I've read some allegations that the Watchtower Society mismanages funds and has covered up financial information, etc. Are there any actual copies of WTS financial statements, showing mismanagement of money? Or are there any actual copies of documented forms or letters that prove their involvement with politics? etc.?
I've seen a couple of scanned documents on a different website (Watchtower observer, I think). But the scans are so small, I can't make out the writing. And when I print anything from that site, the words on the right side of the page get cut off.
I'm not trying to be suspicious of the Society, or be doubtful of those making allegations. I just want to see what documented evidence is out there.
Does anyone have more readable copies of the original documents? Or know where they can be found?
(I feel so GUILTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) It's an awful feeling . . .
"Guilty" probably doesn't do what you're feeling justice! You're probably sick to your stomach, sweaty-palmed and feeling like some sort of a rat for not believing 100% of what the Society says.
Guess what? You aren't alone! I went through the same feelings when I started asking questions. I finally stopped feeling guilty when I realized how important it is to think for yourself, not depend on what everyone ELSE tells you to believe. Your relationship with God is YOURS -- no one, not your husband, your children, or the Watchtower Society -- can come between you and God. And if they *do* try to interfere, then there's a problem!
1 John 4:1, RSV -- "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world."
I am the master of my fate/I am the captain of my soul.
I can't answer your question. I have seen a few things here and there, but nothing difinitive. More importantly, I wanted to address your last statement about feeling guilty. I don't think a person should feel guilty for using their brains and learning new information. I see a double standard with the Society. The house holder is strongly urged to explore new ideas. However, once you are baptized, all that changes and you are actively discouraged from such intellectual exploration. I was raised as a Witness, and enjoyed learning as a child. When I grew up, I was not able to keep my inquiry withing the strict limits that the Society had placed on me. Learning new information can be scary, but I like what one person posts here. "I would rather ask questions that can't be answered, than have answers that can't be questioned."
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/922330/0001085037-00-000333.txt SMR Investments Ltd. Susanne M. Robertson, Mr. Robertson's wife, owns SMR Investment Ltd. Rand Cam Engine Corp. is a privately held company whose stock is reportedly owned 50% by The Watchtower Society, a religious organization, 34% by James McCann and the balance by several other shareholders. Mr. McCann has indicated that he donated the shares held by The Watchtower Society to that organization but has retained a voting proxy for those shares.
