Hello AnnOMaly,
thanks for you comment. I'll check the reference you have given in my database and I'll come back on it.
Greetings,
J.C. MacHislopp
MacHislopp
JoinedPosts by MacHislopp
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38
WTBS INC Annual meeting i.e. food for thoughts.
by MacHislopp infollowing recent posts, articles, blogs (thanks cedar and others for their excellent work) i would like to contribute something, to show the hypocrisy and the constant doctrinal changes of the society.. .
to begin:.
qualified to be ministers (1955) p.156 par.
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38
WTBS INC Annual meeting i.e. food for thoughts.
by MacHislopp infollowing recent posts, articles, blogs (thanks cedar and others for their excellent work) i would like to contribute something, to show the hypocrisy and the constant doctrinal changes of the society.. .
to begin:.
qualified to be ministers (1955) p.156 par.
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MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
As p^romised I’m contionue the topic providing information, statements and references. I’ll deal with it by parts and the following is part one:
“The Inspection”
To start an interesting reminder
*** w99 3/15 12 Pay Constant Attention to Your Teaching ***
Learn to do careful research. By learning to trace all things with accuracy, you can avoid exaggerations and inaccuracies when youteach.Luke 1:3.
***Statement to be proved:
.1***
The Slave Class was only appointed for the first time by Christ in 1919.
From (GB ) speaker Guy Pearce - October 6 th 2012 -
Now comes the question: in which year?
Should we accept from thhe Society this one?
*** w72 2/1 79 Fully Accepting the Challenge of Jehovah's Service ***
The Naomi remnant came into a condition like that, particularly in the year 1918,when they were, in a sense, exiled from Jehovah Gods favor. In that year Jehovah God came to his temple suddenly, accompanied by the messenger of the covenant, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Or this one?
*** ka 351 17 The "Slave" Who Lived to See the "Sign" ***
Did he find that body of Christian slaves disregarding the unpopularity of the world and seeking to be pleasing to their Master by doing what he had appointed to be done during his absence? He must have found them so, according to the way the inspection, begun in 1919, has affected his decision since. His actions, his dealings with his Christian slaves, speak louder than words.
Or this one?
*** yb75 88 United States of America (Part One)
Jehovah and his messenger of the covenant, Jesus Christ, came to inspect the spiritual temple in 1918 C.E. Judgment then began with the house of God and a period of refining and cleansing commenced. (Mal. 3:1-3; 1 Pet. 4:17)
Or this one ?
*** w83 9/15 19-20 "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism" ***
Since the master found the remaining ones of this body faithfully and discreetly giving out food supplies when he arrived for inspection in 1919,he appointed them over all his belongings. (Luke 12:42-44)
Or this one?
*** re 31 6 Unlocking a Sacred Secret * (pub. 1988)**
Thus, when the Lords day dawned in October 1914, there were still true Christians on earth. (Revelation 1:10) It appears that Jehovah came to his spiritual temple for judgment about three and a half years later, in 1918, accompanied by Jesus as his messenger of the covenant. (Malachi 3:1; Matthew 13:47-50)
Or to keep everyone happy this one?
*** w043/1p.17par.19‘TheFaithfulSlave’PassestheTest!
19 Of course, the majority of those who were to become Christ’s anointed slaves during the time of the end were not yet serving Jehovah when Jesus began his inspection in 1918. Did they miss out on the inspection? Not at all. The inspection process only began in 1918/19 when the faithful and discreet slave as a classpassed the test. Individual anointed Christians continue under inspection until their sealing is made permanent. (Revelation 7:1-3)
After all the Society i.e. the “ Governing Body” should know? Since they claimed this:
*** w60 7/15 444
Staying Awake with the "Faithful and Discreet Slave" ***
At the 1958 Divine Will International Assembly amazing advance information in connection with Daniel’s prophecy was given about events to occur in the immediate future. Such evidence of spiritual foresight is recorded for us in the book “Your Will Be Done on Earth.” Once again the “faithful and discreet slave” has been tipped off ahead of time for the guidance of all lovers of God"
Oh, I’m sorry because 38 years later the Society i.e. the
“Governing Body” wrote the following:
*** w 98 9/15 10 Times and Seasons in Jehovah's Hands ***
3 Two things can be deduced from the way Jesus answered questions relating to when things would occur in fulfillment of God’s purpose.
First, that Jehovah has a timetable; and second, that he alone fixes it, and his servants cannot expect to be given precise advance informationof his times or seasons."
As a matter of fact , how can you believe about “ Jesus Christ’s inspection” when those inspected wrote 12 years after the “ inspection” :
LIGHT, Vol. 1 (1930) chapt. VI page 187 by
J.F. Rutherford
Such affords an opportunity for the child of God to show his willingness to obey and follow whithersoever the Lord leads.
It was in 1922 that the people of God first had an understanding that the Lord had come to his temple in 1918. The Lord Jesus, the great Judge, is the One
And it was not a misteke in writing because those “ inspected” wrote again about that event in the year 1933, 15 years after the “ inspection” :
This corresponds to the condition amongst God’s people from
1918 to 1922, probably before the general convention of the latter year at Cedar Point, Ohio. It was when the Lord’s covenant people saw that Christ the great Inspector General had come to the temple that they cried out:“Save now, I beseech thee, 0 Lord: 0 Lord, I beseeeh thee, send now prosperity.” (Ps. 118: 25) It was in 1922 that God’s covenant people became aware of their own negligence in connection with the building of the antitypical temple. It was then that the Lord spoke words of comfort to them and they rejoiced, sceing that Jehovah’s anger had turned away from them.(Isa. 12: 1-4; 61: 1-3)
The Watchtower August 31 st 1933 pages 231-232 par. 25th
And wrote again about that event in the year 1943 , i.e. 25 years after the “ inspection” :
‘The truth shall make you free’ ’ 1943, page 302)
”…the major fulfillment of Malachi’s prophecy fixes the spring of A.D. 1918 as the time when the King Christ Jesus came to the temple.
… Christ’s coming to the temple in 1918 was entirely unexpected, even to his devoted faithful followers. The truth of his coming then was first discerned by the Scriptures and by the fulfillments of prophecy after the event, namely , first in 1922.”
It understandable that on such Orwellian basis, one cannot accept the “inspection” event as a real event.
That’all for now. Any comment is welcome
Greetings, J.C. MachHislopp
PS Part two will follow shortly.
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70
New Governing Body Member: Hugo Riemer - More WT Revisionist History
by 00DAD inas part of the wt's recent push to get the r&f "to study and recount the history of the earthly part of jehovahs organization" there is a curious article in the from our archives featurette of the august 15th, 2012 watchtower.
it offers a highly sanitized version of early jw history.
but what is particularly strange is this revisionist history re-categorizing of an early bible student/jw, one hugo riemer.
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MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
Just to say a good post 00DAD. I would like to add the following material to prove that brother Hugo H. Riemer was neve quoited by the Society’s literature , as a member of the “ Governing Body “ until the article on the W 2012 8/15, page 31 - From Our Archives - [.
Brother Hugo H. Riemer is quoted (years 1939/40) as an “American citizen.
*** yb80pp.89-90France***
THE “PHONYWAR”PERIOD
During these early months of the war, from September 1939 to May 1940, little military activity was going on between the French and the Germans. It was the period called the “Phony War,” the beginning of a time of real tests for the brothers. Many, especially in northern France, and also in Alsace, were put in prison.
Louis Piéchota, who after the war served as a circuit and district servant, along with five other
….The Paris office building had been rented, so there was no real problem there. And the Bethel home in Enghien had wisely been placed in the name of Hugo Riemer, an American citizen, so it was safeguarded and continued to be used by the brothers throughout the war.
Brother Hugo H. Riemer is mentioned as a member of the Board of Directors in
mid 1950’s
*** jvchap.8p.100DeclaringtheGoodNewsWithoutLetup(1942-1975)*** (published in the year 1992)
[Picture onpage100]
Board of directors of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, in mid-1950’s. (From left to right) Lyman A. Swingle, Thomas J. Sullivan, Grant Suiter, Hugo H. Riemer, Nathan H. Knorr, Frederick W. Franz, Milton G. Henschel
Brother Hugo H. Riemer is quoted along with brother Albert Schroeder in the
Year 1951 – nothing else is added to any of them.
*** w015/1p.26PressingOninJehovah’sWayIsOurStrengthandJoy***
A BigSurprise
On November 1, 1951, we started pioneering together. Two years later, at a convention in Toledo, Ohio, Brothers Hugo Riemer and Albert Schroeder spoke to a group of pioneers interested in missionary service. We were among them. We were encouraged to continue pioneering in Cleveland, but the very next month, we received a big surprise—an invitation to attend the 23rd class of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead, starting in February 1954!
Brother Hugo H. Riemer is quoted just as a member of “ the headquarters family of Jehovah’s Witnesses “ - year 1955
*** w997/1pp.25-26FromExtremePovertytotheGreatestofRiches***
Benefited byShowingHospitality
Even though Edminia and I were limited financially, our door was always open to our Christian brothers. In 1955 a pioneer, as full-time evangelizers of Jehovah’s Witnesses are called, stopped in Portugal while en route from his home in Brazil to the international “Triumphant Kingdom” Assembly in Germany. Because of transportation problems, he stayed in our home for a month, and how we benefited spiritually from his visit!
Other visitors to our home at that time included members of the headquarters family of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Brooklyn, New York, such as Hugo Riemer and his roommate Charles Eicher. They had dinner with us and gave talks to the Portuguese brothers. Like newly hatched chicks with opened beaks, we waited for the juicy spiritual tidbits that such ones provided.
So it is clear up to the year 1955 brother Hugo H. Riemer was never quoted as a member of the “Governing Body” and brother A. Schroeder, mentioned in the above quote of 1955, began to serve on the Governing Body, in the year 1974.
So how is it that in the year 2012 i.e. 57 years later he is quoted the August 15 th
Watchtower article “…who later became a member of the Governing Body”.
I would like also, to add something else.
To Processor you have stated that “They have talked of a "Governing Body" BEFORE 1971 for decade
Yes it true the Society has used the term “governing Body” when referring to event in the past i.e. 20,40,60,80, years ago but the reality will show everyone that such “entity” , “body” did not exist until officially :
From the book
" RICHES " by J.F. Rutherford (publishers WTBS in 1936)page 80:
" The Roman Catholic Hierarchy , the governing body, together with the clergy of the other denominations, claims to be the representatives of God and the ones to whom the right is delegated to proclaim his Word."
"…The Roman Catholic Hierarchy , that governing religious-political body , has misled and greatly deceive millions of honest persons."
and also pages 228-229:
"The Roman Catholic Hierarchy is defined in its own pubblications as follows :" The Catholic Hierarchy, or the governing body of the Catholic Church, consists of His Holiness the Supreme Pontiff, assisted by the SacredCollege of Cardinals and by several Sacred Congregations, or permanent ecclesiastical committee,of which the Cardinals are the chief members; by the Patriarchs, Archibishops and Bishops; by the ApostolicNuncios and Delegates, Vicars and Prefects, and by certain Abbots and other Prelates."
Yet only 8 years later , something happened and it was related only in the year 1971 i.e. 27 years later:
*** 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.”
*** 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. “
I do hope that this material will be useful.
Greetings to all,
J.C.MacHislopp
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38
WTBS INC Annual meeting i.e. food for thoughts.
by MacHislopp infollowing recent posts, articles, blogs (thanks cedar and others for their excellent work) i would like to contribute something, to show the hypocrisy and the constant doctrinal changes of the society.. .
to begin:.
qualified to be ministers (1955) p.156 par.
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MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
To Indian Larry, Cofty t , and Tresdecu thanks for you appreciative comment
Wildelover thanks and take courage foir your …battle
Somebody/gwen It is nice to read from you. We have been here, quite a long time. The post you are referring too, was in 2003 Thanks for your comment. By the way, I’ll continuing on this topic . I have prepared some more interesting material.
Minimus thanks for the remark. I’ll give yuou my view point.
Greetings to all,
J.C.MacHislopp
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38
WTBS INC Annual meeting i.e. food for thoughts.
by MacHislopp infollowing recent posts, articles, blogs (thanks cedar and others for their excellent work) i would like to contribute something, to show the hypocrisy and the constant doctrinal changes of the society.. .
to begin:.
qualified to be ministers (1955) p.156 par.
-
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MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
Just to continue. Jadda I do agree with you. In certain part of the world they would say that the Society shot themselves... in the foot (again)
Wannaextit : I haven’t been well for quite a while and sometimes posting in the other forum (Support) because I did loose my papers with codes. Now I’m better…slowly but steadily. Thanks for your interest.
Now the …usual reminders:l
*** yb11p.13HighlightsofthePastYear***
In summary, the Writing Department insists on using only material that is accurate and truthful, even regarding seemingly insignificant details. As a result, “the faithful and discreet slave” can consistently supply spiritual food that brings honor to “the God of truth,” Jehovah.—Ps. 31:5.
***1992
*** sgstudy21p.110pars.9-10InformativeMaterial,ClearlyPresented***
9 Accuracyofstatement.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.
10 Wrong statements delivered to an audience may be repeated and the error magnified. Inaccuracies that are recognized by an audience raise questions as to the authority of the speaker on other points, perhaps even calling in question the truth of the message itself.
*** w72 8/15 p. 501 God Readjusts the Thinking of His People ***
Does this bring into question the basic principles of their teachings?
Not at all. Jehovah’s witnesses do not claim infallibility. They are being taught by God. (Isa. 54:13) Never will they know all things, but they will continually be learning from the inexhaustible wisdom of God as they walk in his truth.
*** w109/15p.13par.8UnityIdentifiesTrueWorship***
8 Similarly today, a Governing Body composed of spirit-anointed Christians contributes to the unity of the worldwide congregation. The Governing Body publishes spiritually encouraging literature in many languages. This spiritual food is based on God’s Word.Thus, what is taught is not from men but from Jehovah.—Isa. 54:13.
and :
*** w765/15p.298PreachingChrist—ThroughEnvyorGoodwill?***
It is a serious matter to represent God and Christ in one way, then find that our understanding of the major teachings and fundamental doctrines of the Scriptures was in error, and then after that, to go back to the very doctrines that, by years of study, we had thoroughly determined to be in error. Christians cannot be vacillating—‘wishy-washy’—about such fundamental teachings. What confidence can one put in the sincerity or judgment of such persons?
Here below, just to prove what a bunch of liars the Society is I’m giving one of the greatest example. (inho) It concerns the various Society’s statements made during 77 years (from 1934 until 2011) about the “ time of the end” . Please keep in mind that :” what is taught is not from men but from Jehovah” :
“Universal war is absolutely certain to come and that soon, and no power can stop it.... During the few remaining months until the breaking of that universal cataclysm the powers that rule the nations of the earth will continue to make treaties...”
from the booklet .” Universal War Near” , pages 26, 27 - J.F. Rutherford.- published by the WTB&T Society in 1934
“Cartons of Children that had been deposited in The Arena were now opened,.... Receiving the gift, the marching children clasped it to them, not a toy or plaything for idle pleasure, but the Lord's provided instrument for most effective work in the remaining months before Armageddon.”
from The Watchtower, September 15, 1941 page 288.
"Armageddon is surely near.... Our hope is that within a few years our marriage may be consummated and, by the Lord's grace, we shall have sweet children that will be an honor to the Lord. We can well defer our marriage until lasting peace comes to the earth. “
From the book “ Children,” page 366 - J.F. Rutherford - published by the WTBT Society in 1942
*w 1950 1/15 22 Who Will Share in the Final Witness? ***
MEN say that history repeats itself. The history of past divine warnings and executed judgments will, for God's Word says that "it all happened to them by way of warning for others, and it was written down for the purpose of instructing us whose lot has been cast in the closing hours of the world". (1 Cor. 10:11, Moffatt)
*w 1950 8/1p.227 Serving with the Servant ***
Such Kingdom interests must be guarded, watched and increased amid the turbulence of this world's closing years. Nor would any human or demon attraction or the confused events occurring in these fateful days succeed in diverting the faithful stewards from their service.
*** w685/1p.272par.7MakingWiseUseoftheRemainingTime***
7 The immediate future is certain to be filled with climactic events, for this old system is nearing its complete end. Within a few years at most the final parts of Bible prophecy relative to these “last days” will undergo fulfillment, resulting in the liberation of surviving mankind into Christ’s glorious 1,000-year reign. What difficult days, but, at the same time, what grand days are just ahead!
*w 1958 8/1 464 Calling the Members of the Kingdom of Heaven ***
If any of the remnant now in attendance at the room for the wedding ceremonies fall out for failure to keep on the wedding garment, others will be brought in by the King to take their places. Seeing that we are now in the closing years of this present system of things, that process may be about completed.
*w 1968 8/15/1968 pages 499-501
This is, therefore, no time to be indifferent and complacent. This is not the time to be toying with the words of Jesus that 'concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father.' To the contrary, it is a time when one should be keenly aware that the end of this system of things is rapidly coming to its violent end. ".
*** w705/1p.267 KeepCloseinMind“TheConclusionoftheSystemofThings”***
HOW DOWEKNOW?
9 ....There are quite a number of proofs. … We also have Jesus’ testimony and that of other inspired writers regarding the conclusion of this system. Bible chronology indicates the rapid approach of the end for this old system under the god of this world, Satan. Additional evidences include Bible prophecy now in course of fulfillment and the testimony of world leaders ..."
*** w705/1p.273 par.5AnIngatheringAffectingAllMankind***
How close we may exactly be to the end of the present divisive system of things cannot be predicted, as Jesus reported that even he did not know the day or the hour at the time of his earthly ministry. (Matt. 24:36) …
So whatever the date for the end of this system, it is clear that the time left is reduced, with only approximately six years left until the end of 6,000 years of human history. (1 Cor. 7:29) This corroborates the understanding of Jesus’ words that the generation alive in 1914 with the outbreak of World War I would not pass away until the end comes . Only a short time, then, remains for persons who love righteousness to show God that they want to be in his “ark” of protection and live to see the blessings of the new system of things.—Matt. 24:34-42.
*1971 book "The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah"-How? * *** kj 216-7 12 "Until He Comes Who Has the Legal Right" **
9 Shortly, within ourtwentieth century, the 'battle in the day of Jehovah' will begin against the modern antitype of Jerusalem, Christendom. The ancient 'soil of Israel' pictures the realm in which Christendom has operated. It pictures the standing and relationship that Christendom has claimed to occupy with God by means of his 'new covenant' of which Jesus Christ is the mediator.
*w 1971 9/15 570-1 God Wisely Selects Earth's Rulers ***
Then he would proceed to gather together all his prospective Kingdom associates on earth, called a 'remnant,' for testing and final approval. (1 Thess. 4:16, 17; Rev. 12:10, 17) World conditions in fulfillment of prophecy indicate that we are in the closing days of this gathering, called the "harvest."
*** w72 8/15 p. 505 God Readjusts the Thinking of His People ***
Indeed, the only place of happiness and life is in following Jehovah’s leading. Now, on the threshold of his righteous new order, let us show ourselves willing to let Jehovah readjust our thinking. Doing so, we will strengthen one another to stand against the Devil, “that we may not be overreached by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his designs.”—2 Cor. 2:11; Eph. 6:11.
*g 1973 11/8p.6WhyYouShouldBeConcerned***
Why? Because in so many areas human failure is not just a 'passing phase. It is direct evidence in fulfillment of Bible prophecy showing that we are living in the closing yearsof this wicked system of things. Long ago the Bible foretold of our generation that "wicked men and impostors will advance from bad to worse, misleading and being misled." (2 Tim. 3:13)
***1981 trchap.11pp.94-95 par.3TheLastDaysofThisWickedSystemofThings***
3 ..... This generation is getting up in years now. A great number of them have already passed away in death. Yet Jesus very pointedly said: “This generation will bynomeans pass away until all these things occur.” Some of them will still be alive to see the end of this wicked system . This means that only a short time is left before the end comes! (Psalm 90:10 [89:10, Dy]) So now is the time to take urgent action if you do not want to be swept away with this wicked system.
*** w8411/15p.23 par.8“TheTimeLeftIsReduced”***
8 ....The end will come in our day, and all the evidence indicates that it is very near indeed. Hence, day after day our pattern of life should reflect that conviction. Moreover, the fact that we have progressed so far into the final days of this system should fill us with determination to do our utmost in the fine and very urgent work of declaring the good news as Jehovah’s cleansed and zealous witnesses.—Titus 2:13, 14.
*w 1993 4/1p.18WhoAreFollowingtheLightoftheWorld?*** UrgenttoFollowtheLight
19 Now, in the final years of this evil system, it is urgent to follow the light of the world. And we need to be on guard, for there is an intense war being waged to keep us from walking in the light. This opposition comes from the powers of darkness-from Satan, his demons, and his earthly organization.
*w 1994 9/1p.13DespiteBeingMadeofDust,PushAhead!**
20 Now, during the concluding yearsof Satan's world system, is not the time to slow down-not as far as Kingdom preaching is concerned and not as far as developing more fully the fruitage of God's spirit is concerned. «
w 1997 8/15p.22"SoundnessofMind"astheEndDrawsClose***
21How much time is left remaining we do not know. Yet, we can say with confidence that "the end of all things has drawn close." Until that end comes, let us live with "soundness of mind" in our dealings with one another, in the way we care for our families, and in our secular responsibilities
*** w971/1p.11 par.18LetAllGlorifyJehovah!***
18 In the early 1920’s, a featured public talk presented by Jehovah’s Witnesses was entitled “Millions Now Living Will Never Die.” This may have reflected overoptimism at that time. But today that statement can be made with full confidence. Both the increasing light on Bible prophecy and the anarchy of this dying world cry out that the end of Satan’s system is very, very near!
*** w979/1p.21 KeepJehovah’sDayCloseinMind
Eagerness fortheEndtoCome
14 ....Since the year 1914, we have seen the sign being fulfilled that Jesus gave for “the conclusion of the system of things” as well as the things the apostle Paul mentioned would identify “the last days.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Truly, the evidence is overwhelming that we are living in the time of the end of this system of things!
*w 1998 1/1p.11DoNotGiveUpintheRaceforLife!***
20 Today, we know that another great "day of Jehovah" will soon affect this whole system of things. (Joel 3:12-14)We do not know when that day will come. But God's Word assures us that come it will! Jehovah says it will not be late. (Habakkuk 2:3; 2 Peter 3:9, 10)
*w 1998 8/15 19 Strengthening Our Confidence in God's Righteousness
In the near future,the greatest time of tribulation ever to strike the human race will break forth suddenly. (Matthew 24:21) When it does, servants of God will need as never before to display confidence in Jehovah's righteousness and in the direction provided by his organization
*** w989/15p.15 par.20TimesandSeasonsinJehovah’sHands***
20 Like Noah, Moses, and first-century Christians in Judea, we today can confidently leave the times and seasons in Jehovah’s hands. Our conviction that we are living in the time of the end and that our deliverance is drawing near depends, not merely on chronological computation, but on real-life events in fulfillment of Bible prophecies.
*w 1998 9/15p.13TimesandSeasonsinJehovah'sHands***
We too are convinced that our deliverance from the present wicked system of things is approaching. We know that we are living in "the last days." (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
*w 1998 9/15pp.18-19Waitingin"EagerExpectation"***
Their faith does not need to be propped up by time calculations. They keep busy in Jehovah's service, providing a wonderful example for their companions, the "other sheep." (John 10:16) These anointed ones know that this wicked system's end is near, and they heed Peter's exhortation: "Brace up your minds for activity, keep your senses completely; set your hope upon the undeserved kindness that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."-1 Peter 1:13.
*** w9811/15p.16 par.4WalkingWithGod—WithEternityinView***
4 Jehovah will bring an end to this wicked system of things, for his name is being reproached in today’s world. The wicked have blossomed. (Psalm 92:7) Through their words and deeds, they insult God, and it pains him to see his servants reviled and persecuted. (Zechariah 2:8) No wonder Jehovah has decreed that Satan’s entire organization will soon be brought to an end! God has determined exactly when this will occur, and the fulfillment of Bible prophecies makes it clear that we are now living in “the time of the end.” (Daniel 12:4) He will soon act for the blessing of all who love him.
*w 1999 4/1p.19LifeAfterDeath-WhatDoestheBibleSay?***
21 The fulfillment of Bible prophecy shows that we are living in "the last days" of this system of things. (2 Timothy 3:1) Very soon now, Jehovah God is going to intervene in human affairs and wipe out wickedness from the earth."
*w 2000 12/1p.18DoYouLoveJehovah'sRemindersExceedingly?**
Since we are living deep in the last days of this wicked system of things, let us keep praying for divine help so that we can continue to observe Jehovah's reminders and thus 'keep on guard according to his word.'-Psalm 119:9."
*w 2001 3/1p.21SalvationforThoseWhoChoosetheLight***
17 ...Such congregations are a protection even now, a place where Christians find safety among their brothers, under the loving care of the elders. (Isaiah 32:1, 2; Hebrews 10:24, 25) This is especially true in view of the nearness of the endof this system of things when survival will depend on obedience.-Zephaniah 2:3.
*w 2001 5/15p.12PraiseJehovahforHisGreatDeeds!***
To shine forth in giving a final witness before Jehovah brings an end to Satan's wicked system of things in the rapidly approaching "great tribulation."-Matthew 24:21; Daniel 12:3; Revelation 7:14.
*w 2001 6/15p.12LookAfterOrphansandWidowsinTheirTribulation***
As the end of the present system of things gets closer, the pressures that Christians in general face are certain to increase. (Matthew 24:9-13)
*w 2001 8/15p.28DoNotGiveUpinDoingWhatIsFine***
FaithintheThingsUnseen
11 Another trial may involve the seeming delay of the end of this wicked system of things. According to 2 Peter 3:12, Christians are to be "awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah." However, many have awaited this "day" for years, some for decades.As a result, some may become discouraged and lose their sense of urgency.
*w 2001 8/15p.32CertificateofExcellence***
Each issue of Awake! "stays politically neutral and does not exalt one race above another." Additionally, the publications build "confidence in the Creator's promise of a peaceful and secure world that is about to replace the present wicked, lawless system of things."
*w 2001 11/15p.12JehovahShowsUsHowtoCountOurDays***
« Yes, our life is as transitory as grass that withers in a single day. Therefore, let us not waste this precious commodity. Instead, we should seek God's guidance on how we ought to use our remaining years in this system of things. «
*w 2001 11/15p.31Noah'sFaithCondemnstheWorld***
« Like Noah, true Christians today know that Jehovah will soonbring an end to this godless system of things. We do not know that day or hour, but we realize that imitating the faith and obedience of this "preacher of righteousness" will result in "the preserving alive of the soul."-Hebrews 10:36-39.".-
*** w031/1p.18 par.4“KeepontheWatch”!***
. In a rather similar way, Bible prophecies clearly reveal that we are living in the time of the end; but they do not tell us the day or the hour of the end itself. (Matthew 24:36) Our belief that the end is coming helps us to stay awake, but if we are convinced that Jehovah’s day really is near, we will have far stronger motivation to be on the watch.—Zephaniah 1:14.
*** w031/1p.19 par.5“KeepontheWatch”!***
. So our reviewing from time to time the Scriptural proof that we are living close to the end of this system will help us not to lose sight of the important truths regarding that coming end. It is also good to take note of unfolding world events that fulfill Bible prophecy. One brother in Germany wrote: “Every time I watch the news—the wars, the earthquakes, the violence, and the contamination of our planet—it drives home to me the nearness of the end.”
*2003 km March page 6 , § 25 , "Take full advantage of the time remaining "
Today all the evidence indicates that the end of the present global system of things is at hand . Day by day our pattern of life should reflect that conviction. As zealous servants of Jehovah, we should be focused on the urgent work of declaring the good news.- Titus 2:13,14 ."
*yb 2003 " A Letter from the Governing Body " page 5, §1 :
"We face similar situation today. As we approach the destruction of this wicked system, we expect increased opposition. Satan is filled with "great anger", and that anger is especially directed against those who serve God (Rev.12:12) "
*
w 2003 9/15 2003 p.25
Unfulfilled expectation are bound to lead to disappointments that make the heart sick. This happens in everyday life. However, this is not the case with the expectations that are solidly based on god's Word. We can have complete confidence that they will be fulfilled. Even apparent delays are less likely to be disappointing. For example, we know that God's new world is imminent.(2 Peter 3;13)
*w 2003 12/1 page 13 § 17 « Yes, we can confidently
look forward to the time-now so near- when Jehovah will eradicate from the earth all the corruption and those who are responsible for it ».
*w 2003 12/1 page 13 § 18 « Just a little while longer
and the wicked one will be no more ; and you will certainly give attention to his place, and he will not be »(Psalm 37 :10) How these words encourage us as we approach the end of this system of things and the culmination of disastrous independence from Jehovah ! Whatever kind of government or authority has been devised by man has failed miserably. And now we are nearing the time for a return to rule by God, true theocracy, the Kingdom of Jehovah in the end of Jesus Christ? »
*w 2003 12/15 page 15 §§6-8 Our Watchfulness Takes On Greater Urgency
Warned of Things Not Yet Beheld?
7 Noah received the warning of the upcoming catastrophe decades in advance, and he wisely used the time to prepare for survival. ?After being given divine warning of things not yet beheld.? Says the apostle Paul, ?[Noah] showed godly fear and constructed an ark for the salvation of his household.? (Hebrews 11:7) What about us? Some 90 years have passed since the last days of this system of things began in 1914. We are certainly in 'the time of the end.' (Daniel 12:4)
*2004 kpp.21 PayingAttentionSavedTheirLives*
(brochure Keep ontheWatch! )
The Bible warns of the end of the present system of things. We now live in the last days. As the end nears, are you keeping on the watch? Are you taking action so as to stay out of the danger zone? With a sense of urgency, are you warning others to do the same?
*2004 kpp.24 par.3“ThatYouMayNotEnterIntoTemptation” (brochure KeepontheWatch! )
3 Today, we too are under pressure. Earlier in this brochure, we considered evidence that we are living in the final days of this wicked system. The temptations and stresses of Satan’s world are intensifying. .... We love Jehovah. We want to ‘endure to the end’—the end of our life or the end of this system, whichever comes first. (Matthew 24:13)
*** w048/1p.5 God’sKingdomGovernment—ARealityToday***
The time when humans will mass together to fight against God’s sovereignty is fast approaching. Ironically, their “unity” will bring them no personal benefits. Instead, their action will be a prelude to the long-awaited peace for all mankind. How so? In that final battle, God’s Kingdom “will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms [of the world], and it itself will stand to times indefinite.” (Daniel 2:44)
*** w057/1p.7 “HappyAreThoseConsciousofTheirSpiritualNeed”***
Will YouListentotheKingdomMessage?
(Matthew 28:19, 20) “This good news of the kingdom,” he foretold, “will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) That end is fast approaching. How important, then, that honesthearted people listen to the lifesaving good news!
*** w0612/15pp.18-19 “TheGreatDayofJehovahIsNear”
Maintaining OurSenseofUrgency
17 Bible prophecies clearly reveal that we are living deep in the time of the end. As never before, we need to strengthen our sense of urgency. A soldier in peacetime does not feel the tension and danger of battle.
*** km12/07p.1pars.5-6 WeMustMaintainOurZealfortheMinistry***
6 As Bible prophecies clearly indicate, Jehovah’s day for the destruction of ungodly men is fast approaching. (2 Pet. 2:3; 3:10) With that clearly in mind, let us work hard at maintaining our zeal for the ministry, having a full share in the worldwide Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work now under way!
*** w0712/15p.11pars.2-3AreYouReadyforJehovah’sDay?***
2 ….With the day of Jehovah looming on the horizon, the yeartext of Jehovah’s Witnesses for 2007 has been especially appropriate. Taken from Zephaniah 1:14, it reads: “The great day of Jehovah is near.”
3 Since God’s great day is near, now is the time to prove yourself ready. How can you prepare for that day? Do you need to take additional steps to get ready for Jehovah’s day?
*** w0712/15p.12par.8AreYouReadyforJehovah’sDay?***
8 .....Are you a person of prayer, as Jesus was? Approach Jehovah often, linger in prayer, seek the direction of holy spirit, and be quick to accept that direction when it becomes evident. A strong relationship with our heavenly Father is vital at this critical time when God’s great day is approaching rapidly. By all means, then, draw ever closer to Jehovah in prayer.—James 4:8.
*** w0712/15p.13pars.12-13AreYouReadyforJehovah’sDay?***
12 The nearness of Jehovah’s day should move you to attend Christian meetings regularly and participate in them as fully as possible. (Hebrews 10:24, 25)
13 Since Jehovah’s day is imminent, do you need to make a greater effort to “put on the new personality which was created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty”? (Ephesians 4:20-24)
*w 2008 1/15p.4 § 4 Why many are Without Hope
4) World events indicate that we are living in "the conclusion of the system of things" and that the end is very near. Mankind is experiencing the events and conditions that Jesus and his disciples said would mark "the last days." "Pangs of distress," including wars, food shortages, earthquakes, and other calamities, plague humanity. -"
*
w 2008 05/15p.15 § 16 The Last Days Soon to End!
16 ) This world has been in the last days , or “conclusion of the system of things, " since the year 1914.
(Matt. 24:3 ) Very soon now, what Jesus calles “the great tribulation” will occur. (Read Matthew 24:21.) That unparalleled tibulation will bring Satan’s entire world to its end.”
*** w093/15p.19par.17“BeVigilant”***
Those words had an initial fulfillment with the restoration of God’s ancient people to their homeland, giving us confidence in the coming literal fulfillment in the new world. What great joy there will be as resurrected ones are reunited with their loved ones! Yes, the end of Satan’s world is near, and a new world of God’s making is at hand. How vital it is that we remain vigilant!
*** w104/15pp.10-11par.14HolySpirit’sRoleintheOutworkingofJehovah’sPurpose***
? He evidently meant that the lives of the anointed who were on hand when the sign began to become evident in 1914 would overlap with the lives of other anointed ones who would see the start of the great tribulation. That generation had a beginning, and it surely will have an end. The fulfillment of the various features of the sign clearly indicate that the tribulation must be near. By maintaining your sense of urgency and keeping on the watch, you show that you are keeping up with advancing light and following the leadings of holy spirit.—Mark 13:37.
*** w119/15p.18par.12RuntheRaceWithEndurance***
12 Many of the faithful ones whom Paul mentioned had circumstances similar to ours. For example, Noah was living when the pre-Flood world was ending. We are living near the end of the present system of things. Abraham and Sarah were called upon to leave behind their homeland to pursue true worship and await the fulfillment of Jehovah’s promise.
Well, this all for the moment.
Greetings,
J.C.MacHislopp
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38
WTBS INC Annual meeting i.e. food for thoughts.
by MacHislopp infollowing recent posts, articles, blogs (thanks cedar and others for their excellent work) i would like to contribute something, to show the hypocrisy and the constant doctrinal changes of the society.. .
to begin:.
qualified to be ministers (1955) p.156 par.
-
-
MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
Many thanks to Therevealer, yeadidid,yadda yadda 2 for your comments.
Thanks also to Atlantis for the great downloads
provided, a great gold mine of informations, included the latest ones (
For you)
Continuing on the same subject at the annual meeting it has been claimed that:
The Faithful and Discreet Slave was not appointed at Pentecost 33CE, meaning that there has not been a continuous line of members of the Slave Class on the earth down through the ages. The Slave Class was only appointed for the first time by Christ in 1919.
Yet brother J.F. Rutherford the annual in his book LIGHT, Vol. 1 (1930) wrote on page 70
Prior thereto the church had been applying the prophecy of Matthew twenty-four to the events that came to pass from 1874 to 1914. Not until after 1918 was it understood by the church that these events apply after 1914; and hence the seals were not open to or discerned by the John class, that is to say, the remnant, until after 1918, and, in fact, very little until after 1922.
and more precisely,
LIGHT, Vol. 1 (1930) wrote on chapt. VI page 187
Such affords an opportunity for the child of God to show his willingness to obey and follow whithersoever the Lord leads.
It was in 1922 that the people of God first had an understanding that the Lord had come to his temple in 1918. The Lord Jesus, the great Judge, is the One
The quotes are sufficiently clear.
But it not finished, because as a result of Jesus Christ’ s inspection, the ‘covenant people’ i.e. the anointed ones are enlighted and as a result :
‘The Watchtower’ March 15 th , 1941, page 92, 2 nd col.
After A.D. 1918 Christ Jesus, at the temple, has gathered unto himself the faithful remnant on earth and has anointed them as Jehovah’s witnesses and sent them forthwith his message of truth to be given as a testimony.
to Romans 13:1. Prior thereto the people, including the followers of Christ, understood and believed that the "higher powers" mentioned in the Scriptures are made up of the visible rulers of this world.
The Lord has enhghtened his covenant people, and by his grace they now see clearly and declare to the world that "the higher powers" means Jehovah and Christ Jesus and that the world is serving the Devil, and that the big business, political and religious elements, jointly, rule and demand obedience from the people, yet are not of the "higher powers" but are in fact the agents of Satan and the opposers of Jehovah God.
Don’t worry the story is not finished:
‘The Watchtower’ August 1 st 1933, page 231 § 21 st
The inspector general of Jehovah’s hosts must have been
filled with indignation when he surveyed the desolation
of Jerusalem. Likewise when Christ Jesus came in 1918 to inspect the professed people of God and set up the temple, he would look with indignationupon the desolation of the earthly part of God’s organization,the covenant people of the Most High.
It’s getting clear:
‘The Watchtower’ August 1 st 1933, page 231-32 § 25th
This corresponds to the condition amongst God’s people from
1918 to 1922, probably before the general convention of the latter year at Cedar Point, Ohio . It was when the Lord’s covenant people saw that Christ the great Inspector General had come to the temple that they cried out:“Save now, I beseech thee, 0 Lord: 0 Lord, I beseeeh thee, send now prosperity.” (Ps. 118: 25) It was in 1922 that God’s covenant people became aware of their own negligence in connection with the building of the antitypical temple. It was then that the Lord spoke words of comfort to them and they rejoiced, sceing that Jehovah’s anger had turned away from them.(Isa. 12: 1-4; 61: 1-3)
It’s getting clear:
from the book: ‘The truth shall make you free’ ’ 1943, page 302)
”…the major fulfillment of Malachi’s prophecy fixes the spring of A.D. 1918 as the time when the King Christ Jesus came to the temple.
… Christ’s coming to the temple in 1918 was entirely unexpected, even to his devoted faithful followers. The truth of his coming then was first discerned by the Sscriptures and by the fulfillments of prophecy after the event, namely , first in 1922 .”
Be patient I’ve told you is getting clear:
w72 2/1pp.79-80FullyAcceptingtheChallengeofJehovah’sService***
JEHOVAH ISDISPLEASEDWITHHISWOMAN
11 …
The Naomi remnant came into a condition like that, particularly in the year 1918, when they were, in a sense, exiled from Jehovah God’s favor. In that year Jehovah God came to his temple suddenly, accompanied by the messenger of the covenant, the Lord Jesus Christ.He examined the remnant here upon earth; he was displeased with them. ( Mal. 3:1, 2) For a time they were not fully accepting the challenge of Jehovah’s Kingdom service that had opened up to them. They were holding back, through fear of man and were not properly keeping themselves “unspotted from the world.” (Jas. 1:27, AuthorizedVersion) Therefore Jehovah let them go into bondage to Babylon the Great and her political associates.
And (From the book: God’sKingdomofaThousandYearsHasApproached - 1973)
ka chap.12pp.234-235pars.50-51IncreasingtheKing’sBelongings***
50 In September of 1922 these Christian slaves who are in line for the heavenly kingdom were forcefully made aware that they are indeed now under inspection of the King of kings and Lord of lords, the reigning Lord Jesus. In fulfillment of Malachi 3:1, he has accompanied Jehovah God when coming to his spiritual temple for judgment work with regard to his spirit-begotten “slaves” at the temple.
Be Now, please compare the above with this:
w93 5/1p.17par.6ExpandedActivitiesDuringChrist’sPresence***
6 From the time Christ’s presence began and down to 1918, the slave class, despite unpopularity, persecution, and even some confusion, had been seeking to give timely food to the domestics. This is what the Master found when his inspection began. The Lord Jesus was pleased, and in 1919 he pronounced that faithful approved slave class happy. What was the slave’s delightful reward for doing what his Master had appointed him to do? A promotion! Yes, larger responsibilities were given in advancing his Master’s interests.
With such confusing, non bliblically supported and contradictory statements the actual GB is again like the "king without clothes" .
That’s all for the moment.
Greetings,
J.C. MacHislopp
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26
Watchtower on Global Indexing & ETFs
by TJ Curioso infollow the link and see the list of participants who stated (p.4 - end of the list/right side):.
http://www.imn.org/2012/etm1324/pdfs/etm1324_prospectus.pdf.
amaze yourself, because it is only as the chief investment officer of the watchtower bible and tract society!.
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MacHislopp
Hello TJ Curioso,
thanks. Great to be seen ..and pass to many others in Europe;
Greetings,
JC MacHislopp
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38
WTBS INC Annual meeting i.e. food for thoughts.
by MacHislopp infollowing recent posts, articles, blogs (thanks cedar and others for their excellent work) i would like to contribute something, to show the hypocrisy and the constant doctrinal changes of the society.. .
to begin:.
qualified to be ministers (1955) p.156 par.
-
-
MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
Following recent posts, articles, blogs (thanks Cedar and others for their excellent work) I would like to contribute something, to show the hypocrisy and the constant doctrinal changes of the Society.
To begin:
“Qualified to be ministers “(1955) p.156 par. 5
5 The first essential for study is the right condition of mind and heart, appreciating that Jehovah grants understanding only to the meek, and not to the stiff-necked . If we have love
for Jehovah and for the organization of his people we shall not be suspicious, but shall, as the Bible says, `believe all things,' all the things that The Watchtower brings out, inasmuch as it has been faithful in giving us a knowledge of God's purposes and guiding us in the way of peace, safety and truth from its inception to this present day .
Now, please take note of this example (no mention of a “ governing body”)
“Jehovah’s Witnesses in the divine purpose”
(1959) pages 148-149
It was suggested, therefore, that the brothers in the various congregations throughout the world consider a resolution presented in The Watchtower and which was similar to resolutions already adopted and submitted to the Society's headquarters by the London, England, congregation,the greater New York congregation, the Chicago, Illinois, congregation, the Los
Angeles , California , congregation and many others. The resolution reads :
We, the company of God's people taken out
for his name, and now at -, recognize that
God's government is a pure theocracy and
that Christ Jesus is at the temple and in full
charge and control of the visible organization of Jehovah, as well as the invisible, and that "THE SOCIETY" is the visible representative of
the Lord on earth, and we therefore request "The Society" to organize this company for service and to appoint the various servants thereof, so that all of us may work together in peace, righteousness, harmony and complete unity.
We attach hereto a list of names of persons in this company that to us appear more fully mature and who therefore appear to be best suited to fill the respective positions designated
for service.Y
fnote y (w June 15 th 1938 pp.182,183)
In the year 1965 no longer the “Society” is the visible representative , but the “governing body” :
*** w656/1p.352QuestionsFromReaders***
In 1938 Jehovah revealed this correspondency to his servants and it was published in TheWatchtower in a two-part article entitled “Organization.” This appeared in the issues of June 1 and 15 and proved conclusively that Jehovah’s organization must henceforth be guided and directed by Jehovah’s spirit through the visible governing body made up of those servants whom Jehovah himself would appoint. The concluding paragraph in this series stated: “Jehovah’s theocratic government is now in full control of the people of God.”
Only six years later in 1971 the “governing body” “ is mentioned…as existing from the year 1944 :
*** w7112/15p.757AGoverningBodyasDifferentfromaLegalCorporation***
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 WatchTower magazine and the Board of Directors of the legal religious corporation now known as Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. According to Pennsylvania law, this corporation must hold annual corporation meetings at its registered offices in Pittsburgh, Pa., or elsewhere as duly voted upon, and must elect directors to fill the vacancies of those whose three-year term of office is expiring, and also to transact all necessary obligations. From among the full board of seven directors, all of whom are dedicated, baptized, spirit-anointed Christians, the officers of the Society must be elected.
In the same year the Society claims that:
***w71 12/15 p. 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.
28 years later , in 1999, the Society claims again that 1938 …there was a “Governing Body” :
*** w992/1p.18par.18OurTreasureinEarthenVessels***
18 The year 1938 was crucial in clearly identifying the two classes. The March 15 and April 1, 1938, issues of TheWatchtower 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.
Concerning the appointment of the “ Governing Body” as already mentioned in 1971 the Society
taught:
***w71 12/15 p. 761 A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation ***
Dedicated, baptized, anointed Christians became associated with that Society at headquarters in Pennsylvania.
…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.
…True, the members of that governing body were not directly appointed by the Lord Jesus Christ.
Just 20 years later the Society changes the claim:
*** w919/1pp.18-19par.15JehovahandChrist—ForemostCommunicators***
15 What of modern times? As foretold at Matthew 24:3, 45-47, the Master, Jesus Christ, has appointed “the faithful and discreet slave,” made up of anointed Christians, to care for all his belongings on earth during this day of his presence. That faithful and discreet slave is represented today by the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, which has as its publicity agent the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Most appropriately, that faithful and discreet slave has also been called God’s channel of communication.
In case of … poor memory, another 10 years and the Society publishes a reminder:
*** w014/15p.29DoYouRemember?***
How doestheGoverningBodydifferfromalegalcorporation?
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.
Of course most of us are curious of the position of brother Charles Taze Russel, well here are two
Society’s claims:
*** w7112/15p.760AGoverningBodyasDifferentfromaLegalCorporation***
HOW THEGOVERNINGBODYCAMETOEXIST
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.
Also this one, 22 years later:
*** jvchap.15pp.228-229DevelopmentoftheOrganizationStructure***
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?
The Society’s charter set out a shareholder arrangement in which each aggregate contribution of $10 (U.S.) entitled the contributor to a vote in connection with selection of members of the board of directors and officers of the Society. Perhaps it seemed that such contributions gave evidence of genuine interest in the work of the organization. However, this arrangement presented problems. 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. But it was not a monetary contribution that determined how the Lord used him.
Well, Orwell’s “ Big Brother” was great but nothing in comparison, with the mighty WTBS Inc!
Greetings to all,
J.C. MacHislopp
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86
A Note from Randy/Dogpatch (Freeminds)
by Lady Lee inthis past week randy was hospitalized.
he is now home recovering and has asked me to let you know that he will need a couple of days to recuperate.
in the mean time: if you have sent him emails or want to send him an email, it might take a couple of days for him to respond.. feel free to leave messages here for him.
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MacHislopp
Hello Randy,
from all over Europe: Get well soon,
greetings,
J.C. MacHislopp
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72
Why No Disfellowshipping Before 1952?
by blondie inwhy was there no official arrangement before 1952 to disfellowship people?
was there a different procedure with a different name?
was no one committing disfellowshipping offenses?
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MacHislopp
Hello Blondie,
above all thanks for your excellent comments and researches. I do really appreciate ypur efforts.
Btw I'm ...cruising along not too bad at the moment, and I do regularly read the Board .
I think that this collection of quotes might be useful.(with aknowlegment to the author(s)
Here we go:
Disfellowship
There was some disfellowshipping prior to 1952, but it was since that year that it was instituted in its present form.
Brother Charles Taze Russell promoted leniency in all but the gravest matters. In such situations an unrepentant person was judged not by a judicial committee by the entire congregation, in line with Matthew 18:17;
“If he does not listen to them, speak to the congregation. If he does not listen even to the congregation, let him be to you just as a man of the nations and as a tax collector.”
Studies In the Scriptures Series VI - The New Creation p.289
“The administration of discipline is not the function of the elders only, but of the entire Church. … Thus it is evident that the Elders were in no sense to be judges of the members—hearing and judgment were left to the local body, or Church.”
If the congregation came to a near unanimous decision to disfellowship, the unrepentant sinner was not shunned but treated as a heathen.
Studies In the Scriptures Series VI - The New Creation p.290
“Indeed, even if the transgressor refuse to hear (obey) the decision of the entire Church, no punishment is to be inflicted or even attempted. What then? Merely the Church is to withdraw from him its fellowship and any and all signs or manifestations of brotherhood. Thenceforth the offender is to be treated “as a heathen man and a publican.” Matt. 18:17”
Then, many decades later, Brother Nathan Knorr (then President of the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society of New York. Inc. ) set up the disfellowshipping arrangement followed to this day, moving responsibility to judge an individual from
the congregation
to judicial committees
in the year 1944.-
In 1952 a Watchtower study was devoted to delivering clear guidelines and clarifying what was to become an ever increasing list of offenses .
(The Watchtower, May 15 th , 1944, page 151)
For every 100 active Jehovah's Witnesses more than 1 is disfellowshipped each year, between 30 to 40,000 each year.
Two out of every three are never reinstated.
Being disfellowshipped regularly results in serious emotional side affects. Those that continue to believe Society’s doctrine are told that whilst disfellowshipped they are condemned to everlasting destruction. Those who become unbelievers, with no intention of returning to the Society, i.e. returning their association with any Jehovah’s Witnesses congregation, realise they are unlikely to ever freely associate with Witness family and friends for the remainder of their lives.
The Watchtower 1981 September 15 p.22 explains that “ “disfellowshiping” is what Jehovah’s Witnesses appropriately call the expelling and subsequent shunning of such an unrepentant wrongdoer”.
The article goes as far as to say that “a simple “Hello” to someone can be the first step that develops into a conversation and maybe even a friendship. Would we want to take that first step with a disfellowshiped person?”
Though there is scriptural precedence to avoid brothers practicing wrongdoing the Watchtower application of disfellowshipping seriously deviates from Bible guidelines. The Watchtower Society greatly extends Biblical guidelines in a number of ways;
- 2 John 10 says not to ‘greet’ the Antichrist. The Society uses this single scripture to support not saying “hello” to a disfellowshipped person.
- The Society forbids practices never even discussed in the Bible (such as smoking, gambling and having a blood transfusion) and then demands shunning of members that engage in such practices
- Disfellowshipping is extended to prevent immediate family members associating with their disfellowshipped relatives
- The punishment applies forever, or until the Society , by means of any Jehovah’s Witnesses congregation formally reinstates the person. It is considered irrelevant whether the person no longer practices the wrongdoing they were disfellowshipped for.
The Society’s application of disfellowshipping is one of the more extreme in Christianity and emulates behavioural characteristics common amongst high control groups such as Mormons and Scientologists; with only the Amish imposing this principle with more destructive effects.
It was not until 1952 that the Society introduced disfellowshipping as now practiced and the following review of the scriptural principles involved shows that there is no Biblical justification for this unchristian form of manipulation.
Bible guidelines on disfellowshipping
The Society divides punishment of wrongdoers into two categories, those deserving of “marking” and those deserving of “disfellowshipping”. Marking is applied to mild wrongdoing. (“not yet gross sin for which they might be disfellowshipped” w92 2/1 p.31)
When a person is ‘marked’ they are not named and are allowed to continue contact with others. Only those who specifically know of the persons wrongdoing are advised to “stop associating” with the person socially, but may still speak to them at the meetings. On the other hand, a disfellowshipped person is publicly named and must be avoided by all Witnesses in almost all circumstances.
The Bible never uses the term “disfellowshipping” and makes no such distinction from “marking”.
Examining the scriptures that the Watchtower uses to justify disfellowshipping makes it apparent that the Society application of marking is more closely aligned with what the Christian writers prescribed for wrongdoers.
Jesus himself introduced the standard on how wrongdoers should be treated, saying at Matthew 18:15-17 “Moreover, if your brother commits a sin, go lay bare his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two more, in order that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter may be established. 17 If he does not listen to them, speak to the congregation. If he does not listen even to the congregation, let him be to you just as a man of the nations and as a tax collector.”
Jesus did not say to never utter a word to an unrepentant wrong doer but to treat them “as a tax collector”. He himself spoke to and ate with tax collectors. (Matthew 9:11).
The majority of information on how to treat wrongdoers within the congregation comes from the apostle Paul. Paul showed a balanced approach advising not to socialise with a wrongdoer but to still ‘admonish as a brother’. 2 Thessalonians is key to understanding that wrongdoers should be marked, not disfellowshipped.
2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15 “Now we are giving YOU orders, brothers, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw from every brother walking disorderly and not according to the tradition YOU received from us…. 14 But if anyone is not obedient to our word through this letter, keep this one marked, stop associating with him, that he may become ashamed. 15 And yet do not be considering him as an enemy, but continue admonishing him as a brother.”
The “word through this letter” at 2 Thessalonians included those not glorifying “the name of our Lord Jesus”, those refusing to work for a living, and any who had been seduced by apostasy.
The apostle Paul did not say to disfellowship such people, but rather instructed the congregation to ‘mark’ or ‘take note of’ such a person, yet “continue admonishing him as a brother”. Hence Paul did not indicate that marking was only for non-serious sin.
At 1 Corinthians Paul specifically outlined practices for which to cease ‘mixing’ with a brother. Yet this too is similar to the advice given when marking a brother.
1 Corinthians 5:11 “But now I am writing YOU to quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man. 12 For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Do YOU not judge those inside, 13 while God judges those outside? “Remove the wicked [man] from among yourselves.””
1 Corinthians does not say to totally shun a brother who is a wrong doer, rather it says to ‘quit mixing in company’ with such a person and ‘not eat with’ such a man and hence refers to socialising as friends.
This statement does not state that this type of person must never be spoken to, and is specific as to who these words apply to. This advice is in regards to a person ‘called a brother’ who ‘is’ a wrongdoer. No indication is given that they should be avoided many years later when they are no longer recognised as a Jehovah’s Witness.
Nor does it say to shun a person who has stopped their wrongdoing. It is regularly the case that a teenage Witness is disfellowshipped for smoking or fornication. Years later they no longer practice the sin they were disfellowshipped for and are no longer known in the community as a brother, and so their continued shunning is unjustified.
The Society’s policy on the treatment of every disfellowshipped Jehovah’s Witness is not based on any of the above scriptures, but rather on a single statement at 2 John 7-11;
“For many deceivers have gone forth into the world, persons not confessing Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. Look out for yourselves, that YOU do not lose the things we have worked to produce, but that YOU may obtain a full reward. 9 Everyone that pushes ahead and does not remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God. He that does remain in this teaching is the one that has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to YOU and does not bring this teaching, never receive him into YOUR homes or say a greeting to him. 11 For he that says a greeting to him is a sharer in his wicked works.”
2 John is referring to The Antichrist and should not be applied across the board to all form a sin as done by the Society Importantly, John’s advice here was not limited to former Christians. It included ‘anyone’ denying Christ. This included Jews that rejected Jesus and people of the nations worshipping other Gods. Yet the Society stance is to apply this only to Jehovah's Witnesses.
The meaning of the phrase “never receive him into YOUR homes” should be understood in the context of the hospitality of first century Jerusalem. Since Christians held congregation meetings in their homes John possibly felt that inviting a denier of Christ into a home could be viewed as sharing worship with non-Christians.
Likewise the term to never “say a greeting” to him needs to be understood in light of first century practice. It is wrong for the Society to claims that John used the term ‘a greeting’ to indicate a simple hello.
The Watchtower 1988 May 15 p.27 “John here used khai´ro, which was a greeting like “good day” or “hello.” (Acts 15:23; Matthew 28:9) He did not use a·spa´zo·mai (as in verse 13), which means “to enfold in the arms, thus to greet, to welcome” and may have implied a very warm greeting, even with an embrace. (Luke 10:4; 11:43; Acts 20:1, 37; 1 Thessalonians 5:26) So the direction at 2 John 11 could well mean not to say even “hello” to such ones.”
This article claims the word khairo is used to forbid a simple greeting, instead of aspazomai which means a more affectionate embrace, enfolding in the arms, kiss, greeting or welcome. The writer seems to be confused as the very opposite is true. Strong’s states;
- 5463 chairo {khah'-ee-ro}
- 1) to rejoice, be glad
- 2) to rejoice exceedingly
- 3) to be well, thrive
- 4) in salutations, hail!
- 5) at the beginning of letters: to give one greeting, salute
- 783 aspasmos {as-pas-mos’} 1) a salutation, either oral or written
2 John does not indicate a polite greeting is wrong.
The apostle John here shows that a person is a sharer in the Antichrist’s wicked works if he shows acceptance and agreement with the evildoers cause or teachings, or wishes them favour and success.
The Society uses this single scripture in 2 John to dictate that every disfellowshipped or disassociated person should not even be politely greeted. This is applied regardless of what the person was disfellowshipped for, including a long list of Society originated rules such as gambling, smoking, or authorising a blood transfusion.
Every single one of a disfellowshipped person’s Witness friends is told to never greet them again, unless they repent and are formally reinstated by t the Society .
There exist many former JW’s whose own mothers or their own children have not spoken to them for upwards of 20 years.
Yet such shunning is only ever discussed once, was only to apply to the Antichrist, and is being misused to its extremity.
Historical Watchtower Development
Disfellowshipping was not practiced, as already mention, in its current form by the Society until 1952.
Brothers C.T. Russell and J.F. Rutherford ((both former presidents of the Society), were lenient towards doctrinal disagreements, recognizing that making all followers think alike on doctrine is what originally caused the great apostasy and a method of control. See this quote :
The Watchtower , October 1 st ,1930 page 301
“Satans organization sails under the high-sounding name of "Christendom".
It boasts of a membership of over 500,000,000 persons. Its members are in bondage to creeds, customs, rites and ceremonies; they dare not disown these or criticize or expose them. To do so would bring down on their heads taunts, reproaches, disfellowship and persecution. Many thousands of the Lords people are held in these denominations as prisoners, afraid to express their disapproval of the creeds, methods and customs of the organization.”
The Watchtower 1952 March 1 pp.131,134
“We might wonder, then, since this congregation which God is developing or bringing into existence is based on love, why anyone should ever want to talk about disfellowshipping or putting people out of this congregation. There certainly must be some reason. Well, the reason for disfellowshipping is that some persons get into this congregation of God that do not love Christ. … Those who are acquainted with the situation in the congregation should never say ‘Hello’ or ‘Goodbye’ to him. He is not welcome in our midst, we avoid him. … Such an individual has no place in the clean organization or congregation of God. He should go back to the wicked group that he once came from and die with that wicked group with Satan’s organization.”
In The Watchtower, 1955 October 1 page 607, even to associate with a disfellowshipped person became a reason to be disfellowshipped;
“If a publisher refuses to do this and ignores the prohibition on associating with the disfellowshipped one, that publisher is rebelling against the congregation of Jehovah, and “rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. … If after sufficient warning the publisher persists in associating with the disfellowshipped person instead of aligning himself with Jehovah’s organization he also should be disfellowshipped.”
Members of the congregation are instructed to watch each other and alert the elders to any noticed indiscretions. With a degree of persuasiveness members are told that the Highest Level of authority demands they even break their countries law to report on their brothers.
The Watchtower 1987 September 1 p.13
“This command from the Highest Level of authority in the universe put the responsibility upon each Israelite to report to the judges any serious wrongdoing that he observed so that the matter might be handled. While Christians are not strictly under the Mosaic Law, its principles still apply in the Christian congregation. Hence, there may be times when a Christian is obligated to bring a matter to the attention of the elders. True, it is illegal in many countries to disclose to unauthorized ones what is found in private records. But if a Christian feels, after prayerful consideration, that he is facing a situation where the law of God required him to report what he knew despite the demands of lesser authorities, then that is a responsibility he accepts before Jehovah. There are times when a Christian “must obey God as ruler rather than men.”—Acts 5:29”
Since the introduction of disfellowshipping there have been a number of changes in the Society’s doctrine and hence the reasons for being disfellowshipped have also changed back and forth. How can this occur if an organization’s rules are directed by our God Jehovah? When a situation arises in a congregation that is not clearly specified in the Bible or a Society’s publication and the elders and branch feel unable to deal with it this is referred to the Governing Body.
How does the Governing Body arrive at a new principle for being disfellowshipped?
Does the Holy Spirit guide them to examine scripture and arrive at a uniform consensus on what God’s standard is?
No. When a new principle is discussed a vote is taken and the majority vote is held. The vote does not have to be unanimous. For this reason both the regulation on organ transplants and oral sex was able to be changed back and forth within the space of little over a decade, with huge affect on member’s lives.
For instance, the practice of smoking did not become a disfellowshipping offence until 1973. Having an organ transplant was an offence worthy of being disfellowshipped for over a decade, but is no longer viewed as wrong.
Oral or anal sex between married couples was classified as;
- a disfellowshipping offence – The Watchtower 1974 November 15 p.704
- no longer an offence - The Watchtower 1978 February 15 pp.30-32
- once again an offence – The Watchtower 1983 March 15 p.31
Total avoidance of the member is extended beyond members of the congregation and to ones immediate family.
The Watchtower 1988 April 15 p.27 What About Relatives? “
13 Cutting off from the Christian congregation does not involve immediate death, so family ties continue. Thus, a man who is disfellowshipped or who disassociates himself may still live at home with his Christian wife and faithful children…14 The situation is different if the disfellowshipped or disassociated one is a relative living outside the immediate family circle and home. It might be possible to have almost no contact at all with the relative. Even if there were some family matters requiring contact, this certainly would be kept to a minimum, in line with the divine principle: “Quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator or a greedy person [or guilty of another gross sin], . . . not even eating with such a man.”—1 Corinthians 5:11. 15 Understandably, this may be difficult because of emotions and family ties, such as grandparents’ love for their grandchildren. Yet, this is a test of loyalty to God, as stated by the sister quoted on page 26.” Watchtower 1963 July 15 p.444 “The wrongdoer has to realize that his status is completely changed, that his faithful Christian relatives thoroughly disapprove of his wicked course and show this disapproval by limiting contacts to only those which are unavoidable…”
It is quite shocking that under certain circumstances even a parent can be disfellowshipped for associating with their own disfellowshipped children.
”Pay Attention to Yourselves and all the Flock” page 103
“Normally, a close relative would not be disfellowshipped for associating with a disfellowshipped person unless there is spiritual association or an effort made to justify or excuse the wrongful course.”
The Society’s Reasons for Disfellowshipping
Bible discussion of shunning is limited to just the following areas; Fornication, Greed, idolatry, Revilers, Practicing Drunkenness, Extortion, Blasphemy and One who does not remain in the teaching of the Christ.
This list should be the full extent of reasons for which to be disfellowshipped. In fact, Diotrephes was reprimanded for attempting to disfellowship people unnecessarily.
3 John 9,10 “I wrote something to the congregation, but Di·ot´re·phes, who likes to have the first place among them, does not receive anything from us with respect. 10 That is why, if I come, I will call to remembrance his works which he goes on doing, chattering about us with wicked words. Also, not being content with these things, neither does he himself receive the brothers with respect, and those who are wanting to receive them he tries to hinder and to throw out of the congregation.”
The Society has created a vast list of offences for which a Jehovah’s Witness can be disfellowshipped or disassociated. The following abbreviations have been used for the publications referenced.
Kingdom Ministry (km) Watchtower (w) Jehovah’s Witnesses - Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom (1993) (jv) Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock (ks91-E) Organised to Accomplish Our Ministry (om) Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 1 or 2 (it-1 or 2)
- Adultery (sexual intercourse with a person other than your marriage mate), includes;
- abandoning wife and eloping with another woman - w79 11/15 31-2, w76 p.728
- planned adultery to break Scriptural marriage ties - w83 3/15 p.29
- remarriage without Scriptural permission - w56 10/1 p.597
- polygamy - jv 176
- dating a person not legally divorced - ks91-E p.135
- Apostasy - w83 4/1 pp.22-4, km 8/80 pp.1, 4. includes;
- rebellion against Jehovah’s organization - w63 7/1
- promoting sects - it-2 886
- Associating with disfellowshipped people including;
- friends - ks91-E p.103, w81 9/15 pp.25-6, w55 10/1 p.607
- family - ks91-E p.103
- Blood and blood transfusions - w61 1/15 ks91-E p.95, jv p.183-4
- Drug use - ks91-E p.96
- Drunkenness - ks91-E p.95, it-1 656
- Dishonest business practices - w63 7/1, w86 11/15 14
- Employment violating Christian principles - km 9/76 p.6, km 2/74
- working for any religious organization - ks91-E p.95
- working in a gambling institution - ks91-E p.136
- selling tobacco - ks91-E p.96
- contract work at a military establishment
- False worship. Includes;
- attending another church ks91-E p.94
- following mourning customs that involve false worship - w85 4/15 p.25
- Fornication it-1 863
- bestiality - w83 6/1 p.25
- incestuous marriage - w78 3/15 p.26
- artificial insemination – g74 8/8 p.28
- sexual abuse of children - g93 10/8 p.10Reviling - ks91-E p.94, w96 7/15 pp.17-18; it-1 p.991; it-2 p.802
- Fraud - ks91-E p.94, om pp.142-3
- Gambling or related employment - w80 9/1, ks91-E p.136
- Gluttony - w86 5/1
- Greediness, this in used to include;
- gambling ks91-E p.95
- extortion ks91-E p.95, w89 1/15 22, it-1 p.789
- greed in relation to bride-price: w98 9/15 p.25
- Homosexuality - w83 6/1 pp.24-6
- Idolatry - w52 3/1 p.138
- Loose conduct - ks91-E pp.93, 96, w83 3/15 p.31, w73 9/15 p.574, it-2 p.264, ks91-E p.93, w83 3/15 p.31, w73 9/15 pp.574-6, w97 9/1 p.14, it-2 p.246. The principle of loose conduct is used to disfellowship for;
- disregard for Jehovah's moral standards
- disrespect, disregard or even contempt for standards, laws and authority, and as such is used to cover all manner of sins, such as refusal to cease fellowship with disfellowshipped people and showing disrespect to elders
- Lying - ks91-E p.94, g00 2/8 p.21
- Non neutral activities (involvement in politics and the military) - ks91-E p.96
- Military service and non military service including working casual work (certain civilian work has recently been made a conscience matter w96 5/1 p.20) - ks91-E p.96
- Obscene speech - ks91-E p.95
- Parents condoning immorality - w56 p.566
- Political involvement, including voting or holding a political card in Malawi - ks91-E p.96 John 6:15 Therefore Jesus, knowing they were about to come and seize him to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain all alone. (w99 11/1p.28 made this a conscience matter)
- Porneia. “It includes oral and anal sex or mutual masturbation between persons not married to each other, homosexuality, lesbianism, fornication, adultery, incest, and bestiality.” - ks91-E p.93
- Slander - ks91-E p.94, w63 7/1, w89 10/15 p.14, om p.142
- Smoking or selling tobacco - km 2/74, ks91-E p.96
- Spiritism (includes yoga w02 8/1 p.22) - w55 10/1 p.607
- Stealing, thievery - om pp.142-5, ks91-E p.94
- Subversive activity - w95 10/1 p.31
- Uncleanness
- sexually ‘perverse’ practices within marriage, such as oral and anal sex - w83 3/15 p.31
- heavy petting and breast fondling - ks91-E p.92
- touching of sexual parts - ks91-E p.91
- Violation of secular law if flagrant attitude - w86 10/1 p.31
- Violence, extreme physical abuse, fits of anger - ks91-E p.96, w75 p.287, g01 11/8 p.12
- Includes Boxing w81 7/1 pp.30-1, ks91-E p.142
- Wilful non support of family, endangerment of mate’s spirituality - w88 11/1 pp.22-3, km 9/73 p.8, ks91-E p.95
- Worldly celebrations such as Christmas - ks91-E p.95 (It appears celebrating birthdays is not a reason to be disfellowshipped)
Should the Society be creating decrees on what should be a disfellowshipping offence beyond what the Bible says? Of course not! The way Jesus felt about the Pharisees adding thousands of by laws to the commands of Moses is recorded at Matthew 12:1-10. “7However, if YOU had understood what this means, ‘I want mercy, and not sacrifice,’ YOU would not have condemned the guiltless ones.”
Jesus continually condemned the Pharisees for creating laws for every situation, rather than understanding the meaning of mercy and Godly principles. When a Pharisee expressed surprise that Jesus did not do ritual washing before dinner Jesus’ rebuke was particularly harsh.
Luke 11:42 “‘But woe to YOU Pharisees, because YOU give the tenth of the mint and the rue and of every [other] vegetable, but YOU pass by the justice and the love of God!”
If God was directly speaking to the Governing Body as he did with the Apostles and if the Governing Body was infallible, then it would have authority to add to the scriptures. But by their admission this is not the case. The Governing Body is not infallible and not inspired by God to write additional rules that do not appear in the Bible. For this reason the list should be based strictly on scriptures discussing disfellowshipping.
Unscriptural Process
The process Jehovah's Witnesses follow for disfellowshipping strays from biblical principles in a number of areas.
Behind closed doors
In determining if a person should be disfellowshipped the elders form a judicial committee to meet with the ‘wrongdoer’. This is done in private, and the wrongdoer is not allowed an onlooker, lawyer or recording device.
Both the Israelites and early Christian congregations kept matters open to ordinary persons. Rather than being done in private in front of elders only, matters were done at the city gates so a fair discussion with onlookers could be made. This prevented the injustice that can take place before small closed bodies of elders.
‘The Watchtower ‘ 1976 December 1 page 732
“The Bible regulations and accounts indicate that cases of wrongdoing came before the city elders at the gates primarily when controversies were involved, as in cases where an offender would not acknowledge having wronged another, and also when the community as a whole was seriously affected or endangered by the wrongdoing.”
Reasons hidden
When the person was disfellowshipped or publicly reproved the congregation was to know why. Paul openly told the congregation of the wrong conduct of Peter, Hymenaeus, Alexander and Diotrephes.
To avoid legal problems, the Society does not follow this scriptural advice.
The extent of both the disfellowshipping and disassociating announcement is now stated in Organised to do Jehovah’s Will (2005) p.154 to be restricted to:
“[Name of person] is no longer one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.”
Speed of process
In the scriptures it makes no mention of a time limit over which the process must take place. It does indicate that quite some period of time may be involved;
Galatians 6:1 “Brothers, even though a man takes some false step before he is aware of it, YOU who have spiritual qualifications try to readjust such a man in a spirit of mildness, as you each keep an eye on yourself, for fear you also may be tempted.”
To readjust a brother could take considerable time. If a person is addicted to certain practices or if they are having doubts about doctrine it could take months of effort to overcome these. Yet in many cases when a Jehovah’s Witness confesses or another person reports their activities to the elders they are disfellowshipped within a few weeks.
Punishment
Shunning was to be used for readjustment or to protect the congregation. However it is regularly used as punishment. When a person confesses to a wrong practice committed and ceased many years ago they have often been disfellowshipped for a wrong attitude, which is clearly done for punishment.
Overly Harsh
A review of Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 1 p.788 ‘Expelling’ shows that many scriptures that relate to disfellowshipping discuss assisting or reproving the person.
2 Corinthians 2:5-11 “5 Now if anyone has caused sadness, he has saddened, not me, but all of YOU to an extent—not to be too harsh in what I say. 6 This rebuke given by the majority is sufficient for such a man, 7 so that, on the contrary now, YOU should kindly forgive and comfort [him], that somehow such a man may not be swallowed up by his being overly sad. 8 Therefore I exhort YOU to confirm YOUR love for him.”
Persons can be so traumatised by being disfellowshipped that many contemplate and carry out suicide. It is common to suffer Post Traumatic Shock Disorder. The harsh stance of the Society has a counter productive affect. Being Disfellowshipped has been the catalyst to cause many to doubt whether the Society, as a body , really represents the true religion. The trauma and effort involved in being reinstated that caused them to begin researching outside the Society’s publications and to come to the conclusion that the Society it is not God’s chosen way.
With many religions when a person no longer believes or is practicing sin they will tend to drift away from Church and associate with like minded individuals outside the congregation. This is how it is with unbaptised Witness youths; they leave over time, generally in their teens. Most that do not follow Watchtower guidelines or that do not believe it is the “truth” stop going to meetings. However disfellowshipping is a form of entrapment that forces baptised Witnesses, including myself to spend years going to meetings whilst not believing or adhering to some, or many of the Society’s imposed regulations.
This is done to avoid being disfellowshipped, in order to prevent being shunned by family. By encouraging people to stay and lead double lives disfellowshipping possibly results in more people being influenced than if the wrongdoers are encouraged to drift away.
Hatred
The direction given by the Society’s own publications , goes strongly against Christian examples when demanding members hate an apostate.
The Watchtower 1992 July 15 pp.12-13 Christ Hated Lawlessness—Do You?
“The obligation to hate lawlessness also applies to all activity by apostates. Our attitude toward apostates should be that of David, who declared: “Do I not hate those who are intensely hating you…”
TheWatchtower 1993 October 1 p.19 “Apostasy is, in reality, a rebellion against Jehovah. Some apostates profess to know and serve God, but they reject teachings or requirements set out in his Word. Others claim to believe the Bible, but they reject Jehovah’s organization and actively try to hinder its work. When they deliberately choose such badness after knowing what is right, when the bad becomes so ingrained that it is an inseparable part of their makeup, then a Christian must hate (in the Biblical sense of the word) those who have inseparably attached themselves to the badness. True Christians share Jehovah's feelings toward such apostates; they are not curious about apostate ideas. On the contrary, they "feel a loathing" toward those who have made themselves God's enemies, but they leave it to Jehovah to execute vengeance."
The Watchtower 1952 October 1 p.599
“11Haters of God and his people are to be hated, but this does not mean that we will take any opportunity of bringing physical hurt to them in a spirit of malice or spite, for both malice and spite belong to the Devil, whereas pure hatred does not. We must hate in the truest sense, which is to regard with extreme and active aversion, to consider as loathsome, odious, filthy, to detest. Surely any haters of God are not fit to live on his beautiful earth. The earth will be rid of the wicked and we shall not need to lift a finger to cause physical harm to come to them, for God will attend to that, but we must have a proper perspective of these enemies. His name signifies recompense to the enemies.
Jesus and Paul both said we should not hate but rather love our enemies. This was to apply even when someone is attacking our faith and practice.
Matthew 5:44-45 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust,"
Romans 12:17-21 “17 Return evil for evil to no one. Provide fine things in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, as far as it depends upon YOU, be peaceable with all men. 19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says Jehovah.” 20 But, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals upon his head.” 21 Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good.”
When discussing a person seduced by apostasy Paul said at 2 Thessalonians 3:15 “And yet do not be considering him as an enemy, but continue admonishing him as a brother.”
When discussing that for everlasting life it is necessary to love ‘your neighbor as yourself’, Jesus used the illustration of the Good Samaritan to explain who ones neighbour is. (Luke 10:25-37) The Jews regarded the Samaritans as apostates of the Jewish religion, yet Jesus says our love is to encompass these people as well.
Family
A former Jehovah’s Witness recalls:
“I was told that I could not speak with my own daughter due to sins for which she had been disfellowshipped, leveling an idiotic assumption that I was not mature enough to resist the potential gravity of her sinful life, and needed protection. For God's sake - she had sex without being married - nothing more or less. She was no danger to me or my integrity. And I was her father, the one she was supposed to turn to at times of need. At the time she needed the most support to get over 'normal human adolescent confusion and hormonal overkill' I was supposed to treat her as if she was 'dead'. was told that I could not speak with my own daughter due to sins for which she had been disfellowshipped, leveling an idiotic assumption that I was not mature enough to resist the potential gravity of her sinful life, and needed protection. For God's sake - she had sex without being married - nothing more or less. She was no danger to me or my integrity. And I was her father, the one she was supposed to turn to at times of need. At the time she needed the most support to get over 'normal human adolescent confusion and hormonal overkill' I was supposed to treat her as if she was 'dead'.
The New Testament never specifically extends shunning to immediate family members. Rather Paul stated at 1 Timothy 5:8 ”Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.”
Reinstatement Procedures
In the parable of the prodigal son Jesus outlined the type of love the Father has for us and that we should show each other. (Luke 15:11-32) The youngest child of a rich family spent years squandering his inheritance living a life involved in numerous contemptible sins. Jesus showed that despite this, on seeing his son return home the aged father ran to his child with open arms. He did not wait to question the son’s current actions, did not attempt to determine his son’s motives and repentance, nor give him a period of lower status as punishment.
Nowhere in the Bible does it discuss a detailed process for reinstatement, nor give a timeframe in regards to how long before reinstatement can take place. Paul simply stated that a person who ‘is’ a wrongdoer should be avoided. When they are no longer practicing the wrongdoing there is no reason to keep shunning them. The Watchtower specifies a period of time to pass, even though acknowledging the Christian example allows for shorter periods.
The Watchtower 1963 August 1 p.473 “If these necessary evidences of sorrow and change are present, then his reinstatement could be considered by the congregation committee after sufficient time had elapsed, which in most cases is at least a year.”
The Watchtower 1998 October 1 p.18 “Although it seems that the wrongdoer in Corinth was reinstated within a relatively short period of time, this is not to be used as a standard for all disfellowshippings.”
Though the scriptures give no legalistic approach to determine when a wrongdoer is to be associated with the Society has developed a formalistic procedure for determining if a person is worthy of having their disfellowshipped status removed. They must attend meetings regularly for several months whilst being shunned before an application for reinstatement will be considered. After this they must be examined by the elders to determine if they have ceased the wrongdoing and have a repentant attitude. Once this is determined a public announcement is made. Only after this procedure and announcement are family members and others within the congregation free to talk to that person.
Take the fairly common example of an engaged couple that commit fornication in the weeks prior to their wedding. If discovered they may be disfellowshipped. Once married they are not immediately reinstated as time is made to pass before their request for reinstatement will be considered. They then are forced to go through the formal process of being deemed repentant. Yet on the day of their marriage they are no longer ‘fornicator’s’ as they are scripturally married. There is no scriptural reason they should no longer be associated with. That they are not automatically and immediately reinstated indicates that the Witness practice is based on punishment. This punishment extends for some months after their reinstatement until the elders determine they are worthy to once more participate at meetings.
Likewise, many are disfellowshipped as teenagers for drunkenness, smoking or immorality. Over the years they stop this behaviour, possibly marrying and having children. Scriptural principles show that since they are no longer practicing wrongdoing and are not known in the community as ‘a brother’ it is acceptable for them to be spoken to. On the other hand, Watchtower legislation dictates they must not be spoken to until they resume meeting attendance, apply for reinstatement, are approved and then had a public announcement made. For a high percentage of those raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses there is no desire to return to the Society organization and so this process is never initiated, meaning their family relationship is damaged for the remainder of their lives.
Once reinstated more rules have been created to outline what activities they may participate in. Over time they will be allowed to resume field service, then answering at meetings, then giving talks. It will be several years before they finally are in line for privileges such as pioneering or being considered a Ministerial Servant. The Bible writers gave no such rules.
Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock p.131 “Restrictions should be imposed to help the person see the need of continuing to make 'straight paths for his feet' and also out of consideration for the congregation's conscience.”
Sharing in the field service is restored when the individual is reinstated. Other privileges, such as commenting at meetings, handling parts on the program, and offering prayer at meetings, can be restored progressively when it is determined that the individual has progressed spiritually to the point that he is qualified and when it is judged by the elders that the extending of such privileges will not be offensive to the congregation.”
Kingdom Ministry 1986 August p.6 “A full year must have passed from the time a judicial reproof was given or since reinstatement following disfellowshipping before one could be considered for auxiliary or regular pioneer service.”
Kingdom Ministry 1970 December p.4 “If at one time a person had been disfellowshiped or disassociated, may he ever give a public talk? This might occur, but only after at least ten years from reinstatement. (For details see “The Watchtower,” 8/15/65, p. 497; “Lamp,” p. 121.)”
Baptized without understanding
Since 1985 the second Jehovah’s Witness baptism vow became;
The Watchtower 1985 June 1 p.30 “(2) Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization?”
At baptism a person commits themselves to the Society’s organization, despite the word organization never appearing in the Bible. Few realise that they have committed their bedroom lives, work choices and life long relationship with family and friends to the organization. Terms such as “ecclesiastical government of Jehovah's Witnesses” are never used in the Society’s publications that are issued to the public, but are terms used within confidential letters to branches and the elders. Would as many people be baptised if they realised it was not only to Jehovah, Jesus and the Holy Spirit that they were being baptised but to an ecclesiastical government that had the right to introduce any rule at any time?
When a person is baptised very few have even an inkling of the true history of the religion. No person that gets baptised has any idea of the full list of things that they could be disfellowshipped for as this list is unattainable, and many of the reasons are not clearly specified in the Bible. Most of the reasons are scattered through various Watchtower publications, but a newly interested one is rarely shown all of these. Neither do the Society ’s publications contain a full list of reasons for being disfellowshipped. Even people involved in the organization for years are generally unaware of all the reasons. In regards to disfellowshipping Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock states on p.100 that elders
“should also be sure to proceed in harmony with current information published in The Watchtower and in letters from the Society.”
Only elders have access to Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock and to these letters from the Society . Even elders do not get to know the guidelines for all situations as more difficult situations are discussed in letters specifically to the Bethel Branches. Most people are baptised with no knowledge that these books and letters even exist, let alone know what is contained in them.
Minors
It is particularly disturbing that the Society encourages children raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses to be baptised as minors. Even a pre-teenage child can get baptised and for the remainder of their life be subject to the principle of being disfellowshipped.
The Watchtower 1992 March 1 p.27
“In the summer of 1946, I was baptized at the international convention in Cleveland, Ohio. Although I was only six years of age, I was determined to fulfill my dedication to Jehovah. That summer I served as a pioneer for the first time.”
Baptism as a Jehovah’s Witness is a binding verbal contract with the Society and as such baptising minors is wrong both legally and scripturally. Never is the baptism of a minor mentioned in the Bible. Jesus was not baptised until he was 30 and Jews felt a person became an adult at 30. When Cornelius and his family were baptised it does not state that any non adults were baptised and there is no scriptural evidence of any children or teenagers ever being baptised. A child’s knowledge and ideas change dramatically between the teens and twenties, and for this reason the law protects the rights of minors. A minor is usually not permitted by law to enter contracts, drink, vote, join the army or marry.
When a person baptised as a minor chooses they no longer wish to be known as a Jehovah’s Witness they are regularly disfellowshipped. Once this happens that teenager may not associate freely with family or friends for the remainder of their life! Even a person that is still a child they can be disfellowshipped.
Pay Attention to Yourself and to All the Flock p.98 “When a baptized minor becomes involved in wrongdoing that threatens the cleanness of the congregation, the assigned committee should meet with such individual just as they would with any other member of the congregation.”
Hundreds of thousands or Witnesses are currently disfellowshipped and estranged from their families and friends. This has a dramatic effect on a person, often at a time when they most need help from others.
The Society claims love is one of its distinguishing factors. Jehovah’s Witnesses are a loving brotherhood. Total alienation from this brotherhood and being cast into the world builds fear of removal. At first glance this may seem justifiable. A comparison between how the Bible says to treat wrongdoers with how the Society enforces disfellowshipping shows the Organization has gone beyond the scriptures, using this for control over its members. One of Jesus’ greatest commands was to show love to one’s brother and to one’s neighbour (Luke 10:27). The doctrine on disfellowshipping puts serious question marks over any claim of love that Jehovah’s Witnesses attempt to make. "°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
Greetings to all,
JC MacHislopp