FEBRUARY 2016 STUDY WATCHTOWER"Prove Yourself Loyal to Jehovah" - Week of April 18th to 24th
"15. If a brother treats us unfairly, how should we react?
15 In congregations of Jehovah’s people today, it is very unlikely that we would be treated unjustly. However, those taking the lead among us are imperfect men and could misinterpret our actions. (1 Sam. 1:13-17) If we are ever misjudged or misunderstood, let us remain loyal to Jehovah."
In the above paragraph, it is "those taking the lead" who are gently alluded to as being the perpetrators. There is no admonition for "those taking the lead" to acknowledge their wrong doing and apologise to their victims. No. The answer is for the victims to "remain loyal to Jehovah" (code for sticking with the organisation). That the perpetrators' unjust treatment of others is discounted to that of misjudged or misunderstood is evasion to put it mildly. I have experience of direct bullying on the part of BoE members, and I have knowledge of others being brought to tears such has been the truly wanton and egregious conduct of some on the BoE. This behaviour is tolerated by others on the BoE who do not challenge the situation and thus enable continuance. CO visits are useless in terms of correcting or assuaging the situation. What I and others have experienced cannot be explained away by their misjudging or misunderstanding. These ones taking the lead have behaved like Annas in having Jesus persecuted. Would the writing committee of the GBoJW seek to mitigate what Annas perpetrated by saying that he had merely misjudged or misunderstood Jesus? Annas' actions were carefully planned and contrived. He was in a position of authority in a hierarchy focussed on itself and preserving it's own authority. Annas was a thug. Additionally, the paragraph states that it is "very unlikely that we would be treated unjustly"! I just wonder how many on this forum can agree with such a claim. I for one cannot. Too many bad experiences over the years evidencing that abuse and bullying is now intrinsic to life in "Jehovah's Organisation"!
When this study comes along in April, I will either have to abstain from attending regardless of what family think, or simply egress during that paragraph being read/discussed. It's a small paragraph, but one which seriously irritates.
"15. If a brother treats us unfairly, how should we react?
15 In congregations of Jehovah’s people today, it is very unlikely that we would be treated unjustly. However, those taking the lead among us are imperfect men and could misinterpret our actions. (1 Sam. 1:13-17) If we are ever misjudged or misunderstood, let us remain loyal to Jehovah."
In the above paragraph, it is "those taking the lead" who are gently alluded to as being the perpetrators. There is no admonition for "those taking the lead" to acknowledge their wrong doing and apologise to their victims. No. The answer is for the victims to "remain loyal to Jehovah" (code for sticking with the organisation). That the perpetrators' unjust treatment of others is discounted to that of misjudged or misunderstood is evasion to put it mildly. I have experience of direct bullying on the part of BoE members, and I have knowledge of others being brought to tears such has been the truly wanton and egregious conduct of some on the BoE. This behaviour is tolerated by others on the BoE who do not challenge the situation and thus enable continuance. CO visits are useless in terms of correcting or assuaging the situation. What I and others have experienced cannot be explained away by their misjudging or misunderstanding. These ones taking the lead have behaved like Annas in having Jesus persecuted. Would the writing committee of the GBoJW seek to mitigate what Annas perpetrated by saying that he had merely misjudged or misunderstood Jesus? Annas' actions were carefully planned and contrived. He was in a position of authority in a hierarchy focussed on itself and preserving it's own authority. Annas was a thug. Additionally, the paragraph states that it is "very unlikely that we would be treated unjustly"! I just wonder how many on this forum can agree with such a claim. I for one cannot. Too many bad experiences over the years evidencing that abuse and bullying is now intrinsic to life in "Jehovah's Organisation"!
When this study comes along in April, I will either have to abstain from attending regardless of what family think, or simply egress during that paragraph being read/discussed. It's a small paragraph, but one which seriously irritates.
