I haven’t been to a meeting in four years. During that time I completed a successful fade from the organization after almost 40 years being baptized. It seems nothing anymore will surprise or shock me with these latest bunch of Brooklyn leaders. I was told that it was announced at our recent mid-week meeting that the Kingdom Hall is now Wi-Fi capable and all are encouraged to use it during the meeting. The brother said that any who forgot meeting materials at home, like a magazine or other references for a meeting part can now log on with their devices to jw.org and follow along etc. No official WTS letter was read at the hall on this subject. I’m assuming it must be left up to individual congregations to decide. The person who called me about this said that some tested their connection at the hall and were able to update their Facebook accounts. (Hilarious) Maybe in time these sites will be blocked.
I am totally perplexed at this complete embracing of the evil internet. Over the years when we had our elders meetings on Thursday nights with the C.O. the internet almost always came up for discussion. The CO would tell us that scores of MS’s and Elders were being removed across the circuit because of easily available porn that these men, from all walks of life were viewing. He also appealed to those currently serving as a MS or Elder who had viewed porn, or violent videos, or listened to debasing music, to come forward for spiritual help, since they no longer qualified to serve. This is a huge problem worldwide.
I understand the WTS having to adapt to the digital age that we’ve all accepted as part of everyday life. I understand the cost savings in printing, shipping and inventory. All major companies have had to adjust and change in order to stay in business, I get it.
But what I’ve learned in my forty years on the inside is that JW’s can be “obedient to a fault” in many things; (shunning family, no blood, no higher education, don’t call the police first re: pedophiles etc.). However they can also be overly curious, devious, and disobedient due to their repressed and frustrated upbringing. So the internet should be the last thing to tell JW’s to embrace and welcome at every level. Curiosity and basic human imperfectionwill cause thousands more worldwide to view, read, and listen to what the WTS clearly forbids!! Do the Brooklyn 8 really and truly think this will end well? Will this really produce better, stronger and more mature JW’s?
We all remember this announcement at every district convention year after year, “Brothers, please refrain from taking flash photos during the drama since they provide no benefit, and only serve to distract others, so please be loving and cooperative in this matter.” Seems easy enough to comply with.
After that announcement I would automatically look at my watch and within less than 10 seconds, dozens of flashes would start going off throughout the auditorium. Simple instructions instantly disobeyed!
So now does the GB really expect millions of repressed, micromanaged, exasperated people(young & old) with a computer in the privacy of their own home, to surf only where they command?? Some will definitely stick only to jw.org, but many won’t!!