by jwfacts 46 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
Great site
I saw you have just about everything covered in your matatags - good job. That helps the search engines find your page.
You can go to Google here http://www.google.ca/addurl/?continue=/addurl and add your website.
You can also go to other search engines and find how to submit your site.
Now I'm going to go add my site to Google
Just goes to show what someone can achieve in a short space of time - who knew Paul that your site would be become one of the most important to help 'set people free'. How the little one has become a mighty one . . .
A big thank you to you Paul for all the hard work that has gone into your site.
x
Paul - another appreciative user of your site here. I didn't realise it was only 4 years old. Keep up the fantastic work.
It't true. jwfacts is an awesome site. Thanks so much Paul for all your efforts.
jwfacts is a great couterpiece to watchtower.org and jwmedia.org.
it actually contains the truth.
Thanks a mil.
I love your site JWFacts
jwfacts.com/.org is easily one of the best sites of its kind on the World Wide Web and has become a primary source of truth and information about the Watchtower for thousands of people. It certainly is in my own case. Congratulations and thanks, Paul.
I like the idea of tracts that can be left with JWs. I see too many debatable items on the jwfacts ones, though. There need to be more slam-dunk, Scriptural points. For something that's only one 2-sided page, I found many things JWs could easily weasel out of, mentally.
The "faithful and discreet slave" doctrine is probably the flimsiest, as all the evidence for it is in like 3 verses and they have to be stretched beyond recognition to get what the Society claims they mean. I'd focus on WT quotes that are still available on the CD-ROM which are obviously insane: Human heart controls emotions, ban on elective sterilization, Jesus doesn't have a beard, organ transplants are cannibalism, etc. - then go into the older ones that will harder to fact-check (nutty medical advice, failed prophecies, etc), but by then you've got their attention and they might put in the effort to find them.
A doctrine as central and omnipresent in all other JW doctrines as their interpretation of "faithful and discreet slave" should have oodles of Scriptural backing, but it doesn't and I'd hit that point hard. The mountain of verses which forbid putting faith in men and the mountain of examples why the men in charge of the WT are about the last ones you'd want to do that with anyway should be cited.
Let's face it; the problem with JWs isn't anything more than idolatry. Get through the worship of the printing company, the GB, the literature, and the "organization"; the rest will work itself out. Nobody would have to leave, because the cultish power would be eliminated. There's nothing wrong with a religion rejecting "orthodoxy" or popular doctrines; in fact invoking their popularity as an argument against JWs is a logical fallacy known as "appeal to popularity". There's nothing wrong with a religion being strict for Scriptural standards. There's nothing wrong with a religion preaching and publishing Bible study aids to whet people's interest in Scripture.
The focus needs to be on the usurpation of Christ's position as leader of the congregation. The clear overreaching of Scripture to make extra-Biblical rules should be focused on more. The Bible's own claims of totality and completeness for Christians is an obvious centerpiece. The claims of "prophet" and "mouthpiece" of the Society need to be contrasted with their failures, lies, and cover-ups. The Watchtower is its own worst enemy, as they routinely get swept up in their own propaganda to the point where they demand faith, worship, and obedience as gods and saviors. I've been playing with the search feature of the CD-ROM and found a few. Some are more damning than others, but the sheer number - in addition to the veracity of some - is astounding when seen together.
Faith in flesh:
Faith in the anointed organization Jehovah uses today is also important - Watchtower 6/1/1955 p.341
How has reviewing the account of Korah strengthened your faith in Jehovah’s visible organization? - Watchtower 8/1/2002 p.14 (question #22)
“Faith follows the thing heard,” writes the apostle Paul. (Romans 10:17) He means that we initially built our faith and confidence in Jehovah, his promises, and his organization by feeding on God’s Word. - Watchtower 7/1/2001 p.19
And worst of all, it has weakened some people’s faith in Jehovah and his organization. - 10/1/1999 p.5
Living and working for a couple of months with the large Brooklyn Bethel family strengthened my faith in Jehovah’s visible organization. - Watchtower 12/1/1998 p.30
The year 1939 brought another historic event that helped solidify my faith in Jehovah and his visible organization. - Watchtower 2/1/1986 p.24
Faith in Jehovah, faith in those whom he is using as spokesmen, yes, faith in his organization! As we ‘go out’ to Jehovah’s service today, how important it is that we exercise such faith! - Watchtower 7/1/1984 p.17
“We have unbounded faith in our Captain [Charles Russell]; and this perfect organization, invisible to the world, marches on to certain and glorious victory.” - Watchtower 5/1/1981 (quote from Watch Tower Feb 1884)
Wherein lies the strength of this organization? Why should we put faith in it today? - Watchtower 3/1/1979 p.2, leading into:
Faith in Jehovah’s Victorious Organization - Article in 3/1/1979 Watchtower
How has it proved beneficial for a Christian to have faith in Jehovah and his organization? - 7/15/1974 p.443 (question #13)
No matter how long we have known Jehovah, to hear these experiences and to express our own renew our appreciation for our relationship with Jehovah and reassure our faith in his organization. - Watchtower 7/1/1972 p.404
How much more should we exercise faith in God and in his congregation. - Watchtower 8/15/1972 p.504
If spoken against the organization of God or its appointed representatives, it has an even more harmful effect, that of undermining confidence in the organizational arrangements, hence weakening faith in Jehovah himself. - Watchtower 8/1/1967 p.460
It did not shake my faith in the truth and in Jehovah’s organization. - Watchtower 8/15/1966 p.509
Here was where patience and perseverance and real faith in Jehovah and his organization began for us. - Watchtower 3/15/1961 p.170
In like manner Christians today work together in an organized manner, accepting the leadership God provides through his visible organization and through appointed servants - Watchtower 6/15/1956 p.371
Faith in the anointed organization Jehovah uses today is also important... Rather show faith in the organization and appreciation for the chastisement received. Perhaps a friend has been disfellowshiped. How do we show faith in the organization? ...Will his friends show true friendship and wisdom with faith in the organization - Watchtower 6/1/1955 p.341
It is faith in Jehovah, his Word and his organization. - Watchtower 6/1/1955 p.349
Do we have strong faith in Jehovah’s organization? - Watchtower 11/1/1954 p.667
This is organization just as surely as Jesus organized to send forth preachers; and association with this organization that calls upon the name of Jehovah is the way of deliverance. - Watchtower 2/1/1953 p.86
Anyone sharing in Theocracy’s expansion must have faith in Jehovah and his Word and purposes, and faith in his organization - Watchtower 10/1/1950 p.361
Only the one organization of religious truth and of pure, undefiled religion can successfully make an assault on false religion with benefit to the people, with promise of their everlasting salvation. - Watchtower 11/1/1968 p.650
Those desiring salvation must make for God’s organization, and find entrance into it and remain there permanently. It is a real city of refuge. The multitudes must come in through the gates; so sing loudly, clearly and harmoniously that all may know there is a strong city offering salvation, and it is our city. - Watchtower 10/1/1952 p.603
Salvation in "organization" (lots of these, but others have already compiled many)
Jehovah’s servants already belong to the only organization that will survive the end of this wicked system of things. - Watchtower 12/15/2007 p.14
Demands for obedience by "leaders" in addition to Christ (notice the Scriptural citations about God directed at men and how they "by extension" themselves into obedience to God and Christ):
How, then, can we be friends of Christ? One way is to obey the direction provided by the faithful and discreet slave class, which consists of Jesus’ spirit-anointed brothers still alive on earth. - Watchtower 10/15/2009 p.15
Today, it is so important that we follow the guidance that comes to us through “the faithful and discreet slave”! - Watchtower 12/15/2007 p.19
Similarly, we will be blessed if we recognize and obey the prophet greater than Moses, Jesus, as well as “the faithful and discreet slave” appointed by him. - Watchtower 8/1/2004 p.11
We also have “the faithful and discreet slave,” appointed by Jesus to provide spiritual “food at the proper time.” (Matthew 24:45-47) Thus, God is still speaking. But are we listening? For example, how do we respond to counsel about dress and grooming or choice of entertainment and music? Do we “listen,” that is, pay attention to and obey what is being heard? - Watchtower 7/15/1998 p.12
What is your attitude toward directives from “the faithful and discreet slave”? Loyalty should move you to be “ready to obey.” - Watchtower 12/1/1981 p.14
All in the congregation submit to the arrangement that Jesus made for “the faithful and discreet slave” to provide spiritual food at the proper time. - Watchtower 3/15/2008 p.4
As a result, they respect theocratic authority and submit themselves to it, whether it is exercised by parents or by “the faithful and discreet slave.” - Watchtower 4/15/1990 p.21
Thus, when direction comes from Jehovah’s organization, we can wisely submit to it - Watchtower 11/1/1990 p.31
If we love Jehovah, we will humble ourselves under his mighty hand. (1 Peter 5:6) Love for him will also move us to submit to his chosen instrument, “the faithful and discreet slave.” This includes being submissive to those taking the lead in the congregation. - Watchtower 11/15/1990 p.20
They will seek his direction by means of the holy spirit, Bible principles, and the lead given by the Governing Body of “the faithful and discreet slave.” - 10/1/1988 p.16
To act consistently with our baptism for life and into the Greater Noah we must submit to and cooperate with that slave and its legal instrument, the Watch Tower Society. - Watchtower 10/1/1959 p.583
Christians with an earthly hope today walk behind the anointed slave class and its Governing Body, following their leadership. As “unpaid laborers,” the other sheep willingly and wholeheartedly expend their strength and their resources in support of the worldwide preaching work that Christ assigned to his anointed followers on earth. - Watchtower 1/15/2008 p.26
the other sheep today walk behind the anointed slave class and its Governing Body, following their leadership. As “unpaid laborers,” the other sheep willingly expend their physical strength and their resources in support of the worldwide preaching work that Christ assigned to his anointed followers on earth. - Watchtower 4/1/2007 p.24
How does Christ use “the faithful and discreet slave” to provide leadership? - Watchtower 9/15/2005 p.25 (question #8,9)
This “slave” provides leadership and spiritual food by means of appointed servants, meetings of various kinds and printed publications. - Watchtower 2/15/1963 p.107
Thus from 1919 forward this “slave” class, using the Watch Tower Society, has found itself in the unique position of responsibility and leadership concerning this kingdom - Watchtower 7/15/1960 p.437
The divine will flows to us only theocratically through God’s provided leadership of the “faithful and discreet slave.” - Watchtower 7/15/1960 p.443
Jesus, speaking of this same anointed slave class, spoke of the responsibilities of leadership committed to that class - Watchtower 2/1/1955 p.85
These powers do not rest democratically with the congregations. In consequence of this Biblical study of organization the following was the resolution suggested to and adopted by all congregations who desired to be welded together under the Society’s theocratic leadership - Watchtower 6/1/1955 p.333
The faithful and discreet slave today is represented by the Governing Body, who take the lead and coordinate the Kingdom-preaching work throughout the earth. - Watchtower 2/15/2009 p.28
They will seek his direction by means of the holy spirit, Bible principles, and the lead given by the Governing Body of “the faithful and discreet slave.” - Watchtower 10/1/1988 p.16
Second, all of us, including appointed men, should honor those who have authority over us. - Watchtower 10/15/2008 p.23
” Christians show their submission to Jesus, and therefore to Jesus’ head, Jehovah, by accepting the oversight of that “slave.” - Watchtower 9/1/1998 p.15
Submission to his right hand of authority is manifested by seeking Christ’s direction by means of the holy spirit, Bible principles, and the lead given by the Governing Body of “the faithful and discreet slave.” - Watchtower 12/1/1994 p.30
Moreover, a Christian has to recognize the authority of “the faithful and discreet slave.” - Watchtower 10/1/1991 p.20
This incident should impress us with the need to recognize theocratic authority and to cooperate fully with “the faithful and discreet slave”! - Watchtower 6/15/1990 p.14
Individual Christians worldwide would have to recognize the authority of this “slave” - Watchtower 11/1/1984 p.16
It means recognizing the “faithful and discreet slave,” and showing due respect to those in authority. It means ‘proving ourselves what we really are.’ In substance this all means to “observe the commandment in a spotless and irreprehensible way.” - Watchtower 6/1/1956 p.348
Those belonging to Jehovah’s organization know that the “faithful and discreet slave” is a class made up of the faithful remnant of God’s anointed ones, gathered now in one company and working together under the direction and authority of the governing body of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. - Watchtower 11/15/1956 p.692
Therefore as you witness this, and if you too desire peace, prosperity and Jehovah’s blessing, then bring your life into obedience to the will of Jehovah God and be in subjection to theocratic rule, recognizing those who have the authority over you in Jehovah’s pure and happy organization. - Watchtower 11/15/1956 p.698
The anointed remnant as leaders have only one determination ahead of them - Watchtower 7/15/1960 p.443
And my favorite:
The anointed and their other sheep companions recognize that by following the lead of the modern-day Governing Body, they are in fact following their Leader, Christ. - Watchtower 9/15/2010 p.23
How can they claim the "faithful and discreet slave" has been put in charge, when 12k of the "faithful and discreet slave" have no authority whatsoever? By the Society's own definition of "the faithful and discreet slave" even they have been relegated to followers of men, looking to men for doctrine (direct violation of 1John 2:27). With this statement, they can't even defend their Christ complex with their perverted interpretation of Mat 24, because they have also enslaved the "servant" (Mat 24:49?).
Claims of divine, unique knowledge (I know there are lots of these, but others have already assembled exhaustive lists of them, e.g. WT quotes:
They occupy a position similar to that of Paul and his colaborers when that apostle said of the wonderful truths God gives to his people: “It is to us God has revealed them through his spirit.” - Watchtower 6/1/1982 p.17
Grasping at authority by being the messenger, in direct violation of 1Cor 4:3-9 and Rev 19:9-10 (I've seen other examples of this):
At congregation meetings, assemblies, and conventions arranged by “the faithful and discreet slave,” you obtained knowledge that will lead to everlasting life - Watchtower 7/15/2009 p.30
Some interesting contradictions I stumbled upon while searching:
Accurate knowledge is necessary, and lack of it has brought to ruin professed servants of Jehovah. “Because the knowledge is what you yourself have rejected, I shall also reject you.” It is not in man to direct himself, so Jehovah provided the Bible as a guide for us. “Your word is a lamp to my foot, and a light to my roadway.” (Hos. 4:6; Jer. 10:23; Ps. 119:105) God’s light, note, not man’s or a religious organization’s. - Watchtower 6/1/1981 p.11
According to the Bible we may never expect that the present agitated world will find peace and security. Why is this so? Because it is seeking security in the wrong direction and in the wrong manner. Men in general have not learned that humans and human organizations can never provide true security. They ignore the clear advice of the Bible: “Do not put your trust in nobles, nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs.” (Ps. 146:3) No man, regardless of how prominent he may be and with what power he may be invested, religious or political, no nation of this world and no international organization can provide true security and salvation for mankind. These precious, sought-after goals can derive only from one source, namely, God the Almighty, whose name is Jehovah, and only in harmony with the provisions he has made.—Isa. 43:11. - Watchtower 8/15/1967 p.493
several times a year i will seek out the
"dumping grounds" of the zealous dubs
and BOLDLY print the address of JWFACTS
on the back of the litter-ature urging any
"interested ones" to check it out before
agreeing to or continuing a study...
thanks paul, for that invaluable resource!!!
