Black Sheep
I did quote paragraph and study article at the beginning of the post
raymond frantz
JoinedPosts by raymond frantz
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Making Friends with Babylon the Great: Watchtower’s New Goal
by raymond frantz inhttps://youtu.be/iv_uifab-qg?si=ttnajiuizmtqlte9.
it began during the last annual meeting of 2014 and now is trikling down to their watchtower magazines, this new "live and let live" attitude towards people of other faiths, or as they were known as babylon the great soon to be dead in the hands of god members.but it is a new different story, so let's read paragraph 15 from study article 15:.
"jehovah is kind to both the righteous and the unrighteous.
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raymond frantz
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Footage from Recently Converted Kingdom Hall to a Mosque
by raymond frantz inhttps://youtu.be/kjqwfeuhpji?si=6ahbituygdyiq3za.
when jehovah’s witnesses dedicate their kingdom halls, they often refer to the example of solomon dedicating the temple in jerusalem.
it’s a solemn moment.
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raymond frantz
Nathan Natas
I think Life Church and Emmanuel are linked with Elim Pentecostals, we have 3 in my area
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7
Making Friends with Babylon the Great: Watchtower’s New Goal
by raymond frantz inhttps://youtu.be/iv_uifab-qg?si=ttnajiuizmtqlte9.
it began during the last annual meeting of 2014 and now is trikling down to their watchtower magazines, this new "live and let live" attitude towards people of other faiths, or as they were known as babylon the great soon to be dead in the hands of god members.but it is a new different story, so let's read paragraph 15 from study article 15:.
"jehovah is kind to both the righteous and the unrighteous.
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raymond frantz
https://youtu.be/iV_uIfab-Qg?si=TtNAjiuizmtQlTE9
It began during the last Annual Meeting of 2014 and now is trikling down to their Watchtower magazines, this new "live and let live" attitude towards people of other faiths, or as they were known as Babylon the Great soon to be dead in the hands of God members.But it is a new different story, so let's read Paragraph 15 from Study Article 15:
"Jehovah is kind to both the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matt. 5:45) He expects us to show similar consideration for others. For example, we are “to speak injuriously of no one, not to be quarrelsome, . . . displaying all mildness toward all men.” (Titus 3:2) With this in mind, we do not look down on others simply because they do not share our beliefs. (2 Tim. 2:23-25) We draw closer to Jehovah by always being kind and considerate in our dealings with all."
The Watchtower Society is like a chameleon always morphing and changing colours in order to fit it with the ever changing religious landscape. For decades, they have portrayed "Babylon the Great," their favorite term for the world empire of false religion, as a spiritual villain worthy of divine wrath. Their literature overflowed with fiery language and apocalyptic warnings, painting a world teetering on the brink of destruction where Jehovah's Witnesses alone would be spared. This wasn’t just a theological stance—it was a way of life, a spiritual identity founded on being separate from and superior to all other faiths.
The message was clear: all other religions were corrupt and destined for fiery judgment. Older generations of Jehovah's Witnesses built their faith on this exclusivity, often at great personal cost. They sacrificed careers, relationships, and personal freedom, believing they were part of God’s sole channel on earth, a spiritual elite tasked with declaring the doom of Babylon the Great. The organization didn’t just suggest that others were misguided; it declared all non-Witness faiths as instruments of Satan himself, unworthy of divine mercy.
Consider the 1989 Watchtower article titled "Babylon the Great—Fallen and Judged." It described the inevitable collapse of all false religions with the kind of dramatic flair one would expect from apocalyptic literature: "The representatives of Babylon the Great were laughing. They overlooked that he who laughs last laughs best." The message was clear—Jehovah's Witnesses would have the last laugh while the rest of the world faced divine annihilation.
But the winds of change are blowing through the Watchtower's ivory tower. Fast forward to today, and the fire-and-brimstone sermons have been quietly replaced with something far more palatable. Recent publications no longer emphasize destruction and judgment but promote a softer, almost diplomatic tone. The narrative has shifted from "preach doom" to "live and let live." Instead of emphasizing the annihilation of other faiths, the focus has become personal spiritual growth and respecting others' beliefs. The rhetoric, once drenched in exclusivity, now tastes suspiciously like tolerance.
This sudden change seems carefully crafted to resonate with younger Jehovah's Witnesses who grew up in a world where diversity, inclusivity, and coexistence are widely valued. The younger generation isn't as comfortable with the harsh "us versus them" narrative that their parents and grandparents embraced so fiercely. They might cringe at the idea of condemning their friends or classmates as part of a wicked global empire destined for destruction. So, the Watchtower has adapted, painting itself in softer colors, perhaps hoping to retain the loyalty of a generation more drawn to kindness than condemnation.
But while this gentler approach might appeal to modern sensibilities, it creates a bitter conflict for the older, more loyal generations. These are the men and women who sacrificed decades of their lives believing they were part of a spiritual elite tasked with warning the world of its impending doom. They braved door-to-door ministry, endured ridicule, social ostracism, and in some cases even legal battles—all while standing firm on the belief that Babylon the Great was evil, and they were on the right side of history.
For them, the idea that the Watchtower would now preach tolerance and mutual respect with other faiths feels like a betrayal. It undermines the sacrifices they made under a belief system that demanded complete spiritual separation from the world. Imagine spending your entire life convinced that you were part of a spiritual resistance against Satan's empire, only to have your leaders now embrace a message of "understanding" and "respect for differences." Does this mean the sacrifices were unnecessary? Were they misled?
This shift also raises uncomfortable questions about the organization’s motives. Could this be a calculated attempt to rebrand the faith for public relations purposes? After all, the Watchtower has faced increasing scrutiny for its shunning practices, mishandling of child abuse cases, and hardline policies on medical treatment. Softening the messaging might be a way to rehabilitate its public image. Or perhaps it’s a strategy to slow the exodus of younger members who find the old doctrines too harsh and outdated.
What makes this shift even more perplexing is how closely it resembles the ecumenical movement—something the Watchtower once vehemently condemned. The ecumenical movement promotes unity and cooperation among different religions, a concept the Watchtower previously labeled as a Satanic compromise. The 1983 *Watchtower* declared, *“The whole concept of interfaith is not approved by God.”* Yet, this new tone of tolerance feels suspiciously close to what the Watchtower used to criticize.
It would be hard to deny that this kinder messaging hints at a subtle drift toward the very ecumenical ideas the organization once rejected. Could the Watchtower be taking its first small steps toward aligning with broader religious cooperation, or at least appearing less divisive? If so, it represents a profound departure from the organization's core doctrines. After all, the original narrative wasn't about coexistence—it was about being *separate* and *superior.*
For those who dedicated their lives to the old Watchtower, this feels like a gut punch. Imagine devoting 40 or 50 years to a faith built on spiritual exclusivity only to see the leadership backtrack, softening the very doctrines you once risked everything to uphold. If the organization now preaches coexistence, were the sacrifices of the past all for nothing?
The Watchtower Society's transformation from fiery judgment to a message of understanding is not just a PR adjustment; it’s a seismic shift in identity. While younger generations may find comfort in this more tolerant approach, older Witnesses face an existential crisis. The organization that once defined their entire worldview is now subtly rewriting its own narrative, inching away from the doctrines they once preached with conviction.
Whether this shift is a genuine change of heart or a strategic move to remain culturally relevant, one thing is clear: the Watchtower is once again proving itself to be a master of adaptation. Like a chameleon, it continues to change its colors, hoping to blend in with the times—at the risk of alienating those who once stood firm in the hues of fire and brimstone."Babylon the Great," their favorite term for the world empire of false religion, as a spiritual villain worthy of divine wrath. Their literature overflowed with fiery language and apocalyptic warnings, painting a world teetering on the brink of destruction where Jehovah's Witnesses alone would be spared. This wasn’t just a theological stance—it was a way of life, a spiritual identity founded on being separate from and superior to all other faiths.
The message was clear: all other religions were corrupt and destined for fiery judgment. Older generations of Jehovah's Witnesses built their faith on this exclusivity, often at great personal cost. They sacrificed careers, relationships, and personal freedom, believing they were part of God’s sole channel on earth, a spiritual elite tasked with declaring the doom of Babylon the Great. The organization didn’t just suggest that others were misguided; it declared all non-Witness faiths as instruments of Satan himself, unworthy of divine mercy.
Consider the 1989 *Watchtower* article titled *"Babylon the Great—Fallen and Judged."* It described the inevitable collapse of all false religions with the kind of dramatic flair one would expect from apocalyptic literature: *"The representatives of Babylon the Great were laughing. They overlooked that he who laughs last laughs best."* The message was clear—Jehovah's Witnesses would have the last laugh while the rest of the world faced divine annihilation.
But the winds of change are blowing through the Watchtower's ivory tower. Fast forward to today, and the fire-and-brimstone sermons have been quietly replaced with something far more palatable. Recent publications no longer emphasize destruction and judgment but promote a softer, almost diplomatic tone. The narrative has shifted from "preach doom" to "live and let live." Instead of emphasizing the annihilation of other faiths, the focus has become personal spiritual growth and respecting others' beliefs. The rhetoric, once drenched in exclusivity, now tastes suspiciously like tolerance.
This sudden change seems carefully crafted to resonate with younger Jehovah's Witnesses who grew up in a world where diversity, inclusivity, and coexistence are widely valued. The younger generation isn't as comfortable with the harsh "us versus them" narrative that their parents and grandparents embraced so fiercely. They might cringe at the idea of condemning their friends or classmates as part of a wicked global empire destined for destruction. So, the Watchtower has adapted, painting itself in softer colors, perhaps hoping to retain the loyalty of a generation more drawn to kindness than condemnation.
But while this gentler approach might appeal to modern sensibilities, it creates a bitter conflict for the older, more loyal generations. These are the men and women who sacrificed decades of their lives believing they were part of a spiritual elite tasked with warning the world of its impending doom. They braved door-to-door ministry, endured ridicule, social ostracism, and in some cases even legal battles—all while standing firm on the belief that Babylon the Great was evil, and they were on the right side of history.
For them, the idea that the Watchtower would now preach tolerance and mutual respect with other faiths feels like a betrayal. It undermines the sacrifices they made under a belief system that demanded complete spiritual separation from the world. Imagine spending your entire life convinced that you were part of a spiritual resistance against Satan's empire, only to have your leaders now embrace a message of "understanding" and "respect for differences." Does this mean the sacrifices were unnecessary? Were they misled?
This shift also raises uncomfortable questions about the organization’s motives. Could this be a calculated attempt to rebrand the faith for public relations purposes? After all, the Watchtower has faced increasing scrutiny for its shunning practices, mishandling of child abuse cases, and hardline policies on medical treatment. Softening the messaging might be a way to rehabilitate its public image. Or perhaps it’s a strategy to slow the exodus of younger members who find the old doctrines too harsh and outdated.
What makes this shift even more perplexing is how closely it resembles the ecumenical movement—something the Watchtower once vehemently condemned. The ecumenical movement promotes unity and cooperation among different religions, a concept the Watchtower previously labeled as a Satanic compromise. The 1983 *Watchtower* declared, *“The whole concept of interfaith is not approved by God.”* Yet, this new tone of tolerance feels suspiciously close to what the Watchtower used to criticize.
It would be hard to deny that this kinder messaging hints at a subtle drift toward the very ecumenical ideas the organization once rejected. Could the Watchtower be taking its first small steps toward aligning with broader religious cooperation, or at least appearing less divisive? If so, it represents a profound departure from the organization's core doctrines. After all, the original narrative wasn't about coexistence—it was about being *separate* and *superior.*
For those who dedicated their lives to the old Watchtower, this feels like a gut punch. Imagine devoting 40 or 50 years to a faith built on spiritual exclusivity only to see the leadership backtrack, softening the very doctrines you once risked everything to uphold. If the organization now preaches coexistence, were the sacrifices of the past all for nothing?
The Watchtower Society's transformation from fiery judgment to a message of understanding is not just a PR adjustment; it’s a seismic shift in identity. While younger generations may find comfort in this more tolerant approach, older Witnesses face an existential crisis. The organization that once defined their entire worldview is now subtly rewriting its own narrative, inching away from the doctrines they once preached with convictigenuineNew ether this shift is a genuine change of heart or a strategic move to remain culturally relevant, one thing is clear: the Watchtower is once again proving itself to be a master of adaptation. Like a chameleon, it continues to change its colors, hoping to blend in with the times—at the risk of alienating those who once stood firm in the hues of fire and brimstone
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New Watchtower Study: Apostates and Red Balloons 🎈
by raymond frantz inhttps://youtu.be/gt0cuez3emy?si=wur7afqwryddqgnt.
the new watchtower study edition is out and i have a bone to pick with the watchtower with paragraph 14 from study article 14. there we read: "we want to help clear jehovah’s name of all reproach.
consider this scenario: you have a close friend who is kind, generous, and forgiving.
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raymond frantz
The verdict is out , it is a blood drop weirdly portrayed with a YES over it
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New Watchtower Study: Apostates and Red Balloons 🎈
by raymond frantz inhttps://youtu.be/gt0cuez3emy?si=wur7afqwryddqgnt.
the new watchtower study edition is out and i have a bone to pick with the watchtower with paragraph 14 from study article 14. there we read: "we want to help clear jehovah’s name of all reproach.
consider this scenario: you have a close friend who is kind, generous, and forgiving.
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raymond frantz
https://youtu.be/Gt0cUEz3emY?si=wUr7AFQWrYdDQgnt
The new Watchtower Study Edition is out and I have a bone to pick with the Watchtower with paragraph 14 from Study Article 14. There we read:
"We want to help clear Jehovah’s name of all reproach. Consider this scenario: You have a close friend who is kind, generous, and forgiving. One day, you hear someone accuse your friend of being cruel and dishonest. How do you react? You defend him. Similarly, when Satan and those under his influence try to ruin Jehovah’s reputation by spreading lies about Him, we respond by telling the truth about Jehovah, vigorously defending His name. (Ps. 34:1; Isa. 43:10) We show that we want to serve Jehovah whole-souled by our words and actions."
Before we go into the paragraph i found the accompanying photo hilarious, the photo portrays a worldly person observing what it seems apostates demonstrating with placards outside an assembly hall. I don't know what is more disturbing the placards with an X Over jw.org or a Tower or the guy who holds a placard with a YES sign over a balloon.It looks like apostates are balloon lovers now or this picture was made by AI. Then this lady encounters a couple of Jehovah’s Witnesses by a literature cart and gets to speak to them about the Trurh. First of all last time I checked I was indifferent towards balloons, secondly most exjw activists are far more effective online with their activist I don't have to go outside an assembly hall to demonstrate, why would I do that? That would fit right in with the Watchtower's narrative on apostates, thirdly I find it disturbing that they still cling to their old pre Norwigian smack down and financial loss incident that we the apostates are Satan and they the governing body is Jehovah.
This paragraph from Study 14 of *The Watchtower* presents a scenario designed to justify the organization's aggressive stance against criticism, particularly from former members labeled as "apostates." While it attempts to frame defending Jehovah's name as a virtuous act, the argument collapses under scrutiny, revealing a disturbing pattern of manipulation, oversimplification, and self-serving rhetoric.
Here we hard an old but tested method of manipulation, the Strawman Argument, Painting Apostates as Villains. The core analogy presented compares Jehovah to a personal friend whose reputation has been unjustly tarnished. This framing is emotionally charged but deeply flawed. Apostates (a term weaponized here to describe former members critical of the organization) aren't attacking God Himself but challenging the Watchtower Society's interpretation of God and its authority structure. Conflating the organization's leadership with Jehovah is both misleading and dangerous. It positions any criticism of the leadership as a direct attack on God, thus insulating the Governing Body from accountability.
Moreover, the accompanying photo only reinforces this distorted narrative. The image of a supposed apostate holding a placard with a bizarre "YES" sign over a balloon is laughably absurd. Are we to believe that apostates are now a balloon-worshiping cult? It seems more like a caricature straight out of a poorly directed satire. Or, perhaps it’s just an AI-generated mess, a reflection of how out-of-touch the organization's portrayal of dissenters has become.
This visual mockery serves a calculated purpose: to discredit former members as unhinged, irrational, and even comical, rather than acknowledging the very real and legitimate grievances many ex-Jehovah's Witnesses have raised. It's easier to dismiss critics when you reduce them to ridiculous caricatures.
The image also seems fixated on the idea of apostates protesting outside assembly halls. While public demonstrations have taken place in the past, especislly before the internet youtube, social media era, they represent a tiny fraction of ex-JW activism. The vast majority of former members use online platforms, social media, and documentaries to expose the organization's harmful practices—like mishandling abuse cases and enforcing shunning policies. Yet, the Watchtower clings to this outdated imagery because it fits their narrative better: a horde of angry, bitter protesters instead of thoughtful, articulate critics presenting evidence-based arguments.
Why would an ex-JW even want to stand outside an assembly hall holding a sign? The truth is, they don't need to. Online activism has proven far more effective, reaching millions without the need for physical confrontation. The image of the placard protestor is a relic from a time when the Watchtower controlled the narrative more tightly. Now, with the internet, that control has crumbled—and the organization's leaders know it.
What i find most disturbing with this paragraph is the Blurring the Line Between God and the Governing Body
Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this paragraph is how the Watchtower equates the Governing Body with Jehovah Himself. The phrasing makes it clear: questioning the authority of the organization is portrayed as an attack on God. This is spiritual coercion at its finest.
The verse references, such as Isaiah 43:10 ("You are my witnesses," declares Jehovah), are twisted out of context to imply that the modern-day Watchtower leadership represents God's voice on earth. Yet, this claim was never made by the religious leaders of ancient Israel, even during periods of deep apostasy. Consider Jeremiah 7:4, where the corrupt leaders claimed, *“The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord are these.”* They believed the mere presence of the temple guaranteed divine protection despite their wickedness. Sound familiar? The Governing Body's insistence that they alone speak for Jehovah mirrors this exact arrogance.
The audacity here is staggering. To claim that speaking out against the organization equates to defaming God Himself is not just theologically unsound but outright blasphemous. No human governing body—whether in ancient Israel or modern times—has the right to elevate themselves to divine status. The Watchtower, however, has done precisely that, and in doing so, has crossed into dangerous territory.
And let's not forget the most grotesque element of all that came out last year, although disfellowshipping practices were slightly relaxed the attack on people who criticise the Watchtower remains the same, apostates, pedophiles and people who plan the downfall of their marriage are on the same level, according to last year's Watchtower Study Articles on disfellowshipping. This isn't just offensive; it's morally bankrupt. Comparing those who speak out against harmful doctrines and policies to child abusers is an appalling smear tactic designed to shut down dissent through shame and disgust.
For those wondering if this comparison is exaggerated, consider this direct quote from *The Watchtower* (July 2011, p. 11):
*"What fills the minds of apostates? It is nothing fine. Rather, their minds are filled with poison. Therefore, whatever they say is to be thoroughly rejected. Would you invite a physically unclean person into your home, someone who is still covered with filth? Would you invite a known child molester into your home? Surely not!"*
The fact that the Watchtower could even mention critics in the same breath as child abusers speaks volumes about their priorities. This is not the language of a loving Christian organization but one of fear-driven control -
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Will Elon Musk help to reopen the IICSA enquiry in Britain?
by raymond frantz inhttps://youtu.be/iur3xnyae3m?si=efr0nsv54atghmi_.
the uk’s independent inquiry into child sexual abuse (iicsa) was supposed to be a moment of national reckoning — a deep dive into how major institutions, including religious organizations, failed to protect children.
it started in 2015 and concluded in 2022 and it was meant to be a bold stand against corruption, secrecy, and systemic abuse.
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raymond frantz
https://youtu.be/iuR3XNyAe3M?si=Efr0Nsv54ATGHMI_
The UK’s Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) was supposed to be a moment of national reckoning — a deep dive into how major institutions, including religious organizations, failed to protect children. It started in 2015 and concluded in 2022 and it was meant to be a bold stand against corruption, secrecy, and systemic abuse. Instead, it ended up being a disappointing display of half-measures, leaving many victims feeling ignored and betrayed especially in the exjw community.
If you think this sounds familiar, you’re not wrong. Remember the Australian Royal Commission? Now ,that was an inquiry with a bite. It held power to account, exposed institutional corruption, and even forced uncomfortable confessions from powerful figures. Take Geoffrey Jackson, a senior member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses' Governing Body. Under intense questioning, Jackson revealed disturbing insights into the organization's secretive policies, especially when it came to handling sexual abuse allegations. The revelations were devastating and confirmed the worst fears of victims: their pain had been systematically ignored to protect the organization's reputation.
The UK inquiry, on the other hand, seemed more concerned about optics than justice. It danced around the hard truths, careful not to ruffle too many feathers. Evidence wasn’t the problem — survivors bravely came forward, sharing heartbreaking accounts of abuse and cover-ups. But when it came to holding the powerful accountable, the inquiry faltered. The end result? A lot of talk, not nearly enough action.
But as grim as the IICSA's failure was, it pales in comparison to another scandal the UK establishment has tried its hardest to keep quiet: the mass grooming and sexual abuse of young girls by Pakistani and other ethnic grooming gangs across the country. For decades.
And when we say "mass abuse," we mean *mass*. Estimates suggest around 250,000 victims, but some reports claim the actual number could be closer to *a million*. A million girls — mostly white, working-class children — targeted, abused, and abandoned by a system too afraid to confront the uncomfortable cultural and racial dynamics involved.
You’d think such a horrifying crime wave would spark national outrage, full-blown investigations, and sweeping reforms. Instead, the UK establishment chose silence. Police forces, local councils, and even social services turned a blind eye. Why? Because exposing the truth risked being called *racist*. Victims were ignored, their families gaslit, all while the authorities whispered, "Better to stay quiet than stir controversy."
Enter Elon Musk. Yes, the world's richest man has joined the fray. Musk recently took to his platform X (formerly Twitter) to call out the UK government for its shameful silence and refusal to properly address the grooming scandal. And while Musk's no stranger to controversy, his point here is hard to argue with. When the most powerful institutions in a country prioritize their image over the safety of children, something has gone deeply wrong.
And now, thanks to mounting public pressure (and Musk’s spotlighting of the issue), there are whispers of a real inquiry. Not a carefully curated PR stunt like the IICSA, but a hard-hitting, no-holds-barred investigation where the truth actually matters. This time, the goal seems clear: heads need to roll. Careers need to end. Institutions need to face the kind of scrutiny they’ve long avoided.
And guess who else should be nervous? The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, the organization behind the Jehovah's Witnesses. For years, this group has been accused of covering up sexual abuse, hiding behind their notorious "two-witness rule" — a policy requiring two eyewitnesses to substantiate an abuse claim before any action is taken. In practice, this archaic rule has shielded predators while silencing victims.
The Watchtower’s track record on abuse cases is abysmal. Survivors have repeatedly accused the organization of pressuring them into silence, discouraging police involvement, and prioritizing their public image over justice. During the Australian Royal Commission, Geoffrey Jackson's testimony laid bare the organization's culture of secrecy, and it wasn't pretty. Yet, in the UK, they’ve managed to avoid serious scrutiny for far too long.
Not for much longer. With renewed public attention on institutional abuse cover-ups, it’s clear that the Watchtower won’t escape this next wave of accountability. The days of hiding behind religious privilege and internal judicial committees are numbered. If a new inquiry goes forward — and this time, it seems like it will — the Watchtower can expect some extremely uncomfortable questions.
The truth is, the UK establishment’s handling of both the grooming gangs and institutional abuse scandals hasn’t just been a failure. It’s been a *betrayal*. A betrayal of trust, a betrayal of basic human decency, and a betrayal of the vulnerable children these institutions were supposed to protect.
But secrets don’t stay buried forever. The victims are speaking louder than ever, the public is demanding answers, and the institutions that thought they were untouchable are starting to feel the heat.
No more carefully controlled inquiries designed to protect reputations. No more half-measures and PR damage control. This time, the truth matters. And if that means tearing down powerful institutions along the way? So be it. Because the safety, dignity, and justice of these victims are worth far more than the comfort of the establishment.
Brace yourselves, Watchtower. The reckoning is coming
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Footage from Recently Converted Kingdom Hall to a Mosque
by raymond frantz inhttps://youtu.be/kjqwfeuhpji?si=6ahbituygdyiq3za.
when jehovah’s witnesses dedicate their kingdom halls, they often refer to the example of solomon dedicating the temple in jerusalem.
it’s a solemn moment.
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raymond frantz
https://youtu.be/KjqwfEuHpJI?si=6aHbiTUYGDyiQ3Za
When Jehovah’s Witnesses dedicate their Kingdom Halls, they often refer to the example of Solomon dedicating the Temple in Jerusalem. It’s a solemn moment. The congregation gathers in prayer, expressing heartfelt devotion, acknowledging that the building is now set apart for the worship of Jehovah. The words of Solomon in 1 Kings 8:22-23 echo through time: “O Jehovah, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in the heavens above or on the earth beneath, keeping the covenant and showing loyal love to your servants who are walking before you with all their heart.”
Solomon, with his prayerful dedication, didn’t merely reserve the Temple for sacred use; he symbolized its eternal significance as a place where Jehovah’s name would reside. Now, can you imagine Solomon—after that moving prayer, the sacrifices, and the fire descending from heaven (2 Chronicles 7:1)—turning around and saying, “Well, you know, times are tough. Let’s sell this Temple to the Philistines. Maybe they’ll use it to honor Baal.” Absurd, isn’t it? Even the thought feels like a slap in the face to all that dedication symbolized.
But fast forward to today. The Watchtower organization, which claims to follow the Bible as its guiding light, has made moves that would leave Solomon shaking his head in disbelief. Picture this: a Kingdom Hall, dedicated with heartfelt prayers to Jehovah, sold to the highest bidder just a few years later. And not just any bidder—sometimes, to groups whose practices stand in stark contrast to biblical teachings. How did we get here?
The Bible account in Ezekiel 8 comes to mind. Jehovah brought Ezekiel in a vision to the Temple, and what did he see? Elders of Israel, supposed leaders of the people, engaging in detestable practices right inside Jehovah’s house. In verses 12 and 13, Jehovah says: “Son of man, do you see what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness, each one in the inner rooms of his idol? For they are saying, ‘Jehovah is not seeing us. Jehovah has left the land.’” Jehovah then told Ezekiel to dig through a wall, revealing hidden abominations. It was a sobering reminder that Jehovah sees everything, even when His supposed servants act as if He’s blind to their actions.
It’s hard not to draw parallels to today. Fear not though we might not have Jehovah’s miraculous powers at our disposal today to see what kind of nonsense they cook up in governnng body meetings but with modern technology we have more than enough tools to bore a proverbial “hole in the wall” at our local sold kingdom hall exposing deeds that some might prefer to keep hidden. Take, for example, the Kingdom Hall in Wythenshawe, Manchester. From 2000 to 2002, it was my congregation Members of the congregation likely shed tears of joy when it was dedicated, brothers and sisters volunteered in its upkeep but fast forward a few years, and that same hall—Jehovah’s dedicated house—is now a mosque. Yes, a mosque, where worshipers bow to Allah, eat pizza on the floor, and play table tennis as you can see from the video.
Now, here’s where things get even more intriguing. Who is Allah? Historically, some scholars have linked Allah to the ancient Arabian deity Hubal, who, in turn, has been associated with Baal. Yes, Baal—the same false god worshiped by the Philistines and other pagan nations, the one that Israel was repeatedly warned to avoid. Baal, who, in New Testament times, shows up as Beelzebub, a name directly linked to Satan. So, to summarize: a hall dedicated to Jehovah has been sold off, transformed into a place where Satan (disguised under another name) is now worshiped. How’s that for irony?
The most galling part is that these sales aren’t isolated incidents. The Watchtower organization has pocketed millions from the sale of Kingdom Halls across the globe. In Britain alone, over £300 million has been raked in from these transactions. And while the leadership might claim that these sales are “necessary” for consolidation or financial reasons, one has to wonder: Did they think Jehovah wasn’t watching? Did they imagine that selling His dedicated houses to pagan worshipers would somehow go unnoticed?
The truth is, when Solomon dedicated the Temple, it wasn’t just about bricks and mortar; it was about loyalty and reverence to Jehovah. To sell a sacred space, turning it over to those who worship another god, isn’t just poor judgment—it’s spiritual betrayal. It’s the same attitude as the elders in Ezekiel’s day: “Jehovah isn’t watching.” Except, of course, He is.
The Kingdom Hall in Wythenshawe is just one example. Multiply this by hundreds, and you begin to see a pattern that raises serious questions about the true priorities of those at the helm of the organization. If Jehovah’s name is so sacred—and it is—then shouldn’t spaces dedicated to Him be treated with the utmost respect, even when times get tough?
So, the next time you hear about a Kingdom Hall dedication, remember Solomon’s prayer, Ezekiel’s vision, and the stark contrast we see today. Jehovah’s standards haven’t changed. The question is: Have the people who claim to serve Him forgotten that?
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KING OF THE NORTH ATTACKs 0.001% OF JWS
by raymond frantz inhttps://youtu.be/qn2dewyxlzu.
forget about ufos and orbs darting through the skies of new jersey, or the peculiar fog and bizarre weather gripping parts of the world lately.
none of that is on the watchtower’s radar.
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raymond frantz
Thanks @Journeyman at your detailed analysis, I agree that Russia is the KoTN today my issue is that in the end he won't prove to be the biggest player on persecuting Christians in the same way other previous empires did in the past like Romans,Babylonians or Egyptians the ultimate final prayer is the Antichrist and neither the KoTN or KoTS as I will prove soon with another video based on Daniel chapter 11. Thanks again for your insightful analysis
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KING OF THE NORTH ATTACKs 0.001% OF JWS
by raymond frantz inhttps://youtu.be/qn2dewyxlzu.
forget about ufos and orbs darting through the skies of new jersey, or the peculiar fog and bizarre weather gripping parts of the world lately.
none of that is on the watchtower’s radar.
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raymond frantz
Forget about UFOs and orbs darting through the skies of New Jersey, or the peculiar fog and bizarre weather gripping parts of the world lately. None of that is on the Watchtower’s radar. Their focus? The King of the North. The latest article on JW.org, penned by Nicholas Achladis, asks the riveting question, “Who is the King of the North today?” While the rest of the world ponders mysteries of cosmic significance, the Watchtower is obsessing over one solitary player in a prophecy that feels increasingly out of place in modern discussions.
Why this narrow focus? Because, quite frankly, the Watchtower has practically canceled the book of Revelation. Once considered the definitive guide to the Bible’s most thrilling future events, Revelation has been sidelined for years. The last time Jehovah’s Witnesses attempted to tackle it in their book *Revelation—Its Grand Climax at Hand!* the results were far from triumphant. That book went through so many revisions, updates, and awkward reinterpretations that it was quietly shelved. They even stopped studying it in congregations.
Revelation, for all its terrifying plagues, marks, and beasts, was simply too messy for the Watchtower to handle. They don’t believe in literal plagues or the Antichrist. The mark of the beast? It’s just a metaphor. Essentially, they’ve written themselves out of 99% of the prophecies that have captivated believers for centuries. What’s left is Daniel 11’s King of the North—a pale, overly simplified substitute for the grandeur and complexity of Revelation’s apocalyptic visions.
Let’s get back to this King of the North. For years, the Watchtower has played a guessing game with its identity, changing it as world powers shift. Today, it’s Russia and its allies. The logic behind this is simple: Russia banned Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2017, labeled them an extremist organization, and began cracking down on their activities. But how much of a threat is this, really?
Currently, fewer than 100 Jehovah’s Witnesses are reported to be in prison in Russia. Out of a global membership of 9 million, that’s 0.001%. Yes, any form of persecution is unjust, and those individuals deserve compassion and support. But does this minuscule fraction of Jehovah’s Witnesses represent the grand fulfillment of biblical prophecy? If the King of the North’s defining act is imprisoning 0.001% of a religious group, it’s hard to see this as the apocalyptic showdown the Bible describes. The numbers simply don’t add up.
Now compare this to what Revelation says about the Antichrist. The Antichrist, identified in Revelation as the "wild beast," is described as wielding immense power and causing catastrophic loss of life. Revelation 13:7 states, “It was permitted to wage war with the holy ones and to conquer them.” This is no minor crackdown—this is global persecution on a scale unimaginable compared to Russia’s actions. Revelation 20:4 further highlights the brutal toll, mentioning those who are beheaded for their faith and their refusal to accept the mark of the beast. These verses paint a far grimmer picture than the King of the North narrative, which pales in comparison.
Revelation’s Antichrist is not a regional player; it’s a global force demanding worship and allegiance. Those who refuse to comply will face severe consequences, including death, as described in Revelation 13:15: “It causes those who refuse to worship the image of the wild beast to be killed.” The death toll among faithful believers in the last days is clearly immense, a stark contrast to the relatively minor persecution experienced by Jehovah’s Witnesses under Russia’s ban. The Watchtower’s neglect of this prophetic figure and its global implications leaves a glaring gap in their eschatology.
Making matters worse, by persistently criticizing Russia on their website, the Watchtower unwittingly validates President Putin’s accusations. Putin has accused Jehovah’s Witnesses of being an NGO that promotes United Nations directives that Russia views as counterproductive and even subversive. This, he argues, is why the religion was banned. Whether his claims are fair or not, the Watchtower’s relentless focus on Russia while tiptoeing around other global powers only reinforces his narrative.
When was the last time the Watchtower directed this kind of scrutiny toward the King of the South, their supposed Anglo-American world power? Unlike Russia, the Anglo-American alliance is a far greater aggressor against Christian values and traditions. Just look at what’s happening in Britain, where attacks on Christianity are steadily increasing. The country is shifting into what some describe as a “communist caliphate,” where Islam is protected at all costs while Christian values are eroded. Traditional Christian holidays, symbols, and even speech are increasingly censored or marginalized, yet the Watchtower is silent about these developments.
This glaring inconsistency raises questions about the Watchtower’s priorities. Why the constant criticism of Russia, where the impact on Jehovah’s Witnesses is minimal in the grand scheme, while ignoring the far-reaching cultural and spiritual erosion occurring in the West? The Bible speaks of a time when “the wild beast” will demand total submission, and Revelation 13:16-17 warns of a system where “no one can buy or sell except a person having the mark.” Such developments seem more in line with what’s unfolding in secular, increasingly anti-Christian Western nations than with the relatively minor actions of Russia.
The Watchtower’s obsession with the King of the North while avoiding substantive discussions about Revelation or the King of the South leaves their theology feeling unbalanced and hollow. They’ve abandoned the dramatic and awe-inspiring prophecies of Revelation in favor of a narrow, uninspired focus on a single geopolitical player. And while this approach might simplify their narrative, it sacrifices depth, relevance, and a true engagement with the complex and sobering events the Bible predicts for the last days. -
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Pella
by peacefulpete inthis short thread addresses the often-repeated legend that christians fled jerusalem to pella and escaped the destruction of jerusalem.
the legend is based upon two 4th century comments.. .
the whole body, however, of the church at jerusalem, having been commanded by a divine revelation given to men of approved piety there before the war, removed from the city to a certain town beyond the jordan called pella.
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raymond frantz
So based on your research @peacefulpete , do you agree with the following?
Epiphanius wrote **Weights and Measures** in the late 4th century, approximately 300 years after the events of the Roman siege of Jerusalem (70 CE). His account adds the detail of an angelic revelation, which is not mentioned in earlier sources like **Eusebius of Caesarea** (*Ecclesiastical History*, 3.5).
Epiphanius' account may reflect a theological interpretation or later tradition rather than a historical fact. The earlier and more widely accepted tradition (e.g., Eusebius) attributes the Christians' departure to a divine warning or prophetic revelation without mentioning an angel.
The claim that an angel instructed the Christians to leave Jerusalem comes specifically from **Epiphanius of Salamis** in *Weights and Measures*. However, it should be treated with caution as it is a later embellishment not found in earlier, more historically grounded sources.