“At that time, the life-saving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not.” - w2013 11/15, p. 20, para. 17
The Governing Body would have a point if they actually received revelation. For example, the ancient apostles, knowing that Jerusalem was going to be destroyed, directed the saints to leave the city and gather at Pella and other places where they would be safe. The problem, however, is, does the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses receive such revelation from God? Based on their miserable prophecies over the past several decades, the answer is doubtful.
If the Governing Body members believe in their own divine callings, yes, I can see where they would feel competent to make such a statement. But to me they’re false prophets—men who are self-appointed and part of a manmade organization. None of them has had a vision; nor have any of them entertained angels, seen God or received any guidance (that we can tell) from God. They are what they accuse other sects of being, and I always feel like choking when any of them refer to any other sect as being “manmade.” In the scriptures, when God called men to the ministry, it was a holy calling done through revelation and with two or more witnesses.
“We need to obey the faithful and discreet slave to have Jehovah’s approval.” Watchtower 2011 Jul 15 p.24
Again, bold statement and all based on but one verse in Matthew 24.
Obliette: The writing is on the wall. The religion of Jehovah's Witnesses has become that which it publicly condemns. It hypocritically squashes any dissent with a brutal hand.
In the PBS series I, Claudius, an orator tells an actor who says that the theater isn’t what it was: “And I’ll tell you something else,” he said. “It never was what it was!”
Of course you understand why it has to squash dissent with a brutal hand; it’s a matter of survival. Today, society, government and religion are primarily built up to acquire power and gain. Even true religion and good government must survive and avoid subversion. But in the case of the Jehovah's Witnesses, the publishers greet people at the door with the observation that wickedness and natural disasters are on the rise and that the world has fallen prey to manmade religion and self appointed religious leaders. But how have they ever shown they were any different? Who appointed and ordained the Governing Body? And who set them up as the faithful and wise servant who must provide spiritual meat to the Lord’s domestics in his absence? Just where did they get their ministerial authority and the aforementioned keys of the kingdom?
In short, though the “slave’s” identity has morphed over the years, they never were what they were. How are they not manmade and self-appointed? They never say! What utter effrontery, too! It’s like showing up at the White House and informing Security that you’re the new President. To which they will say, as the Lord will say, “I never knew you,” or in short, “Your name’s not on the list!”
Obliette: If Jesus and the Prophets were the heroes of the Bible, then the religious leaders that silenced them are clearly the villains.
Yes, and they’re the ones who have usurped the authority of God and have polluted his word.
Apognophos: Indeed, and where is our modern-day Jesus to counter them? Is there any man that can call out these guys in a public way on their hypocrisy? It doesn't seem that anyone is capable of doing so.
Of course there are many here who are calling these people out on their outrageous claims! What the slave must do, though, is cut the telegraph wires, or in other words, find a way to keep the opposition from being heard. And this happens when they threaten to disfellowship people who might otherwise listen to friends or well wishers. It’s not uncommon, in fact, for Jehovah's Witnesses to throw away unopened letters or refuse to return phone calls or even speak to those who can break the spell.
