Randy's statement

by Nosferatu 6 Replies latest jw friends

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  Nosferatu

  I found Randy Watters' statement quite interesting (http://www.randytv.com/wteliminated.htm)

  They have become part of the world that they have condemned for the last 120 years, and have even taken upon themselves their own “mark of the beast” by associating with the United Nations! Add to that their denial of any complicity in the tolerance of sexual abusers of children in their midst (Journal, Jan/Mar 2001 and beyond), even allowing such to go door-to-door, one can see that the days of the Watchtower Society as we know it are numbered.

  Personally, I'd love nothing more than to see the WTS fall flat on their face. However, I would feel for the members who find themselves suddenly lost. I could also see them meeting in their bookstudy groups knowing that this is the beginning of Armageddon.

  ....still, I'd like to see just one more Armageddon prediction!
• 

  Dansk

  I would feel for the members who find themselves suddenly lost.

  I'm afraid I wouldn't! These same members are the very people who are shunning others, including their loved ones. Oh, sure, I wouldn't rub it in that they were wrong - well, not after the first six months - but I'd take some comfort in showing them that there really is life after Watchtower. Yes, we need to be there to pick up the pieces. What a shame they weren't prepared to help mend OUR broken hearts.

  Dansk
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  Nosferatu

  The thing is, a lot of people don't exactly know what they're getting into when they begin studying with the Witnesses. They're either searching for the true god, or they've been presented a magazine that shows how one of their problems (ie drugs, alcohol, children, disease) can be fixed by following the bible.

  Then, there are the ones that are born into the "religion". They know nothing different.

  The society is the one who brainwashes them to shun disfellowshipped ones, alienate themselves from reality, and stop them from reading material by knowledgeable ones who have previously been involved with the JWs.
• 

  sf

  My theory on this thusfar is that the outside world, especially elite politicians, even Bush admin., SEE (witness) just how wrong the WTBTS is, in so many ways, YET!....won't get deeply involved because of the dynamics of such a CULTure. It is unlike any other 'organized group' on earth. And it serves a needed purpose as an AXIL that makes this earth (system) "well-OILED".

  Look deeper into Charlie Russell's 'dealings' with these very 'elite' and just where Taze was going with such "oil" that fueled and still fuelsThe Wheels of the Watchtower.

  Incidently, can someone give me an idea on just what a 'speculator' does in let's say, the oil industry and trade? Break it down, if you will. Thanks.

  sKally
• 

  ozziepost

  Who was it who said "News of my death has been greatly exaggerated?"

  Randy's statement doesn't say how?

  What I can see happening is a falling away of members and, without this support, the orgamisation wilts, but I don't see it dying.

  Of pertinence is the Bible's statement that the WTS loves to direct at the churches: "Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins." Very apropos words to the R&F.

  Cheers, Ozzie
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  SYN

  The plain and simple fact of the matter is that there's no way that the Tower will fall within less than a period of about 50-60 years (i.e. at least one generation). This is simply because it has by this point in time gathered enormous forward momentum - almost a crushing forward momentum. 6 million believers are not to be sneezed at. Even if the GB were to resign tomorrow, the Tower would still carry on, I can assure you of that. The only way to destroy it is *gently*, and slowly.
• 

  Dansk

  Hi Syn,

  I don't disagree that the Watchtower won't be destroyed quickly, but I honestly believe it has reached its zenith and now it's all down hill.

  Taking my old congregation as an example, the KH was recently sold and now the congregation is about to share in a quick-build with a neighbouring congregation. Afterwards, these two congregations will share the hall. OK, nothing unusual about that, but it means my area no longer has a KH and the Dubs have to travel a lot further to get there (this didn't go down well and numbers have already decreased). At the other end of the territory another congregation closed down and it, too, is now sharing. This means that there is no longer a single congregation between 5-6 towns.

  My old congregation is full of oldies, the younger generation doesn't want to know. The congregation it is sharing the hall with has had numerous problems over the past few years, with many disfellowshippings and elders being removed. So much so, that elders from my old congregation (all over 50 and with three over 60) were sent in to help out and even one of them was eventually removed and another stepped down (his son was disfellowshipped). It is also evident that of the elders appointed in my old congregation over the past 5-6 years all are married but without children - and they don't want any! One has a wife who hasn't attended meetings for years.

  If this scenario is indicative of what is happening in general (??) (especially in western Europe and North America) the Watchtower will be left with a few die-hard older people and very, very few younger ones. The internet has helped younger ones, especially, see the folly of the Org.

  The Watchtower might still remain, but it will have to change radically and, eventually, it will become just another tiny religion not too different from main-stream. The bad press it is continually receiving and with over 200 court cases to be considered is causing the exit of even previously staunch supporters.

  Through chatting with other exJWs, I'm convinced the Borg is trying to reduce the damage caused by disfellowshipping and is moving on to a straight shunning policy (and in my case they can't even get this right, some speaking and others high-tailing it), with DFing being used only in "serious" cases such as adultery.

  The next few years should be very interesting indeed.

  Dansk