the best conjecture seems to be that the gb are going to drop the literal 144,000 teaching, especially in view of the december watchtower that pointedly does not mention the 144,000 number.
if they are dropping the literal 144,000 number, but still claim that only a small number are anointed, and can partake, and that only a few are left on earth, then it is fair to ask what has really changed?
they are simply clearing up the embarrassing situation that there were obviously more than 144,000 "anointed" believers from 36 ad until now, and that the number of partakers has been increasing in recent years.
SBF - I agree with the premise of your OP. They only change things when they get enough pressure and they have no choice. I think they will drop the 144k literal teaching but not sure if they are going to do it now. That seems like one of those changes they would just slip through via a QFR or slip into the middle of a WT study.
I don't think that would have much impact on the average witness.
so, yes, there will be a "new bible" released at this annual meeting.
worst kept secret ever.. however, the new bible will no longer be called the "new world translation".
again, this is pure speculation, but it would kind of make sense since the term "new world" is very mason-y, old-time jw-y, and doesn't appear in the bible anyway.. what they would call it, i couldn't even guess..
I will buy a new translation or at least a revision of the NWT. I know we've been talking about it here for awhile and in JW land, that's the rumor as well. Add to that the inability to order a new bible from Bethel with no explaination and it seems this makes sense.
I really don't believe they will make any doctrinal changes this time. But, it will be interesting to see what sort of revisions are being made to the NWT or its replacement. It's worded so awfully in many places that it can be just as hard to read or understand as the KJV.
i found this video online that demonstrates just how dangerous it is to drift away from the organization and stay away from the weekly kingdom hall gatherings.. .
a mother gray whale and her calf get separated from the pod (jehovahs organization and weekly meetings) and this makes them vulnerable to attack because they dont have loving companions for protection.. .
the mother whale took her baby on a long journey, only to see it die.
I've been missing you Aunt Connie! You certainly are a character. What's your speculation on the new light to be presented at the annual meeting? I'm sure your disappointed that they've opened it up to everyone, even those slackers who doze off at the meetings and never give parts!
the conclusion of the system of things.. matt.
17 the righteous ones will shine as brightly as the sun ***.
that jesus inspection took place in 1918.. paragraph 7: [4] from 1910 to 1914, the.
I liked how they reinforced their new rapture doctrine. At the meeting yesterday, I looked up the rapture on my phone to make sure what I understood was in fact what other churches teach. Apparently there are all types of rapture teachings but can be categorized in 3 ways. Pre-tribulation, Mid-tribulation and Post Tribulation. Of course, the mid-tribulation is the least favorite theory and therefore the one the WTS has adopted.
I couldn't find a list of all the other denominations that also believe in the mid-tribulation rapture but I'm going to keep looking. I'm not sure what to make of this change. Are they trying to bring themselves more in line with the hard core evangelicals? I mean, they're already pretty hard core on most issues, just some doctrinal stuff is a bit different.
I'm not certain what they are up to, likely just changing things for the sake of change. I just find it a little strange. Maybe they can declare the Great Tribulation has already started? I'm breaking my own rule about attempting to apply logic when dealing with WTS doctrine!!!
yay...my awesome friend justitia just found out last night she passed the bar exam.
regardless of how you may feel about her you gotta admit that is an accomplishment..
Great news
- 23 day to go .. annual meeting unofficial rumors.
- new bible.
- new nwt (revision).
I think its just an additional fund raiser for the WTS. Invite everyone, float out rumors so that everyone will be excited, put contribution boxes all around and bingo, you just raised several million. Bethel monitors, you guys sure do know how to raise some cash!
how many here are (a) ex-jw, (b) non-jw with jw relatives or spouses, (c) inactive jw, or (d) active jw who stay in for your own reasons?.
Active on paper, hit and miss attendence, 100% ex on the inside. No one seems to know or care (which is fine by me)
family reasons
in the very first paragraph, matthew 13:38 is to be read - "the field is the world; as for the fine seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; but the weeds are the sons of the wicked one..".
jesus speaks of only two groups, so if you accept the wtbts "anointed" doctrine, then if you haven't got the "heavenly hope", then you've got no hope!.
simply put, there aren't any 'other sheep' members of jesus' "one flock" mentioned, unless of course theyare also "sons of the kingdom", but of course, that would be ridiculous!!.
Attempting to apply logic to WTS doctrine and making a prediction is an act of futility! If they make any significant changes (which I sort of doubt), it will be the kind of stupid "generation" change that leaves everyone scratching their heads.
Actually, the current changes including what I perceive is the Rapture by a different name, is pretty big yet no one in the study I attended seemed to get it. I actually didn't notice it when I first skimmed through the article. It was only when the paragraph was read that it struck me that they introduced the rapture doctrine. Remember, according to the WTS there are "true Christians" which means annointed and their companions which means non-annointed JWs. So, they could still say that all "Christians" left on earth get raptured before things go sideways and still keep their two-tiered system which I don't believe would ever go away.
Ah, 99% of JWs could care less about their doctrine. Listen, obey and be blessed is all they need to know.
news reached me a couple of days ago of some big changes in the netherlands for jehovah's witnesses.
a letter from the branch office was read in all congregations so it can easily be verified by lurkers and faders who are still visiting the congregations.. big changes:.
- they are going to sell one of the two assembly halls.
I recently attended a CA and it was announced that the "cost" for the 2 day program was 13k!
so... this saturday, around the world, jw's will study the infamous july 15, 2013 wt.
please comment on all the bs and how the jw's take it, if you are a fader or a lurker.. let the games begin!
!.
The AGM is 10-5 but being rebroadcast several times that day and on 10-6 as well. I think my congregation is slotted for 10-6. I'd much rather just read about it here!
