Dansk --- I wouldn't hold my breath on that . Exspecting them to go mainstream is another thing I couldn't see happening . In fact one of the things I liked about them is that they weren't main stream . They have from what I've seen on the board, changed some rules such as lowering the amount of hours in field service and that's probly because they exspect more $ from people who are finding jobs .
The Watchtower's Dilemma
by metatron 35 Replies latest watchtower scandals
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Pole
For those GB members who have a say, the end is very near anyway. They sense it and they'll simply keep a straight face untill they all die. There's nothing to lose.
There are a few younger members, but unlike in the case of corporate power - there is no real strategy of transferring doctrinal power - it largely depends on coincidence who will suddenly realize to have the "heavenly hope" and who will make it all the way up to the GB.
So the situation is uncertain, but I don't think the gerontocrats are worrying about it. Which means the dillemma will turn out to be really serious when they pass away.
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frankiespeakin
Every year this system lives on with no divine intervention,,spells trouble for this "end of the world cult".
2005=1914+91
9 more years 2014=1914+100
The time bomb is ticking with lots of angry apostates ready to seek revenge for being lied to and shunned. The internet, no end of the world, people in the truth from youth growing old and dying of old age, a unflexible very old set int their ways GB. I don't see much of a future for the WTBTS.
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minimus
The WT. leadership has ALWAYS pushed people to the brink. It's all they know. Scare tactics, Armageddon, disfellowshipping, shunning, removals, marking, ------it's what they do. No dilemna here. Just stay on course. Remember, there's a sucker born every minute!
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RunningMan
Normally, organizations face a crisis because it comes up quickly, dramatically, and unexpectedly. In the case of the governing body, it is simply a case of failing to be on the watch. They are asleep at the switch.
Their chronology is aging. The sense of urgency that they thrive on is eroding and becoming more and more difficult to sustain. Several major doctrines (1914, the sealing of the annointed, signs of the time of the end) are gasping for air. Third and fourth generation JWs are seeking normality, eyeing worldly holidays and careers - while the governing body gums down a few more morsels of "the end is nigh".
The cessation of growth in western lands, and the inability of the developing countries to backfill the loss appears to be their first indication that all is not well. In reality, the disease is at least a decade old - they were just too ingrown to recognize it.
The next step will be aging demographics. In western countries, conversions dried up twenty years ago. Coupled with the low birth rate and low retention rate for young JWs, their average age is growing higher and higher. This makes it even harder to convert new ones and retain young ones, because the group becomes less and less vibrant.
I believe they must either radically reform, or face continued deterioration.
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frankiespeakin
I think the fact that the WT is an end of the world cult will bring about its doom.
Isn't that what happens to these type of cults,,disappointments lead to loss of zeal,, slowing down, with eventual abandonment with only the most indoctrinated remaining on the ship as it sinks below the water.
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willyloman
For those GB members who have a say, the end is very near anyway. They sense it and they'll simply keep a straight face untill they all die. There's nothing to lose
This point, and similar ones made above, is right on. The old geezers at Bethyl act like they really don't know what lever to pull next, but aren't terribly concerned because their time is almost up.
We know an elderly "sister" who pioneered for decades, was one of those "pillars of the congregation," married to "a prominent elder," etc. Visiting us last year, before we stopped going to meetings, she vented her frustration about all the changes in the organization. She was not happy about the direction things were going. "Too political" she said. Then she dumped a bunch of stories on us that were highly critical of various elders, CO's, DO's, and various doctrinal interpretations.
She ended by saying, "Well, it doesn't matter. I haven't got that many years left and then it'll just be between me and Jehovah." I think that is a prevailing attitude among the aged. They're about done here, and they won't have to worry about it much longer. Jehovah will clean up the mess somehow, but it's nothing they have to worry about any more.
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RunningMan
I think what we're all getting at here, is that when a group runs around saying that the world is coming to and end, then eventually, the world better bloody well come to an end. Pretty soon, even the most indoctrinated will come to realize that the sky isn't actually falling.
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Dansk
Willy
We know an elderly "sister" who pioneered for decades, was one of those "pillars of the congregation," married to "a prominent elder," etc. Visiting us last year, before we stopped going to meetings, she vented her frustration about all the changes in the organization. She was not happy about the direction things were going. "Too political" she said. Then she dumped a bunch of stories on us that were highly critical of various elders, CO's, DO's, and various doctrinal interpretations.
I know a similar type of lady. She was a steadfast JW even though her son, who is now an accomplished professor, exited years ago (they were and still are close, so no damage was done). Well, she still loves Jehovah - but now has no time for the organisation. Too many changes, etc. So, this lovely lady no longer goes to any meetings - and has explained to other JWs why!
The point is, if old previous stalwarts like these ladies can see the light and call time on Watchtower's continually changing teachings I can't see the Borg lasting once all the GB are dead. Remember, we were taught that some of the GB would still be alive when Armageddon comes. They've tried to get around this by changing tack and stating that it is only natural that qualified other sheep should be taking up the reigns - which goes against all their previous teachings (I know, what's new? ).
I used to drive my car around this area and couldn't help but see a group of foot soldiers. Now, I rarely see anyone. Also, my old congregation is now sharing a hall with another cong (which didn't go down well with everyone). I still believe I could well be alive when Watchtower tumbles. The internet has done a great service in revealing the Watchtower's lies - and the younger generation, at least those I know, are not in the least interested in the Bible or other religions. I've even told my own sons not to believe in anything anymore, but to question and research. Their new friends aren't even interested in doing that. Music, girls and soccer are more important.
Ian
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garybuss
Here Witnesses are easy to spot. There is a distribution center near my home and it is a bee hive of activity and Witnesses can almost always be seen there. The other good spot go see Witnesses is in the Hy Vee grocery store resturant on any Saturday morning. They are the only people wearing business suits and ties and ball room gowns with panty hose. They look like they are on the way home from a costume party.
They also have that glazed, looking right through a brick wall stare that makes them so endearing to so many.