OK! So by now, we all know about the "New Light" concerning the "Faithful and Discreet Slave" class being the Governing Body and just the Governing Body. Other "anointed ones" need not apply. You've been summarily kicked to the curb. That's just the way it is. Deal with it.
There have been countless recent threads about this change. So why am I creating yet another one? Because there is a really significant point that has been alluded to in many of those threads, sometimes even directly commented on, but not necessarily given the emphasis that it really needs for the benefit of newbies and lurkers here. (Hence this thread with the not-too-subtle title making this point!)
In several of the parallel threads, there are quotes and paraphrases of the responses of active JWs to this "New Light." It is interesting to note the "Still-in" justification of the change in the minds of those still captive. Although variously worded, the reactions are generally along the lines of this:
In a way, this FDS=GB change makes sense! The GB members are obviously the ones in charge. 1 This just changes our understanding to match how things really are. In fact, this is what I always thought it was!
Hmmm.
It is true. This particular "New Light" likely lines up with what is probably the actual practice in Brooklyn, whereas the previous ("Old Light") fantasy about the "worldwide composite body of all the anointed" being the FDS simply did not make sense in any practical way. There were just too many questions without logical answers:
- How exactly did the "composite body" of anointed communicate with each other? With the GB?
- How were they involved in the preparation and distribution of "spiritual food"?
- How were the FDS involved in the selection of new GB members?
- What sort of input did the thousands of FDS around the globe have in the deliberations and decisions of the GB?
- How did the GB reach out to these "anointed" ones for input and counsel?
So many questions; not too many answers, at least not any that make any sense. Hence the need for this "New Light." Problem solved! No, not really.
I recently heard an elder "justify" this "adjustment in our understanding" using this same flawed line of reasoning presented above, "Well that's how it actually works. It makes sense!"
But does it? Does it really? Is it even an adequate explanation? I don't think so.
The problem with this justification is that it ignores a very important fact that simply must not be ignored, at least not by anyone that is actually interested in truth and accurate knowledge: The WT Leadership has been wrong about their own identity for the last 93 years!
Do you understand the significance of this undeniable fact?
This is the proverbial elephant in the room.
Anyone got a shovel? You're gonna need it ... eventually!
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1 - Never mind the glaring disparity between the concept of a "Slave" and the reality of the GB acting as a Master. In JW-land words don't seem to mean what they mean in the rest of the universe. But I guess that's just too much Cognitive Dissonance for one lesson.