Hello Wannaexit,
thanks for your appreciative comment. I'm glad that the 'effort'
like this, can be useful...to uncover a lot of lies.
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
*how does the governing body differ froml a legal corporation?
(b) what were the members of the governing body doing, and under whose guidance?
this was evidently under the guidance of jehovahs invisible active force or holy spirit.
Hello Wannaexit,
thanks for your appreciative comment. I'm glad that the 'effort'
like this, can be useful...to uncover a lot of lies.
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
the watchtower, october 1st 1986 issue, page 30-31, footnote:
the one walking about as a slanderer is uncovering confidential talk, but the one faithful in spirit is covering over a matter.--prov.
the watchtower, april 1st 1971 issue, pages 222-224:.
Hello,
It is me again.
I do believe that these quotes will be useful.
Look how quickly the WTBS Inc. reports on this subject:
*** w97 2/15 p. 3 So Much Suffering ***
We also should not overlook the pain caused by pedophile perverts. Stated one grieving mother, who said her son committed suicide after being abused by a child-care worker: “The man who abused my son . . . destroyed him and a number of other boys in the most systematic, perverted way imaginable.”
*** w94 12/1 p. 6 The 20th-Century Denial of God ***
The clergy have also denied God by turning their backs on his moral standards—as evidenced, for example, by a steady stream of lawsuits against pedophile priests. The situation of Christendom resembles that of ancient Israel and Judah. “The land is filled with bloodshed and the city is full of crookedness,” the prophet Ezekiel was told, “for they have said, ‘Jehovah has left the land, and Jehovah is not seeing.’” (Ezekiel 9:9; compare Isaiah 29:15.) Little wonder that many have abandoned Christendom’s churches altogether! But must they abandon belief in
*** g93 4/8 p. 31 Victims of Pedophile Priests Speak Out ***
“DURING the past decade, some 400 Roman Catholic priests have been reported to church or civil authorities for sexual abuse of children,” according to U.S.News & World Report. Recently, a national gathering of survivors of such abuse was held near Chicago, Illinois. Many spoke openly of how they had been victimized by pedophile priests.
But NCR (National Catholic Reporter) notes that speakers sounded another theme repeatedly throughout the conference: “The first abuse is sexual; the second and more painful, is psychological.” This second abuse occurs when the church refuses to listen to victims of abuse, fails to take their accusations seriously, and moves only to protect the offending priests. “Fairly or unfairly,” NCR reports, “they portrayed Catholic clergy as belonging to an unhealthy and misguided group more bent on preserving privilege and power than in serving lay needs.” Several speakers made ominous comparisons to the Reformation, which split the church wide open in the 16th century.
According to Richard Sipe, a former priest turned psychotherapist and expert on sexual abuse by Catholic clergy, all this institutional denial reveals “a deep, desperate and knowing personal involvement in the problem.” He added: “The church knows and has known for a long time a great deal about the sexual activity of its priests. It has looked the other way, tolerated, covered up and simply lied about the broad spectrum of sexual activity of its priests.”
Not surprisingly, then, many abuse survivors are suing the church. NCR quotes one attorney who specializes in such cases as saying that there are pedophile-priest cases in each of the church’s 188 dioceses in the United States. He says that out-of-court settlements have run as high as $300,000 per case. U.S.News & World Report says that such suits have already cost the church $400,000,000, a figure that could surge to $1 billion by the year 2000. And the Canadian Press reported recently that some 2,000 survivors of childhood sexual abuse in 22 church-run orphanages and mental institutions in Quebec are suing six religious orders for $1.4 billion in damages.
Interestingly, though, the aforementioned U.S. attorney, who represents 150 victims of pedophile priests in 23 states, says that he has never yet had a client who was eager to go to court. Each one first tried to seek justice “within the pastoral context of the church.” NCR concludes: “Survivors go to the courts, it appears, not as a first resort, but as a last resort.”
*** g99 4/8 pp. 6-7 The Crisis Is Worldwide ***
Sexual abuse by pedophiles is another threat to children throughout the world. Trends & Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice gives this definition: “Paedophilia refers to sexual attraction towards the very young. . . . Paedophilia invariably involves the commission of crimes such as sexual assault, indecency and offences relating to child pornography.”
Sickening reports of pedophile rings, which greedily exploit children sexually, are flooding in from all over the world. (See the box on page 7.) The victims are both young boys and young girls. Lured by unscrupulous men, they are sexually abused and then threatened or lavishly spoiled to encourage them to remain with the “club.” The men who plan and perform these vile acts are often prominent leaders of the community and sometimes do so with the full knowledge and protection of the police and the judiciary.
Sexual abuse of children by clergymen is also causing outrage. News reports from all over the world reveal the extent of child abuse by clergymen, sometimes even in the name of God. For example, a convicted Anglican priest told his ten-year-old victim that “God was speaking through him [the clergyman], and anything he did or anything [the boy] did was loved by God and therefore right.”
In Australia a review of the book The Battle and the Backlash: The Child Sexual Abuse War commented on child abuse by clergymen and others in positions of trust. It said that the organizations involved appeared to be concerned with limiting the damage to their own image and protecting themselves rather than protecting vulnerable children.
Devastating Effects
A child’s trust is usually given completely, without reservation. So if that trust is betrayed, it has a devastating impact on an unsuspecting young mind. The publication Child Abuse & Neglect notes: “Persons and places that previously signaled safety or support have become associated with danger and fear. The child’s world becomes less predictable and controllable.”
As a result of such abuse, much of which has gone on for many years, some children have developed social and psychiatric problems later in life, well into adulthood. This betrayal of trust is so damaging because a child has been taken advantage of because he or she is a child. Yet, many children who are abused never report the matter—a fact that child abusers rely heavily on.
In recent years, evidence of worldwide child abuse has been growing, so that today there is a mountain of such evidence that can no longer be denied or ignored. But most agree that the elimination of child abuse is a formidable task. So these questions arise: Is there anyone who can really protect our children? How can those of us who are parents protect our God-given heritage and look after the lives of our vulnerable young children? To whom can parents turn for help?
*** g97 4/8 pp. 13-14 Sexual Exploitation of Children—A Worldwide Problem ***
Religion Involved
A delegate of the Roman Catholic Church at the Stockholm congress declared that exploitation of children is the “most heinous of crimes” and a “result of profound distortion and the breakdowns of values.” Yet, the Catholic Church has been severely affected by such practices among its own clergy.
In the August 16, 1993, issue of Newsweek, an article entitled “Priests and Abuse” reported on “the worst clerical scandal in the modern history of the U.S. Catholic Church.” It stated: “While allegations have been lodged against an estimated 400 priests since 1982, some churchmen extrapolate that as many as 2,500 priests have molested children or teenagers. . . . More than money, the scandal has cost the church severe embarrassment—and some of its moral authority.” Other religions throughout the world are in the same situation.
Ray Wyre, a sex-crime consultant from the United Kingdom, told the Stockholm congress about two boys who had been sadistically abused by a priest. One of the boys is now running an agency for victims of child abuse by priests, and the other is himself an abuser.”
°°°°°°°°°°°
Concerning your question, there is in mho, only a gret answer:
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY to be paid to the thousands of victims
worldwide.
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
the watchtower, october 1st 1986 issue, page 30-31, footnote:
the one walking about as a slanderer is uncovering confidential talk, but the one faithful in spirit is covering over a matter.--prov.
the watchtower, april 1st 1971 issue, pages 222-224:.
Hello Undisfellowshipped,
Thanks for this great post full of important quotes. Very, very useful.
Please allow me to add something, which I do believe is interesting too.
From the WTBS Inc.'s publications:
. 21 Are You Truly Tolerant? ***
HAVE you ever felt incensed because of someone’s improper conduct? Are you quick to act when corrupting influences are making inroads among your close associates?
Prompt and firm action is sometimes required to stop the spread of serious sin. For example, when brazen wrongdoing threatened to defile the Israelites in the 15th century B.C.E., Aaron’s grandson Phinehas took decisive action to clear away what was bad. Jehovah God approved of what he did, saying: “Phinehas . . . has turned back my wrath from upon the sons of Israel by his tolerating no rivalry at all toward me in the midst of them.”—Numbers 25:1-11.
Then, look what kind of real life example the WTBS Inc. highlights :
pp. 21-22 Are You Truly Tolerant? *** Balance Is Needed
Since the Sovereign Lord of the universe displays tolerance in dealing with imperfect humans, should we not do the same? Tolerance has been defined as “the disposition to be patient with the opinions or practices of others.” Do we personally have such a disposition—an inclination to exercise patience and forbearance when others say or do things that are not grossly sinful but perhaps are inappropriate in word or deed?
Of course, we need to avoid being overly tolerant. For instance, terrible damage is done when religious authorities tolerate abusive priests who persistently molest boys and girls.
“Treating the children as occasions of sin,” commented one reporter in Ireland, “the church authorities merely moved on the offending priest [to another location].”
Is just transferring such a man an example of proper tolerance? Hardly! Suppose a medical body allowed an irresponsible surgeon to continue operating, transferring him from one hospital to another, even though he was killing or maiming his patients. A mistaken sense of professional loyalty might produce such “tolerance.” But what about the victims whose lives were lost or adversely affected because of negligent or even criminal practices?
Incredibly , then the WTBS Inc. writes about the Pharisees ,why ??
Let’s read :
*** w01 7/15 p. 22
The first-century Pharisees were another intolerant group. They were constantly condemning others and made no allowance for human imperfection. The proud Pharisees looked down on the common folk, maligning them as “accursed people.” (John 7:49)
For good reason, Jesus denounced such self-righteous men, saying: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you give the tenth of the mint and the dill and the cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the Law, namely, justice and mercy and faithfulness. These things it was binding to do, yet not to disregard the other things.”—Matthew 23:23.
In making this statement, Jesus was not downplaying the importance of keeping the Mosaic Law. He was simply showing that the “weightier,” or more important, aspects of the Law required applying it with reasonableness and mercy. How Jesus and his disciples stood out from the intolerant Pharisees and Zealots !
And look at this part :
*** w01 7/15 p. 23
Unlike Jesus, we lack the ability to read hearts. Hence, we should follow the apostle Peter’s counsel: “Sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you, but doing so together with a mild temper and deep respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) As Jehovah’s servants, we should defend what we believe because it is solidly based on God’s Word. But we need to do this in a way that shows respect for others and for their sincerely held beliefs. Paul wrote: “Let your utterance be always with graciousness, seasoned with salt, so as to know how you ought to give an answer to each one.”—Colossians 4:6.
Surely the WTBS Inc. deliberately ignored statement published in another
« Watchtower « 15 years earlier, which surely allowed no room for tolerance :
*** w86 4/1 pp. 30-31 Questions From Readers ***
· Why have Jehovah’s Witnesses disfellowshipped (excommunicated) for apostasy some who still profess belief in God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ?
Those who voice such an objection point out that many religious organizations claiming to be Christian allow dissident views. Even some clergymen disagree with basic teachings of their church, yet they remain in good standing. In nearly all the denominations of Christendom, there are modernists and fundamentalists who greatly disagree with one another as to the inspiration of the Scriptures.
However, such examples provide no grounds for our doing the same. Why not? Many of such denominations allow widely divergent views among the clergy and the laity because they feel they cannot be certain as to just what is Bible truth. They are like the scribes and Pharisees of Jesus’ day who were unable to speak as persons having authority, which is how Jesus taught. (Matthew 7:29) Moreover, to the extent that religionists believe in interfaith, they are obligated not to take divergent beliefs too seriously.
But taking such a view of matters has no basis in the Scriptures. Jesus did not make common cause with any of the sects of Judaism. Jews of those sects professed to believe in the God of creation and in the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly the Law of Moses. Still, Jesus told his disciples to “watch out . . . for the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:11, 12; 23:15) Note also how strongly the apostle Paul stated matters: “Even if we or an angel out of heaven were to declare to you as good news something beyond what we declared to you as good news, let him be accursed.” Paul then repeated that statement for emphasis.—Galatians 1:8, 9.
Teaching dissident or divergent views is not compatible with true Christianity, as Paul makes clear at 1 Corinthians 1:10: “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (New International Version) At Ephesians 4:3-6 he further stated that Christians should be “earnestly endeavoring to observe the oneness of the spirit in the uniting bond of peace. One body there is, and one spirit, even as you were called in the one hope to which you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all persons.”
Was this unity to be achieved and maintained by each one’s independently searching the Scriptures, (…very bad thing)
coming to his own conclusions, and then teaching these? Not at all! Through Jesus Christ, Jehovah God provided for this purpose “some as apostles, . . . some as evangelizers, some as shepherds and teachers . . . until we all attain to the oneness in the faith and in the accurate knowledge of the Son of God, to a full-grown man.” Yes, with the help of such ministers, congregational unity—oneness in teaching and activity—could be and would be possible.—Ephesians 4:11-13.
Obviously, a basis for approved fellowship with Jehovah’s Witnesses cannot rest merely on a belief in God, in the Bible, in Jesus Christ, and so forth. (why not???)
The Roman Catholic pope, as well as the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, professes such beliefs, yet their church memberships are exclusive of each other. Likewise, simply professing to have such beliefs would not authorize one to be known as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Approved association with Jehovah’s Witnesses requires accepting the entire range of the true teachings of the Bible,
(..up to here…no problem for millions..)
including those Scriptural beliefs that are unique to Jehovah’s Witnesses .
(…here we have a huge problem, with “ those Scriptural
that are unique to Jehovah’s Witnesses and that …can be
modified/changed/added /modified/changed every 2,5,10,25,
30, 40 years and so on without any limit…!)
What do such beliefs include?
That the great issue before humankind is the rightfulness of Jehovah’s sovereignty, which is why he has allowed wickedness so long. (Ezekiel 25:17)
That Jesus Christ had a prehuman existence and is subordinate to his heavenly Father. (John 14:28)
That there is a “faithful and discreet slave” upon earth today ‘entrusted with all of Jesus’ earthly interests,’ which slave is associated with the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. (Matthew 24:45-47)
(…one of the greatest WTBS Inc.’s teaching…deprived of
Scriptural support, which changed few times in over a century)
That 1914 marked the end of the Gentile Times and the establishment of the Kingdom of God in the heavens, as well as the time for Christ’s foretold presence. (Luke 21:7-24; Revelation 11:15–12:10)
(“Christ’s foretold presence in 1914 “ ??? Oh , why then did the
WTBS Inc. publicly preached and taught from 1877 until 1943
that Christ’s presence …began in 1874???
That only 144,000 Christians will receive the heavenly reward. (Revelation 14:1, 3)
That Armageddon, referring to the battle of the great day of God the Almighty, is near. (Revelation 16:14, 16; 19:11-21)
That it will be followed by Christ’s Millennial Reign, which will restore an earth-wide paradise.
That the first to enjoy it will be the present “great crowd” of Jesus’ “other sheep.”—John 10:16; Revelation 7:9-17; 21:3, 4.
Do we have Scriptural precedent for taking such a strict position? Indeed we do! Paul wrote about some in his day: “Their word will spread like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of that number. These very men have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already occurred; and they are subverting the faith of some.” (2 Timothy 2:17, 18; see also Matthew 18:6.) There is nothing to indicate that these men did not believe in God, in the Bible, in Jesus’ sacrifice. Yet, on this one basic point, what they were teaching as to the time of the resurrection, Paul rightly branded them as apostates, with whom faithful Christians would not fellowship.
(What about all those…thousands Christians who taught publicly about “the saints resurrection in 1888…then in 1918 etC etc. Could they, according to the apostle Paul be branded as apostates???)
Similarly, the apostle John termed as antichrists those who did not believe that Jesus had come in the flesh. They may well have believed in God, in the Hebrew Scriptures, in Jesus as God’s Son, and so on. But on this point, that Jesus had actually come in the flesh, they disagreed and thus were termed “antichrist.” John goes on to say regarding those holding such variant views: “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, never receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him. For he that says a greeting to him is a sharer in his wicked works.”—2 John 7, 10, 11.
(Excellent point: variant views from Jesus ‘ teaching and the
apostles’ teaching…but not the teaching, viewpoint, opinion, the
undertanding, up-date understanding , clarification etc. etc. of the
WTBS Inc.!!)
Following such Scriptural patterns, if a Christian (who claims belief in God, the Bible, and Jesus) unrepentantly promotes false teachings, it may be necessary for him to be expelled from the congregation. (See Titus 3:10, 11.)
( Following such Scriptural patterns…thousands and thousands of
‘early Bible Students’, including C.T. Russell, then J.Rutherford etc.
etc. should have been expelled from the congregation
because they were, “ promoting false teachings” subverting
the mind and the heart of …thousands,…actually millions!!!)
Of course, if a person just has doubts or is uninformed on a point, qualified ministers will lovingly assist him. This accords with the counsel: “Continue showing mercy to some that have doubts; save them by snatching them out of the fire.” (Jude 22, 23) Hence, the true Christian congregation cannot rightly be accused of being harshly dogmatic, but it does highly value and work toward the unity encouraged in God’s Word.”
(How can the WTBS Inc escape from the accusation of beingharsh and dogmatic!!!)
In this issue the most important question is:
"...what about the victims whose lives were lost or adversely affected because of negligent or even criminal practices?"
I'm sure that our thoughts are with them.
Greetings, James Charles MacHislopp
reading again this article i couldnt help to notice similarity in
attitude and behaviour, in spiritual matters, between cyril of
alexandria and the wtbs inc., governing body !
Hello everyone,
Reading again this article I couldn’t help to notice similarity in
attitude and behaviour, in spiritual matters, between Cyril of
Alexandria and the WTBS Inc., ‘ governing body ‘ !
Take a look:
*** w01 4/15 The Church Fathers—Advocates of Bible Truth? ***
CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA—A CONTROVERSIAL CHURCH FATHER
One of the most controversial figures among Church Fathers is Cyril of Alexandria (c. 375-444 C.E.). Church historian Hans von Campenhausen describes him as “dogmatic, violent, and cunning, permeated by the greatness of his calling and the dignity of his office,” and adds that “he never considered anything as right unless it was useful to him in the furtherance of his power and authority . . .
Regarding Cyril’s theological writings, Campenhausen says: “He initiated the practice of deciding questions of belief not solely on the basis of the Bible but with the aid of appropriate quotations and collections of quotations from acknowledged authorities.”
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
*how does the governing body differ froml a legal corporation?
(b) what were the members of the governing body doing, and under whose guidance?
this was evidently under the guidance of jehovahs invisible active force or holy spirit.
Hello everyone,
This topic will deal, with the WTBS Inc. , usual habit of paving the
present and the the past with many well written …lies.
Let's take as a reminder, these two quotes published in the year 1971:
*** sg 110 21 Informative Material, Clearly Presented ***
9 Accuracy of statement. Jehovah’s witnesses are an organization of truth. We should want to speak the truth and be absolutely accurate in every detail at all times. This should be so not only as regards doctrine but also in our quotations, what we say about others or how we represent them, also in matters involving scientific data or news events.
and this one, in the year 1994 :
*** w94 1/1 20 The Watchtower and Awake!-Timely Journals of Truth Magazines That Advocate Truth
3 Jehovah is the God of truth. (Psalm 31:5) His Word, the Bible, is a book of truth. (John 17:17) Honesthearted people respond to truth. (Compare John 4:23, 24.) One reason that TheWatchtower and Awake! have touched the hearts of millions of readers is that they are journals of integrity and truth. In fact, it was over the issue of loyalty to Bible truth that TheWatchtower began to be published."
We have received the message: only a few printed lines and already 9 times the word "TRUTH " is literally thrown to the ' reader'!
Now let's test this bold statement and examine its implications , in a very serious matter: the existence of a ' Governing Body'.
Don't worry, just a simple but far reaching declaration. So we advance in time and we arrive to the year 2001 and we can read from an article in "The Watchtower" , the section 'Do You Remember?' the following:
"The Watchtower " April 15 th , 2001 page 29:
*How does the Governing Body differ froml a legal corporation?
While directors of a legal corporation are voted into office by its members , the
Governing Body is not appointed by any man but is appointed by Jesus Christ. There is no need for the directors of the various corporations used by the Jehovah's Witnesses to be members of the Governing Body.. A the recent annual meeting of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, members of the Governing Body who were serving as its directors and officers voluntarily stepped aside from their positions. The vacancies were filled by mature brothers of the "other sheep." (John 10:16) Thus the Governing Body can spend more time in preparing spiritual food and in otherwise caring for the spiritual needs of the worldwide brotherhood.- (1/15, page 29,31).-
Let's go back in time to the year 1999 :
*** w99 2/1 18 Our Treasure in Earthen Vessels ***
18 The year 1938 was crucial in clearly identifying the two classes. The March 15 and April 1, 1938, issues of The Watchtower presented the two-part study “His Flock” and made clear the relative places of the anointed remnant and their companions, the great crowd. Then the June 1 and June 15 issues carried study articles on “Organization,” based on Isaiah 60:17. All congregations were called on to request the Governing Body to appoint local servants, thus bringing in an improved, God-ordained, theocratic arrangement. The congregations did just so."
This article infers, or leads to the assumption that in the year 1938 there was already a 'Governing Body'!
Let's go back another 2 years, in the year 1997 :
*** w97 5/15 17 Theocratic Administration in the Christian Era ***
8 From the incorporation of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania in 1884 until 1972, the president of the Society exercised great authority in Jehovah’s organization, while the Governing Body was closely associated with the Society’s board of directors. The blessings enjoyed during those years prove that Jehovah accepted that arrangement. Between 1972 and 1975, the Governing Body was enlarged to 18 members. Things moved closer to the first-century arrangement when greater authority was invested in this enlarged body, some of whom are directors of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.
Well, things do get a bit confused: from 1884 until 1972, a president with great authority , a ' Governing Body associated with the Society's board of directors and in 1972 ' enlargement ' of 'the Governing Body'.-
There is a need to see a clearer picture so we go back another 3 years, and we arrive to the year 1993.
It is beneficial to take a closer look at the book 'Proclaimers…' published in 1993:
*** jv 228 15 Development of the Organization Structure ***
Then, in 1944, a service assembly was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in connection with the Watch Tower Society’s annual meeting. On September 30, prior to that annual meeting, a series of highly significant talks were given on what the Scriptures say as to the organization of Jehovah’s servants. Attention was focused on the Governing Body. On that occasion it was emphasized that theocratic principle must apply to all the agencies used by the faithful and discreet slave class. It was explained that the legal corporation did not have as members all the “consecrated” people of God. It merely represented them, acting as a legal agency on their behalf. However, inasmuch as the Society was the publishing agent used to provide Jehovah’s Witnesses with literature that contained spiritual enlightenment, the Governing Body was logically and of necessity closely associated with the officers and directors of that legal Society. Were theocratic principles being fully applied in its affairs?
I'm sue that the words that ring loud bells are : '1944' and 'Governing Body'
It looks like things are getting more understandable. Let's take another quote from the same book, only few lines below:
*** jv 228-9 15 Development of the Organization Structure ***
Brother Knorr, the Society’s president, explained: “From the provisions of the Society’s charter, it would seem that the being a part of the governing body was dependent upon the contributions to the legal Society. But according to the will of God this could not be so among his true chosen people.”
It was a fact that Charles Taze Russell, who for the Society’s first 32 years was foremost in the governing body, was financially, physically, and mentally the greatest contributor to the Society.
Now, there is a 'Society's charter '; a 'governing body'; and the fact that
' Charles Taze Russell, who for the Society’s first 32 years was foremost in the governing body'. Are we getting any near or are we getting further away ???
Let's go forward a few pages:
*** jv 234 15 Development of the Organization Structure ***
In the early 1970’s, careful thought was given to further reorganization of the Governing Body. Ever since the incorporation of the Watch Tower Society in 1884, publishing of literature, supervision of the global evangelizing work, and arrangements for schools and conventions had been cared for under the direction of the office of the president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.
Here we have a ' reorganization of the Governing Body' and a reminder that
since 1884, all activities had been cared for ' under the direction of the office of the president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.'
There is an urgent need to go back in time:
*** w90 3/15 14 'The Faithful Slave' and Its Governing Body ***
*** w90 3/15 14 'The Faithful Slave' and Its Governing Body ***
20. (a) How did a modern-day Governing Body appear on the scene? (b) What were the members of the Governing Body doing, and under whose guidance?
20 Supplying information on the development of the modern-day Governing Body, the December 15, 1971, issue of The Watchtower explained: “Five years later [in 1884] Zion’s Watch Tower Tract Society was incorporated and served as an ‘agency’ to minister spiritual food to thousands of sincere persons seeking to know God and to understand his Word . . . Dedicated, baptized, anointed Christians became associated with that Society at headquarters in Pennsylvania. Whether on the Board of Directors or not, they rendered themselves available for special work of the ‘faithful and discreet slave’ class. They aided in the feeding and directing of the slave class, and thus a governing body made its appearance. This was evidently under the guidance of Jehovah’s invisible active force or holy spirit. Also, under the direction of the Head of the Christian congregation, Jesus Christ.”
*** w90 3/15 14 'The Faithful Slave' and Its Governing Body ***
21. (a) Whom did Christ find distributing spiritual food, and how did he reward them? (b) What awaited the faithful slave and its Governing Body?
21 In 1918, when Jesus Christ inspected those claiming to be his slaves, he found an international group of Christians publishing Bible truths for use both inside the congregation and outside in the preaching work. In 1919 it truly turned out to be as Christ had foretold: “Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings.” (Matthew 24:46, 47) These true Christians entered into the joy of their Master. Having shown themselves “faithful over a few things,” they were appointed by the Master to be “over many things.” (Matthew 25:21) The faithful slave and its Governing Body were in place, ready for a widened assignment. How glad we should be that this was so, for loyal Christians are richly benefiting from the devoted work of the faithful slave and its Governing Body
Here we are beginning to receive many interesting informations:
*** there is a modern Governing Body;
***there is a specific article published in 1971 ;
***that a Governing Body made its appearance;
*** that , in the year 1919 'The faithful slave and its
Governing Body were in place' ;
***that , this was evidently under the guidance of Jehovah’s
invisible active force or holy spirit;
***that it was also, under the direction of the Head of the Christian
congregation, Jesus Christ.”
Again patiently but very eagerly, we go back in time to the year 1971,
but remember we are now back in the stream of time 30 years , or
if you prefer 3 decades, let's see what king of gems we'll find .
***1 st precious gem:
*** w71 12/15 755 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***
"The official magazine of Jehovah’s Christian witnesses is The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. In the year 1944 the Watchtower magazine began to speak about the governing body of the Christian congregation. "
***2 nd precious gem:
*** w71 12/15 757 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***
GOVERNING BODY
According to the apostolic example of the first century C.E ., these dedicated, baptized Christians known today as Jehovah’s witnesses have a governing body, as specifically noted from the year 1944 onward. This governing body has through the years been associated with the publishers of the Watch Tower magazine and the Board of Directors of the legal religious corporation now known as Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.
***3 rd precious gem:
*** w71 12/15 757-8 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***
In view of what was presented from the platform by speakers to the “Divine Name” District Assemblies of Jehovah’s witnesses around the earth during the summer of 1971, the question was being asked, Are the directors of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania the same as the governing body of Jehovah’s witnesses, who are an unincorporated body of dedicated, baptized Christians and who worship Jehovah as their God? Also, at the annual corporation meeting of the Watch Tower Society such as that at Buckingham, Pennsylvania, do the members of the Society automatically elect the members of the governing body of Jehovah’s witnesses by electing the members of the Society’s Board of Directors? Such questions interested those attending the meeting.
***4 th precious gem:
*** w71 12/15 758 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***
Hence the question arises, Can this majority of voters who are made up of such “other sheep,” by voting in the directors of the Watch Tower Society, at the same time be voting in the members of the anointed governing body of the “faithful and discreet slave” class? Scripturally, they could not do so. Not just because they are not anointed heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ, but because the governing body of the “slave” class is not appointed by any man. It is appointed by the same one who appointed the twelve apostles in the first century C.E., namely, Jesus Christ the Head of the true Christian congregation and the Lord and Master of the “faithful and discreet slave” class.—John 15:16, 19.
***5 th precious gem:
*** w71 12/15 758-9 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***
The governing body does not have officers such as the Society’s Board of Directors has, namely, president, vice-president, secretary-treasurer and assistant secretary-treasurer. It has merely a chairman, such as the governing body of the first century had. Apparently, the apostle Peter was the chairman of the governing body on the festival day of Pentecost of 33 C.E., and the disciple James, the half brother of Jesus Christ, was the chairman at a later date, according to the account in Acts of Apostles. From this, and from what historical evidence there is available, the chairmanship of the governing body rotated, just the same as the chairmanship of the presbytery or “body of elders” of each Christian congregation rotated among the coequal elders.—1 Tim. 4:14.
***6 th precious gem:
*** w71 12/15 759-60 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***
How is it, then, that members of the governing body come to be directors of the Pennsylvania corporation? This is according to the will of the voting members of the Watch Tower Society. They choose to be guided by God’s inspired Word. They look to Jehovah God through Jesus Christ to direct them in this matter of voting for the Society’s directors. From the Society’s present-day Charter (as amended in 1944) the Society as a legal corporation is merely an “administrative agency” of Jehovah’s witnesses. Hence, also, of the governing body of Jehovah’s witnesses. So the Society’s voting members see that this governing body could most directly use that “administrative agency” as an instrument in behalf of the work of the “faithful and discreet slave” class by having members of the governing body on the Board of Directors of the Society. They recognize that the Society is not the administrative body, but is merely an agency for administering matters.
***7 th precious gem:
*** w71 12/15 760 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation *** HOW THE GOVERNING BODY CAME TO EXIST
How did this governing body make its appearance in recent times? Evidently under the direction of Jehovah God and his Son Jesus Christ. According to the facts available, the governing body became associated with the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania . C. T. Russell was patently of that governing body back there in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. Being fully dedicated to God through Christ, he set himself to apply his time, energy, abilities, wealth and influence to defending God’s inspired Word and spreading its message.
Please notice:
a) "How did this governing body make its appearance in recent times? Evidently under the direction of Jehovah God and his Son Jesus Christ."
b) "C. T. Russell was patently of that governing body back there in the last quarter of the nineteenth century." !!!
***8 th precious gem:
*** w71 12/15 761 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***
Dedicated, baptized, anointed Christians became associated with that Society at headquarters in Pennsylvania. Whether on the Board of Directors or not, they rendered themselves available for special work of the “faithful and discreet slave” class.
They aided in the feeding and directing of the slave class, and thus a governing body made its appearance. This was evidently under the guidance of Jehovah’s invisible active force or holy spirit. Also, under the direction of the Head of the Christian congregation, Jesus Christ the Son of God.
True, the members of that governing body were not directly appointed by the Lord Jesus Christ.
For that matter, not all the members of the governing body associated with the Jerusalem congregation in the first century were thus directly appointed. How, then, were those “elders” of the Jerusalem congregation who were not numbered among the twelve apostles made members of the governing body? Evidently by appointment of the original twelve apostles, acting under the guidance of Jehovah’s holy spirit.
Please notice:
a) " Dedicated, baptized, anointed Christians became associated with that Society at headquarters in Pennsylvania." It is very clear that this is referring to :
"…the last quarter of the nineteenth century."!
b) "… thus a governing body made its appearance."
c) " This was evidently under the guidance of Jehovah’s invisible active force or holy spirit."
d) "Also, under the direction of the Head of the
Christian congregation, Jesus Christ the Son of God."
NOW THE FIREWORKS:
e) " True, the members of that governing body
were not directly appointed by the Lord
Jesus Christ. "
Oh, my dear what have said??? Excuse me can you repeat??
Well, 30 years after the above statement …..e) became:
"The Watchtower " April 15 th , 2001 page 29:
*How does the Governing Body differ froml a legal corporation?
While directors of a legal corporation are voted into office by its members ,
the Governing Body is not appointed by any man but
is appointed by Jesus Christ."
Btw, notice please that now , the 'governing body', has became also
"Governing Body' !!!
Just the last one:
**9 th precious gem:
*** w71 12/15 761 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***
This is illustrated by the action of those twelve apostles when appointing Stephen and Philip and five other men to take care of certain business of the Jerusalem congregation. (Acts 6:1-8) Also, the apostle Paul pointed out in his remarks to the elders of the Ephesus congregation that the overseers of God’s flock of spiritual sheep were appointed by God’s holy spirit. (Acts 20:28) Thus, too, even though there were no apostles of Christ on hand in the nineteenth century, God’s holy spirit must have been operative toward the formation of the governing body for his anointed remnant of the “faithful and discreet slave” class. The facts speak for themselves . There came on the scene a body of anointed Christians who accepted and undertook the responsibilities of governing the affairs of Jehovah’s dedicated, baptized, anointed people who were following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and endeavoring to fulfill the work stated in Jesus’ prophecy at Matthew 24:45-47. Facts speak louder than words. The governing body is there. Thankfully Jehovah’s Christian witnesses know and assert that this is no one-man religious organization, but that it has a governing body of spirit-anointed Christians."
Well, for now this is the end of " a long and dusty road…"!
I do hope that you've enjoyed this walk .
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
" Nescit vox missa reverti" ( Horatius, ars poetica, 390)
****A word, once spoken, cannot be recalled back .
well, stefan raab is a famous german singer and comedian, maybe comparable to tom green.
he usually harasses big events and let the people there look a little stupid.
he even it made to represent germany at the european song contest with a song that made no sense at all.
Hello GermanJW,
a brilliant idea! I do hope that he'll go to a District Conventio.
Please, keep us informed.
Thanks, J.C.MacHislopp
ii - published by the wtbs inc. in the year 2001)
according to the book jehovahs witnesses in the divine purpose,
according to the book jehovahs witnesses in the divine purpose,
Hello everyone,
Thanks for the comments and the appreciative remarks. The WTBS Inc. is really
a fountain of bubbling… lies!
Room 215 : “ This apparent ``frankness' and ``com,ing clean," of course is a cynical tactic used by the writers to ``inoculate' the rank and file with small doses of the real facts, in view of the rampant disclosures of such historic facts available to anyone who cared to type ``Watchtower" and ``Jehovah's Witnesses" into an internet search engine.”
I do agree with you. The Internet is spreading rapidily and to millions world wide
many true facts and uncovering masses of lies …published by WTBS Inc. over a
period of more than 100 years.
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
ii - published by the wtbs inc. in the year 2001)
according to the book jehovahs witnesses in the divine purpose,
according to the book jehovahs witnesses in the divine purpose,
Hello everyone,
Let’s take a – deeper look – to some portions of
the book “Isaiah’s Prophecy- Light for all mankind “
(vol. II - published by the WTBS Inc. in the year 2001)
‘ Congregation’s book study’ for the week beginning the 3 rd March 2003
*** ip-2 chap. 13 pp. 189-190 “Cry Out Joyfully in Unison”! ***
17 In the modern-day fulfillment, the watchman class, “the faithful and discreet slave,” raises its voice not just to the ones who are already in God’s visible organization but also to outsiders. (Matthew 24:45-47) A call went out to gather in the remaining ones of the anointed in 1919, and in 1922 the call was intensified at the Cedar Point, Ohio, convention with the appeal to “advertise, advertise, advertise, the King and his kingdom.”
*1 st big lie
According to the book “ Jehovah’s witnesses in the divine purpose”,
published in 1959, by the WTBS Inc., page 95 , the last paragraph reads:
“ Some insisted on living in the past, in the time of Pastor Russell, when the brothers
in general had viewed his as the sole channel of Scriptural enlightenment.
It was the published and accepted thought down till 1927 that he was “that servant”
of Matthew 24:45 (°) w. 1927, pp.55,56
So the’ watchman class’ , “the faithful and discreet slave,” DID NOT exist until the printing
the article in “The Watchtower “ 1927 pp.55,56 .-
*2 nd big lie
According to the book “ Jehovah’s witnesses in the divine purpose”,
published in 1959, the WTBS Inc., page101 –103 , on “ The Day”
Friday, September 8 th , 1922, at Cedar Point ,Ohio (USA)
(from page 101)
“Brother Rutherford delivered a historic lecture on the subject :
“The Kingdom” . He said: Why has the King come?…
The physical facts, then clearly show that the day of preparation was
from 1874 forward…that the day of preparation ended in 1914; and
that in 1918 , or thereabouts, the Lord came to his temple.
In 1878 God’s favor was withdrawn from the nominal systems.”
(from page 102 of the same book)
Thus we see that those of the temple class are clearly designated
as the Lord’s witnesses at this time, to bring a message of consolatioon
to the people, that the Kingdom of the heaven is here, and that millions
now living will never die.
(from page 102 of the same book)
…Do you believe it? Do you believe that the King of glory is present, and has been
since 1874 ? Do you believe that during that time he has conducted his harvest work?
Do you believe that he has had during that time a faithful and wise servant through whom
he directed his work and the feeding of the household of faith? …
Then back to the field, O ye sons of the most high God! Gird on your armo! Be sober,
be vigilant, be active, be brave. Be faithful and true witness for the Lord. …
Herald the message far and wide. The world must know that Jehovah is God and
that Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. This is the day of all days. Behold
the King reigns! You are his publicity agents. Therefore advertise, advertise, advertise
the King and his kingdom. (°) w. 1922, pp. 335-337)
How could the’ watchman class’ , “the faithful and discreet slave,” be chosen in 1914,revived in 1919, when J.Rutherford publicly stated, in the year 1922, that :
*** The King of glory is present, and has been since 1874 and… he has had during that time a faithful and wise servant through whom he directed his work and the feeding of the household of faith? …
***The false taching about Jesus’s presence since 1874, lasted almost .. 66 years!!!
*** jv chap. 10 pp. 133-134 Growing in Accurate Knowledge of the Truth ***
In 1876, when Russell had first read a copy of Herald of the Morning, he had learned that there was another group who then believed that Christ’s return would be invisible and who associated that return with blessings for all families of the earth. From Mr. Barbour, editor of that publication, Russell also came to be persuaded that Christ’s invisible presence had begun in 1874. (°)Attention was later drawn to this by the subtitle “Herald of Christ’s Presence,” which appeared on the cover of Zion’s Watch Tower.
(°) footnote
This was influenced by the belief that the seventh millennium of human history had begun in 1873 and that a period of divine disfavor (of equal length to a former period considered to be one of favor) upon natural Israel would end in 1878. The chronology was flawed because of relying on an inaccurate rendering of Acts 13:20 in the King James Version, belief that there was a transcription error at 1 Kings 6:1, and failure to take into account Biblical synchronisms in the dating of reigns of the kings of Judah and of Israel. A clearer understanding of Biblical chronology was published in 1943, in the book “The Truth Shall Make You Free,” and it was then refined the following year in the book “The Kingdom Is at Hand,” as well as in later publications.
*3 rd big lie
*** ip-2 chap. 13 p. 191 “Cry Out Joyfully in Unison”! ***
20 In these “last days,” Jehovah has bared his holy arm in order to revive the anointed remnant, the “two witnesses” of the book of Revelation. (2 Timothy 3:1; Revelation 11:3, 7-13) Since 1919, these have been brought into a spiritual paradise, the spiritual estate that they now share with millions of their associates, the other sheep.”
*** ip-2 chap. 13 p. 193 “Cry Out Joyfully in Unison”! ***
23 This was particularly true of those anointed followers of Jesus Christ who fled Babylon the Great in 1919. They progressively cleansed themselves of all traces of false worship. (Isaiah 8:19, 20; Romans 15:4)
The book states very clearly : “They progressively cleansed themselves of all traces of false worship”
Let’s see how true was this progressive cleansing , from 1919 and many, many years after and please, bear in mind that this material has been published in the year 2001, which means more that 82 years after the events of 1919 "!
A good source is the same old (1959) book:
"Jehovah's Witnesss in the Divine purpose "
published by the WTBS Inc.
There on page 91 it is written the situation and even
the "uncleanliness " of " the early Bible students"
***Believed that there were certain saving qualities in their self-merit;
**Were guilty of creature worship;
**They had a democratic form of 'election 'for
congregational oversight (elders and deacons);
**Had an incorrect view of the " higher powers "
mentioned in Romans 13:1;
Furthermore the " early Bible Students "
***Celebrated " pagan " holydays such as Christmas , for decades:
" Proclaimers' book, published in 1993:
*** jv 198-9 14 "They Are No Part of the World" ***WhentheWorldHadItsHolidays
When Jehovahs Witnesses cast aside religious teachings that had pagan roots, they also quit sharing in many customs that were similarly tainted. But for a time, certain holidays were not given the careful scrutiny that they needed. One of these was Christmas.
This holiday was celebrated yearly even by members of the Watch Tower Societys headquarters staff at the Bethel Home in Brooklyn, New York. For many years they had been aware that December 25 was not the correct date, but they reasoned that the date had long been popularly associated with the birth of the Savior and that doing good for others was proper on any day. However, after further investigation of the subject, the members of the Societys headquarters staff, as well as the staffs at the Societys branch offices in England and in Switzerland, decided to stop sharing in Christmas festivities, so no Christmas celebration was held there after 1926.
***Celebrated birthdays , for decades:
*** jv 200 14 "They Are No Part of the World" ***
In their Daily Manna book, Bible Students kept a list of birthdays. But after they quit celebrating Christmas and when they realized that birthday celebrations were giving undue honor to creatures (one reason that early Christians never celebrated birthdays), the Bible Students quit this practice too."
***Taught , for decades that the Great Pyramid
was a strong and corroborative witness to Gods plan ;
From the "Proclaimers" A book, published by the WTBS Inc., in 1993 -
*** jv 200 14 "They Are No Part of the World" *** (publ. 1993)
For some 35 years, Pastor Russell thought that the Great Pyramid of Gizeh was Gods stone witness, corroborating Biblical time periods. (Isa. 19:19)
But Jehovahs Witnesses have abandoned the idea that an Egyptian pyramid has
anything to do with true worship.
(See Watchtower issues of November 15 and December 1, 1928)
But of course, another 7 years passed and the WTBS Inc. gave an entirely
different picture , about the matter , in the pages of The Watchtower , 1st January 2000, pages 9-10 16-17 :
Some Bible Students became engrossed with measuring different
features of the pyramid to determine such matters as the day they would be going to heaven ! This so-called Bible in Stone was held in esteem for some decades , until the Watchtower issues of November 15th and December 1st, 1928, made clear that Jehovah needed no stone monument built by pagan pharaohs and containing demonic signs of astrology to confirm the witness given in the Bible.
Many things were written, and publicly taught , for many years
after 1919, in the 128- pages book :
" Millions Now Living Will Never Die "
like the expectations abouth the year 1925 :
From the Yearbook 1980 , page 62 :
The book Millionshad been widely used in the French field since 1921 and on the basis of its contents, much was expectedof 1925. But when 1925 came and went without the anticipated happening coming to pass, those on the outside who had read the book made fun of the brothers. Worse still, the faith of some of the brothers themselves was shaken.
Some expected to go to heaven that year."
Concerning the publicity given , the book :
"Jehovah's Witnesss in the Divine purpose "
published by the WTBS Inc. , in 1959 , page 140
stated :
..the campaign Millions Now Living Will Never Die
from 1918 to 1921 was a step in the direction of reaching this
class destined one day to populate the earth.
As a further proof, read what was written , even in the year 1919,
there is a good one in:
" The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence "
December 15 th , 1919 n 24 Vol. XL, page 373:
"The public seems eager to know something about the times in which we are living and the meaning of all these wonderful phenomena. It a great comfort to the hearts of many people to hear the message ,
" Millions Now Living Will Never Die," which the Lord's people can confidently " announce, knowing that many of the generation now upon the earth shall not pass away bu live on until the Lord's Kingdom is fully established . They have in mind the words of the Master that ' were not the days of tribulation shortened there would be no flesh saved , but that for the elect's sake much flesh will be saved'; and that thus these millions will be brought through the time of trouble and have the opportunity of accepting the blessing of life under the terms of the New Covenant."
In conclusion, it looks like this progressive cleansing, since 1919, lasted many years, even decades and yet, just to quote one ex. in the early seventies…the gb decided to give to smokers “6 months” to get rid of the bad habit or else been disfellowhipped and be considered worthy of “everlasting destruction”!!
As for the R&F for this week “congregation book study’ how could someone memorize or have ready for research texts published in the year 1993 , referring to changes made in the year 1943 , and relating to event dating 1914-1919 ???
Yet the WTBS Inc. still claims to speak “ words of truth”!
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
the watchtower of february 15, 2003 page 19, paragraph 6 under the heading "attending as respectful observers" states:.
"should those now doing good to the remnant of the 144,000 brothers of christ partake of the lord's evening meal?
according to the wts, the "other sheep" are not joint heirs.
Hello Artful,
thanks for the reply. Btw I'm preparing also something of the same book.
Probably I'l post it later. I do hope that it won't be the same material.
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
folks: our beloved member of this forum: ozziepost - is not well.
i figured, let's send one of our favourite aussies, a forum get-well card.
ozzie: get well mate, and look forward to you being in the best of health, complete with happiness and a post or two validating your return to complete wellness.
Hello,
to Ozziepost : I wish all the best for a quick recovery.
Although thousands of miles away ..
near to you and your wife.
All the best, from the heart,
James Charles MacHislopp