Old Goat:
Thank you for your posts. They provided me some opportunity to reflect on whether I was being too judgmental of the Society for what might otherwise be viewed as just a quirky belief, which the WT hasn't cornered the market of.
But whether the Society's view of 'who is in the new covenant' originally started just as someone's opinion, I still see it being used to support their ruling power structure. For example:
The F&DS doctrine (up till the annual meeting) places the 'anointed' as in charge. The organization book basically says you must trust them as you would Jehovah and Jesus. And parallel with that is how they would speak of any claiming to be 'anointed' in the congregations - which basically marginalized such ones. This effectively shifted focus onto the GB alone.
The new 'understanding' seems very much a reaction to the increasing numbers of 'anointed' partakers which doesn't jive with their earlier explanation that they should be decreasing.
Many other articles use the idea of a few anointed as the basis for unquestioning obedience of everyone else.
For example, this one on Isaiah 45:14:
*** w08 1/15 p. 26 pars. 6-8 Counted Worthy to Be Guided to Fountains of Waters of Life ***
6 The willing support given to anointed Christians by their companions of the other sheep was foretold by the prophet Isaiah. He wrote: "This is what Jehovah has said: ‘The unpaid laborers of Egypt and the merchants of Ethiopia and the Sabeans, tall men, will themselves come over even to you, and yours they will become. Behind you they will walk.'" (Isa. 45:14) In a symbolic way, Christians with an earthly hope today walk behind the anointed slave class and its Governing Body, following their leadership. As "unpaid laborers," the other sheep willingly and wholeheartedly expend their strength and their resources in support of the worldwide preaching work that Christ assigned to his anointed followers on earth.-Acts 1:8; Rev. 12:17.
7 As they lend their support to their anointed brothers, members of the great crowd are being trained as the foundation of the new human society that will exist after Armageddon. That foundation must be solid and stable, and its members must be willing and able to carry out the direction of the Master. Each Christian is being given the opportunity to demonstrate that he can be used by the King, Christ Jesus. By exercising faith and displaying loyalty now, he shows that he will respond well when the King gives him directions in the new world.
The Great Crowd Prove Their Faith
8 The other sheep companions of the congregation of anointed Christians prove their faith in various ways. First, they support the anointed in proclaiming the good news of God's Kingdom. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) Second, they willingly submit themselves to the direction provided by the Governing Body.-Heb. 13:17; read Zechariah 8:23.
Here is an example involving the parable of the sheep and goats:
*** w09 10/15 pp. 15-17 pars. 15-18 "You Are My Friends" ***
15 Read Matthew 25:31-40. Jesus called those who would make up the faithful slave class his brothers. In the illustration about the separating of the sheep from the goats, Jesus clearly states that he takes personally the way we treat his brothers. In fact, he said that the determining factor that would distinguish a sheep from a goat would be the way an individual treated even "the least of these [his] brothers." Therefore, the primary way that those with the earthly hope demonstrate their desire to be friends with Christ is by supporting the faithful slave class.
16 If you hope to live on earth under God's Kingdom, how can you express your friendship toward Christ's brothers? Let us consider just three ways. First, by wholeheartedly sharing in the preaching work. Christ commanded his brothers to preach the good news worldwide. (Matt. 24:14) However, the remaining ones of Christ's brothers on earth today would be hard-pressed to shoulder that responsibility without the assistance of their other sheep companions. Really, each time members of the other sheep class engage in the preaching work, they help Christ's brothers to fulfill their sacred commission. The faithful and discreet slave class deeply appreciates this act of friendship, as does Christ.
17 A second way that those of the other sheep class can help Christ's brothers is by financially supporting the preaching work. Jesus encouraged his followers to make friends for themselves by means of "the unrighteous riches." (Luke 16:9) Not that we can buy friendship with Jesus or Jehovah. Rather, by using our material assets to further Kingdom interests, we prove our friendship and love, not just in word, but "in deed and truth." (1 John 3:16-18) We provide such financial support when we engage in the preaching work, when we donate money toward the construction and maintenance of our meeting facilities, and when we contribute funds toward the worldwide preaching work. Whether the amount we contribute is small or great, both Jehovah and Jesus certainly appreciate our cheerful giving.-2 Cor. 9:7.
18 A third way that all of us prove that we are friends of Christ is by cooperating with the direction provided by congregation elders. These men are appointed by holy spirit under Christ's direction. (Eph. 5:23) "Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive," wrote the apostle Paul. (Heb. 13:17) At times, we may find it a challenge to obey the Bible-based direction given to us by the local elders. We are likely aware of their imperfections, and this may distort our view of their counsel. Still, Christ, the Head of the congregation, is pleased to use these imperfect men. Therefore, the way we react to their authority directly influences our friendship with Christ. When we overlook the faults of the elders and joyfully follow their direction, we prove our love for Christ.
On top of all that, there is the principle or rule set out by Jesus in the sermon on the mount:
(Matthew 7:1-5) . . ."Stop judging that YOU may not be judged; 2 for with what judgment YOU are judging, YOU will be judged; and with the measure that YOU are measuring out, they will measure out to YOU. 3 Why, then, do you look at the straw in your brother's eye, but do not consider the rafter in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Allow me to extract the straw from your eye'; when, look! a rafter is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First extract the rafter from your own eye, and then you will see clearly how to extract the straw from your brother's eye.
The Society incessantly condemns 'Christendom's' teaching as lies defaming God. And JWs who dare to disagree with the Society on doctrinal matters are judged as 'mentally diseased' apostates. Using Jesus 'rule of thumb,' would it be unfair to measure the Society with their own yardstick?
Having said that, I still want to express appreciation for your viewpoint, because it is easy to go overboard on criticism. And a voice of reason interjected into the discussion is always welcome, as far as I'm concerned.
Take Care and don't stop posting.
