https://youtu.be/heUlwYd00kU?si=9AZ0zrsquY67v74G
The Watchtower’s approach to "new light" is, frankly, a masterclass in manipulation. When they introduce a new interpretation or change their teachings, it's presented as a revelation, showcasing just how guided and spiritually in-tune the Governing Body is. But when one of their long-standing interpretations proves wrong or doesn’t hold up, the blame shifts. Suddenly, it’s not about them; it’s about the members who misunderstood. They masterfully turn the tables and make it seem like the fault lies with those who took their teachings at face value—a textbook example of gaslighting.
Let’s break this down. For years, Jehovah’s Witnesses were told that the number of anointed ones—the 144,000 who partake of the emblems—would steadily decline. This was supposedly a key indicator that the end was near. The idea was that there would eventually be just a few elderly members left as proof that Armageddon was right around the corner. The expectation was crystal clear: keep an eye on the number of partakers, and when it shrinks to a handful of old men in wheelchairs, the end is just a breath away.
But then something unexpected happened. Instead of the numbers going down, they started to go up. More people started partaking, and—wait for it—younger people were showing up among the partakers. That doesn’t fit with the long-touted narrative, does it? Instead of seeing the numbers dwindle, it seemed like there was suddenly an influx of new anointed ones. So, what does the Governing Body do when the reality contradicts their teachings? Do they admit they got it wrong? Of course not. Instead, they say, “Oh, did we say that the numbers would dwindle? Well, that’s not really the point.” They brush it off, making it seem like it was never the real issue and that the members simply misunderstood.
To add to the fun, they even encourage the members to Google the ages of the newest Governing Body members. “Go ahead, look it up!” they say. And when you do, what do you find? Surprise—the new members are way too young to fit the previous narrative. But the Governing Body isn’t fazed. They claim that the Bible never said anything about the number of anointed ones dwindling down to just a few elderly people. No, what really matters, apparently, is that the Governing Body stays "active and vibrant" until the end. How convenient! By shifting the focus from the numbers to the vitality and activity of the Governing Body, they create a perfect excuse for appointing younger members.
It’s a genius move, really. The Governing Body gets to appoint younger members and keep the leadership looking fresh and energetic. Meanwhile, they act as if this was the plan all along and that anyone who thought the numbers mattered simply misunderstood. It’s a win-win for them: they get to rewrite history and blame the members for believing what they were told to believe.
This pattern isn’t new. The Governing Body’s strategy has always been to paint themselves as the enlightened channel of divine truth. When things go according to plan (or when they can make it look that way), they take full credit. They present their "new light" as evidence of how connected they are with God’s purpose. But when things don’t work out, they shift the narrative to make it seem like the members are the ones who misunderstood. "You thought the number of anointed ones was important? Oh no, that was never the point." And just like that, it’s your fault for focusing on the wrong thing, even though that’s exactly what they told you to focus on.
By saying that Jehovah ensures the Governing Body remains "active and vibrant" until the end, they create a loophole for themselves. It’s no longer about the numbers; it’s about the organization’s ongoing activity and leadership. They can keep things going indefinitely this way, without ever having to confront the contradiction that the numbers of partakers don’t add up to their previous teachings. And they can continue to blame the members for any confusion or misunderstanding, washing their hands of responsibility.
Here’s another twist: the Governing Body’s new narrative also subtly undermines the members’ ability to critically evaluate what they’ve been taught. Encouraging members to Google the ages of the new Governing Body members seems like they’re being transparent, but it’s just another way to control the narrative. When members find out that these new appointees are far younger than expected, they’re nudged into accepting the new explanation: it’s not about age or dwindling numbers; it’s about the work continuing. This keeps members in a state of compliance, accepting whatever new twist the Governing Body decides to introduce.
But let’s be real: this approach is all about rewriting the rules as they go. They’ve positioned themselves in such a way that they can never be wrong. If the numbers don’t match their previous teachings, it’s because the members misunderstood, not because the Governing Body made a mistake. And when they appoint younger members, they’ve already set the stage to justify it. It’s a brilliant way to maintain control and avoid accountability.
So, what about this so-called 144,000? The Watchtower has long emphasized this number as literal and fixed, creating a sense of urgency for members. But here’s the thing: according to the Bible, this group doesn’t even show up until the last 3 ½ years of human history, during the Great Tribulation. Revelation 7 and 14 describe the 144,000 as being chosen during that time—not decades or even centuries earlier. So, technically, none of the 144,000 have even been selected yet. The Watchtower’s focus on this number over the years has been a distraction, keeping members in suspense and using the figure as a signpost for the end. But scripturally, it doesn’t line up.
This means all the emphasis on the number of partakers dwindling over the years, the cut-off dates like 1935, and the idea that seeing fewer anointed ones was a sign of the end—none of that ever had a biblical basis in the first place. It was just another way to maintain control and keep members invested in a narrative that suited the organization’s agenda. The truth is, if we’re following what Revelation actually says, the 144,000 haven’t even been chosen yet, and they won’t be until the final stretch of human history.
In the end, it’s clear: when things go right for the Governing Body, it’s all about their insight and leadership. When things go wrong, they shift the blame, making it seem like it was the members who misunderstood. They’ve crafted a system where they can never be wrong, and any attempt to challenge them is met with a change in narrative that keeps them in control. It’s a classic case of gaslighting, and it’s designed to keep the members off balance and loyal, no matter how often the "light" changes.