Roger Kirkpatrick

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Posts by Roger Kirkpatrick

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  16

  The Execution of Ed Dunlap

  by Vanderhoven7 in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  amazing insights into wts doctrine and practice from a former bethelite who worked with ray franz on the aid book.. https://youtu.be/mz6mjycc7ag.

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  Roger Kirkpatrick

  waton, tribe of Joseph, eh? Whistleblowers, hated, and condemned by ruling majority? People after my own heart, then.
  
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  9

  Introducing www.jwletter.com

  by Roger Kirkpatrick in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  due to current restrictions, letter writing has replaced the door-to-door method of preaching.

  however, the typical jw practice of hand printing sappy and childish messages and enclosing what amounts to watchtower "junk mail" is enough to embarrass even xjws.

  i decided to compose a letter which completely "spills the beans" regarding current jw beliefs and practices, and here is why i did so.

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  Roger Kirkpatrick

  Due to current restrictions, letter writing has replaced the door-to-door method of preaching. However, the typical JW practice of hand printing sappy and childish messages and enclosing what amounts to Watchtower "junk mail" is enough to embarrass even XJWs.

  
  

  I decided to compose a letter which completely "spills the beans" regarding current JW beliefs and practices, and here is why I did so. In the 1960s, when I was 15 years old, I was carefully trained to call, uninvited, on my neighbors, reading 3 scriptures, concluding with Rev. 18:4, and telling them that they were in a false religion which would soon be destroyed by Jehovah; and that, if they did not leave their religion and become a JW, they, too, would be destroyed. I shudder, now, recalling the things I said to people back then. But, we were told at that time that the nearer we got to the great tribulation, the more stinging our message would become. Well, clearly, that was another Watchtower lie, because the message preached by JWs today is a complete joke.

  
  

  So, I imagined a sincere JW who truly believes that the "great tribulation" is imminent, and who truly believes JWs are performing a life-saving preaching work, but who is completely put off by the milquetoast message preached by JWs today. That sincere JW believes it when Watchtower says that what matters is, not the message being preached but, rather, the righteously-disposed heart condition of the one hearing the message which will result in one being spared at Armageddon. One may never get a second chance, so one had better take full advantage of one's first opportunity to acquaint one's listeners with "Kingdom truth" as published by Watchtower and embraced by JWs worldwide. One would think that every JW would feel that kind of urgency if they truly believed what the GB tells them is going to happen very shortly. I purposely presented JW beliefs in language commonly used by the JWs I knew when discussing such beliefs among themselves, privately or at the KH. One online commenter loved the condescending and judgmental tone of the letter.

  
  

  I began circulating the letter, mailing copies to hundreds of church pastors throughout Texas, using the return address of the local KH in various communities. I listed the telephone numbers of Watchtower offices in Warwick, Wallkill, and Patterson, imagining that people would be so shocked by the letter that they would call to comment or ask questions. I even mailed a copy to myself, and showed my copy to a number of local JWs. They all read the entire letter, saying that it was clearly written by an apostate, but confirming the accuracy of the beliefs and practices described therein. I even called the numbers myself, and one Watchtower elder offered the same assessment. He also said that Watchtower had received numerous calls about the letter.

  
  

  I began sharing the letter on social media, and the response from XJWs has been very enthusiastic. Thanks to the efforts of individuals who clearly enjoyed the letter, it now has its own domain, www.jwletter.com, and has been translated into Spanish and other languages.

  
  

  In times past, Watchtower compared its judgment message and its effect on people as the sting of scorpions. Remember the pictures of horses with scorpion stingers for tails? JWs are clearly disturbed by my letter, as if being stung by a scorpion, and I know it is because they know that it exposes the idiocy of Watchtower teachings which they have wholeheartedly endorsed, even though they don't talk openly about such things except among themselves. Most people have known at least one JW, but nobody knows what JWs really believe. www.jwletter.com hopes to change all that.

  
  
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  16

  The Execution of Ed Dunlap

  by Vanderhoven7 in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  amazing insights into wts doctrine and practice from a former bethelite who worked with ray franz on the aid book.. https://youtu.be/mz6mjycc7ag.

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  Roger Kirkpatrick

  When my parents served as Special Pioneers in Oklahoma in the 1940s, Ed was their Circuit Overseer. Then, when my father became a congregation servant, in the late 1950s, he attended a school at Watchtower Farms, and Ed was his instructor. My parents often spoke of Ed with affection.

  My aunt and uncle were JW missionaries in Bogota, Colombia. They lived in the missionary home with Cynthia and Ray Franz while Ray served as the Colombian Branch Overseer. Eric Wilson (aka Meleti Vivlon) lived in Bogota as a young man, and he knew my aunt and uncle. My uncle claimed to be anointed, and admired Ray Franz very much. When Ray was disfellowshiped, my uncle never considered him to be apostate, but felt that Ray was being tested in similar fashion to the righteous man, Job.
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  6

  1991 Watchtower study article just prior to WTS joining UN

  by Roger Kirkpatrick in

  1. watchtower
  2. bible

  please see the study article, “their refuge–a lie!” in the june 1, 1991 watchtower, noting paragraphs 1, 10 and 11. paragraph 1 calls christendom “that apostate religious organization.” why apostate?.

  paragraph 10 asserts that “she insinuates herself into the favor of the political leaders of the nations–this despite the bible’s warning that friendship with the world is enmity with god.” to support that assertion, paragraph 11 quotes an unnamed “recent book” which reports that “no fewer than 24 catholic organizations are represented at the un.” how were such organizations represented at the un?.

  the unnamed book quoted in paragraph 11 is new genesis by robert muller.

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  Roger Kirkpatrick

  Please see the study article, “Their Refuge–A Lie!” in the June 1, 1991 Watchtower, noting paragraphs 1, 10 and 11. Paragraph 1 calls Christendom “that apostate religious organization.” Why apostate?

  Paragraph 10 asserts that “she insinuates herself into the favor of the political leaders of the nations–this despite the Bible’s warning that friendship with the world is enmity with God.” To support that assertion, paragraph 11 quotes an unnamed “recent book” which reports that “no fewer than 24 Catholic organizations are represented at the UN.” How were such organizations represented at the UN?

  The unnamed book quoted in paragraph 11 is New Genesis by Robert Muller. (See attachment #1.) The sentence immediately preceding the portion quoted by Watchtower states, “All major world religions are accredited to the United Nations as non-governmental organizations.” Why did Watchtower omit that significant statement?

  In the same year as that 1991 study article, the Watchtower Society also became accredited to the United Nations as a non-governmental organization, and served as publicity agents for the UN for the next 10 years–reapplying each consecutive year–until the alliance was exposed by the Guardian newspaper in October 2001, whereupon Watchtower withdrew its membership. (Watch Tower admits its affiliation to its Branch Committee in attachment #2.)

  Notice that Watchtower’s letter refers to the Guardian article as “published allegations by opposers,” yet later states that “we are grateful that this matter was brought to our attention.” No mention, however, is made of the June 1, 1991 study article.

  According to a public statement issued the UN’s Department of Public Information (UN/DPI), registered NGO’s had to “share the ideals of the UN charter” and “have a demonstrated interest in United Nations issues and a proven ability to reach large or specialized audiences.” (See attachment #3.)

  What is Watchtower policy regarding individual JWs who do what their organization did?

  “A person might renounce his place in the Christian congregation by his actions, such as becoming part of an organization whose objective is contrary to the Bible, and, hence, is under judgment by Jehovah God. So if one who is a Christian chose to join those who are disapproved of God, it would be fitting for the congregation to acknowledge by a brief announcement that he has disassociated himself and is no longer one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” (Sept. 15, 1981, Watchtower, p. 23, par. 15)

  “In joining the YMCA as a member a person accepts or endorses the general objectives and principles of the organization. . .Hence for one of Jehovah’s Witnesses to become a member of a so-called “Christian” association would amount to apostasy.” (Jan. 1, 1979, Watchtower p. 31)

  According to the standard by which it judged Christendom to be apostate, and in light of Jesus’ words at Mathew 12:37 that “by your words you will be condemned,” should the Watchtower Society be viewed as an apostate religious organization?

  
  

  
  
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  1991 Watchtower study article just prior to WTS joining UN

  by Roger Kirkpatrick in

  1. watchtower
  2. bible

  please see the study article, “their refuge–a lie!” in the june 1, 1991 watchtower, noting paragraphs 1, 10 and 11. paragraph 1 calls christendom “that apostate religious organization.” why apostate?.

  paragraph 10 asserts that “she insinuates herself into the favor of the political leaders of the nations–this despite the bible’s warning that friendship with the world is enmity with god.” to support that assertion, paragraph 11 quotes an unnamed “recent book” which reports that “no fewer than 24 catholic organizations are represented at the un.” how were such organizations represented at the un?.

  the unnamed book quoted in paragraph 11 is new genesis by robert muller.

• 

  Roger Kirkpatrick

  Please see the study article, “Their Refuge–A Lie!” in the June 1, 1991 Watchtower, noting paragraphs 1, 10 and 11. Paragraph 1 calls Christendom “that apostate religious organization.” Why apostate?

  Paragraph 10 asserts that “she insinuates herself into the favor of the political leaders of the nations–this despite the Bible’s warning that friendship with the world is enmity with God.” To support that assertion, paragraph 11 quotes an unnamed “recent book” which reports that “no fewer than 24 Catholic organizations are represented at the UN.” How were such organizations represented at the UN?

  The unnamed book quoted in paragraph 11 is New Genesis by Robert Muller. (See attachement #1.) The sentence immediately preceding the portion quoted by Watchtower states, “All major world religions are accredited to the United Nations as non-governmental organizations.” Why did Watchtower omit that significant statement?

  In the same year as that 1991 study article, the Watchtower Society also became accredited to the United Nations as a non-governmental organization, and served as publicity agents for the UN for the next 10 years–reapplying each consecutive year–until the alliance was exposed by the Guardian newspaper in October 2001, whereupon Watchtower withdrew its membership. (Watch Tower admits its affiliation to its Branch Committee in attachment #2.)

  Notice that Watchtower’s letter refers to the Guardian article as “published allegations by opposers,” yet later states that “we are grateful that this matter was brought to our attention.” No mention, however, is made of the June 1, 1991 study article.

  According to a public statement issued the UN’s Department of Public Information (UN/DPI), registered NGO’s had to “share the ideals of the UN charter” and “have a demonstrated interest in United Nations issues and a proven ability to reach large or specialized audiences.” (See attachment #3.)

  What is Watchtower policy regarding individual JWs who do what their organization did?

  “A person might renounce his place in the Christian congregation by his actions, such as becoming part of an organization whose objective is contrary to the Bible, and, hence, is under judgment by Jehovah God. So if one who is a Christian chose to join those who are disapproved of God, it would be fitting for the congregation to acknowledge by a brief announcement that he has disassociated himself and is no longer one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” (Sept. 15, 1981, Watchtower, p. 23, par. 15)

  “In joining the YMCA as a member a person accepts or endorses the general objectives and principles of the organization. . .Hence for one of Jehovah’s Witnesses to become a member of a so-called “Christian” association would amount to apostasy.” (Jan. 1, 1979, Watchtower p. 31)

  According to the standard by which it judged Christendom to be apostate, and in light of Jesus’ words at Mathew 12:37 that “by your words you will be condemned,” should the Watchtower Society be viewed as an apostate religious organization?

  
  

  
  
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  10

  Letter Detailing My Latest JW Encounter

  by Roger Kirkpatrick in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  to whom it may concern: .

  i am writing this letter in the hope of reconnecting with two jehovah’s witness elders whom i met at a literature display in downtown new braunfels, across the street from krause’s.

  i explained to them that my daughter is a jehovah’s witness and, therefore, i am somewhat familiar with their beliefs.

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  Roger Kirkpatrick

  Giordano, everything you say is correct, of course. My intent was never to reconvert the converted. I couldn't care less about the reaction of the elders with whom I spoke. On the other hand, my letter documenting the conversation will be read by those two elders (who know the discussion went exactly as I documented), and by other elders, as well as those on the forums you mentioned. In short, my letter takes on a life of its own, and many more people will read it than those to whom it was mailed. Get it?
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  10

  Letter Detailing My Latest JW Encounter

  by Roger Kirkpatrick in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  to whom it may concern: .

  i am writing this letter in the hope of reconnecting with two jehovah’s witness elders whom i met at a literature display in downtown new braunfels, across the street from krause’s.

  i explained to them that my daughter is a jehovah’s witness and, therefore, i am somewhat familiar with their beliefs.

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  Roger Kirkpatrick

  To Whom It May Concern:

  I am writing this letter in the hope of reconnecting with two Jehovah’s Witness elders whom I met at a literature display in downtown New Braunfels, across the street from Krause’s. I explained to them that my daughter is a Jehovah’s Witness and, therefore, I am somewhat familiar with their beliefs. I had received in the mail a letter from the Kingdom Hall, and I asked the two men to clarify the letter’s claim that only 144,000 Christians would go to heaven to reign with Christ.

  I had my daughter’s copy of the book, Insight On the Scriptures, Vol. 2, as well as a copy of the Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures. I first turned to the subject of ‘sanctuary’ in the first book, pointing out the definition, “a divine habitation.”

  Next, I turned to Luke 1: 9, 21 in the Interlinear, concerning the Levite priest, Zechariah, offering a sacrifice in the temple sanctuary. I directed their attention to the literal meaning of the Greek word rendered there as ‘sanctuary,’ that being “divine habitation.”

  Next, I turned to Revelation 7:15 in the Interlinear, which discusses the symbolic great crowd worshiping God day and night, but Watchtower renders the same Greek word there as ‘temple.’ I directed their attention to the literal meaning of the same Greek word that is used in Luke 1: 9, 21, that being “divine habitation.” Clearly, the great crowd is in the temple sanctuary.

  At that point, I asked the two men, “What is signified by serving in the divine habitation, or the sanctuary?” They asked me what I believed, but I referred them to Watchtower’s answer in the Insight book under the subject of ‘temple,’ the third paragraph under the subheading “Jehovah’s Great Spiritual Temple.” There it states: “The Holy (divine habitation) represents their condition as spirit-begotten sons of God, with heavenly life in view, and they will attain to that heavenly reward when their fleshly bodies are laid aside in death.​”

  I summed up my point by saying, “So according to the Bible, and to Watchtower publications, the symbolic great crowd is made up of Christians who are spirit anointed with heavenly life in view.” I told them that, prior to 1935, Watchtower taught that all Christians were spirit anointed with heavenly life in view. I asked them who introduced the concept of two classes of Christians having separate hopes, when Ephesians 4:4 says that all Christians are called to “one hope?”

  They said they would have to do some research, and they promised to call at my home. They took note of my address, but I have never heard back from them.
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  69

  Don't count on witnessing Watchtower's demise anytime soon.

  by Roger Kirkpatrick in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  the fact that there are pomi ex-jws who have been disfellowshiped or inactive for years who still live in constant fear of armageddon indicates that watchtower will manage to exist in one way or another for years, if not decades, to come.

  watchtower, like all other religious cults, operate on the premise that "you can fool some of the people all of the time...and that's enough!

  ".

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  Roger Kirkpatrick

  The fact that there are POMI ex-JWs who have been disfellowshiped or inactive for years who still live in constant fear of Armageddon indicates that Watchtower will manage to exist in one way or another for years, if not decades, to come. Watchtower, like all other religious cults, operate on the premise that "you can fool some of the people ALL of the time...and that's enough!"
  
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  19

  Zalkin Law Firm flooded with calls from ex-JWs

  by Roger Kirkpatrick in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  yesterday, i posted a question for a friend in texas as to whom he should contact to report sexual abuse from the 1960s by a jw pioneer/elder who is now deceased.

  (incidentally, there are plenty of people who are still alive and in the organization who were very aware of the circumstances and who can be summoned to give testimony regarding these accusations.

  ) so, my friend called the zalkin law firm.

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  Roger Kirkpatrick

  The fact that there are POMI ex-JWs who have been disfellowshiped or inactive for years who still live in constant fear of Armageddon indicates that Watchtower will manage to exist in one way or another for years. Watchtower, like all other religious cults, operate on the premise that "you can fool some of the people ALL of the time...and that's enough!"
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  19

  Zalkin Law Firm flooded with calls from ex-JWs

  by Roger Kirkpatrick in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  yesterday, i posted a question for a friend in texas as to whom he should contact to report sexual abuse from the 1960s by a jw pioneer/elder who is now deceased.

  (incidentally, there are plenty of people who are still alive and in the organization who were very aware of the circumstances and who can be summoned to give testimony regarding these accusations.

  ) so, my friend called the zalkin law firm.

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  Roger Kirkpatrick

  Yesterday, I posted a question for a friend in Texas as to whom he should contact to report sexual abuse from the 1960s by a JW pioneer/elder who is now deceased. (Incidentally, there are plenty of people who are still alive and in the organization who were very aware of the circumstances and who can be summoned to give testimony regarding these accusations.) So, my friend called the Zalkin Law Firm. The woman who took his call told him that they have been flooded with calls from former JWs since the statute of limitations was lifted, and that they have had to triple the number of paralegals and office staff just to handle the influx of calls. She told my friend to be patient, that it may take a month or more before he hears back from an attorney. This is wonderful news to all who love seeing WT having to account for its flawed policies which allowed such abuse to flourish for decades.