Posts by Separation of Powers

62

Discussion w/ Wife: I Welcome Your Suggestions

by breakfast of champions in

so these last few wts have definitely eroded my wife's faith in the org.

she is definitely seeing the bs, and i even overheard her talking openly about it to a family member.

good for her!.

Separation of Powers

With regard to WAR- many other groups do not condone violence and are conscientious objectors NOT just the witnesses.

As for preaching, well...look at this

2013

Total hours in field ministry- 1, 748, 697, 447 ( that almost 2 billion hours people!)

Total baptized- 268, 777

S0, that means a total of 6505 hours were spent on each person baptized...if you equate that to full time work, that would be over 3 years of full time effort for 1 person!!!

Obviously, if they were really concerned about bringing people into the "truth," they would find a much more productive and effective way to do that. Because, as the statistics show, it isn't working well. The mormons, for example, don't require all their people to preach, yet, they are growing much quicker than other religions. Mainstream christian groups don't require ANY preaching, yet they are growing leaps and bounds!

Now some out there will say, "well, look at how many bible studies they had." My response, bible studies is not what they are after...they are after converts, so the total hours spent should only apply to "results."

Just some thoughts,

SOP

12

Lunacy or apostasy?

by Separation of Powers in

over the years i have heard some really strange beliefs shared openly with others in the congregation.

one sister, for example, stated that you could not be cremated because then "all your molecules will be spread around and jehovah couldn't put you back together.

" kinda sounds like she got stuck in a nursery rhyme there, a la humpty dumpty.. .

Separation of Powers

Over the years I have heard some really strange beliefs shared openly with others in the congregation. One sister, for example, stated that you could not be cremated because then "all your molecules will be spread around and Jehovah couldn't put you back together." Kinda sounds like she got stuck in a nursery rhyme there, a la Humpty Dumpty.

Anyways, sometimes there are people in the congregation that spread around their wild ideas, ideas that are totally contrary to the "truth" as published by the Watchtower. Yet, nothing, absolutely NOTHING happens to them!

Case in point, the belief that after death the marriage bond is terminated. The deceased will return, resurrected to earthly life, without the desire to marry (per the Society "as the angels"). The living mate, if they survive Armageddon, will NOT be able to remarry that person. THAT is the "current" light. Now, why is it then that an older sister can totally disregard that light and promote her own belief that she will, IN FACT, be with her husband AFTER the resurrection and nobody says a single thing...IN FACT, the Society has told the elders that in this particular instance the elder body should simply humour the person because...if I remember correctly, "emotions" are in play.

Well, then, if "emotions" can be blamed for a blatant and rebellious disregard of current "light" in that instance, the why can't you blame "emotions" for rejecting the generation change, the 1914 chronology, the 1975 debacle, the unknown FDS, the transplant of organs, or even....wait for it....smoking! Heck, every other major sin can be blamed on emotions!!!

What say you?

33

The Two Governing Bodies

by Londo111 in

i remember when a gb member spoke at a circuit assembly, how the society would not pick him up for the airport unless he was dressed in a suit.

i found it a strange thing to say, because i believed him in charge.

but he was not.. of course, this is common knowledge, but im mostly typing this to make sense of it:.

Separation of Powers

@Pterist

I understand your post. It is very similar to the business meetings held at the Circuit and District level. The CO or DO turns in his receipts, the heavies have already approved them, but they go through the motions in allowing the "brothers" in the circuit or district group think that "they" have actually approved them.

Funny story: One year, I attended the circuit business meeting, you know, the one held during lunch. The assembly overseer mentioned that the CO's bills were "X" and said that he recommended they be approved. Being on the way out mentally, I raised my hand and asked if the check was already written out. He said, "Well, yes. But, that is only because we knew you brothers would approve." This caused another brother to ask for the breakdown in expenses. Suddenly, the whole group started to question the cost of this or that. It was interesting how just one little question affected that meeting.

Anyway, I digress, back to the point. The point is....the Governing Body may be in charge of something, but the money guys are in charge of a lot more. When an article or position is made public, rest assured that the legal department and the deep pockets have veto power.

Just a thought,

SOP

19

What major WTBTS change(s) do you predict for 2014?

by ABibleStudent in

what major wtbts change(s) do you predict for 2014 to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the wtbts's 1914 prediction?.

after posting to what's in it for them?

(gb), i started to think what major change(s) could the wtbts make to thin the flock and cleanse the congregations of social jws who do not donate or go to meetings.. my premise is that the wtbts is a business, a dangerous cult, and that its printing operations are losing money.

Separation of Powers

Starting in November of 2014, Jehovah's Witnesses will be allowed to celebrate Thanksgiving!

33

Ray Franz blamed for 1975 false prophecy

by EndofMysteries in

i was raised a jw and as a kid my family made brief mention of apostates in bethel that falsely prophecied about 1975 and were kicked out of bethel.

i was shocked after i got out and learned that him being removed had absolutely nothing to do with 1975. i think that partial lie spread is what kept my relatives in.

1975 a big let down/false prophecy, then they are told that a governing body member and many in bethel are found apostate and cleaned out, etc.

Separation of Powers

The ORACLE Frederick W. Franz spoke the words on 1975. He wrote them down in a book, in magazines, gave them in talks and the rest just followed along with it, regardless of their own suspicions or Biblical knowledge. It's funny, Schroeder was a Biblical heavy, very intelligent, very learned. It appears, however, that he didn't have the sense to question Franz' chronological madness. That is where the intimidation aspect of the GB is so evident. With all the old guard gone, expect some radical changes and some stupid adjustments. There is bound to be one or two of the current GB whose positions or "understanding" simply amazes the others. Just as Freddy amazed the group, they will promote their foolishness much to the chagrin of the organization and the foolish people in it.

Raymond Franz had absolutely nothing to do with it....

Propaganda is a wonderful thing!!!

SOP

17

JW radio podcast was great !

by snare&racket in

jw
friends

.

really is a good listen, some members here called in, a big "hello" to you guys xxx.

http://blogtalk.vo.llnwd.net/o23/show/5/382/show_5382613.mp3.

Separation of Powers

Yes, I enjoyed it quite a lot. Called my sister and encouraged her to listen in. There were a few details that were off a bit, but all in all, quite accurate. One of the things I appreciated is the fact that those that participated didn't seem angry. They had moved on with their lives and they seemed satisfied. That is one point that will encourage current Witnesses to take them seriously. Nothing turns off a Witness like an irate, rabid apostate! But the guests, they were far from rabid!!!

Good job all! and particularly to the host!

SOP

33

The Two Governing Bodies

by Londo111 in

i remember when a gb member spoke at a circuit assembly, how the society would not pick him up for the airport unless he was dressed in a suit.

i found it a strange thing to say, because i believed him in charge.

but he was not.. of course, this is common knowledge, but im mostly typing this to make sense of it:.

Separation of Powers

Londo111

I agree with your logic here. I think that Randall Waters (Dogpatch) does a good job on his website when he refers to those who are really "in charge." The fact of the matter is that the corporation's interests are more important than the Lord's interests. Why do I say that? Well, look at the blood issue for one....Why has it morphed over the years? Simple answer: Liability. Too many court cases, too much poor publicity. Each of those things cost money, and the Lord can't be losing no money!

I am a fervent supporter of Bono (U2) when he says, "the God I worship isn't short of cash mister."

33

"Why would everyone be included this time...unless something special is about to happen?"

by Separation of Powers in

jw
friends

so, i am talking to a long time friend, you know, the non-judgmental type that doesn't really mind that i don't go to many meetings and am never out in service.

he tells me that the annual meeting is coming up and that the whole congregation is invited...well, at least the active "approved" whole congregation.

he speaks with an excitement that puzzles me, like he just got invited to the locker room of his favorite football team when they won the superbowl.

Separation of Powers

So, I am talking to a long time friend, you know, the non-judgmental type that doesn't really mind that I don't go to many meetings and am never out in service. He tells me that the annual meeting is coming up and that the whole congregation is invited...well, at least the active "approved" whole congregation. He speaks with an excitement that puzzles me, like he just got invited to the locker room of his favorite football team when they won the superbowl. Our conversation goes something like this...

"It's gonna be exciting SOP!"

"Yeah, why's that?"

"Cause this is the first time that "everyone" is being included!"

"Everyone except for inactive people, right?" (he disregards the comment, knowing I will make it a "point.")

"I mean, something special must be happening for them to include everybody."

"Yeah, like what?"

"I don't know...something that ALL of us should know about. I mean, maybe there's something happening behind the scenes that we don't know about...like the beginning of the great tribulation or something."

"Or," I pause, "maybe they just want as many people there as possible so they can explain how much it will cost to build the new Warwick center and the fact that everyone should help support it financially. You know, contribute."

"Yeah, but if they wanted to encourage people to contribute, they could just do that in an article."

"who reads the articles?," I say.

"Yeah, right?," he says, stifling a laugh.

SOP

49

What's in it for them? (GB)

by SyntaxError1974 in

jw
friends

if the wbts is just another business?

then what do the gb get out of all this?.

tim cook (ceo apple) makes around 378 million a year.. donald trump makes around 60 million a year.. i understand the wbts may have vast property holdings, stocks, bonds, and revenue from donations.. but i can't grasp the incentive for the gb to make this stuff up.

Separation of Powers

J.R.R. Tolkien said it best, " and nine...nine rings were gifted to the race of Men...who above all else, desire power."

6

Annual meeting assumptions 2.0

by Separation of Powers in

there have been many speculations regarding the upcoming annual meeting.

among them, that the society will rid themselves of 1914 and the literal interpretation of 144,000. several have commented on why this doesn't make sense or is unnecessary, and i agree with their positions.

there is no reason to get rid of 1914...it is a tie that binds the modern to the past.

Separation of Powers

Oubiliette,

Actually I have read the article. My comment states that I don't believe they will get rid of 1914. maybe it wasn't that clear.