by nugget 324 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
Oubliette wrote:
Hey, where do you think we learned it? At least here we can freely express our ideas without the risk of being labelled an apostate. Oh, I almost forgot: We ARE apostates! ... lol
This is true. At times I tend to forget the strange and symmetrical symbiosis that individuals here share with the borg. The dynamic is intriguing to say the least.
Neverending - the BOE letter is just the tip of the story, the very first step. I'm sure the Watchtower will make additional moves after the first letter is read to the congregations and begins to get feedback. Much of this thread is based not so much on that letter, but from other information from insider sources that have proven to be somewhat (and that's a big "SOMEWHAT") credible in the past.
The danger, especially here on JWN, is that when insider information and gossip is shared, the "messenger" (in this case yours truly) tends to become a target, especially by trolls and a certain number of consistent naysayers. Others who have found themselves in this same situation have just given up and will no longer share what they know or what they have heard because they get tired of being targets of abuse here.
I've felt that way myself many times, especially in connection with the Menlo Park scandal and my relationship with AAWA. The question becomes, "Do I stop sharing what I've heard and what I know because I will face accusations and abuse, or do I just let it bounce off and do it for those who are truly interested and enjoy that kind of information?"
One of the glorious things about JWN is how it has become one of the first places to read the latest rumors, to get the facts behind the rumors and other insider information. This is where so many come to get a secret copy of an elder letter or see an audio-video of an insider meeting. That is what makes JWN so special and why, even though I sometimes get more than my share of abuse, I make regular visits back here from time to time.
Because of my websites (Ex-JW.com, WatchtowerWatch.com, JWReport.com) and my relationship as webmaster for AAWA, and I always try to keep my email doors open to all, I am blessed with relationships and connections to many WT insiders at both congregation and HQ levels. I have also been threatened personally at both of those levels - (my wife sometimes worries that one night someone from the Watchtower will come and burn our house down with us in it. Seriously!).
So maybe it's not worth it. I'd hate to think that anyone and everyone that comes to this site to share insider news or gossip should only expect abuse. That is not to say that such "rumors and insider information" should not be closely examined or subject to critique - it just seems so one-sided at times. I haven't dropped off yet, but I am for sure considering it. I'm not usually that thin-skinned, but it is frustrating to get far more negative feedback than one should expect from "friends."
My other fear is that I will lose some of my best insider contacts if they realize that they are essentially casting their "pearls before swine."
JV
Don't let the negativity chase you away, John.
I know the lack of appreciation for your efforts can be disheartening, but you do a great service by reporting WT's shenigans.
Thank you, and may you continue to be blessed.
Sylvia
Oooops...I hope that my comments weren't interpreted as abusive, Juan. Sorry if they came accross that way. I was just expressing my opinions.
Snowbird - and you've always been supportive to guys like me as long as I've known you...
JV
Past discussions here involved "rumors" and "fanatical speculation" that the WT would come out with a revised NWT and that the GB may declare themselves the "Faithful and Discreet Slave", etc. Those 'speculations' turned out to be absolutely correct.
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Once you rule out the impossible, whatever's left, no matter how improbable, usually turns out to be correct.
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Time will tell but I have a feeling a lot of what's been discussed here will turn out to be correct, in one form or another.
Why not add more speculation into the mix?
Due to WT's restructuring of how each congregation's finances are to be handled, I can see a re-wording of the Service Committee titles:
1. Coordinator of Body of Elders (COBE will remain the same).
2. Service Overseer (will remain the same).
3. Secretary Of Congregation Finances (SOCF only change).
JV,
Go back and look at my comments. There's nothing in there that could be remotely construed as a personal attack or a threat against you or your sources.
The point is, everytime the WT announces a change, regardless of how minor (and I've been on this board for over seven years), it results in rampant speculation. There's a disconnect between the importance of the change to the everyday lives of ordinary witnesses and the banter on this board. I don't think I'm out of line in counseling restraint or that people take what they read with a grain of salt.
Speculation? Conjecture? So what?!!!!
The trends are consistent. Cut and cut and cut. Layoff and show Watchtower workers the door. More facades and fake-atude while Witnesses take pills, mourn their kids lost 'to the world', struggle with chronic illness and wonder how they will pay their bills.
So, you crypto-apologists wanna throw cold water on these changes? Feel free.... but as someone who has long desired to see this family-hostile cult broken and wrecked, the trend is my friend.
metatron
"There's a disconnect between the importance of the change to the everyday lives of ordinary witnesses and the banter on this board."
Yes, that's true. All changes in doctrine about the FDS or the generation does not change the everyday lives of the rank and file. The rank and file has to continue washing windovs and doing field service as usual. Nevertheless those changes are of great interestto some of us anyhow.......everything isn't about every day life. Certainley not with religions
