by Gianluca 8 Replies latest jw friends
hello,
I've notice that there is a tendency by quite a few JW's who are not 100% in agreement with the GB to speak about "reform". The few i've spoken to have not been able to tell me what exactly they mean by reforming the WTS. So if there are any "reformers" aroung here ( that goes for you too lurkers ) i would appreciate your comments.
In my humble opinion wanting to reform the WTS is like someone trying to re-arrange the furniture on the deck of the Titanic.
Ciao
Gianluca
In general, it would be impossible to reform the whole structure of the WT Society. That would be hopeless to even try.
I think the reformers are going after specific issues, because JW's as an organization aren't going away soon, and millions of people are hurt by their resistance to changes in policy.
Two specific examples: (1) Non-reporting of child molestation to the proper authorities, but generally keeping it "under wraps" in the congregation, and not disciplining those involved. (2) The blood tranfusion issue. The reform movement for this issue, which I believe is called AJWRB, has helped bring about some change in the types of fractions that are allowed by the official Society policy.
So overall reform is impossible. But a nudge here, a nudge there, to take away some suffering of innocent adherents (including children).
Gopher
Gopher, I really think your heart is in the right place with your feeling that "...a nudge here, a nudge there, to take away some suffering of innocent adherents (including children)" would be appropriate.
However, why remove some of the teeth of a dangerous animal so that it can't maul us quite so badly? Better to get rid of the harmful thing altogether.
But that will never happen so long as there are personality types who are willing to lie down and be walked on. And there seems to be no shortage of those.
: The few i've spoken to have not been able to tell me what exactly they mean by reforming the WTS.
We'll there's "reform" (you can now wear colored dress shirts to meetings, guys) and there's "meaningful reform."
"Meaningful Reform" - take one 3 megaton thermonuclear device. Place at WTS headquarters in Brooklyn. Clear all surrounding neighborhoods of people. Detonate. Celebrate.
Farkel
Francoise,
Let me clarify. With the "nudge here, nudge there" statement, I was expressing the point of view of the reformers. The AJWRB and Silent Lambs movements are trying to ease SOME of the suffering of the adherents.
In a sense, I'm with you & Farkel. If the WTS were to go down in one big heap, I wouldn't miss it. (I'd be glad to have my friends & family back, LOL.) But that's not likely to happen very soon, excepting an "act of God". So the small reforms do fill a need.
Gopher
Hi all:
I certainly hope it can be reformed. I still have family deeply intrenched in it.
But it'll be a long task bringing it down with the arrogant, smug, active ones like StiLLinTruth posting his typical holier than thou drivel here on the current post "What Did you Do?"
I personally would like to see all like him brought to their knees.
Had Enough
Some day in the not too distant future, some Martin Luther-esque "brother" will nail a list of reforms to the front door of Bethel, and thus will be born the "Reformed Jehovah's Witnesses" (as opposed to the "Orthodox Jehovah's Witnesses").
Then will begin the Brooklyn Inquisition.
History does repeat itself.
"Reformed"? Oh, I thought you said "deformed" ... nevermind!
_______________
Less Religion and more Jesus!
Françoise you said "However, why remove some of the teeth of a dangerous animal so that it can't maul us quite so badly? Better to get rid of the harmful thing altogether."
Thats exactly what i think. Reform is a waste of time.
I think the WTS will continue to exsist as long as it managaes to make $$$.
Therefore it will be around for quite some time [>:(]
Ciao
Gianluca
