Everyone knows about the recent across-the-board okay to use electronic devices in JW worship. Few, though, know about how not long ago it was considered a taboo.
First, there was that DC talk a couple of years back where they nearly demonized simply the ownership of a smart phone, ipads (i phones, blackberries, etc) let alone the use of them at meetings. They brought out that they were a waste of time, expensive and that they exposed a Christian to Satan's world on the internet. Then came the following November 8, 2011 BOE letter where they say that using 'electronic tablets' and the like at meetings would open the way for 'class distinctions' or give the appearance of a 'showy display of one's means of life'. Read for yourself:
Christian Congregation
of Jehovah’s Witnesses
2821 Route 22, Patterson, NY 12563-2237 Phone: (845) 306-1100
November 8, 2011
TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS IN THE UNITED STATES BRANCH TERRITORY
Re: Use of electronic tablets
Dear Brothers:
We have received inquiries on the use of an electronic tablet, such as an iPad, when conducting the Watchtower Study or for viewing notes when giving a public talk. Herein we wish to provide some guidelines concerning this matter.
There is no objection to the use of an electronic tablet by an attendee in the audience as a means of following along with the material being presented. However, at this time, an electronic tablet or other similar device should not be used on the platform, such as for reading the paragraphs at the Watchtower Study, conducting a meeting, or giving a talk of any kind.
In addition to the possibility of a technical problem occurring, it is felt that using an electronic tablet from the platform could prompt others to feel that they too should invest in such a device. Additionally, since many brothers cannot afford such a device, using one prominently from the stage could, in effect, create “class distinctions” or appear to be a “showy display of one’s means of life.”—Jas. 2:4; 1John 2:16.
Thank you for noting this direction. We send our warm Christian love.
Your Brothers,
Christian Congregation
Of Jehovah’s Witnesses
......Then came the flip-flop
At this years' AGM the acceptance of these devices was officially demonstrated when the head of WT's geek sqad displayed on a table the acceptance for use in worship anything from a laptop to a ipad to a smart phone and everything in between. Then came the following October 12, 2013 BOE letter:
Christian Congregation
of Jehovah’s Witnesses
2821 Route 22, Patterson, NY 12563-2237 Phone: (845) 306-1100
October 12, 2013
TO ALL CONGREGATIONS
Re: Use of electronic tablets
Dear Brothers:
Electronic tablets have become increasingly common in many parts of the world. So the Governing Body has decided that the use of such devices from the platform at our theocratic events should be left to the individual discretion of each program participant. This is not something for which elders would need to establish a rule. However, sensible steps should be taken so as to avoid distracting anyone in the audience. For example, the user (whether on the platform or in the audience) should set his device to a mode that would not emit sounds, and he should void electronic alerts, such as incoming e-mail notifications. Additionally, it may be wise for a brother using such a device during his talk to have a backup hardcopy of his notes for use in the event he experiences a technical problem.
If a brother will be giving a talk in an area where he knows such devices are not commonly used, it would appropriate for him to inquire if his doing so from the platform would not be advantageous.—Compare 1Corinthians 10:24; 1 Timothy 3:2, footnote.
Thank you for noting this direction. We send our warm Christian Love.
Your brothers,
Christian Congregation
Of Jehovah’s Witnesses
With all these 180 degree turns on whats' good or bad, whats' right or wrong-it really makes you wonder who is running the show!