- 23 day to go .. annual meeting unofficial rumors.
- new bible.
- new nwt (revision).
jgnat -
Good point - although I don't see this idea as Annual Meeting worthy. However, 'loyalty' has always been an underlying theme in WT publications and talks.
With an emphasis on strict obedience to 'theocratic arrangements' lately, I can see a directive from the GB that either a person is an active, book bag carrying Witness ..... or he will no longer be considered a Jehovah's Witness.
No fade into inactivity allowed...
ginger
the best conjecture seems to be that the gb are going to drop the literal 144,000 teaching, especially in view of the december watchtower that pointedly does not mention the 144,000 number.
if they are dropping the literal 144,000 number, but still claim that only a small number are anointed, and can partake, and that only a few are left on earth, then it is fair to ask what has really changed?
they are simply clearing up the embarrassing situation that there were obviously more than 144,000 "anointed" believers from 36 ad until now, and that the number of partakers has been increasing in recent years.
Whatever the 'changes' may be talked about at the upcoming AGM, I'm sure any new thoughts or ideas to be revealed will strengthen the authority and power of the WT leadership.
Perhaps a new version of the NWT bible will be released. If this happens, the wording of scriptures have been modified to fit WT thought. We've been hearing with word 'brazen conduct' (in place of 'loose') in articles and talks for a couple of years. That could be changed in the 'new' version. Of course, there is nothing new about a 'new' release of the NWT. It's been done before - in the 1980's.
Two things that won't change - building projects and 'the preaching work'.
I also don't see the GB leadership changing doctrine or policies with an attitude of openess and acceptance. They - and most JW's in power positions - want roles clearly defined - with lots of rules.
Any changes that effect the JW publisher will be even more confining. See Aug 2013 WT (study edition) 'You Have Been Sanctified' & Dec 2013 WT (study edition) 'Will You Make Sacrifices for the Kingdom?'.
ginger
how many here are (a) ex-jw, (b) non-jw with jw relatives or spouses, (c) inactive jw, or (d) active jw who stay in for your own reasons?.
Irregular on paper. Fading carefully with a purpose.
ginger
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judge j.f.
An interesting post Terry.
I found the scan of Enemies by J.F. Rutherford on archive.org. In the chapter that you quote from, Rutherford's condemnation of religion primarily focuses on the Catholic church.
He states "The Catholic Church organization in America holds title to property valued at more than two billion dollars." Their wealth is spread across the world in the amount of "many billions." Rutherford raises the question of where does that tremendous wealth come from...."from people who put themselves under the dominating control of that organization."
This book was written during the darkest days of the 1930's depression. Perhaps the Watchtower leadership was coveting it's religious neighbors wealth?
ginger
in the very first paragraph, matthew 13:38 is to be read - "the field is the world; as for the fine seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; but the weeds are the sons of the wicked one..".
jesus speaks of only two groups, so if you accept the wtbts "anointed" doctrine, then if you haven't got the "heavenly hope", then you've got no hope!.
simply put, there aren't any 'other sheep' members of jesus' "one flock" mentioned, unless of course theyare also "sons of the kingdom", but of course, that would be ridiculous!!.
The next step is that the WT will begin producing Memorial wine and unleavened bread.
Each congregation will have the ceremonial package delivered just in time for the Memorial. A 'donation' will be transferred from the Congregation's bank account to the Branch.
The WT has taken ownership of all the Kindom Halls and inevitably will be moving all assemblies and conventions to WT owned properties.
It just makes good business sense...
ginger
i know there are exceptions to this (by good-hearted jws), but has anyone else noticed how some jws (even those who are pios, elders, etc.
) neglect the needs of their elderly parents?
(what i have seen is some jws hiding behind the fact that they are very busy in spiritual matters, too busy, to help their elderly parents with chores around their house, yet they find plenty of time for their own selfish pursuits.
Good families take care of each other. Good people care for their neighbors.
Within the WT organization, the meaning of 'family' is re-defined. A familial connection with the Org. and the congregation is greater than the natural connections between parents/siblings/children. In Watchtower doctrine, it is a matter of loyalty (insert 'to the Organization' here) to our dedication to Jehovah God.
If a person becomes a Jehovah's Witness, he will gradually disconnect himself (physically and mentally) from his family and friends. As he grows old, he finds that his natural relationships with family members has weakened - sometimes destroyed. He now has no one else to turn to for aid - except from those in the congregation.
That's not what I call enjoying ones 'golden years'...
ginger
i know there are exceptions to this (by good-hearted jws), but has anyone else noticed how some jws (even those who are pios, elders, etc.
) neglect the needs of their elderly parents?
(what i have seen is some jws hiding behind the fact that they are very busy in spiritual matters, too busy, to help their elderly parents with chores around their house, yet they find plenty of time for their own selfish pursuits.
The COBE of our previous congregation has a mother who is in her 90's. She is taken to the hall, grocery store, doctor and out in service.....by others in the hall.
Many years ago, it was common for Witness families to bury their deceased relatives without a headstone or grave marker.
Over the years, we've seen friends who were raised in the 'truth' by zealous parents begin to really enjoy life when the parent(s) grew old. With mom and dad unable to monitor their 'spiritual' lives, they play (as they themselves are now approacing retirement).
It's the grandchildren of those zealous grandparents who are now choosing a non-JW life. They don't want to wait around (like their parents did) to grow as individuals and enjoy life.
ginger
why dont you look up on the internet crimes comitted by jehovah`s witnesses , i think you will be very surprised.the majority of cases are comitted by dedicated baptised witnesses , not newly interested ones that you can excuse away.and the crimes range from anything minor to outright murder .. and remember ,jehovahs witnesses are only a minority religion and yet crimes comitted by them far outstrip the national average.. i`m sorry i cant put up the links .i`d appreciate it if someone can .thanks heaps.. smiddy.
Frazzled - you're wife's behavior and thinking patterns are typical of a Jehovah's Witness. We are molded over time to behave much like children and to be dependant on the organization. Eventually all decisions in life are based on the advice/admonition/rules given by the Watchtower.
When she goes against the WT thought structure, she will experience cognitive dissonance.
Upon reviewing my time as a Witness (from childhood) for 40+ years, I can honestly say that most of the stress, personal troubles, anger, distrust, disappointment, etc. came from persons at the Kingdom Hall.
Fear of man is really fear of people (who mess with your life) in 'the Truth'.
ginger
i can't get the home page on jw.org or any others on their domain to load currently.... could it be a dos attack by anonymous??.
it just displays:.
response error.. technical description:.
Eric - clear the cache on your pc.
history>clear recent history and clear cache
ginger
i just received an email notification from the california appellate court hearing the wt appeal of the conti case:.
the case has been fully briefed.. the case is on the conference list.. the oral argument waiver notice has been sent.. .
i'm not well versed in the process or these terms.
Thank you DNCall & Chaserious for your intellegent input!
ginger
