Comments You Will Not Hear at the 10-26-03 WT Study Review comments will be in black and parentheses () WT quotes will be in red and quotes ""
Quotes from other sources will be in blue
SPIRITUAL CONVERSATIONS BUILD UP " Let a rotten saying not proceed out of your mouth, but whatever
saying is good for building up as the need may be, that it may impart what
is favorable to the hearers. "-EPHESIANS 4:29. (NWT)
Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.?Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)
Opening Comments Title Translation: Too many JWs are talking about the child abuse issues.In this article we learn about how the WTS uses quotes over the years. We see how they play the imperfection card and hold out the "carrot" of everlasting life on earth. We are also see what the written rules are, but we all know what the unwritten rules are regarding "spiritual conversation."
START OF ARTICLE HUMAN speech is a secret; it is a divine gift, a miracle. So wrote lexicographer Ludwig Koehler.A good quote deserves to be used often and it is by the WTS. Notice how more complete the description of the source is in 1971 than 1998.
1998 Is There A Creator Who Cares About You p. 61 Professor Ludwig Koehler summarized the difference: "Human speech is a secret; it is a divine gift, a miracle." 9/8/97 Awake p. 26 To a limited extent, some birds can mimic human speech sounds. But no animal has a brain programmed to produce speech the way man?s does. It is not surprising that scientists have been unsuccessful in their attempts to get apes to make clear speech sounds. According to neurobiologist Ronald Netsell, the skill required to speak can be compared to that of "the unusual person who plays the piano entirely ?by ear.?" Or as lexicographer Ludwig Koehler concluded: "Human speech is a secret; it is a divine gift, a miracle." 5/1/91 WT p. 11 Become United by the Pure Language *** How did human language originate? Some say that our ancestors struggled to communicate with one another by resorting to grunts and groans. Says the book Evolution (Life Nature Library): "An ape man of about one million years ago . . . possibly mastered a few speech sounds." But renowned lexicographer Ludwig Koehler said: "Human speech is a secret; it is a divine gift, a miracle." Yes, human speech is a divine gift, for God gave the first man, Adam, a language. It was evidently the one eventually called Hebrew. 1992 Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook p. 5 And since all that God does is good, we can be sure that his gift of speech to man originally was one of those ?perfect presents? referred to in the Bible at James 1:17. Regarding human speech, Ludwig Koehler, an expert on words (what kind of words?Hebrew, Aramaic), wrote: "What actually happens in speech, how the spark of perception kindles the spirit, . . . to become the spoken word, eludes our grasp. Human speech is a secret; it is a divine gift, a miracle." 11/22/82 Awake p. 21 A young child learns to speak one or more languages by the age of three. This is considered by some the most difficult intellectual accomplishment a human is ever called upon to perform. "Human speech is a secret; it is a divine gift, a miracle," wrote the renowned lexicographer Ludwig Koehler. 2/22/71 Awake pp. 7-8 The evidence is thus against any ?evolutionary? origin of speech or of ancient languages. On the origin of language, lexicographer Ludwig Koehler wrote: "There has been, especially in former times, much speculation as to how human speech ?came into being.? Writers strove to explore ?animal language.? For animals also are able to express audibly by sounds and groups of sounds their feelings and sensations, such as contentment, fear, emotion, anger, sexual desire and satisfaction in its fulfillment, and perhaps many other things. However manifold these [animal] expressions may be . . . they lack concept and thought, the essential domain of human language ." After showing how men can explore the physiological aspect of human speech, Koehler adds: "But what actually happens in speech, how the spark of perception kindles the spirit of the child, or of mankind generally, to become the spoken word, eludes our grasp. Human speech is a secret; it is a divine gift, a miracle." Journal of Semitic Studies, Vol. I, No. 1, January 1956, p. 11. Conversations (definition : The spoken exchange of thoughts, opinions, and feelings;) can cement friendships, heal misunderstandings, uplift the downhearted, strengthen faith, and enrich lives - but never automatically . "There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword, but the tongue of the wise ones is a healing." (Proverbs 12:18) As Jehovah's servants, we want our conversations to heal and build up rather than hurt and tear down .Now these are good written rules but what is the unwritten rule? One, the elders can all meet and make accusations about others in the congregation without proof (2 eyewitnesses) and make determinations about their fitness as elders, MS, pioneers, good association, baptism material. Two, 3 sisters in field service can talk about a 4 th , making guesses about what is going on her life, talking about her family troubles, health troubles, personality flaws, attributing bad motives, but all with a view to helping her, but?.never do any of the sisters talk to this 4 th sister only about her to others in the congregation.
We also desire to use our tongue to praise Jehovah, both in our public ministry and in our private conversations. None of us are perfect (especially the elders) . Despite our best intentions, therefore, our speech does not always build others up or furnish praise to our Creator. So, then, we must learn to pay attention to what we say.How often does the WTS stress the imperfection of the elders?
6/15/00 WT p. 16 Congregation elders are appointed by holy spirit, yet they are still imperfect and make mistakes. 7/1/00 WT p 20 It is not reasonable to expect that elders will do and say everything in a perfect manner. "We all stumble many times," says the Bible at James 3:2. 8/15/98 WT pp 12-13 Accordingly, while elders today are imperfect, we still ought to recognize them as "[appointed by] the holy spirit [to be] overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God." They deserve our support and respect. 6/1/98 WT p 17 It is all too easy to find fault with the appointed elders, for they are imperfect, as all of us are imperfect. 8/15/94 WT p 29 True, the elders are imperfect men, and it might be easy to find fault with them. Yet a critical attitude breeds mistrust. 11/15/92 WT p 27 No matter how hard elders try to do what is right and helpful, they will still fall short of the perfect and lovingly compassionate Son of God, Jesus Christ. But that is no reason for them not to do their very best. 10/1/88 WT p 16 No one elder has all the Christian qualities to the supreme degree, for all are imperfect. Some excel in certain qualities, but they are weaker in others. 8/1/85 WT p 31 Understandably, the appointed elder is still imperfect and may have limitations. But the apostles were imperfect, both before Jesus chose them and later when they served on the governing body. 8/1/83 WT p 9 "The elders are not perfect. But they did understand." 9/15/77 WT p 568 Like any other member of the congregation, an elder is an imperfect human, subject to making mistakes in word and action . 12/1/76 p 720 But if the elder shows fellow feeling, realizing that he himself is imperfect, not immune to committing error, then he can reflect a brotherly spirit. 8/15/75 WT p 509 Yes, imperfect men are being used to help us, from the governing body to the elders in our congregations, but these have the heavy responsibility to teach strictly in accord with the Word of God. 9/1/75 WT p 529 Not one of the elders is perfect, so we must be careful that we do not magnify the faults or human imperfections of an elder and tend to regard lightly his counsel or points of instruction based on God?s Word. 4/1/72 WT p 204 True, the elders are imperfect men. They make mistakes. But if perfect, angelic sons of God are willing to minister to their needs and ours, surely all of us should humbly want to submit to Jehovah?s arrangement Moreover, Jesus said: "Every unprofitable saying that men speak, they will render an account concerning it on Judgment Day; for by your words you will be declared righteous, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:36, 37) Yes, the true God holds us accountable for our words .And what do the written rules of the WTS say about this?
9/15/95 WT p 30
What did the disciple James mean when he said: "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment"??James 3:1. He was referring to those with special teaching privileges in the congregation. The words of James 3:1 are especially appropriate for men who desire to be teachers but who have the wrong motive. Such ones could seriously harm the flock and would accordingly receive a heavier judgment.?Romans 2:17-21; 14:12. James 3:1 is also a good reminder for those who are qualified and who serve as teachers. Since much has been entrusted to them, much will be required of them. (Luke 12:48) Jesus said: "Every unprofitable saying that men speak, they will render an account concerning it on Judgment Day." (Matthew 12:36) This is especially true of those whose words carry extra weight, the appointed elders. Elders will render an account for the way they deal with Jehovah?s sheep. (Hebrews 13:17) What they say affects lives. Hence, an elder should be careful not to promote his own opinions or abuse the sheep as did the Pharisees. He must strive to display the same deep love that Jesus showed. In every teaching situation, and especially when involved in judicial matters, an elder should weigh his words, not using glib phrases or expressing purely personal ideas. By leaning heavily upon Jehovah, his Word, and his directions through his organization, the shepherd will receive God?s rich blessing, not "heavier judgment." One of the best ways to avoid harmful speech is to develop the habit of engaging in spiritual conversations.After you see what is considered spiritual conversation, imagine not being able to talk about anything but the Bible. You can talk about the Saints but not the Packers, the Angels but not the Cubs.
This article will consider how we can do that, what sort of topics we can talk about.
Yes, the WTS even details what can be talked about.
Pay Attention to the Heart In cultivating the habit of engaging in upbuilding conversations, we must first recognize that our speech reflects what is in our heart. Jesus said: "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." (Matthew 12:34) Simply put, we like to talk about the things that matter to us. We need, then, to ask ourselves: 'What do my conversations reveal about my heart condition? When I am with my family or fellow believers, does my conversation center on spiritual matters or does it invariably gravitate to sports, clothes, movies, food, my latest purchases, or some trivialities?' Perhaps unwittingly , our lives and our thoughts have come to revolve around secondary matters. Adjusting our priorities will improve our conversations as well as our lives.-Philippians 1:10. Purposeful meditation is another way to improve the quality of what we say. If we consciously make an effort to think about spiritual matters, we will find that spiritual conversation comes naturally.
But up above the WTS said:
Conversations (definition : The spoken exchange of thoughts, opinions, and feelings;) can cement friendships, heal misunderstandings, uplift the downhearted, strengthen faith, and enrich lives - but never automatically . A heart and mind deeply concerned about the truths ofAnd what is a spiritual routine?
Assemblies, conventions, congregation meetings, current (yes, don?t be getting ideas reading those old publications) publications, and the daily scripture text (not the Bible scriptures in context) and printed comments (WTS interpretations of the scriptures because JWs cannot understand the Bible without their assistance) all furnish us with spiritual gems we can share. (Matthew 13:52) And how spiritually stimulating can be the experiences from our Christian ministry! (those RVs that are never home, the people who are never home on the weekdays when many pioneers go out)You will be so busy with spiritual matters you will have time to do nothing else, except:
conversing about God's creative works . We can do the same.And since most JWs have no education past high school, these comments will be from current Awakes, material that is filtered by the WTS as to what is pertinent and acceptable. No need to read any nasty worldly science books on your own.
Jehovah's servants enjoy talking about a variety of subjects, but spiritual topics always flavor the conversations of spiritually inclined people .-1 Corinthians 2:13.And if it doesn?t?well, then your "friends" can label you as unspiritual and consider you bad association.
"Continue Considering These Things" Whatever the topics , our conversations will build others up if they adhere to the apostle Paul's admonition to the congregation in Philippi. He wrote: "Whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well spoken of, whatever virtue there is and whatever praiseworthy thing there is, continue considering these things." (Philippians 4:8) The matters Paul mentions are so vital that he says "continue considering these things." We should fill our minds and hearts with them.
That which is true involves more than information that is correct and not false. It refers to something that is upright and trustworthy, such as the truth of God's Word. Hence, when we talk to others about Bible truths that impressed us, discourses or talks that uplifted us, or Scriptural counsel that helped us, we are considering things that are true. On the other hand, we reject "the falsely called 'knowledge,"' which gives only an appearance of truthfulness. (1 Timothy 6:20) And we avoid passing on gossip or relating dubious experiences that cannot be verified.
Translation: Do not being watching those TV shows on abuse or listening to others tell about their abuse experiences and how the elders did not handle it.
Things of serious concern are subjects that are dignified and consequential, not trivial or petty. They include concerns about our Christian ministry, the critical times in which we live, and the need for us to maintain fine conduct. Yes, and this is why no beards are allowed, it is not maintaining fine conduct. And it is certainly not trivial! (not) Indeed, interesting experiences in our ministry and current events that remind us that we are living in the last days provide a variety of material for stimulating conversations.Now who has an "interesting" experiences? The WTS has to use the same experience for 2 or 3 conventions at the same sight or use one from years ago and make it seem as it happened recently.
The word righteous means being right in God's eyes--meetingChaste conveys the idea of purity in thought and conduct. Slander, obscene jokes, or sexual innuendos have no place in our conversations. (Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:8) In the workplace or at school (among JWs at and away from the KH) , Christians wisely withdraw when conversations take on this tone.
I found that the teller of some of the most gross jokes were elders. Fellow elders knew they did this and did nothing to stop them.
When Paul recommends considering lovable things, he refers to matters that are pleasing and agreeable or that inspire love, as opposed to those that arouse hatred, bitterness, or contention.Now that sounds like an elders? meeting to me.
Things well spoken of refer to information that is reputable or of good report. Such good reports would include the life stories of faithful brothers and sisters, which appear regularly in the Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Why not share with others your impressions once you have read these faith-strengthening articles (assuming they have read them) ? And how encouraging it is to hear of the spiritual accomplishments of others! Such conversations will build love and unity in the congregation. Translation : Don?t be listening or watching anything about abuse in the organization. Virtue refers to goodness or moral excellence. We must be careful that our lips are guided by Scriptural principles and that they do not deviate from what is righteous, chaste, and virtuous.Virtue, like children being abused by members of the congregation and the WTS being more concerned about their reputation than the welfare of the child and so hush it up?
Praiseworthy means "commendable." If you hear a good talk or notice a faithful example in the congregation, speak about it both to the person involved and to others. The apostle Paul frequently praised the fine qualities of his fellow worshipers. (Romans 16:12; Philippians 2:19-22; Philemon 4-7) Arid, of course, the handiwork of our Creator is truly praiseworthy. There we find a wealth of subjects for upbuilding conversations.-Proverbs 6:6-8; 20:12; 26:2.But that won?t make up for the times the elders said that brother was deficient spiritually because his hours aren?t up to the national average, or the young sister with a single parent who is labeled bad association just because of that, or the older sister who they expect her "worldly" family to take care of her because that is their legal responsibility.
Engage in Upbuilding Conversations Deuteronomy 6:6, 7 states: "These words that I am commanding you today must prove to be on your heart; and you must inculcate them in your son and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up." Clearly, this command requires that parents have meaningful, spiritual conversations with their children.How many of YOU had meaningful, spiritual conversations with their children. How many talked to you about where babies come from? BTW, what is an unmeaningful spiritual conversation?
We can imagine the long conversations that Jesus must have had with his heavenly Father when they considered his earthly assignment. "The Father himself who sent me has given me a commandment as to what to tell and what to speak," Jesus told his disciples. (John 12:49; Deuteronomy 18:18) The patriarch Abraham must have spent many hours talking to his son Isaac about how Jehovah had blessed them and their forefathers. Such conversations surely helped both Jesus and Isaac to submit humbly to God's will.-Genesis 22:7-9; Matthew 26:39.No mention of talking to girls?.. Now we to imagine things that aren?t in the Bible. Better to be studying what is already in there. But then the WTS has many unwritten rules not in the Bible?they imagine a lot.
Parents must find time in their busy schedule to talk with their children. If possible, why not arrange to eat together as a family at least once a day? During and after such mealtimes, there will be opportunities for upbuilding discussions that can prove invaluable for the spiritual health of the family. VOMIT ALERT!!!! Alejandro , a pioneer in his early 20's, remembers the doubts he harbored as a 14-year old. He relates: "Because of the influence of schoolmates and teachers, I wasn't sure about the existence of God and the authenticity of the Bible. My parents spent many hours patiently reasoning with me. These conversations helped me not only to overcome my doubts during this difficult period but also to make good decisions in my life." And what about now? Alejandro continues: "I still live at home. But our busy schedules make it difficult for my father and me to talk privately. So the two of us eat together once a week at his workplace. I really value these conversations."Where?s mom in this picture? Poor Alejandro?he?s trapped. Isn?t this a cult aspect to never let the person be alone?
Do we not also treasure opportunities to enjoy rewarding spiritual conversations with our fellow believers? These opportunities present themselves at meetings, in the field ministry, and at social gatherings and while traveling. "Spiritual conversations with fellow Christians fill a vital need," observes Johannes, a Christian elder. "They warm the heart and ease the daily load. I often ask elderly ones to tell me about their lives and about what has enabled them to stay faithful . Over the years, I have spoken to many, and each one has imparted some wisdom or enlightenment that has enriched my life." What if someone seems unresponsive when you bring up a spiritual subject? Do not give up. Perhaps you can find a more opportune time later. "As apples of gold in silver carvings is a word spoken at the right time for it," Solomon noted. (Proverbs 25:11) Show understanding to those who are shy. "Counsel in the heart of a man is as deep waters, but the man of discernment is one that will draw it up."* (Proverbs 20:5) Above all, never let the attitudes of others hold you back from talking about the things that touch your heart. Spiritual Conversations Are Rewarding "Let a rotten saying not proceed out of your mouth," counseled Paul, "but whatever saying is good for building up as the need may be, that it may impart what is favorable to the hearers." (Ephesians 4:29; Romans 10:10) It may take effort to steer conversations in the right direction, but the rewards are many. Spiritual conversations enable us to share our faith with others and to build up our brotherhood.With all the spiritual ones in the congregation, why will it take effort to steer conversations in the right direction?
Above all, they will make Jehovah's heart glad because he pays attention to our conversations and he rejoices when we use our tongue in the right way. (Psalm 139:4; Proverbs 27:11) When our conversations are spiritual, we can be sure that Jehovah will not forget us. Referring to those serving Jehovah in our day, the Bible states: "At that time those in fear of Jehovah spoke with one another, each one with his companion, and Jehovah kept paying attention and listening. And a book of remembrance began to be written up before him for those in fear of Jehovah and for those thinking upon his name." (Malachi 3:16; 4:5)Yes no everlasting life for you unless you use your tongue in the right (WTS) way and not talk about those nasty abuse media stories. All lies from Satan!
Concluding CommentsNothing new again, no new light. I have heard these points years ago when I was still hopeful that the person gossiping about me would read this and attend the meeting and suddenly realize what they were doing wrong, change, and apologize to me and clear up the lies they told.
No longer, I realize that it takes more than a superficial consideration of a few scriptures to make the necessary deep personality changes in a person. Can you imagine a surgeon performing a serious and delicate operation from the platform and you in the audience? It has to a be a more intimate experience for it to be successful.
The message I get from this article is that people are listening to the abuse shows and talking about it. The WTS wants to quash it without mentioning it directly. The WTS calls it "satan-inspired propaganda" and applies Philippians 4:8.
It gives me hope that people are thinking about there and are curious and may come this way to JWD or other DBs that explore the other side of what the WTS teaches.
Blondie (ever hopeful)