i just finished reading this and enjoyed it.
however, if i was newly awakening or on the verge of awakening, i dont think this book would have helped me a great deal.
brother schnell has some good thoughts, however, he is short on detail and description, and even shorter on proof and documentation.. it is interesting reading about the transition of the bible students from a small group of independent noncomformists into an organization characterized by total conformity.
I recently bought a copy of "30 years ... ". I still have my CofC from the early 80's when it first hit the bookshelves. No comparison when you compare the demeanor of the two. Schnell came across to me as bitter yet full of information that, if verifiable, could have offset much of his bitterness. Franz, on the other hand, was articulate, gentle, objective, and came across as factual with an armload of scanned documents within his pages of CofC. May you rest in peace, Ray.
Len
the first i became aware that one existed was 2005. but i was under some rock till then.. the other question is have should probably be fielded in some other thread but i'll ask it here anyway .
how long have watchtower writers been creating their magazine articles, books, booklets, etc., by using computer software?.
len.
Kingdom Ministry, May, 1994, Announcements
The Watchtower Library—1993 Edition will soon be shipped to congregations. Commercial CD-ROMs costing from $25 to $50 or more contain a single encyclopedia or a few reference works. Watchtower Library will access The Watchtower back to 1950 and many other of the Society’s publications back to 1970.
Len
we've all heard the true story.. william miller, a baptist lay preacher and war hero, carefully worked out the 2nd coming of jesus using the bible and chronology.. he was invited to speak and explain his warnings and proof in many churches.
tens of thousands heard and believed and waited.. nothing happened.
the great big nothing was called "the great disappointment.".
Miller was so important to Watch Tower that he was referred to in its pages as Father Miller till the mid 1920s. And to think we used to jump all over Catholics at the door for addressing priests that way.
Len
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is it the pedophile thing, ngo, generation change, blood issue?
what do you think it is?.
And lest we forget those Overlapping Generations which have single-handedly stimulated the brains of honest-hearted ones to make their exit or begin their fade, here's a reminder:
there are a great many fine posts here - and some from 8 years back - detailing how apathetic and perfunctory the organization has become.. and yet, it still stands, doesn't it?.
is there any point to be reached in this apparent 'experiment in sociology' in which they wake up and say 'screw this?
' if they crammed 10 congregations into one hall and stole the money, would any witnesses wake up?
Amen -- great piece of writing.
Len
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is it the pedophile thing, ngo, generation change, blood issue?
what do you think it is?.
To rory-ks -- what a great essay. How could someone so eloquent have become wrapped up in the WTS. I think it's because there are a few -- like you -- who enter the kingdom hall doorway and refuse to hang their brains on the coat rack. Their grey matter remain active while sitting and listening to the droning and boringly repetetive drivel. There's no telling how many of those seats are occupied with those who've already begun to fade but for family sake continue to pretend. Smart phones and tablets help them convert the time into something a bit more constructive.
To Phizzy -- go ahead and make our day.
Len
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is it the pedophile thing, ngo, generation change, blood issue?
what do you think it is?.
it is amazing how bethel is the best at making apostates!
i wonder how many new up and coming apostates the new wt headquarters will generate?.
what nice and fresh stories will surface from the secluded and private wt hub?
Got you covered, Tiktaalik. Your handle brings the number to 85.
Len
within the last few years i understand watchtower has issued a concession (no apology) of minor proportion.
they don't admit to the avalanche of some 8 sequential positions (yes, no, yes, no, ...) of, "will the sodomites receive a resurrection?".
i think they admit to about three of them.
Hi Splash, your list looks exciting. Since they are all 1988 and so we can confirm their sequence can you please list the month and day on the following?
1988 NO Revelation - Its Grand Climax p.273
1988 YES You Can Live Forever... p.179 (Old Edition)
1988 NO You Can Live Forever... p.179 (New Edition)
snarky's version is much more entertaining:.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqluxvfvalm.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu7030iiabu.
Yes, you must use the 360 (lunar) day year to argue with them. You still win, however, based on the above post.
Watchtower, 1960, 4/15 p. 251 par. 18 Part 36—“Your Will Be Done on Earth”
The 1,290 days must be treated from the standpoint of the lunar calendar. Hence divine prophecy treats a month as being thirty days long, on the average.
Len
