TOOTIRED2CARE: Probably it might but they won't get money from them since too many third-worlders as well as some here in the U.S. think the JW religion is a "charitable" organization of sorts. You can thank the stupid bible study conductors who give this wrong impression in order to get members. So, who do they entice? - yet MORE people looking for handouts. Meanwhile, responsible people like myself would have to FLEE!
Will the Watchtowers growth in the third world keep them around for decades to come?
by tootired2care 24 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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cedars
I've said all along that I don't believe the organization (or at least its religious element) will ever disappear entirely. However, all the signs are there that the Society is experiencing the early stages of a period of decline (has been since 2005 in my opinion) as evidenced by the unprecedented spate of branch closures, fire sales of Brooklyn property and virtual halving of monthly magazine printing commitments. The Conti verdict potentially serves to only hasten the decline. I'm not just speaking about the payment of more than $11 million in damages if they lose the appeal (which I believe they will) - I'm also talking about the knock-on effect of multiple lawsuits, each taking advantage of the tried and trusted "Simons approach" to challenging the Watchtower's child abuse policies. Eventually, given enough time and legal pressure, the money pot is going to run dry.
Do I think the growth in the third world will alleviate these worries? Not at all. They could have a 50% growth rate in Africa next year, and it wouldn't make much difference to the Watchtower coffers simply because people in that part of the world can't afford to contribute meaningful amounts of money. If anything, increased growth in the third world is only a further drain on the contributions being received from wealthy countries, so 50% growth in Africa could well be a nightmare scenario for the Governing Body! They wouldn't be looking at all the new brothers pouring in, they would be thinking about all the extra kingdom halls and assembly halls they need to build, and all the extra literature they need to print (especially since internet access in those parts is so poor).
I do think the Society's days as a global organization are numbered. How long it takes for them to complete the retreat of their global empire to the American heartland is anybody's guess. I have a hunch it will happen in my lifetime, but that's by no means a given. Whenever it happens, it's only a matter of time. Whether I get to see it or my children/grandchildren get to see it remains to be seen. I sometimes think how cool it would be if it DID happen in my lifetime, and I could take my kids or grandkids to the gates of the last remaining compound in upstate New York where the surviving Governing Body members are holed up, living a life of luxury in expectation of Armageddon. I can't wait to tell my kids how once this organization was spread around the whole world, and now they're hiding behind some gates and a security box!
I guess we shall see.
Cedars
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jgnat
I remember in one of our old congregations a dignified African immigrant and his entire family joined the congregation. I'd put money down that he expected a fast-track up the elder ladder, and that the local elders would do their best to prevent it.
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williamhconley
The more ignorant people are the easier to fool them. 3rd world countries have poor internet connection so those people are easy recruits.
The growth in the US is mainly with foreign language. The english field has practically run dry. Only the children (33%) are the new recruits.
W.H. Conley
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Chaserious
Cedars - Very interesting observations. I hope "the retreat" happens to completion in our lifetime as well.
I have a couple of observations - Somehow I don't think they will let Africa (or anywhere else) be a drain on them. They know how to run a business and no business lets one subsidiary be a constant albatross on the neck the parent company. I suspect if they see continued growth and not a corresponding increase in $$$ on the horizon, they will address it. They could do it by more localized printing, where I imagine the cost is less than shipping in literature. They could also take steps to restrict growth there, like discontinuing missionaries in very poor areas, etc. I know they love their publisher increases, but I think they would sacrifice some of it in favor of profitability.
The other thing is that I really don't see the Conti case hurting them much beyond that case itself. I don't see a host of additional victims waiting in the woodwork to come out if this verdict is upheld. Also, I don't think that every cases is going to go nearly as well for the plaintiffs. As I started to look into this, I had some other thoughts, so I decided to start a new topic since it's not really on topic here:
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wha happened?
It is a two edged sword for the WT. On one hand, the people stream in. Great for the losses in western countries. However, they don't have the ability to donate as those in the western countries do. These people save up all year just to attend a DC. Donate? Despite all the changes and announcements they have made to contribute, it's a slow money bleed for them.
I always thought they would change the view of tithing. They may need it for financial survival
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Scott77
They could have a 50% growth rate in Africa next year, and it wouldn't make much difference to the Watchtower coffers simply because people in that part of the world can't afford to contribute meaningful amounts of money. If anything, increased growth in the third world is only a further drain on the contributions being received from wealthy countries, so 50% growth in Africa could well be a nightmare scenario for the Governing Body! cedars Very true. Rather than being an asset, the expected growth in Africa should be a liability for the Watchtower.
Scott77
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LongHairGal
WHA HAPPENED:
I, too, also wonder if they will get some "noo lite" that will tell them to institute tithing. But, they can whistle Dixie because the idea would not be well-received. People are struggling to survive.
I can't think of anything LESS deserving than this religion that has NO redeeming social benefits compared to other religions!
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wha happened?
IMO ot will be like the blood policy. They aren't telling u not to take blood or u get df'd, they just give u the facts in the bible. You disassociate yourself for not following it. Or with the draft. They cant say dont go, it's the publisher that decided it
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cedars
Thanks Chaserious,
I don't see a host of additional victims waiting in the woodwork to come out if this verdict is upheld.
There's a lot that you don't know!
Cedars