Posts by xjwsrock

5

Meetings, Ministry and Modification of the Flesh

by slimboyfat in

sociology of the body is a popular topic for critical analysis.

i wonder if a general survey has been undertaken in relation to watchtower's exercise of authority over the bodies of adherents.

it occurs to me they exercise authority over the body in four main ways: appearance, private practice, public performance, and location.

xjwsrock

I don't have anything to add to the list. Just wanted to say I think this is a thought provoking thread.

It gives another slant to the Behavior Control that is so prevalent in cults and cult-ish groups.

23

What I would like to see soon!

by John Aquila in

i would like to see one or better two members of the governing body get disfellowshipped and they both go off to write books like ray franz exposing the cult to all the sexual scandals, the hidden agendas with the stock market investments, the lawsuits, the laying of long time bethel workers, hidden sins by the higher ups and all the other nasty skeletons in the watchtower closet..

what would be different today compared to rays time is that we now live in a social media world..

they would be invited to talk in the oprah winfrey show, ellen degeneres show, the view, dateline.

xjwsrock

That's exactly why it won't happen.

They would be better paying the higher-ups off (couple million?) than let them walk.

54

Does the W.T have financial problems are are they just rebranding?

by The Rebel in

jw
friends

it is evident that the w.t has recently re-branded itself, and has become fairly modern in its marketing techniques.

so the organisation is in that respect forward thinking, and the former way of doing things has past.. .

but this rebranding has been done by marketing experts, who maybe realise progress is progress, and that with modernisation many bethelites " even as free volunteers" are possibly no longer required.

xjwsrock

I think they are having cash flow problems for some reason. Maybe multiple reasons. They have embarrassed themselves with this construction debacle. Also selling off their prime real estate is a sign of losing ground as others have stated.

They are continuing to push digital products more and more. They are even changing the "time slip" to discourage paper placements and encourage digital placements.

But honestly there is still room to go if they want to save money. They are still printing those silver bibles, which are expensive. They have yet to tell the witnesses to stop placing paper books and such in the field. For instance, I am actually shocked they still want publishers to place paper bible teach books on the first visit.

There are still cuts to be made. If they continue to make more and more cuts, then we will know they are sinking, possibly for good. If they turn it around from here with no more cuts, then they avoided their disaster.

29

Disaster Demonstration in Kingdom hall

by Newly Enlightened in

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwr9w_i02di.

xjwsrock

I love how they are taught to only check on congregation members. Insulated much?

I mean all the other people are going to die at Armageddon anyway, right? So who cares about them...

........

The Jehovah's Witnesses can be counted on in every community to step up and offer their services to help.....themselves.

Thanks Jehovah's Witnesses. You've taught us so much about how to be a true Christian.

29

Do You Think Any Of The Governing Body Are Contemplating Suicide? Over This Rather Rude Financial Reality?

by Brokeback Watchtower in

faithful and always so very discrete in many things but when it comes to the lord's money not so good.. i think as it begins to register in their minds as to what a terrible job they have done as ceos of a large corporation leading it into this condition that thoughts of suicide come from.

not to mention the shame at being a public spetical to the world by the rc.

all these things and more are creeping through their denial as they are forced to face reality.

xjwsrock

On one hand they are under a lot of stress running a religious ponzi scheme, whether they are awake or not.

On the other hand they are completely relieved of the normal financial stresses of life. They have zero expenses, a comfortable lifestyle, go-men all around them, 24 hour security, top-notch health care, etc.

Suicide? Nah. Even in a company downturn their life is way better than most by many measures. They have no fear of layoff either, much different than many of the underlings serving them.

27

Samuel Herd's statement about donations and Cialdini's social proof

by slimboyfat in

samuel herd made a statement a few weeks ago about halting construction work, laying off bethel workers and reducing printing output: severe cutbacks all round.

he said, like the head of a household, the gb has to make sure the organisation is living within its means.

but he added a very careful phrase, something like: "be assured brothers these measures have not been taken as a result of any lack of financial support on your part.

xjwsrock

Well they already chastised the flock in the May broadcast. So it isn't like they are above it, but I get your point. I think it may be accomplishing two things. It's reinforcing the positive (donating) - similar to what you mentioned in the OP - and it's a veiled way of saying "This isn't about not having enough money".

Of course it is about that, but the WT loves to pee on your leg and call it rain.

183

JWs have more good points than bad

by lsw1961 in

1) many who were on the destructive path have been transformed by their teachings (this includes me who was once vicious, and presumptuous and atheistic).

2) equal monthly pay to all members of the bethel community regardless of whether they are bc members or sweepers.

this is something that still remains as an unattainable dream for the world.

xjwsrock

Good one Doc...

I agree wholeheartedly.

23

The Angels will guide a nuclear bomb away from the Governing Body!

by John Aquila in

this is one major reason why i dont try to wake up anyone anymore.

they need to take the first step, and then i will help---- if they ask.

otherwise i just listen and marvel at how some of them think.

xjwsrock

Why is religious propaganda dangerous?

Because people really believe it !!!!!

I mean think about it. What is this guy capable of with these fantasies rolling around in his head?

Governing Body.. you should be ashamed.

40

Greetings

by Pioneerbot in

wanted to say hi.

i've been lurking for a long time.

i also spend time on other forums.

xjwsrock

Welcome ...

If I could share a scripture with you my dear sister.....(condescending elder voice)

Let's turn together to John...the 8th chapter....and verse 32...

and it reads...

"Then you will know the truth (about the truth), and the truth (about the truth) will set you free."

Now did you get the point there....

37

Do You Think 10% Tithing is Coming?

by xjwsrock in

firstly, there are cash flow problems in wt town.

i don't think it's necessary to list all the cutbacks and layoffs, but there have been many.. their thirst for money seems higher too in my opinion.

more entitled may be a better way of putting it.

xjwsrock

GrreatTeacher - those are some good points. I could see that type of program being implemented, especially since they already did an anonymous pledge last year for the new "loan-forgiven" arrangement.

James, that could be a great illustration for an assembly part after the new program gets implemented. The friends would chuckle to themselves and then dutifully pay their tithe/pledge.