If a teaching was incorrect, so what? Humans make mistakes all the time, that is not really what bothers me. When you claim to have a monopoly on "truth", even calling your ideas "the truth", then you have made quite the claim. When something that you teach for decades had to be believed as coming from God, and then it was wrong... I mean, come on. Who REALLY made the mistake?
When the GB teaches that the Generation of 1914 WILL NOT pass away, and then changes it because it's expiration date was up, who's fault is that? GODS?!? When Elders are jerks and DF someone without justification, was that the Holy Spirit leading the process? When a molester Brother is made a MS and then an Elder, how does that happen?! You know the steps that are gone through to "theocratically" appoint someone. Where was GOD? Did God and Jesus go to the bathroom? Did they appoint the molester. Did they allow it to test the faithful? Popy-cock!! It is human error, cause by materialistic/physical thinking. Here is an example:
Young Brother Reach-outer wants to be a MS. He truly meets ALL the spiritual qualifications set forth in God's word. When it comes time to recommend him for appointment, he does not make the cut. Why? He does not get quite enough hours in "visible" field service. Therefore, how can he be an example? How can he "take the lead" later. So even though he meets all the "scriptural" qualifications he WILL NOT be appointed. He simply does not meet the extra-biblical and Organizational/corporate requirements. The very exact second that you allow an extra-biblical, man-made requirement to overshadow a scriptural requirement, you are on your own. You have just thrown the Holy Spirit out of the room. It simply cannot be any other way, and that is precisely why the WTBTS is in the shape it is today. Decades of Pharisaic, Legalistic, Corporate/man-made regulations. Ever wonder why an Eldub meeting can't proceed smoothly? Ever wonder why the " Stars" of Revelation can't get along?
A true story:
During my meetings with the Eldubs, the service hour requirements that appear nowhere in the scriptures came up. The Eldubs said, " The CO gave a beautiful example of leading the flock. You see, DD, the sheep MUST BE LEAD. If they are not, then they will just do whatever they want. If a Shepherd was to place an obstacle in front of a sheep, the sheep will have to jump it to leave the pen. If one jumps it, they all will. The sheep will follow the lead of those in front. Isn't that a beautiful illustration?"
Why are we purposely placing obstacles in front of the sheep? Why does the C.O feel that Jesus sheep will do nothing without being prodded? These views of the R&F filter down from the top. This is what they really think of you. You are a dumb sheep that will never do what is right, unless they prod you and give you challenges to jump over. If the top-men, the GB, really valued God's word, then WHY can't they send out a letter to all congregations about not going beyond the things written? Why not share the info that any of us can find on the CD-Library? There are ZERO hourly requirements in the scriptures. Look up " 10 hours ", and see what hits you get. The Governing Body could put a stop to ALL legalism if they wanted to. That is "truth."
DD
ps. Lois Lane, I am glad you are doing better. It's important to laugh. A little humor can help, even in serious situations. I do what I can!