Wow, OUTLAW, is that the new cover for the magazine that used to be called "Watchtower"? It's perfect.
Barbara
AndersonsInfo
JoinedPosts by AndersonsInfo
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48
Essay by Barbara Anderson: "What's in a Name?"
by AndersonsInfo inwhats in a name?
posted on april 15, 2014 by barbara anderson http://watchtowerdocuments.org/whats-in-a-name/ .entry-meta-icons .entry-meta .
.entry-header one morning at bethel in 1989, after the usual text discussion before breakfast, there was an announcement to the staff about the legalization of jehovahs witnesses in poland.
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Baptists announce JWs 100th anniversary of their failed prediction that history would end in 1914
by AndersonsInfo inhttp://www.bpnews.net/42379/jehovahs-witness-prediction-spurs-evangelism.
jehovah's witness prediction spurs evangelism.
posted on apr 15, 2014 | by david roach.
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AndersonsInfo
http://www.bpnews.net/42379/jehovahs-witness-prediction-spurs-evangelism
Jehovah's Witness prediction spurs evangelism
Posted on Apr 15, 2014 | by David Roach
NASHVILLE (BP) -- The 100th anniversary of Jehovah's Witnesses' prediction that history would end in 1914 presents an opportunity for leading members of the group to faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, a Southern Baptist expert on Christian sects and cults said.
Christians' "first task" in sharing the Gospel with Jehovah's Witnesses is helping them "put [their official publications] away and then deal with the Bible alone," Robert Stewart, professor of philosophy and theology at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, told Baptist Press. "What we need is evidence -- evidence that the Watchtower Society [Jehovah's Witnesses' central organization] has been wrong."
The anniversary of a failed prediction may be an opportunity to present such evidence to approximately eight million Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide, Stewart said.
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is not equal to God the Father, but the first created being. They deny the Trinity, envision the Holy Spirit as merely a force and believe that salvation comes through a strict moral code and commitment to the Watchtower Society. They use the New World Translation of Scripture, a version that alters the meaning of key passages on Christ's deity like John 1:1.
Founded by Charles Taze Russell in the late 19th century, the Watchtower Society initially taught that the invisible, spiritual presence of Jesus returned to earth in 1874. The battle of Armageddon would follow in 1914, they said, ending human history and overthrowing the kingdom of the world.
An "anointed class" of 144,000 people would go to heaven as spirits without bodies after they died, Jehovah's Witnesses said. A secondary group of saved people would live forever in paradise on earth following Armageddon.
"We consider it an established truth that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the Kingdom of God, will be accomplished by the end of A.D. 1914," Russell said.
An 1894 Jehovah's Witness publication added, "Our readers are writing to know if there may not be a mistake in the 1914 date. They say that they do not see how present conditions can last so long under the strain. We see no reason for changing the figures -- nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates not ours."
But before 1914 ended, the Watchtower Society began to change its prediction -- first to 1918, then 1925. The year 1914 in fact was the beginning of Christ's invisible, spiritual presence on earth rather than the end of history, they said, a revision from the previous date of 1874 for the invisible presence. Also, 1914 marked the beginning of the "last generation" before Armageddon, the Watchtower Society said.
By 1924, the Watchtower Society felt confident enough to announce, "The year 1925 is a date definitely and clearly marked in the Scriptures, even more clearly than that of 1914."
A prediction that the "1914 generation" was history's last also had to be modified. First, the Watchtower Society said those alive "with understanding" in 1914 would live to see the end of history. Later it said babies born in 1914 were the ones who would see the end. Finally, it said the "generation of 1914" meant only that the end of history would come a relatively short time after 1914 compared with the thousands of years in human history that elapsed previously.
The failed predictions were a serious matter, Stewart said, in part because they ruined people's lives.
"In their official resources that they use to train their leadership, they've encouraged their people to do things like sell their homes and quit their jobs so that they can spend more time out going door to door, because after all the world is going to come to an end," he said of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Even more importantly, the false doctrine leads its adherents to eternal separation from God in hell, Stewart said. He recommended several tactics for sharing the Gospel with Jehovah's Witnesses. Among them:
-- Without affirming the content of their faith, commend their religious commitment in order to build goodwill.
-- Communicate facts about wrong predictions of the Watchtower Society. This will help Jehovah's Witnesses begin to question their sources of religious authority.
-- Point them to Internet resources like Watchman Fellowship (www.watchman.org), a group that focuses on ministry to new religious groups, cults and the New Age movement. Reading material online that is critical of their faith prevents Jehovah's Witnesses from getting in trouble with their leaders for having critical books or tracts lying around, Stewart said.
-- Explain salvation by grace through faith in Jesus -- who is fully God and fully human.
In the same vein, the North American Mission Board's 4truth.net website presents a detailed account of Jehovah's Witnesses' beliefs and recommends Bible passages to use in explaining that Jesus is a member of the Trinity, co-equal with God the Father.
"Although Jesus is never recorded as coming right out and saying, 'I am God,' his actions and claims spoke very loud," the NAMB material stated. "He accepted worship (see Matthew 14:25-33; 28:8-10; John 9:35-38). Yet he knew worship was for God alone (see Matthew 4:8-10 [quoting Deuteronomy 6:13]). His disciples also recognized worship was for God alone (see Luke 4:7-8; Acts 10:25-26; Revelation 19:10). Yet they worshipped him (see Matthew 14:25-33; 28:8-10; Hebrews 1:6). In addition, he claimed to have authority over the Sabbath day that God had instituted (see Matthew 12:1-8), something it would seem was reserved for God alone. Finally, he taught with an authority that none of the prophets claimed. The prophets would say, 'Thus says the Lord ...' Jesus, on the other hand, said, 'Truly, truly, I say to you.'"
A kind and informed witness to Jehovah's Witnesses on the 100th anniversary of the famous 1914 prediction could change their eternal destiny, NAMB said in the material. Stewart added that believers who invite Jehovah's Witnesses into their homes should be skilled in both Christian theology and Jehovah's Witness theology.
"Jehovah's Witnesses are very sincere about their beliefs and well-versed in them. When they come to your door, invite them in. Be cordial and patient. Remember Peter's instruction 'but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence' (1 Peter 3:15)," the NAMB material stated.
"Unfortunately, most of the Christians [Jehovah’s Witnesses] encounter are unprepared and become extremely defensive and unpleasant with them. This just encourages the [Jehovah’s Witnesses] to believe they are on the correct path. Why would they change unless someone soundly shows them their error? That someone may be you. Dare to be different by having a response, which is both biblically sound and loving."David Roach is Baptist Press' chief national correspondent. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress) and in your email (baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp).
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48
Essay by Barbara Anderson: "What's in a Name?"
by AndersonsInfo inwhats in a name?
posted on april 15, 2014 by barbara anderson http://watchtowerdocuments.org/whats-in-a-name/ .entry-meta-icons .entry-meta .
.entry-header one morning at bethel in 1989, after the usual text discussion before breakfast, there was an announcement to the staff about the legalization of jehovahs witnesses in poland.
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AndersonsInfo
Metatron, I would say because of the power of the Internet, it is just about impossible for JWs to use WT as their front organization anymore. However, old ways die hard so now I would say that the new website name jw.org is the way that slowly the organization will move away from the name Watcrtower with all the negatives it has associated with it and the same with the name Jehovah's Witnesses. If this is incomprehensible now, just wait a few years and just like we all called the org. "The Society," the rank and file now will speak of it as, "jw.org. Isn't that what the Witnesses are being conditioned for now when they hear jw.org mentioned over and over at meetings and as per reports from yesterday's Memorial attenders?
Remember, how "Read the Bible Daily" were the words found at the the top of one of one of the factory buildings only to be painted over and replaced with jw.org. Will today's non-Witness youth seeing and hearing the name, jw.org, react out of curiosity and look up the site on their computers? That's what the WT is hoping for. They have to attract youth to the org. or keep the youth that are born in or there is no future for them, so they are reinventing themselves to survive. Believe me, I have that information on good authority.
If WT wants a new name, let's try this one on: jw.borg. That name is already a hit among young Bethelites as well as former JWs.
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48
Essay by Barbara Anderson: "What's in a Name?"
by AndersonsInfo inwhats in a name?
posted on april 15, 2014 by barbara anderson http://watchtowerdocuments.org/whats-in-a-name/ .entry-meta-icons .entry-meta .
.entry-header one morning at bethel in 1989, after the usual text discussion before breakfast, there was an announcement to the staff about the legalization of jehovahs witnesses in poland.
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AndersonsInfo
What’s in a Name?
Posted on April 15, 2014 by Barbara Anderson http://watchtowerdocuments.org/whats-in-a-name/
One morning at Bethel in 1989, after the usual text discussion before breakfast, there was an announcement to the staff about the legalization of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Poland. We were told that no longer were the Witnesses banned although the Watchtower had been given legal recognition in that country for some years.1
The announcement left me perplexed. Later, while walking home with Governing Body member Dan Sydlik (now deceased) after work, I asked him, “How come the Polish government didn’t know that the Watchtower and Jehovah’s Witnesses were one and the same?”
Dan thought for a moment and then turned a serious face to me and said, “Well, they’re Polish, you know.”
I laughed heartily over Dan’s playful remark and forgot all about my question. After Dan went his way and I went mine, I chuckled all the way home and could hardly wait to tell my husband, Joe, about Dan’s comical observation.
(Dan was of Polish descent as I was. And Joe loved the Polish jokes popular in those years and oft-times repeated them knowing that I didn’t take offense but enjoyed them too.)2
“Mitzpe L’Yisrael”
As strange as it might seem, I never gave another thought to the question I asked Dan about until I read an article on Israel’s National News Internet site, Arutz Sheva, about “Mitzpe L’Yisrael,”a non-profit organization that rented space at a school in Netanya in 2001 to conduct daily afternoon activities. The article stated that the school authorities canceled the contract with the group when they discovered Mitzpe L’Yisrael was in reality the “notorious missionary sect of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Mitzpe L’Yisrael quickly filed a lawsuit against the school authorities for voiding the lease. It was on February 2, 2014 when the Tel Aviv Magistrates Court announced the rejection of the lawsuit. When I read the news article on March 11, 2014, I wondered who in the world was Mitzpe L’Yisrael?3
It was later that day when I found out the name “Mitzpe L’Yisrael” in English meant “Israel’s Watchtower,” or “Watchtower Society of Israel,” and immediately I had an “aha!” moment. The actions of the Watchtower not to use the name Jehovah’s Witnesses when renting the space in an Israeli school fit with the Polish government not being aware that Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Watchtower were the same organization.
In light of the actions of the Witness organization in Poland and in Israel over twenty-five years later, I realized that this must be a long-standing practice for Jehovah’s Witnesses to hide their “notorious” identity by using Watchtower as their front in unwelcoming countries – or even in circumstances where people are not favorable to the beliefs and actions of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The United Nations
My “aha!” moment started a chain reaction in my head and I recalled a conversation I had around 2002 with a former Jehovah’s Witness who was a secretary in one of the departments at the United Nations headquarters in New York. This person told me that after the publicity about the Watchtower’s ten-year association with the United Nations agreeing to uphold its charter as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) under the direction of the UNs Department of Public Information (DPI), she decided to ask a DPI official why the Watchtower was approved for association in 1991 by DPI when Watchtower leaders routinely condemned the UN in their literature? Here is the official’s reply which I have never shared before:
Continue reading "What's in a Name?" at
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Critique of Mar 2014 Awake on Creation by Alan Feuerbacher
by jwfacts inalan feuerbacher has written a tremendous critique of the march 2014 awake!, which contains a grossly dishonest discussion on creation.
the pdf file can be downloaded from awake_march_2014_creation_critique.pdf.
it highlights watchtower use of poor and contradictory reasoning..
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AndersonsInfo
This is the article written by Alan Feuerbacher I promised to have on my website which Alan sent me over a month ago to post. However, due to a problem getting it on my website, I was tardy. I'm so glad that JWFacts posted the link to where the review is available to read. From the comments here on JWN, it's plain that you all appreciate that Alan really knows his stuff.
Yesterday, I finally posted the link on my website and this is where it can be found along with some editor comments:
http://watchtowerdocuments.org/a-scathing-review-of-awake-creation-article/
We want to make Alan's review as accessible as possible to as many as possible so spread the word by sharing Alan's link, and, in case you forget it, point to websites where his article is linked up with. I know that the JWs and former JWs that frequent Watchtower Documents are going to be impressed by Alan's review of this matter as I was when I read it.
Barbara
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Male-dominated religions oppress women, Jimmy Carter says
by AndersonsInfo inhttp://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20140328/feat04/303280035/religion-briefs-male-dominated-religions-religious-rights-jesus-crown-thornes-.
jimmy carter byline male-dominated religions oppress women, carter saysatlanta former president jimmy carter says male-dominated religions contribute to the oppression and abuse of women by twisting sacred texts to portray females as inferior to men in the eyes of god.. the 89-year-old carter makes that argument in his new book, a call to action: women, religion, violence and power.. in an interview broadcast on nbcs meet the press, the former president faulted his former denomination, the southern baptist convention, and the roman catholic church for denying women the same opportunities as men to serve as pastors and priests.. carter said some married men who belong to those churches conclude that their wives are inferior.. the catholic catechism and the 2000 baptist faith and message declare that men and women have different roles but are equal in the eyes of god..
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AndersonsInfo
Jimmy Carter
Male-dominated religions oppress women, Carter says
ATLANTA – Former President Jimmy Carter says male-dominated religions contribute to the oppression and abuse of women by twisting sacred texts to portray females as inferior to men “in the eyes of God.”
The 89-year-old Carter makes that argument in his new book, “A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence and Power.”
In an interview broadcast on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” the former president faulted his former denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention, and the Roman Catholic church for denying women the same opportunities as men to serve as pastors and priests.
Carter said some married men who belong to those churches conclude that their wives are inferior.
The Catholic Catechism and the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message declare that men and women have different roles but are equal in the eyes of God.
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Update on Alan Feuerbacher's heart attack that he had last Sunday
by AndersonsInfo inalan'swife, julie, talked to the cardiologist this morning.
the news about alan's heart is good.
he described the heart attack as mild and said that although there is damage to the lower portion of his heart, the pumping action probably won't be affected much.
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AndersonsInfo
Vidiot, that's funny. I wish I could think of a come-back, but nothing is computing.
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Update on Alan Feuerbacher's heart attack that he had last Sunday
by AndersonsInfo inalan'swife, julie, talked to the cardiologist this morning.
the news about alan's heart is good.
he described the heart attack as mild and said that although there is damage to the lower portion of his heart, the pumping action probably won't be affected much.
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AndersonsInfo
I spoke with Alan recently. He told me he's doing very well now, so well that he's back to writing about the WT. In fact, in the very near future I will post an 11-page essay of his on my website. As soon as it's up, I'll post a link on JWN to the article. Many years may have passed since Alan last posted on JWN and since he's done serious writing about WT's foolishness, but you'll see when you read his latest, he hasn't lost any of his amazing critial thinking skills.
Look out Watch Tower Writing Department, Alan's back with a new essay that is a WT dogma-slayer.
Barb
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News article: Watchtower buys former motel
by AndersonsInfo inhttp://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?aid=/20140322/biz/403220306 watchtower buys former motelgroup may also purchase site in tuxedo the former hampton inn on route 300 will provide housing for volunteers working on the watchtowers new headquarters being built in goshen.steve borland/times herald-record.
by james walshtimes herald-recordpublished: 2:00 am - 03/22/14town of newburgh the watchtower tract and bible society closed friday on the purchase of the hampton inn on route 300.. watchtower spokesman richard devine said the building will be used to provide housing for short-term volunteers working on the organization's world headquarters, which is under construction in warwick.. the sale price wasn't disclosed.. another property, sterling forest apartments in a rural area of the town of tuxedo, may also be purchased by watchtower.
that would provide housing for long-term volunteer construction workers at the headquarters.. "we talked to the owner there," devine said of the apartments, "but we're still investigating that.
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AndersonsInfo
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140322/BIZ/403220306
Watchtower buys former motel
Group may also purchase site in Tuxedo
The former Hampton Inn on Route 300 will provide housing for volunteers working on the Watchtower’s new headquarters being built in Goshen. STEVE BORLAND/Times Herald-Record
By James Walsh
Times Herald-Record
Published: 2:00 AM - 03/22/14
TOWN OF NEWBURGH — The Watchtower Tract and Bible Society closed Friday on the purchase of the Hampton Inn on Route 300.
Watchtower spokesman Richard Devine said the building will be used to provide housing for short-term volunteers working on the organization's world headquarters, which is under construction in Warwick.
The sale price wasn't disclosed.
Another property, Sterling Forest Apartments in a rural area of the Town of Tuxedo, may also be purchased by Watchtower. That would provide housing for long-term volunteer construction workers at the headquarters.
"We talked to the owner there," Devine said of the apartments, "but we're still investigating that. It's not reality at this point."
The complex has about 20 units on nearly two acres. One tenant, Rachel Newman, said her lease is up in May, but she would like to stay at least until her daughter finishes the school year.
Devine said Watchtower, whose members are Jehovah's Witnesses, will honor all of the leases if it buys the apartments.
"And I'm sure we'd be willing to take into consideration extenuating circumstances," he said.
Construction began in 2013
The volunteers working on the headquarters are members of regional building committees. They're organized in all 50 states, convening when necessary to build local places of worship, Devine said.
Hundreds have been helping since the construction began in July 2013. Watchtower aims for completion in late 2016.
Watchtower officials have called their move from Brooklyn historic. The organization has been based there since 1909 after moving from Pittsburgh. The buildings, though, grew inefficient in recent years. The move will also put the headquarters closer to a Watchtower farm and printing plant in Shawangunk.
Apartments for 1,000 residents
At Warwick, a 240-car visitors' garage is nearly complete. There are eight major structures planned, and all are to be in the foundation stage or beyond by August.
Of the 253 acres at the site off Long Meadow Road, about 41 will be used for the project.
Plans filed with the town show a series of green-roofed buildings for worship and offices. Others will provide laundry services and space for cooking/dining, infirmary, storage, vehicle maintenance and recreational uses.
Several apartment-style buildings will accommodate about 1,000 residents. No children will live at the headquarters.
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ICSA Workship for SGAs (Second-Generation Former [Cult] Members) Connecticut
by AndersonsInfo insurviving and moving on after a high-demand group experience: a workshop for second-generation former members.
when: friday 4:00 pm april 4, 2014 to sunday 2:00 pm april 6, 2014. where: guest house retreat & conference center, 318 west main street, chester, ct 06412. guest house is a delightful retreat and conference center in the scenic connecticut river valley.
it offers spacious guest rooms with private bathrooms, superb cuisine, and amenities that range from a grand piano in the lobby to wireless internet in every room.. .
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AndersonsInfo
International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) http://www.icsahome.com/
Excellent organization. I've spoken at two of their conferences.
Barbara
Male-dominated religions oppress women, Carter says
The former Hampton Inn on Route 300 will provide housing for volunteers working on the Watchtower’s new headquarters being built in Goshen. STEVE BORLAND/Times Herald-Record
By James Walsh
Times Herald-Record
Published: 2:00 AM - 03/22/14