http://www.brooklyneagle.com/articles/2017/11/1/jehovahs-witnesses-sell-towers-storied-brooklyn-heights-hotel.
jehovah's witnesses sell the towers, a storied brooklyn heights hotel.
the jehovah's witnesses have sold the towers, a storied brooklyn heights hotel.
Absolutely Incredible. I just can't get my head around the wealth of this organisation. It's just mind blowing.
As a Catholic, I used to wonder if Jesus Christ would have sat on a tank in world war 2 fighting his disciples of another country. Matthew 26:52
As a Jehovah's Witness , I often wonder if Jesus would be one of those business men making a kill in real estate! Matthew 21:12-13
let's play devils advocate here.. put yourself in the governing body's shoes.
they are well aware of all the issues they are facing.
they know their numbers (they 'do the math' as they say in the us).
Loosen restrictions on disfellowshipping, holidays, nonsense of spying on members, and they would be ok. But the huge egos involved in the GB will never allow that to happen
What comes across in many posts is the issue of shunning. This is clearly a policy they need to review. Also, allowing members to use their own conscience on matters of blood, birthdays, holidays etc.
I would also add that they should follow the example of the first century (AND during CT Russell's time) in allowing each congregation greater autonomy.
That way the GB are not being masters over our faith;
That way the holy spirit would be allowed to do the work Jesus employed it for;
That way members can look to Jesus and not the GB for guidance.
That way, each congregation can 'make use of literature' provided by the watchtower as they deem suitable and not conditional.
I wonder which would be easier for the GB - moving mountains or getting rid of their own ego's 🙄
let's play devils advocate here.. put yourself in the governing body's shoes.
they are well aware of all the issues they are facing.
they know their numbers (they 'do the math' as they say in the us).
Let's play devils advocate here.
Put yourself in the Governing Body's shoes. They are well aware of all the issues they are facing. They know their numbers (They 'do the math' as they say in the US). They MUST do something (AND SOON) to end all the bad press and the consequential loss in membership.
So what steps do the leadership need to take in order to turn things around before it's too late?.
i'd like to show you a short video i made about exjw activism in poland.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vt3qdtyxgd8.
i'm one of the people responsible for those information campaigns/protests, so you can ask me anything you like.
there's a lot i didn't show on the video because of the limited time i have for editing, i have tons of footage more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64xhcoowr6y.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhuvmvbjk-q.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bejhmfrzl0.
Fair plays to the organisers. Anything that draws attention to this high control religion is a bonus. I wish them the best 👍
it certainly has to be one of the most exciting times to live in as an awake ex witness!.
the wave of momentum we are part of as thousands awaken from the hold of the society is a joy to be a part of.
the internet helps us to see that we are not alone.
Hopefully the momentum will continue 👍
i happened to come across a time article in 2008. it was basically talking about the high turnover in american faiths.
it mentioned the jdubs and highlighted the following point.. an even more extreme example of what might be called "masked churn" is the relatively tiny jehovah's witnesses, with a turnover rate of about two-thirds.
that means that two-thirds of the people who told pew they were raised jehovah's witnesses no longer are — yet the group attracts roughly the same number of converts.
JP1692
Though I find your views thought provoking. Each individual's situation is different. There are so many intracacies woven into each person's life that may be a factor as to why they remain. For example. There are many who have simply faded for decades. Why didn't they write a letter of resignation? Why? We all know the answer to that!
Fear is the biggest factor as to why people don't leave the watchtower Bible and cult society ( to coin a phrase). Fear of being shunned by your own relatives. Also, what about the person's mental health. What if they have depression and are trying to avoid rocking the boat because they just know they cannot take on further stress.
There are so many factors. It is not all black and white. What has worked for you has worked for you....and amen to that. But it doesn't work for all of us. What about our family members who have been inculcated into this religion. My strategy is to fade and do as little as possible. My family clearly see my lack of care as to regards the jdubs. In time my hope is that they wake up.
Note: I have tried 'vainlessly' to wake up my wife. I have spoken to her, left letters for her. She refuses to listen. Just like the allegory of 'the cave' by plato
These are the grey areas. Some of us unfortunately are stuck in Jdub land limbo (in that grey are). We are trying to work our way out without too much collateral damage.
Qué? 🤔
i used to be a staunch believer in god.
maybe its technology and science advancing so much thats got me doubting idk.
do you believe in god?
I believe in God. I need my faith as it gives me hope.
However...I am not at all surprised how the watchtower Society has turned so many off their beliefs. This Religion just about smothered my faith to the point I almost became an atheist.
I have read the Bible through and now have my own belief system.
i happened to come across a time article in 2008. it was basically talking about the high turnover in american faiths.
it mentioned the jdubs and highlighted the following point.. an even more extreme example of what might be called "masked churn" is the relatively tiny jehovah's witnesses, with a turnover rate of about two-thirds.
that means that two-thirds of the people who told pew they were raised jehovah's witnesses no longer are — yet the group attracts roughly the same number of converts.
While I realize other people are not as free to leave as I was, I would not want to have to be faking it for the sake of family or whatever. It also makes one wonder just how many JWs in any given Hall are actually in their minds still genuine JWs? Just how many are faking it, is the question.
LongHairGal
I agree with your point LongHairGal. I admit I'm a faker. I think there are fakers in just about every hall throughout the world. That is really sad.
I believe the leadership at Watchtower are aware of this which is a reason why they keep their cruel shunning policy. Angus Stewart at the Australian Royal Commission nailed it when he discussed the shunning policy by saying that in effect the watchtower society is a captive religion. Many of us fakers are held captive in this Religion because of that very policy.
