by slimboyfat 37 Replies latest watchtower scandals
Any one have more info on this?:
3A. In the early 1980s the Ireland branch experienced a major apostasy involving members of the branch committee that is little talked about in the literature. This apostasy, that had to be sorted out by John Barr and others from the governing body, resulted from members of the branch being sympathetic toward Ray Franz during his ousting from the governing body as well as consideration of 'The Gentile Times Reconsidered' thesis.
It is only a matter of time until some branch committee somewhere in the world starts to assert itself in defiance of Brooklyn. Likely candidates I could suggest would be:India, Nigeria, the Netherlands and Japan
Methinks you should add Australia to your list. Just a sneaking suspicion - or a major apostasising.
Any one have more info on this?
3A. In the early 1980s the Ireland branch experienced a major apostasy involving members of the branch committee that is little talked about in the literature. This apostasy, that had to be sorted out by John Barr and others from the governing body, resulted from members of the branch being sympathetic toward Ray Franz during his ousting from the governing body as well as consideration of 'The Gentile Times Reconsidered' thesis.
The 1988 Yearbook gave a detailed account of this apostasy in Ireland (though it did not mention Ray Franz). I have bolded some key sections.
*** yb88 p. 126 Ireland ***
APOSTASY ONCE AGAIN IN DUBLIN
During 1982 a particularly virulent form of apostasy developed, mainly in the Dublin area. Some brothers began to resent the authority of the congregation and to question the body of teachings that are accepted by Jehovah?s people as truth. They promoted the idea that each Christian should be able to decide for himself on various matters of doctrine.
Quietly and surreptitiously they sowed seeds of doubt in the minds of others regarding doctrine. The integrity of members of the Governing Body was questioned. The dissenters who were serving as elders and ministerial servants minimized organizational instructions. From the platform, and at other times secretly, they disseminated their own ideas, undermining the confidence of others in Jehovah?s organization.
As this rebellious attitude became more and more manifest, the loyal elders in the congregations tried to help such ones regain their spiritual balance and faith and thereby avoid spiritual shipwreck. (1 Tim. 1:19) The loyal were aware of the dangers of just such a situation, as foretold by both the apostle Paul and the apostle Peter.?Acts 20:30; 2 Pet. 2:1, 3.
John Barr, from the Governing Body, and Robert Pevy, who had pioneered in Ireland and who is now serving at Brooklyn Bethel, offered assistance. They took time from vacation trips in Britain to come to Ireland to talk with the brothers and encourage them. They reasoned at length with the brothers and discussed thoroughly many questions raised on doctrinal matters. It became obvious, however, that the questions raised by the disgruntled ones were merely a smoke screen. The real issue was whether this was, in fact, Jehovah?s organization or not.
As this rejection of the truth became more apparent, the elders still tried to help those affected by apostate thinking. At the same time, though, they also saw the need to follow the apostle Paul?s advice to Timothy to "command certain ones not to teach different doctrine." (1 Tim. 1:3) As Paul warned Timothy, the teachings of such apostate ones "spread like gangrene." The elders were left eventually with no real alternative except to expel such ones from the congregation.?2 Tim. 2:17.
The removal of those who rejected God?s organization allowed the work to prosper. In 1982, when the apostasy began, there was an average of 2,021 Jehovah?s Witnesses in Ireland. In 1983 this grew to 2,124, in 1984 it was 2,278, in 1985 it was 2,403, and in 1986 it was 2,472, with a peak of 2,661 in May 1987. The steady progress continues. Loyalties had been tested to the full, but the great majority had put their loyalty to Jehovah and his organization before loyalty to any man. They recognized where the truth lay and from what source they had learned it, and they stuck firmly with it. They kept busy with the vital preaching and teaching work.
John Barr, from the Governing Body, and Robert Pevy, who had pioneered in Ireland and who is now serving at Brooklyn Bethel, offered assistance.
Rightttttt *in best dr evil voice* I'm sure they were like, "Hey, you guys want some help with this apostacy thing you got goin on? Cuz we're offering doncha know. We're here for you guys, you just let us know if you need us"
a particularly virulent form of apostasy developed
Main Entry: vir·u·lent 
Pronunciation: -l&nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin virulentus, from virus poison
1 a : marked by a rapid, severe, and malignant course <a virulent infection> b : able to overcome bodily defensive mechanisms <a virulent pathogen>
2 : extremely poisonous or venomous
3 : full of malice : MALIGNANT <virulent racists>
4 : objectionably harsh or strong
Not just virulent eh? Particularly virulent. Hmmmm
The integrity of members of the Governing Body was questioned.
They are above any reproach eh? hmmm
They are masters of propoganda, I'll give em that.
See the advert for the following tape on freeminds:
John May and Martin Merriman on the Franz IncidentFormer elders from Ireland, discussing their 1983 trip to speak with the Governing Body regarding the Franz Incident, and how they were treated by the GB members. Great for JWs to listen to! TMM
The reformation took place after the technological revolution of the printing press.
Information (Bibles & Docrintal Pamphlets) became wide spread.
The technological revolution of the internet is having its affect on ALL entrenched organizations. JW's are just one tiny group that is affected by the new information age.
we Dutch certainly like to rebel and be diffrent, I for one, volunteer to take over the Dutch witlesses and will promote the smoking of pot as "the lungs of jesus" and heineken as his piss, we will visit the red light district regularly to pay hommage to Christ's wife, Mary Magdalene.Also we will play loads of Nirvana and the Doors at our sunday orgies in kingdomhall and if that's not enough we will cancel armageddon altogether and pray for Extraterrestrials to come party with us
I'd also suggest the Philippines and Denmark as potential break away areas. Also Eastern Europe. After the fall of communism, many witnesses left because they found the organization to be much too worldly.
Can I do the Questions From Readers???
Slimfatboy,
I disagree with almost all your assertions. The WTS will mainstream, it will not disintegrate. It is a book publishing corporation at heart, not a religion.
HS
