Posts by donuthole

So like a WT-esque version of Privileged Planet.

Seriously if I could go back and do it all over again I would bring JC charges against Ciro for his involvement with the UN. Curious how this would play out if someone ever did.

Barbara,

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my questions. I appreciate your answers.

-Anthony

Barbara,

Thank you. I know I asked quite a bit. I look forward to your responses.

-Anthony

Barbara,

I really find what you have presented in the various threads to be rather fascinating. I had questions that I would appreciate your thoughts on.

In your Bethel and Writing Dept. experience, how would you characterize how "new light" was developed and presented? Did this come exclusively from Governing Body members and "anointed" ones? Did this come as the result of Bible study or more as response to theological or organizational problems that developed over time? How comfortable would an average member of the Writing Dept have in presenting what they thought might be "new light"?

Was anyone in the Writing Dept. engaged in what the Society might characterize as "independent study", that is studying or reading the Bible outside the Organizational framework? Ray Franz comments that Bethel had a fully stocked library of various Bible commentaries, during your time in the Writing Dept. did you observe these were used much? Equally, how much would you characterize that the Watchtower indexes and other publications were used? For mere speculation, if the GB ordered that a commentary on the letters of Paul be developed for an upcoming District Convention, how would you guess that the Writing Dept. would write this book? Would they read the Bible and write down their thoughts? Would they consult "worldly" commentaries? Would they look up related passages in the Indexes and rewrite what the Society has published in the past?

How were ideas for articles developed? In looking at the CD-ROM it appears that some articles and themes come in cycles, would you say that Writing dept tends to recycle old articles for new WT's?

When you were in Writing Dept. could you give an estimate of staff size and then a rough guess of how many members were generational Witnesses verses those who came in from other religious backgrounds? How good would you consider the Writing Dept.'s knowledge of the Societies past teachings, such as those from the Rutherford-era or from Russell's Studies in the Scriptures? Was old literature ever read in research or study or did it tend to be more ornamental like in KH libraries?

I believe Ray Franz relates that his uncle Fred Franz was seen as somewhat as an "oracle" and was the final word on matters of JW theology. I read that you suspect that Fred Franz may have ghostwritten some of Rutherford's books and WT articles. With the death of Fred Franz did you observe that anyone at Bethel stepped up to fill his shoes in these areas -- that is, as theologian and Bible scholar, and ultimate authority in matters of JW doctrine?

Thanks very much,

Anthony

The way JW's practice "reinstatement" is entirely different then the principle of the parable of the prodigal son and the example provided in the Corinthian congregation. It is more in common with concept of discipline/penance practiced in the historical Catholic church. In those days when someone was excommunicated they might have to sit outside the church door for some months being humiliated before they were let back in. Compare this to how it plays out in JW-land, where a DF'd person has to come sit in the back of the Kingdom Hall for 6 months or more, not being talked to, hardly being looked at, until they are reinstated -- and even then they are on restriction. Even if someone is just reproved, giving evidence that they are repentant, they still have restrictions placed upon them as punishment. Consider the fact that the father of the prodigal son had a welcome back feast for the son, with the fact that JW's aren't even allowed to clap when someone is reinstated. The Bible plainly says that Heaven rejoices when a sinner turns around, yet JW's are restricted from showing similar feelings.

Ended up having an impromptu dinner party. We had so much food made that we decided to invite a couple over and then our neighbors dropped by. So we had a full house. I was going to try to grill up some tiny burgers that are the fad these days, instead of the cricket ball sized monsters I normally make. Problem some of the tiny burgers fell between the grates of the grill. So had to throw on some backup beer-brats and hotdogs so we would have enough. Had some homemade potato salad which is leaps and bounds better than anything I can buy that the store. Then fresh picked strawberries for dessert. Played a couple of rounds of Wii Mario Party and I fell asleep on the couch. Only "memorial-day" specific activity was praying on behalf of the families that were remembering losses.

This was our dinner/house party this weekend. It is amazing how social we have become since leaving the organization.