Annual meeting assumptions 2.0

by Separation of Powers 6 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  Separation of Powers

  There have been many speculations regarding the upcoming Annual Meeting. Among them, that the Society will rid themselves of 1914 and the literal interpretation of 144,000. Several have commented on why this doesn't make sense or is unnecessary, and I agree with their positions. There is no reason to get rid of 1914...it is a tie that binds the modern to the past. The organization cannot be "unique" without at least some vestige of "miraculous interpretation ability." As for the 144,000, no worries there, the organization has discounted 2,000 years of Christian history with this "wheat and weeds" explanation. "Oversown" vs. "overgrown"....(I hope you all caught that in the article).

  Here are two of my assumptions, please add your own:

  1) The Jehu and Jehonadab classes (1 Kings 10:15)

  The organization loves its history, particularly its "worship" of JF Rutherford, considered at Bethel to be the most prolific and blessed (contrary to what you might have heard of Freddy). One of the highlights of Rutherford theology, the Jehu and Jehonadab connection. The relationship was based on an oath, "Is your heart upright with me, just as my own heart is with your heart?" Another translation interprets this "are you a faithful friend to me?" This concept of faithfulness to the Jehu class, the FDS, will be promoted to its ultimate outcome, a type of loyalty oath to the current administration.

  2) The 144,000 have been selected ONLY from the modern day organization (with maybe a couple thousand exceptions).

  The current administration, like none before it, is extremely egocentric, as demonstrated in the new FDS articles. Based on the wheat and weeds parable, there is NO way to know who were true Christians after first century. In fact, the argument might be made that from the death of Paul to the death of John, the man of lawlessness and the apostasy had all but obliterated the Christian congregation. So, I would expect this point to be emphasized to further solidify the "unique" nature of the Society's administration.

  Just some thoughts

  SOP
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  Oubliette

  Apparently you haven't read last Sunday's WT Study article. 1914 is stil very prominent.

  • “Look! I Am With You All the Days” - w2013 7/15, pp. 9 - 14

  According to my count, 1914 occurs 11 times in that one article alone. It is found 34 times in the 32 pages of the magazine.

  I think any suspicions about them dropping 1914 are unwarranted, at least in the immediate future.
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  Separation of Powers

  Oubiliette,

  Actually I have read the article. My comment states that I don't believe they will get rid of 1914. maybe it wasn't that clear.
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  westiebilly11

  this emphasis on blind obedience and unswerving loyalty to the gb/fds worries me as it seems a draconian measure to silence and remove any who may have sincere doubts about the authenticity of new light.......control ...control....almost like the Nazi regime many years ago..
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  The Searcher

  SOP said "The 144,000 have been selected ONLY from the modern day organization (with maybe a couple thousand exceptions)."

  The WTBTS have always claimed that every Christian in the first century was "anointed". That would add up to countless thousands, considering all the conversions noted in Acts, and the fact that Paul stated the good news had been preached in all creation. (given the exponential growth)
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  The Searcher

  @ WESTIEBILLY11

  I agree - A year ago, I warned the present wife that the 'counsel', warnings, and requests for cash from the GB are going to get stronger because of the Org's coming troubles - especially from the INTERNET. I sincerely believe that Bodies of Elders will be put on high alert for anyone who's comments sound 'apostate'. Also, I expect a new reason to D/F people - 'looking with greed at apostate websites'. It'll be classed the same as speaking with a disfellowshipped person.
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  Julia Orwell

  Funny how they so revere Rutherford but you cannot access a single thing he wrote through the wt library or congregation. You have to get them from "apostates".