I think that the official answer is based on the Montevideo Convention of 1933. The convention defines what is a state-nation and what is not. They probably go with land so as not to interject their definition of state-nation. Some countries may recognize another country and independent while others do not, so not to wade into that political mire they went with land. Good example is that China does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign nation but as China property, for trade reasons the US considers is a quasi-sovereign nation, that is why there is no embassy in Taipei but there is the American Institute in Taiwan and no Ambassador. So by calling everything a land it removes that headache.
In the yearbooks, why 'lands' not 'countries'?
by LoveUniHateExams 26 Replies latest watchtower bible
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Vidiot
Phizzy - "...I concluded that they did not conform to any recognized way of defining 'lands' or countries..."
Well, they've pretty much redefined virtually every other word in the English language; what's one more?
The Org has raised verbal sneakery to a f**king art form.
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My Name is of No Consequence
There are more "lands" than "countries" It's a great way to inflate the numbers.
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Ruby456
Lands is more neutral sounding - plus it is a literal translation of the greek so yes it is more biblical
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OrphanCrow
Ruby: Lands is more neutral sounding
Well...sort of. Generally a "land" refers to an area that has been, or is about to, be conquered. It doesn't have political standing until it is colonized by a political entity from outside its area. A "land" is not a political entity yet.
By using "lands", the WT implies they have taken possession of that land. They have planted their flag and they now rule. "God's Kingdom Rules!" and all that. You know, "citizens" of God's/WTS' Kingdom.
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Ruby456
oh right I see. land is bit Lockean - virgin territory that no one owns waiting to be taken over and cultivated and thereafter owned. great lens to to take to the bible as well.
land is definitely not neutral sounding then. thanks for clarifying
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waton
It might have come naturally, unintended, from a past leadership that had such a strong germanic roots-component, Knorr, Henschel , Franz, from the words: England, Ireland, Iceland, Deutschland, Netherland, Saar-- Poland, more primitive, back to the earth/rustic paradise, than the more advanced latin based words.
