by yesidid 16 Replies latest jw friends
Could someone please help me with the Wt article where they say that you do not even have to speak to others about the things with which you don't agree with the society to be dfd. Just the fact that you believe differently can get you zapped. Need the info to help wavering friend.
Maria
Welcome to the Forum!
I hope these Quotes help you out:
The Watchtower January 15th 1983 Issue, Page 22:
"Avoid Independent Thinking"
"Avoid.... questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization."
"How is such independent thinking manifested? A common way is by questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization."
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The Watchtower January 15th 1983 Issue, Page 27:
"....some who point out that the organization has had to make some adjustments before, and so they argue: "This shows that we have to make up our own mind on what to believe." This is independent thinking. Why is it so dangerous?"
"Fight against independent thinking."
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The Watchtower September 15th 1989 Issue, Page 23:
"In the world, there is a tendency to reject leadership. As one lecturer said: ;'The rising education level has improved the talent pool such that followers have become so critical that they are almost impossible to lead.' But a spirit of independent thinking does not prevail in God's organization, and we have sound reasons for confidence in the men taking the lead among us."
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The Watchtower March 15th 1986 Issue, Page 17:
"Beware of those who try to put forward their own contrary opinions."
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The Watchtower July 1st 1994 Issue, Pages 12-13:
"As loyal servants of Jehovah, why would we even want to peek at the propaganda put out by rejecters of Jehovah's table...."
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The Watchtower August 1st 1960 Issue, Page 474:
"Jehovah's witnesses, though international, are 'one heart and soul,' of the 'same mind' and the 'same line of though.'"
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The Watchtower June 1st 1967 Issue, Page 338:
"....in Jehovah's organization it is not necessary to spend a lot of time and energy in research, for there are brothers in the organization who are assigned to that very thing...."
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The Watchtower August 1st 1972 Issue, Page 458:
"....the Watchtower study conductor, who presides over this meeting, has an important responsibility. This study enables all to be united in the same line of thought."
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The Watchtower August 1st 1980 Issue, Page 19:
"Thus, the one who doubts to the point of becoming an apostate sets himself up as a judge. He thinks he knows better than his fellow Christians, better also than the 'faithful and discreet slave,' through whom he has learned the best part, if not all that he knows about Jehovah God and his purposes."
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The Watchtower March 15th 1986 Issue, Page 12:
"Do you wisely destroy apostate material?"
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The Watchtower March 15th 1986 Issue, Page 14:
"Why is reading apostate publications similar to reading pornographic literature?"
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The Watchtower, February 1st 1987 Issue, Page 19:
"First of all, there is the matter of being obedient and ready to respond to encouragement. When direction and encouragement come from the proper source, it is only right that we should respond readily."
"We also remember that one feature of 'the wisdom from above' is being 'ready to obey.' (James 3:17) These are qualities that all Christians are encouraged to put on. Due to background and upbringing, some may be more given to independent thinking and self-will than others. Perhaps this is an area where we need to discipline ourselves and 'make our mind over' so that we can perceive more clearly what the 'will of God' is. Romans 12:2."
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Edited by - UnDisfellowshipped on 11 December 2002 6:30:10
The Watchtower January 15th 1983 Issue, Page 27:
"....some who point out that the organization has had to make some adjustments before, and so they argue: "This shows that we have to make up our own mind on what to believe." This is independent thinking. Why is it so dangerous?"
LOL what an unbelievable statement!!!
I find it pathetic and utterly nauseating that when other religions change their doctrines, they're obviously guilty of false prophecying, but when the GB changes their doctrines, it's called "adjusting" or "new light". Gimme a f%#king break.........
Edited by - Mary on 11 December 2002 10:3:14
GB can't handle a free thinker
Augest 1, 2001, p. 14, par. 8:
First, since "oneness" is to be observed, a mature Christian must be in unity and full harmony with fellow believers as far as faith and knowledge are concerned. He does not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding. Rater, he has complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and "the faithful and discreet slave." By regularly taking in the spiritual food provided "at the proper time" -- through Christian publications, meetings, assemblies, and conventions -- we can be sure that we maintain "oneness" with fellow Christians in faith and knowledge. -- Matthew 24:45.
Mary,
The difference between so called "new light" (changing prophecy) and changing teachings is that other religions (okay, some) aren't prophesying..the WT is. They should (not always saying they do) then explain their thinking (when they make a change) according to the whole light of scripture, while the WT uses all sorts of convoluted reasoning. That is the difference I see. Now, of course for me or anyone else to speak of other religions as one big lump is a little unreasonable. But here's an example: I belong to a protestant church in which we subscribe to certain confessions and creeds (ie the Westminster Confession of faith, the apostles creed, the Athanasian creed, nicene creed, among others.) These confessions and creeds were penned to address confusion in the church at the time/reaffirm clarify the beliefs. Such statements of faith also address anyone trying to tinker with teachings in an unbiblical way. Hope I'm being clear on all this.
I am aware that there are religious groups that have dramatic changes in teachings-not gonna name 'em here cuz I don't want to get in trouble (not in the mood for it today). When a person sees that happening, they need to study and investigate what that group is all about, ask questions, just as many of the people on this forum feel we should do with the teachings of the WT!
I'm not being as clear as I would like due to time constraints, so I hope that all who read this will understand it in the spirit in which it is intended.
OOPS! Mary, I was reading posts so fast I flip-flopped your message inside my cluttered head. I misread it to think that you were thinking the opposite....My sincerest and heartfelt apologies for posting without reading carefully and misconstruing your meaning. I haven't been on here long, I bet if I had read any other posts of yours and was familiar with your writing I wouldn't have made such an error. Again, I'm sorry. If I have offended I'll be happy to send you some Christmas cookies to make it up to you. I'll be making kolacky soon...do you prefer apricot or raspberry filling?
I will read more carefully before I post next time!
I think the quote yesidid is looking for, is in Crisis of Conscience. It is in a photo copy of a letter Ray printed in the book.
I am at work so I do not have access to my book.
Borgfree
I love the inference in this statement:
"In the world, there is a tendency to reject leadership. As one lecturer said: ;'The rising education level has improved the talent pool such that followers have become so critical that they are almost impossible to lead.' But a spirit of independent thinking does not prevail in God's organization, and we have sound reasons for confidence in the men taking the lead among us."
It's inferred that the reason a spirit of independant thinking doesn't prevail is the lack of education going into the JW talent pool! The WTS aren't stupid. This is exactly why they've discouraged PS education for so long.
