I would equate the Governing Body to the College of Cardinals in the Catholic church.
THE TRUTHS WHICH ALL BIBLE STUDIES SHOULD BE TOLD
by The Searcher 14 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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DATA-DOG
I don't think that a "clergy-class" is a big deal. Somebody has to take care of certain duties if you are going to have an organized religion of any kind. For the JWs to say that they don't have a clergy class is a lie. That's why it's a big deal. They pull a bait and switch on new recruits. If they were the truth, they should be able to disclose everything and still get new converts. When you practice non-disclosure, that is the same as lying IMO.
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Per KateWild:
However, baptism is not a mere bath. It is a symbol of something very important. Going beneath the water symbolizes that you have died to your former life course. Being raised up out of the water indicates that you are now alive to do the will of God. Remember, too, that you have made a dedication to Jehovah God himself, not to a work, a cause, other humans, or an organization . Your dedication and baptism are the beginning of a very close friendship with God—an intimate relationship with him.— Psalm 25:14 .
Current questions:
Baptismal questions from the Watchtower 1985 Jun 1 p.30:
(1) On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?
(2) Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization?Indeed a LIE!*
*Unless the can come up with a re-definition like they always do of organization...
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Bobcat
Kate:
Thanks for your thoughts on this. See my post # 577 on this thread for more about baptism duplicity and the Bible Teach book. Also my post # 55 & 56 on this thread.
Take Care
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Bob_NC
Elders are indeed the local clergy in every respect. They preach sermons, weddings, funerals and decide who is in and who is out. They take instruction from Brooklyn and the GB just like Catholic priests take instruction from Vatican City and Cardinals.