It is not uncommon to see Christendom's religious leaders tooling around town in brand new Mercedes Benz, Lexus, and Cadillac vehicles, and these cars are parked in front of homes worth millions (shameless luxury). And of course, there are the designer suits and shoes that cost a pretty penny. You can start with Joel Osteen's profiteer ministries.
Wait. I wasn't under the impression that we were talking about "christendom", dear Maze (again, peace to you!)... and your exclusion of the WTBTS from that group is interesting. I understand, though: they exclude themselves and so you have learned to do so, too. A very hypocritical quote from them on page 70 of the "Proclaimer's" Book reveals the truth, though, that they really are a part of "christendom." What does it say there? Well, apparently, the WTBTS wanted to call out the "clergy of Christendom" after the latter attempted to stymie on of their early tract campaigns. Do you know what they called "the clergy of Christendom?"
"A bigoted group of men who systematically endeavor to throttle all Bible teaching... unless it comes through them." [Emphasis mine.]
I'd say that's a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black. Which is hypocrisy. Which is leaven. Which is what Christ told YOU and ME to look out for and BEWARE of.
Second, that the leaders of the WTBTS "dress down" and drive "conservative" cars means, what? Those of “christendom” are big fish. Those of the WTBTS are little fish. Still fish. Still taking money from widows and orphans. Still practicing "corban."
At any Kingdom Hall, there's no collection plate that is passed around as there's no profit motive amongst those at the headquarters in Brooklyn, New York or the branch offices as the workers including the Governing Body only receive the necessities of life.
The “necessities” of life? May I ask you: does every JW the world over have “the necessities” of life? Every widow? Every fatherless child? Every elderly man? Every sick JW? Everyone’s roof tight? Everyone HAVE a roof? How about a car? Every JW have one of those conservative cars? If not… WHY not? Are the "leaders" making sure the widows and orphans have such "necessities" before THEY do? Better yet, w ho provided Christ’s HIS “necessities of life”? How about the Apostles? Why did they return to fishing? Why not just let the people provide their “necessities”?
To that end, what about the giving campaigns… where those who had came and laid gifts at the feet of the Apostles in order to effect an “equalizing” among the people? What of those did the Apostles take for THEIR “necessities of life”? From what I read, it was all… ALL… distributed to the widows and orphans. In fact, certain men were appointed OVER this important task… to make sure the “distribution” was right and fair. They were called… wait for it… OVERSEERS (of the distribution).
But THAT’S not the reason no collection plate it passed. Heck, Christ didn’t’ condemn the “trumpets” in the temple (he just watched who put in what). The reason is because if they SAID, any more assertive than they already do (at assemblies, from the podium, and through their magazines) that you SHOULD donate… you HAVE to… you would be “on” to them in a second! But that’s not how “con” men play the game. Rather, they get your CONFIDENCE (“What, who, us? Want your money? Now, why in the world would you think that? We don’t ask for your money, do we? I mean, sure, we “encourage” you to give. We even insinuate that you’re not really all that spiritual if you don’t. But we don’t MAKE you give it, DO we??”) That’s why they’re CALLED a “con” men, dear one.
Do you deny this fact?
No profit motive? I absolutely DO deny that “fact”… and on several bases, all of which are “fact”:
1. The FACT that, while the religious aspect is non-profit (in order to have tax-exempt status), it’s a corporation… by virtue of the FACT it has shareholders… which shareholders, for a FACT… invested money (or their predecessor did)… in order to BE shareholders... and so are entitled to (and expect) a "return" on that investment.
2. The FACT that the purpose OF a corporation is to make money… for its shareholders, if it has them (or to operate, if it doesn't)… and failing to do so could have serious consequences. Which is the reason for many of its investments, holding companies, and real estate assets. True, everything might not be “liquid”, but it still is certainly ASSETS.
3. The FACT that there are 29 or pages located dead center in the “Proclaimer’s” Book, showing real estate holdings all over the world… and not a one is anything to sneeze at. And THAT was 20 or so years ago! Yet, JWs in the boonies of Africa or South American have to sit and burn in the sun or get drench in torrential rain… because they can’t afford (yet) to build a KH. And when they CAN afford it… the money is loaned… WITH INTEREST (which is PROFIT).
4. The FACT that, although virtually every KH donates to the KH “Building Fund”, those monies are LOANED to build such Halls… AT INTEREST (again, profit!)… which is USURY… condemned both in the OT (post Babylon)… and the NT (by Christ himself).
Your description more aptly describes Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion.
My description of the WTBTS? Well… she is a “daughter” of that harlot, so the description is appropo.
OK... Spew a bunch of slanderous, unsubstantiated garbage you conjured in your warped imagination and maybe someone reading will lick it all up verbatim. Do you have any evidence to present?
Okay, stop. Unless you’re, what, 10 years old… you know exactly what I’m talking about, so let's be honest and let's you be a man about it. You know as well as I that no self-respecting JW is going to risk being expelled or “removed” (deleted?)… or exposed… and judged… by admitting they have a drinking “problem” or are hooked on pain meds or antidepressants. Please. The very “culture” created by the WTBTS is one where, rather than stepping into the light and living in TRUTH… one must hide virtually every truth about one. You know, like YOU have to hide that you’re coming here. You and I both know you can’t be open and honest about that. WAY too risky.
Just about all religions in Christendom have apocalyptic teachings of one kind or another.
Yet, the WTBTS isn’t a part of “Christendom.” Ummmm... there goes some more of that "leaven"...
Jehovah's Witnesses simply proclaim what the Bible states about God's pronouncements against the wicked.
That’s what they all say. No difference. Yellow fish (vs. blue fish). Swimming in leaven...
That is why the wicked ones will not stand up in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of righteous ones. For Jehovah is taking knowledge of the way of righteous ones, But the very way of wicked ones will perish. Psalm 1:5-6
Well, this part is true; however, the WTBTS doesn’t know what it means to BE wicked. Otherwise, they would look into the MIRROR that is the Law… which is viewed ONLY by looking at Christ… and not the WINDOW they try to make it out to be by looking at others.
Actually, "slave of Christ," God has the power to resurrect human life or are you not a faithful slave of Christ?
I am a faithful slave (to the extent my Lord has granted me the "fruit" of the Father's holy spirit that IS faith)… and He has granted that “authority” TO Christ.
Christendom's churches have no faith in God's ability to cure infirmities and restore humanity to perfection.
Ummmmm… I don’t think you’re correct here, at all. While I don't condone christendom's churches any more than I do the WTBTS (well, not a LOT more), the truth is that the WTBTS has WAY less faith in this ability than the others. Because Christ, by means of holy spirit… granted that authority to HIS servants. It is one of the gifts of holy spirit. Yet, the WTBTS not only denies that gift today… in their VERY false teaching of the gifts having “ceased”… but blasphemously calls anyone who possesses and used such gift “demonic.” Because “unless it comes through them…” it ain’t true. Yet, Christ told his disciples, when THEY got upset because a man who wasn’t part of them went around healing folks “in the name of [Jesus]” that “he that is not AGAINST you, is FOR you.”
Like the disciples, though, rather than REJOICING that someone is healed by means of holy spirit and the name of Christ, they condemn that “good” work… and attribute it to Belial. A blasphemy against the Holy Spirit!
No, Jehovah's Witnesses will never physically participate in warfare even during the great tribulation. Their warfare is spiritual.
Ummmmm… the “glint” in their eye when they start talking about the furloughs of blood and birds feasting on flesh says they either believe… or hope… otherwise.
Fight the fine fight of the faith, get a firm hold on the everlasting life for which you were called and you offered the fine public declaration in front of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12
Yes, *I* get that, but I’m not sure most Witnesses do. I think if you polled folks here, they would tell you that the Witnesses THEY know don’t limit their belief… or hope… to “spiritual.”
This nonsense doesn't merit a response.
What, you don’t think there are fake Witnesses? Dear one, there are fake everything. And there are those who come HERE who no longer believe any modicum of it, but love their families… and for them, are faking it. At the same time, t here are triple that who don’t come here.
C’mon, dear Maze… let’s be honest. YOU know something’s up… something’s “wrong” there. That’s why you’re here. You’re searching. You’re just not ready to risk losing your faith. Well, let me let you in on another truth: you don’t have to risk your faith. Because faith in God and Christ… is NOT the same thing as “faith” in the WTBTS. Not at all.
I know… it’s hard and it’s scary. But no matter how scary, knowing the TRUTH is worth stepping though the door. Christ… and ONLY Christ… is that Door, dear one (John 10:9). HE is the Way, the Truth, and the Life… and there is no other “narrow gate” that you can go through.
Again, I bid you peace!
YOUR servant and a slave of Christ,
SA
Below you'll find one of the multitudes of Jehovah's Witness abominations that people like Maze sweep under the carpet.