by BoogerMan 13 Replies latest watchtower bible
Definitely not! (because they told us so in a WT!
w71 6/1 p. 330 par. 10 - "Another reason why many feel there is no place for them in the service of God is due to the clergy-laity distinction that is fostered in the churches. However, there was no clergy-laity division in early Christianity, and there is none today in true Christianity. The setting apart of a clergy class dates back to Babylonish, pagan worship. No precedent for it is found in the ministry of Jesus or his disciples."
"...many feel there is no place for them in the service of God ...due to the clergy-laity distinction that is fostered in the churches."
Conversely, I never felt that there was place for me in the service of their god*, because I'm not a door to door salesman, by trade or by nature, and that was the only role they ever offered me.
* Jehovah, the 13th century scribal error.
There's no precedent for MS, CO, DO, Pioneer, etc. and no precedent for counting hours, but you'll find that all in the customs and practices, past and present, of JWs.
The arrogance and hypocrisy of the powers that be at Bethel is breathtaking.
[12-1-19 WT- “Thousands of the readers of Pastor Russell’s writings believe that he filled the office of “that faithful and wise servant,” and that his great work was giving to the Household of Faith meat in due season. His modesty and humility precluded him from openly claiming this title,]
[6-1-01 WT- Jesus set out the principle: “Do not you be called Rabbi, for one is your teacher, whereas all you are brothers. Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly One. Neither be called ‘leaders,’ for your Leader is one, the Christ. But the greatest one among you must be your minister.” (Matthew 23:8-11) A congregation of brothers precludes having a proud clergy class that honors itself with high-sounding titles and elevates itself above a laity.]
[3-15-15 WT- Third, consider some of our recent refinements in understanding. For example, our clarified understanding of “the faithful and discreet slave,” published in the July 15, 2013, Watchtower, thrilled us. (Matt. 24:45-47) It was explained that the faithful slave is the Governing Body,]
[12-1-90 WT- We have the opportunity to show love for our brothers who take the lead in the congregation or in connection with Jehovah’s visible organization worldwide. This includes being loyal to “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matthew 24:45-47)]
If the Organization doesn't have a clergy class ... the how come does the Society tries to claim clergy penitent privilege as its defence in child abuse litigations?
NO ZOMBIE:
Exactly! Uttering this statement makes it so! They just aren’t wearing the purple robes. They want to have it both ways it seems🙄.
I would describe the Witnesses as having a ‘plain clothes’ clergy.
No clergy-laity division until a kiddy fidler isn’t reported to the local sherif department.
Then it’s we have clergy privileges
No Zombie;
You're bang on.
They claim they have dont have a clergy penitent class( the Borg).
Then the Borg tries to hide behind clergy penitent privileges when it faces litigation of child sexual abuse cases.
Another nauseatingly way of Borg doubles talk.
I always smile 😄 whenever an org-worshipper on this forum down-votes a "negative" litter-ature quotation.
So satisfying to see them go against their self-appointed "slave's" orders, by associating with "apostates."
Keep it up!
NotFormer: There's no precedent for MS, CO, DO, Pioneer, etc.
It's more of a business-type structure than a religious one.
