Hello Alan,
In a discussion on this issue earlier this year with Greg Stafford and others, the conclusions that I reached were that it is quite clear that that the WTS is very content to defend its own position with guile and cunning and a singular disregard for ethical honesty.
I wrote in conclusion the following:
"The WTS has vacillated in its claims about its own position as Gods spokesman over the past hundred years, but frankly how they describe themselves is an irrelevance. It is what they are percieved to be by their adherents in practice that really counts.
The WTS says it is neither ‘inspired’ in a supernatural way, nor a ‘prophet’, but merely interpreters of scripture, and yet its adherents are encouraged, often by emotional manipulation, to view them as much more than that in practice. In fact to view them any other way is fraught with danger to the average JW.
Try for example to suggest to a CO that you are going to make up your own mind as to the interpretation of the prophecies in the book, ‘Isaiah’s Prophecy - Light For All Mankind’, being studied at the moment in the Book Study arrangements. He will of course immediately begin to lecture the obviously ‘weak’ JW about the fact the Faithful Slave have provided this food for their spiritual welfare at the proper time, suggesting by implication that something more than interpretation is happening.
I view this as a particularly sinister aspect of WTS modus operandi, that is; of defining itself one way in writing, yet being fully aware that to all practical intent it is viewed by its adherents as both ‘inspired’ and a ‘prophet’. This plainly is a calculated policy, which if not lying is certainly allowing the truth to be handled carelessly.
Are the WTS 'inspired', or 'prophets',? Not by written admission, at least not recently, but they certainly demand and expect a similar respect that is afforded to those who are labeled as such in the Bible.
Next time a burglar denies he is such, and describes himself as a 're-locator of possessions', be sure to get it in writing. Apparently you would feel much more secure knowing this!"
Best - HS
