Hello.
Here is some thought provoking debate that may help people investigate the true nature of the Watch Tower Society.
This surely should be something that everyone who belongs to the Society and any one who plans to convert should do.
I did this myself, after getting involved with a girl who was a fanatical JW and by doing so, I believe that I discovered the true nature of the WT.
But please, do not take my word for it, please do your own research and reading.
This is really important as by signing up or getting baptised as a JW, you are basically surendering your own personal rights to an unknown authority who proclaims to speak for GOD. and by doing so you will suffer major negative socio-economic implications on a daily basis due to the restrictions and demands enforced by those involved and in control of the WS.
Personally, learning how the Watch Tower society got started was enough to convince me that the Watch Tower society is not what it proclaims to be. My suspicions were compounded after learning more about Nathan Knors (past president of the Watch Tower Society) involvement with the Nazi's in the second world war.
For those out there who do not know how the Watch Tower Society got started, I recommend that you research the main man behind it Joseph Franklin Rutherford, as it was not as many JW's believe, Charles Taze Russel who started the Society but Russel's lawyer Joseph Franklin Rutherford, a man whom in my opinion was of questionable character, who underhandedly seized power over Russel's followers after Russel's death.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watch_Tower_Society_presidency_dispute_(1917)
It was also Rutherford who made the ministry compulsory for all society members with exeption of himself and his closest peers (hmmm. this in itself stinks in my books). During the early ministry, the Watch Tower Society Products / publications were also sold at the door during the ministry. This later changed although donations are still encouraged at meetings.
Rutherford also used some of this money to buy a mansion in California, where he lived as a "caretaker" while he awaited the arival of the bible prophets (ie. Moses). Now, if Rutherfords actions do not sound suspicious to you, I think that you should get your head examined, as you probably would believe anything.
In my opinion, Rutherford took Russel's methodology (preaching through publications) and enforced his own methods of psychological manipulation in order to profit materially and in other ways (gaining power and respect within the subculture). The JW teachings and rules have all the trade mark signs of a cult.
I would also ask you to do some basic calculations of how much the society has generated in revenue via donations since its inception.
I would ask you to include in your calculations not only the donations, but interest generated on capital and the full worth of any assets including any properties owned by the society.
In business terms, the ws would make a very effective business modal, as the majority of the manpower works for free and their are minimal outgoings.
The donations in them selves must mount annually to quiet some sum, as even if on average each member of the society gives £1 or $1 per week. That would still mount to 6 million times £1 or $1 times by 52 weeks. (6million pound or dollars times by 52 = 312 million per year) with very little outgoings.
Some members of the society give much much more. I know of some who give over £100 a week.
Now. calculate the amount in donations per year since the watch tower soceity got started and you will get a really tidy sum.
:-)
Sure, I understand that this practice could be sincere and that the money generated could be ultilised sincerely to help people and to spread the "truth",
however, after researching the origins and Rutherford, I would say that this reality is very unlikely and that it is highly likely that there are still some unscewpulous masterminds behind the scenes who are benefiting financially.
Although, due to the immoral nature of their actions, have kept their identities hidden (as if people knew who they were, then their actions would be detected and they get caught).
If I were an investigator, I would investigate Rutherford and any of his closest friends and families, and any one who came later.
I would also keep tracks of all the people presently in charge in the soceity (and any one in connection to them).
Anyway, make up your own mind as after all its your life.
Thanks
