Has the Governing Body Become More or Less Authoritarian in Recent Years?

by cofty 74 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  adamah

  COFTY, you still banging that "Genetic Fallacy" drum? As an ex-elder, maybe you can round up an angry mob on JWN to lead, huh?

  (If you're truly worried, take your concerns directly to Simon via PM: he knows the story of how KS and SlimBoyFat were both ejected after one of Cedars legendary hissy-fits, after both caught Cedars in a bald-faced hyperbolic lie (his "WT is on the verge of declaring bankruptcy" claim, due to WT's attempt to put up Patterson as collateral for the length of the Conti trial; BTW, the clock is STILL running on the bond, adding to the expenses, should Conti will have to pay if she doesn't prevail). KS and SBF asked him to prove the claim (Cedars bore the burden of proof, as the one making the claim), but instead, Cedars threw a hissy fit (posting "MODERATOR!" in the largest font size available, LOL!). That was in the days before Simon recognized Cedars "true colors", after seeing many more similar examples of the guy's unchecked narcissism.)

  So please quit hijacking your own thread with silly ad hominems and attempts to run posters off what you seem to believe is "your" site (nope, it's Simon's, and EVERYONE continues to post at his sole discretion, not yours). If you can challenge on-point with an actual argument, then do so. If NOT, you're only adding pink-noise....

  And if not, you should be asking yourself how committed you are to allowing truths and verifiable evidence precede your conclusions: after all, "you DO want to let the evidence lead your conclusions", and not vice-versa, and "you wouldn't want to be wrong any longer than necessary" right? Isn't that what you always advise Perry and the other theists to do, right?
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  cofty

  So I will take that as a yes. Thanks.
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  Oubliette

  Cofty: Adam are you the poster previously known as King Solomon?

  adamah seems curiously familiar with the intimate details of the KS/SBF/Cedars debacle. Additionally, his retelling of the events betrays a conspicuous bias. Very telling.

  One wonders why he is incapable of a simple "Yes" or "No" in response to a direct question.

  Although, Slimboyfat did continue to post here until about three months ago when he voluntarily left the forum.
• 

  ThomasCovenant

  "[Avoid] questioning the counsel that is provided by David Splane--" Watchtower 1983 Jan 15 p.22 Avoid Independent Thinking. .

  "'Believe all things,' all the things that David Splane brings out" --Qualified to be Ministers (1955) p.156 .

  "In Jehovah's organisation it is not necessary to spend a lot of time and energy in research, for David Splane does it for you Watchtower 1967 Jun 1 p.338 .

  "But this does not mean that he should introduce additional material from his own personal research and thus possibly overshadow what has been published in the magazine. Extensive research has already been involved in producing the study article, and the points to be emphasized are those included in the paragraphs under consideration. When outside material is introduced, it often detracts from what Davd Splane has prepared for the congregation. (Matt 24:45-47) The impression may be given that the additional information from the conductor's research is of equal or greater value."
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  never a jw

  King Solomon? I remember, smart guy, but not the type that can make many friends. I think you guys are right, he is back. I am glad. I think I am gonna sit and read. I have high respect for the intelects of both Cofty and Adamah (or King Solomon). Both certainly have much to teach me.

  Thomas Covenant,

  Those quotes seem unbelievable. I can not find anything in the WT library. Have they been removed? Do they come from reliable sources?
• 

  ThomasCovenant

  'never a jw'

  When it boils down to it, the ''organization', the 'Watchtower', the 'faithful and discrete slave', are the Governing Body.

  Eight men.

  I've just boiled it down further from eight men to one.
• 

  ThomasCovenant

  Eight penis possesors,

  Sam, Geoff, Steve, Tony, Guy, Mark, Dave and Git.
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  AndDontCallMeShirley

  Oubliette: BTW, what is the source for the quote that starts, "But this does not mean ..."?

  --

  Sorry about that, here it is:

  The Watchtower Study is a prime example of the difference between education and indoctrination. In a Letter to Elders April 3 2007 "RE: Guidelines for Watchtower Study Conductors" to following guideline is given:

  "But this does not mean that he should introduce additional material from his own personal research and thus possibly overshadow what has been published in the magazine. Extensive research has already been involved in producing the study article, and the points to be emphasized are those included in the paragraphs under consideration. When outside material is introduced, it often detracts from what "the faithful and discreet slave" has preparedfor the congregation. (Matt 24:45-47) The impression may be given that the additional information from the conductor's research is of equal or greater value."
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  AndDontCallMeShirley

  Here's another evidence the GB has become more authoritarian. Hijacking allegiance the Bible says goes to God through Jesus (belief in the Bible or God is not the issue; the issue is WT's tactic of demanding allegiance to the Organization, nullifying what the Bible says).

  .

  Baptism vows up to 1985 were as follows:

  "Have you repented of your sins and turned around, recognising yourself before Jehovah God as a condemned sinner who needs salvation, and have you acknowledged to him that this salvation proceeds from him, the Father, through his son Jesus Christ?"

  "On the basis of this faith in God and his provision for salvation, have you dedicated yourself unreservedly to do his will henceforth as he reveals it to you through Jesus Christ and through the Bible under the enlightening Holy Spirit?"

  .

  These questions, or vows, were changed in 1985 to the following:

  "On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?"

  "Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, in association with God's spirit-directed Organisation? Having answered yes to these questions, candidates are in the right heart condition to undergo Christian baptism."
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  4thgen

  They have been getting tighter and tighter as their curtian is pulled back further, bringing all their hidden issues to light.