Hello,
The mode of worship of the WTS is one based on the superficial requirement of visibility.
If an adherent is seen to be ‘seen’ at the meetings, ministry, assemblies, building projects etc. this is interpreted in terms of spirituality. Elders have to be ‘seen’ taking the lead, etc. etc. I am sure we all have seen this in operation and have grown to repudiate its effect on the lives of millions.
For example, a Pioneer, though lacking in any mature spirituality and though being noted for an appalling attitude of self-righteousness is always viewed as more ‘spiritual’ that a person engaging in just a few hours of Ministry. Why? Because they fulfill the sytems requirement of visibility. Visibility and spirituality become transferable words. This of course is an absurd system, similar to the one established by the Pharisees and their cohorts in the C1st, and craftily copied by Joseph Rutherford. It is not based on what truly identifies a good person but is an appeal to a superficial system of judgment that is attractive to those whose thinking has been distorted, and those self-serving individuals that scurry around all such corridors of power. Most of us have rightly been repulsed at the whole concept of judging a persons worth by their measuring up to a list of visible standards, while the person within goes unfed.
We would be duplicating this whole concept by beginning and escalating a judgment call on Raymond Franz based on what we perceive that he should now be ‘seen’ to be doing. Most of us are totally unaware of the projects that this elderly and now ailing man is working on as we speak, and that he does not wear his heart on his sleeve does not undermine the effectiveness of what he has achieved in the past. If he manages nothing else in his life, he has given freedom to many of us who were imprisoned in the emotional prison described above.
RF has on numerous occasions publicly apologized for the part he played in solidifying the foundations of a system he now views as corrupt. Most of us have not as yet done this because we perceive ourselves to be victims of people like Ray Franz. Those of you who have read his books realize that in many ways he was as much a victim as we were. Leave the man to find some peace in his life.
It is said that revolutions devour their children, let us hope that RF does share this fate.
Best regards - HS