NO Independent Thinking Allowed!

by UnDisfellowshipped 9 Replies latest jw friends

  • UnDisfellowshipped
    UnDisfellowshipped

    I hope these Quotes help everyone out!

    I would love to hear everyone's comments!
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    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."

  • JT
    JT

    here is the very lastest new light

    http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/forum/thread.aspx?id=11974&site=3

    Today's Watchtower lesson instructs Witnesses not to think for themselves when it comes to Bible understanding:

    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.

  • ChrisVance
    ChrisVance

    I'm about to upchuck.

  • Pleasuredome
    Pleasuredome

    an elder said to me disappointingly, "....people out there think we're a cult!"

  • Mary
    Mary

    Gee I can't imagine why anyone would think that!!!

  • Skeptically Yours
    Skeptically Yours

    Hi!

    Oh, there are plenty of us inside that think and act so independently! Forget the Society!

    God gave us all the same thinking capacity. No way will someone guide my every step, and much less when the leadership has the same imperfections as I do.

    Here's a funny story which happened recently: My husband presently has a working assignment where he's out of our home a few days a month. His vehicle is a sporty F150 XLT, king cab, and he keeps it looking very nice. The vehicle is always parked and unused while he's away because I have my own. Well, there have been occassions when other brothers and sisters have been involved in car accidents and they have just assumed that while their cars get fixed or whatever they can use this vehicle that is just 'parked'; or that perhaps I can use his truck while they use my car. But, ever so coldly I've just said "No", and you should see the facial expressions! I mean, some just assumed that since it's just a material possession I should be forthcoming is letting everyone and their mother use it whenever my hubby is away. Well, NO!!!!!!!!

    Not too long ago, someone needed to move and they requested to use the truck and my husband was away, so I said "no" and they sent someone else who I respected and liked to make the request once again. I put it to them this way: "I said no and now they sent you to see if I changed my mind. Now if you go and send the circuit overseer, I'll still say no. If the circuit overseer then sends the districk overseer, I'll still say no. And if the district overseer sends a member of the governing body, I'll still say no! While my husband is away and doesn't give his permission in person, that vehicle is not moving! Spread it so nobody else requests to use it."

    So, as you all can imagine, my reputation is not the best I'm sure. I must be labeled a materialistic person by now. But, that's alright, serves to keep the 'in crowd' away.

    Take care!

  • metatron
    metatron

    "make sure of all things, hold fast to what is fine"

    the Bereans were more noble minded, checking to see these things were so

    The Bible is just a violin they play any tune on. They just don't care.

    metatron

  • rocky220
    rocky220

    Independent thinking.....hmmm, let's see. The right to live day-today without being overshadowed with meddling elders wondering how we make love to our spouses, the right to decide what type of medical treatment for a life-threatening condition with no additional stress imposed upon by ancient mosaic law, which according to the BIBLE, Jesus had abolished. The right to have therapy by a trained professional in case of rape, child molestation, clinical depression, alcohol&drug re-hab without being told how we no longer have faith in Jehovah, blah, blah blah....What I say is, if it talks like a cult, walks like a cult, harms like a cult, controls like a cult.....GUESS WHAT? It is a cult!!!!!!

    rocky220

  • Skeptically Yours
    Skeptically Yours

    Rocky220,

    It's organized religion! Suits some people just fine and doesn't suit others, that's all.

    I can easily argue any point I don't agree with using their own theory; like I've had to tell inquiry minds/busy bodies that whatever happens between my husband & I behind closed doors there's exactly where it stays. Plus I've firmly but nicely told those who pretend to give me counsel that they're not masters of my faith and that salvation is an individual matter and, therefore, they should mind their own worship business.

    Believe me, after such firm comments on my part, not many come around trying to change my ways.

    I've figured out a way of picking and choosing what a like and leaving the rest for those who so enjoy it, and moving happily along with my life. It really is quite easy.

    Sort of like I've told the person that arranges who gives parts in the 'school' meeting not to give me parts or assign me to be a helper very frequently. When they give me a part one month and then another the following two months, I just find a way to have other stuff come up so that I cannot make the meeting in point. In the meantime, I'll continue to remind this person that I'm comfortable giving 1 part every 4 months or so. All until they get it, and believe me sooner or later he will get my point.

    Take care!

  • Gig
    Gig

    I'm very angry, tomorrow I may be sick, the next day who knows...I don't pretend to be a prophet. Was I just thinking independently? Man that felt good!

    Gig

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