Here is the thread about what the organization says about posting on websites. I'll only be discussing that there, otherwise I'll be saying the same things over and over on all different threads and that's no good.
Also, I am very familiar with the whole range of apostate claims, like 607 and those found on JW Facts. I also don't want to go too in-depth on any doctrinal subjects on this introductory thread.
satinka: No, I am not counting service time, and I have not told my elders. Why should I? Contrary to what is often implied by some people here, Witnesses don't need to run to the elders for every little thing.
yknot: I am neither MS or elder, I was born-in, that's all I'm willing to reveal about myself. Is a quote like this what you mean?
*** w08 1/1 pp. 8-9 When Will God’s Kingdom Come? ***
"4. Jesus’ presence is marked by a global preaching work. Jesus said that his presence would be like “the days of Noah.” (Matthew 24:37-39) Noah was more than an ark builder; he was also “a preacher of righteousness.” (2 Peter 2:5) Noah warned people that a judgment from God was on its way. Jesus said that his followers on earth would be doing something similar during his presence. He prophesied: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.”—Matthew 24:14.
As we saw in the preceding article, God’s Kingdom will destroy all the governments of this world. The preaching work alerts people that this heavenly government is about to act, giving all an opportunity to escape the coming destruction and become subjects of that Kingdom. The key question, then, is, How will you respond?
Will God’s Kingdom Mean Good News for You?
The message that Jesus preached was one of incomparable hope. After the rebellion in Eden thousands of years ago, Jehovah God purposed to form a government that would set matters right, returning faithful humans to the condition that God had in mind for them from the start—life eternal in a paradise here on earth. What could be more thrilling than the knowledge that this long-promised government is ruling right now in heaven? It is not some remote, abstract concept but a living reality!
Now, God’s appointed King is ruling in the midst of his enemies. (Psalm 110:2) In this corrupt world alienated from God, the Messiah is fulfilling his Father’s desire to search out all who want to come to know God as he really is and to worship him “with spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) The hope of living forever under the rule of God’s Kingdom is available to people of all races, ages, and social backgrounds. (Acts 10:34, 35) We urge you to take hold of the marvelous opportunity before you. Learn about God’s Kingdom now, so that you can enjoy living under its righteous rule forever!—1 John 2:17."
leapofthefrog: Andre is shown as a bad example not to be followed. But if one was already exposed to apostate ideas, then it shows that from there that honest research is what would to dispel them. At least, that is how the Society must feel. I agree.
Black Sheep: I prefer to do new thread rather than old ones, since I don't know what has already been covered. New threads on the same subjects would work well.
OUTLAW: See below reply to AnnOMaly.
the max: Thanks.
Peaches1978: I don't think I am acting cocky. On the other hand, what of those on this thread who are implying that I am not honest with myself or am ignorant simply because I don't believe as they do?
AnnOMaly: What you quoted was the old understanding. Even then, though, the publications also spoke of Witnesses as a whole as being God's organization also.
This is the relationship outlined today:
*** w01 1/15 p. 31 A Special Announcement ***
"Concerning the Pennsylvania corporation, Brother Barr added: “Ever since its incorporation in 1884, the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania has played an important role in our modern-day history. Still, it is merely a legal instrument available for use by ‘the faithful and discreet slave’ when it is necessary.”"
But even in the past:
*** w53 4/1 p. 214 par. 21 Doing the Work Approved by God ***
there is only one organization that is pursuing the above-outlined course, namely, Jehovah’s witnesses. Inseparably associated with this widely known organization is its legal servant and governing agency, the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Only Jehovah’s witnesses and their associates are bearing the fruits of the Kingdom by public proclamation. (Heb. 13:15) They alone are heralding forth the good news that God’s kingdom under Christ is man’s only hope.
Here a distinction is made between the Society and the organization.
