JT,
I can only imagine just how many people lives were ruined for believing that the society's rules were actually scriptual. The society doesn't get any better as the years pass either. In fact, the progressively get worse and progressively hunger and demand more power. The are in NO WAY humble, loving, or caring for their own followers. As a matter of fact, they come right out in the kingdom ministry and insult their own followers by telling them they can only merely "locate" scriptures and explain simple doctrine of their sect. The FIRST thing the instruct their followers is to direct , RIGHT FROM INITIAL CONTACT, any intested people to themselves/organization. NOT the bible. I agree with others who say that JWs have a Watchtower trained conscience and NOT A BIBLE trained conscience.
This is from a kingdom ministry from April, 1993 that PROVE that the only motive or concern of the wbts is to gain more publishers and not more disciples.
" Direct Interest to the Organization: From our initial contact with interested persons, we should be directing their attention to the organization. While we may be able personally to locate scriptures and explain fundamental doctrines, we are not the source of such knowledge. Everything we have learned has come from the organization, channeled through the slave class that supplies "food at the proper time." (Matt. 24:45-47) From the start, new ones need to realize that pure worship involves more than just us or even the local congregation; there is an organized, theocratic, worldwide society operating under Jehovah's direction.
4 The direction we receive originates with Jehovah, who has promised to guide and teach us. (Ps. 32:8; Isa. 54:13) This instruction is disseminated primarily through our literature. If we can help interested ones develop a high regard for the literature, recognizing it as a source of lifesaving instruction, they will be far more likely to read and apply its message than to discard it quickly. We should always present and use this literature in a way that cultivates respect for it. This teaches new ones to appreciate the organization and to rely upon its provisions."
That is step one in the process instructing their brainwashed followers to start brainwashing people that they meet at doors who show interest int the BIBLE. Only later on in the article does the soceity mention the Bible.
And if you think they have got any better, they haven't. Take a look at these few teachings that most DEFINATELY ruin the lives of "it's" followers!
Read them and everyoine here just think about how you would feel as a brainwashed watchtower follower.
one thought out of many that have gone through my head is, If I were a JW and one of my loved ones or loved friend was going through "extreme spousal abuse", would I NOT pressure her or him to separate? Of course I would!!! It is a matter of life or death!
Here is some present "ACCURATE KNOWLEGE" from the JWs human leaders.
and of all the books for this to be published in, it's the family Happiness Book.
Published in 1996 !!
Family Happiness book Chapter 13 If Marriage Is at the Breaking Point
20" In all cases of extreme spousal abuse, no one should put pressure on the innocent mate either to separate or to stay with the other.
w99 8/15 31
"A man infected with syphilis, genital herpes, HIV, or another serious communicable disease might marry without revealing that fact. Maybe his infection was contracted through sexual immorality before or during the engagement. The wife's later learning of his disease or past immorality (even of sterility or impotence) does not change the fact that they are now married. An unsavory past before the wedding is not a Scriptural basis for ending the marriage any more than if she had contracted some disease or even was concealing a pregnancy by another man when marrying. They are married now and have committed themselves to each other."
3/15/83 AWAKE !
"Thus, a mate's enforcing perverted acts, such as oral or anal sex, within the marriage would not constitute a Scriptural basis for a divorce that would free either for remarriage. Even though a believing mate is distressed by the situation, yet that one's endeavor to hold to Scriptural principles will result in a blessing from Jehovah."
Notice this phrase.."a mate's ENFORCING perverted acts, such as oral or anal sex"
I do see something wrong with a spouse FORCING any sexual act on their mate! that is called marital rape".
It's sickening how when the wbts make changes they are called adjustments 95% of the time or "minor changes" and all there followers need to "adjust their thinking" to the wbts's instruction, but yet they print articles saying that a simple change in Catholics such as they can now eat meat on fridays is supposed to "deeply disturb" them into leaving their religion. The WBTS should stand for The Watchtower Bullshit Telling Slimeballs. That best describes their organization in my opinion.
peace to you all,
gwen
