Greetings,
There is a DC this weekend in Florence, SC. I sent out a Press Release to several Florence area media outlets, including the Morning News newspaper. Apparently the local Witnesses sent out their own copy of the Society's suggested PR, as posted in an earlier thread.
Now, following below is the text of the article in the paper. Note the similarity between the comments from some "supposed" local JW's and the quoted comments in the Society's boilerplate Press Release. Is it just me, or is this very close to, if not entirely, dishonest? I have highlighted the suspect quotes in the article text below:
First, a link to my PR: http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/6/92099/1.ashx
Second, a link to the thread where the Society's boilerplate PR is reproduced: http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/9/92116/1.ashx
Note that the duplicated quotes are in "Document 5" of the above boilerplate PR.
Third, a link to the Morning News article on their website: http://www.morningnewsonline.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=FMN%2FMGArticle%2FFMN_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031783232682&path==
Now, here's the text of the article with the suspect comments highlighted:
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Jun 11, 2005
Jehovah's Witnesses set to gather in Florence
By DWIGHT DANA
Morning News
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A three-day Jehovah’s Witnesses district convention will be at Florence Civic Center on June 17-19.
It follows a similar convention under way this weekend at the civic center. The afternoon ceremony today is “Pass On From Seeing What Is Worthless,” which focuses on avoiding entertainment and other activities that are contrary to the standards of God set out in the Bible. The convention will continue tomorrow with “Pursue Goals That Honor God.”
The conferences are expected to draw participants from Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Wilmington, N.C.
The theme is “Godly Obedience.” Jehovah’s Witnesses cite Deuteronomy 12:28, where Moses told the ancient nation of Israel that if they obeyed commandments of God, it would go well with them and their offspring to time indefinite.
The convention promises to highlight areas where this principle applies today. Witnesses also cite Proverbs 14:12 and Jeremiah 10:23 to underscore how following God’s direction as contained in the Bible proves far more practical and beneficial than giving wholehearted devotion to secular wisdom and human thinking.
The keynote address next weekend is “Follow the Model in Your Obedience to God.” It’s expected to set the tone for the convention. It also will emphasize a core tenet of the Witnesses: Following the example and teachings of Jesus Christ results in a happier way of life.
Practical advice for families will be a part of the comprehensive program. This advice will center on how the husband, wife and children who observe godly principles can make their family happier. The advice also will help avoid the breakdown and disarray experienced by many families today.
Among activities designed to make the convention special, especially for youth, are Bible discussions, experiences and costumed drama. These activities help make decisions by teenagers that will please God.
There also will be baptisms in a public ceremony June 18.
“I enjoy having a good time with my family and friends, but the most important thing in my life is my relationship with God,” 13-year-old Justin Vanderburg said in a news release. “The joy I see in those who have served Jehovah for many years is what makes me want to serve him, too.”
Justin said his baptism is important to him because, “I want to stay close to Jehovah because I love him and I know that he only wants what’s best for me. Dedicating my life to God and getting baptized is the start of a lifetime of opportunities to serve him.”
Justin’s father, Brad Vanderburg, has been a Witness since 1975.
“My wife and I have tried to instill counsel and guidance from the Bible in our children because it’s the best way to protect them,” Vanderburg said. “With out youths confronted with drug abuse, binge drinking and premarital sex at a younger age than ever before, we feel the Bible principles can keep them from making these kinds of mistakes.”
Patricia Vanderburg agreed.
“We invite everyone to join us at the convention because it will be the highlight of our year,” she said. “There will be a lot of other happy families there, but none will be prouder than we will be of Justin.”
The convention is one of 227 that Jehovah’s Witnesses will conduct in 69 cities throughout the U.S. through September.
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Well, what do you think?
Brandon