you to know your opinions are valued very much on THIS site ! The horrific chauvanistic, patriarchal attitudes promoted inside the JW organization should be outlawed. Inside the witnesses the treatment of dogs and cats as pets is better than how JW men are taught to treat their wives and children. Just want you to know I view penises and vagina's with equality , fairness, and justice. LOL ! Good points you make.
CAMEO-D- I think the GB is full of optical illusions inside their heads actually. They are so confused and desperate to keep their charade and game going- they don't know up from down, seriously. As you said they are lying to save their invested interests in the JW organization so they'll do ANYTHING to keep it going . ( Example : Overlapping generation )
LISTENER- Yeah, I agree, it's paranoia. They have NEVER trusted " sisters " in the congregations and yes, gossipping talks are usually pointed at innocent women. The details in this new elders textbook are also 99 % about DFing procedures, Judicial committees, etc. Almost NOTHING about just normal functons in the congregation. Crazy.
DAGOTHUR- I too feel that the WT society will become even MORE controlling as each year passes without any sniff of Armageddon. Like you said the GB will become MORE aloof and upper echelon Bethel members will create more of a distance between themselves and rank and file members. Scary stuff.
MrMONROE- You make some good points. Yes - We can look up statutes and laws in our states to see laws, yet rank and file JW's ARE NOT allowed to see certain rules only elders know about. A typical JW is kept in the dark about these things. And it's all about CONTROL . THAT is why the WT society keeps doing this. They WANT JW's to know nothing about their sleazy unspoken rules.
MIDWICH CUCKOO- Exactly. It's a reinforcement of the elders " alleged " importance - but ironically it's also control of the elders by the WT society as well ! So the elders THINK they are in control, but they are BEING controlled by a bigger fish in the pond- Bethel legal & the GB. A vicious cycle of power, control, and manipulation ! Peace out, Mr. Flipper