Human Error

allyouneedislove

The Proclaimers book (published by the WTBTS) contains a very interesting statement:

On page 709, paragraph 1, it states:

It should not surprise us that in modern times too, Jehovah has often led his people as a progressive organization, gradually enlightening them as to Bible truths. It is not the truths themselves that change. Truth remains truth. Jehovah’s will and purpose, as outlined in the Bible, remain fixed. (Isa. 46:10) But their understanding of these truths gets progressively clearer “at the proper time,” Jehovah’s due time. (Matt. 24:45; compare Daniel 12:4, 9.) At times, because of human error or misguided zeal, their viewpoint may need to be adjusted.

Why is this statement so interesting? The WTBTS usually steers away from stating that new doctrine is due to "human error". To admit that a past teaching is due to human error may cause a person to come to the conclusion:

Since you were wrong once, you could be wrong again.

However, JWs are told:

"We need to obey the faithful and discreet slave to have Jehovah’s approval." Watchtower 2011 Jul 15 p.24 Simplified English Edition

"[A mature christian] does not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding. Rather, he has complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and "the faithful and discreet slave." Watchtower 2001 Aug 1 p.14

"We will be saved only if we obey instructions from God's Word and organization." Watchtower 2012 April 15 p. 26 (caption).

"The point is that Christians have implicit trust in their heavenly Father; they do not question what he tells them through his written Word and organization." Watchtower 1974 July 15 p.441
"Avoid questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization . some who point out that the organization has had to make some adjustments before, and so they argue: "This shows that we have to make up our own mind on what to believe." This is independent thinking. Why is it so dangerous?" Watchtower 1983 Jan 15 p.22
***w117/15p.28par.17God’sRest—WhatIsIt?***
On the other hand, if we minimized the Bible-based counsel that we receive through the faithful and discreet slave class, choosing to follow an independent course, we would be placing ourselves at odds with God’s unfolding purpose. This could endanger our peaceful relationship with Jehovah.
Therefore, regardless of how serious the consequences of obeying may be, JWs are told that they must obey the FDS, even if they are later found wrong due to simple human error.

So, if a person rejected a certain medical procedure, based upon past "understandings" (albumin, organ transplant, etc.) and suffered/died, it is explained as "human error"? Is this correct?

Found Sheep

yes they like to use that line a lot

Phizzy

Any mistake that the GB/WT make is "human error" anything they got right is due to Holy Spirit.

And of course you need to humbly realise that under the guidance of the Holy Spirit they got right..................... er .......um...er

WELL LISTEN, JUST LOYALLY FOLLOW THE GB ANYWAY YOU HEAR !!!!!!!

(Walks away mumbling "Friggin' Dubs , always expecting at least one good reason why they should keep sending in their dollars, they just need to OBEY, friggin' losers)

Sic Semper Tyrannis

Reminds me of the famous line from HAL 9000 in 2001: A Space Odyssey:

"Well, I don't think there is any question about it. It can only be attributable to human error. This sort of thing has cropped up before and it has always been due to human error."

sabastious

The way the Watchtower works is that the Governing Body are disciplined by Jehovah Spankings. These occur whenever they present something as truth to the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses for so long that they start to lose money and or members over it. Then Jehovah finds out who is responsible and puts those people on his knee and gives them a good paddling. They usually rub their bums for a least 30 seconds and are thoroughly ashamed. Then after that they always figure out the fiscal mistake the make the necessary changes and an eventual increase in revenue is achieved. There is much rejoicing and all is well in the Watchtower coffers. Anyone who claims that the Governing Body has no check and balance need not look further than the Divine Paddle of which hurts Jehovah more than it hurts the Governing Body when used. But it is used and Jehovah's perfect justice is always served. However, the punishments imparted upon the general flock is at the Governing Body's discretion fo which they have no mercy upon their souls. They hold secret meetings where the accused has no rights and are required to beg for mercy at the foot of men who may not even be greater than the acused.

-Sab