Posts by Tenacious

50

Governing Body at Bethel and their daily routine

by Tenacious in

i never had the privilege to serve at bethel .. therefore, community help is greatly appreciated friends.. do the gb members have their own living quarters separate from the average jw?.

does their "busy" schedule permit field service, if yes, how many hours a month?.

how long are their weekly wednesday meetings?.

A Recovering JW

by mtwtf in

a recovering jw.

recovering.

previously i have vented here about anomalies that stood out in wts /jw.org literature and meetings.

Tenacious

While I can sympathize with you and having to be right back where you started, the reality is much more sinister and twisted.

Let me first explain why the push is now geared towards the younger generation, adolescents, the preteens, and teens. Considering the way things are shaping up with the generational teaching coming and going, the anointed number increasing, etc. The WTS is now trying to play catch-up with the technological advances, marketing, and the ever increasing independent thinking. The last Sunday talk I attended was all about parents and their children and how they should be respected, not spanked at the hall, yadadadada.

The WTS is trying to indoctrinate the young as early as possible in an effort to stave off what is all but inevitable and that is a decline in membership due to the availability of information thanks largely in part to the proliferation of the internet.

When I came into the WTS, I wasn't given a choice. I was brought up in it and expected to respect and obey my parent’s decisions. Recently I asked mom if she ever researched the WTS prior to accepting it as "truth." The answer was obvious, as she is also now doubting so much of the crap that comes out of Brooklyn. If you were born and brought up in the WTS then you were doomed from the start.

The reality is that the GB is not in it for the money or accommodations. It's about power, prestige, and control. Their twisted logic is similar to that of the rich and wealthy and that is we, as mere servants, cannot be trusted to make good decisions of our own. Therefore, we need to relinquish our minds, thoughts, emotions, and decisions to them, the WTS, in order to be saved from the big 'A'.

The power and prestige is more than intoxicating. To that end, they use it in congregations by continually applauding and announcing accomplishments. At assemblies and special meetings it's always about titles, titles, titles. Ever notice why the WTS finds it necessary to announce each speakers' CV before their speech? How about the announcement of anyone who is pioneering or has been approved to be a regular pioneer? How about those congregation party's for pioneers? The magazines, articles, books, talks, ministry school assignments, are all laden with loaded language, reverse psychology, and various other control techniques.

When I found myself back at the realization that the WTS indeed had been teaching many Biblical truths, I had to ask myself the obvious question.

Why does the WTS teach Biblical truths while corrupting and misinterpreting other scriptures?

The means does not, I repeat, does not justify the ends. When an organization does not allow you to leave of your own volition, it becomes a cult.

The WTS has become corrupted from within and while they may sincerely believe they are doing Jehovah's will, they are not.

This is completely obvious from the snakes, abusers, and corrupt elders and appointed men that can be found in any of the over 111k congregations worldwide. Not to mention how they are blatant in their covering up for pedophiles all the while destroying evidence.

You may think you are a recovering JW but in the reality is you find it difficult to accept what is plainly obvious. You are unable to function normally outside of the influence of the WTS. Seek professional help.

50

Governing Body at Bethel and their daily routine

by Tenacious in

i never had the privilege to serve at bethel .. therefore, community help is greatly appreciated friends.. do the gb members have their own living quarters separate from the average jw?.

does their "busy" schedule permit field service, if yes, how many hours a month?.

how long are their weekly wednesday meetings?.

Tenacious

I never had the privilege to serve at Bethel .

Therefore, community help is greatly appreciated friends.

Do the GB members have their own living quarters separate from the average JW?

Does their "busy" schedule permit field service, if yes, how many hours a month?

How long are their weekly Wednesday meetings?

Are they accorded any special privileges?

Any other pertinent information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

24

As a JW Did You Often Feel "Guilty" About Something?

by minimus in

jw
friends

if muslim is supposed to be the religion of peace, jehovah's witnesses has to be the religion of guilt..

Tenacious

If Muslim is supposed to be the religion of peace, Jehovah's Witnesses has to be the religion of guilt.

Truer words were never spoken. The WTS makes it a point to always point out deficiencies in us in order to continue our dependency on them.

Classic psychology.

Remember that we could never do enough for the kingdom.

We should never pray the same thing repeatedly.

Our prayers should never be hurried.

Our way of living should always be to live a simple uncomplicated pauper life.

We should all be striving to be pioneers, to get into certain kingdom schools, etc.

Our dress and grooming should reflect we are witnesses and no part of this world.

We should never, ever, ever, ever, associate with "worldly people."

The "end" is right around the corner usually a 1-2 year outlook is given, repeatedly mind you.

The list is infinite.....

15

Funny Video - Phone call to Bethel

by Listener in

this video is hilarious and very, very clever.

youtuber, theunwitness makes a call to hq and asks the question "can i talk to anthony morris?

" and uses matthew 18:15-17 as his reason.

Tenacious

We are but mere mortals compared to these men who will sit with our Lord Jesus.

14

THE REALITY OF REFUSING BLOOD - as it happened

by Bloody Hotdogs! in

over the past couple years i have watched three young jw woman give up thier lives rather than accept blood.

the last was a new mother in her late 20s.

this is her story, as it unfolded on facebook:.

Tenacious

You would think that when the org decides to change the blood doctrine there would be an exodus of witnesses leaving but the reality is far from this.

When people believe you truly represent the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe, they can tell you practically anything and it will be believed. And when it fails to pass, its simply brushed off as "not the appropriate time."

Then again the org may never change the doctrine as it may face a backlash of angry parents and relatives. This could result in even more lawsuits for the org.

6

Which is it???

by mynameislame in

jw
friends

maybe neither.

just noticed this network name in the list of nearby networks.. i'm wondering if this is a jw or dare i dream, a visitor of jw.net.

.

Tenacious

I think you are reading too much into it. It may just be that person's first name, son, nephew, etc.

But then again you never know!!

16

Are Jehovah's Witnesses A Cult?

by What Now? in

i came across a great quote.... the distinction between cult and religion lies squarely in how those leaving or those wanting to leave are treated.. hits the nail on the head for me!.

.

Tenacious

@ What Now? - That's quite alright. No worries. I think the more we talk about it and keep it on the front lines the better.

Yes, that quote is dead on!!

18

Jehovah's Witnesses are NOT a Cult......so they say.

by Tenacious in

trying to develop a good strategy for relatives still partially indoctrinated by this despicable inhumane cult.

i researched their own material and i found some good info on how they don't mind control anyone.

the following unedited information was sourced from their february 15, 1994 watchtower p. 5-7. i've highlighted some sentences that we all know are lies and a distortion of the reality of their community:.

Tenacious

Thanks to everyone for their ideas and approach. BoC and Marvin's approach are good ideas and can certainly get the conversation started.

At the moment I'm reading Hassan's Combatting Cult Mind Control. I've ordered a few more and am studying psychology topics directly dealing with indoctrination.

18

Jehovah's Witnesses are NOT a Cult......so they say.

by Tenacious in

trying to develop a good strategy for relatives still partially indoctrinated by this despicable inhumane cult.

i researched their own material and i found some good info on how they don't mind control anyone.

the following unedited information was sourced from their february 15, 1994 watchtower p. 5-7. i've highlighted some sentences that we all know are lies and a distortion of the reality of their community:.

Tenacious

Trying to develop a good strategy for relatives still partially indoctrinated by this despicable inhumane cult. I researched their own material and I found some good info on how they don't mind control anyone. The following unedited information was sourced from their February 15, 1994 Watchtower p. 5-7. I've highlighted some sentences that we all know are lies and a distortion of the reality of their community:

Are Jehovah’s Witnesses a Cult?

JESUS CHRIST was accused of being a drunkard, a glutton, a Sabbath breaker, a false witness, a blasphemer of God, and a messenger of Satan. He was also accused of being subversive.—Matthew 9:34; 11:19; 12:24; 26:65; John 8:13; 9:16; 19:12.

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, his disciples were likewise the target of serious accusations. One group of first-century Christians were dragged to the city rulers by people crying out: ‘These men have overturned the inhabited earth.’ (Acts 17:6) On another occasion the apostle Paul and his companion Silas were taken to the authorities and charged with greatly disturbing the city of Philippi.—Acts 16:20.

Paul was later accused of being a “pestilent fellow and stirring up seditions among all the Jews throughout the inhabited earth” and of trying “to profane the temple.” (Acts 24:5, 6) The principal men of the Jews in Rome accurately described the situation of Jesus’ followers when they acknowledged: “For truly as regards this sect it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.”—Acts 28:22.

Evidently, this new group established by Jesus Christ was considered by some to be a religious group with radical views and practices that clashed with what was accepted in those days as normal social behavior. Undoubtedly, many today would have considered the Christians a destructive cult. The accusers were often prominent and respected members of the community, and this seems to have added weight to the allegations. Many believed the accusations against Jesus and his disciples. Yet, as you probably know, every one of these charges was false! The fact that people said these things did not make them true.

What about today? Would it be accurate to refer to Jehovah’s Witnesses as a religious group with radical views and practices that clash with what is accepted as normal social behavior? Are Jehovah’s Witnesses a cult?

What the Evidence Shows

A government official of the city of St. Petersburg, Russia, explained: “Jehovah’s Witnesses were presented to us as some kind of underground sect sitting in the darkness and slaughtering children and killing themselves.” However, the people of Russia have recently become better acquainted with the true nature of the Witnesses. After working with Jehovah’s Witnesses in connection with an international convention, the same official observed: “Now I see normal, smiling people, even better than many people I know. They are peaceful and calm, and they love one another very much.” He added: “I really do not understand why people tell such lies about them.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses do not hold ritualistic meetings, nor is their worship cloaked in secrecy. Non-Witness author Julia Mitchell Corbett notes: “When they meet, usually more than once a week, in Kingdom Halls (their meeting sites are not called churches), most of their time is spent in Bible study and discussion.” Their meeting places are clearly marked with a sign. The meetings are open, and the general public is invited to attend. Unannounced guests are more than welcome.

The “Witnesses have earned the reputation of being honest, courteous, and industrious,” adds Corbett in her book Religion in America. Many who are not Witnesses readily acknowledge that there is nothing freakish or bizarre about Jehovah’s Witnesses. Their conduct does not clash with what is accepted as normal social behavior. The New Encyclopædia Britannica accurately states that the Witnesses “insist upon a high moral code in personal conduct.”

The director of news and special projects for a television station in the United States wrote to Jehovah’s Witnesses in response to a biased report about the Witnesses on the TV news show 60 Minutes. He said: “If more people lived the way your faith does, this nation wouldn’t be in the shape it is in. I am one newsman who knows that your organization is founded on love and a strong faith in the Creator. I want you to know that not all News people are as biased.”

A Well-Known Religion

Is it fair to say that Jehovah’s Witnesses are a small fringe religious group? In a sense, Jehovah’s Witnesses are few in number compared to some religions. However, recall what Jesus said: “Narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it.”—Matthew 7:13, 14.

At any rate, the Witnesses are far from being a small fringe cult. In the spring of 1993, more than 11 million people attended the Witnesses’ Memorial of Christ’s death. But more important than their number are their moral character and exemplary behavior, which have brought them worldwide commendation. Undoubtedly this has been a factor in countries that have given them official recognition as a known, bona fide religion.

Outstanding is a recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights. It declared that the Witnesses should enjoy freedom of thought, conscience, and religion and that they have the right to speak about their faith and teach it to others. This would hardly be the case if Jehovah’s Witnesses were known to use deceptive and unethical techniques to recruit members or if they used manipulative methods to control the minds of their followers.

Multitudes around the world are well acquainted with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Of the millions of non-Witnesses who are studying the Bible with the Witnesses or who have studied with them at one time or another, we ask, Were there any attempts to brainwash you? Did the Witnesses employ mind-control techniques on you? “No” would doubtless be your frank response. Obviously, if these methods had been used, there would be an overwhelming number of victims in contradiction to any argument in favor of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

“Absorbed in Humanity”

Cult members often isolate themselves from family, friends, and even society in general. Is that the case with Jehovah’s Witnesses? “I do not belong to Jehovah’s Witnesses,” wrote a newsman in the Czech Republic. Yet he added: “It is obvious that they [Jehovah’s Witnesses] have tremendous moral strength. . . . They recognize governmental authorities but believe that only God’s Kingdom is capable of solving all human problems. But watch it—they are not fanatics. They are people who are absorbed in humanity.”

And they do not live in communes, isolating themselves from relatives and others. Jehovah’s Witnesses recognize that it is their Scriptural responsibility to love and care for their families. They live and work with people of all races and religions. When disasters strike, they are quick to respond with relief supplies and other humanitarian assistance.

More important, they are engaged in an educational program that has no comparison. How many religions have an organized system to pay personal visits to every individual in their community? Jehovah’s Witnesses do this in more than 200 lands and in more than 200 languages! Clearly, Jehovah’s Witnesses are “absorbed in humanity.”

Strict Adherence to the Bible

Admittedly, the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses are different from those provided by the churches. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jehovah is the almighty God and that Jesus is his Son, not part of a triune deity. Their faith is anchored in the belief that God’s Kingdom alone can bring relief to suffering humanity. They warn people of the imminent destruction of this corrupt system of things. They preach about God’s promise of an earthly paradise for obedient mankind. They do not venerate the cross. They do not celebrate Christmas. They believe that the soul is mortal and that there is no hellfire. They will not eat blood, nor will they accept blood transfusions. They abstain from involvement in politics and participation in warfare. Have you ever asked yourself why the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses are so different?

A Massachusetts newspaper, the Daily Hampshire Gazette, explains that Jehovah’s Witnesses’ “strict interpretation of the Bible forbids many activities others take for granted . . . , all in an effort to follow the example of first-century Christians and the word of the Bible.” The Encyclopedia of Religion agrees that “all that they believe is based on the Bible. They ‘proof text’ (that is, supply a biblical citation to support) almost every statement of faith, taking for granted the authority of the Bible, which entirely supplants tradition.” The book Religion in America states: “The group has never wavered from its focus on Bible study, and its teachings are supported by an elaborate system of references to scripture.”

Who Is Their Leader?

It is precisely because of this close adherence to Bible teachings that the veneration and idolization of human leaders so characteristic of cults today is not to be found among Jehovah’s Witnesses. They reject the concept of a clergy-laity distinction. The Encyclopedia of Religion aptly states about Jehovah’s Witnesses: “A clergy class and distinctive titles are prohibited.”

They follow Jesus Christ as their Leader and as Head of the Christian congregation. It was Jesus who said: “Do not you be called Rabbi, for one is your teacher, whereas all you are brothers. Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly One. Neither be called ‘leaders,’ for your Leader is one, the Christ.”—Matthew 23:8-12.

It is clear that Jehovah’s Witnesses are as far from being a cult as Jesus was from being a glutton and a drunkard. Admittedly, not everyone who was influenced by the false reports about Jesus and his disciples fell into the trap of slandering him. Some may simply have been misinformed. If you have questions about Jehovah’s Witnesses and their beliefs, why not get to know them better? The doors to their Kingdom Halls are wide open to all who seek truth.

You can also benefit from their careful search for accurate Bible knowledge and learn how to worship God in harmony with Jesus’ words: “The hour is coming, and it is now, when the true worshipers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for, indeed, the Father is looking for suchlike ones to worship him.”—John 4:23.