raymond frantz

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Posts by raymond frantz

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  5

  Reply to Redhorsewoman on prayer.

  by spectromize in

  1. watchtower
  2. bible

  hi redhw,.

  i've been having a few problems with my computer so anyways i thought i'd reply to you in a new thread.. you said:" spectromize, i disagree with your assertion that because someone is not a jw, their prayers must therefore be answered by satan.".

  i never asserted or even said that.

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  raymond frantz

  Is this the first ever post here? That was 25 years ago!!!
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  6

  THE LONG ANTICIPATED INTERVIEW OF THE 2 NEW GB MEMBERS

  by raymond frantz in

  1. watchtower
  2. bible

  https://youtu.be/dxyjupnklgi?si=2ux5wokg57xdpaob.

  here we have the more indepth interview of the two new gb members jody jodele & jacob rumph and what jumps out to me is how borring they are, interestingly they don't go into detail when it dawned on them when they became anointed but they only go though their history and how they ended up in bethel.

  as we already know jody jodele is the real estate expert that will help the gb capitalise on all this real estate money and jacob rumph sounds he spend alot of time as a missionary in south america, maybe he will provide a more insightful understanding of that continent to the gb since no indigenous jw will be part of the gb anytime soon.now what strikes to me as odd is the examples they both sited as the bible characters they want to relate more with, and no it is not jesus.. these modern-day governing body of jehovah's witnesses seems to be leaning heavily on old testament figures like moses and gideon as their role models instead of focusing on jesus, which speaks volumes about the kind of organization they’re leading.

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  raymond frantz

  https://youtu.be/DxYJuPnKlgI?si=2ux5WoKg57Xdpaob

  Here we have the more indepth interview of the two new gb members Jody Jodele & Jacob Rumph and what jumps out to me is how borring they are, interestingly they don't go into detail when it dawned on them when they became anointed but they only go though their history and how they ended up in Bethel. As we already know Jody Jodele is the real estate expert that will help the gb capitalise on all this real estate money and Jacob Rumph sounds he spend alot of time as a missionary in South America, maybe he will provide a more insightful understanding of that continent to the gb since no indigenous jw will be part of the gb anytime soon.Now what strikes to me as odd is the examples they both sited as the Bible characters they want to relate more with, and no it is not Jesus.

  These modern-day Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses seems to be leaning heavily on Old Testament figures like Moses and Gideon as their role models instead of focusing on Jesus, which speaks volumes about the kind of organization they’re leading. This is a big deal—it's almost like they've turned back the clock to align themselves with the Pharisees, who famously clung to Moses as their guide rather than embracing the teachings of Jesus.

  When you look at the early Christian apostles like Paul and Peter, they didn’t tell followers to imitate Moses or Gideon. Instead, they urged everyone to follow Jesus’ example. Paul even said, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” The entire point of early Christianity was to move beyond the legalistic, rule-based approach of the Old Covenant and to embrace the freedom and grace that Jesus brought.

  But here we are, with the Governing Body in 2024 pointing to Old Testament figures as examples, just like the Pharisees did. The Pharisees stuck to the letter of the law, citing Moses as their father, which kept them in a rigid, rules-focused mindset. The Governing Body’s choice to align themselves with Old Testament leaders like Moses and Gideon rather than with Jesus and his apostles feels like a step backward. It’s almost as if they’re more interested in enforcing strict rules and hierarchy than in fostering the compassionate, grace-filled approach that Jesus taught.

  So, what does this say about the organization? It suggests that they’re more concerned with authority, control, and sticking to their own “laws” than with following the example of Jesus, who prioritized love, humility, and personal faith. When you think about it, choosing Moses over Jesus as a role model really does reveal where their priorities lie.
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  8

  WHY THE WATCHTOWER TREATS MEN LIKE DONKEYS OF BURDEN

  by raymond frantz in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  https://youtu.be/tppmprdxxzw?si=shh5vkmuzfp6c9_m.

  so the watchtower has come out with sn article, study article 2 in their newly released study watchtower magazine for 2025 and we see from the start how they keep perpetuating the same old outdated narrative that when it comes to marriages the husband is the one at fault, we'll thats i think when i read paragraph from this article where i man has to work on a whole list of things and not once the wife is instructed to do any of these things, but let's just read together paragraph 14:.

  what are these steps?

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  raymond frantz

  I personally find quite lazy intellectually for the watchtower to be pointing the finger at the husband only especially in 2024 when we know that pendulum has swang towards women's rights especially within the marriage
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  8

  WHY THE WATCHTOWER TREATS MEN LIKE DONKEYS OF BURDEN

  by raymond frantz in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  https://youtu.be/tppmprdxxzw?si=shh5vkmuzfp6c9_m.

  so the watchtower has come out with sn article, study article 2 in their newly released study watchtower magazine for 2025 and we see from the start how they keep perpetuating the same old outdated narrative that when it comes to marriages the husband is the one at fault, we'll thats i think when i read paragraph from this article where i man has to work on a whole list of things and not once the wife is instructed to do any of these things, but let's just read together paragraph 14:.

  what are these steps?

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  raymond frantz

  https://youtu.be/tpPmprDXxzw?si=Shh5vKmuzFP6C9_m

  So the Watchtower has come out with sn article, study article 2 in their newly released Study Watchtower magazine for 2025 and we see from the start how they keep perpetuating the same old outdated narrative that when it comes to marriages the husband is the one at fault, we'll thats I think when I read paragraph from this article where I man has to work on a whole list of things and not once the wife is instructed to do any of these things, but let's just read together paragraph 14:

  A husband who physically or verbally abuses his wife needs to take additional steps to repair his relationship with Jehovah and with his wife. What are these steps? First, he recognizes that he has a serious problem. Nothing is hidden from Jehovah’s sight. (Ps. 44:21; Eccl. 12:14; Heb. 4:13) Second, he stops abusing his wife and changes his behavior. (Prov. 28:13) Third, he apologizes to his wife and to Jehovah and seeks their forgiveness. (Acts 3:19) He should also beg Jehovah for both the desire to change and the help to control his thoughts, speech, and actions. (Ps. 51:10-12; 2 Cor. 10:5; Phil. 2:13) Fourth, he acts in harmony with his prayers by learning to hate all forms of violence and abusive speech. (Ps. 97:10) Fifth, he seeks immediate help from loving shepherds in the congregation. (Jas. 5:14-16) Sixth, he develops a plan that will help him to avoid all such behavior in the future. A husband who views pornography should follow these same steps. Jehovah will bless his efforts to change his behavior. (Ps. 37:5) But it is not enough for a husband to reject dishonorable conduct. He also needs to learn to show honor to his wife. How can he do that?

  In this paragraph, the Watchtower seems to take us on a guided tour back in time with its traditional, almost antiquated perspective on marriage, where the husband is tasked with not only mending his mistakes but also constantly appeasing and accommodating his wife's needs. It's as if, in the Watchtower’s ideal marriage, the wife is a delicate, innocent creature, perpetually in need of care, understanding, and endless apologies. Meanwhile, the husband shoulders all the blame for relationship issues and must go through an extensive, almost ritualistic process to redeem himself—complete with a checklist that reads more like a medieval penance guide than modern relationship advice. Let's explore for a moment this skewed portrayal of responsibility in this perspective and highlight Watchtower's outdated gender dynamics that, in 2025, feel like they belong in a dusty old rulebook.

  First, let’s unpack the premise: "A husband who physically or verbally abuses his wife needs to take additional steps to repair his relationship with Jehovah and his wife." While it’s undoubtedly a good thing that abusive behavior is condemned, this paragraph places all the responsibility squarely on the husband's shoulders. It implies that men alone are the ones to blame in marital discord, and it is always they who must take the initiative to fix things. There's no recognition of the complexities of modern relationships, where accountability often falls on both partners and where a successful marriage is typically built on mutual respect and shared effort. In 2025, it’s hard to ignore that women, too, play a significant role in the dynamics of a relationship. But here, they are strangely absent from any accountability, cast instead as passive recipients of the husband's actions and behaviors.

  Next, let’s take a look at the steps the Watchtower proposes. The husband must first “recognize that he has a serious problem” and remember that “nothing is hidden from Jehovah’s sight.” This is step one in a six-point rehabilitation plan that makes it clear that the husband alone is in the hot seat. It’s almost like a spiritual version of an anger management workshop—just without any actual tools for communication or emotional intelligence that might actually help both partners. The paragraph then tells him to stop abusing his wife, apologize profusely, pray fervently, and reach out to congregation elders. Each step paints the husband as not only the perpetrator but also the sole fixer, while his wife is conveniently positioned as the injured party, free from any need for growth or responsibility herself.

  Now, don’t get me wrong—stopping abusive behaviour, apologizing, and seeking help are all positive steps. But the real issue here is the oversimplified and one-sided portrayal of a marital relationship. Abuse in any form is, of course, unacceptable and should be addressed with sincerity and urgency. However, the Watchtower’s insistence on placing the blame entirely on the husband paints an unrealistic picture where the wife is perpetually innocent, vulnerable, and passive. It overlooks the complexity of human relationships, where both partners bring their own flaws, struggles, and, yes, responsibilities to the table. Where’s the guidance for women to reflect on their own behaviour, communicate their needs respectfully, or contribute to the relationship’s health?

  Then there’s the statement about pornography, which lumps all husbands who view it into the same category as those who engage in abusive behavior. It’s quite a leap to place both issues under the same "steps to repentance" umbrella. By doing so, the Watchtower equates vastly different behaviors as equally damaging, creating unnecessary shame and guilt. Again, it’s the husband who must grovel and reform himself under the ever-watchful eye of Jehovah and his wife, with no mention of any constructive dialogue between the couple. It’s a dynamic straight out of a bygone era, ignoring the fact that, today, healthy relationships are built on open communication, mutual respect, and shared responsibilities.

  The paragraph wraps up by adding that it’s not enough for the husband to just avoid bad behavior; he also “needs to learn to show honor to his wife.” This, of course, is a commendable sentiment, but it further perpetuates the imbalance. He needs to “honor her” with no corresponding mention of the wife honoring her husband, meeting his needs, or working alongside him to cultivate a loving, balanced relationship. The burden to “do better” is placed entirely on him, implying that only the husband has room for improvement, and his wife is, by default, blameless.

  In 2025, where most people understand that a successful marriage requires both partners to contribute equally, this approach feels laughably outdated. It's as though the Watchtower is operating on an old-fashioned script, where women are delicate flowers, and men are rough rocks that need endless polishing to be worthy of them. Gone is any mention of mutual accountability, shared emotional labor, or reciprocal support. Instead, men are cast as the sole bearers of responsibility for a marriage’s health, while women float along, seemingly without a care in the world other than waiting for their husbands to step up.

  The irony, of course, is that this overly simplistic dynamic does a disservice to both men and women. Men are saddled with an unfair level of blame and responsibility, while women are denied the opportunity to take ownership of their role in the relationship. The paragraph misses the chance to encourage both partners to reflect, grow, and work together to build a harmonious, balanced marriage. Instead, it clings to an outdated model that paints men as perpetual fixers and women as delicate, morally superior beings whose needs must be endlessly met.

  In the end, this guidance from the Watchtower might have been relevant decades ago, but in today’s world, it feels out of touch. Marriage is a partnership, not a one-sided project where only one person needs to “do better” or take responsibility. True intimacy and respect are built on mutual accountability, open communication, and a shared commitment to growth. It’s time the Watchtower acknowledged that in a healthy relationship, both partners have room to improve, contribute, and honor each other—equally.

  https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-study-january-2025/Husbands-Honor-Your-Wife/
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  2908

  It's been a long 9 years Lloyd Evans / John Cedars (continued)

  by Simon in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  uh oh, looks like the mega thread gave up the ghost, so while i investigate / fix it just continue the discussion here .... it's been a long 9 years lloyd evans / john cedars.

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  raymond frantz

  What I find funny is that he is back on the blond bleached hair, the "professor" look didn't last long
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  20

  JW WOMAN VOLUNTEER CRUSHED BY A WALL AT A KINGDOM HALL PROJECT

  by raymond frantz in

  1. watchtower
  2. bible

  https://youtu.be/1skm8riz7qc?si=ww3ej9orl_91db4w.

  the construction of a new jehovah’s witnesses kingdom hall in cybinka, poland, has once again shed light on the watchtower organization’s relentless drive to expand its real estate empire on the backs of unpaid, vulnerable volunteers.

  every day, around 40 jehovah’s witnesses show up at the construction site, some traveling long distances, not for pay or proper protection, but to fulfill a sense of “spiritual duty” instilled by the organization.

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  raymond frantz

  Anony mous

  I've seen too with our quick build all inexperienced elders that never help a ladder or a tool in their life were the supervisors, surely a recipe for disaster
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  20

  JW WOMAN VOLUNTEER CRUSHED BY A WALL AT A KINGDOM HALL PROJECT

  by raymond frantz in

  1. watchtower
  2. bible

  https://youtu.be/1skm8riz7qc?si=ww3ej9orl_91db4w.

  the construction of a new jehovah’s witnesses kingdom hall in cybinka, poland, has once again shed light on the watchtower organization’s relentless drive to expand its real estate empire on the backs of unpaid, vulnerable volunteers.

  every day, around 40 jehovah’s witnesses show up at the construction site, some traveling long distances, not for pay or proper protection, but to fulfill a sense of “spiritual duty” instilled by the organization.

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  raymond frantz

  https://youtu.be/1sKM8riz7Qc?si=WW3EJ9oRl_91db4w

  The construction of a new Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Cybinka, Poland, has once again shed light on the Watchtower organization’s relentless drive to expand its real estate empire on the backs of unpaid, vulnerable volunteers. Every day, around 40 Jehovah’s Witnesses show up at the construction site, some traveling long distances, not for pay or proper protection, but to fulfill a sense of “spiritual duty” instilled by the organization. But beneath the surface of this supposedly noble effort lies a harsh reality: the Watchtower organization, in its role as a heartless taskmaster, appears far more concerned with getting buildings up quickly and cheaply than with the safety or well-being of its followers.
  The urgency with which these Kingdom Halls are built is staggering. In Cybinka, this particular Hall has been under construction since early September, with the goal of completing it in just a few short weeks. The work is grueling, and many of the volunteers are neither trained nor equipped for the tasks they’re assigned. Nevertheless, the Watchtower organization sees fit to push this project forward, disregarding the physical toll on those who labor long hours with little more than vague promises of “spiritual rewards.”
  In a shocking turn of events just weeks into the project, a volunteer was crushed by a collapsing wall due to high winds. This incident, which halted work for a brief two weeks, raises an obvious question: why was safety not prioritized? The volunteer, who suffered injuries and was hospitalized, reportedly expressed a desire to return to the site—a sentiment born not from personal motivation, but from a culture of indoctrination and guilt. This is the Watchtower’s modus operandi: pressuring members to give more, do more, and sacrifice more, with little regard for their safety.
  Jehovah’s Witness construction sites, like this one in Cybinka, have long been known for their lack of basic safety standards. Men and women of all ages work shoulder-to-shoulder, directed by a handful of “supervisors” with minimal professional oversight. This disregard for volunteer safety is nothing new; it’s a part of the Watchtower’s larger strategy to exploit the free labor of its members, prioritizing low-cost construction over human lives. For the organization, volunteers are simply tools, endlessly renewable and entirely expendable. If one is injured, they can easily be replaced by another faithful follower eager to earn favor with the organization.
  The Watchtower thrives on its members’ dedication, but it also manipulates this devotion, cloaking their demands in the language of religious duty. Volunteers, like those in Cybinka, are frequently reminded to “put into practice Christian qualities,” with words like “self-sacrifice,” “loyalty,” and “faithfulness” used to coerce them into service. But there’s a sinister undercurrent here: the Watchtower knows that its members will interpret these “reminders” as orders. This ensures that, despite the grueling work and risk of injury, they will continue to volunteer, fearing that to refuse would be seen as a lack of devotion to Jehovah.
  Behind this façade of spiritual dedication lies the Watchtower’s true motivation: expanding their vast property portfolio at minimal cost. The organization pushes these projects forward at breakneck speed, exploiting the loyalty of its followers to achieve its own goals without spending a cent on wages. There’s no thought for the safety, financial stability, or mental health of those who labor for them. If the Watchtower genuinely cared about its members, it would invest in professional workers or, at the very least, proper safety protocols. But as far as the organization is concerned, these volunteers are a free, disposable workforce, and their well-being is an afterthought.
  Perhaps the most telling sign of the Watchtower’s lack of empathy is how it responds to accidents. The incident in Cybinka, where a woman was crushed by a falling wall, briefly halted construction, but operations resumed swiftly. To the organization, this volunteer was little more than collateral damage in their quest for quick and cheap construction. She was not offered compensation, nor were there any changes to safety protocols; the priority was to get back to work. This mentality exposes the Watchtower for what it truly is: an organization that views its followers as tools to be used and discarded as needed.
  The tragedy is that many volunteers genuinely believe they are serving a higher purpose, unaware that they are merely pawns in a larger corporate agenda. The Watchtower’s representatives like to emphasize the “joy” of working on these sites, but the reality is that these volunteers are driven by a mixture of fear and obligation. Many Jehovah’s Witnesses know that refusing to volunteer could result in social ostracism, or worse, a mark against their standing in the congregation. They serve not out of personal desire but because they feel they have no choice, a testament to the Watchtower’s calculated psychological grip over its followers.
  In the end, the Watchtower’s building projects are little more than a cold, calculated way to expand their wealth and influence without regard for the people who make it possible. Volunteers sacrifice time, health, and sometimes safety, only to be treated as a means to an end by an organization that regards them as entirely replaceable. The Watchtower’s “building spree” continues, and as more Kingdom Halls rise, so too does the tally of exploited, injured, and undervalued members left in its wake.
  

  LINK:https://gazetalubuska.pl/w-lubuskiem-powstaje-kolejna-sala-krolestwa-swiadkow-jehowy-wybudowana-zostanie-w-zawrotnym-tempie/ar/c9-18909167
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  121

  PRESIDENTIAL predictions...let the prognosticators have their say!

  by Terry in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  my only prowess in making predictions stems from my 77-years of life in the united statesgrowing up under president truman, eisenhower, kennedy, nixon, .....etc.

  etc.i was a widdle kid sitting in front of a tiny black and white tv set when the very first broadcastsof political conventions, deal-making, debates (nixon vs kennedy), assassinations (jfk, rfk, martin luther king, etc.

  ) i grew up with duck and cover under my elementary schooldesk, the cold war, the iron curtain, the korean war, the vietnam war and i went to federal prisonas a jw conscientious objector while hippies, flower children, political activists protested and universitystudents were fired up on by troops.i grew up reading newspapers (2 of them).

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  raymond frantz

  @ Wtwizard, I very possible future
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  121

  PRESIDENTIAL predictions...let the prognosticators have their say!

  by Terry in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  my only prowess in making predictions stems from my 77-years of life in the united statesgrowing up under president truman, eisenhower, kennedy, nixon, .....etc.

  etc.i was a widdle kid sitting in front of a tiny black and white tv set when the very first broadcastsof political conventions, deal-making, debates (nixon vs kennedy), assassinations (jfk, rfk, martin luther king, etc.

  ) i grew up with duck and cover under my elementary schooldesk, the cold war, the iron curtain, the korean war, the vietnam war and i went to federal prisonas a jw conscientious objector while hippies, flower children, political activists protested and universitystudents were fired up on by troops.i grew up reading newspapers (2 of them).

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  raymond frantz

  Just in AtlasIntel poll shows Trump winning in every swing State

  
  
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  121

  PRESIDENTIAL predictions...let the prognosticators have their say!

  by Terry in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  my only prowess in making predictions stems from my 77-years of life in the united statesgrowing up under president truman, eisenhower, kennedy, nixon, .....etc.

  etc.i was a widdle kid sitting in front of a tiny black and white tv set when the very first broadcastsof political conventions, deal-making, debates (nixon vs kennedy), assassinations (jfk, rfk, martin luther king, etc.

  ) i grew up with duck and cover under my elementary schooldesk, the cold war, the iron curtain, the korean war, the vietnam war and i went to federal prisonas a jw conscientious objector while hippies, flower children, political activists protested and universitystudents were fired up on by troops.i grew up reading newspapers (2 of them).

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  raymond frantz

  Beth Sarim , here in Soviet Britain is already over, going after people's properties and the farmers and they've only been in power for a couple of months